Memorial bench rededicated at Halifax Town Hall on International Women’s Day

The Hilda Baruch memorial bench with (clockwise from top left) the Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Marcus Thompson; Calderdale Councils Head of HR, Jackie Addison; Coun Jane Scullion and Coun Anne Collins

The bench was previously located at Manor Heath Park, but has now been moved to the Town Hall.

Read: See 10 of the most expensive homes that are currently for sale in CalderdaleOn International Women’s Day (March 8), the Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Marcus Thompson rededicated the bench in its new prominent location.

Hilda Baruch was born in Liverpool in 1918, but spent most of her life in the Clayton area, near Queensbury.

At just 17 years old, she joined the struggle against fascism in the Spanish Civil War.

Although as a woman she was unable to fight, she worked tirelessly to support the Spanish people. This work to support victims of conflict continued during the Second World War, where she helped refugees fleeing from Europe.

Hilda lived campaigning against racism and war, and supporting the rights of women and working people all over the world. She died in 2009.

The Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Marcus Thompson, said: “It was fitting that on International Women’s Day this year we were able to reflect on the life of a remarkable local woman, Hilda Baruch, whose bravery and achievements are truly inspirational.

Read: Shibden Hall will soon star on our screens as new Gentleman Jack teaser is released“Her memorial bench is now positioned outside Halifax Town Hall, next to that of Halifax-born Ralph Fox, who died fighting in the Spanish Civil War.

"Both are remembered for their strength of character and determination to support causes they felt passionately about.”