04 July 2007
The Concordia Hall in St Leonards was full this past weekend with visitors from across the land celebrating Robert Tressell and his famous work "The
Ragged Trousered Philanthropists". The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is credited with changing the lives of many leading politicians over the years including Tony Benn. The socialist work
written by Robert Tressell (real name Robert Noonan) was centred on Hastings ("Mugsborough") nearly a hundred years ago and portrays the lives of working people at tht time and their endurance of
poor conditions, low wages and outright poverty.
The opening on Saturday morning was performed by local MP Michael Foster together with Labour Group the lives of working people at that time and their
endurance of poor conditions, low wages and outright poverty.
The opening on Saturday morning was performed by local MP Michael Foster together with Labour Group Council Leader Jeremy Birch and MEP Peter
Skinner.
The MP reminded the audience that in many ways Hastings and St Leonards in the early part of the 19th century was in its heyday. There was much wealth
and the town was the subject of regeneration as now. "Despite that façade however Tressell reminds us of the abject poverty and misery that existed for many working people and the lack of support for
those in need. Whilst the welfare state has been the saviour of so many it remains important today to remind ourselves that behind the new regeneration of our town there remains some who miss out for
all sorts of reasons (not least mental health concerns) for whom we must continue to be aware and for whom we must still provide community solutions".
The main attraction of the weekend was the appearance of "Royal Family" star Ricky Tomlinson who together with Andy Linch and friends presented extracts from the Radio 4
adaptation of the "The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists".
Other events included a lecture on "Hastings in the time of Robert Tressell" by local historian Brion Purdey and the famous Tressell walk.
The Robert Tressell Festival Committee is responsible for the yearly event and for promoting the work of Robert Tressell. The Secretary is
Ms Dee Daly who can be contacted at The Ellen Draper Centre, 84 Bohemia Road, Hastings or by leaving a message on the Labour Party answer phone 01424 424125.
| 
