Speakers' Corner

[ABERS]

I think you may have gathered that I used to frequent 'The Corner' on a regular basis.

There is a move to archive all activity from as far back as possible, sound and pictures and I've been asked to contribute in some small way. More of that when it comes towards fruition.

I've been sent a link that you may find interesting concerning activity back in the '60's and '70's. I recognise two of the speakers and have pictures of them in action.

Have a look at

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist/ITN/1967/01/11/X11016702/?v=0&a=1

Cheers.

[nickt]

Well done Abers, that's great. I try to get down there about once a month.
Nick

[ABERS]

Thanks Nick.

We must meet up sometime  (when the weather gets warmer).

[Oldboy]

We must meet up sometime  (when the weather gets warmer).

You mean when it stops raining! 

[nickt]

Thanks Nick.

We must meet up sometime  (when the weather gets warmer).

yes, I'd enjoy that.
Nick

[krennon]

Give me enough notice and I could be up for joining you if you don't mind 

[ABERS]

Great to see you're back Keith. Let it warm up a bit before a 'Speakers' shin dig

[Beryl]

A great speaker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAqURhAUqok

[ABERS]

Attended a meeting at The Bishopsgate Institute in the City today and met a group of dedicated Speakers Corner adherents. It was amazing the amount of history and recall of speakers names and subjects they held forth on back as far as the '50's.

One chap bought along an autobiography of his grandfather who spoke there in the twenties when the subjects were more political and allied to the conditions of the populace in general, citing poverty, health, housing and the moral fibre of politicians. (What's new?).

Four current speakers attended, all of advanced years, and it quickly became obvious that they took their participation extremely seriously and worked hard on their particular subjects and were very proud of their ability not only to speak authoritatively but handle hecklers. All four had been 'banged up' for their beliefs when demonstrating. CND and anti-apartheid came up regularly. One proudly admitted to sharing a cell with Bertrand Russell for a while!

A wonderful day and I shall now look on the speakers as much more than photographic fodder but as people with a firmly held point of view and a capacity to express it forcefully and professionally using humour and wit!

[Sandy]

I would be interested in going to speakers corner again when it does warm up.

Sandy