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Housmans radical booksellers since 1945

EVENTS

We aim to put on a variety of events in the shop, and welcome suggestions from community and radical groups who want to use the shop for evening events. Please contact nik@housmans.com or ring us on 020 7837 4473 if you are interested in organising an event. (click here to see previous events)

"Wednesdays @ Housmans" continue... along with many other events on various days

Since September 2007, Housmans has been hosting weekly book events and talks based around a monthly theme. We hope on any given Wednesday from 7pm onwards you can pop into Housmans and be certain of catching a unique and stimulating evening of discussion and debate, with refreshments provided.

See 2008 monthly themes for a list of the topics to be covered by Housmans in 2008. If you are involved with any of the subjects covered then please feel free to contact us with events suggestions or to hold your own event@Housmans.

September Events - Peace Month

Wednesday 3 September – 7 pm (talk) ‘Remembering Franz Jägerstätter’ with Gerry McFlynn

Vice-president of Pax Christi Gerry McFlynn will be commemorating the life of Franz Jägerstätter, the Austrian farmer who refused to serve in the Nazi army on grounds of conscience. As in most countries at the time, refusal to serve mandatory military service in war time was a criminal offence in Germany, and Jägerstätter was sentenced to death and executed.

When German troops moved into Austria in 1938, Jägerstätter was the only person in the village to vote against the Anschluss. Although he was not involved with any political organisation, and did undergo one brief period of military training, he remained openly anti-Nazi, and publicly declared he would not fight in the war – a decision he paid for with his life.

Jägerstätter’s story reminds us of the importance of saying No - and as such serves as inspiration for all those who seek to face the injustices of our times.

Wednesday 10 September– 7pm (talk) Meeting with Julian Ovalle - Colombian Conscientious Objector. Hosted by War Resisters International
*subject to Julian Ovalle receiving a visa (see below)

Colombia is a country with more than 50 years of armed conflict, especially affecting young people, who are at risk of being recruited by the state military, paramilitary groups, or the different guerrilla groups. However, many young people no longer wish to be part of the armed conflict, and want to opt out. They choose nonviolence and conscientious objection to service in any of the armed groups as their alternative – a choice that carries its own risks.

Julian Ovalle is a conscientious objector and activist with Collective Action of Conscientious Objectors in Bogota. He will talk about the situation in Colombia, the recruitment practice of the different armed actors in Colombia, and the work of the movement for conscientious objection in Colombia.

Julian will be speaking in Spanish, but translation will be provided by colleagues from War Resisters’ International.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Please call Housmans or WRI to confirm the event is taking place, as at the time of publication the British consulate has not yet confirmed that they will give Julian Ovalle a visa – however we remain hopeful.

Saturday 13 September – 5pm (book event/talk) ‘War & Women's Activism’ with Cynthia Cockburn and friends

The international feminist antimilitarist network Women in Black will be hosting an evening of discussion on the subject of the role of women's activism against war. Leading the discussion will be academic and Women in Black member Cynthia Cockburn, whose latest book ‘From Where We Stand: War, Women's Activism and Feminist Analysis’ explores in depth many of the dynamics of international feminist anti-militarist groups.

As part of the event, Housmans will also be exhibiting a series of photographs taken by Cynthia, which document the many women’s anti-war actions that she has been present at over the years.

Signed copies of Cynthia’s latest book, and previous work, will also be available.

Friday 19 September – 7pm (book event/talk) ‘The Necessity of Permaculture’ with Graham Burnett

“History is littered with societies that over- exploited their resources; they are all now extinct. We are rapidly moving to the same situation. By designing rationally however, we can set up the systems we need for good living in such a way that they don’t destroy or pollute. Permaculture is the most coherent system yet devised.”- Steve Reed, Permaculture designer and teacher.

What is Permaculture? Why do we need Permaculture? What are Permaculture ethics and the principles of working with nature’s patterns? What are the basics of the Permaculture design process? What are concepts such as zones, sectors, edge, stacking and succession, and how they can work for us? How can you use Permaculture practically in your life, home, garden, land or community, whatever your situation?

An experienced permaculture practioner, designer and teacher, Graham Burnett will be providing all the answers. His latest booklet on the subject, ‘Permaculture, a Beginners Guide’ will encourage you to apply its ethics and principles of sustainability, and working with rather than against nature, to your land (whether it’s a windowbox or a 1000-hectare farm), your community and your life.

Wednesday 24 September – 7.15pm (book launch/talk/songs) 'Thank you Greenham: one woman's memories of direct action' with author Kate Evans, singer Frankie Armstrong, anti-nuclear
worker Rebecca Johnson and current activist Mell Harrison.

“Honest, brave and funny....I loved it” - Bruce Kent

In 1982 headline news of 30,000 women encircling the US base at Greenham Common shook the nation out of its paralysed fear of nuclear war preparations. Soon a photo of women dancing on the weapons silos at dawn on New Years Day went round the world. Fear turned to action as, inspired and encouraged by the women camping there, ‘Greenham women’ began doing direct actions up and down the country. They changed the pattern of protest and their lives as well as the nuclear climate.

Kate Evans took part in some Greenham actions, witnessed others, and has written up her memories in dramatic, moving and often amusing narrative.

Frankie Armstrong is a singer with over 40 years in the folk, women’s and peace movement. From the early days of the Vietnam War, to the recent concert for Musicians Against Nuclear Arms, she has sung to raise spirits and awareness.

Rebecca Johnson was a Greenham camper and activist, and has worked in the anti-nuclear field for 25 years. She will relate Greenham to current feminist anti-nuclear activity."

Mell Harrison, a current anti-nuclear activist, will talk about current direct action.

'Thankyou Greenham' is an honest, brave and funny account of how Greenham made Kate Evans aware of her potential and of her power to make positive change happen. I loved it.' Bruce Kent

Saturday 27 September from 5pm Book Launch
John Green introduces his new book Engels: A Revolutionary Life

Friedrich Engels supported his friend and comrade Karl Marx financially and he contributed massively to his thought, activity and writings. John Green will introduce his major new biography of Engels, followed by a discussion.