Strike School welcomes the crowds

Norfolk’s Burston Strike School Rally returns in 2025, and it will be a chance for the crowds to check out the newly refurbished school building.

The Strike School was beginning to show its age, and earlier in the year the call out was made to Unite branches, regions and sister unions across the country to chip in and help out. The response has been fantastic.

The vital repair work followed an inspection where trustees identified several hazards needing repaired. This was to ensure the Strike School was in a safe condition to welcome visitors to the museum and Strike School Rally.

Mark Walker, Unite Regional Officer and Burston Strike School Event Coordinator and Trustee, said, “The work on the strike school is nearly finished, and is only possible due to the many kind donations we received from union branches.

“Kitchen, flooring, toilets, damp proofing, electrical work and ground work are nearly complete ensuring the museum is legally compliant and preserved for future generations to visit and enjoy.”

The Strike School originally opened in 1917 thanks to trade union and labour movement donations from across the country that were sent in solidarity with teachers Tom and Kitty Higdon.

The Higdons were sacked by the establishment for their trade union and socialist views, resulting in pupils at the Burston village Council School walking out in protest. The strike and boycott lasted for 25 years, leading to their action being labelled the “‘the longest strike in history”.

The free annual event Burston Strike School Rally first started in 1984, and Mark said that plans are being finalised for another packed programme of speakers and music for 2025.

Mark said that they have a packed day of entertainment and speakers, including Mark Thomas, who is widely recognized as one of the boldest and the most uncompromising comedians in the last twenty years, who has had no qualms in combining comedy with political activism. 

Other performers include Reggae Falls, Red Notes and Drum Babas along with speakers including Unite Regional Women’s and Equalities Officer Aisha Malik-Smith.

Unite National Officer Paul Travers is a regular at Burston said, “The Burston Strike School Rally is a fantastic event, organised by a dedicated team of volunteers who aim to keep the story of Tom and Kitty Higdon alive for future generations.”

“It is one of the most important events in the region for Unite, and always a great day out. It’s the perfect chance to catch up with people and find out more about the area’s trade union history. I would encourage anyone who has never been before to give it a try and come to Burston this September. You won’t regret it!”

The 2025 Burston Strike School Rally takes place on Sunday 7th September at Church Green, Burston.

Unite Live will be posting a report from the rally, so keep checking the website.

By Keith Hatch