LINKING THE PAST WITH TODAY

A couple of weeks ago, I joined a mass protest of 10,000 citizens in support of saving the Railway Company that is a major industrial employer in the area and is under threat of closure, with the loss of thousands of jobs.

The above event rekindled a multiplicity memories of times in the 1970s, when  I was employed for three years at the company concerned. At that time in the UK, a million people were unemployed, inflation was rampant and  many more jobs were under threat throughout the country. Rolls Royce the world famous aero engine and motor car manufacturing, also based in the town, was about to go into receivership. It was only through mass protests and local cross party political pressure and support, that the government of the day finally reversed it's decision to let the company collapse and nationalised it. After not many years Rolls Royce was once more returned to private ownership and ultimately went on to become the world leading company it is today.

At the recent protest march, on seeing the banner of the trades union I belonged to 40 years ago, I was immediately drawn to walk in solidarity behind it, as in days of yore. I experienced a feeling of solidarity and comradeship, not only with those whose jobs are under threat today, but also in solidarity with the memory of former colleagues, many of whom are no longer alive, or too aged to attend, but who, had they been able, would have turned out to support the industrial family of Railway Employees in Derby.

The whole experience was a very moving and inspirational occasion, rekindling the comradeship and togetherness that a cause of such significance to so many peoples lives in the city engenders. It was as though the industrial relations battles of the 1970s, the government's mismanagement and resulting social injustices of the time, were once more having to be addressed, some 40 years later.

The above is a personal personal insight, NOT a political statement.

The day rekindled the flame of passion for a cause and the joy of solidarity.

I have increasingly found that the linking of the past with the present, whenever possible, helps to make better sense of each. This I do best, when out walking over the hills with Blossom, my dog or when writing.