East Marshian Chronicles

The East Marsh Community Research Network - Bringing Colour to Freeman Street

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:00:00 +0100

In this bite-sized episode of The East Marshian Chronicles, Lauren Davidson, EMU’s Chief Storyteller, sits down with Tracy Slattery, Lead for the East Marsh Community Research Network, to chat about the network’s latest creative project.

Together, they explore how 12 shutters along Freeman Street were transformed by local artist Lynsey Powles, bringing bold colour, creativity and a renewed sense of pride to the East Marsh.

Tracy shares the story behind the project, the community research that helped shape it, and what happens when local people, artists and organisations come together to brighten up their neighbourhood.

A short conversation about creativity, community and the changing face of the East Marsh.

Lauren & Josie - People, Place and Community Change

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0100

In this episode, EMU’s Chief Storyteller Lauren Davidson sits down with Josie Moon, People and Place Ambassador, to explore the work she is leading and the impact it is having across the East Marsh in Grimsby.

Josie shares insights into her role supporting community wellbeing, strengthening connections, and helping shape a more resilient, community-led future. The conversation highlights the importance of lived experience, grassroots action and creating spaces where people feel supported and heard.

Together, Lauren and Josie reflect on the challenges and opportunities within the East Marsh, and the difference that community-led approaches can make in driving meaningful, lasting change.

A thoughtful and inspiring conversation about people, place, and the power of community 💚

Weelsby Academy - Our Vision of A Greener East Marsh

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0100

As proud recipients of Project Grant Funding from Create NEL, East Marsh United were able to run workshops with a class of Year 5 pupils from Weelsby Academy, working with The Colour Foundry to imagine a rewilded local landscape.

Using sound recordings, mark making techniques and digital art, they created a magical space to be explored. 'Wild Pixels' their vision for a 'Greener East Marsh' was shared with the Community in an installation on Freeman Street Market in June. Rachel McWilliam interviews some of the pupils reflecting on the project

Lisa Bartlett from Foresight

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Continuing our journey along Freeman Street, we pass by The Warehouse. A quick left turn into Newmarket Street, and we chance upon the unassuming frontage of Foresight. Opening the door, we enter a labyrinth of wonderful people doing wonderful work...

Foresight is a dedicated organisation committed to meeting the needs and requirements of disabled individuals, their families, and carers. Their mission is to provide the way forward for the disabled community, empowering individuals to a new beginning, a brighter future, and a full and enjoyable life. From learning and training to leisure, sporting, and social activities, they strive to create inclusive opportunities for personal growth, confidence-building, and combating disadvantage.

Lisa Bartlett, Foresight's Operations Manager, took time out from her busy schedule to speak with Dan about their work in the community and impending 25th anniversary celebrations.

More Information:

Foresight

Foresight on Facebook

Foresight on X / Twitter

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Dan Humphrey and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2024

https://eastmarshunited.org

Carolyn Doyley, The Toy Library & Tree Planting

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

And we're back for 2024! In today's episode, recorded last December, Dan talks with EMU's own Carolyn Doyley about a couple of projects that go live this week.

First they discuss 'The Toy Cupboard' - our new venture with our friends at the NSPCC. This is a beautiful little spot in Freeman Street Market where parents and carers of pre-school children can borrow toys for a small fee. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Secondly they discuss our new project planting trees and hedgerows in local schools, with the help of our local community and Create Streets.

Further information can be found at:

The Toy Cupboard

Create Streets

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Dan Humphrey and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2024

https://eastmarshunited.org

We are ONE Foundation

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0000

In today's episode we leave the cosy confines of the East Marshian Chronicles studio, and take our mobile unit out for the first time.

After a short walk up Freeman Street, turning onto Newmarket Street we come upon We are ONE Foundation - a grassroots charity staffed solely by volunteers, which works to provide support for people facing food poverty including the homeless, those in hostels, the elderly and families in financial distress.

Trustees Dave Wells and Rev. Kay Jones kindly took time to tell us all about the Foundation's work in the local community. This interview was recorded while the food bank was open, so there is a little background noise.

Should you wish to find out more about donating, volunteering or using their services, more information can be found at:

https://www.weareone-outreachnortheast.org

https://www.facebook.com/WeAreONEFoundationGrimsby/

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Dan Humphrey and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

https://eastmarshunited.org

Richard Askam from Projekt Renewable

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0100

Wondering what those new shipping containers next to the Fishing Heritage Centre are all about? Well today we find out!

