North Devon: anti-imperialists campaigning together

An initiative of Chilean Socialist José Mateo and British Communist Gerrard Sables led to the founding of North Devon Liberation www.devonliberation.org the only local branch of Liberation the long time campaigning body against imperialism.

Liberation was formerly the Movement for Colonial Freedom.

On Saturday 14 January to celebrate a year of campaigning the branch held a musical event. Jorge Morales thrilled the 50 or so gathered in Barnstaple's historic Guildhall with songs from Chile. Cahit Baylav member of Liberation's national steering committee read out the message of support from Jeremy Corbyn our national president  and told us how in Turkey they had sung Chilean revolutionary songs in Turkish. He then entertained us with his violin and performed a duet with his wife Akgül. Gerrard then told of the history of Liberation in North Devon and made the collection of £236.

Breaking Boundaries is a Latin American quartet comprising Colombian singer Ludz, Chilean singer Patricia, Bolivian guitarist and vocalist Milton and Peter on guitar and vocals who had come from the Outer Hebrides for the event. they had the audience clapping and stamping in appreciation.

Dave Clinch played us out and we went for a splendid meal cooked by our good friend Belal whose excellent curry was devoured.

All in all a great afternoon's entertainment and one which has made us many new friends.