Back in July last year, a double decker bus load of elderly Salford residents arrived outside the Civic Centre in Swinton, and the occupants proceeded to line dance and play bowls on Salford Council's lawn.*
It was a protest against the Council's plans to make Boddan Lodge Over 60s Club pay more and be self financing, which would have spelt the end of the Monton OAP oasis that alleviates loneliness and alienation.
Many citizens who had never been on a demo before were turned into activists, and their fight was covered by Salford born film maker Rafe Conn, as part of his documentary, How To Make An Activist, which also includes interviews with lots of other protesters against austerity and a host of other issues.
The twenty minute film, originally made as part of Rafe's Masters degree at Salford University is to be premiered free tomorrow, Sunday 16th August at 11am, online at The People's Assembly Facebook page, to tie in with the 201st anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre, which is also covered in the film...
"Salford Star readers might already know the inspirational story about the fight to save Boddan Lodge at Monton Green, and I was lucky enough to be able to follow them through their battle and use it as the basis of my film" says Rafe
"The film also covers many of the events from last year's 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre" he adds "This film was due to be shown at festivals but they've all been postponed, so amazingly The People's Assembly Against Austerity will be premiering it on their Facebook page. It's very exciting because the page has over 100,000 followers so I'm hoping for a decent sized audience for the premiere.
"I think this is an important moment to reflect on Peterloo and the fight for basic democratic rights" he explains "I am proud to have been born in Salford, with its rich history of activism and unwavering opposition to authoritarianism..."
How To Make An Activist
Sunday 16th August 11am
Online at The People's Assembly Facebook page click here
Rafe Conn also made a film about the Salford Star's fight for survival Deathstar Supernova click here to view it and click here to see Rafe's YouTube Channel with lots of other films
* For a full background into the Boddan Lodge campaign see previous Salford Star articles - click here and click here and click here
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