Newport pupils march in tribute to Chartists (From South Wales Argus)

Newport pupils march in tribute to Chartists

10:06am Wednesday 7th November 2012 in News

AROUND 250 school children retraced the steps of their ancestors yesterday when they marched through Newport to commemorate the Chartist Movement.

Youngsters from primary schools across the city left Clifton Park near the cathedral before marching down Stow Hill to Westgate Square – the same route the Chartists took as they fought for the right to vote in 1839.

The annual re-enactment remembers those who died and were injured in a gun battle outside the Westgate Hotel on November 4 that year.

Newport mayor Cllr John Guy welcomed everyone to the event while youngsters joined in Chartists songs and poems outside the historic hotel.

Organiser Pat Drewett said: “It was fantastic. There was great excitement among the children, they really loved the entertainment and they were learning about the history of Newport at the same time.

“If we can spread the message amongst children and get them to understand how people sacrificed their lives to vote, maybe more would appreciate the privilege.”

See the gallery on the right for more pictures of the day.