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About Us

The North West Labour History Society was formed in 1973 to promote and popularise the knowledge and study of all aspects of labour history in the north west of England.

We hold meetings, host book launches and run stalls at events. We produce a Journal each year packed with articles on our Working Class History. We tell the stories of ordinary people, extraordinary events and insights into the creation of working class organisations – all written by our members and friends.

In fact, we welcome all who have an interest in working class history to send us an article, from academics to trade unionists. The North West Labour History Society is proud to be the only organisation publishing the work of unknown historians and welcoming new work.

Our aims include the following:

  • bringing together those interested in the history of the working class and its organisations, unions, co-operative societies or political bodies
  • publishing an annual journal
  • promoting labour history by working with other groups and organisations
  • encouraging, helping, organising and developing interest throughout the labour movement in the north west

We welcome new members who share our aims.

Activism

We always welcome new active members. Activists may devote as little, or as much, time as they wish. Tasks may occupy as little as a few hours per year and can include proofreading, building retail sales in local outlets, writing reviews, helping staff the Society's stall at local history fairs and May Day Festivals, contributing articles to this website and many other tasks that sustain our entirely volunteer-run Society.

If you would like to become a member please go to the membership page to sign up.

Members receive a copy of the annually-published North West Labour History.

Founding Members

We are grateful to Ruth and Eddie Frow, John Smethurst and Eric Taplin who started the society over forty years ago.

Search the NorthWest Labour History Society website