the choir I mentioned, The Tasmanian Grassroots Union Choir

The Tasmanian Grassroots Union Choir is currently in rehearsal of an exciting new work based on a Tasmanian connection to the famous Tolpuddle Martyrs story.

In 1834 in south-west England, six agricultural labourers were arrested on their way to work for congregating together to discuss a series of crippling wage cuts imposed by their employers. Fearful of a peasant uprising akin to the Revolution in France, local officials colluded with the landowners and the men were charged with an ancient offence of 'uttering illegal oaths' and sentenced to seven years transportation to Botany Bay. By chance their spokesman George Loveless, a lay Methodist preacher, is separated from his colleagues and sent to Van Diemen's Land instead. Back in London, the public outcry is unrelenting and the men eventually receive pardons, having endured several years' banishment for holding a meeting. The Tasmanian Grassroots Union Choir has taken the story of George Loveless' life in Van Diemen's Land and transformed it into a performance piece featuring eight original songs penned by Peter Hicks, Geoff Francis, Simon Cocker, Maureen Lum and Matt Woolley; with musical direction by Annie Parsell and script by Simon Cocker.

Set in the roiling colonial outpost that was known as Hobarton or Hobart Town in 1834, 'Loveless in Hobart Town' features the little-known story of George Loveless' exile in Van Diemen's Land including numerous clashes with Governor Arthur and his administration over his innocence. Loveless worked at the Government Farm at New Town as a convict, and at Grass Tree Hill near Richmond after his ticket-of-leave was granted. A stone cottage occupied by Loveless is still in use as offices by the Tolpuddle Vineyard (Glen Ayr).

The choir has been invited to perform 'Loveless in Hobart Town' at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival in Dorset, England in July 2011. The   Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival   is an annual event which celebrates trade unionism   and labour politics. As well as a Radical History School and a street parade of Trade Union Banners from all over the UK, the Festival features regular appearances by musicians with a social justice perspective such as Billy Bragg ,   Dick Gaughan ,   David Rovics   and   Graham Moore. The Tasmanian Grassroots Union Choir will also be performing with Billy Bragg on the final day of the Festival.