A commemorative plaque celebrating the sixty-three-year legacy of a beloved Withernsea dance teacher will go on public display ahead of its permanent installation.
Generations of dancers and community members will have the chance to celebrate a beloved local figure as a new commemorative plaque goes on public display.
The memorial honours Irene Lawson, B.E.M., a notable dance teacher who dedicated sixty-three years of service to the Withernsea community.
Before taking up its permanent residence at her former dance school, the tribute will be accessible to the public at local landmarks to allow residents to pay their respects and reflect on her legacy.
Locals can view the plaque at the Withernsea library and customer service centre from today, Monday the seventh of September, until Friday the nineteenth of September.
Following this initial exhibition, the memorial will move to the Withernsea Lighthouse, where it will be hosted from Saturday the nineteenth of September until Friday the twenty-fifth of September.
The official installation will then take place at her former dance school, located at 83 Bannister Street, on Saturday the twenty-sixth of September.
Local historian Darrin Stevens created the plaque to celebrate Irene’s monumental contribution to the performing arts and her students in Withernsea.
Her lifelong dedication was recognised on a national scale in 1996 when she was awarded the British Empire Medal. The honour highlighted her decades of charitable work, extensive community fundraising, and unwavering commitment to local people.
Residents are being encouraged to visit the library over the coming weeks to share their memories of Irene and her classes, and to take a photograph with the plaque before it is sited at its permanent home.
The display forms part of the wider 'Withernsea Riff Raff' heritage project. Led by Mr Stevens alongside Wendy Graves, the initiative explores the cultural and social history of the coastal town. Additional information regarding the project will also be available to visitors at the library.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Nick Coultish, said:
"This is a fantastic initiative, and we encourage local residents to attend the library, to share their memories of Irene Lawson and her classes."
Local historian Darrin Stevens said:
"This plaque highlights the remarkable contribution Irene Lawson made to Withernsea. Many residents hold fond memories of her dance classes, her shows, and the opportunities she created. We encourage people to come along, share their stories, and bring any photographs they may have. If any one person deserved recognition for their service to Withernsea, it was Irene who also supported countless charities across the county, including St John’s, orphanages, and children’s organisations. This plaque ensures her legacy remains part of Withernsea’s story."
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