Observing the 1980s
Slack, Cheryl (Part 1 of 3)
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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: