‘Suffragettes’ Ejected from Shopping Centre
Three people trying to publicise an International Women’s Day event and to drum up support for rounders in Hastings were ejected from the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre earlier this month. As hundreds of people were assembling at the Observer Building for a Women’s Voice event, three organisers of Hastings Rounders went to the shopping centre dressed as Suffragettes carrying placards saying “Rounders For Women” paraphrasing the famous century-old slogan ‘Votes For Women’.
However, shortly after peacefully handing out leaflets for the International Women’s Day event – and publicising their rounders’ matches – the three, Rebecca Hall, Sarah Bragoli and Amy Walker, were told to “get out” and were ‘walked to the door’ by Priory Meadows security. “Apparently a man had complained protesters were disturbing his shopping,” said Hastings Rounders Chair Amy, “which was a bit bizarre as we were simply carrying placards promoting our sport and not protesting about anything. We certainly weren’t chaining ourselves to M&S, and we would never want to stop a man shopping!”
More than 200 local people each year join in the free rounders games on the sea front, at local sports centres, and in Alexandra Park. “Everyone is welcome,” says Amy Walker, “even men”.
See the HIP List for details of Rounders matches.
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