Summer 2025 # A Span of Autonomy

In partnership, Resonance FM & Extra broadcast a summer’s worth of radical radio featuring new and archival radiophonic artworks, community activism, sound art, experimental literature, documentary, innovative music and more.

Now, A Span of Autonomy by Patrick Bernard.

Colin Ward was far from the stereotype of the black-masked, bomb-throwing anarchist, and yet until his death in 2010 he was one of the foremost writers – and greatest thinkers – of what remains a misunderstood philosophy, but one that has a profound relevance for us today. His ultimate belief was in people, and that freedom is a social activity, but most importantly that it is always rooted in the local and the everyday.

An audio documentary about Colin Ward which tells the story of anarchy in the UK through his life and work, and an alternative history of the 20th century seen from an anarchist perspective.

Featuring interviews with friends, family, former colleagues and fellow anarchists including Ruth Kinna, David Goodway, Sophie Scott-Brown, Eileen Adams, Ken Worpole, Sol Pérez Martínez, Martin Stott, David Knight and Roman Krznaric.

Produced by Patrick Bernard with the generous support of a Crowdfunder and a Jen Angel Anarchist Media Grant from the Institute for Anarchist Studies.

Thanks to Ben Ward and Mike Dibb.

In memory of Harriet Ward.