Free talks: Invisible Histories at the Working Class Movement Library

Delve into the drama of history with The Working Class Movement Library’s series of free Wednesday talks. The autumn ‘Invisible Histories’ programme probes the past for struggles that echo through the ages, from the plight of working class women, to fights for higher pay, to how millions campaigned for a better society. The series begins with a remembrance of the Peterloo Massacre, the incident in 1819 which inspired Shelley’s The Masque of Anarchy. All talks start at 2pm:

Peterloo – Living History (Wed 23 Aug) brings eye-witness accounts of the St Peter’s Field events to life. This family-friendly Living History performance is a collaboration with People’s History Museum.

Comparing Manchester, Lancashire and Bangladeshi traditional song (Wed 13 Sep) sees broadside ballads expert Jennifer Reid recall a research visit to Dhaka, drawing parallels with traditional Lancashire songs.

Could Salford produce another Shelagh Delaney? (Wed 27 Sep) explores opportunities for working class women. A round table discussion with Charlotte Delaney, daughter of the Salford screenwriter, biographer Selina Todd and the MaD Theatre Company.

The Grunwick strike – drowning in support, starving for action (Wed 11 Oct) remembers the 1970s dispute at the Grunwick film processing factory. Sheila Cohen unpacks issues surrounding the epic strike as part of the Library’s Black History Month.

The Co-operative Party 100 years on – a reflection (Wed 25 Oct) traces the history of a political party established in Wales in 1917. Researcher Angela Whitecross considers its formation and its development through the 20th century.

The occupation of the factories – women’s resistance to factory closure in Scotland, 1981-82 (Wed 8 Nov) welcomes Andy Clark from the Scottish Oral History Centre as he tells the tale of an early-1980s occupy movement led by women.

Brave hearts and missionary zeal – the National Federation of Women Workers 1906-21 (Wed 22 Nov) explores the all-female union which took on workplace intimidation and insecurity. Told by historian Cathy Hunt.

A people’s history of the Russian Revolution (Wed 6 Dec) presents Neil Faulkner’s new book about how a mass movement of millions took on profiteers and warmongers. This talk runs alongside the Library’s new exhibition ‘Voices of Revolution’ which opens on 27 October.

Wed 23 Aug – Wed 6 Dec, Working Class Movement Library, 51 Crescent, Salford M5 4WX. Tel: 0161 736 3601, 2pm, FREE, www.wcml.org.uk