The Socialist Republic of South Yorkshire: Resisting Thatcherism in 1980s Sheffield

On Saturday 21st October, Sheffield Transformed is hosting a workshop that will explore how left-wing activists and politicians in 1980s Sheffield attempted to resist the dominance of Thatcherism and implement their own political ideas.

During the 1980s, the term ‘Socialist Republic of South Yorkshire’ was coined to describe the region's left-wing political culture. With contributions from historians and local campaigners, this workshop will examine the left-wing, trade union, feminist, and anti-racist activism that made up the Socialist Republic.

Through presentations and group discussion, we'll examine the extent to which there was a concerted and successful attempt to build a left-wing alternative to Thatcherite ideology in Sheffield. We'll discuss what we can learn from this pivotal period in political history and how we can apply it to our present situation.

A full programme for the day is available here, which includes some suggested further reading and resources. As well as the scheduled sessions, there will also be an exhibition of local political memorabilia and photographs from the 1980s that people can view during the breaks and at the end of the event.

Tickets are free but, as Sheffield Transformed has no regular source of funding, any donations will help us to host future events.

Thank you to GMB, NEU, the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, Sheffield Trades Council, UCU and Unite for generously supporting this event.

Guest speakers

• Sheena Clarke – local councillor from period
• Damon Fairclough – writer and photographer
• Kate Flannery – local activist
• Sarah Kenny – historian
• Daisy Payling – historian
• Anandi Ramamurthy – academic
• Emma Rattenbury – local activist

Venue

Broomhall Centre, Broomspring Lane, Sheffield S10 2FD.

The venue is close to tram stops, bus stops and free on-street car parking. Free refreshments will be available.

Schedule

Doors open: 12:30pm

Event begins: 1pm

Event ends: 5pm

Doors close: 5:30pm

Session running order

1: Sheffield Council and the Left

2: Liberation Movements

3: Youth Culture

4: Group Workshop

Accessibility

Broomhall Centre has good wheelchair accessibility and the entire event will take place on the ground floor of the building. There are men’s, women’s and an accessible gender-neutral toilet with baby-changing facilities. There will be a PA system in place to amplify speakers and the venue is equipped with a hearing loop. The centre has an inbuilt ventilation system to improve air quality and face masks and hand sanitiser will also be available. Each session will last no longer than an hour and 15-20 minute rest breaks will take place between sessions.

If you have any concerns or questions with regards to accessibility, please contact us at SheffieldTransformed@gmail.com

Sheffield Transformed is a group of socialists and trade unionists wanting to bring political education to Sheffield through discussion, debate, arts, and culture. The group is entirely volunteer-run and has already organised events on land justice, police brutality and the history of workers’ struggles.

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