Remembering Linda Quinn

Your reminiscence of Linda

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16 entries.

Pat Campbell wrote on 7 November 2023 at 16:13

A Memory of Linda Q I first came across Linda in 1977 when I attended a District Meeting of the SWP in Brixton Town Hall. I wasn’t a member then but had been interested in their politics for several years. I went with a colleague, Geoff who was already an active member, and he persuaded me that the meeting would help me decide if it was the right place for me. I can’t remember for sure who the main speaker was but I think it was Tony Cliff. Geoff and I were a bit early and, while waiting for the meeting to get going, I watched as people filed into the hall and noticed a woman who was removing her motorbike helmet and shaking out her long, curly, reddish-brown hair. She was dressed in bike leathers and looked very confident and impressive. She sat a few rows back from us and, when the time came for contributions from the floor she was the first to speak, loudly and assertively – in a strong Glaswegian accent! I recognised her accent immediately, having spent a lot of time with relatives on Clydeside as a youngster. I don’t remember now what she was actually speaking about, but I do remember the passion in her voice when she spoke. To be honest, I was in awe of her because she seemed to speak so easily – and in front of so many people. She got up and spoke several times during the meeting and some of what she said appeared to be at odds with the speaker - which impressed me even more! I asked Geoff who this woman was and he said, “Linda Quinn – you’ll meet her if we go to the Railway Tavern after this – she’s sure to be there”. And I did get to meet her briefly. I was so in awe of her that I felt awkward and didn’t know what to say, worrying that I might say something stupid or politically naive. That evening I joined the SWP and, indirectly, Linda had a lot to do with my decision. Of course, I met her many times over the ensuing years and eventually we became good friends, ironically often disagreeing about politics, but I’ll never forget my first encounter with Linda. She made me realise that women could play a real role in radical socialist politics. Pat Campbell

Jane Lutz wrote on 11 September 2023 at 15:46

It’s very sad to learn , belatedly, about Linda’s death. We shared a flat for two years, while students at Stirling University ( along with our mutual friend the dearly beloved Marilyn). Although from different backgrounds, Linda and Marilyn were the sophisticated city girls and I was from a small village, we shared so many adventures and whacking good times. Linda was clever, quick witted, funny and generous. Above all she was ferociously committed to her politics and driven by her desire to make lives better for others. As three working class girls, the first in our families to go to university, we had to adjust to mixing with those more privileged ( and occasionally intimidating) students who seemed to glide along more confidently than us. That didn’t last for long though with Linda. In seminars her fierce intelligence and ability to argue her corner quickly established she was second to none. We went our different ways after graduating but I visited Linda when she was treated for TB, contracted at a shockingly young age . She dealt with the life changing impact of this disease with great courage and grace so I’m aware she would have coped with her later illnesses with a determination that allowed her to achieve all that she did in her sadly too short life. She was some gal and someone who touched my life greatly. My condolences to Alan.

Clare Ruhemann wrote on 2 December 2021 at 09:45

I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Linda's passing. I have such great memories of Linda when she and I ran the NUJ London Magazine Branch together. We bonded on sight because of our desire to make the branch active and lively - and fun to be a part of - as well as doing the bread and butter work needed to just keep the show on the road. That was easy with Linda as she was so extremely committed, imaginative and dynamic, and at the same time always massive fun to be around. And that fantastic commitment and personality, which she carried on to all the other causes she got involved in subsequently, will be painfully missed by all around her. Goodbye Linda x

Gerry Williams wrote on 20 September 2021 at 14:50

I always have memory of Linda being a very strong political person - who intimidated me because she was so knowledgeable in her politics and an amazing political organiser. And at the same time being a person with a lot of love for humanity. There aren't many like her. A very sad loss.

Brixton Immortals Dominio Club wrote on 20 September 2021 at 10:39

On behalf of the Brixton Immortals Domino Team, we would love to pay tribute to Linda. The Domino team found her to be jovial, loving, warm, caring, and supportive. She was a beacon of encouragement to us and supported the team without hesitation. She offered her office space to us to work if we needed it. She gave us the opportunity to help change public perception of our club. Whenever the team invited her to events, she was there. Both her and Alan gave the team the opportunity to record, share our story through pictures and various articles in the Brixton Bugle, for that we are truly grateful. Gone forever but not forgotten, may her soul rest in peace.

