A snapshot of our projects and past events...
Henry Irwin Jenkinson
1838-1891
Throughout 2020 I researched the life and work of my ancestor Henry Irwin Jenkinson, mountaineer, writer of guide books and champion of the right to roam movement. He took a leading role in the Keswick trespasses of 1887, and most notably the Latrigg fell trespass that restored public access to this hill top and set a precedent across the country. His full biography is published as a blog on this site.
REBELLIOUS WOMEN was an annual event, held in the spring, that had four outings from 2016-2019.
Rebellious Women: an afternoon of singing, theatre, poetry, art, discussion and much more to celebrate inspirational women who have courageously stood up for social justice and political reform.
Over the past 4 years our guest speakers have been:
-Lindsey German, one of the convenors of the Stop the War Coalition who talked about women and the peace movement.
-Fatima Manji, Channel 4 journalist and newsreader discussed the role of women in journalism.
-Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor film producer and play write talked about her work and inspirations.
Also;
Journeymen Theatre productions have told the story of Ada Salter, Fodo Higginson has performed 'Women's songs of protest and social conscience', Rose Drew performance poet shared some of her work with us and Jane Mckell from AsOne Theatre Company has appeared as Dr Marie Stopes who gave a lecture to 'the Rebellious Women of Poole'.
The wonderful Rebellious Women scratch choir open the event under the direction of vocal coach Ali Sharpe .
There's a chance to join in by having a spot in the open mic section and by adding a name to our Rebellious Women collage.
Go to our gallery to see the photos
CLUBMEN 1645
a work in progress...
We met at Badbury Rings, Dorset in May 2016 to hear, for the first time since 1645 when 4000 people gathered to listen, the reading by lawyer Thomas Young ( a man said to be 'more eloquent than trustworthy') of 'The Desires and Resolutions' of the Clubmen.
The Clubmen consisted of
gents, yeomen, ministers,
landworkers, tradesmen
and many like minded
demanding an end to the
bloody civil war that saw
a plundering of land and
property by Royalist and
Parliamentarian soldiers alike. They were the third force in the English Revolution, belittled by both sides.
Their story needs to be told.
A collaboration with the Wimborne Literary Festival, National Trust and English Civil War Society.
To find out more about Dorset Clubmen go to www.clubmen1645.com where there is a link to short videos produced by Retro It Ain't!
Clubmen1645 is a work in progress. New information is being found which we are sharing through blogs, social media, videos and artwork. www.clubmen1645.com
"What a beautiful, inspiring and educational afternoon. I'm so glad I came. Thank you." One of many comments posted in our feedback book on the day.
A Celebration of our street trees
On a September afternoon in 2018 we gathered at the bandstand in Fisherman's Walk, Southbourne, Dorset to share our love of urban trees.
We were joined by author of Britain's Tree Story & World Tree Story, Julian Hight who talked about his passion for ancient and historic trees which has taken him all over the world. He brought with him a sappling of a Selwood Oak for us to plant locally. We shall look after it until it's big enough to plant in a public space, possibly in the winter of 2020
Local artist, oil painter Kate Marr showcased her latest work 'Rheinfield Walk, New Forest'...
We also had on display a copy of the Woodland Trust's 2017 'Charter for Trees, Woods and People'. This will be put on show in the local library later in the year.
See our gallery for more pictures from the day.
Event organised in association with the Woodland Trust
During the afternoon we created a banner with messages about why we love, value and wish to keep safe our urban trees.
Tree planted in Shelley Park, Boscombe
On the 25th November 2017 we planted a tree in Shelley Park Boscombe
to mark the 800th anniversary of the 'Charter of the Forest' and to
celebrate the creation of a new 'Charter for Trees, Woods & People' by
The Woodland Trust. We planted the tree, a Scots Pine during The
Tree Council's National Tree Week. You can see some photos from the
day in our gallery and here's a link to a short video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqr_opNqDPM&t=11s
The Charter of the Forest issued on 6th November 1217 restored the right of access by commoners to the land that was once theirs to use, not only as livelihood but also subsistence.
The Woodland Trust's Charter for Trees, Woods and People sets out the
principles for a society in which people & trees can stand stronger together.
For more info: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk and www.treecouncil.org.uk
Thank you to the Bournemouth Parks Department for their support with this project & to everyone who joined us on the day & helped put the tree in the ground & a BIG THANK YOU to all who contributed toward the cost of the brass plaque.
We have been able to put our events on due to the kind and generous support of our sponsors and friends who have given their time for free and/or donated materials and money, so THANK YOU.
If you would like to contribute to Retro IT Ain't! you can do so by clicking on the link below: