Celebrating Chorlton ..... down at our library today

All this month there is a selection of paintings of Chorlton people with the intriguing title of Chorlton Champions.

I have never liked that idea of history which was all about Kings, Queens, generals and the odd scientist.

If you are of a certain age you will remember history lessons where the good, the great, and the not so good marched across the pages of text books making everyone's lives a lot better or profoundly worse depending on whether you were on the winning side or one of the losers.

So much better to know about people like me who could still have a powerful impact but didn't feed the cult of the individual.  

That isn't to ignore monarchs, statesmen or soldiers but as my old mate Bertolt Brecht once wrote when "Caesar beat the Gauls. Was there not even a cook in his army? and when Phillip of Spain wept as his fleet was sunk and destroyed. Were there no other tears?"*

And that brings me back to the paintings.

My old artist pal, Peter Topping tells me that for the next month the library is hosting  "Chorlton Champions which is part of the  Chorlton Library Pop-up exhibition. These portraits have been created to honour our local heroes in Chorlton. 

Through dedication, leadership and tireless effort, they have made a lasting and positive contribution to the social, cultural and civic life of Chorlton. 

Their commitment exemplifies the spirit of community and inspires others. The exhibition will be added to when more people are recognised for their achievements. Works of art by Chorlton Artists. @everyone"

All of which is another reason to visit your Library and catch the CHORLTON CHAMPIONS during June.

P.S. nominations for candidates to be inducted into the Hall of Chorlton Champions are welcome via Peter Topping or Chorlton Civic Society.

* A Worker Reads History, Bertolt Brecht, 1935, written, 1939 published