Ruby Gregory wrote on 19 September 2021 at 21:02

Linda was an amazing person, incredible friend and a wonderful mentor. I remember her coming to meet me at the cafe I was working in at the time, she walked out of her little blue car, and met me with a warm smile and kind blue eyes. We talked about her career, her work as editor of the Bugle and then she asked me about my passions. We realised we had the same interests, and were hugely invested with the Brixton community and helping others. She was a great listener, and was able to read my concerns in certain situations. I remember her telling me, ‘you just haven’t found your writing voice yet, but you will’ - I often think about this when I’m stuck on a story, how to develop an idea or what kind of questions I should when it's a difficult subject. I’d think ‘what would Linda do?’. Her impact on me as a 20 something who was just trying to find a way in will stay with me forever and I owe everything to her and Alan. She saw something in me that I didn’t, and there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think of her, and how many young people she inspired.

Vanessa Potter wrote on 19 September 2021 at 19:11

Having worked with Linda for nearly 10 years I have too many stories and memories... She had a feel for communications and people, and was brilliant at handling the myriad of tricky situations we found ourselves in. I learnt so much from her (much more than I realised at the time). She was also a great friend - who I laughed with, received wise advice from, drunk with, and travelled pretty much all over the UK - for what sometimes felt like a lifetime. There were probably too many nights when we had to phone Alan because we got delayed at the pub or wine bar on the way home ... but what a few years we had. When we interviewed Linda - the Board member on the panel asked her if she was "THE Linda Quinn" - she was and always will be. THE Linda touched so many of our lives - I think of her often. The best dressed, most glamorous, most feisty and funniest woman. May you rest in power my sister.

Becky Lawrence wrote on 19 September 2021 at 14:59

Linda Hill Mead's quiet champion Heralding out LOUD Lifting up, shinning on Being part of us Thank you so much

Mark MCGANN wrote on 18 September 2021 at 17:37

What a woman Linda was. Hugely talented. Funny as hell. And endlessly kind to those around her. A life very well lived.

Sarah Pollard wrote on 13 September 2021 at 08:52

So blessed to have learnt how to do long distance travel with intrepid Linda ,ably assisted by Kate . Lazing by pools , driving route 66 , shopping in souks and toasting the trip with a little tipple . Such very special memories . Thank you dear Linda xx

Marilyn Rogers wrote on 11 September 2021 at 18:38

Linda Quinn is a remarkable presence in our lives. As Bugle Editor she worked to instil a high level of professionalism in journalism at a local level. Linda wanted to feel the pulse of the community and seeing her at work, whether it was by assisting young people learn their journalism skills or engaging with us at the Library or Friends of Windrush Square for the Local Heroes Initiative. She knew how to find out what was going on and how best to grab the attention of the public and being with her was always a learning experience and a joy. Her support of Local Heroes Initiative throughout, from its initiation in 2017 to our event this year Local Heroes Banner-Craft Connections, showed an awareness of the importance for communities to celebrate the achievements of those who enrich our lives.

Sue King wrote on 9 September 2021 at 07:54

In the late 1970s I'd never met anyone else so clever, so fierce, so full of energy and such a friend. Whether it was chasing the National Front out of Lewisham or East Street, getting crushed at a Miners' demo or going to a great club after the pub shut, "Come on!" she would say, "It'll be fun!". And it always was. We met again sometimes in recent years and she didn't seem to have changed that much. I loved her really.

Jenny Weinstein wrote on 6 September 2021 at 08:20

I knew Linda through the seventies and eighties through Womens Voice and she recruited me to the SWP. I remember her as feisty, witty, clever, compassionate, supportive, brave and beautiful. She had a big impact on me and I am so glad I knew her.

Baroness Pitkeathley[Jill] wrote on 2 September 2021 at 14:53

So many lovely memories of a great woman from our time together at New Opportunities Fund. We had such a laugh trailing around after Tony Blair and his team at Brighton . They kept avoiding us but eventually Linda cornered him and got his endorsement. We earned the drink we shared afterwards!

Stephen Dunmore wrote on 2 September 2021 at 09:31

Linda was a fantastic and loyal colleague at the New Opportunities Fund and Big Lottery Fund over many years. She taught me all I know about media handling and was always supportive when I got it wrong. And, with Linda, never a dull moment!

Julia Nicholls wrote on 1 September 2021 at 14:49

I remember Linda as a true community champion, passionate about Brixton and the people who live and work here. She was incredibly generous with her time and energy, and always brought a sense of mischievous fun with her! I think of her often and miss her greatly.