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garinda · 30-08-2009, 20:12

I apologise in advance, for I'm sure I'm going to have lots of questions whilst reading Margaret McKay's autobiography, Generation in Revolt, but here's the first.

At the time of writing in 1953, she mentions her father used to attend what sounds like a politically radical debating group, which was called the Accrington Discussion Class.

In 1953 it was still in existence, and she says it was about to celebrate it's centenary. So I presume it had been founded in the late 1850's/early 1860's.

It's stated in the book these classes/debates were held every winter Sunday evening. When her father was attending in the 1890's -1914, it was held in the Bay Horse Inn, but was so succesful and popular, as well as being well attended, that they needed larger premises, and it was relocated to the Dowry Picture House.

The author attests that the group was still going strong in the 1950's, though no details are given as to a venue.

Does anyone have anymore information about this group, or who had parents/grandparents who attended, or know it's last venue?

30-08-2009, 20:12	#1
garinda Give, give, give member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Overlookin' ducks & geese Posts: 32,411 Blog Entries: 293 Liked: 27 times Rep Power: 16468	Accrington Discussion Class. I apologise in advance, for I'm sure I'm going to have lots of questions whilst reading Margaret McKay's autobiography, Generation in Revolt, but here's the first. At the time of writing in 1953, she mentions her father used to attend what sounds like a politically radical debating group, which was called the Accrington Discussion Class. In 1953 it was still in existence, and she says it was about to celebrate it's centenary. So I presume it had been founded in the late 1850's/early 1860's. It's stated in the book these classes/debates were held every winter Sunday evening. When her father was attending in the 1890's -1914, it was held in the Bay Horse Inn, but was so succesful and popular, as well as being well attended, that they needed larger premises, and it was relocated to the Dowry Picture House. The author attests that the group was still going strong in the 1950's, though no details are given as to a venue. Does anyone have anymore information about this group, or who had parents/grandparents who attended, or know it's last venue? __________________ 'If you're going to be a Kant, be the very best Kant there is my son.' Johann Georg Kant, father of Immanuel Kant, philosopher. Last edited by garinda; 30-08-2009 at 20:14.