UCS Work-in @ 40 - inspiring concert leads to film show

Last Sunday the latest successful event marking the 40^th Anniversary of the UCS Work-in delighted a sell-out audience at the Old Fruitmarket. Staged at the culmination of Celtic Connections it led on from the Gala Concert last October in the Mitchell Theatre, and again featured a number of musicians who played then - and indeed 40 years ago - in support of the Work-in.

Highlights were the ever-youthful Jimmie Macgregor replaying Pack up your tools and go a number he wrote for the UCS album in ’71, and a David and Goliath story, with a Springburn twist! Ubiquitous harmonica player, Fraser Speirs was on fire both accompanying Love and Money’s James Grant, and his solo slot with a Sonny Terry blues number, and Emma Pollock, ex-Delgados and born in the year of the Work-in, hit the right note with a version of Woody Guthrie’s ‘Union Maid’.  Arthur Johnstone and the Stars Band  formed the bedrock of the night’s entertainment.

Many more cracking performances are highlighted in reviews on the STV website here. Pete Heywood, the author of this review also has some photos of the concert on Flickr here, and another good review was by Ken Smith in the Herald here.

One particular performance to note for the future was David Hayman’s dramatisation of a Bob Starrett story from the yards. This, and the story published in the programme, suggest a broader range of talent that will surely lead to further exposure.

The next coup for the organisers of these events is the visit of Ann Guedes, founder of the film co-operative Cinema Action - the only film crew the Stewards allowed into the yards during the Work-in. She comes to Glasgow to take part in panels discussing the two films to come out of that access - UCS 1, and Class Struggle - Story from the Clyde. They will be shown over three nights at the Mitchell Theatre between the 21-23 March. Tickets from www.glasgowconcerthalls.com.

40 years on, UCS continues to inspire the arts

This is the release issued on Wednesday 3 Jan with an update on the next events to mark the UCS@40 celebrations. These are the Celtic Connections Concert on 5 February, and the showing of the Cinema Action films made at the time of the Work-In. It lead to an article on Lothian Health's UNISON News twittersite and a Platform piece in the Scotsman. There was also a mention on the World Music Central website.

The 40^th Anniversary of Clydeside’s important Work-in has inspired more than politicians and trade unionists.  The UCS struggle that started back in 1971 also attracted the attention of many musicians, filmmakers, writers and other artists. Contemporary support came from the well-publicised bunch of roses (and £5,000) from John Lennon and Yoko Ono through to concerts featuring weel-kent local acts like Jimmie Macgregor, Arthur Johnstone and of course Billy Connolly. The inspiration the Work-in provided to artists forms the next theme of the UCS@40 celebrations that continue into the New Year (the final mass meeting of the work-in was in October 1972). 

As part of the Celtic Connections festival, a UCS Work-in 40^th anniversary concert is scheduled for February 5. Concentrating more on the music and artistic side, it will feature a number of stars from last October’s gala concert alongside new artists, and is again being produced by Fair Pley with musical direction by Rab Noakes and Hilary Brooks. Rab said

“Last October a number of musical and theatrical performers came together to a substantial night celebrating the trade unionists who developed and sustained the work in. This year we hope to continue that by celebrating the focus that the UCS work-in contributed, and continues to contribute to the civil and social conscientiousness of musicians, poets and artists.”

The line-up for the Fruitmarket venue, is still being finalised, but it will again feature the new commission for traditional band, brass, saxophone and cello, ‘Work-in at UCS - a celebration suite’ composed by prominent Scottish composer, Eddie McGuire of the Whistlebinkies.

Eddie wrote an original piece for saxophones in 1971, that he presented to Jimmy Reid. Forty years later, this one was presented to Jimmy Cloughley of the Joint Shop Stewards at the Gala Concert. Eddie says

“The spirit of resistance and dignity demonstrated by the workers in the yards inspired me at the time to compose a piece for saxophones which I handed to Jimmy Reid in December 1971. I was really honoured, 40 years on, to be asked by those veterans of the struggle to compose for them once more. I am inspired again - this time to rekindle that spirit so needed again today. We are keeping the links strong, with Maya Burman-Roy again playing the opening cello. Maya is the cello teacher to Jimmy Reid’s granddaughter!” 

Maintaining the link with the inspirations of the time, there will be appearances by Jimmie Macgregor, Arthur Johnstone and Alastair MacDonald. Actor and director, David Hayman is planned to contribute as is well-known poet Tom Leonard.

Later in the year, from the 21-23 March, the Mitchell Theatre plays host to two seminal films of the work-in, with a contribution from one of the filmmakers. During the work-in, the only film or TV crew allowed by the shop stewards to record the struggle as it happened, were the radical filmmakers, Cinema Action. Out of this access that covered press conferences, mass meetings, stewards meetings etc, two films, the short campaign film UCS1, and the longer Class Struggle: Film from the Clyde, were made. Both will be shown over a period of three days, and Ann Guedes, one of the film collective who made the film, will be available to take part in panel discussions.

