On Saturday 30 November 2024, High Peak Access held an
event at Glossop Labour Club, to celebrate the International
Day of Disabled People  

The event started at 1.30pm with tea, coffee, biscuits and the bar was open too. There was artwork on display, painted by disabled Derbyshire artist Melissa Speed.

Joan Rutherford had prepared an informative power point presentation on Disabled People’s campaigns in the region including

 Peterloo memorial / Glade of Light

 Conservative Party conference

 High Peak Access activities / campaigns

The audience was welcomed by the Chair of Glossop Labour Club, Derek Clarke.

We were treated to readings of Sue Napolitano’s poems by her son Ben Napolitano-Somerset & partner Jo Somerset.

We then had a panel Discussion on Disabled People’s campaigns. The panel comprised:

 Elaine Hill: High Peak Access

 Dave Bennett: High Peak Access

 Helen Robson: Autistic UK

 Rick Burgess: Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP) / Disabled People Against the Cuts (D-PAC)

There were many questions and contributions from the floor.

Then to lighten up the mood we were treated to a session by Dom Hutchins: Activist / comedian and HPA member, followed by songs, via You tube from Dennis Queen: Activist / singer/ songwriter.

We finished with a final poem ‘To Our Warriors’ by Sue Napolitano.

We are very grateful to all those who attended and to Glossop Labour Club for their kindness in allowing us to use their facilities free of charge.

We were also very grateful to Sam (Glossop Elfins), a BSL signer who volunteered to cover the whole event for us.

Any donations made by those attending were divided between the Labour Club and High Peak Access. We will use them to help cover our administrative costs.