THE female Mayor of Sandwell is set to unveil a special plaque this weekend to mark the centenary of the women’s chainmakers march of Cradley Heath.

Mayor Councillor Pauline Hinton said she was honoured to be marking the march which improved both wages and working conditions for workers across the country.

On Saturday, there will be a public celebration of the historic event in Cradley Heath which starts at Now, 100 years on, people are encouraged to mark this historic event by attending an anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 23 1pm at the Salvation Army Hall in Meredith Street.

There will be speeches, film clips and talks about the women’s struggle before a procession through Cradley Heath starts as 3pm following the route to Mary Macarthur Memorial Gardens.

The Mayor will then unveil a special historical interpretation sign accompanied by a brass band and James Dean, grandson of Mary Macarthur,.

The Mayor, Councillor Hinton said: "I am really honoured to be unveiling this sign to these courageous women of Cradley Heath who fought for a fair wage a hundred years ago.

Councillor Ann Shackleton, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for youth, culture & leisure, said: "I would urge people young and old to come and join in these celebrations. We are also hoping to see many schoolchildren dressed in period costume joining in this event."

"It is important their landmark victory is remembered by current and future generations and this celebration event will help to make sure that happens."

Sandwell Council, the unions and the Cradley Heath Action Forum have all helped organise the event and Channel 4’s Luke Perry has been taking assemblies in local schools talking about the role of chainmakers.