Sooty

Quote My Aunty Linda who lives in Grimsby hails from Keb's Province. I reported such upon my return in Soul Source. I have met many of her family over the 24 years she has lived here after marrying my Uncle Robert...RIP. He went over there to find a partner to console and support him to face his alcohol addiction. He had a story...sad too....don;t we all. He died 6 years ago. He was my favourite Uncle and is who I ran to as a nipper whenever I felt the need. His slow demise was sad.....very sad....and I was 100 miles away from it to be too affected....but Linda....who spoke little English....was there....24/7.....until his death. They had a baby soon after they married....who is a similar age to my Daughter and doing brilliant at Leeds Uni. Linda also studied at Night School....whilst filleting fish full time for her first 5 years...got Accountancy qualifications and has run an office of 8 juniors over the past 7 years...and speaks perfick English wiv a twang....these days! Since me Uncles death......and as none of me other family had anything to do with him for 20+ years....erm....since he married Linda actually.....then I am the only 'family' she has over here.......so nowt to do with Keb.....tis personal. Linda lost up to a dozen close family and over 50 extended members. The full toll is still being assessed. I go back next week to cover from a media perspective on behalf of a Charity a visit by profiled money folk from Britain...and friends are providing security for their visit. I feel the Mayor of the area should be approached and indeed I would like Mayor Cesar Tagon Jnrs' take on events and issues over recent weeks....for the record. Hernani is amongst the highest % for voter turnout.....86% at the May elections....of which 91% voted for him.....I have been reliably informed. That beats global stats for voting systems of any kind! I'm impressed....and am looking forward to finding out how that was achieved. Folk back in the UK need to know how these folk who in the grand scale are minions over there....do. It's good to find them hidden away in corners of the world and expose their greatness. His Dad would be proud methinks. Off to find another nugget at the Boot Sale......have a good day all!x LUV SOOTY X ...me Uncle Robert would have battered the F*** outta him if he'd have upset his Mrs or owt.....yet been his bestest friend if deserving.....I miss him....X

As I said to myself when leaving me house 10 years ago Pete.....doing it for the craic....and it ain;t changed today!x Those who want one....will get one....those who don't....won't!x As it is...received orders for 27 since the review post went up!x ....to Seasons in the Sun...Terry Jacks....sang from ure rafters as if yesterday circa '75/6......"WEEEE HAD JOOOOY WE HAD FUNNNN WE HAD BORO ON THE RUNNN BUT THE FUN DIDN'T LAST 'COS THE BU**ERS RUN TOOO FAAAAAST.....happy days mate!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X Me and Paul don't go that far back as mates....we missed each other through the Soul scene in the 70's as he went and I was n kids homes or swinging from his clubs rafters at weekends and getting slung in black mariahs when the occasion arose. Indeed we were 'discussing non soulful issues in London Road regularly. In the 90's....the Soul scene brought us together....which nowt else perhaps could have done....and it's worked well for both ends of Cambridgeshire and our clubs in ways and means.....we'd say!x Just a foot note......which pays hommage to the power of what we...YOU...all have...as an environment and scene. Brilliant stuff really....see u soon Paul...X Ask Edwin to tone it down....had to listen to ure end several times this season.......pah.....X @@ ~

Keb.....THANK YOU...X I returned after dealing with bosses of Mayor types a few days after it happened but it was too raw for me to relay at the time such scenes and reality as you describe....I feel as if you was in my brain.....a 'we wos there' moment which is quite often hard to explain to 'outsiders'....but you have done it.....and it needed telling...X I had communication with friends of yours and of your family and indeed had guys heading your way to look for you. However....they could not get past 3 miles from their set off point 20 miles away as there was too much humanitarian stuff to do....to get there. We only met a couple of times at the 100 Club back in the 90's....but....I figured you a 'winner'....and your story epitomises that.....proud to know of you mate.....keep on keeping on....X LUV SOOTY X I said it the week it happened upon my return....and on the night of Children in Need.....and I will repeat it as Keb has....if you have £10 spare to just buy a DVD....and that's it...like the fella who gave £2 towards the plaque..then send it through a UK recognised Charity to the Philippines....please. Your pleasure with Xmas comforts.....or a £10 to save possibly up to 2 lives.......such is the value of life in the 3rd world and corrupt States. If you send me proof you have sent £10 minimum to a Charity for such purposes after today's date....I will send you a DVD....plain packaged but full film....for free....X The Charity's the DVD are supporting are proper too....in perspective.....but not life threatening 'today' as such. 'Togetherness'....my kind........X

