What do you think?
Rate this book
Badgeland: Memoir of a Labour Party Young Socialist in 1980s Britain
Steve Rayson believed working-class people had everything to gain from socialism. The only problem was they didn't agree with him.
In 1979 Margaret Thatcher was threatening to change Britain forever, and not in a good way. Determined to defeat her, Steve joined the Swindon Labour Party, pinned protest badges to his chest and marched against mass unemployment, apartheid and nuclear weapons. His radical generation was going to change the world but, bewildered by consecutive Conservative election victories, he had to reassess what he had been taught by his Badgeland comrades.
What do you do as a young socialist when your dad’s mates in the working men’s club buy their council houses, drive Austin Metros (a British car to beat the world), read The Sun, and vote Tory? He would come to realise that politics isn’t all it seems at seventeen.
Badgeland is an insightful, warm and frequently hilarious memoir about coming of age, politics, class and social mobility in the 1970s and 1980s. It is a deeply personal account of loss and renewal that will resonate with everyone regardless of the party they support.
In 1979 Margaret Thatcher was threatening to change Britain forever, and not in a good way. Determined to defeat her, Steve joined the Swindon Labour Party, pinned protest badges to his chest and marched against mass unemployment, apartheid and nuclear weapons. His radical generation was going to change the world but, bewildered by consecutive Conservative election victories, he had to reassess what he had been taught by his Badgeland comrades.
What do you do as a young socialist when your dad’s mates in the working men’s club buy their council houses, drive Austin Metros (a British car to beat the world), read The Sun, and vote Tory? He would come to realise that politics isn’t all it seems at seventeen.
Badgeland is an insightful, warm and frequently hilarious memoir about coming of age, politics, class and social mobility in the 1970s and 1980s. It is a deeply personal account of loss and renewal that will resonate with everyone regardless of the party they support.
- GenresNonfiction
365 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 6, 2023
Absolutely fascinating,in every way, I mean being a teen in the 80’s was always going to make this a great read alongside my love of politics and work life at the House Of Lords BUT even if none of these points had been relevant it would still have been a riveting read
I can appreciate some of the authors fervour for change in the 80’s,I thought I was edgy and making a bold statement with my CND badge ( especially when it seemed to annoy everyone I knew ) and yes I signed up for info from Billy Bragg and Red Wedge Tours but Steve gave his life in the 80’s to his beliefs and he has managed to write his memoirs in a funny but poignant,brutally honest yet endearing way and even when you find yourself disagreeing with a point or a belief you see why he did believe in it,books like this can sometimes be pompous or overbearing but this fails at both and is a true recollection of his loves and aspirations in that wonderfully terrible brilliant decade of the 80’s,loved every page,memory and insight
It is also very embarrassingly correct as to how your views and ideals often change after a certain age 😎
10/10
5 Stars
I can appreciate some of the authors fervour for change in the 80’s,I thought I was edgy and making a bold statement with my CND badge ( especially when it seemed to annoy everyone I knew ) and yes I signed up for info from Billy Bragg and Red Wedge Tours but Steve gave his life in the 80’s to his beliefs and he has managed to write his memoirs in a funny but poignant,brutally honest yet endearing way and even when you find yourself disagreeing with a point or a belief you see why he did believe in it,books like this can sometimes be pompous or overbearing but this fails at both and is a true recollection of his loves and aspirations in that wonderfully terrible brilliant decade of the 80’s,loved every page,memory and insight
It is also very embarrassingly correct as to how your views and ideals often change after a certain age 😎
10/10
5 Stars
March 11, 2023
3.5
Steve Raynor grew up in 1970s Swindon and became a young Socialist who spent his spare time trying to sell Militant newspapers to unsuspecting passersby. His account of what it was like to spend your teens and early twenties with Margaret Thatcher as your Prime Minister was as eye opening as it was terrifying.
I was born in 1986 so I was absent for much of the timeframe spoken about. Nevertheless, as someone who grew up in County Durham with a coal mining grandfather, the echoes of that time have stayed with me. It was fascinating to hear about it from someone who was there.
From his first forays into Socialism, Steve takes us on a journey of discovery; his passion and enthusiasm for politics taking him to Bath University where he sees the world change around him as the working class start to abandon the Labour Party in favour of ‘right to buy’ and credit cards. The privatisation of BT, British Airways and British Gas allows the workers to now be shareholders, although most of them wouldn’t be workers for much longer. All the while, Steve is trying to understand how people could still be voting Tory while the unemployment rate is sky high, riots are breaking out in the streets of Brixton and Toxteth, and industrial towns and cities are being decimated.
