Reformers’ Picnic at the Parbold Bottle
Sunday 8 September 2024
Reflections on our picnic on beautiful Parbold Hill listening to live folk music,
just like the Quarry Workers did in 1832 at the opening of their famous Parbold Bottle
The picnic was in honour of the Parbold Quarry workers who built the Reform Pillar, known locally as the Parbold Bottle, nearly 200 years ago. They celebrated the Great Reform Act, with the hope of being able to vote for the first time, and to have a stake in society which at that time was controlled by wealthy landowners. Explore our website to find out more..
We heard Manchester folk band Harp and a Monkey live with their mix of original songs about “cuckolded molecatchers, a lone English oak tree that grows at Gallipoli, care in the community, medieval pilgrims and Victorian bare-knuckle boxers…”.
A rare photo of Quarry Workers.
Read a fascinating article “Democratic Vistas” by Paul Salveson on the Parbold Bottle’s place in democratic reform
Video by Andy Shaw
Video by MVM Sefton & West Lancs
The picnic was organised by Make Votes Matter, Sefton and West Lancs. We campaign for a better voting system where every vote counts and has equal value. Many feel our democracy is not working for them; there is more to do before everyone is fairly represented in Parliament. Democracy is a never-ending process – let’s finish what the quarry workers started!