.........PENSIONED!!!!! I was worrying about that!!! Sorted!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X ....The Togeverness 40th Anniversary release...........doing the cover now!!!x

...don;t they go oooon....!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

.....naaa. They'll probably be bootlegged for a fiver Dave....earner for someone....!!!X @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

Hi...X I will be brief.....Steve S gobsmacked.... job done....!....because others have more to say whom you will listen too.....i'm the saleseman init!x I will say this....I filmed it and gave it to Kev. I got a well done from him 10 years ago.....and have never heard any feedback from anyone.....for 10 years....until these reviews. It's been worth waiting for..........and yes....even me....was taken aback....overwhelmed really.....to be sincere.....and my words can't relay what your words made me feel.........except........WOW....!!!!X 10 years in the making......!x They will be available to order as from Monday...if you want one! But be quick. There is only 500 copy's for Xmas being made.....which I squeezed out of the manufacturer TODAY!!! This is no sales gimmick or owt...jjust simple facts....I see it as a Northern Soul documentary first and foremost. However....many of you will know there are some 'free' tunes added as a bonus from an album we have made in the past 18 months. 3 of those tunes on the album have been derived from Northern tunes. Those 3 new tunes were 'given' to 3 Football Clubs Fans Orgs to raise money for them with a focus on the kids end....about a year ago! They will get royalties on whatever happens to them! Cambridge Fans United have the Competition Liquidated....given the current league status it is apt! Cambridge City Fans Org have Fred's Rap which has been 'adopted' by some fans and was sung...with their lyrics...at their FA Cup match V MK Dons last season and was heard across Europe via ESPN over the tannoy.....co-incidentally during half time analysis.....LOUD.......cough!!!! HIST...the HFC fans end of the club have Hopez N Dreamz.......and are happy with their lot too!!x Point is....they all know this DVD is coming out and now is the first time they could get their hands on them! All 3 tunes have been played over their tannoys over the year.....but they've never had a copy or owt to have for themselves!! However.....whilst they knew about this video before you....my focus is the film overall. Therefore....YOU all get first shout at the Xmas stock....i;ve decided!x 2000 arrive end of January and they will suffice the fans immediate needs......but.....I have many friends I would like to give a copy too locally....up to 100......but.....I give you all until the end of next week to order for Xmas before I let loose on those 'out there'....!x Not selling...just saying......enjoy.....X Souled Trafford on SS....sez.......... Firstly, my wife said that I must have enjoyed it, as I did not fall asleep half way through it! Although she is not into the music she did sing along to some of the backing tracks and when Sean Chapman was interviewed, she said; "Oh, he dj's at Blackpool. See, I do pay attention". (We go to the weekender at the Tower every year.) Anyway, what did I think of it? Going into it totally blind, I only got back into the music just after it was originally filmed, I had no idea what to expect, but I found it an interesting and enjoyable reflection of the scene, even although it was filmed in 2003. Some of the comments, however, could well have been filmed last week, as they still apply today. What could have made it even better would have been the views/stories/thoughts from a few of those who were at the nighter. Quality was excellent and it was well produced. Hope this helps and happy to expand on anything you want. Thanks for considering me to review the dvd and I wish you every success with it. You should make more. Best Regards, IAIN (a.k.a Souled Trafford on SS) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tezza of SS very manly announces........ Hi Sooty, Loved it ! The rawness of it was refreshing. It was very Vox Pop and allowed the 'interviewee' to be free with their responses. Sooty's relaxed style put people at rest and it gave the impression of friends chatting, which it probably was. Only real negative was the quality of the picture but in a backhanded kind of way gave it that lived in feel and like you were in the moment. Nice to see Sean nearly smiling and Terry, Kenny and Chris ( and the rest ) giving an honest response without being guarded or trying to impress. How funny is it to see, or not to see as the case may be, none of the regular big voices of today out there on the floor. Loved the laid back nature of Sooty's technique and he looked as though he was thoroughly enjoying it. The punters coming in looked undeterred by the presence of the Camera and a strange guy asking questions. Gave an insight as to how far people still travel to come to these events. Back, when we wuz kids, the journeys were a little more arduous but non the less, travelling 2 1/2 Hrs or from the Isle of Wight shows the dedication that people still hold. The Younghearts - If I get it right can I get a free ticket to the next Kings Hall ? The Zoot tunes - Love those. Fred Hughes Ooh Wee .. and especially Youth Opportunities 'Tombstone'. Still has that fire in its stomach after all these years. If I had paid for this DVD I would not be rushing back demanding a refund. Hope that is OK. If you want me to be more in depth then please let me know. My reply is about the overall feel of the DVD and not individual 'performances' ( apart from Sooty's of course ) Cheers Terry, Tezza or Terence as my Mum would say if I was being a little troublesome !! XXXX ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ...after that manly appraisal...a real Lady's view..... Alison H of