Although nearly forty years later, the parallels between then and now are visible and I could relate to the complete bemusement Steve felt at the world around him. As time went on and the reality of the political world became clear, his passion and fire faded somewhat. Luckily, there is always the next generation of badge-wearing teenagers ready to take the baton and finally realise that socialist dream. We can but hope.
Written with humour, warmth and in-depth political knowledge, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the 80s and can recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about the politics and history of that time. Or if you just want to reminisce over Spandau Ballet and Swindon Town.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Steve Raynor grew up in 1970s Swindon and became a young Socialist who spent his spare time trying to sell Militant newspapers to unsuspecting passersby. His account of what it was like to spend your teens and early twenties with Margaret Thatcher as your Prime Minister was as eye opening as it was terrifying.
I was born in 1986 so I was absent for much of the timeframe spoken about. Nevertheless, as someone who grew up in County Durham with a coal mining grandfather, the echoes of that time have stayed with me. It was fascinating to hear about it from someone who was there.
From his first forays into Socialism, Steve takes us on a journey of discovery; his passion and enthusiasm for politics taking him to Bath University where he sees the world change around him as the working class start to abandon the Labour Party in favour of ‘right to buy’ and credit cards. The privatisation of BT, British Airways and British Gas allows the workers to now be shareholders, although most of them wouldn’t be workers for much longer. All the while, Steve is trying to understand how people could still be voting Tory while the unemployment rate is sky high, riots are breaking out in the streets of Brixton and Toxteth, and industrial towns and cities are being decimated.
Although nearly forty years later, the parallels between then and now are visible and I could relate to the complete bemusement Steve felt at the world around him. As time went on and the reality of the political world became clear, his passion and fire faded somewhat. Luckily, there is always the next generation of badge-wearing teenagers ready to take the baton and finally realise that socialist dream. We can but hope.
Written with humour, warmth and in-depth political knowledge, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the 80s and can recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about the politics and history of that time. Or if you just want to reminisce over Spandau Ballet and Swindon Town.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
March 25, 2023
The story of a young Socialist growing up in 1970s Swindon - well written, funny and gave me so many reminders of growing up in that era. Loved it
February 27, 2023
At first sight Badgeland looks like a tempting feast of Boomer nostalgia. So far so good, but there’s a serious side to this delightful memoir. Alongside his witty reminiscences, the author presents a considered and accurate account of the political issues in the UK during the 70s and 80s, the condition of the working class at the time and their potential for social mobility. Steve Rayson began his career as a teenage Trotskyist selling political pamphlets on the streets of Swindon. He says this was ‘….the sink or swim school of sales training and better than any selling course’. Ultimately he became a successful entrepreneur, having been the first person in his family to attend university. He remained close to his solidly working class parents and siblings, but increasingly there were clashes of culture. These are hilariously depicted in accounts of nights out in a working mens’ club, where Rayson embarrassed his father by sharing his left-wing political opinions.
I can vouch for the accuracy of the information in Badgeland, because I was there. I ate Angel Delight, wore crimplene and watched the Wombles. For those too young to remember these delights, there’s a useful glossary in the back of the book. But Rayson did set me right about one thing. In 1981 Michael Foot, who was then the leader of the Labour Party, wore what the press called a ‘donkey jacket’ to the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph. I knew about this furore but I had never heard the truth of the matter. I was amazed to learn that the garment was in fact an expensive overcoat Foot’s wife bought from Jaeger. I’m not sure whether this reveals more about the British press or about Jaeger clothing, which went into administration in 2017.
As I write, strikes and picket lines are in the news once more and energy supply is again an issue, so it’s good to remember what trade unions are for. We also need a good laugh, and there are plenty of those in Badgeland.
I was given an ARC in return for an honest review.
I can vouch for the accuracy of the information in Badgeland, because I was there. I ate Angel Delight, wore crimplene and watched the Wombles. For those too young to remember these delights, there’s a useful glossary in the back of the book. But Rayson did set me right about one thing. In 1981 Michael Foot, who was then the leader of the Labour Party, wore what the press called a ‘donkey jacket’ to the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph. I knew about this furore but I had never heard the truth of the matter. I was amazed to learn that the garment was in fact an expensive overcoat Foot’s wife bought from Jaeger. I’m not sure whether this reveals more about the British press or about Jaeger clothing, which went into administration in 2017.
