Saturday 18th July 2015 at 2:00pm
Upper Hall, St. Columba’s Church, Pont St., Knightsbridge, London SW1X 0BD

2.00pm – Welcome Zoe Reed, Chair of Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding, and Peng Wenlan, Chair of the Meridian Society.

2.05pm – Chinese in WW1- Chinese Labour Corps 1916-1920

Steve Lau Chair Chinese in Britain Forum/ Ensuring We Remember Campaign together with Frances Wood SACU Vice President and Jenny Clegg SACU Vice President.

The Chinese were the largest non-European labour force during WW1, playing vital roles, with almost 100,000 men brought from northern China to the Western Front. Britain has, since the war, erected over 43,000 memorials to those who served in the Great War, yet not even one remembers these men. Steve Lau’s talk will give a nuanced exploration of the social, political and historical factors that tipped China’s contribution from diplomatic triumph to national tragedy – and why it matters. Jenny Clegg and Frances Wood will provide further background and historical analysis. Following the talks there will be time for Q&A and discussion.

3.30pm – Tea Break

4.00pm – Qi Gong demonstration

5.00pm – Close