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From The Socialist newspaper, 29 March 2017
Memorial meeting remembers Bernard Roome
"This memorial is to celebrate the memory of Bernard Roome, not just to mourn", National Shop Stewards Network chair Rob Williams told 120 people from all parts of the UK at a memorial meeting on 25 March to remember Bernard who passed away in early January.
He was a longstanding member of the Militant and Socialist Party for over three decades and played a leading role in the Communication Workers Union (CWU), including on its executive council, and as part Swansea Trade Union Council.
Speakers brought Bernard's history in the socialist, labour and trade union movement to life with emotional and inspiring speeches and contributions. Tony Kearns, CWU senior deputy general secretary, reminded the meeting that it was Bernard who moved the union's opposition to Blair's bloody Iraq War. Andy Kerr, the union's telecoms deputy general secretary, also spoke.
Indispensable role
Jeff Richards and Alan Lloyd remembered his indispensable role in his CWU branch and Ronnie Job talked about his leadership of Swansea Trade Union Council.
Swansea Socialist Party organiser Alec Thraves told the meeting about Bernard's contribution to taking on the right wing at Wales Trade Union Congress. But above all he was a revolutionary socialist. This determined his approach to trade unionism and the working class, such as in the magnificent anti-poll tax movement in which Bernard played a key role in Wales.
This was a meeting of comrades, friends and family. Bernard's two daughters and grandson listened to the speeches. His fiancée and former CWU national officer Grace bravely ended the meeting with an emotional but funny tribute.
As others had said, he was honest, headstrong and didn't suffer fools...but was usually right! He made many of us better trade unionists.
The financial appeal reflected this sentiment by raising over £1,200.
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In The Socialist 29 March 2017:
What we think
Unite against terror, racism and war
Socialist Party news and analysis
NHS: protest, strike, occupy to win!
No to racist scapegoating: oppose the far right
Top banks post 67% of profits in tax havens - nationalise the banks!
Prescription and dental charges to rise again - fight for a free NHS!
Homelessness agencies accused of being complicit in coercive deportations
Leeds Labour councillors resign over cuts
Times makes call for Tory entryism
Martin McGuinness: from IRA leader to Stormont minister
Russian revolution 1917-2017
April 1917: how the Bolsheviks reorientated
Workplace news and analysis
Doncaster: snap strike by posties pushes bully bosses back
Over a thousand march with Durham TAs against 23% pay cut
Join the 31 March PCS pay protest
Bridgend Ford overtime stoppage in sourcing dispute
Forest Hill school in Lewisham fights back
Dispute against backdoor privatisation of mental health services
Ballot papers go out in Unite elections
Fujitsu strikes: Manchester and Warrington
TUSC backs RMT struggle against Merseyrail
Socialist readers' comments and reviews
Universal Credit is making the housing crisis worse
Save Cardiff's live music venues
Women need secure jobs and equal pay, not patronising 'returnships'
Why I Joined: "I joined Socialist Party to campaign to save the NHS"
International socialist news and analysis
South Africa: Unity against poverty, crime and xenophobia
Belarus: movement developing against regime
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Jobstown Not Guilty: defend the right to protest
Angry march against Bradford council-approved incinerator
GMB union should support anti-fracking campaigners in Fylde
"Save our Nurseries", Tower Hamlets campaigners tell the council
South Yorkshire Freedom Riders celebrate three years of fighting
Memorial meeting remembers Bernard Roome
May Day greetings in the Socialist
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