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Miss Minnie Attwell was born in 1866. She gained a Teacher’s Diploma in Shorthand Typing, allowing her to offer classes and to set up her own school, as well as offering office business services.
From 1911, she was the Honorary Treasurer of the Deal, Walmer, Kingsdown, and Sandwich National Union of Women’s Suffrage Society.
From 1894 women were permitted to become county and local councillors, and Minnie, in November 1920, stood as a councillor for Deal’s South Ward. Though not gaining enough votes, she said,
“…Ladies and Gentlemen… I have failed, unfortunately, to capture a seat on the Council, but still, I am very glad it has been contested by a woman, and I hope that next year some other woman may do the same… and contest the seat to represent women of the ward…” She then humorously added, “…I wish to thank all those who voted for me today, and I am very sorry for those who have not done so. I hope they will never regret it…”
It would be another four years before Deal would have its first female councillor.
In July 1924, Minnie was among the first Deal & Walmer women to be sworn in as magistrates.