These thought-provoking photos chart a year in the life of Leeds and its residents in the mid-1980s.
The collection of memories takes you back to 1984, when the future of three city centre post offices, including one on The Headrow and another in the Merrion Centre, was threatened. The Post Office intended to replace them with a new Crown Post Office in the St. John’s Centre. News stories from the past year are highlighted, as are memories from the city’s suburbs, including Cookridge, Hunslet, Burmantofts, and Moortown.
1. Leeds city centre
The Post Office on The Headrow opposite the Odeon Cinema which faced the axe.
2. Leeds city centre
Former World Light Heavyweight Champion John Conteh was trying to silence a few naysayers. He was playing a key role in Willy Russell’s hit musical Blood Brothers, which was being produced at the Leeds Grand Theatre.
3. Leeds city centre
This is Leeds band The Pleasure Garden. Pictured, from left are, Darren Longhorn, Mark Adams, Mark Gregory and Carla Wood. At the front is Ede Annan.
4. Leeds city centre
Rod Hull and Emu visited Austick’s bookshop on The Headrow. Young Helen Buchan was singled out for special attention by Emu.
5. Leeds city centre
At Leeds City Station, British Rail chairman Bob Reid handed over the first of 22 railbuses to West Yorkshire.
6. Leeds city centre
Bricklaying at the Leeds College of Building. Every year, around 3,000 students join in courses ranging from evening and day release to full-time BTEC diplomas.
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