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Written by Martin
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Tuesday, 02 February 2010 |
TYNE & WEAR MAY DAY COMMITTEE
The 2009 May Day had the usual mix of speakers and topics. Despite our concerns that the Police would not provide support to the march, for controlling traffic, they did so on this occasion; however, they have given notice that, owing to legislative changes, they will not give such support in future, and are encouraging us to seek a road closure order from the Council – at a cost of £1600!
The speakers in 2009 included Ian Lavery (NUM), Alan Mackinnon (Scottish CND), Sally Young (Keep Metro Public) and Betty Hunter (Palestine Solidarity Campaign). An additional dimension was an event at the Monument which fed into the main march. Entertainment at the Monument, on the march and at the rally was provided by the NUM North East Area Brass Band, The Stumbling Band, Charlie Hardwick, Mutandi, Making Waves Choir and Verbal Terrorists. Due to an increase in the number of stalls the marquee was much busier than in recent years.
This year’s event will be held on Saturday 1 May, most likely falling within the last week of the General Election campaign. The plan is to have the usual march and rally, and speakers so far confirmed include Jim Cousins, who is retiring as MP at the election, and Kathy Taylor from Northumberland CATUC and UCU NEC. We also hope to have a speaker from the Venezuelan Embassy. The timings and route of the march still need to be confirmed with the police, as does the whole question of our marching on public roads without police control of traffic. The Committee is urgently seeking volunteer stewards for the march.
JIM SIMPKIN
(UNITE Tyneside Engineering)
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 02 February 2010 )
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Welcome 
May Day Committee 2009 
