just read book secret ingredient story of fletchers bakery, george fletcher what a bloke shame people like him dont exist in these self self self times a true working class hero

I have got this book, but I prefer the other biography of George Fletcher, Leaven of Life by Nellie Connole as it gives more of a picture of his life and times.

My grandfather is mentioned in Leaven of Life, as he was very involved with George Fletcher and along with him was a founder member of the Sheffield Communist Party.

Hennypenny - who was your grandfather? I've just finished my PhD thesis at Sheffield on the Sheffield labour movement in the post-First World War period, focusing on the onset of the inter-war depression and unemployed politics in the city.

As you can imagine, the city's Communist Party activists play an important part and I've spent so long researching their experiences I feel like I almost know them personally - including George whose own MI5 file was recently released into the public domain (his Communist Party records are also fascinating and can be browsed in Manchester, as can the original Communist Party minute books for the Sheffield branch in 1920-4).

It would be fascinating to hear who your grandfather was, and I'm sure I can provide some interesting material for you about him.

All the best,

John

My grandfather was Joseph Leonard Royle, his brothers Charles and George were also communist party members, as was George's wife May. His father Leonard was also involved. Joe was a concientious objector in WWI because of his beliefs and we have in the family the records of his court martial which make interesting reading. He used to lecture on politics but my grandmother made him stop as she got fed up of being followed everywhere by the secret police.

George and May Royle visited both Russia and China sometime between the wars as I have items they brought back with them.

I have the funeral orations of Joe and George, both done by Howard Hill. I would be very interested if you have any more details about them.

[QUOTE=hennypenny;2041111]My grandfather was Joseph Leonard Royle,

Was your Grandfather any relation to Stanley Royle the artist?

[QUOTE=hennypenny;2041111]My grandfather was Joseph Leonard Royle,

Was your Grandfather any relation to Stanley Royle the artist?

No, as far as I can see there is no relationship, as Stanley Royle comes from Lancashire and our Royles come from Sheffield. I did used to live next door to a Miss Royle who was from Stanley Royles family, and we looked into it to see if we were related, but we couldn't find a link.

I don't know if he was named after the artist, or if it is a coincidence, as my uncle is called Stanley Royle.

KivWaHistory - Hennypenny - who was your grandfather? I've just finished my PhD thesis at Sheffield on the Sheffield labour movement in the post-First World War period, focusing on the onset of the inter-war depression and unemployed politics in the city.

Do you give any references regarding G.H.B.Ward in your PhD.
He founded the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers in 1900 and along with J.Pointer M.P. was the first secretary and founder of the Labour Party in Sheffield.

KivWaHistory: Have the MI5 got anything down about me? In my younger days I was a member of the Young Communist League and minded to change the world!!!!
I've always thought that my phone was or still is, tapped and my letters opened sometimes. I'm not really bothered because the MI5 or 6 Or 7 have a job to do. We would be in a poor state without them. I'd just like to know Cu's I'm nosey!

just read book secret ingredient story of fletchers bakery, george fletcher what a bloke shame people like him dont exist in these self self self times a true working class hero

I worked for Fletchers and remember the man himself. I also recall his passing. Things changed when his son Paul inherited the business

just read book secret ingredient story of fletchers bakery, george fletcher what a bloke shame people like him dont exist in these self self self times a true working class hero

People like George Fletcher do still exist. Society has changed from the days when like minded people similar to him were around. I've frequently thought, has society moved in the right direction. Let us face the facts, generally todays society is based basically on what you have materially got, not what you are.