SS.......... I loved the DVD, and that was partly because I recognised a lot of folk on it, punters who I know are hardened life long soul fans, and are still with it today, & some who sadly aren't, due to passing to the other side (no, I don't mean the Modern Room!) Talking of Modern Room, it is a shame that it wasn't captured more that evening, but at least there is a tiny snippet of it, dark as at it may be. The deejay interviews were fantastic (all of them), seeing them in a relaxed manner, happy to chat, very informative, at times very funny, with no bragging or bigging themselves up. Well, there was one who gave me a laugh out loud moment (in a rolling eyes kind of way) but as I don't know this guy personally he may have been doing it tongue in cheek or indeed some people may see him as the Messiah (or the Doctor ;o) ) Was disappointed KR wasn't interviewed as it would have been a nice touch having his input. The dance-floor shots pulled at my heartstrings, just a bunch of folk dancing their hearts out with only the music in mind and none of the tomfoolery you sometimes see today. The background music was right up my street (CD please Sooty :o) ) & it was nice to hear it subtly throughout the DVD. The deejay sets were brilliant too and would still have me dancing today. I could go on & on, but don't want to name drop (that's your job Sooty lol) I personally will be buying a few DVD's to give to my friends as christmas/birthday presents who appear on the flydoc as they will thrilled & maybe horrified to see how they were 10 years ago. I would stress to the buying pubic that a large portion of the money made is going to Charity and it is a flydoc and not some amazing technicolour production. It is what it is, a perfect peep into a part of the scene from 10 years ago, a DVD that I enjoyed thoroughly, and that you made funny with your little captions and quiz in the queue ha ha ha!! Good luck with this and the Zoots Collective Work. I wasn't sure I would like how the tracks had been sampled but they were actually quite good, not "traditional" dance-floor material, but if you're looking for a younger and more commercial audience then you could be on to something. Apologies if my review is all over the place, but I hope you find something of use. Take care & bye for now Ali xxx (Alison H on SS) P.S. I know the dancer you are looking for, & can easily be in touch with his wife, but I'll leave it for someone else to reveal unless you really want to know now. P.P.S There were so many other things I could have commented on (in a good & funny way) but didn't want to recite it all & spoil it for those who haven't had the pleasure of watching it yet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ....and an angry view.....hehe......who has mellowed somewhat..... Winnie of SS tells us all.... Sorry to start on a downer, but really, what have Zoots got to do with the main body of the DVD which is about the biggest nighter in the country? If you still have the opportunity Sooty, get rid of the 'Zoot collective promotion' and release it separately, that said, this is only my opinion, the Northern Soul Fraternity may love the 'extras', I'm afraid I didn't. (Sooty sez.....u want 5,000 football fans on yer case?????!!!....make my day!!!hehehe!!x) Back to the main body of the DVD the King's Hall all Nighter, the country's biggest and bestl attended. From start to finish I found it really engrossing, the opening sequence featuring Sooty chatting to camera, explaining the reasons behind the making of the film, was a nice, easy, fun like introduction, in which Sooty came across very at ease in front of the camera. Having been there that night myself, and multiple times before and since, the buzz which the King's Hall has, was undoubtedly captured, not least by seeing Derek Allan dancing away behind the decks in the first few moments. Later on there's an interview with him, and the never ending enthusiasm that personified Derek, and one of the things we all remember so well about him beamed out. There is also a nice little RIP tribute to him, which quite moved me. There are a number of interviews, Richard Searling, Ian Levine, Ginger, Sean Chapman, Chris King, Shifty (nice to see that) Kenny Burrell, Terry Davies to name but a few, all of which are worth a listen too. A quick chat with the bouncers who sing our praises as a trouble free crowd which I thought was rather pleasant. Overall the balance of the film for me (I'll emphasise from my point of view) was excellent, in fact the best I've seen of it's type. Interviews with the DJs, plenty of dance floor action, chats with the punters, and with a decent soundtrack over the top of it, what more could you ask for? Yes some of the lighting was a little iffy, but it was made in 2003, so can you expect anything else? It didn't to me, dwell on any one element for too long and looks like a labour of love made for the people. I'll say now that in my opinion, it's aimed squarely at the mainstream northern soul scene so I'd estimate at least 90% of people currently attending, who watch it, will enjoy it and of the other 10%, if you're open minded, there'll be something about it you'd like. In conclusion I was given this video to review, the question is would I have bought it, and the answer is a resounding YES, I'd really like to see a 2014 version, as Terry Davies says in the film, 'You have to be able to introduce new tunes', and from that I take it as a call to not 'rest on our laurels', it's our legacy people.... Winston Heath (A.K.A Winnie on SS) ----------------------------------- Thanx to Back Street Blue of SS for helping me get Winnie into the ambulance.....and he has some kind words too.... A refreshing, relaxed sequence of behind the decks interviews with some of the best known names on the Northern Soul scene made at the height of the “mainstream” revival, ten years ago. Unlike