LEST WE FORGET: AN EVENING WITH TESSA DUNLOP AND SPECIAL GUEST PHIL ROBINSON
7PM, WED 11 JUNE | STORYHOUSE, CHESTER
Join award-winning broadcaster, historian and author, Tessa Dunlop, for an unforgettable evening with special guest, WWII ‘Bevin Boy’ Phil Robinson. Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Tessa draws from her latest book Lest We Forget: War and Peace in 100 Monuments to examine the inspirations and individuals behind our memorial studded country. She’s travelled the length and breadth of the United Kingdom on a quest to uncover a story of national warring and national mourning, of fighting each other and fighting together. With WWII veteran Phil Robinson she will discuss the vital role of commemoration, in a world where freedom is not free.
Forced into mining by a ballot in 1944, Phil Robinson was one of 48 000 men who dreamt of serving on the front line and instead served underground. Finally acknowledged as servicemen in 2008 Phil will talk to his war which began in the Blitz with the destruction of his family home, and ignominy of heavy dangerous labour underground work with no recognition or uniform. Lest We Forget – nowadays the Bevin Boys have their own memorial in Staffordshire.
This is part of a new series of events co-produced between Storyhouse and HistFest.
About Tessa Dunlop
Dr Tessa Dunlop is an award-winning broadcaster, historian, and author of Sunday Times best-selling books The Century Girls, The Bletchley Girls, Army Girls and Elizabeth and Philip. She has featured in numerous historical and royal documentaries on the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5 and is co-host of the podcast Where Politics Meets History. Tessa started life in the Central Highlands of Scotland and now lives in London with her family. He latest book, Lest We Forget: War and Peace in 100 Monuments has been lauded as “
About Phil Robinson
Phil Robinson grew up on the Wirral, facing challenges early in life after losing his mother to rheumatic fever at a young age. His father was left to raise Phil and his sibling alone. During World War II, their home was bombed, forcing the family to evacuate to Nantwich in Cheshire. Determined to contribute to the war effort, Phil volunteered for service upon reaching the eligible age. Yet, with coal supplies dangerously low, he became one of the 10% of new conscripts to be diverted into mining, becoming one of Ernest Bevin’s ‘Bevin Boys’.