I had heard of this, it’s good to hear the details first hand from someone who was there. As someone who was active in the early 2000s as an anti war protester it is interesting how the police can turn what was a chill assembly into a panicked and angry mob.
They've had form doing this since the Peterloo Massacre in 1819, although strictly speaking that wasn't the police, but state violence is a recurrent theme in our history.
An amazing story, and thank you Mike for playing your part in that.
The power of the collective to effect change, is something that we are now less familiar with due to legislative restrictions and social apathy. Your final words are a hopeful reminder that we still have that power.
What a fascinating and revealing photograph and back story, Mike. That brave lady - I’ve never heard of Jayaben Desai. Thanks to you and Margaret for this.
Thank you Jules. It amazes me how the struggle at Grunwick has in some respects been written out of history. It was a massive issue at the time from which we can draw very different lessons from those of the fated miners’ strike a few years later.
Brilliantly said, Mike, for were we not all strangers to each other at first? And when those ‘small’ women stood tall it took those ‘big, brave, men in riot gear’ to cow them. But, of course, they weren’t cowed then and were not cowed today…I hope!
And thank you, Margaret, for bringing This great window on art, history, whatevs…ha-ha! Fabulous series!
Really incredible story Mike. The energy you have telling it all these years later is testament to that moment and its power to change an outlook. Thank you so much for sharing it with me and teaching me more about Grunwick and the people involved.
What a brilliant, gripping post - so well told, Mike. I've also been educated on something I knew very little about, so thanks!
Thank you so much Andy. Glad you liked it.
I had heard of this, it’s good to hear the details first hand from someone who was there. As someone who was active in the early 2000s as an anti war protester it is interesting how the police can turn what was a chill assembly into a panicked and angry mob.
They've had form doing this since the Peterloo Massacre in 1819, although strictly speaking that wasn't the police, but state violence is a recurrent theme in our history.
Battle of the Bean Field 😢
Such a brilliantly-told and moving account. Thank you, Mike and Margaret for sharing and for fighting for injustice.
Thank you so much Hilary
An amazing story, and thank you Mike for playing your part in that.
The power of the collective to effect change, is something that we are now less familiar with due to legislative restrictions and social apathy. Your final words are a hopeful reminder that we still have that power.
Thanks for this great article.
Many thanks Mick.
This was an excellent (and important) post. Restacked 💪
Thank you
Thank you so much. I appreciate your comment - and your restack!
What a fascinating and revealing photograph and back story, Mike. That brave lady - I’ve never heard of Jayaben Desai. Thanks to you and Margaret for this.
Thank you, Wendy, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hers is a story that should be taught to every child in our schools.
I had never heard of this dispute, nor of Jayaben Desai. What a warrior, and quite right that she should be celebrated for her brave stand.
Thank you both for this amazing piece.
Thank you Jules. It amazes me how the struggle at Grunwick has in some respects been written out of history. It was a massive issue at the time from which we can draw very different lessons from those of the fated miners’ strike a few years later.
Brilliantly said, Mike, for were we not all strangers to each other at first? And when those ‘small’ women stood tall it took those ‘big, brave, men in riot gear’ to cow them. But, of course, they weren’t cowed then and were not cowed today…I hope!
And thank you, Margaret, for bringing This great window on art, history, whatevs…ha-ha! Fabulous series!
Thank you Mark. Those women were and remain inspirational.
They certainly were, Mike!
Really incredible story Mike. The energy you have telling it all these years later is testament to that moment and its power to change an outlook. Thank you so much for sharing it with me and teaching me more about Grunwick and the people involved.
Thank you Margaret. Wonderful to be part of Picture This.