Emmeline was inspired, and by 1908, and the formation of the WSPU in 1902, women were mobilised throughout England and indeed the world. Women wore white, symbolising purity.  White is worn by powerful women in today’s political and economic world more to suggest, I believe, an egalitarian society.  

Did Emma know about the Pankhursts? Surely so. She was drinking in 1914, probably before William went to war. When he left, the loneliness and weight of looking after eight children would have been crucifying. As a Service wife for twenty years, there were times when I was left, but no longer than two weeks. That time, the washing machine broke down, and the eldest daughter got chicken pox. There was a third burden, but time has erased the memory; I think it was the vacuum cleaner! I do remember the feeling of emptiness.