University Archives
Fabian Society (Hull branch)
The Fabian Society was established in 1884 as a socialist society committed to gradual social reform rather than revolution. The Society joined with the trade union movement to found the Labour Party in 1900. It remains an influential left of centre think tank. A branch was established in Hull in November 1943, with 16 members, including Commander Harry Pursey (elected as Labour MP for Hull East in 1945), and a committee chaired by local businessman Alec Horsley. Its main activities included organising public meetings, 'Brains Trusts' and film shows, as well as providing practical help to local Labour parties and their candidates during elections.
The Secretary was Eileen Fletcher, from whom this small collection of records was received. It comprises manuscript annual reports (1944-1948) from her period in office, some correspondence (including letters from Edith Summerskill and Aneuran Bevan), and notices of meetings and other publicity material between 1944 and 1949. [DX/217]