Joseph Arch - Double Anniversary Walk
Saturday September 20th, Wellesbourne 11am, Barford 2pm
Events in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire, in 1872 triggered a huge uprising in rural trade unionism led by Joseph Arch, champion of the rural labourer.
His efforts have been recognised many times. Not least when the obelisk in his memory at his grave in Barford was erected in 1922, and again in 1952 where the shelter was erected on the spot where he launched the union of agricultural labourers in 1872 in Wellesbourne.
Short address at the shelter in Wellesbourne
Firstly, at 11am, at the shelter (CV35 9QS) there will be a short address celebrating the construction of the shelter by the National Union of Agricultural Workers in 1952 and why they believed Joseph Arch was so important.
Walk to Barford.
Then the fittest can walk to Barford, along the River Dene to Charlecote, then via Wasperton to Barford. Those of a more sedentary disposition can wait for the 18 bus or, if driving, can while away the arrival of the walkers in the Granville Arms (CV35 8DS) in Barford.
At Joseph Arch's graveside.
Then, at 2pm, we will gather at Joseph Arch’s grave side in St John the Baptist Churchyard (CV35 8EB) for the laying of the wreath, and a short service in thanks of his life.
At 2.30pm Stuart Richards, Secretary, TUC Midlands Region, will present the Joseph Arch Lecture.
For more information contact:
tomwestbury@protonmail.com