The words of a waitress at a Queens Hotel business function when a top table speaker asked what the Women's Circle was all about. Launched by your YEP in July 1970 all manner of functions were organised for women who joined in their thousands. A popular event was the Christmas get together to which husbands and boyfriends could be invited. But the activity which readlly made the Circle's name was its holiday programme. Originally, all the holidays were escorted providing a satisfaction and security which meant ladies could travel alone. The first trip was Mallorca but soon Circle members were visiting the United States, Canada, South Africa, India and Russia. By November 1972 the Circle boasted a membership of more than 50,000 with one lucky member winning a week's holiday in Marrakesh, Morocco, to celebrate the milestone. Enjoy these photos, plucked from the YEP archive, which are sure to evoke happy memories for a generation of female readers. Do you recognise anyone? READ MORE: 10 Leeds restaurants you may remember from the 1970s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
. YEP Women's Circle
The Women's Circle visit to India and the Taj Mahal in November 1981.
. YEP Women's Circle
Women's Circle visit to the United States in September 1972. Giving her regards to Broadway is Marian Tallant from Beeston.
. YEP Women's Circle
Women's Circle members and their other halfs enjoy a night at the Leeds Hofbrauhas in November 1974. Pictured are Jean Norfield, Betty Pickersgill Jean Johnson, Pamela Shae, Jean Moss, Bob Poulton, John Ward and wife Olive, Edith Poulton and Doreen Philpot.
. YEP Women's Circle
The Countess of Harewood with members of Women's Circle on the steps of Harewood House in September 1970. 300 members enjoyed a tour that day.
. YEP's Women's Circle
Women's Circle members enjoyed a luncheon at the Queens Hotel in July 1978. Richard Whiteley of YTV's Calendar was at the event to mark the programme's 10th anniversary. His is pictured with Alice Hawkins.
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Children of the Women's Circle meet Charlie Cairoli at Leeds City Varieties during a production of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk in January 1973. Also pictured is Ann Langford.
. YEP Women's Circle
Are You Being Served? actor Jon Inman joined Women's Circle members for tea at the Grand Theatre in June 1979. He was appearing in Charley's Aunt at the theatre. He is pictured ready to serve Dorothy Webster with a sandwich on her 68th birthday.
1. YEP Women's Circle
The Women's Circle visit to India and the Taj Mahal in November 1981.
2. YEP Women's Circle
Women's Circle visit to the United States in September 1972. Giving her regards to Broadway is Marian Tallant from Beeston.
3. YEP Women's Circle
Women's Circle members and their other halfs enjoy a night at the Leeds Hofbrauhas in November 1974. Pictured are Jean Norfield, Betty Pickersgill Jean Johnson, Pamela Shae, Jean Moss, Bob Poulton, John Ward and wife Olive, Edith Poulton and Doreen Philpot.
4. YEP Women's Circle
The Countess of Harewood with members of Women's Circle on the steps of Harewood House in September 1970. 300 members enjoyed a tour that day.
5. YEP's Women's Circle
Women's Circle members enjoyed a luncheon at the Queens Hotel in July 1978. Richard Whiteley of YTV's Calendar was at the event to mark the programme's 10th anniversary. His is pictured with Alice Hawkins.
6.
Children of the Women's Circle meet Charlie Cairoli at Leeds City Varieties during a production of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk in January 1973. Also pictured is Ann Langford.