FEATURE Tolpuddle 2022


n By Amanda Campbell


It’s all happening at the Unite Marquee – here’s what we’re up to Saturday, July 16


11 am to 1 pm: Meet the Birmingham Clarion Singers


In this session we have an open marquee and the singers will be


performing a rendition of Rob Harper’s Asbestos Song.


We’re dovetailing the performance with our Saturday focus on members’ services, including the chance to look at the work of our legal team and Thompsons Personal Injury Unit. The team deals with a broad range of industrial injuries and illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma cases.


1 pm to 2 pm: The migrant worker’s story — the rise and fall of the Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority


In the first of Saturday’s Landworker events we take a look at workplace issues from migrant workers in the food production industries.


Speakers confirmed to date include Sunday, July 17


10 am to 11 am: The real story of country life: rural deprivation and the workers’ fight for change


Grab yourself a coffee and relax on one


of our straw bales. In the final Landworker discussion we hear what it’s really like to live and work in the countryside – and how Unite is fighting back.


Speakers confirmed to date include John Burbidge and Ivan Monckton, Unite rural campaigners, Steve


Preddy, Unite regional secretary. Chair and other speakers to be announced.


Sunday is when the festival reaches its’ pinnacle, with wreath laying at the Martyr James Hammett’s grave, inspiring rally speakers, the march itself and closing events and entertainments.


Both the Unite South West regional team and RAAW delegation will be on hand to answer queries on membership, services and support


18 uniteLANDWORKER Summer 2022


throughout Sunday through to the festival’s end, and the wending of the ways for weary but hopefully happy festival goers.


It’s worth saying that the Unite Marquee and all our events would not be possible without the dedication and sterling efforts of our wonderful Unite South West regional team. Landworker sends its thanks and appreciation.


Chris Kaufman, ex-Unite national officer, Kristjan Bragason, EFFAT; plus voices of Unite migrant workers


and other Unite speakers. Chair, Amanda Campbell, Unite Landworker editor.


2 pm to 2.40 pm: Open session Your chance to step inside the Unite Marquee, meet the team, grab yourself a special Landworker t-shirt and get your friends to join Unite – among other opportunities.


2.45 pm to 4 pm: Climate Change and Food Production


Our second Landworker event focuses on the often overlooked element of climate change – food production and food security.


Speakers confirmed to date include Bev Clarkson, Unite national officer, Steve Leniec, Unite agri sector chair


and farm worker, John Burbidge, Unite rural campaigner and farm


worker; Gareth Lowe Unite regional officer, Sue Longley, IUF


general secretary. Chair, Amanda Campbell, Unite Landworker Editor.


4 pm to 4.50 pm: Open session


Similar to our 2 pm slot as speakers take a well-earned break and the band tunes up…


5 pm: The Skimmity Hitchers in concert


The self-styled ‘denizens of Dorset and weirdos of the West Country’ are back at the Unite Marquee with their songs dedicated to cider drinkers and badgers everywhere. Bring your badger suits and dancing shoes. Be prepared for some top notch entertainment for the best in the field. You really don’t want to miss this one!


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