As I write, strikes and picket lines are in the news once more and energy supply is again an issue, so it’s good to remember what trade unions are for. We also need a good laugh, and there are plenty of those in Badgeland.
I was given an ARC in return for an honest review.
February 18, 2023
This is an engaging read for anyone born in the 60s to reminisce with whilst also providing an historical insight into the working class, social mobility and the political issues of the time. For anyone wanting to gain an understanding of what it was like to grow up through the political unrest of the 70's and 80's - strikes, power cuts, picket lines and dole queues this book will create an informative background from Steve's perspective.
Steve talks at the beginning of not being able to remember certain memories whilst other, seemingly lesser important ones can’t be recalled. For me, whilst reading his autobiography, I found so many of my memories of that era were triggered by what I was reading and even though I was one of the Sheffield “Troglodytes” it was strangely comforting to read about what it was like for our generation, growing up and trying to find our role in life in a world that generally didn’t want to listen to the points of view of those of us who were too young to vote.
Steve has a way of writing that makes you feel that you're sat having a cup of coffee with him whilst chatting about what experiences in life you have in common. By the time I had read to the end of the book I felt that I had known Steve since 6th form and if I met him now we would just sit down and have a natter from where the book left off. This, to me, is a skill when writing autobiographies as, all too often, I am left feeling that I cannot relate to the author and generally don't finish their book.
Regardless of your political viewpoint this is an astute look at the social class system that was still so evident at the time and it is narrated with humour and candour as it moves to the present day and the various aspects of Steve's life that he covers . If you only read one autobiography this year I would urge it to be Badgeland as every reader should be able to find some aspect of it that they can relate to.
Steve talks at the beginning of not being able to remember certain memories whilst other, seemingly lesser important ones can’t be recalled. For me, whilst reading his autobiography, I found so many of my memories of that era were triggered by what I was reading and even though I was one of the Sheffield “Troglodytes” it was strangely comforting to read about what it was like for our generation, growing up and trying to find our role in life in a world that generally didn’t want to listen to the points of view of those of us who were too young to vote.
Steve has a way of writing that makes you feel that you're sat having a cup of coffee with him whilst chatting about what experiences in life you have in common. By the time I had read to the end of the book I felt that I had known Steve since 6th form and if I met him now we would just sit down and have a natter from where the book left off. This, to me, is a skill when writing autobiographies as, all too often, I am left feeling that I cannot relate to the author and generally don't finish their book.
Regardless of your political viewpoint this is an astute look at the social class system that was still so evident at the time and it is narrated with humour and candour as it moves to the present day and the various aspects of Steve's life that he covers . If you only read one autobiography this year I would urge it to be Badgeland as every reader should be able to find some aspect of it that they can relate to.
February 6, 2023
In the 1980s, many of us thought we could change the world with protests, badges and political campaigns. Steve Rayson did. This is the story of a young working class lad, the first person in his family to go to university, as he began to understand the limits on being able to effect the change he thought the UK, and his working class neighbourhood in Swindon, so desperately needed. For a start, his own family and neighbours, didn’t share his beliefs!
This was a surprising page-turner, and I found myself laughing at Steve’s experiences as he moved to university and then work in London, where nothing was as he expected. I found it very engaging, and particularly liked the dialogues, discoveries, shocks and surprises, all accompanied by references to the music, clothes and TV programmes of the day. There were also some moments of sadness as he faced the loss of his identity and some of his beliefs. Overall, this is not about giving up on dreams, but rather adapting them to new realities and contexts. I heartily recommend this to new generations and old.
This was a surprising page-turner, and I found myself laughing at Steve’s experiences as he moved to university and then work in London, where nothing was as he expected. I found it very engaging, and particularly liked the dialogues, discoveries, shocks and surprises, all accompanied by references to the music, clothes and TV programmes of the day. There were also some moments of sadness as he faced the loss of his identity and some of his beliefs. Overall, this is not about giving up on dreams, but rather adapting them to new realities and contexts. I heartily recommend this to new generations and old.
