Venue: Church Green, Burston, near Diss, Norfolk

Bob Crow writes ...

I would like to encourage all activists to attend this year’s commemoration of the Burston Strike School. The RMT wishes to have as large a presence as possible at this important event in the trade union calendar.

We will commemorate the longest strike in history, and celebrate the people who continue to fight for trade union rights, working class education, democracy in the countryside, and international solidarity.

In April 1914, Kitty and Tom Higdon, teachers at Burston Village School, were sacked for their socialist and trade union views. The pupils walked out in support and from then until 1939 the villagers and the Higdons, ran the 'Strike School', providing an education for local children.

The building of this school was made possible by the donations from the Labour movement and the granting of the land by the Parish Council. There are around 120 plaques naming the donors who made the school building possible. A large number of plaques are from the RMT’s predecessor, National Union of Railwaymen which contributed 20% of the cost of maintaining the school.

This year at Burston we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution, with music, speakers, and special children's activities. Confirmed speakers include Tony Benn, and Luis Marron from the Cuban Embassy.

Branch Secretaries should be advised that attendance at the Rally will be a legitimate charge on the BMF. I hope to be able to see you at the Burston Strike School Rally. For further information contact the South-East Regional TUC on 020 7467 1220 or www.tuc.org.uk/tuc/regions_info_southeast

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow General Secretary