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.
Tag: stoke-on-trent
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.”
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...
Opening the fund to build Lidice…Opening the fund to build Lidice…
Following the launch, on Wednesday, the 9th of September, the Evening Sentinel reported a press release from the Lord Mayor’s Parlour at the Council Chambers in Stoke, that a fund for re-building Lidice had been opened by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Cllr Harry McBrine...
Olive Marion BakerOlive Marion Baker
Born on the 7th of September 1898, Olive Marion Baker was effervescent, reflecting the in-vogue art deco fashions and designs of the 1920s perfectly. The free-spirited, often outspoken former art student became Barnett’s companion for the majority of his life...
Launching Lidice Shall Live – an account:Launching Lidice Shall Live – an account:
Reporting about the launch of the Lidice Shall Live movement the day before, the Stoke-on-Trent Evening Sentinel wrote: The Victoria Hall has been the scene of many noteworthy gatherings and many famous people have spoken from its platform. But never has the hall held an assembly so remarkable in its significance...
Morning Parade…Morning Parade…
The meeting that launched the Lidice Shall Live movement was preceded by a colourful pageant organised by Barnett Stross. It assembled outside Hanley Town Hall in the morning:
A State of Readiness…A State of Readiness…
At the Miners’ Hall, Burslem on Friday, September the 4th, the executive of the North Staffordshire Miners’ Federation declared: