Tony Benn – the longest serving Labour MP in the history of the party - will visit the Isle of Man on 21st November as guest speaker at an Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club “Evening With” event at the Gaiety Theatre.
With a flask of tea, some tobacco and his trademark pipe as his only props Tony Benn brings his unmistakable presence to his successful stage show at the Gaiety Theatre for one night only. A mix of politics, opinion and debate on various issues, followed by questions from the audience. Participation encouraged!
Sponsored by Appleby, the event begins with an interview on serious and topical themes including the recession, war and nature. Tony Benn draws on his decades of experience, his political past and his startlingly alert 86 year-old brain, throughout what is certain to be an entertaining evening. A compelling speaker by anyone's standards, he is against university fees, nuclear power and the crown powers invested in the Prime Minister. He is opposed to war, and Africa – not western muscle flexing – holds the solution to Zimbabwe's troubles. He is despairing of NATO and concerned about the rise of the far right.
Quick witted and full of insight, Tony Benn remains informed – and opinioned - on an amazing variety of subjects. Describing his role as the nation's classroom assistant, he yearns to encourage and is an undeniable treasure of our political and national life.
Tony Benn was born in London and retired from the House of Commons in May 2001, after serving fifty years in Parliament. He was a Cabinet minister in the Wilson and Callaghan governments from 1964 - 79, Minister of Technology, Secretary of State for both Industry and Energy and President of the Council of European Energy ministers in 1977. An elected member of the National Executive Committee of the Labour party from 1959 - 1994, he was Chairman of the Party in 1971/2.
His published Diaries, in seven volumes, cover the period from 1942-1990, and the next volume 'Free at Last' from 1990 – 2001. Tony is the holder of seven honorary Doctorates from British and American universities, and he has recently been appointed as a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics and is a regular broadcaster.
In 1949 he married Caroline Benn, educationalist and author of the biography of Keir Hardie who died in 2000 and they have four children and ten grandchildren.
Organised by John Wannenburgh of the Sporting and Dining Club, the event is a follow up to “An Evening with Michael Portillo” which was sold out in November 2011.
Tickets are available from 1st March at an early bird special rate of ?12.50 by contacting 01624 600555 or www.villagaiety.com. After this time ticket are priced at ?15.00 with concession rates available.
John said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Appleby for its support of our Tony Benn event in November. Whether you agree with Tony Benn or not, it is from his vast experience at the heart of national and international affairs, that he gleans his authority. He is fun and lovable, serious and informed, all at the same time, and that has the makings of a tremendously entertaining evening!”
Managing Partner of Appleby in the Isle of Man, Sean Dowling said: “We are pleased to support the Sporting & Dining Club as it continues to attract high profile speakers to the Isle of Man and I am looking forward to hearing the entertaining stories Tony Benn has to share. His visit comes at a topical time, when public opinion on politics and policies is divided, so I am sure there will be much to debate and discuss!”, Sean continued, “The Sporting & Dining Club events are a great opportunity for the Islands’ business and wider community to get together and socialise whilst also raising funds for a range of worthwhile causes. We are only too happy to be involved”
Issued by: John Wannenburgh, Isle of Man Sporting & Dining Club Tel/Fax 01624 617049
Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC (the Legal Practice) is a limited liability company with company number 000944L incorporated in the Isle of Man with its registered office at 33-37 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1LB. “Partner” is a title referring to a member or employee of the Legal Practice.
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