May 27, 2023
Having been less than impressed with The Fall of the Red Wall by the same author I found this so much better and related to it so much. I too was a badge wearer back in the late 70s/early 80s. Granted most of my badges were punk related (a genre of music that seems to have totally evaded Steve Rayson) but I still have my badge, bought for the 79 election that had, in large print' "Vote Tory" and in small print above and below, "Rich and Selfish?", "Poor and Stupid?".
I wore my left leanings in my heart and on my badges, but wasn't one for getting into deep political conversations, happier to talk about music and football. Idealistic? Yes. Turned to voting Tory now that I have a free bus pass? No chance.
Did laugh at the use of Tartan Tories in reference to the SNP, which was relevant back then. Not any more. The SNP are more left than Labour, despite their faults.
A trip back to the dark years of Thatcherism with many moments of humour.
I wore my left leanings in my heart and on my badges, but wasn't one for getting into deep political conversations, happier to talk about music and football. Idealistic? Yes. Turned to voting Tory now that I have a free bus pass? No chance.
Did laugh at the use of Tartan Tories in reference to the SNP, which was relevant back then. Not any more. The SNP are more left than Labour, despite their faults.
A trip back to the dark years of Thatcherism with many moments of humour.
February 11, 2023
If you've ever been politically active then this is a must read. Probably not though if your chosen political colour is/was blue!
The author has lived the political life I should have led. Getting involved at grass roots to try and make a difference.
Did he? That's debatable but at least he tried. What did I do as a youngster? Joined USDAW because they gave you a free roast beef dinner every six weeks.
I did join one march though. Through the streets of Great Yarmouth. Until I got tired and went for a pint.
One of the locations used was a working men's club in Swindon. You could swap Swindon for any other town in England and the clientele are the same. Working class fellas with a few bob in their pockets thinking the Tories are wonderful.
It's a crazy old world we live in. Anyway, read this book. It will provoke memories. Hopefully good ones...
The author has lived the political life I should have led. Getting involved at grass roots to try and make a difference.
Did he? That's debatable but at least he tried. What did I do as a youngster? Joined USDAW because they gave you a free roast beef dinner every six weeks.
I did join one march though. Through the streets of Great Yarmouth. Until I got tired and went for a pint.
One of the locations used was a working men's club in Swindon. You could swap Swindon for any other town in England and the clientele are the same. Working class fellas with a few bob in their pockets thinking the Tories are wonderful.
It's a crazy old world we live in. Anyway, read this book. It will provoke memories. Hopefully good ones...
February 15, 2023
Imagine my joy at finding out my ex-boss had written a book, that for the princely sum of £2.49 I could buy and leave a one star review and some pithy comments.
Having paid, I thought I'd read a few pages, if only for a chuckle. To my absolute horror it grabbed me from the first page, and I finished the whole thing in two sitting.
Think, what if Nick Hornby had written about left wing politics in the Thatcher ere and not Arsenal. And by god, how good is a book that makes the shenanigan's of 80s left wing enjoyable. But it's also a poignant telling of dreams lost and all that politics destroyed. The father son relationship is especially touching.
Is it a great book - Yes.
Should I buy a copy - Yes.
Did it hurt you to write this - Yes.
Conclusion. My ex-boss has written one of the best books I've read of a long time. I now have to go and lie down in darkened room for a while.
Having paid, I thought I'd read a few pages, if only for a chuckle. To my absolute horror it grabbed me from the first page, and I finished the whole thing in two sitting.
Think, what if Nick Hornby had written about left wing politics in the Thatcher ere and not Arsenal. And by god, how good is a book that makes the shenanigan's of 80s left wing enjoyable. But it's also a poignant telling of dreams lost and all that politics destroyed. The father son relationship is especially touching.
Is it a great book - Yes.
Should I buy a copy - Yes.
Did it hurt you to write this - Yes.
Conclusion. My ex-boss has written one of the best books I've read of a long time. I now have to go and lie down in darkened room for a while.
February 22, 2023
This personal political awakening memoir is a change of direction for me, and I really enjoyed reading about what led Steve to find his very left wing beliefs.
We are of a similar age and it was a great reminder thinking about how different life used to be in the 70s and 80s and the political passion that can be all encompassing in your youth.
The history feels so recent but it was a different world back then. The stories were illuminating and full of fascinating detail.
I was almost cringing with Steve when he described his in-depth conversations about the socialist manifesto with anyone and everyone, determined that they would eventually see the truth.
