Famous faces turn out for Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Famous faces turn out for Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
11:30am Monday 19th July 2010 in
TRADE unionists enjoyed the Bill and Benn show at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival.
They flocked to see singer Billy Bragg and former Labour MP Tony Benn at the annual gathering.
Mr Benn was one of the main speakers after the traditional march through the village yesterday afternoon.
Mr Bragg, who lives in Dorset, was among the acts to play on the main stage as well as actor Adrian Edmondson and his band, called the Bad Shepherds.
Ted Pittman, 61, who lives in one of the TUC Martyrs Memorial Cottages with wife Janet, said: “There was a great atmosphere.
“It was really very busy. The rally has certainly grown over the years and has got a lot bigger.
“There were a lot of banners in the parade.
“I liked the march as well as watching the groups on the main stage.
“Adrian Edmondson wasn’t bad at all.”
The South West TUC organised event has expanded to three days in recent years and attracts about 10,000 people.
Other highlights included a wreath laying service at St John’s Church at the grave of Martyr James Hammett.
There was a service in the Methodist chapel yesterday evening to mark the end of the festival as well as a party in Martyrs’ Marquee.
A 60-strong party, led by the Prison Officers’ Association (POA), walked from Dorchester Prison to Tolpuddle yesterday morning.
The weekend also included workshops, stalls, music, speakers, a football tournament and children’s entertainment.
Comments(6)
jooldale
says...
1:01pm Mon 19 Jul 10
EGHH
says...
5:55pm Mon 19 Jul 10
Corrupto
says...
7:38pm Mon 19 Jul 10
plastic
says...
7:53pm Mon 19 Jul 10
Good to be reminded of the public services that keep the country going.
no vested interest
says...
5:32pm Thu 22 Jul 10
You should remember that what happened to the 'Tolpuddle Martyrs' happened in Dorset and that is'nt anything to be proud of.If you forget your country's 'History' then you are condemned to repeat its mistakes and 'Tolpuddle' is one that should never be forgotten.
At least the Echo reinforces in me the reason I cant live in Dorset anymore and live somewhere that makes at least a little effort respecting the ordinary working man.
Although it can be a struggle at times,the last time a government here tried to 'Carte Blanche' take away workers right's,it got sacked and the Prime Minister lost his seat.Rights that have been fought for are not so easily given away like they are in the U.K.,just remember that when the U.K. government makes all the cuts it intends to cut, where from,not the rich.
The person that wrote that article has probably never done a decent days work in his life and his parochialism is to be expected.But its a big world out there mate,the Echo gets read by people all over the 'Real World' and they make opinions based on what you write.
I could go on but you would'nt understand,a little more respect mate,you are after all just a journo.
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REMEMBERING: The sun shone on those taking part in the parade
FAMILIAR FIGURE: Tony Benn
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KLH says...
11:32am Mon 19 Jul 10