Mary MacArthur is one of my all time heroes. She led the women chainmakers strike of 1910 that resulted in the introduction of a minimum wage and improved working conditions. Most people now equate Cradley Heath with "big Tesco", but few people know that the town played a huge part in the history of feminism and trade unions.
Mary MacArthur was a pretty cool lady. And that's why this park is named after her.
This lovely grassy space is just around the corner from Cradley Heath Train Station. There is a children's playground, a football pitch and a soon to be completed monument to Mary by local artist Luke Perry.
The park is used for all sorts of community events and fairs, including the annual Women Chainmakers Festival. The 2012 festival will be taking place on Saturday 9th June. read more