A century-old act of solidarity in a Leicestershire village is set to captivate a modern audience, as the remarkable story of 'The One Girl Strike' is brought to life on screen.
From Factory Floor to Silver Screen
In February 1913, the dismissal of 19-year-old factory hand Olive Coulson from the Co-operative Boot and Shoe factory in Enderby triggered an extraordinary response. The majority of her fellow workers walked out in support, launching a unique protest that would become known in history as The One Girl Strike.
Now, this compelling slice of local social history has been adapted into a 30-minute film titled 'The Shoe Strike Girl'. The project is the work of local heritage group Pudding Bag Productions, dedicated to preserving and sharing the area's past.
A Premiere Steeped in History
In a fitting tribute, the film's 'world premiere' will be held on Saturday, 28 February 2026, in the very building where the historic events unfolded. The former boot factory is now the Enderby Civic Centre, making it the perfect venue for this homecoming story.
The event is being jointly hosted by the Enderby Heritage Group and Enderby Community Library. Doors will open at 1.30pm, with the screening starting at 2pm. Tickets are priced at £5 per person, which includes refreshments, and can be purchased by contacting the library on 0116 3053523.
The Unsolved Mystery of the Strike
The film promises to delve into an intriguing layer of the story that has puzzled historians. While two girls were dismissed from the factory at the time, only Olive's case ignited the full-scale strike. The other employee was reportedly reinstated quite quickly, but management remained adamant that they would not take Olive back.
The reason for this steadfast refusal was never made clear, adding a layer of mystery that persists to this day. What is known is that her union fought tirelessly on her behalf, and the strike she inspired lasted for an impressive eight weeks.
Did the collective action of her colleagues force the management to relent? Did Olive Coulson finally get her job back? The filmmakers are keeping the conclusion under wraps, inviting audiences to attend the premiere to discover the strike's ultimate outcome.
This premiere is more than just a film screening; it's a community event celebrating a pivotal moment in Enderby's industrial and social history, ensuring the courage of a young woman and her supporters is remembered for generations to come.
