Blue Plaque for Noor Inayat Khan
Celebrate Noor Inayat Khan:
Noor Inayat Khan would become the first female to fulfil the position of the radio operator
in occupied France in WWII as all previous women had worked only as couriers. Whilst
the war reached its conclusion and fascism was defeated, Noor and others like her, who
had demonstrated such astounding bravery, were awarded with the Croix de Guerre and
George Cross. Today a blue plaque from English Heritage can be found at her former
address of Taviton Street in Bloomsbury, London. Her posthumous awards reflect Noor’s
unbelievable dedication and service to Britain, France and all those saved from the rise of
Nazi Germany.
Guest list:
1) HRH The Princess Royal
2) Shrabani Basu: Chair of Noor Inayat Memorial Trust
3) Family members:
Omar Inayat Khan: Grandson of Noor’s brother, Hidayat Inayat-Khan
Zia Inayat – Khan: Noor’s nephew (son of Vilayat Inayat – Khan, Noor’s brother). He will talk
about his family and especially his aunt. He will give us a summary of her biography not only
through the evidence but through his father’s words.
4) Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Guests from India, USA, Germany,
Netherlands, France and Russia.
5) Members of Parliament
6) Veterans and peers of WAAF
7) We could invite members of the elected steering committee that runs the Women’s
History Network which is a national association and charity for the promotion of women’s
history and the encouragement of everyone interested in women’s history.
8) Lecturers from University of Warwick could inform people about the MORSE degree
and what type of jobs graduates could pursue.
Engage audience:
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A soprano (Bep Pierik) prayer to pray the invocation opus 38 composed by her
brother, Hidayat Inayat-Khan.
Someone reading the “Lamp of Joy”, a book written by Noor at the age of 14 for
children.
A soprano to sing Madzup Opus written by Noor at the age of 15.
To download the “Morsetyper” app and try to type “Madeleine” or their name after
giving instructions.
Promotion of Blue Plaques Scheme:
We could promote the event on all social media and in the press in advance. Inform BBC news
about another installation of a blue plaque giving them a short video about the person’s life
who is commemorated.
Of course, we should mention how important is this project for England’s history. London’s
famous blue plaques link the people of the past with the buildings of the present. Now run by
English Heritage, the London blue plaques scheme was started in 1866 and is thought to be
the oldest of its kind in the world.
Across the capital over 950 plaques, on buildings humble and grand, honour the notable men
and women who have lived or worked in them. Discover some of the people commemorated.
The English Heritage London blue plaques scheme is generously supported by David Pearl
and members of the public.
Risk Assessment:
Activity/Area of concern
Hazards
People at risk
Actions to be taken
Risk Factors
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First aider (in case anything happens, someone faints, etc).
Marshals
Uneven surfaces (pavement, street, stairs)
Be aware of cars running on the street (restricted area by cones and red-white barrier
tape)
Restricted capacity (max 50 people) so everyone can fit standing on the pavement
Risk of fainting on a hot day, provide water bottles and foldable chairs for elderly
people
Risk of a storm and wind, gazebos set up securely
Equipment:
Microphones, speakers, musical instruments, Unveiling curtains, red/white barrier tape,
camera, videocamera
Evaluation criteria established
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What were our aims/objectives?
Did we achieve what we set out to do?
Did it come in on budget?
What were the intended/unintended outcomes?
How do we measure effectiveness?
What tools do we use to measure our success?