Veggie Voices

Fascinating online exhibition tells stories of veg*n pioneers, past and present

A rich history

The United Kingdom has a rich history of vegetarianism and veganism, with pioneers of the UK movement residing in Manchester as early as the 18th century.

Salford’s first MP was notably a passionate vegetarian, as was suffragette Leonora Cohen. More recent advocates include British businessperson, Deborah Meaden, and racing car driver Sir Lewis Hamilton – both vegan.

Centarian sisters vegetarian messgr
Donald watson c vegan society

Plant-based living today

Today, interest in plant-based eating is stronger than ever. Around 63% of people globally are open to eating more plant-based food, while almost half are actively trying to reduce their meat consumption. Across Europe, these figures are even higher. For many, the motivation goes beyond health – environmental impact and animal welfare are key drivers.

V for Life has been compiling a fascinating archive telling the stories of veg*ns.

With the rich history along with present day popularity of meat-free diets, the exhibition is highly relevant, giving a voice to veg*ns, past and present. We, like everyone, hold views and values that deserve to be respected.

Veggie Voices

  • Dr Barbara Sharp

    "I’d want to be treated with an understanding that my dietary choices are especially meaningful to me. My food choices are much more than ‘preferences’ and should be respected like any other deeply held belief."

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  • Karin Ridgers

    "Being vegan is my biggest core value. It would be abhorrent to me to not have my values respected. We all deserve to be treated with dignity."

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  • Centenarian sisters

    In 1956, vegetarian sisters Caroline & Jane Badland celebrated an important milestone.

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  • Becoming a vegan in later life

    In 2018 VfL talked to 98-year-old Roy Burdin about choosing veganism in later life.

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  • Gary Webster

    "I think generally more people of my age are embracing a plant based diet if only for health reasons."

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  • Wendy Turner-Webster

    "When you have a vegan diet/lifestyle at least you can gain comfort from not being a part of such dreadful suffering."

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  • Joseph & Martha Brotherton

    A nineteenth century vegetarian power-couple.

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  • Carol Royle

    "I turned to my father, a steadfast meat-eater, and said I would never eat meat again."

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  • Fiona Oakes

    "When something is in your very being, you don't need any external interventions to validate who you really are and what you truly believe to be right."

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  • Donald Watson

    The pioneering founder of The Vegan Society.

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Share your story

Get in touch if you’d like to share your own veg*n story with us.