Big Cyril's RAP sheet...

The first edition of the infamous Rochdale Alternative Paper (RAP) had a cartoon of a huge Cyril Smith shaped blimp clinging on to Rochdale Town Hall.

RAP had a lot to say about Cyril.

Urban myths abound that Cyril Smith had RAP closed down (although it is completely UNTRUE that Cyril Smith ever sued RAP for libel after the 1979 investigation into claims of Cyril Smith sexually abusing young lads at Cambridge House hostel in the early 1960's.)

Another rumour is that Cyril pulled a few favours with someone influential in the media to eventually have the RAP magazine closed down.

Some thought RAP was vulgar and mentioned unsavory things that should be kept quiet.

Read the back copies today and they are still fresh and relevant. RAP was proved right, time and time again.

So, in the spirit of the once mighty RAP, that seemed to start and end with Cyril Smith, we wanted to do the same and discuss those allegations that refer to a corrupt, bullying, testicle sqeezing, arse spanking Godfather.

Hare Krishna, Peace and Love.