"It's the best thing that ever happened for women in Leeds.” 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 RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
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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.
8. 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.
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Women's Circle and guests at the Hofbrauhaus in the Merrion Centre in April 1972. Pictured,left to right, Philip Adams and wife Janet, Margaret Gledhill, Christine Kilbane (front), Desiree Fisher with husband John and Caroline Roy.
11. YEP Women's Circle
Pictured before the Gala Performance of the Royal Ballet at Leeds Grand in November 1972 are Women's Circle members, left to right, Ina Ryan, Patricia Arran, Susan Croft, Pat Barnett and Sheila Brown.
12. YEP Women's Circle
September 1972 and a trip to Blackpool to meet Lovelace Watkins was a journey in style for these Women's Circle members who won a YEP competition. Pictured are Barbara Bargetzi, Eileen Davitt and Nancy Thomas.