Notes from rWW1 London meeting, 20 February 2014

(Edited for blog) 

 

There is now a plan for London Remembering the Real World War 1 group to hold some event in May, in London, rather than the national organising conference previously proposed..

 

The two main suggestions were Public Meeting or a Freeschool.

It was felt that the less formal format of a Freeschool drop-in day might attract more curious members of the public, and be more effective generally; this idea was approved by those present on a show of hands.

 

It was suggested that the Freeschool could consist of a series of informal talks on a variety of topics concerning the real world war one, with members of the group and invited speakers.

 These could include:

The Calais Mutiny 1919

General summery of world war one..causes, key events, etc.

What happened in France

Red Clydeside  

Other ides for the day (or another):

Songs of world war one /concert/performance (tie-in with the revival of Oh what a lovely war, at Stratford East.)

Film screening, e.g. Abel Gance, J'accuse - ( section with live music?)

Possible performance/theatre piece/presentation.

 

Date, venue and details to be confirmed – watch this space.

 

Other events/reports

 

Adam Hochschild’s talk at Friends’ meeting house last month. In general, people spoke positively about his presentation, his book - To End All Wars - and the full turn-out on that evening.

Also mentioned: Alice Wheeldon - Blue Plaque in Derby - and Derby people's history group.

 

Visit and talk at Bank of Ideas, Occupy movement on Gray's inn Road. Young activists wanted to know about world war one  - an impromptu summary from a group member received a round of applause. 

 

General discussion/ future plans including publicity being worked on:

 

Blog http://therealww1.wordpress.com/ set up at [still at an early stage; already includes a reading list and reviews section]    – noted that contributions and comments would be welcome.

Stickers and flyers: image , wording tweaked

Fact sheets: A general one-page leaflet might be backed by a variable fact-page on specific topics. 

 

 Reminder about regular Meetings:

London Remembering the Real World War 1 group meets on the third Thursday of each month, so the next is Thurs. 20th March. Time: 7.30 p.m.

At:  88 Fleet St, London EC4Y 1DH (look for ‘88’ up on wall, entrance round corner, St Bride’s Ave.)

Group direct email:

therealww1@riseup.net