A Man Who Did Different

The life of Sam Peel was a truly inspirational one. He oversaw the reorganisation of post-war education in the county, laid the foundations for the National Health Service in north Norfolk and took on the establishment in his tireless efforts to bring changes to improve the lives of ordinary people. He also was an executive […]

Posted by BurstonStrikeSchool
On February 15, 2018

Burston Strike School Rally 2017

The flyer for the Burston Strike School Rally 2017, organised by Unite (L&E Region), with the support of SERTUC, The Burston Strike School Trustees & Thompson Solicitors is now released. Further details on the line-up of speakers and entertainment can be found on the Rally 2017 (or now floating around social media!). A great day […]

Posted by BurstonStrikeSchool
On July 23, 2017

13 May 1917 Centenary

13 May 1917 was a grand day in the history of the Burston Strike School as it marked the official opening of the Strike School. The date was chosen at a meeting held in the Crown Inn the previous August; undoubtedly on reassurances from the builder that its construction would be completed. But thanks to […]

Posted by BurstonStrikeSchool
On May 14, 2017

“She Lit the Fire” – New Song by Simon Haines

With the Burston Strike School soon reaching the centenary that it was officially declared open, the story behind the event continues to resonate with people today. One of the joys for the trustees of the Strike School, is being presented, often completely unexpectedly, with the work of people who have been inspired by the story […]

Posted by BurstonStrikeSchool
On April 29, 2017

‘To the Departed’ – a poem

Tom Higdon was eighteen when he’s younger brother William died in 1887, but sixteen years later, after being in Norfolk for little more than a year, he would have a sixteen page extended poem published by Jarrod & Son’s Ltd of Norwich. Called ‘To the Departed’; apart from the publishers mark on the last page, […]

Posted by BurstonStrikeSchool
On March 23, 2017

‘Bodies without Abodes’ – Pamphlet

Tom Higdon was born on 21st August 1869 in the parish of East Pennard, Somerset – As the son of an agricultural labourer, he was raised in a tied cottage. And, although married in 1896, it was not until Tom and Annie first came to Norfolk in April 1902 to take up the appointment at […]

Posted by BurstonStrikeSchool
On March 23, 2017

John Hegley’s Fringe

John Hegley the renowned poet, musician and humourist has agreed to lead a poetry workshop at Burston on September 4th. John, as regular attendees to the Rally will know as been a popular performer on the stage on more than one occasion. John will undertake a 70 minute workshop ‘Walking in Words’ for anyone who […]

Posted by BurstonStrikeSchool
On August 21, 2016

The Labourer by Tom Higdon

This extended poem of 32 pages was originally published by Jarrold & Son’s, of Norwich but the simple unpretentious production provides us with no more than that. At the time it was advertised in George Langbury’s The Herald and a publisher’s note, which includes favourable reviews from newspapers across the country is held at the Norfolk Record […]

Posted by BurstonStrikeSchool
On August 11, 2016

The Burston Banner

Tolpuddle 2016 played host to the first public outing for the new ‘Burston branch’ banner. As Mike Ward, chair of the trustees was recorded to say to the Landworker; “We’ve been holding the march since 1984 and for several years its been led by the Trunch branch banner,” he continued; “I’ve thought for some time that we […]

Posted by BurstonStrikeSchool
On August 11, 2016

The Strike School at Tolpuddle

The recent Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival (July 16th – 18th) bought thousands of trade unionists together in a spirit of unity and optimism. Under a Sun drenched sky, the fields of the small Dorset village played host to among others presentation from Burston. But this is by no means the first time, as the Western Gazette […]

Posted by BurstonStrikeSchool
On August 11, 2016

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