Holocaust Memorial Day, a time when we consider the potential callousness of human behaviour if we are not forever vigilant, presents us with an opportunity to reflect on Stoke-on-Trent's friendship with Lidice and developments over the last decade or so.
Category: Lidice Shall Live
Dr Barnett Stross and the Munich PactDr Barnett Stross and the Munich Pact
“The British people did not betray you, but would have gone to war on your behalf. It is not likely that the people of these islands will ever again allow any men to say that what happens in a far-off country to a free people is no concern of theirs.”
Renouncing the Munich PactRenouncing the Munich Pact
Formal negotiations on the renouncement of the Munich Agreement began at the end of January 1942. At a luncheon given by Anthony Eden on January the 21st, Dr Beneš was asked to prepare a proposal addressing the consequences of the Munich Conference - which would be acceptable to the British Government.
Broadcasting to the people of the ProtectorateBroadcasting to the people of the Protectorate
"Your hour of liberation is drawing near. Hold fast to your faith, faith in your own leaders in this country, faith in the miners of this country, faith in the United Nations who will again restore to you the liberty which you have lost and peace to this tortured world."
Coventry and Czech Presidents, Kings and QueensCoventry and Czech Presidents, Kings and Queens
It was announced in late 1943 that Coventry was to join the Lidice Shall Live movement. The decision was made at a meeting at the Council House on Wednesday the 1st of December, attended by representatives of the churches, Civil Defence force, social and other organisations.
Lidice Shall Live and the Durham MinersLidice Shall Live and the Durham Miners
Dr Beneš, visited Durham on Sunday the 22nd of November 1942, at the invitation of the Durham Miners' Association. He thanked the miners of Durham and Great Britain for their camaraderie in supporting the people of Czecho-Slovakia during their darkest days.
Bristol & the Four Nations AppealBristol & the Four Nations Appeal
The aim of the programme of cultural events was to give a platform to the young people of the occupied states of Yugoslavia, Czecho-Slovakia, Greece, and Poland, allowing them to explore, debate, fashion and creatively present the culture and heritage of their respective homelands to British audiences.
Expressions of Discontent and DelightExpressions of Discontent and Delight
Not everyone was happy with efforts to rebuild Lidice. An article, anonymously penned by “The Calcutta Statesman” and published in the Evening Sentinel in October 1942, was keen to point out Britain’s lack of obligation towards the Czech people
Crewe Trades and Borough Councils Support Lidice…Crewe Trades and Borough Councils Support Lidice…
The campaign was realised when The Exhibition of Czecho-Slovakian Friendship opened at the Prudential Buildings on Monday the 9th of October 1944 by a Czechoslovak Army Captain, in the presence of Dr Victor Fischl, the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, an associate of Jan Masaryk, and a company of Czech
Formal Inauguration of the First Lidice Shall Live Committee…Formal Inauguration of the First Lidice Shall Live Committee…
The inaugural Lidice Shall Live Committee was formally constituted in Stoke-on-Trent in early October 1942 and comprised a mix of elected representatives, miners' delegates, and members of the Czecho-Slovak - British Friendship Club, Rotary Club, North Staffordshire Architectural Society and influential members of the public...