This plaque, unveiled yesterday, owes its existence to the efforts of twin sisters attending Brighton College. They chanced upon Helen's grave in Ovingdean churchyard and, their interest sparked, went on to meticulously research her background. This led into a successful campaign for a plaque on 4 Clifton Place where Helen spent her formative years and first formed the ambiton to enter the legal profession, undaunted by the fact that it was closed to women at that time.
The proceedings were opened by songs from a small choir of fellow pupils and a welcoming address was given by the sisters. This was followed by speeches from:-
- Dr Angela Owen-Smith, a relative of Helen (delivered by her daughter).
- Professor Judith Bourne, Head of Law at St. Mary's University, associate member of Normanton Chambers and author of 'Helen Normanton and the Opening of the Bar to Women'.
- Professor Nicky Padfield QC, Master of the Bench at Middle Temple and Professor of Law at Cambridge University
- Dr. Helen Dancer, Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Sussex and beneficiary of the Helen Normanton Ph.D Foundation.
- The City Mayor Lizzie Deane.
The sisters haven't stopped with this success but have now become Child Ambassadors involved in promoting and fund-raising for the Mary Clarke Statue Appeal.
Excellent stuff :D
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