DIY Christmas Truce
DIY Christmas Truce Christmas tree(s) or something similar go up on the German line. “Do you like our tree(s), Tommy?” “Merry Christmas, Tommy.” “Peace today, Tommy. No shooting today. Nor tomorrow, Tommy.” “We sing you a carol, Tommy. And then you sing one back. And...
Selsley Hill 2025 and 1839
Selsley Hill May 17th 2025 and May 21st 1839 Climbing up to Selsley Hill, Stroud’s Lord John Russell’s 1839 Electoral Message in our minds – Lofty admonishment of the poor: You “know not the general laws by which profit and wages are regulated.” Then Henry...
The 5Ws and the H of Chartism
The 5 Ws and the H of Chartism (A free verse narrative) (Please read and but please leave on the table) It was a political movement for the ‘People’s Charter’ (‘Universal Suffrage, No Property Qualification, Annual Parliaments, Equal Representation, Payment of MPs and...
A Newport Declamation
The Newport Rising of 1839 A Newport Declamation: These are the women and men of Newport, The charged and imprisoned; We shall remember them. Saint Leonard of Noblac, Patron saint of prisoners, Hear our roll call: James Aust, Thomas Ball, John Batten, Richard...
Selsley 1839
Selsley 1839 I’ll never forget last Tuesday, even if I live to seventy. We all woke up so excited, never eaten porridge so fast. We put on our best blouses, aprons and hats, The men shaved their chins, put on their caps, Moleskin trousers and fustian waistcoats, And...
What If?
What If? What if the soldiers hadn’t fired From the shutters of the Westgate Hotel, But downed their weapons and deserted instead, To join the ranks of the democrats? What if George Shell hadn’t endured an agonising death Through three long hours, But was...