These containers are the home of Projekt Renewable, 'an educational and cultural destination to inspire a generation', and today Dan talks to director Richard Askam all about it.

Richard and Dan discuss the Projekt's humble beginnings, unfamiliar spelling choices, and hopes for the future, as well as where to get a decent flat white in Grimsby.

For further information:

https://www.projektrenewable.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_white

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Dan Humphrey and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

https://eastmarshunited.org

Harbour Place

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +0100

We continue our current series of discussions with other organisations seeking to effect positive change in Grimsby's East Marsh and surrounding areas.

In this episode, Dan interviews Robin Barr and Denny Batty from Harbour Place outreach and night shelter about their work with disenfranchised and vulnerable people, and their commitment to reducing and eventually eradicating homelessness and rough sleeping in our community.

https://www.harbourplacegrimsby.org.uk

https://www.facebook.com/harbourplacenel

Harbour Place Twitter

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Dan Humphrey and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

https://eastmarshunited.org

Paula Graves on community-led housing

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Dan Humphrey speaks with Paula Graves, East Marsh United's own Community-Led Housing Manager.

They discuss the current state of private renting, and what EMU is doing to combat this in our role as an 'ethical landlord'.

Paula can be contacted at:

Paula@eastmarshunited.org

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Dan Humphrey and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

https://eastmarshunited.org/

Sandra Ritchie from We Are F.I.S.H.

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Our new season continues with the next in our series of interviews with other groups effecting positive change in the Grimsby area.

This week, EMU's own Dan Humphrey talks with Sandra Ritchie from We Are F.I.S.H. about their work with local families and public spaces.

Find out more at:

https://www.facebook.com/wearefishgy/

https://www.instagram.com/wearefishgy/

www.wearefish.org.uk

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Dan Humphrey and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

https://eastmarshunited.org/

Vicky Dunn from Grimsby Community Energy

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Season Three!!!

We're kicking off with a series of conversations between East Marsh United's own Dan Humphrey and friends, colleagues and allies from other local organisations working towards positive change.

Today's interview is with Vicky Dunn from Grimsby Community Energy, a co-operative who are dedicated to bringing sustainable community energy projects to our area.

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Dan Humphrey and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

Postcards for the King

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 18:00:00 +0100

In this episode Josie Moon talks to Sue Baker and Caroline Gooch about a musical project with our East Marsh schools that has been quite a journey.

In 2020 Josie began the Anthem for the East Marsh project, a plan to write a community song featuring ideas and lyrics from the community. Sue and Caroline undertook work in all six schools to gather ideas from the children for the song. Alongside contributions from the Peace Choir, community members and children's wishes from our 2021 engagement day in Grant Thorold Park, the children's words from the schools were transformed into verses.

Jo and Olivia Townell then worked on the lyrics and composed a beautiful melody. Caroline and Sue returned to the schools and taught the song to the children. The Peace Choir learnt their version and the Anthem came to life.

In July 2022, children from the East Marsh schools came together and performed the Anthem plus other songs at Havelock Academy in a concert of celebration. Special guests at that event were Jason Stockwood, Debbie Cook and Kristine Green of Grimsby Town Football Club. Jason was so moved by the concert and the children's voices that he invited children from each school to be mascots at a match and invited all the other children to attend as guest singers.

From July last year to April this year, Sue and Kristine worked hard to enable 170 children and parents from the East Marsh to attend the April 13th home game against Barrow. We took over the Osmond Stand and sang the heroic tale of Grim the fisherman plus some chants written for the event. It was a joyous and raucous evening.

Sue and Caroline felt there was more that could be done with the children's lyrics and came up with the fabulous idea of returning to the schools to work with children to record audio postcards for King Charles, messages about their lives for the new king in the year of his coronation. The children decided to set their words to hip hop beats and their postcards are now being mastered to send away to the king.

This whole project was made possible through initial funding from the National Lottery and then Creative Civic Change.

Special thanks to:

Sue Baker, Caroline Gooch, Jo Townell, Olivia Townell, Jason Stockwood, Kristine Green, all at GTFC and our East Marsh Schools; William Barcroft Academy, Strand Academy, Weelsby Academy, Phoenix Park Academy, St Mary's RC Academy and Havelock Academy.

