Dan
@fraternalwriter.bsky.social
Researcher, author, mostly UK & 18th-20thC social history especially friendly societies, banners, the Open University, the Labour Party and the history of local history. Escapes through running.
Reposted by Dan
The first episode of The Clangers was originally broadcast on this day in 1969.
November 16, 2025 at 3:03 PM
The first episode of The Clangers was originally broadcast on this day in 1969.
Reposted by Dan
Let's play Bucks Name or Name Name
November 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Let's play Bucks Name or Name Name
Reposted by Dan
I'm so, so sick of hearing about immigration. It's like a foghorn 24/7. On the news. In the papers. In the shops and the pub. In the coffee shop. For God's sake just knock it off - yeah it's important, but it's not the only or even the main thing going on.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK seeks inspiration from Denmark to shake up immigration system
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is taking cues from some of the toughest migration laws in Europe.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 9:58 AM
I'm so, so sick of hearing about immigration. It's like a foghorn 24/7. On the news. In the papers. In the shops and the pub. In the coffee shop. For God's sake just knock it off - yeah it's important, but it's not the only or even the main thing going on.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dan
What an amazing essay from the former chair of Africana Studies at Bowdoin. I'll share a few sections in the reply but seriously, read the whole thing. It's all insightful and beautifully written.
lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
Maybe Don’t Talk to the New York Times About Zohran Mamdani
It’s remarkable, the people you’ll hear from. Teach for even a little while at an expensive institution—the term they tend to prefer is “elite”—and odds are that eventually someone who was a studen…
lithub.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:11 PM
What an amazing essay from the former chair of Africana Studies at Bowdoin. I'll share a few sections in the reply but seriously, read the whole thing. It's all insightful and beautifully written.
lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
lithub.com/maybe-dont-t...
Looking forward to visiting the banner room at Redhills.
Durham Miners' Hall, also known as Redhills, reopens as heritage and cultural centre after £14m restoration. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Durham Miners' Hall reopens after restoration work
Redhills looks towards the future after a £14m renovation which took three years to complete.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Looking forward to visiting the banner room at Redhills.
Annoyed that I can't get along to this but it should be a fascinating event so do go in my place.
Looking forward to this!
www.thegardencinema.co.uk/film/land-an...
www.thegardencinema.co.uk/film/land-an...
Land and Freedom / The Garden Cinema
The screening will be followed by a conversation between Professor Paul Preston and historian and author Richard Baxell. David is an unemployed communist that comes to Spain in 1937 during the civil w...
www.thegardencinema.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Annoyed that I can't get along to this but it should be a fascinating event so do go in my place.
Reposted by Dan
Libraries matter. Access matters.
After years of legal battles, the Internet Archive is still here—and still fighting for a world where everyone can read, learn, and remember.
@arstechnica.com tells the story: arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
After years of legal battles, the Internet Archive is still here—and still fighting for a world where everyone can read, learn, and remember.
@arstechnica.com tells the story: arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
Internet Archive’s legal fights are over, but its founder mourns what was lost
“We survived, but it wiped out the library,” Internet Archive’s founder says.
arstechnica.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Libraries matter. Access matters.
After years of legal battles, the Internet Archive is still here—and still fighting for a world where everyone can read, learn, and remember.
@arstechnica.com tells the story: arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
After years of legal battles, the Internet Archive is still here—and still fighting for a world where everyone can read, learn, and remember.
@arstechnica.com tells the story: arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
Wartime PM Lloyd George argued that drink greater foe than Germans but strong alcohol often given out. Alcoholism became rife among officers.
More rum. Baths.
More on the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago in 1915 #WWI at georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/11/03/3...
More on the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago in 1915 #WWI at georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/11/03/3...
3 November 1915
More rum. Baths. Commentary The British army’s rum ration during WW1 was a quarter of a gill (35.5 ml) “usually served at morning and dusk stand to’s, and usually under the supervision …
georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Wartime PM Lloyd George argued that drink greater foe than Germans but strong alcohol often given out. Alcoholism became rife among officers.
Two combatants each struggling to be the sole occupant of a greasy pole was a popular spectator sport of the time and is perhaps the ancestor of TV's 'It's a Knockout! and 'Gladiator' competitions.
Dirty wet day. Sports at night.
Dick champion on greasy pole fighting.
More on the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago in 1915 #WW1 at georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/11/01/1...
Dick champion on greasy pole fighting.
More on the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago in 1915 #WW1 at georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/11/01/1...
1 November 1915
Dirty wet day. Sports at night. Dick champion on greasy pole fighting. Commentary ‘Dick’ was George’s best friend, Richard Campbell. Greasy pole fighting involved participants try…
georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com
November 1, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Two combatants each struggling to be the sole occupant of a greasy pole was a popular spectator sport of the time and is perhaps the ancestor of TV's 'It's a Knockout! and 'Gladiator' competitions.
Nick's tours are acclaimed and, as Paul Preston calls the book, ‘Truly original...compellingly readable...knowledgeable...funny and sensitive', it should be a good read.
So pleased to get my book "Travels through the Spanish Civil War". @HurstPublishers publishers have done a wonderful job in producing it.
Advanced copies available thru
www.hurstpublishers.com/book/travels... with 25% off with code TRAVELS25. Otherwise 20 November in UK/Europe and 5 Jan for US, etc
Advanced copies available thru
www.hurstpublishers.com/book/travels... with 25% off with code TRAVELS25. Otherwise 20 November in UK/Europe and 5 Jan for US, etc
November 1, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Nick's tours are acclaimed and, as Paul Preston calls the book, ‘Truly original...compellingly readable...knowledgeable...funny and sensitive', it should be a good read.
Reposted by Dan
The history and legacy of the British Empire with @davidolusoga.bsky.social
Coming in November.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
🗃️📚📺 #history
Coming in November.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
🗃️📚📺 #history
October 24, 2025 at 12:06 PM
The history and legacy of the British Empire with @davidolusoga.bsky.social
Coming in November.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
🗃️📚📺 #history
Coming in November.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
🗃️📚📺 #history
Reposted by Dan
Mary ‘May’ McGee: The dignified Irish mother who took on the might of the State and became a feminist icon
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
Mary ‘May’ McGee: The dignified Irish mother who took on the might of the State and became a feminist icon
Mary ‘May’ McGee, who died this week aged 81, successfully fought the ban on contraception
www.irishtimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Mary ‘May’ McGee: The dignified Irish mother who took on the might of the State and became a feminist icon
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
In the Liberal Party poster Lloyd George is portrayed as a Sick Visitor and the friendly society member, instead of gazing upon his membership certificate on the wall is looking at the illusion of ‘9d for 4d’ conjured up by the Chancellor.
Lecture by Batt. SM. In charge
of Hd Qtrs at Goedwaervelde.
More on the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago – and on funding for medical care of #WW1 soldiers at
georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/10/28/2...
of Hd Qtrs at Goedwaervelde.
More on the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago – and on funding for medical care of #WW1 soldiers at
georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/10/28/2...
28 October 1915
Lecture by Batt. SM. In charge of Hd Qtrs at Goedwaervelde. Commentary The battery sergeant major would have been responsible for all aspects of duty and discipline of the non-commissioned officers…
georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:47 AM
In the Liberal Party poster Lloyd George is portrayed as a Sick Visitor and the friendly society member, instead of gazing upon his membership certificate on the wall is looking at the illusion of ‘9d for 4d’ conjured up by the Chancellor.
Vexingly, it is not clear as to the images or text on the banner
#OnThisDay, 28 Oct 1908, Muriel Matters, Violet Tillard and Helen Fox unfurl a banner and then chain themselves to the grille in the Ladies Gallery in the House of Commons, London, demanding votes for women.
#WomenInHistory #OTD #History #WomensHistory #BritishHistory 🗃️
1/2
#WomenInHistory #OTD #History #WomensHistory #BritishHistory 🗃️
1/2
October 28, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Vexingly, it is not clear as to the images or text on the banner
Reposted by Dan
This is the way the world ends.
I thought this was metaphorical hyperbole but, alas, no. The Department of Energy is selling off more than 40,000 pounds of weapons-grade plutonium from the Cold War arsenal to nuclear reactor startups. All of which I’m sure will be thoroughly vetted and monitored by…their former board member.
October 27, 2025 at 1:34 PM
This is the way the world ends.
1915 - British soldier in the trenches. Unlike so many of his wartime comrades, he reached the age of 23. Happy Birthday George.
Physical drill. NCO’s parade.
Visit Abeillé at night.
Had my birthday feed.
Birthday celebrations with the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago on the 1915 #WWI #WesternFront - see georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/10/26/2...
Visit Abeillé at night.
Had my birthday feed.
Birthday celebrations with the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago on the 1915 #WWI #WesternFront - see georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/10/26/2...
26 October 1915
Physical drill. NCO’s parade.Visit Abeillé at night.Had my birthday feed. Commentary Today was George’s birthday. He was 23 years old, had been on active service since the start of the …
georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:41 PM
1915 - British soldier in the trenches. Unlike so many of his wartime comrades, he reached the age of 23. Happy Birthday George.
Reposted by Dan
Rain. Lecture by Reg. SM.
Visit Steenvoorde in evening.
At pictures.
More on the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago on the 1915 #FWW #WesternFront at
georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/10/27/2...
Visit Steenvoorde in evening.
At pictures.
More on the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago on the 1915 #FWW #WesternFront at
georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/10/27/2...
27 October 1915
Rain. Lecture by Reg. SM. Visit Steenvoorde in evening. At pictures. Commentary George doesn’t say what he saw at the pictures but Charlie Chaplin had starred in 11 films released that year, …
georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Rain. Lecture by Reg. SM.
Visit Steenvoorde in evening.
At pictures.
More on the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago on the 1915 #FWW #WesternFront at
georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/10/27/2...
Visit Steenvoorde in evening.
At pictures.
More on the #LiverpoolScottish 110 years ago on the 1915 #FWW #WesternFront at
georgefergusonliverpool.wordpress.com/2025/10/27/2...
Reposted by Dan
My colleagues & I have taken a huge gamble to set up @thenerve.news We’re trying to build a new independent publication from the ground up. Social media is our only distribution for now.
Sharing this article in your networks would make a huge difference. Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏
Sharing this article in your networks would make a huge difference. Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏
NEW: The British politician, his Russian intelligence handler & a Kremlin plot against the US & Ukraine.
My new piece about Nathan Gill and Nigel Farage for @thenerve_news in which we ask:
Why, even now, is no-one asking questions?
t.co/BUTtpK9C4S
My new piece about Nathan Gill and Nigel Farage for @thenerve_news in which we ask:
Why, even now, is no-one asking questions?
t.co/BUTtpK9C4S
October 13, 2025 at 9:21 AM
My colleagues & I have taken a huge gamble to set up @thenerve.news We’re trying to build a new independent publication from the ground up. Social media is our only distribution for now.
Sharing this article in your networks would make a huge difference. Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏
Sharing this article in your networks would make a huge difference. Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏
Reposted by Dan
@britwarmemorial.bsky.social St Lawrence Church, Bradwell. Although the nearby Memorial Hall list is online, I think this one may not be.
October 2, 2025 at 7:06 PM
@britwarmemorial.bsky.social St Lawrence Church, Bradwell. Although the nearby Memorial Hall list is online, I think this one may not be.
Reposted by Dan
Telegraph admits article by Conservative immigration spokeperson Katie Lam used entirely fictional stats from Centre for Policy Studies (no, *not* the £234 bn, different ones!).
Publishes entirely inadequate correction which still makes false claims about migrant wages.
archive.ph/FkywM
Publishes entirely inadequate correction which still makes false claims about migrant wages.
archive.ph/FkywM
October 1, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Telegraph admits article by Conservative immigration spokeperson Katie Lam used entirely fictional stats from Centre for Policy Studies (no, *not* the £234 bn, different ones!).
