Women of the Century Database Display

Surname	Ellison-Wood
Forename/s	Irene
Other Names
Dates	(c1938 - )

Biographical Notes	Active trade unionist and Councillor. Born c1938. Eileen from Keighley first became involved with trade unions when she helped form one at Yorkshire Biscuits, Haworth in 1980 in order to fight for better pay and conditions. She joined Keighley Trades Union Council (TUC) the following year and became its first woman secretary in 1985. Through the TUC she brought trade union education into Keighley Upper Schools. As a member of the public she supported the striking Silentnight workers and protested against council cuts, the poll tax and proposed changes to the Health Service. In 1990 she became a Labour Councillor for the first time having joined the party four years earlier. Appointments include chair of Bradford council’s Keighley Area Panel; deputy chair of the social service’s committee; chair of the disability appeal committee; deputy chair of the disability and community care sub-committee; governor of Guard House First School, Keighley and of Keighley College.
Sources Used	Telegraph and Argus 28/9/89, Keighley News 29/4/94, 1/5/98
Associated Places	Keighley