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

The Founding Myth of Grimsby by Josie Moon

Mon, 29 May 2023 10:00:00 +0100

This is an extract from a panel discussion which took place at the Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford entitled: 'Grimsby and Blackpool- how community power is helping them with levelling up'.

The panel consisted of Professor Sir Paul Collier, Baroness Valentine & Jason Stockwood along with East Marsh United's own Billy Dasein & Josie Moon.

Josie set the scene for the discussion of Grimsby's place in 'levelling up' (or not) by reaching back into Grimsby's founding myth.

Full video of the discussion is here: https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/videos/grimsby-and-blackpool/

Extract of Tales from the East Marsh - Kelly McLaughlin

Mon, 22 May 2023 08:00:00 +0100

This mini-episode is our final recording made at the very successful book launch of Tales from the East Marsh by our very own East Marsh Writers Group, Quills. See more about the event at this blog post.

Today's writer is Kelly McLaughlin, who reads her poem 'Seasons of my Life'.

Thanks again to everyone involved in the creation of the book and the wonderful launch event - here's to the next one!

Find out more:

East Marsh United - eastmarshunited.org

To buy a book, contact carolyn@eastmarshunited.org

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Billy Dasein and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

Extract of Tales from the East Marsh - Caroline Beeson Spence

Sun, 21 May 2023 08:00:00 +0100

This mini-episode is our penultimate recording made at the very successful book launch of Tales from the East Marsh by our very own East Marsh Writers Group, Quills. See more about the event at this blog post.

Today's extract is from 'White Winter Mischief', written and read by Caroline Beeson Spence.

Find out more:

East Marsh United - eastmarshunited.org

To buy a book, contact carolyn@eastmarshunited.org

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Billy Dasein and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

Extract of Tales from the East Marsh - Stephen Barrett

Sat, 20 May 2023 08:00:00 +0100

This mini-episode is another recording made at the very successful book launch of Tales from the East Marsh by our very own East Marsh Writers Group, Quills. See more about the event at this blog post.

Today's extract is a poem by Stephen Barrett entitled 'Bookworm'. Unfortunately Stephen was unable to attend the event, so Paul Haddock nobly stepped into his shoes to read this piece on Stephen's behalf.

Find out more:

East Marsh United - eastmarshunited.org

To buy a book, contact carolyn@eastmarshunited.org

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Billy Dasein and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

Extract of Tales from the East Marsh - Ines Aschkowski

Fri, 19 May 2023 08:00:00 +0100

Today's mini-episode is another recording made at the very successful book launch of Tales from the East Marsh by our very own East Marsh Writers Group, Quills. See more about the event at this blog post.

Our writer today is Ines Aschkowski who reads two pieces - an excerpt from 'The Spirit of the Oak Tree' and 'Walk near Buck Beck, September 9th, 2021'

Find out more:

East Marsh United - eastmarshunited.org

To buy a book, contact carolyn@eastmarshunited.org

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Billy Dasein and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

Extract of Tales from the East Marsh - 'The Promise' by Pat Moughton

Thu, 18 May 2023 08:00:00 +0100

Today's mini-episode is our second recording made at the very successful book launch of Tales from the East Marsh by our very own East Marsh Writers Group, Quills. See more about the event at this blog post.

This piece is 'The Promise' written by Pat Moughton, and read by Carolyn Doyley, the group's facilitator, and editor of the book.

Find out more:

East Marsh United - eastmarshunited.org

To buy a book, contact carolyn@eastmarshunited.org

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Billy Dasein and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

Extract of Tales from the East Marsh - 'Blackpool Engagement' by Paul Haddock

Wed, 17 May 2023 08:00:00 +0100

Over the next few few days we'll be releasing audio recorded at the very successful book launch of Tales from the East Marsh by our very own East Marsh Writers Group, Quills. See more about the event at this blog post.

The extracts are readings from the book by the group themselves. Special thanks to our fabulous host Lisa February, whose voice can be heard introducing the readers.

Find out more:

East Marsh United - eastmarshunited.org

To buy a book, contact carolyn@eastmarshunited.org

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Billy Dasein and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

The East Marsh Writers Group: Quills

Tue, 16 May 2023 08:00:00 +0100

Today’s episode sets the scene for some short releases over the coming week. Our interview is with Carolyn Doyley and Paul Haddock. Carolyn set up our East Marsh Writers Group in 2019 and Paul was one of the first to join. The group have published their first book Tales from the East Marsh by the Quills Writing Group and the two tell us all about it and about their group.

