Levellers Day 2001 - Equality The Awkward Ideal - Tony Benn, Brovo Steel Band and Robb Johnson

Levellers Day 2001
Equality The Awkward Ideal

Levellers Day 2001 Equality The Awkward Ideal

Speakers:
Professor Frances Stewart & Jean Lambert

Day Chair: Lee Davies

Music:
Frei Zinger, Bravo Steel Band 
& Robb Johnson

Special Guest of Honour: Tony Benn

The day opened with the sounds of Frei Zinger playing the flute as the people flowed into Warwick Hall Garden and banners appeared on the walls.

The WEA Thames and Solent Secretary, Lee Davies, stood in at the last minute as acting chair for Liz Davies, unfortunately delayed by car trouble. But she did make an appearance halfway through the morning and was able to make a strong contribution.

Interesting and thought provoking speeches from Jean Lambert, a Green Party MEP and Professor Frances Stewart from Queen Elisabeth House in Oxford, reflected on the day's theme of equality. Imran Khan was unable to attend due to other committments.


Tony Benn was invited along to receive a honorary Levellers degree and an inscribed plate and mug to honour and thank him for 27 years of involvement with Levellers Day.

Tony Benn received a very warm and generous applause and gave the audience a 15 minute rousing speech.

The procession followed its usual route up the hill and down the high street, led as by Cry Havoc Morris and the Levellers banner, bringing Burford to a temporary halt for 20 minutes. Wreaths were laid in the churchyard and an attempt to sing the Internationale, valiantly led by Tim Healey. In the afternoon Tim became the MC and introduced Robb Johnson, who gave the crowd much enjoyment with his humourous songs - followed by the Bravo Steel Band, a duo on this occasion, who played the steel drum and conga and got some of the crowd dancing.