Burston Strike School

Sunday was a glorious day to leave London and head up to Norfolk. Just as kids are finishing their long summer holiday break it is quite apposite that trade unionists celebrate the Burston Strike School.

The significance of the Burston Strike School lies in the fact that the action came about as an act of solidarity by schoolchildren; and, that the action was the longest strike in the UK lasting from 1914 to 1939.

The school was staffed by Kitty Higdon, as headmistress, and her husband, Tom. Both Higdon’s were Socialists, and Tom Higdon had stood and beat the local rector for a place on the Parish Council.

As Socialists and decent human beings the Higdon’s were unhappy with the condition of the school building and the practices of local farmers. The Higdon’s complained about the school building being damp, inadequately heated, poorly lit with a lack of ventilation.

The Higdons also voiced their concern with local farmers withdrawing their children from lessons to assist on their farms, thus interrupting their learning. Though the children lived on local farms some would travel three miles to get to school. Sometimes they’d arrive at school soaking wet, and quite naturally on such occasions the Higdon’s would light a fire to dry the wet clothes.

The school management board used their lighting of a fire and a spurious charge was made against Kitty of beating two girl pupils; a charge that was found to be not proven. Despite this the school management board sacked the Higdons.

 Their sacking led to their pupils, led by Violet Potter, to going out on strike. The strike led to the Higdon’s, with the aid of trade unions, local trades councils and the Labour Party CLPs raising the funds to open a new school. Of their 72 former pupils 66 attended the Burston Strike School which ran until Tom’s death in 1939.

So, fast forward some 104 years on from the strike and here we were. Several hundred trade unionists and Socialists gathered on the green outside what is now the Burston Strike School museum.

The event was Chaired by Theresa McKay and Megan Dobney; and, the speakers included Gail Cartmail, Mark Serwotka, John McDonnell and Mick Cash. While entertainment was provided by the Red Flags (band), Kate Smurthwaite (comedian), Anto Morra (musician), Maddy Carty (musician) and the 1st May Band.

At around 1 pm the programme was halted while most of the strike attendees took part in the march carried out by Violet Potter and her school friends over a century ago.

Leaving the village was like being transported way back. We passed a few thatched cottages; and, if not for the odd modern sign, we could have been those children.

Taking part in the march was a real delight. The sense of Comradeship was heightened by a lovely sunny day with a cloudless blue sky, the air filled by the delightful sound of the RMT’s brass band.

The Burston Strike School is definitely a calendar date for all trade unionists. Could I also urge Unite London members to attend Burston to show Solidarity with their Eastern side of the Region.