Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Readings

UNISON North West - Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Readings

Merseyside, April-May 2008

UNISON North West has been promoting workers’ rights and public services through a series of book-reading events on Merseyside.  At these events, well-known figures from the worlds of entertainment, politics and trade unionism talked about the classic novel The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell. 

These events formed part of the union’s activities to commemorate Liverpool being the European Capital of Culture in 2008.  Seven of the nine events were held in public libraries as UNISON aims to promote this vital public service and to reach an audience who may normally not attend a union meeting.  All the events were well-attended with over 300 people taking part during the series, many of whom were not UNISON members and were new to trade union activities.  Audiences were made up of people from diverse backgrounds and different age groups, from teenagers to pensioners.        

The union distributed free copies of the book at the events to encourage people to read this important novel which continues to capture the public imagination nearly 100 years after it was written.  A specially-produced booklet was also handed out that points to the continuing relevance of the book and describes its links with modern themes including the importance of free universal healthcare, protection for workers and decent public sector pay. 

The speakers all kindly gave up their time for free to talk about The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.  The speakers were: Stephen Twigg (Parliamentary Candidate for West Derby), Jane Kennedy (MP for Wavertree), Rodney Bickerstaffe (former General Secretary, UNISON),  Dave Prentis (General Secretary, UNISON), Ruby Dixon (I&DeA), Johnny Vegas (actor and comedian), Andy Lynch (writer who adapted the book for a Radio 4 production), David Yip (actor), Roger Lyon (BBC Radio Merseyside) and Roger Philips (BBC Radio Merseyside).