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1917

when: 
Saturday 4th November, 2017
where: 
the Old Fire Station, University of Salford, The Crescent, Salford M5 4WT

The Russian Revolutions (of March and October) changed the world forever. The Working Class Movement Library and the Peace History Conference present a day exploring the effects of these revolutions on the British labour and peace movements. With a mix of lectures, film and readings, we continue our varied approach to examining history to illuminate the lessons that we can use in our ongoing activism to make the future world more peaceful.

In a year of anniversaries with food for numerous peace history conferences - the partition of India/Pakistan (1947), the Treaty of Rome (1957) - the year 1917
is particularly important for the peace movement. The splitting of the atom by Ernest Rutherford here in Manchester ushered in the era of nuclear physics and of nuclear arms, 'and led to Manchester being the first local authority to declare itself a nuclear (weapons) free zone city. The Balfour Declaration led to the (now seeming impossiblity of) two sovereign peoples in one land.

This conference is part of a growing national network of Peace History Conferences and lectures initiated by Bruce Kent and the Movement for the Abolition of War.

The Working Class Movement Library Working people have always struggled to get their voices heard. The Working Class Movement Library is a treasure trove with records of over 200 years of organising and campaigning by ordinary women and men. It is a living collection, growing all the time, with fascinating donations from campaigners, activist groups and unions. It is free for everyone to visit and investigate its amazing collection - more at www.wcml.org.uk.

Registration
If you would like to take part in this conference please fill in the booking form overleaf and send it with a cheque made payable to GM&D CND. Alternatively book via Eventbrite at: peacehistoryconference2017.eventbrite.co.uk
Your registration will include tea/coffee in the morning and afternoon, and lunch.
There will be an opportunity to register on Friday evening or from 9.30am on Saturday. Please arrive in plenty of time to register on Saturday as we do not want the first speakers to be interrupted once they have started their talks.
There will be stalls to visit and interest you. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Registration and fees
£15 full and £10 concessions.
Concessions and costs
Concessions are only for full time students, the unemployed and retired people.
Getting here
Train: Salford Crescent station
Bus: To The Crescent. 8, 12, 26, 31, 32, X34, 36, 37, 38, X61, 67, 100
Car Parking: Irwell Place, 41-42 Crescent, Salford M5 4PE

Programme
Friday 3rd November
2.00 - 4.30 A guided walk round parts of the Manchester Peace Trail covering sites connected with the growth of Manchester as the world’s first industrial city and its importance as a centre for radical political activity, led by peace campaigner Steve Roman.
Saturday 4th November
9.30 - 10.00 Registration
10.00 - 10.10 Welcome and introduction
Chair: Maggie Cohen, Chair of Trustees, Working Class Movement Library.
10.10 - 11.10 Ways of Seeing: The Bolshevik Revolution and the British Left
Prof. John Callaghan is Professor of Politics and Contemporary History at the University of Salford.
11.10 - 11.30 Tea/coffee break
11.30 - 12.30 Against Imperialist War: Communists in the struggle for peace
Dr. Kate Hudson is the General Secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. She was Head of Social and Policy Studies at London South Bank University from 2001 until 2010 and is now a Visiting Research Fellow.
12.30 - 1.30 Lunch
1.30 - 2.15 Crusading Women in the North West
Dr. Alison Ronan, feminist historian and community activist, introduces the film 'Crusading Women'. This community led film looks at rebel women in 1917, demanding a just peace after three years of war.
2.15 - 3.15 Theodora Wilson Wilson
Speakers: Nick Wilding is a writer, filmmaker and a member of the Peace History Conference Steering Group. He introduces Theodora Wilson Wilson and her book 'The Last Weapon' with Maxine Peake, actor, reading extracts (via video link). Virginia Branney is a former trade union official, a part time university lecturer and feminist who lives in Kendal, the birthplace of Theodora Wilson Wilson.
3.15 - 4.45 Summary and introducing the panel of Speakers in Q&A with the audience Chair: Pam Flynn, Secretary of Greater Manchester & District CND.
4.45 What Women are Campaigning for Today
Jacqui Burke, Regional Development Worker, Greater Manchester
& District CND.
4.55 Refreshments served at Working Class Movement Library.

The Conference is organised by Greater Manchester & District Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, The Working Class Movement Library, Movement for the Abolition of War.

Search the NorthWest Labour History Society website