THE Forest added its voice to the millions of others across the country celebrating the 100th anniversary of votes for some women.

The Representation of the People Act, which became law on February 6 1918, extended voting rights to women aged over 30 and working class men.

It would be another 10 years before all women had the right to vote.

More than 50 people turned out for the celebration parade which was organised by Janet Marrott of the Coleford Area Partnership.

Some wore period costume and used the Suffragette colours of purple and green in clothes and banners.

The parade, which included Mayor of Coleford Nick Penny, started at the Main Place and finished at the clock tower in the town centre.

Among the organisations and individuals from across the Forest taking part were members of Mitcheldean Women’s Institute.

Branch president Wendy Keegan said: “We are a very progressive group – not at at all jam and Jerusalem.

“It was a good excuse to dress up and come out and support something for women.”

Founder member Carol Standford added: “It is an important anniversary but we still have some way to go to get equality.

“We have come a long way but there is still some way to go.

“We also have to spread our wings – although the British Isles are pretty good there are some countries in the world lagging far behind and where women are not respected at all.”

Stories about the campaign for women’s votes in the Forest are being collected by the Coleford Area Partnership and anyone who can help can contact them at the Main Place in Coleford.