Steve’s stories of life at a fairly conservative university were a real eye opener for me too, I had no idea that’s how it was in some places
Definitely recommended for fans of social and political history 🌟🌟🌟🌟
6 h
We are of a similar age and it was a great reminder thinking about how different life used to be in the 70s and 80s and the political passion that can be all encompassing in your youth.
The history feels so recent but it was a different world back then. The stories were illuminating and full of fascinating detail.
I was almost cringing with Steve when he described his in-depth conversations about the socialist manifesto with anyone and everyone, determined that they would eventually see the truth.
Steve’s stories of life at a fairly conservative university were a real eye opener for me too, I had no idea that’s how it was in some places
Definitely recommended for fans of social and political history 🌟🌟🌟🌟
6 h
February 24, 2023
Fabulously written autobiography by Steve Rayson, sharing his experiences, success and hardships of being a socialism activist back in the 70s-80s. Although a time before I was born I was laughing out loud at how some things seem to still not have changed even in 2023. 🤯 I felt I could relate to Steve when he spoke of the difficulty of trying to discuss/promote socialism with family and peers who he felt should be on board. Overall an enjoyable read, something different to my usual book genres.
February 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book because it reminded me so much of my own life growing up in the 1970s and pitching into activism at the start of the 80s.
Steve is a very gifted writer with a remarkable memory and great sense of humour. The decade in which we were both politically active changed Britain forever and not in a good way.
If only James Callaghan had called a General Election in the Autumn of 1978!
Steve is a very gifted writer with a remarkable memory and great sense of humour. The decade in which we were both politically active changed Britain forever and not in a good way.
If only James Callaghan had called a General Election in the Autumn of 1978!
July 26, 2023
If you're going to write a memoir, it should be interesting, evocative and honest. Steve has written a book which is all of these things and more. It's about idealism (a bloody good thing), but wondering what it means when your ideals aren't being met. It reminded me of the good and bad things of the 1980s, of life under Thatcher and what came afterwards. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 24, 2023
A good read for anyone who supported Labour during the Thatcher years; and you also find your heroes have feet of clay.
May 28, 2023
This review first appeared on my blog - https://nsfordwriter.com - on 28th May 2023.
I enjoyed reading this memoir of a young socialist in 70s and 80s Britain. It will not be everyone's cup of tea and if you're a fan of the Conservative Party then definitely not. However, you don't have to agree with all of the author's opinions to find this an interesting read, evocative of the political atmosphere of the time and also what it was like to be a university student from a working class background. There's quite a lot about the author's home town of Swindon, so if you are familiar with the place then this memoir may appeal to you also.
The book is narrated with humour and is mostly free of complicated politics-speak. It traces how the author became involved with the more radical left of the Labour Party and eventually became disillusioned. He worked for the Greater London Council, which was abolished in 1986. Not everything in the book is politics, as it's a memoir of his youth, so there are girlfriends, football and fashion. I liked how every so often, there would be a interlude at the pub or the working men's club which served to show the political differences and contradictions in various sections of society. Personal events were also related to the wider picture, such as early on when the author was given the role of milk monitor only to have it taken away by 'Thatcher the Milk Snatcher'!
The title, Badgeland, refers to the slogan badges he would wear (or put in the drawer for lost causes...) but also describes the section of society who wore them.
A recommended read.
I enjoyed reading this memoir of a young socialist in 70s and 80s Britain. It will not be everyone's cup of tea and if you're a fan of the Conservative Party then definitely not. However, you don't have to agree with all of the author's opinions to find this an interesting read, evocative of the political atmosphere of the time and also what it was like to be a university student from a working class background. There's quite a lot about the author's home town of Swindon, so if you are familiar with the place then this memoir may appeal to you also.
The book is narrated with humour and is mostly free of complicated politics-speak. It traces how the author became involved with the more radical left of the Labour Party and eventually became disillusioned. He worked for the Greater London Council, which was abolished in 1986. Not everything in the book is politics, as it's a memoir of his youth, so there are girlfriends, football and fashion. I liked how every so often, there would be a interlude at the pub or the working men's club which served to show the political differences and contradictions in various sections of society. Personal events were also related to the wider picture, such as early on when the author was given the role of milk monitor only to have it taken away by 'Thatcher the Milk Snatcher'!
The title, Badgeland, refers to the slogan badges he would wear (or put in the drawer for lost causes...) but also describes the section of society who wore them.
A recommended read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews