Chelmsford TUC

The Workers’ Memorial Day leaflets have been circulated and this event will be in Central Park on 28 April at 12.30pm; special badges have been ordered for the service. A public meeting will be held at Friends Meeting House on 1 May from 7.30pm with Richard Howitt MEP as the guest speaker; the programme will include music and poetry. Activity planned for the autumn will include a stall in the High Street supporting Black History month, and an exhibition in the library.

When the formal business was concluded, John Kotz spoke about his experiences of the NHS. As a member of the Labour League of Youth, he remembered the day when the NHS had been established. John said that its formation had been controversial but the majority of people still value the excellent service it provides and also the dedication of its staff. He outlined the history of public consultation and the part played by Community Health Councils and their successors. John then drew attention to the campaign launched by Unison and the Trades Council to save wards at Broomfield Hospital a few years ago, and the part he had played as Chairman of the CHC in that campaign. John was delighted that this had been recorded in our history which can be seen in the history section of our website. After answering a number of questions and participating in a wide-ranging discussion, John was thanked for his stimulating address.