Liverpool Free Press archive

Bits & pieces

There were plenty of other "alternative" activities in Liverpool during the 1970s besides the Free Press. This section looks at some of them (suggestions for others to be included are welcome).

Before launching the Free Press members of its core team had been involved with three other short-lived publications which might be regarded as its precursors.

Pak-o-Lies

'Openings' magazine

Mersey People newspaper

Tuebrook Bugle

The Bugle was a community newspaper launched in 1971 and circulating in the Tuebrook area of Liverpool.

It was produced by local residents and for a few years was highly successful.

Scottie Press

The Scottie Press was a community newspaper launched in 1971 and circulating in the Scotland Road area of Liverpool.

It was started with a £300 grant from the Vauxhall Community Project to produce 12 monthly issues.

For several years the Free Press shared premises with News from Nowhere, the radical bookshop.

The first few issues of the Free Press included extracts from The Little Red Schoolbook, which was controversial because of its liberal-minded discussion of sex, including its description of masturbation as normal and harmless. Copies of the book had been seized by police and its UK publisher was fined under the Obscene Publications Act.

Radio pirates

Aside from the alternative press,
there were various radio enthusiasts
broadcasting on illegal transmitters
and mainly playing requests from listeners.

'Communes' magazine and
the Commune Movement

Memory Lane

Several other radical/alternative projects started in Liverpool around the same time as the Free Press. They include: Scotland Road Free School, the Open Mind gallery, Liberty Hall and the Lilley Road commune.

Do you remember them in the 1970s? Were you involved with any of them? If so, please let us know using the contact form.