most of the “in the club” video footage that I’ve seen, here we have interviews with both the punters and the DJ’s and promoters on the night, nicely threaded together by DJ turned media man Sooty. The film extracts views on the scene, the venue, the roles of collectors and DJ’s, and the future of the scene from Richard Searling, Ian Levine, Ginger Taylor, Sean Chapman, Chris King, Shifty, Kenny Burrell, Terry Davis and the late Derek Allen. There’s footage outside the Kings Hall asking where folks had travelled from, what they make of the event and free tickets are on offer if they can name the labels on which a well-known oldie was released, which keeps an amusing, light hearted thread, running through the film. The actual dancing footage is used to segway between the interviews and is almost incidental to the gist of the film, which works for the initiated but is probably a little too vague and grainy for anyone buying the video to see that side of the niter. From the collector’s point of view, the film captures Kenny Burrell’s suppressed delight on acquiring a copy of the Mello Souls on the night. The underlying feel of the film that I got was that whilst the punters come over as the stereotyped nostalgic types, the DJ’s and all concerned accept that the event is what it is but make the point that it deserves its place in the calendar for different reasons but just as legitimately as the rare cutting edge events…..togetherness indeed! The film also, quite rightly, mentions the role, importance and quality of the modern room, but has to apologise for the lack of footage actually shot in there and of any interviews with the DJ’s. A nice feel-good film, not breaking any new ground or focussing on the sounds in great depth but then that is not the intention….it’s a fly on the wall look at the event. Would make a stocking filler to watch whilst the wife’s burning the Christmas pudding! The Zoots Collective There’s a “bonus” of four new tracks from a forthcoming project, three of which are dubbed over samples from Timmy Williams — Competition, Fred Hughes — ooh wee baby I love you and Y.O.P.S. — of hopes and dreams and tombstones. These will make a 54 year old dad scratch his head, so I asked Lacey my 24 year old step-daughter for her opinion….she loved “competition liquidated” (T. Williams sample) and “Fred’s Rap” (Fred Hughes sample) and thought they were ripe for airplay on BBC Radio One Extra as she felt that they have enough currency a la RizzleKicks/Dizzy Rascal to go down well with the kids!! The other two tracks, she said, needed stronger and more emphasised rap-lyrics to elevate them beyond “TV advert backing tracks”…..and who am I to argue? Ok, that’s my genuine unbiased view. Back Street Blue….reporting for Soul Source “All about the Sooty”….in wild and windy South Yorkshire….signing off….(and at least I didn’t have to watch “boring- boring Arsenal” on telly tonight!!). BSB ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brav of SS offers sheer bravado........ Having watched the DVD twice I feel confident to review it with an open mind. I found the whole package to be professional, informative and very entertaining with numerous interview’s that were Humorous and light hearted but at the same time delivered with Passion and Fact. It was nice to see an Interviewer with great knowledge of the scene pose questions that are relevant and thought provoking, although the filming was done 10 years ago it’s still valid today. The film also captures very well the passion and excitement of the whole experience of a Nighter, from the queue outside to the action on the dance floor and of course The Music. There were a couple of minor negative points to the film for me, one being that the film footage of the Dance Floor action was shot out of focus for effect, would much prefer to see the dancers in full focus. The other point was the question you posed about the record labels became a bit monotonous. Now to the 4 bonus tracks at the end of the film, I’m not sure they have any relevance to the film but I found tracks 1 and 3 to be really good especially the video to track 3, tracks 2 and 4 I didn’t like very much but that’s not to say other people wouldn’t like them, purely personal taste. Would I pay £10 for it??? A big fat YES all day long. Best Regards and a Merry Christmas! Brav (SS) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gogger of SS is not agog with his gogglebox on it all...... I would like to say i enjoyed the DVD , thought Sooty did a excellent job of presenting it , i have seen clips of it here and there but not seen it all the way through , i think a lot of people may have done though , so could have problems selling to those people , the picture quality was patchy in places , maybe one could be done for today , or maybe not , the people interviewed showed their passion for northern soul and there was a great soundtrack , it was made in 2003 so it is a nostalgia dvd , doesn't bother me , but some people give the impression it's a bad thing , the price i think mentioned was 10 pound bit pricey maybe but most is going to charity so who knows , not sure about the zoots collection , i always say leave the original alone , but today’s youngsters may enjoy them and create some interest , not saying they were bad though, a short review but i have tried to give a honest opinion , good luck sooty with it and I hope it goes well , I would definitely , advise people to watch it , thanks John. (A.K.A Gogger SS) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The DVD will be available for ordering on Monday EXCLUSIVELY through info placed on Soul Source first! YOU reading...get first shout of the available 310....now left for Xmas....! Forgive the delay.....I been on the phone....to a wholesaler....!!!x........THANX!x LUV SOOTY X There is 1 more review to come which I will add as soon as it arrives!x

