The first of many stalls, where we hope to raise the profile of the Party and the Morning Star.
Very little snow in Manchester but, of course, it was drizzling. However, encouraged by an email from a comrade sending his good wishes and saying how important it is to give the Party and the M Star a presence on the streets, we set up at Piccadilly Gardens. The stall looked passable with two flags draped over it. We had to put the lit. out in plastic covers so it wasn't the best presentation I've ever seen. Those of us who'd been to Buchanan Street commented that we'd have to do better, but not bad for starters.
Greater Manchester comrades braving the elements in Piccadilly Gardens |
After two and a half hours we were getting cold and hungry. The rain was getting heavier. The M Stars were turning to paper mache and you coudn't read the pamphlet titles through the rain drops.
Matt's back was turned as he was patiently and quietly counselling a hysterical, rabidly anti-Soviet guy who had just threatened and insulted an 82 year old female comrade who wouldn't enter into a slanging match with him. His was the only negative response we got. We seized the moment, slyly packed up and slunk away promising to behave with more revolutionary fervour in better weather.
We only sold 7 M Stars and one pamphlet but it was a dreadful day and we were competing with Debenham's half price sale! There's lots of things to improve on but we made a start and several people who didn't know there was a Communist Party know now. Will we make it a regular event? Definitely!
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