Stephen Wright of FairPley said

“ We were pleased that the unique access that Cinema Action had to the Work-in is going to be available for people to see.  The innovative nature of the action, meant that both the techniques and the politics were important to document. We hope we have succeeded and we’re looking forward to bringing the films to a whole new audience.”

UCS Anniversary at Celtic Connections 2012

Following the sell-out success of the UCS 40^th Anniversary Concert, and the various other events detailed on this blog, today is announced the ‘Son of’ the 40^th Anniversary Concert.

As Celtic Connections 2012 is launched, one of the key elements in an increasingly political programme is a further concert. The final line-up for this concert has not yet been announced, but potentially it involves a number of the artists who played on the 1 October date, plus some additions. The most detailed information on the line-up is on the Scottish Music Industry Association website where Arthur Johnston, David Hayman, Jimmie MacGregor, Eddie McGuire and Tom Leonard are listed.

While the bill may be fluid, the date is fixed - in the Old Fruitmarket on the final day of the Festival - Sunday 5 February. Bookings are already being taken on line via the Celtic Connections website

The Celtic Connections launch received wide attention in the media with the Concert given a high profile. The most comprehensive report is by Robert Dawson-Scott on STV. He also refers to the planned Woody Guthrie Centenary celebrations, and the concert with Justin Currie and Palestinian musician Kamilya Jubran. Tributes will also be made to Gerry Rafferty and Ray Fisher.

Other UCS events planned for the future include a screening of the Cinema Action films - UCS1, and Class Struggle, Film from the Clyde. Keep your eye on this blog for further information as it becomes available

UCS concert hits the note for the future as well as the past.

The mournful moan of a cello, and the sharp clang of hammers introduced Work-in at UCS, the premiere of a brass and traditional instrument suite written especially for this 40^th anniversary concert, by prominent Scottish composer, Eddie McGuire. The eclectic mix of instruments signalled the variety of the concert put together by Musical Directors, Rab Noakes and Hilary Brooks. Ranging from Elaine C Smith reading Alienation, Jimmy Reid’s Rectorial address to Glasgow University, through a short film, the rock of Kevin McDermott’s Where we were meant to be, the funk of Pat Kane, Clive Langer and Elvis Costello’s Shipbuilding - heartbreakingly sung by rising talent, Simone Welsh, interwoven with the traditional folk and political song of Greenmantle, Alastair McDonald, Jimmie Macgregor, Dick Gaughan and Arthur Johnstone, the evening was held together with wit and competence by Dave Anderson.

Many of these ‘review’ style shows can founder, and one element or another can drag. Not this one. You get the impression that even Pat Kane was given the instructions ‘two songs then off’! The three hour show moved along at a cracking pace, and managed to touch all the bases. Even the political speeches - from Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and veteran campaigner, Tony Benn - hit the right note, stressing the importance of the work-in historically, and, in Benn’s case, the lessons that campaigners today need to learn from then. He was rightly, the guest of honour and received the evening’s only standing ovation.

There were surprises. Who knew that Jimmie Macgregor had such a political side? The house band itself was a revelation, consisting of such diverse talents as Rab Noakes, Eddie McGuire, Fraser Speirs, Hilary and Lorna Brooks. They coped with the range of talent in front of them brilliantly. 

The film is well worth a broader distribution (it currently forms part of the exhibition taking place in Glasgow’s Mitchell Library). Its ten minutes narrated by David Hayman, sum up the work-in and include some cracking clips of both Reid and Airlie. The STUC’s Kevin Buchanan rightly claims credit for its direction.

This anniversary has been driven by the veterans of the Shop Stewards Co-ordinating Committee, who commissioned event organisers FairPley to devise the programme. Many of the veterans were presented with commemorative badges by Unite Scottish Secretary, Pat Rafferty (Unite deserve huge plaudits for funding the series of events). This concert was planned as the key event - it did not let them down.

As the finale rendition of Your Daughters and your Sons rang out, it summed up the work-in’s importance for the future of the labour movement, and the struggle to defend the rights that they (amongst others) won for us.

Tony Benn links UCS struggle with today

The final release before the Gala Concert tomorrow night is below. The link between the struggles of today, and the work-in are clear for both activists now, and then. They are embodied in the figure of Tony Benn, who will be speaking to both the People 1st Demo, and the UCS 40th Anniversary Concert.

We'll see you at one or the other!!

30 September 2011 For Immediate Release 

On Saturday in Glasgow, veteran politician and campaigner, Tony Benn will be the keynote speaker at two important events. After the STUC’s People first demonstration, during the day, he will be guest of honour at a Gala Concert organised to celebrate the UCS work-in’s 40^th anniversary in the city’s Mitchell Theatre.

Tony Benn was the Labour Minister who created the UCS consortium in 1968 and a prominent supporter of the work-in when in opposition. He said; 

“The campaign against the cuts, which is being led by the trade union movement, has in many ways been inspired by the UCS work-in. That single event 40 years ago showed you don’t have to accept what the Government say. You can take a stand and make a fight. It shifted public opinion and, when public opinion shifts, government opinion shifts.

“That’s what David Cameron’s government should remember. The lessons of 1971 should tell the thousands of people fighting today’s cuts that they can be successful.”

