We set up our stall with lots of material to sell and
information about what the University of East Anglia Socialist Society stands
for from about 10.30 in the morning.
Throughout the day we had a lot of interest, and ended with
85 signatures and emails! There were several 1st years who seemed very keen – 3
Norwegian girls came up, one of them was very insistent about joining and was a
member of the ‘Socialist Left’ in Norway. There were several other people who came
up and chatted who seemed quite serious about it, and all were very genuine. We
sold several copies of the Che Guevara and James Connolly pamphlets.
In the evening we had a meeting, showing ‘The Revolution
Will Not Be Televised’. We worked hard to bring music and buy food, and when
people arrived to make them feel welcome, and the meeting was markedly relaxed
than any last year. Between 40 and 50 people came to watch the film, and after
it was over there was a big round of applause. I led off on what has happened
since the film’s events, and also tried to link the film to the theory of the
‘Permanent Revolution’ and the socialist perspectives of the revolution.
We sold copies of Socialist Appeal and a few of the new HoV
magazines, plus some more pamphlets. A number of us went to the pub afterwards
for a further chat and discussion.
Members of the society put in a lot of hard work throughout
the day, which really made the difference. We have a good bunch of people
involved.
Also, another piece of good news is that someone from
Norwich suddenly emailed me last night saying he was a regular follower of
www.marxist.com and wanted to meet up! This is in addition to the other person
in Norwich who subscribed to the journal over the summer.
A lot of work to be done, but it is looking very good
