Club News
Great news! Today the Criminal Cases Review Commission announced it has referred for appeal the convictions of eight of the Shrewsbury pickets. This almost certainly means their convictions will be quashed as the government will not contest the ruling. This victory is the culmination of a 48 year battle, led with great tenacity by the Shrewsbury 24 Campaign, which has fought doggedly and courageously to bring the truth of this government conspiracy to light. Harry Chadwick, on behalf of the Campaign, sends thanks to the club for its support over many years. At some time of Harry's choosing, we'll be holding a celebration at the club.
And this link will take you to Alun Parry singing My Name Is Dessie Warren, his tribute to Des Warren, one of the imprisoned pickets who was subjected to a chemical cosh in prison which led to his developing Parkinson from which he died in 2004.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGHWYELp0I4
Laura is well known in the NW performance poetry scene and a stalwart of the Wigan Diggers Festival. Here she discusses the music that has helped shape her politics and her poetry. Julia asks the questions and cues the music.
FREE
The purpose of the meeting is to receive officers’ reports and annual accounts and to appoint officers and committee members for the next year. Nominations can be made on the forms posted on the club’s notice board in the bar. All nominees, proposers and seconders must be paid-up club members.
Any resolutions for the AGM must be received by the Club Secretary, Liz Perry, by 2.00 pm on Saturday 22nd February 2020 and must be proposed and seconded by paid-up club members.
All paid-up club members are very welcome to attend this meeting.
A Private War (Dir. Matthew Heineman 2018)
Drama depicting the career of Maria Colvin, one of the most celebrated war correspondents of our time. A complex and rebellious spirit, Colvin reported from the frontline of some of the most brutal conflicts of our times, giving a voice to the voiceless. “...at a time when news itself is under fire ... perhaps Colvin’s story is more relevant than ever.” Mark Kermode, The Guardian.
Free event Bucket collection
Poetry and music benefit organised by Stand Up to Racism.
Programme includes: poetry in performance and live music; a screening of ‘Woman of Syria’ (a short film by Rosie Adamson Clarke), a brief talk by David Dalgleish, (author of A History of Racism), and curries from around the world to share. Performers include Claire Mooney, Kevin Bate, Eve Nortley, Tracey Bucknell, Kelli Ray and Leilee Sutton. Entrance by donation
The Hidden Life of Trees
Guest speaker Stuart Murray
The most successful life form on the planet? Critical for our survival and a model for sustainable living, a force for good across the world's climatic range and a net contributor to the health and well-being of all the other life forms that have flourished and faded over the millennia. Stuart Murray discusses the wonders and complexities of these essential organisms, and invites you to describe and celebrate your own favourite tree.
Free event
Monthly meet-up for the local poetry and spoken word group. A very informal and supportive atmosphere, and open to all. NW legends Jefferama and Gordon Zola lead proceedings.
£1 admission plus raffle
Everyone welcome of whatever ability to attend oour friendly Writing Workshop..
Desert Island Discs with Martin Purdy
Martin is the driving force behind the acclaimed folk outfit Harp and a Monkey, who many of you will remember from performances at the club and at the Wigan Diggers Festival. When not performing with Harp, Martin works for BBC's Who Do You Think You Are and runs a mental health choir. This evening Martin talks about the music that has inspired him and the band, and the way it feeds into the creative process. Julia asks the questions and cues the music.
Free event
Crisis? What Crisis?
Guest speaker Chris Chilton
For the past 40 years the neo-liberal economic model has created huge social inequalities, a catastrophic economic crisis, governmental paralysis in the face of climate change and growing tensions across the world. Reflecting on the recent work of Yanis Varoufakis, Paul Mason and Branko Milanovic among others, this talk and discussion looks at the state of world capitalism, how it got there, and where it might be headed.
Free event
Wild Rose (2019, Dir. Tom Harper) - Fresh out of prison, a Scottish woman juggles her job and two children while pursuing her dream of becoming a country music star. She soon gets her chance when she travels to Nashville on a life-changing journey to discover her true voice.
“...a rousing, crowd-pleasing movie that promises to set hearts and heels pounding.” Mark Kermode, The Guardian
Free event Bucket collection