Find out more:

East Marsh United - eastmarshunited.org

To buy a book, contact carolyn@eastmarshunited.org

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Billy Dasein and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

Victoria Bettany, CLES and Community Wealth Building

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is the first in our new series on community wealth building, and features an interview with Victoria Bettany. Victoria is a senior researcher at CLES - the national organisation for local economies. CLES is dedicated to developing progressive economics for people, planet and place, working towards achieving social justice and effective public services. They define community wealth building as: “an approach to economic development that changes the way that our economies function, retaining more wealth and opportunity for the benefit of local people”.

We first met with Victoria a year ago when she helped EMU facilitate a set of workshops, and she’s back today to talk with Billy about CLES and their work with local communities.

Find out more:

East Marsh United - eastmarshunited.org

CLES - cles.org.uk

The five ‘pillars’ of CWB - cles.org.uk/blog/five-practical-ways/
A just energy transition toolkit - cles.org.uk/publications/energy-toolkit/
Evergreen Co-operatives - evgoh.com

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Intro and Outro music: extracts from DEJA VU by Christian Laverick, from the album 'Chromatica' (2010). More at: www.grimsbyguitar.co.uk

Produced by Billy Dasein and Andy Nicol for East Marsh United, 2023

The HEY Credit Union in Grimsby: helping people afford their lives!

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0100

Our friends John Smith and Quinn Needham from HEY credit union talk about the purpose and history of credit unions and about their work here in Grimsby - including on our East Marsh (Fridays, EMU's Courtyard Office, Freeman Street Market - just turn up!).

HEY are a not-for-profit financial co-operative providing fair and responsible savings and loans for local people. Their aim is to improve the financial well-being of their member-owners by providing ethical, affordable services that they are happy to continue using and recommending to their family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues. They say "We are here to help our members to afford their lives – not to make profit out of them."

Contact details

01482 778753 info@hullandeycu.co.uk

Opening times

Tuesdays - Thursdays 10 am to 2 pm - Central Library, Grimsby

Wednesdays - at West Marsh Community Centre 11 am to 2 pm

Fridays - at Freeman Street Market, Grimsby 10 am to 2 pm

Find out more
hullandeycu.co.uk

East Marsh United's Community Share Offer with Ben Wrigley

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0100

Our guest is Ben Wrigley and Ben is a Community Shares Practitioner working with East Marsh United to raise £500,000 to buy 10 more houses - part of our grand vision to buy 100 houses for 100 years and ensure the continuity of community engagement here on the East Marsh.

Ben talks about Community Share Offers and about how the whole process is managed via his own company, Resonance, and the not-for-profit social investment platform Ethex.

If you would like to stand with us and invest, head over to our Ethex page: https://www.ethex.org.uk/invest/east-marsh-community (closing date is 31st May 2022)

Find out more
eastmarshunited.org
resonance.ltd.uk
ethex.org.uk

The Million Pound Challenge on the East Marsh

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Today's episode about the Million Pound Challenge takes place from Grimsby's Freeman Street Market.

The million pound challenge aims to put money into the pockets of East Marsh residents by providing free welfare and advice appointments at Freeman Street Market. Help may also be available if people are struggling to pay housing and home energy bills or dealing with unmanageable debt.

Billy is hosting and our four challengers are:

Al Burley (Community Development Worker at West Marsh Community Centre)
Claire Thompson (Community Insights and Marketing Manager - North East Lincolnshire Council)
Bernie Taylor (Together for Childhood)
Tony Gaskins (Chief Officer, Citizens Advice North East Lincolnshire)

If you wish to volunteer to help make this excellent project a success, or wish to book an appointment to discuss potential improvements in your financial situation:

email: millionpoundchallenge@eastmarshunited.org
phone: 01472 803500

Or just come along to East Marsh United's office in The Courtyard, Freeman Street Market (especially on a Tuesday from 9am).

Find out more
eastmarshunited.org
www.hullandeycu.co.uk (or Call 01482 778753)

Ragged Reading Group 3: An Inspector Calls

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

This episode is our third Ragged Reading Group discussion - this time we explored the text suggested during our last one: An Inspector Calls by English dramatist J. B. Priestley.

