Denby Dale Urban District Labour Party minute book

This material is held atHeritage Quay, University of Huddersfield

  • Reference
    • GB 1103 DDL/4
  • Dates of Creation
    • Feb 1967-Feb 1972
  • Physical Description
    • 1 volume
      Manuscript

Scope and Content

Minute book for the Denby Dale Urban District Labour Party from February 1967 to February 1972. The Denby Dale Urban District area included Emley, Skelmanthorpe, Clayton West, and from the 1970s, also includes Scissett and Cumberworth. The minutes record the activities and decisions made by the Party concerning local issues such as the selection of magistrates, dustbin collections, footpaths, playing fields, fund raising, sewage systems and bus services... etc.

The minutes also record: the preparations made for canvassing and campaign work during parliamentary and local council elections, and the outcomes of these elections; the election of officers within the branch party itself; and the Party's general business such as membership and financial reporting.

On 28 April 1969 the minutes record that the Party passed a resolution to be submitted to the National Conference which stated that the Party 'deplores the practice of private patients being given preferential treatment on hospitals under the control of the ministry'. On the 18 November 1970 the minutes record that the Party submitted a resolution to the General Management Committee that "in view of the recent Tory proposals, this constituency party calls upon the next Labour Government to introduce genuine Socialist Policies immediately upon taking office". This resolution was sent for consideration for submission to the Annual Conference but failed to win the support of the constituency. In 1971 the minutes record that the Party donated money to the Anti-Apartheid movement and the African Liberation Movement. On 21 Jul 1971 the minutes record the passing of a resolution, with copies sent to the local press, the constituency executive and regional council, that the Party "expresses considerable dismay at the applications being made by the National Coal Board to operate extensive opencast workings in Denby Dale and neighbouring areas...we call upon the ward parties to take action to lead public objections in their districts". On 19 January 1972 the Party wrote to the local branches of the NUM (National Union of Mineworkers) to show their support of the strike and to inform them that a Distress Fund would be available to financially assist miners in the area.

Access Information

Original available for consultation by appointment