Observing the 1980s

Slack, Cheryl (Part 1 of 3)

  • Add a note
    Log in to add a note at the bottom of this page.
  • All notes
  • My notes
  • Hide notes
Please click to leave a note

The British Library Board acknowledges the intellectual property rights of those named as contributors to this recording and the rights of those not identified.
Legal and ethical usage »

Tags (top 25):
(No tags found for this item)

What is this? Log in to add a term that describes this item and help make it easier to find.

  • Type

    sound

  • Duration

    00:47:43

  • Shelf mark

    C456/25

  • Subjects

    Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp

  • Recording date

    1985-11-11

  • Recording locations

    Interviewee's home

  • Interviewees

    Slack, Cheryl, (speaker, female)

  • Interviewers

    Farnham, Margot, (speaker, female)

  • Abstract

    Part 1: Cheryl Slack (CS) born 29th of May 1964 on Merseyside. Mother a nurse; father a milkman. Discusses her childhood: growing up as a tomboy. Her rebellious school years; had a boyfriend for status. Left school in fifth year: parents divorce, sisters' pregnancy; CS fled to Manchester. Started taking drugs; considering her sexuality. CS got position in night shelter for homeless. Talks about her mothers' thoughts on her lesbianism; 'coming out.' Discusses her first sexual experience/relationship and its' effects on her. Talks about her experiences in Lincoln: arrested by police and charged with possession; travelling with her boyfriend. CS toured France and London: sleeping rough. Brief job in Earl's Court reception. Contacting Lesbian Line: attended West London Women's Centre (WLWC) - bad experiences. Waited tables then moved into catering: learning, long hours and discrimination. Describes changing her image: homophobic verbal abuse; forced to leave job; gradual awareness of sexuality. Recalls first Lesbian Line meeting: feeling awkward yet relaxed. Attended collective meetings re establishing WLWC. Problems associated with Centre: racism, employment, finding premises. CS left and went to join protests at Greenham Common (GC): cites reasons for joining protests; July protest; 'Embrace The Base.' CS' concern less with nuclear weapons but with women's issues: rape and abuse; anger at personal experiences; need to protest. Stayed at GC from October 1983; meeting women; being arrested; feelings on breaking the law. Support for Anarchy: non-conformity.

  • Description

    Interviewed for the Hall-Carpenter Oral History Project

  • Metadata record:

    View full metadata for this item