On 1 May 2021, from 11:00 to 12:00, Keith Jerrome (Unite) of the Reading International Brigades Memorial Group presented the annual commemoration of Reading's volunteers to Spain, defending democracy and fighting fascism between 1936 and 1939. The event received technical facilitation from Kathy McCubbing (Unite) of the Reading Socialist Club and was promoted by Reading Trades Union Council (of which Keith is an honorary life member) and Reading & District Labour Party.
Whilst the commemorative event was broadcast live via Zoom, a video feed cut to the Forbury Gardens where the RTUC banner, supported by James Parker (Unite) and John Partington (TSSA), was flying in salute. Chris Reilly (RMT) for the RIBMG, Tanya Wills for Unite Community, James Denny for the RMT, Jo Souter for RSC, Chris for RTUC and Helen Caney (GMB) for RDLP laid wreaths and other floral displays at the base of the monument to Reading's heroes of Spain.
Keith introduced the event, followed by a tribute to Eric Stanford, the sculptor of Reading's International Brigades Memorial, by his widow, Helen Stanford. Marlene Sidaway, President of the International Brigades Memorial Trust, then introduced Mike Cooper (on researching the Reading volunteers), Keith Jerrome (on Reg Saxton and medical aid to Spain) and Mike Walker (on Thora Silverthorne). Nada al-Sanjari read a poem by International Brigade veteran, Jimmy Moon; Ray spoke on Reading's two fallen fighters in Spain, Bill Ball and Josh Francis; and Nicky Jerrome followed the speakers with live renditions of 'Jarama Valley' and 'The Internationale'.
Zoom helped keep the tradition of commemoration alive in Reading though it is hoped that comrades can assemble in numbers around the International Brigades Memorial in a year's time for a face-to-face event.