Publishes entirely inadequate correction which still makes false claims about migrant wages.
archive.ph/FkywM
Publishes entirely inadequate correction which still makes false claims about migrant wages.
archive.ph/FkywM
Reposted by Dan
Historians’ corrections to widely circulated misinformation are often delayed by other academic commitments and they never match the reach of the offending piece, but I think they’re worth putting on the record nonetheless:
alanlester.co.uk/blog/falsify...
alanlester.co.uk/blog/falsify...
Falsifying Heritage: The Denial and Disavowal of Glasgow’s Links with Atlantic Slavery
By Stephen Mullen In a recent article in The Times, (‘Scottish Taxpayers should not have to pay the price for Slavery, 7 June 2025), Professor Nigel Biggar misrepresented an exhibition in Glasgow’s…
alanlester.co.uk
September 27, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Historians’ corrections to widely circulated misinformation are often delayed by other academic commitments and they never match the reach of the offending piece, but I think they’re worth putting on the record nonetheless:
alanlester.co.uk/blog/falsify...
alanlester.co.uk/blog/falsify...
Reposted by Dan
Citizens want to shift funds away from low-quality ministers
Ministers ‘want to shift funds away from low-quality research’ .
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Ministers ‘want to shift funds away from low-quality research’ - Research Professional News
Universities UK president says institutions cannot afford “unfunded hobbyist research”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 12, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Citizens want to shift funds away from low-quality ministers
Reposted by Dan
Archaeology’s tools were forged in war: from spy planes to satellites, the line between research and militarisation has always been thin.
Benjamin Thomas White (@btwhite.bsky.social) considers the role of Antoine Poidebard in pioneering aerial archaeology.
Benjamin Thomas White (@btwhite.bsky.social) considers the role of Antoine Poidebard in pioneering aerial archaeology.
The Bomber's View of the Past
Discover the influence of Antoine Poidebard on aerial archaeology and his complex role in French colonial history.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
September 11, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Archaeology’s tools were forged in war: from spy planes to satellites, the line between research and militarisation has always been thin.
Benjamin Thomas White (@btwhite.bsky.social) considers the role of Antoine Poidebard in pioneering aerial archaeology.
Benjamin Thomas White (@btwhite.bsky.social) considers the role of Antoine Poidebard in pioneering aerial archaeology.
Reposted by Dan
There are many reasons for wanting to become a leader and a lot of them are bad.
Do it for the meaning of the work. Do it for students. Do it to help build careers. Do it for social impact. Do it because it provides a platform to challenge inequalities in the sector.
Otherwise, what’s the point?
Do it for the meaning of the work. Do it for students. Do it to help build careers. Do it for social impact. Do it because it provides a platform to challenge inequalities in the sector.
Otherwise, what’s the point?
August 8, 2025 at 5:09 AM
There are many reasons for wanting to become a leader and a lot of them are bad.
Do it for the meaning of the work. Do it for students. Do it to help build careers. Do it for social impact. Do it because it provides a platform to challenge inequalities in the sector.
Otherwise, what’s the point?
Do it for the meaning of the work. Do it for students. Do it to help build careers. Do it for social impact. Do it because it provides a platform to challenge inequalities in the sector.
Otherwise, what’s the point?
Reposted by Dan
As we continue to recreate BNU, we’re now recruiting for a Director of Brand, Communications and Marketing. Crucial senior leadership role for shaping our future. Reshares appreciated.
jobs.bucks.ac.uk/vacancy/dire...
jobs.bucks.ac.uk/vacancy/dire...
Director of Brand, Communications & Marketing (1861) | Buckinghamshire New University
Full Time (37 hrs per week) – Permanent - High Wycombe campus and hybrid working Competitive salary HELP US BREAK THE MOULD
jobs.bucks.ac.uk
September 11, 2025 at 5:02 AM
As we continue to recreate BNU, we’re now recruiting for a Director of Brand, Communications and Marketing. Crucial senior leadership role for shaping our future. Reshares appreciated.
jobs.bucks.ac.uk/vacancy/dire...
jobs.bucks.ac.uk/vacancy/dire...