Description
Object description
British civilian member of Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in GB, 1961-2008
Content description
REEL 1 Background in GB and Canada, 1914-1961: memories of childhood; education including visit to peace talks at Oxford University; civilian work; travels in southern hemisphere including introduction to left- wing politics; development of ideas in GB, 1939-1941, and joining of Communist Party of Great Britain; Communist change in attitude toward war, 1941; contact with fascists in France and Austria; details of war work and activities with Communist Party of Great Britain including the campaign for a second front; opinion of anti-Soviet nature of British government; reactions of self and media to dropping of atomic bombs on Japan; influence of scientists on anti-nuclear stance; story of period in North America including impressions of US; presence at meeting in support of the Hollywood ten.
REEL 2 Continues: civilian work; background of husband; discussion of political beliefs; return to GB, 1961. Recollections of period as civilian member of Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in GB, 1961- 2008: activities with Brighton movement; description of Aldermaston march attended; lessening of movement after 1963 Test Ban Treaty; attitude to non-violence; successes of Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; vision of Bruce Kent; reason for not joining International Committee; influence of Cold War; details of 1975 Helsinki Act and its collapse; use of politics in work as teacher; upsurge of Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament during 1980s; formation of Sussex Alliance for Disarmament.
REEL 3 Continues: reactions and protests following publication of Protect and Survive; visits to Greenham Common Peace Camp; opinion of need for women to be involved in peace movement; opinion of Greenham Common Peace Camp's successes; involvement with Campaign Against Arms Trade; use of Communist activities in structure of peace meetings; young people joining peace movement including during 2003 Iraq War; discussion of clashes between Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and European Nuclear Disarmament; details of visits to Eastern Bloc; work with French anti- nuclear movement; effects of visits to Eastern Bloc; hopes of disarmament in late 1980s; celebrations following removal of US missiles from Britain, 1987; discussion of optimistic nature and changes during lifetime; widening of issues and need to bring strands together; work with United Nations Association.
REEL 4 Continues: discussion of the state of the United Nations; reasons for remaining a communist; changes during life to MPs; reactions to 1997 General Election results; continued involvement with peace campaign.