The original “Dockers’ Labour Hall” signs, that, well over a century ago, graced mass meetings of Bridgwater’s dockers, brick and tile workers addressed by trade union legends such as Ben Tillett and Ernie Bevin, have been lovingly restored. Brian Smedley, a Unite the Union member, and leader of Bridgwater’s Labour Town Council, discovered the signs in the loft of Unity House in Dampiet St, just before the former Labour Party HQ was sold. Mike Mansell, Bridgwater postman, CWU Union committee member, and passionate part-time woodworker, has painstakingly cleaned and re-varnished the gold leaf lettering, the hardwood frame and the fine metal mesh. The results are beautifully-restored signs that have had most of the dirt and grime of 120 years removed, but have retained the wonderful age-old patina of what may be a unique trade union survival.
Bridgwater Trades Union Council Secretary Dave Chapple said “Further research needs to be undertaken, but the signs were definitely used to advertise meetings in the dockers’ hall, situated at No 29 Friarn St, between c. 1899 and 1928. These working-class gatherings included the two Bridgwater branches of Ben Tillett’s Dock, Wharf, Riverside and General Workers’ Union; the Bridgwater Branch of Keir Hardie’s Independent Labour Party, and even the Bridgwater Labour Church!”
Antiques in the Attic
Dave Chapple, added “Some years ago the loft at Unity House delivered up the wonderful silk banner, made by George Tutill of East London, of the Bridgwater Branch of the Independent Equalized Order of Ancient Druids, one of the key working-class friendly societies. This banner is in safe keeping locally. Almost incredibly, this same loft has now given us an original artefact of Ben Tillett’s trade union. Some trade union gatherings are a little bit different: and this restoration event was both happy celebration and serious reminder: a reminder that the dignity and respect that Ben Tillett and Bridgwater workers fought for over and over again 120 years ago are still to be achieved!”