CELEBRATING LEGACY: THE WOMEN OF EAST LONDON, PAST AND PRESENT
Celebrating Women’s Heritage in Stratford: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future
As part of Women’s History Month, a special community workshop was held at the historic Alice Billings House, celebrating the contributions of women who helped shape the local area. Delivered in collaboration with Eastside Community Heritage, the event brought together history, storytelling, and creativity to honour women’s voices across generations.
The workshop focused particularly on the legacy of Alice Billings, a pioneering local trailblazer whose name lives on through the building. Her story provided a powerful starting point for exploring the wider history of women’s work and resilience in Stratford.
Remembering Stratford’s Working Women
Stratford holds a rich legacy of women whose labour, determination, and skill helped shape the local community. During the 20th century, many women worked in factories across the area, including those operated by Yardley London. The women who worked in Yardley’s box-making and beauty product factories became known locally as the “Lavender Girls,” a nickname inspired by the brand’s famous lavender fragrances.
Despite their significant contribution to Stratford’s economy and community life, the stories of these women have often gone unrecorded. The workshop aimed to highlight their experiences and ensure their voices continue to be heard.
Exploring History Through Archives
Participants began the session with a presentation featuring quotes, sound clips, and photographs drawn from Eastside Community Heritage’s archive. These materials brought to life the memories of women who had worked in Stratford’s factories, including testimonies from former Yardley employees.
Listening to these voices from the past created a powerful moment of reflection, connecting the experiences of earlier generations with the realities many women face today. A group discussion followed, allowing participants to share their thoughts on women’s work, resilience, and the importance of preserving local histories.
Creating a Time Capsule for the Future
The workshop concluded with a creative activity inspired by the legacy of the Yardley workers. Participants were invited to design a “celebration box” in homage to the Lavender Girls. Inside each box, they placed a personal message for the future—words of hope, reflection, or encouragement for generations to come.
Once completed, participants shared their boxes and the stories behind them with the group. The designs were then collected to become part of a community time capsule, ensuring that today’s reflections on women’s lives will be preserved alongside the memories of the past.
Linking Past, Present, and Future
By bringing together archival material, conversation, and creativity, the workshop strengthened connections between Stratford’s past and present. Honouring the spirit of Alice Billings House and the women whose labour shaped the area, the event created space for new voices to be recorded and remembered.
Through the time capsule project, these shared experiences—past and present—will be preserved for future generations, ensuring that the stories of Stratford’s women continue to inspire long into the future.
”I very much enjoyed hearing the stories, connections and interpretations shared by the group. I came away, energised; inspired by the contributions, and struck by the links between local, amazing women from yesteryear and those of today” Kaaren Cruse, workshop facilitator from Eastside Community Heritage