Chairman John Cullimore gave an illustrated (and musical) talk about Alfred's life, and other members manned a small stand throughout the day.

The event focused on education and work in the south-west, including stands dedicated to colleges, unions and local history groups. There was also a range of different artworks, including by Swindon artist Ken White (who painted the mural at Whalebridge, Swindon, that features Alfred).

Also on display was the knitted poem produced by Unison in 2010, which features Alfred's poem The Cottager's Evening.

It was fitting that the event took place on the anniversary of our own festival at STEAM, in 2010, and of course that the Great Western Hall is part of the former GWR Works where Alfred was employed for 24 years and which was the subject of his book Life in a Railway Factory.

We welcome invitations to exhibit at local events, so please email us with details. We also welcome opportunities to give illustrated talks to local groups.