Local AA groups

In June 1984 the police banned anti-apartheid protesters from the pavement in front of South Africa House. City of London AA Group supporters demonstrated against the ban on the steps of St Martin’s in the Fields, 22 June 1984.

Leaflet publicising a meeting to set up a new local anti-apartheid group in Wandsworth, south London, in 1984. 

Leeds City Council, local trade unions, and Leeds City and University AA Groups came together to organise a week of anti-apartheid events in October 1984. Activities included a vigil for political prisoners, collection of material aid, film shows and fundraising concerts, and an activists conference.

Leaflet advertising a public meeting in Islington, north London, in November 1984, highlighting South Africa’s war against the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in Namibia. The main speaker was Labour shadow Foreign Secretary, Donald Anderson MP.

Over 500 people picketed the opening night of Funny Girl, starring Marti Caine, at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield in 1984. They were protesting against Marti Caine’s 14-month contract at Sun City and her outspoken defence of South Africa. Local Equity members signed a petition supporting the protest. The Crucible later agreed with Sheffield Council that it would not employ actors who appeared on the UN Register of performers who had appeared in South Africa.

Membership leaflet produced by Manchester AA Group.

Anti-apartheid supporters unveiled the AA logo on the Mound in Edinburgh as part of a local authority week of action against apartheid, 18–22 March 1985. The week was organised by the Scottish Committee for Local Authority Action set up at a conference in Glasgow on 21 March. In the picture are Edinburgh District Councillor Chris McKinnon and members of Edinburgh AA Group.

Local AA groups all over Britain organised meetings, demonstrations and fundraising events as part of the AAM’s national month of action in March 1985. This leaflet publicised events organised by Edinburgh AA Group.