An Inspector Calls is a three-act drama which takes place on a single night in April 1912, focusing on the prosperous upper middle-class Birling family, who live in a comfortable home in the fictional town of Brumley, "an industrial city in the north Midlands". The family is visited by a man calling himself Inspector Goole, who questions the family about the suicide of a young working-class woman in her mid-twenties. The play is a scathing criticism of the hypocrisies of Victorian and Edwardian English society and as an expression of Priestley's socialist political principles.

Historian Nick Shepley ( from podcast https://explaininghistory.org ) has provided us with some rich background and context in a previous podcast.

Our Ragged Reading Group on this occasion are Al Burley, Paul Haddock, David Hurley and Billy Dasein - and our superb facilitators are Josie Moon and Carolyn Doyley.

The episode is slightly longer than we'd like but the discussion was so engaging - and relevant to our times and our social condition - that I found it difficult to cut too much out - check it and stay with it to the end for sometimes eviscerating social commentary. We're all the Inspector now!

To take part in our next Ragged Reading Group just get in touch - our next Ragged Reading Group will be exploring George Orwell's Road to Wigan Pier and there's plenty of time to get hold of the book and to read it because the next group discussion will be sometime in February.

Find out more
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org

Interview with Grimsby's own Jason Stockwood - an easy Yes!

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, Jack Booth and Billy Dasein talk to Jason Stockwood, Club Chairman of Grimsby Town Football Club and so much more.

We set a high bar with our opening question and the conversation then ranges across kibbutzim and DisneyWorld, how work really works for people and organisations (spoiler: trust people), a brief discussion of Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and the barriers of language and how Covid has prompted a radically shifting world-view towards the unjust postcode lottery of austerity and poverty. Above all, what comes out often is that it's all about relationships, compassion, love and creating places that matter - human flourishing!

When it comes to the footie, Jack nails it with his impromptu question (or statement of deep personal philosophy, perhaps): "If you don't have hope then what do you have when it comes to football?"

Memorable quotation from the episode: "I've got the Grimsby in me. I like a fight"

**
Register for Hilary Cottam, Jason Stockwood & Paul Collier in conversation: 'The Grimsby Alliance - community power and levelling up' 09 December 2021, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Registration Required: : https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/events/grimsby-alliance/

Location: Online & Oxford Martin School, 34 Broad Street (corner of Holywell and Catte Streets), Oxford, OX1 3BD

**

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Intro and interval music: Mariners go for Goal, charity single from 1990 by The Merger (Grimsby home studio hopefuls - sold 1,000 copies and echoed around the hallowed ground of Blundell Park for a few matches).

Outro music: 'Jerusalem' by Paul Robeson (1939); Lyrics, William Blake (1804); Composed, Hubert Parry (1916); Contributor, Internet Archive.

Find out more
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org

Historian Nick Shepley on the Background and Context of an Inspector Calls

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

This episode is in support of our Ragged Reading Group’s imminent exploration of J.B. Priestley’s play An Inspector Calls, which was first performed in 1945 at a time of great change - both World Wars were fresh in the minds of the people, women had become more prominent in the workplace and believe it or not people of the 21st Century, it was possible to be class mobile.

The play is set in 1912 - this means that the characters have no knowledge of these world events. Priestley uses this to make important points about society and responsibility.

Your hosts are Jill Harrison and Billy Dasein and we have the great good fortune to be joined by our friend Nick Shepley who has his own insightful and informative podcast, the Explaining History Podcast - find it at explaininghistory.org - whose tagline is Modern history podcasts for students and enthusiasts - do go and have a listen, it's a brilliant podcast!

NB: The not-remembered book is A new kind of bleak by Owen Hatherley

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Intro and interval music: Egmont, Op. 84 by Ludwig van Beethoven, 1787 (the signature music for the Explaining History podcast)

Outro music: 'Jerusalem' by Paul Robeson (1939); Lyrics, William Blake (1804); Composed, Hubert Parry (1916); Contributor, Internet Archive.

Find out more
explaining history.org
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org

What's Next? Bryn Phillips, Community Organiser

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Community Organiser Bryn Phillips talks to Jack and Billy from the East Marshian Chronicles Podcast.

Bryn talks about bringing organisations together to build civic power - including here in Grimsby. He speaks of the important issue of where the money comes from in terms of a self-determining group of citizens. In particular, Bryn discusses crucial issues around power in community organising - "Power is at the heart of what we do" - and people coming together to determine their interests shared in common.

Intro music: Gymnopédie No. 1 by Erik Satie impromptu performance by Bryn Phillips

Interval music: 'Street Gang' by Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance from the album Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance (1975), written by (Lane, O'lochlainn, Steve Simpson.

Outro music: JERUSALEM by Paul Robeson (1939); Lyrics, William Blake (1804); Composed, Hubert Parry (1916); Contributor, Internet Archive.

Find out more
commongoodfoundation.org.uk
industrialareasfoundation.org
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org

What's Next? Lord Maurice Glasman and the Genius of Grimsby

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Today's podcast from the edge of things is a fascinating chat with Lord Maurice Glasman.

Maurice talks about his strong family background, finding himself in an unchallenging role as an academic and about breaking free of all that and discovering a joyous new skill-set as a Community Organiser allied with the Industrial Areas Foundation - and unexpectedly finding himself in the house of lords (as you do). It's quite the story.

Maurice then set up the Common Good Foundation - which ultimately led him to reach out to and stand with the people of Grimsby - and here we all are... also with Community Organiser Bryn making a timely intervention.

And what is the Genius of Grimsby? Listen in to find out.

This episode is dedicated to the independence and fighting spirit of Maurice's mum.

Intro music: JERUSALEM by Paul Robeson (1939); Lyrics, William Blake (1804); Composed, Hubert Parry (1916); Contributor, Internet Archive.

Interval music: 'Street Gang' by Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance from the album Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance (1975), written by (Lane, O'lochlainn, Steve Simpson.

Outro music: Friday by the Sea by Grimsby's own Al Hunter (find Al here: thethumpingtommys.com)

Find out more
commongoodfoundation.org.uk
industrialareasfoundation.org
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org

Ragged Reading Group 2: The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0100

This episode is our second Ragged Reading group and our Ragged Readers are Al Burley, Carolyn Doyley, Josie Moon, Jill Harrison and facilitator Billy Dasein.

We first of all explore the famous Great Money Trick where the character Frank Owen organises a mock-up of capitalism with his workmates, using slices of bread as raw materials and knives as machinery and manages to explain Marx’s theory of surplus value...

Next we have a look at the 'solutions' put in place by the ruling class - of course we have very different solutions these days, don't we. Don't we?

After that we marvel at the Great Oration and conclude by discussing issues around Tressell's ending - is it problematic? What do you think?

To take part in our next Ragged Reading Group just get in touch - we will be reading and discussing J. B. Priestley's play An Inspector Calls from 1945.

Find out more
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org
https://rickardsisters.com

What's Next? The Freedom Tour 2021

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Today we have something different, we're starting a few podcasts exploring different approaches to local democracy and community development and engagement. We start with some brilliant young people who have been travelling around the country asking the question 'What's Next'?

Thanks to the intrepid Freedom Tourers: Greg, Paul, George, Lara, Liv.

Intro and Outro music: 'Jerusalem' by Paul Robeson (1939); Lyrics, William Blake (1804); Composed, Hubert Parry (1916); Contributor, Internet Archive.

Find out more
https://freedomtour.uk
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org

The Magic Garden: Part 4

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Episode 4 of The Magic Garden. In the final episode, we find out what Cosmo has been making with his mum. Will Barry the Beetle and his babies find a new home? What is the giant with the green legs doing? Will Notwhat have good news?

We hope you enjoyed listening to the story and we look forward to bringing you more later this year.

The Magic Garden, by Josie Moon is a brand new story featuring intrepid children Carrie and Cosmo, Sandi the snail, Susan the hedgehog and many more garden creatures. The story was created as part of a programme of work funded by Arts Council England, Grimsby Jazz Projects and the NEL Music Hub. With thanks to East Marsh United and the Sun and Moon Festival we can now bring you this podcast series in which Josie reads her story for young listeners.

This podcast is suitable for children aged 3-8 and for family listening.

If you would like a paperback copy of The Magic Garden email msjosiemoon@gmail.com for full details of how to purchase.

Original music for this podcast is by Pat McCarthy and Hetty McCarthy. If you’d like to hear more of the music that accompanies the story, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/grimsbyjazzprojects

The Magic Garden: Part 3

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Episode Three: Who is the giant with the green legs? Why isn’t Carrie afraid of him? In Episode Three, we find out more about the animals and their fears over their homes.