The STUC’s General Secretary, Grahame Smith said,

“Like activists today the UCS workers faced a Tory government out to impose financiers’ solutions to economic problems. LIke communities today, they faced being forced to pay with their jobs for the crisis caused by irresponsible bankers. Their imagination, courage and organisation showed how a successful campaign could be won. That is why we wanted to have the broadest possible community base for the demonstration we have organised, and that is why we wanted to have Tony Benn as a living link speaking at both the rally and the concert.” 

Shop Stewards who were part of the UCS work-in have been busy organising a series of events to mark the 40^th anniversary of their famous dispute. In addition to the Gala Concert, an exhibition about the work-in opened in the Mitchell Library, a very special debate took place in the Scottish Parliament, and a civic reception is planned in Glasgow in November. The events are funded by a grant from Unite the union. 

The significance of the timing is not lost either, on the veterans who led that dispute. Jimmy Cloughley, a member of the UCS Co-ordinating Committee said,

“It is important when working people face increasing attacks on their jobs and conditions, to remember a successful struggle against a Tory Government bent on on butchering them. The community and country supported the UCS work-in. We righted a wrong,and it must never be forgotten. Unity of purpose, honesty, information, leadership and democracy are the lessons of UCS.”

Tony Benn will be backed at the concert by a line up of Scottish talent, many of whom played in fund raising concerts at the time. A specially commissioned suite Work-in at UCS composed by Eddie McGuire, the prominent Scottish composer will also feature.

The list of artistes includes Pat Kane; Jimmie Macgregor; Dave Anderson; Elaine C Smith; Arthur Johnstone; Dick Gaughan; Rab Noakes; Fraser Speirs; Kevin McDermott; Simone Welsh; Greenmantle; The Whistlebinkies; Alba Brass and Sax Ecosse.

ENDS 

Exhibition features wealth of UCS archives

This release from late last week, highlights the opening of an exhibition being staged at the Mitchell Library foyer (Granville Street entrance) on the work-in. It uses exhibition panels produced for the 30th Anniversary and archive material from the Glasgow University, and Glasgow Caledonian University archives, to tell the story of the work-in, how the organisers communicated their cause inside and outside the yards, and the public response to the work-in.

It will run for the next two weeks. Given the obvious parallels between the political position we are now in, and the political position the stewards in UCS faced, there are many ideas that activists and members in our unions and communities can take on board. Also illuminating - not least for the clips of contemporary speeches from Jimmy's Reid and Airlie - is the short film accompanying the exhibition. Stick the cans on for ten minutes and give it a go!

The parallels are also being brought into sharp focus by the organising of a major demonstration by the STUC on the same day as the UCS 40 Anniversary Gala Concert (October 1). This is part of their 'There is a Better way' campaign and unites trade unions and a host of community groups in a march from Glasgow Green (assemble 11.30 am) to Kelvingrove Park. The Rally there, will be addressed by Tony Benn who will later be the Guest of Honour at the Concert, in the Mitchell Theatre.

20 September 2011                         For Information and Immediate Release 

The next phase of the events planned to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of the UCS work-in will be an exhibition of material selected from the UCS work-in archives, that will open at the Mitchell Library on Thursday 22 September 2011. 

It will be opened at 6.00pm by well-known folk singer, author, broadcaster and entertainer, Jimmie Macgregor. Jimmie was a prominent supporter of the work-in at the time, and also features on the programme for the Gala Concert planned for 1 October this year. The exhibition, which is planned to run for two weeks from Friday 23 September, is timed to coincide with that 40^th Anniversary Concert, taking place in the Mitchell Theatre. Both the exhibition and the concert are funded by Unite the union, the inheritor of many of the members of unions involved in the work-in.

Shop Steward and UCS Co-ordinating Committee member, Jimmy Cloughley said

“It is important that the material stored in the archives in Glasgow and Caledonian Universities is seen by as many people as possible. The significance of the UCS work-in to todays struggles, is now being widely recognised. The fightback against the economic attacks on working people can learn many lessons from UCS.”

The material on display includes; contemporary cartoons by Bobby Starrett - the work-in’s own cartoonist - publicity material produced by the stewards to spread the word about the work-in and some of the public responses including a replica of the card attached to the bunch of roses sent to the work-in by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It also features some of the exhibition panels produced ten years ago by Govan Workspace to mark the 30^th Anniversary. 

Much of the material will also feature in an audio-visual presentation that has been compiled to allow the exhibition material to be circulated more widely.

Guest of Honour at the concert will be Tony Benn, the former Labour Minister who set up the UCS consortium, and became a prominent supporter of the work-in. Other artistes playing include Pat Kane; Jimmie Macgregor; Dave Anderson; Arthur Johnstone; Elaine C Smith; Rab Noakes; Fraser Speirs; Kevin McDermott; Simone Welsh;  Well-known folk singer, Dick Gaughan has also been added to the guest list.

The work-in started in 1971 when the then Tory government removed funding from the UCS yards and planned to close and sell them off. This provoked the Stewards Co-ordinating Committee to declare a ‘work-in’ which attracted huge support from Scotland, the rest of the UK, and around the world.

ENDS