THE LEGACY of trade union pioneer born in Barford is being celebrated by residents.
The Wellesbourne Allotment Association is inviting people to walk in the footsteps of Joseph Arch, to commemorate 100 years since his death.
Arch was leading light in the formation of the National Union for Agricultural Labourers in the 1870s, and the following decade became the first agricultural worker elected an MP.
The free event on Sunday February 10 will include a walk and wreath laying along with Barford Heritage Group. The walk will begin at 10.15am from the scout hut in Wasperton Lane.
The walk will continue to the Stag’s Head at Wellesbourne – outside which he gave a pivotal speech about labourer’s rights – to meet the Hereburgh Morris Dancers at 1.15pm.
The Wellesbourne community choir will also lead participants in the singing of songs about Arch found in a book in the Bodleian Library in Oxford.
There is free transport from The Stag’s Head to Barford for those who want to join the walk in the morning but places are limited and must be reserved.
Visit www.wellesbourneallotments.co.uk for bookings and further details.