Paul Peek - Moving Uptown I like that tune and always have and have had it since 1994........but never played it once in me time in any set?!!!x Always felt it neeeearly there......but missing 1% of summink! I played the other side at party's at every opportunity tho and as recent as Halloween night just gone'!!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMbZ-JK7QqU Was it played at Wigan? I can imagine it would have rocked if it had been...slinky dancer for defo....?!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

Target.... £1250.00 2 hours to go..... Pledged so far....... £1419.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh Happy Day....THANK YOU ALL...X Don't stop.....the extra dosh is going straight to the Rehab centre as described by Drew.... Drew Garlick Lifelong Soul fan and regular of The Casino for over seven years. My late sister used to run the rehab centre where the surplus funds will go. They have patients who's "problems" began at Wigan. They say we had 100,000 members, let's see!! 30 days spread the word please. KTF. LUV...and i mean LOVE... SOOTY X I will report back on my visit to the Centre on the 12th December and give feed back from ex Casino folk....as it is.....X Disclaimer........I have never met Drew I don;t think and I knew of this Plaque through this thread. My posts were made by me....without knowledge to Drew or any request by him. I am independent of al and want to stay that wayl...and said how I felt. My real input starts here. If the centre is up to my expectations....then it will get 50p of every DVD we sell...to start.. 4 other Charity's are benefiting from the proceeds too. This was a late addition to that growing list after being inspired and touched by Drews sincerity and dedication......simple as. Thank you mate.....and a DVD is on its way to you for your efforts from me....X Proper stuff all round.....job done.....well done the Soul Scene....remembering it's past venues....and people who frequented it....Soulful stuff.......easy done!x (Drew faints.....hehe!x) @@ ~ Edit....I mentioned Kev and Richard as 2 of the biggest donators. Russ Winstanley came through with the same today. I have never met him and know nowt. But he deserves to be mentioned in the same way by me as they were....so thank you too Russ....and I look forward to meeting you finally at the 'unveiling gig' being arranged!x

