The annual commemoration of anti-fascist volunteers who fought fascism in Spain now includes a key contribution from Italian comrades

IF YOU were to write the story of the role of the pub in our history, it would run into many volumes. The pub has played a crucial role in our politics, economics and our culture. I must admit, for me this is personal, some of my most important cultural experiences have been in pubs.
As a jazz and folk fan there’s nothing more sublime than a good gig over a pint, or as satisfying after a political meeting as putting the world to rights in the pub. One of the things I’ve missed in Covid times has been those convivial connections; I miss the meetings less.
Yet not a week has gone by when there has not been news of a pub closing for good. Every time I hear that, it feels like a real blow as a community loses an important space. Last month, such a closure made our regional TV news — not in a good way.



