North Hull Tribune Society

Small collection of material relating to the North Hull Tribune Society

The Society was modelled on the existing West Hull Tribune Society and was formed shortly after the Hungary Uprising was crushed in 1956. It undertook no political activities and did not consider itself to be a pressure group in any sense. It sought to provide a forum for members of the Labour movement locally to discuss contentious or un-settled issues including Clause 4 and unilateralism in an attempt to encourage the exchange of ideas and opinions. Its membership card stated that it was "Debating and propagandist society - open to all Socialists and provides an opportunity for members of the Labour movement to discuss and debate political and social problems and policies".

The Society remained independent from the Left Clubs movement although it was often treated as such. In 1960 the Society were asked to affiliate with the Left Clubs movement, a move that was rejected by the Society's Committee.

Finance remained a key issue as the Society needed to raise funds to pay for speakers expenses, many of whom travelled to Hull from London. This was achieved through collecting tins at its meetings, by charging an annual membership fee and through fundraising efforts like jumble sales and selling literature for other groups.

Jack Foord was President (1959-1962), John Saville was Chairman (1959-1962), Kevin McNamara was Secretary (1957-1958).

U DX333/1 Record Books

U DX333/2 Secretary's Out file

U DX333/3 Secretary's In file

Access will be granted to any accredited reader. U DX333/2/2 and U DX333/3/2 contain sensitive personal information. Those records containing the sensitive personal data information of adults are not available for public inspection for 75 years.

Papers of John Saville [Ref U DJS]

Papers of J. Kevin McNamara MP [Ref U DMC]