Category: Leith

Saturday 2 December 10.30am – 4.0pm

Norton Park Conference Centre

Disability History Scotland has been involved in some ground-breaking research into the “Forgotten Peoples March”, organised by the National League of the Blind. In 1920 marchers set off from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Paisley to meet up with other demonstrators from across the U.K. for a huge rally in Trafalgar Square. The marchers were blind men from sheltered workshops and trade union councils. They wanted pensions and workers’ rights; “Justice not charity” was their motto.

Until recently, little information has been known about the Scottish contingent of marchers. Who were these people? What was their story and what was it they thought walking all the way to London would achieve? Disability History Scotland, in partnership with the University of Birmingham, has been searching for the identities of these long-lost pioneers for disability rights and the human stories of those who took part in the first long distance march. As part of Disability History Month 2017 we invite you to come and meet some of those who made history, and those who have rediscovered it from archives and records.

The day will also include workshops on research and history, refreshments and lunch, plus lots of time to network and chat with other attendees.

On display will be a large selection of art work and graphic design produced by Disability History Scotland and its partners, and to round the day off a special performance of “Unwritten” the show which received many plaudits and gold star reviews at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe. http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/culture/edinburgh-festivals/theatre-review-bella-freak-unwritten-1-4525401.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite here:

The organisers will endeavour to meet all access and dietary requirements. It is the responsibility of those who have specific needs to let us know in advance of the event.