Saturday October 11th, 2014
The day long event, which took place at the Imperial War Museum in London, offered an array of fascinating talks from distinguished members of the peace and academic communities. The 150 participants were welcomed by Terry Charman, senior historian at the Imperial War Museum, and following an introduction by Sheila Hancock CBE, Cyril Pearce gave an overview of conscientious objectors and broader war resistance.
Ingrid Sharp of Leeds University spoke on “Challenging the war machine: German peace activism during the First World War.” Clive Barrett considered the origins of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, which is in its centenary year.
After lunch, Heloise Brown (author of ‘The Truest Form of Patriotism’: Pacifist Feminism in Britain 1870-1902) spoke on Priscilla Peckover, Peace Campaigner of Wisbech’
This was followed by Common Ground – a Drama produced by Bethan Clarke of Speaking in Tongues Theatre Company with performances by young women from across Europe. It told the story of the Women’s International Congress in the Hague in 1915.
Finally, John Gittings spoke about “Interpreting World War One” and took a critical look at HOW it is being commemorated.