Boot and shoe makers strike to be commemorated at a community event

Event announcement

The Boot and shoe makers strike of 100 years ago is to be commemorated at a community event in Stoney Middleton on Saturday 14^th April 2018.

We invite people to join us at 10.30 am outside the Wesleyan reform Chapel in Stoney. A parade will set off at 10.45, led by a silver marching band and we’ll make our way with banners down to St Martins Church. Supporters in Eyam will gather earlier, at 9.45am in the village square for a short commemoration, and then make their way to join the procession in Stoney. We’ll hold a special service in the church to mark a similar event held on the same day in 1918 in support of the strikers, led by John Riddlesden, who was Reverend of St Martin’s at that time. The service will be for everyone – of all religions and none.

We plan to relay the service into a marquee in the church grounds. There will also be an exhibition on display about the strike, and Refreshments will be available.

WE WANT THIS TO BE A REAL COMMUNITY EVENT FOR ALL AGES, and everyone is very welcome to attend.

We’d welcome any offers of help to prepare for the event, and on the day. In particular we need assistance with:

• Equipment and expertise to operate a film and sound system which can transmit the proceedings from the church into the marquee.
• Projection of historical images in the church during the service
• Stewarding the parade and watching ‘off road’ tracks to ensure the safety of those taking part, especially children
• Erecting marquees on Friday 13^th April (and taking them down afterwards)
• Clearing up after the event is over

A collection will be held to defray costs. Proceeds will go to agreed charities.

If you can help, please get in touch with Steve Bond on steve.bond@pop3.poptel.org.uk

0776 550 3587, or Phil Taylor at philipjtaylor@live.co.uk 01433 651523