Ferryhill to Ripon
The Journey Continues
Darlington was their next stop. Here the men expected a cool reception and were suprised indeed to find a warm, friendly welcome from the people. On arrival the men were given a dinner, to be proud of, followed by rice pudding. After dinner the men gathered for their usual meeting and were pleasantly suprised to find The Mayor of Jarrow Alderman Thompson and his wife had come down to offer encouragement. The Alderman spoke on how their talents had been in great demand from 1914 to 1918, and he felt that Jarrow and its people needed the help of the nation if unemployment was to be reduced and poverty were to be stamped out (if only). All Jarrow and its people were asking was the right to work.
I wonder what those proud men would think about todays workforce, if they were here to offer an opinion, while some people hold their head high as they make a life for themselves and family a great number of individual just do not, will not work and rely on unemployment benefits. (a thought for another day mabye)
Image host Webshots
While the men marched Ellen Wilkinson attended the Labour Party Confrence in Edinburgh to speak on unemployment. A Council Executive opened the debate saying there were hundreds and thousands of homes where there would be no food on the table, or a small amount of bread and dripping given to the children and the adults would go without. Areas that were particularly bad were the North East, The North West, Scotland and Wales. Unfortunately after all had been said and done The Executive Committee refused to take action.
Many things were happening around the country, at the time, I do not intend to outline every possible march that had taken place. Such groups did exist and one such organisation called The National Unemployed Workers Movement. This movement was Communist lead by Wall Harrington. Another movement called The Fascist Movement was being lead by Sir Oswald Mosley. Unlike the Jarrow march some of these other marches were poorly organized and often ended in violence and bloodshed. Not what the doctor ordered. (so to speak)
On the 8th October the marchers left their borders in county Durham behind and headed into North Yorkshire. Unsure of the reception they would get the men continued their march south. By late afternoon some 16 miles further south they arrived at Northallerton, and their unspoken fears diminished to nothing. The people here were as friendly and generous as those in their own county. Many lined the pavements shouting words of encouragement. As well as a meal being provided in the Town Hall overnight sleeping arangements had also been offered.
Image host Webshots
Leaving Northallerton on the 9th October they arrived at Ripon, a distance of approx. 17 miles, later that day. Here the men spent the weekend and handed over the box containing the petition and 11,000 signatures to civic dignatories for safe keeping.
Ripon is a small city in Yorkshire. The cathedral its-self dates back to 672AD. Boasting a beautiful Cathedral, Canal Basin, thriving market, a Law and Order Museum plus a Workhouse Museum were visitors can see for them-selves the hard times and suffering the poor endured back in the 18th century. Ripon is also known as one of the smallest citys in England and has lots to offer the visitor there is much, much more to see and comes highly recommended.
Image host Webshots