Red South West

Eddie Tucker reviews the new magazine available from, among others, Exeter Left Group, Flying Post, PO Box 185, Exeter, EX4 4EW, £5 for four issues.

The South West has a history of radical publications, including the Somerset Clarion and Exeter Labour Briefing. Red, now in its second issue, brings together groups and individuals involved in the Bristol Marxist Forum, Anti-Fascist Action, and many others grouped around the Revolutionary Socialist Network. The magazine covers a diverse range of issues from genetically modified crops to the Liverpool docks, from CLR James to EMU.

Perhaps the most interesting article features the Alternative World Cup, organised by a village team from Dorset, featuring teams from all over Europe, South Africa and even Bradford's anarcho-syndicalist 1 in 12 Club. Relying on fundraising for teams from poorer countries, the organisers did a magnificent job to bring 500 people to the small village of Thorncombe. In a portent for 2002, South Africa ran out winners.

Interesting though the national and international articles are, it is the local reports and interviews that stand out - combined with the unifying nature of the magazine and its radical cutting edge, it's worth a read wherever you live. Well read and well red!

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