Tolpuddle in London - 25th April 2009

Tolpuddle in London - 25th April 2009
Help mark the 175th anniversary of the Grand Demonstration


In 1834 some 100,000 people joined the Grand Demonstration that marched from Copenhagen Fields to Parliament and on to Kennington Common to demand the release of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Six Dorset farm workers had been sentenced to seven years' transportation into slavery in Australia for forming a trade union. The attack on early unions had to be challenged.


A 200,000 strong petition was carried shoulder high and many more poured in from all over the country. The demonstration was just the start and the government eventually backed down and gave the six men free pardons.


Join us to remember those who fought for our rights. An afternoon of music, key speakers, procession and banners. Activities for children and young people organised by the Woodcraft Folk, Kate Greenaway Nursery and local schools. All next to the Tolpuddle Martyrs' mural at Edward Square, near King's Cross.


PROGRAMME
Times are likely to vary slightly


12.30pm


Clocktower, Caledonian Park, Market Road - assemble from noon, entertainment and refreshments.


Plaque to be unveiled by Frances O'Grady TUC Deputy General Secretary, organised by Islington Trades Council.


1.30pm


March to Edward Square at junction of Caledonian Road and Copenhagen Street.


2pm


Councillor Stefan Kasprzyk the Mayor of Islington, opens the celebration


Megan Dobney SERTUC Regional Secretary


14.20pm


Martin Carthy, England's pre-eminent traditional folk musician


14.45pm


Alun Howkins, historian tbc


14.55pm


Graham Moore Tolpuddle Man Dorset singer/songwriter


15.15pm


Raised Voices choir


15.25pm


Leon Rosselson, radical singer/songwriter


15.45pm


Emily ThornberryMP for Islington South


Frances O'Grady TUC Deputy General Secretary


16.00pm


Billy Bragg Tolpuddle favourite needs no introduction


More speakers to be confirmed


16.30pm


Northern Celts Band


17.45pm


Come to Tolpuddle,


Nigel Costley, South West TUC Regional Secretary


For more see:


http://tolpuddlekx.wordpress.com/


www.tuc.org.uk/tolpuddle


Supported by the South West TUC, Southern and Eastern Region TUC and London Borough of Islington


For more information contact


David Renton davidkrenton@googlemail.com


Megan Dobney, SERTUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS


mdobney@tuc.org.uk 020 7467 1220


Briefing document (400 words) issued 12 Mar 2009