.....obviously not a prepared or proof read 'speech' Winnie......!!!!!!!!x I'm learning from Leon off of Gogglebox....them old uns have it too.....!!!hehe!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X P.S.....edited it....and added a bit. To make myself clear. As I said...I know nothing of all your history's/factioning or fall outs whoever you are. I don't want too either. I got on with all Nationwide whoever accepted or seeked my friendship....and do to this day. For once....put aside your love spats and focus on THE PEOPLE. I showed you how to do it in the 90's. This....is the time for you....to pay penance if you like.....for wasted time...effort and energy that certainly will have been counter productive to the scene overall with such bo**ox. Focus...nobody is gonna remember us in 1,000 years who went anywhere or did what where.....but.....that Plaque...that something happened...will remain.....X Imagine being at Stonehenge when 'togetherness' kicked off at those doo's.........jeeeeez......we ain't lived really!!!!x @@ ~

SteveSmith, on 27 Nov 2013 - 4:55 PM, said: ...and Orotava adds...."Some mates and I did for 4 years..." From a different perspective.....in 1976/7 I recorded 4 tapes with 100 tunes from Wigan and happening venues of the 70's on them around my mate Waynes house. He had been DJing at the school Youth Club and had boots and stuff of the obvious tunes up until then. They stayed in the car from 1980 as my only source of music until 1993. It was the only thing I had or knew about the scene!x I smoked 2 joints over them 18 years and had never taken any proper drugs and had stopped alcohol in 1960 after leaving prison aged 18. I could sing every word and knew every instrument and sound on every tune.....and it kept me 'buzzing' for 18 years.....naturally! Imagine.....1993...for the first time....to dance...to MY music...after 18 years of listening to it.......was something I wanted to be there for from the first record....to the last.....or what was the point in going?! I didn't 'need' drugs to have it away at a doo in 1993.....I chose to take them! Never done an all-nighter in me life...except for staying awake in police cells overnight....hehe.....but....I accepted guided advice and took script dexis by choice. I enjoyued the ability to dance till the last record......but not for one moment was it about 'the drug'...on the scene...for me! Nobody can tell you different! I looked after myself and left others to do their thing which I respected end of. However....I have been to the V festivals.....and.......I go for 'the drug' EVERYTIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YEEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!x I allow meself the excitment of it all for 1 week eend a year and the music compliments it all no probs!!x Most folk go for it every week-end be it alcohol or drugs.....and as said each to their own. But when it comes to music....I have never needed any drug to enjoy Northern anywhere!!...it is theeeeeee drug..........well I was hooked for 18 years before I knew wot I wos on.....!!!!x Lethal stuff......................................I reckon!!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X ...now....listen up...........we can talk all day about stuff....and I enjoy it as do you all. But sometimes 'action' is needed. Today is that day. The Heritage/Culture plaque..... I am aware of some of those of you who have contributed towards this. From the £200 quidder donators to the £2 one who said it is all he could afford as he is drug dependent since Wigan but wanted to donate something to commemorate what was....at the time....the best times he has had in his 53 years of life.....and apoligised for not being able to give more. Personally....it meant more hearing of that than a 2 grander.....X Money is easy....passion....sincerity....'giving'....is a different thing. I am also aware of those who have declined when invited to do so....and who should....in my opinion. I am also aware they are unable to be honest as to why. Politics...personal vendettas.....STICK IT UP YOUR AR*E. The plaque is to commemorate a venue that was 'the peoples'. It is to educate future people.....culture....heritage.....no names or anything on it other than the place they congregated at.....like Stonehenge really. So....the donations target finishes tonight. It has done BRILLIANT and is about £250 short. Drew....who has put this plan together is based in Malta. He is also unemployed but full of sincerity and well founded. His motivation??? His sister. They both frequented Wigan....she took the drug path....he didn't. For most of her life she suffered as a consequence but also paid back through Charitable ways until her recent death.....RIP...X The Rehab unit she worked at has patients whose problems started at Wigan. I am going to meet some of them and those who look after them on the 12th December. Drew's sincerity has ensured that. His passion...was for his Sister. He is still a Soulie/collector today and frequents this forum regularly. So...his reasoning is sound. The Plaque represents us all.....and please tell me why you all in here can't at least match the £2 offered by the guy who certainly couldn't afford it did? Because of him or her....don't cut it with me on this one. So don;'t expect a handshake or sincere smile from me if any of you have stupidly decided to not donate for such unfounded reasons yet offer poverty from your mansion as a pathetic excuse.. You know who you are. Nuff said. Go to the link....make Drews day....and mine.....and pay respects to those folk who were the collateral of what we are discussing in this thread. They exist....in the real world. I hope you don't mind me reminding you all of that in this 'virtual' one. The target is virtually there.......make it happen.........please....THANK YOU...x https://www.justgiving.com/local/project/wigancasino

