Peterloo People promises a 'potpourri of passions' with an 'attempt to put some flesh on the anonymous participants in what was to be known as The Peterloo Massacre'...
Three writing groups, SWit'CH (Swinton Writers in t'Critchley Hub), Salford Women Writers and A Thursday Group have collaborated on the publication*, which is described as a "compilation of individual stories of history based fictional characters who could have been impacted by the events around 16 August 1819 in Manchester...Stories imagine the personal involvements of a range of characters including the protesters, their families, the authorities and the military..."
The participants state that it was their intention to bring Peterloo to the attention of the community...
"The literary style aims to introduce a wider audience to this important political milestone through recreational reading" they explain "Real events and the inclusion of major players give historical anchors to this modest attempt to put some flesh on the anonymous participants in what was to be known as The Peterloo Massacre...
"A potpourri of passions gives the reader the chance to walk in those shoes to the peaceful protest, the actions on the day and shameful reaction afterwards" they add "But the focus is not only on the victims; the perspectives of the authorities and militia are treated with sympathy and criticism in due turn – and there's even a wry tale of hope and salvation for a pariah in the guise of a government spy..."
Peterloo People is endorsed by Barbara Keeley, MP for Worsley and Eccles South, who says "Peterloo People is a creative and reflective commemoration of one of the most important episodes in the history of Manchester...".
Peterloo People is published by SWit'CH and is available from the Age UK Critchley hub, or Salford Museum and Art Gallery at £5 which includes a donation to the stockist. Or through Amazon for £7.
* SWit'CH – Swinton Writers in t'Critchley Hub - is a community writing group and publisher that meets Wednesdays between 2pm and 4pm at the Age UK internet cafe in Critchley House 75 Chorley Road Swinton M27 4AF. For more information see the website www.switchwriters.btck.co.uk/
Salford Women Writers has run for over twenty years and meets at Salford Women's Centre, at Hulton Bank, Langworthy Road, on a Wednesday morning, from 10.30am to noon. For more information see www.salfordwomenscentre.co.uk/
A Thursday Group is a small group of women interested in writing, who meet for tea and cakes, reading and discussion of their work in each other's homes. The group is private.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpeg)
.png)
(1).JPG)
