Match to mark fight against fascism

The campaigning south London club's volunteers and officials are planning to hold a number of bucket collections from half-time onwards for the International Brigades Memorial Trust during their first ever Trade Unions Day at Champion Hill on Saturday 8 October.

A collaboration between the Dulwich Hamlet Football Club Committee and the Dulwich Hamlet Supporters' Trust, the fixture will see all current Trade Union members admitted to the Rocks clash at a concessionary rate of £4, a £6 discount on the regular £10 turnstile charge for adults, with 50 per cent of the gate going to the International Brigades Memorial Trust.

The match to remember all those who fought fascism in Spain and Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts from the British Union of Facsists on the streets of the East End in October 1936 is being sponsored by ASLEF and HOPE not Hate. As well as organising bucket collections, The International Brigade Memorial Trust will have a display showcasing their work and local trade union branches are also being encouraged to bring their banners along to display at pitchside.

Although the Battle of Cable Street is more famous nationally, Southwark also had a strong tradition of opposing the fascists in the Thirties which came to a head at the lesser-known Battle of Long Lane. Hamlet say they are looking forward to raising awareness and funds on the day to commemorate everyone who fought and suffered, in this country and abroad, and in many cases paid the ultimate price.

Hamlet spokesman Mishi Morath said: “We would like to invite all supporters to come to the game and remember the bravery of those who travelled over land and sea to fight fascism.

“All those decades ago many of our fans would have supported the international fight against the rise of fascism in Europe, with dozens of our fans undoubtedly, paying the ultimate price in the Second World War, which followed the Spanish Civil War. This day is for them as well."

Dulwich Hamlet Supporters’ Trust chair Duncan Hart said: “Over the past few seasons, we have helped put on numerous community initiatives from Rainbow Laces day to support the fight against homophobia in football to fundraising for those in need of humanitarian support in Calais and Dunkirk. We are more than happy to commemorate the actions of these brave individuals and raise money for the International Brigade Memorial Trust.”

Dulwich Hamlet chairman Liam Hickey said: "Dulwich Hamlet Football Club is delighted to hold its first Trade Union Day and we hope to welcome lots of people who want to experience the club for the first time. I would like to thank ASLEF, HOPE Not Hate, our own Supporters' Trust and our committee member for community development, Mishi Morath, for their work in setting this up."

He added: “This is another example of the various parts of club working as one to engage with all sections of our community and celebrate the achievements, both past and present, that make up the fabric of society today."

For more information on the International Brigades Memorial Trust visit: www.international-brigades.org.uk.

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