Accrington Discussion Class.

[garinda]

I apologise in advance, for I'm sure I'm going to have lots of questions whilst reading Margaret McKay's autobiography, Generation in Revolt, but here's the first.

At the time of writing in 1953, she mentions her father used to attend what sounds like a politically radical debating group, which was called the Accrington Discussion Class.

In 1953 it was still in existence, and she says it was about to celebrate it's centenary. So I presume it had been founded in the late 1850's/early 1860's.

It's stated in the book these classes/debates were held every winter Sunday evening. When her father was attending in the 1890's -1914, it was held in the Bay Horse Inn, but was so succesful and popular, as well as being well attended, that they needed larger premises, and it was relocated to the Dowry Picture House.

The author attests that the group was still going strong in the 1950's, though no details are given as to a venue.

Does anyone have anymore information about this group, or who had parents/grandparents who attended, or know it's last venue?

 

[Bernard Dawson]

Before my time, but I remember being told about them by some of the older members of the Labour Party who use to attend on a Sunday night.

As you say the discussion classes were made up of lots of different people who shared an interest in radical politics.

I wonder if you could get people out on a Sunday night today to discuss political issues. Before television of course.

 

[garinda]

Before my time, but I remember being told about them by some of the older members of the Labour Party who use to attend on a Sunday night.

As you say the discussion classes were made up of lots of different people who shared an interest in radical politics.

I wonder if you could get people out on a Sunday night today to discuss political issues. Before television of course.

Thanks Bernard.
Groups like this, and other associations that offered workers further education, must have been very important places, to fight not just for themselves, and to be given a voice, but to fight for a fairer society in general.

I'm glad the meetings were moved to the Dowry Picture House, wherever that might have been, because it meant all those radicals who'd signed the pledge would also be able to join the debate.

 

[cashman]

used to be meetings at the St James st end of Dutton street i believe, no idea what they were n forget the name of that building, could be a possibility? theres a plan of were the Dowry St picture place was rindy but forget which thread, think Atarah posted it a few months ago?

 

[garinda]

Cheers Cashy.

It's times like this when you realise just how quickly time marches on.

If it was still going on in the fifties, you'd think someone must remember their mum or dad going.

I'd give anything to spend just one more evening with the generation who are no longer with us, and ask them a thousand things I'd love to hear about.

 

[cashman]

remember me mam n dad goin St.Johns,Royal Oak,Great Eastern n Sydney St club mate, but meetings not there bag at all.