County Constabulary 1970 Anti-apartheid demonstrations UK...South Africa Springboks tour

[Ross Mather]

In the winter of 1970 the South African Springboks rugby team toured the UK. There were large scale demonstrations.....and this is a photograph...with me in the centre.....where 1,000 demonstrators tried to gain unlawful entry into St. Helens Rugby ground, Swansea in an attempt to disrupt or cause abandonment of the Swansea RFC v Springboks rugby match. The match went ahead....with some minor disruption inside the ground....However, outside the ground was a totally different matter. For about 2 and 1/2 hours there was a running battle between police and demonstrators.....leaving many police and demonstrators injured and several dozen arrests. I remember the day well!!!

Edited February 21, 2013 by Ross Mather

[Craig]

Wasn't it organised by the former Welsh Secretary Peter Haine MP?

[paul wood]

Indeed it was he along with Tariq Ali. Another case (along with Jack Straw) of the rebellious youth becoming the pillars of the establishment.

Paul

[Mervyn Mitton]

I'm not sure about 'pillars of the establishment' - we used to call them left wing trash during the demos they organised...................

[paul wood]

Mervyn,

I was implying that left wing fire brands end up as pillars of the establishment . What are the odds of Hain getting a seat in the House of Lords in the future, quite high I would suggest.

All the best,

Paul

[Mervyn Mitton]

Hi Paul - I always think the demise of the great British Empire has numerous similarities with the end of Rome............... Mervyn

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi Paul - I always think the demise of the great British Empire has numerous similarities with the end of Rome............... Mervyn

You mean wine, olives and Orgies ?!?!?!

Man... I missed it!! :-)

[paul wood]

After a recent vote in the House of Commons more similar than you think.

Paul