The Magic Garden, by Josie Moon is a brand new story featuring intrepid children Carrie and Cosmo, Sandi the snail, Susan the hedgehog and many more garden creatures. The story was created as part of a programme of work funded by Arts Council England, Grimsby Jazz Projects and the NEL Music Hub. With thanks to East Marsh United and the Sun and Moon Festival we can now bring you this podcast series in which Josie reads her story for young listeners.

This podcast is suitable for children aged 3-8 and for family listening.

If you would like a paperback copy of The Magic Garden email msjosiemoon@gmail.com for full details of how to purchase.

The Magic Garden: Part 2

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Episode Two:

Notwhat the Owl flies down to the garden to deliver troubling news. Poor Susan must face terrible peril in the compost heap and Barry the Beetle has to find a new home urgently. How will the animals face up to the challenge that Notwhat brings?

This podcast is suitable for children aged 3-8 and for family listening.

If you would like a paperback copy of The Magic Garden email msjosiemoon@gmail.com for full details of how to purchase.

Original music for this podcast is by Pat McCarthy and Hetty McCarthy. If you’d like to hear more of the music that accompanies the story, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/grimsbyjazzprojects

The Magic Garden: Part 1

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0100

What is going on in the garden? Why are the animals attending a meeting under the big tree? What are Carrie and Cosmo doing to help? And who is this mysterious giant with the green legs?

The Magic Garden, by Josie Moon, is a brand new story featuring intrepid children Carrie and Cosmo, Sandi the Snail, Susan the Hedgehog and many more garden creatures. The story was created as part of a programme of work funded by Arts Council England, Grimsby Jazz Projects and the NEL Music Hub. With thanks to East Marsh United and the Sun and Moon Festival we can now bring you this podcast series in which Josie reads her story for young listeners.

This podcast is suitable for children aged 3-8 and for family listening.

If you would like a paperback copy of The Magic Garden email msjosiemoon@gmail.com for full details of how to purchase.

Original music for this podcast is by Pat McCarthy and Hetty McCarthy. If you’d like to hear more of the music that accompanies the story, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/grimsbyjazzprojects

Episode One

Carrie is enjoying a sleepy sunny day when she hears a strange rustling from the compost heap. She soon finds herself caught up in an adventure when she is invited to a very important meeting underneath the big tree.

Ragged Reading Group 1: The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0100

This episode is our very first reading group discussion of the Ragged Trousered Philanthropists. Our ragged reading group are Carolyn Doyley, Lee Coulbeck, Josie Moon and Al Burley.

Billy is your host for a really fascinating discussion enlivened by (unexpected and completely unprepared!) live action readings of the amazing graphic novel. We hope you enjoy it!

To take part in our next Ragged Reading Group just get in touch - and here are the different versions of the book you can access in preparation:

The gorgeous Graphic Novel: https://rickardsisters.com
A really good free audio version of the book: https://librivox.org/the-ragged-trousered-philanthropists-by-robert-tressell/
Free online versions of the book in various formats https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3608

Find out more
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org

The Graphic Novel of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists with Scarlett and Sophie Rickard

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode a writer and an artist talk to a writer and an artist...

Scarlett and Sophie Rickard are graphic novelists. Collaborating on every stage of a project, Sophie makes up the stories and Scarlett draws the pictures. This has been going on since they were children, when Scarlett’s constant refrain was “Tell me what to draw!”

The sisters grew up in the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, and the culture and landscape of the north-west feature prominently in their first novel Mann’s Best Friend.

Their latest graphic novel is an adaptation of Robert Tressell’s working-class classic The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists with SelfMadeHero.

Our own Josie Moon (who makes up stories) and Sarah Palmer (who draws pictures) talk to Scarlett and Sophie about their process in creating the stunning graphic novel of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists (available in all good bookshops and from their website at https://rickardsisters.com).

Gertrude the dog makes an early vocal appearance, one joy of home-working!

Intro and Outro music: 'Jerusalem' by Paul Robeson (1939); Lyrics, William Blake (1804); Composed, Hubert Parry (1916); Contributor, Internet Archive.

Interval music: 'Street Gang' by Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance from the album Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance (1975), written by (Lane, O'lochlainn, Steve Simpson.

Find out more
Josie Moon
Sarah Palmer
https://rickardsisters.com
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists with Scarlett and Sophie Rickard

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Today we’ll be looking at Robert Tressell (or Noonan or Croker)’s book The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, likely the first novel by a working class writer and who has been called the man who made a million socialists. Our guests are Scarlett and Sophie Rickard and they have a particular intimacy with the novel, as they have transformed it to suit our own times as a graphic novel.

