Looking to the future: President's new year message

We have plenty to look forward to in 2025, with the autumn looking especially busy.

In October, we’ll be in Belfast for the Trust’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) after 18 years away. I’d like to thank local members, particularly Lynda and Ernest Walker, of the IBMT-affiliated International Brigade Commemoration Committee, for their enthusiastic proposal – we know a warm reception awaits us!

Following the AGM, we hope to welcome back three leading historians of the Spanish Civil War – Helen Graham, Paul Preston and Richard Baxell – for what I’m sure will be another fascinating Len Crome Memorial Conversation.

Then November marks the 50th anniversary of Franco’s death, and we’ll be celebrating 50 years of democracy in Spain.

Thanks to your ongoing support, the Trust’s financial position is now improving and we can carry on our much-needed work.

As approved at the AGM, to continue our efforts (and to cover the increasing costs that we all face), membership subs will go up modestly this year: the individual rate from £25 a year to £27.50; the concessionary rate from £20 to £22.

Concessionary membership is open to anyone who receives long-term unemployment or sickness benefit, who qualifies for income or pension credits or who is on the minimum wage.

Another change means scrapping the household category of membership. This category was originally designed to avoid sending multiple copies of the magazine to the same address; however, it is no longer needed because the magazine is now sent out digitally or by subscription.

Note that these changes won’t come into effect until April, so you are welcome to renew at the current rates until then.

We know how fragile democracy can be. In the January issue of ¡No pasarán! you can read Juan López Páez’s report on how rightwing parties in Spain are manipulating Franco’s memory for their own ends. 

We owe it to the volunteers to keep their memory and spirit alive and to continue to share their fight for democracy and against fascism.

With your backing, our financial stability will translate into long-term health so that we can go on telling the stories of the International Brigades to future generations. 

Thank you so much for supporting us, Please, please continue to do so.

My very best wishes,

IBMT President Marlene Sidaway