The world has lost a great journalist and a wonderful man with the death of Robert Fisk in October 2020.

Availabale here is a video of Robert Fisk's lecture on the occasion of WW I Armistice Centenary, at Sands Films on 11th November 2018 and a reading of extracts from his book by Michael Mears.

Extract from Robert Fisk's The Great War For Civilisation "Now Thrive The Armourers" read by Michael Mears

Please read the book.

"Dickens, Seditionist" was born of multiple frustrations: frustration at how little Dickens is known for his magnificent rage at the absurdities, injustices, greed and indifference of his times.

Frustration at today's same absurdities, greed and indifference  "which is there to see for anyone who opens their eyes” as Professor Alston put it.

The coronavirus made the format of this project a necessity.

11th November 2021: THE FIGHT TO A FINISH

WAR-RESISTERS IN SOUTH LONDON AND BEYOND (1917-19)

J.H.Taylor delivers a short illustrated lecture about his research as the second volume of his work is being made available to students and academics. This small event is delivered free of charge and can be accessed both in person and online.

Sands Films studio has invited Miriam Margolyes, Vanessa Redgrave, Mark Thomas and others to read and record poems from the anthology "THESE ARE THE HANDS" , poems about the NHS written by nurses, doctors and other NHS staff. 

The live show is co-hosted with Lung Theatre and will feature Dr Bob Gill and others talking about the importance of the NHS and introducing poems themselves.

These poems give a unique insight into the real experiences of the people at the heart of the NHS, caring for us from the moment of birth to the end of life. In crystallising the most beautiful and painful moments of being human, they speak directly to us all.

This evening presentation is a mix of live and pre-recorded readings, commentaries and thoughts about the NHS.

The anthology also includes poems donated by leading UK poets including Michael Rosen, Roger McGough, Lemn Sissay, Sabrina Mahfouz, Kate Clanchy, Sam Guglani, Charly Cox, Molly Case, Wendy Cope, and the estates of U A Fanthorpe, Dannie Abse and Julia Darling.

All proceeds will go to NHS Charities Together's COVID-19 EMERGENCY FUND for the duration of this fund; and then to the 140 official NHS Charities raising money for NHS hospitals, ambulance services, community and mental health services across the UK.

STEPHEN FRY: "A wonderful anthology to celebrate the NHS, which itself is the greatest poem a country has ever written."

MICHAEL ROSEN: "The very heart of who we are and what we are here for. An Exciting and wonderful book.”

An Evening With Stevie

A dramatised presentation of Stevie Smith's poems, letters and writings

by Catherine Hawkes

Stevie Smith (1902 –1971), was an English poet and novelist. She won the Cholmondeley Award and was awarded the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry.

Her most well known poem is “Not waving, but drowning”;.

Catherine Hawkes is an actress who is an admirer of Stevie Smith's work.

Here are a few of her quotes:

“All poetry has to do is to make a strong communication. All the poet has to do is listen. The poet is not an important fellow. There will also be another poet.”

“The sea was angry that day my friend, like an old man trying to send back soup at a deli.”

“Oh, no no no, it was too cold always (Still the dead one lay moaning) I was much too far out all my life And not waving but drowning.

Profits from this event will be donated to Heart Research UK

Red Flag Over Bermondsey is a one woman show, written and performed by Lynn Morris and tells the inspiring story of social reformer and campaigner against poverty, Ada Salter. 

This one woman play charts the rise of Ada Salter, from her work amongst the poor of Bermondsey in the late 19th and early 20th century to her rise in the Labour Movement. A radical pioneer, she became the first woman councillor in London and then the first woman mayor. Throughout her life, she was a passionate opponent of war. This Journeymen Theatre production sees Lynn Morris as both writer and performer, with Dave Morris as director. The work was funded by Central England Quakers World War One Committee.