Scarlett is an illustrator and graphic artist living in Kent. Sophie is a writer and child counsellor living in Cheshire. Despite living hundreds of miles apart they work closely on every stage of their projects — and have a lot of fun doing it. Their astounding graphic novel version of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is available in all good bookshops and from their website at https://rickardsisters.com

Intro and Outro music: 'Jerusalem' by Paul Robeson (1939); Lyrics, William Blake (1804); Composed, Hubert Parry (1916); Contributor, Internet Archive.

Interval music: 'Street Gang' by Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance from the album Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance (1975), written by (Lane, O'lochlainn, Steve Simpson.

Find out more
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org

East Marsh United Conversation Day (22nd May 2021)

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0100

On May 22nd 2021, East Marsh United hosted what we call a 'Conversation Day' at our communal home at Freeman Street Market. This was a fantastic chance for us to reintroduce ourselves to the community as well as an opportunity for you, the community, to see us too! We really enjoyed and appreciated being back in the real world with everyone who came along - human interaction is great!

During the day, we went around speaking to lots of different people looking to get their thoughts on how they were finding 'Conversation Day' and we decided to capture some of these chinwags and turn them into a podcast.

It was lovely to hear from some new faces as well as chatting to some familiar voices as we made our way around the market.

Study Circle 1 - Education

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Episode 3 of our East Marshian Chronicles podcast is also our very first Study Circle. What happens is that a small group of engaged people sit together and discuss issues relevant to our lives and times. Circles are conducted in an atmosphere of genuineness, empathy and trust and the intention is to have a positive impact on society, which satisfies Marx’s dictum about not just interpreting but also changing the world. Therefore, we use the powerful three-part Trust the People process for people’s assemblies, which is essentially about making a decision to do something out there in the world.

Hosted by Billy, this episode is focused around the topic of education following on from the previous episode with Pushpa Kumbhat talking about the history of working class adult education. We hope you enjoy the conversation, which starts part way through the deliberation stage and the question ‘what does education mean to you?’

Participants: Carolyn Doyley, John Leam, Les Bonner, Josie Moon, Roy Horobin, Gordon Wilson and John Mooney.

Intro and Outro music: 'Jerusalem' by Paul Robeson (1939); Lyrics, William Blake (1804); Composed, Hubert Parry (1916); Contributor, Internet Archive.

Interval music: 'Street Gang' by Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance from the album Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance (1975), written by (Lane, O'lochlainn, Steve Simpson.

Find out more
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org

Working Class Adult Education with Pushpa Kumbhat

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode we talk to history tutor Dr Pushpa Kumbhat, who researches the history of British adult education in relation to the labour movement, citizenship, political representation and democracy. Pushpa helps us find out more about what working class adult education is and why it matters - in particular the evolution of working class adult education from late C19th to 1939 to include University extension, Cooperative education, Mechanics colleges, our own WEA and Labour colleges. Pushpa's other research interests include the history of women & adult education, the student experience of adult education and the role of universities and education outside the institution.

Resources

Pushpa's PhD thesis: Working Class Adult Education in Yorkshire 1918 - 1939
Centenary Commission on Adult Education 2019 (This commission revisited and commemorated the 1919 Report on Adult Education)
WEA Pamphlet, Adult Student as Citizen (list of all students past and present in WEA who are in public service in 1938 in England and Wales).

Intro and Outro music: JERUSALEM by Paul Robeson (1939); Lyrics, William Blake (1804); Composed, Hubert Parry (1916); Contributor, Internet Archive.

Interval music: 'Street Gang' by Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance from the album Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance (1975), written by (Lane, O'lochlainn, Steve Simpson.

Find out more
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org

Introduction to the East Marshian Chronicles Podcast

Mon, 10 May 2021 15:00:00 +0100

In our very first podcast from the Edge of Things, Educationist Jol Miskin interviews Jill and Billy about the Worker's Educational Association (WEA), about activist community group East Marsh United (EMU) and about our joint upcoming fortnightly podcast, the East Marshian Chronicles.

Intro and Outro music: JERUSALEM by Paul Robeson (1939); Lyrics, William Blake (1804); Composed, Hubert Parry (1916); Contributor, Internet Archive.

Find out more:
wea.org.uk
eastmarshunited.org