The Weaver’s Dream - Donna Baker

‘SHE WAS NINETEEN YEARS OLD AND ALREADY AWARE OF HER RESPONSIBILITIES; AND WHEN SHE THOUGHT BACK TO THE WEAVER’S HOVEL WHERE SHE HAD BEEN BORN, TO HER EARLY DAYS AS HER FATHER’S DRAWER, SHE WONDERED HOW SHE HAD EVER COME TO BE HERE, THE WIFE OF FRANCIS PAGNEL, THE MOTHER OF HIS CHILDREN, AND WHERE WOULD LIFE TAKE HER NEXT?’

Francis and Rebecca have married and moved to London, where Francis sets up his own weaving business with Rebecca’s brother, Tom. Their dream is of creating a co operative, with a living wage and better conditions for all. When they return to Kidderminster they try to bring their dream with them. But the weavers have had enough, the strike that ensues can only end in disaster.