SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

HiI’m currently working on a dissertation project and would love to talk to anyone who might have been involved with some of the places/institutions that were a part of Leeds’ ‘radical’ history. The ones I’ve had mentioned to me so far are the Wharf Street Café, Leeds Other Paper, the Northern Star and Independent Citizen’s Advice, though I’m sure there are many, many more.The aim of the project is to discuss the benefits of organising collectively and without leaders, and it would be great if anyone who was involved could spare me an email or two to get some historical perspective. My email address is [email protected] thanks,Suzi

It was "Leeds Alternative Paper", certainly sold in R S McColl in the Arndale in Crossgates. Strange, because R S McColl didn't cone accross as very "radical".

Funnily enough id reckon Leeds hasnt ever really been radical in comparison to say Liverpool or Sheffield,always sort of middle of the road.Even the chartist movement in Leeds went the way of actually entering candidates for local government,rather than the violent route seen in other parts of the country at the time.Its not that we have suffered any less than most places,the number of people lost in the clothing trade was in Tens of thousands,yet Loiners seem to get on with it rather than whinge or kick off. Sort of evolution rather than revolution.

Hi SuziI assume from the items you mention that you're talking about fairly recent history. My late partner Digger worked as a freelance photographer in Leeds during the 80s, including on the LOP/Northern Star, and I was 'on the edges' of CND and some other groups and still have some contacts who were more directly involved. I'll have a bit of a think and a look around and send you some links or info direct to your email.Here's the link to Digger's website for starters - the pics in the Northern Star and Troops Out sections might be of interest.http://www.diggerdee.co.uk/index.php

Hi Suzi,              a mate of mine used to work for the Northern Star. I have passed on your email to him if he can help I'm sure he'll be in touch.Chris.

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have a look at this link:http://freespace.virgin.net/labwise.history6/1934.html

carith wrote: have a look at this link:http://freespace.virgin.net/labwise.history6/1934.html Ill read this in some depth,though having parents and close family from not only this era but also this area im surprised ive not come across this before.Without trying to sound judgemental before reading and doing my own research,the word "Class" appears a little too often for my liking,in other words who ever has come up with this seems to have some sort of political agenda.The worst thing a political activist can do is tell some down at heel day to day bloke that they are in a class struggle.Being a Family historian im keenly interested in something like this,im looking forward to some digging of my own,it will help with the overall research i am trying to do.