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77 'Let the Needle Hit the Vinyl
“On the night of November 12th, 1977, women from at least twelve towns and cities
across the country organized and participated in Reclaim the Night marches”
These marches were a direct response to the police directive for women to stay
indoors while they hunted down the serial killer known as the Yorkshire Ripper.
This documentary delves into the untold stories of these pivotal events, focusing particularly on the marches that took place in Leeds.
'77' Let the Needle Hit the Viny' features powerful interviews with women who
participated in the marches, shedding light on their personal experiences and thebroader social implications of their actions.
'77 Let the Needle Hit the Vinyl' is not just a recounting of past events; it is a call to
action.
The film urges viewers to reflect on the current state of gender equality and
the work still required to create a truly inclusive and safe society for all.
By celebrating the pioneers of the Reclaim the Night and inspiring future generations,
this documentary brings the conversation on gender equality back into the limelight.
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THE STORY BEHIND 77 LET THE NEEDLE HIT THE VINYL
The history of Reclaim the night
Born in Leeds in 1977, the Reclaim the Night movement emerged from the Women’s
Liberation Movement, fuelled be a desire for women to feel safe in public spaces at
night. Inspired by earlier marches in the U.S., the movement gained momentum after
the tragic murder of Susan Alexander Speeth and the horrific Yorkshire Ripper
killings.
On November 12 th , 1977, the first Reclaim the Night march marches took place in
Leeds where approximately 115 women rallied against a police directive that advised
them to stay indoors after dark. Armed with powerful slogans like “No Curfew on
Women-Curfew on Men”, the protesters marched through the streets, igniting similar
demonstrations across cities like York, Bristol and London.
Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, the movement continued to grow, despite facing
challenges, including clashes with the police and differing opinions on tactics. By the
90’s, activity dwindled, but a resurgence occurred in 2004, leading to thousands of
women marching in cities like London and Leeds in the following years.
The movement has evolved, with recent events responding to contemporary issues,
such as the death of Sarah Everard in 2021, which prompted a virtual vigil that
attracted over 28, 000 participants, also in 2006, a Reclaim the Night protest was
organized in Ipswich, Suffolk, in response to the murders of five prostitutes, which
had between 200 and 300 attendees. Reclaim the Night remains a powerful symbol
of Women’s fight for safety, solidarity, and the right to reclaim public spaces.
Some of the people involved in 77 let the needle hit the vinyl.
Al Garthwaite
Al Garthwaite is a prominent figure in the feminist movement in the UK.
She was instrumental in organizing the first Reclaim the Night March in Leeds on 12th November 1977, a significant event in the history of womens rights.
The march was a response to the
Yorkshire Ripper murders and aimed to protest violence against women and demand safer streets.
Over the years, Al has continued her work in advocacy and activism, contributing to
numerous women’s projects and initiatives.
Her expertise in consultancy and research has informed various gender equality programs and policies.
Al's dedication to improving the
lives of women in Leeds led her to take on multiple roles within the community and local government.
In addition to her activism, Al Garthwaite has also served on Leeds City Council, where she continued to champion women's rights and social justice issues.
Most recently, her extensive
contributions to the city were recognized when she was appointed as the Lord Mayor o fLeeds.
Her career reflects a deep commitment to social justice, particularly in advancing
women's rights and community welfare.
Julie Bindel
Julie Bindel is a renowned author, journalist, and feminist activist who has made significant
contributions to the discourse on womens rights and issues related to violence against
women.
She started from very humble beginnings, growing up in the north of England, and has risen to prominence through her work as a top journalist, particularly with The Guardian
newspaper.
During her time in Leeds in the 1970s, Julie experienced a harrowing episode when she was stalked by Peter Sutcliffe, infamously known as the Yorkshire Ripper.
Sutcliffe's reign of terror during that period had a profound impact on many women in the region, and Julie's personal encounter with him has shaped much of her activism and writing.
Julie has gone on to become a leading voice in feminist journalism, known for her fearless critiques of violence against women, the sex industry, and gender inequality.
Her work, both in print and through her activism, continues to inspire and advocate for women's rights globally.
Mo Lea
Mo Lea is a remarkable survivor and artist who endured a life-altering attack by Peter
Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, during the 1970s. At the age of twenty, Mo was returning
from a pub where she had been planning her twenty-first birthday when she was brutallyassaulted by Sutcliffe.
The attack was so severe that her injuries left her unrecognizable, even
to her own parents when they visited her in the hospital.
Despite the trauma she faced, Mo Lea has shown incredible resilience and strength.
She pursued her passion for art and went on to teach the subject at the Masters level, sharing her expertise with students around the world.
Her career as an artist has flourished, with her work being exhibited in prestigious venues in London, Los Angeles, and New York.
Mo's journey from a survivor of a horrific crime to an internationally recognized artist and educator is a testament to her courage and determination.
She continues to inspire many with
her story of overcoming adversity and achieving success in the face of unimaginable
challenges.
You can Visit Mo's website here