....wise words Gordon.......use them don;t abuse them was my policy in the 90's....and I wouldn't have wanted to have done it any other way!!!x I had never had me 'teenage years'....in kids homes and stuff......so did mine in me 30's......sensibly with maturity!!!x However.....I became a football hooligan though association whilst you were all at Wigan..........and ended up in prison! I'd rather had gone to Wigan....with todays wisdom in me head....but I din;t have it then......so as said.....iI may have died happy at 17/18......on the decks somewhere!!!!x Never did anything as a follower..........lead the singing at football....and the taking of ends during the 70's as one did for fun....!.......and would have been 'full on' at Wigan.....I reckon!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

Thanx for the call Drew and nice speaking with you and look forward to finalising things on Thursday...X.....job done i'd say!!!x For you reading and have an interest.....this is part of your 'heritage'....and a £1 will help!x I will share this. If it wasn't for one of these plaques up on a wall...then I would never have been inspired by this 'story'....from 100 years ago!!x Derived from an article covering Wokingham's history..... James “Sooty” Seaward (1844-1921) Everyone in Wokingham (Berks) should know about James Seaward: the town’s first commissioned public work of art, erected in 1999 at the library entrance, is a unique sculpture to commemorate his reputation as the inspiration for Charles Kingsley’s “Tom” in the Water Babies. But there may be few folk in Kingsclere who know that he was a native of their town. James was born in 1844 at the old Workhouse on the Newbury Road, the illegitimate son of Mary Seward, a poor 18 year old. Mary was the youngest daughter of James Seward, a labourer, and his wife Elizabeth, formerly Hedgecock, both of whom had died by the time she fell pregnant. Presumably Mary’s elder sister helped her as in the 1851 Census James is a scholar living with his aunt Jane in North Street. But shortly after this he was ‘apprenticed’ to a cruel chimney sweep. Why James came to Wokingham is unknown at present (this may be revealed when a few clues have been followed up). In 1861, at only seventeen years old, he established his business here under the name Seaward, probably derived from his pronunciation, and for the next sixty years he swept the chimneys of the neighbourhood. These included those at Charles Kingsley’s Rectory at Eversley, where James related his childhood experiences to the housekeeper who in turn told her master. James married three times and had twelve children, of whom only four outlived him. However, his work extended beyond his family. In 1892 he became the first workingman elected to the Town Council. Despite initial prejudice by some councillors, his integrity and hard work resulted in his elevation to Alderman, the only Alderman who was born in a workhouse and the only one to decline to be Mayor. In addition to his council activities (which included chairmanship of the Lighting Committee), James was prominent in the local temperance movement and for many years he organised social events to raise funds for charity or to entertain and educate the poorer residents. Peter G LUV SOOTY X .....makes one proud of ones name actually!!x Same with the Northern plaque commemorating a 'happening'. Summink your grandkids should read about.....and hopefully be inspired by............a quid......go on!!x Visit the site as tagged by Drew and make a donation. If u give a £5 u get a mini plaque as a thank you....which is neat methinks!x ( A personal thanx to Richard Searling and Kev Roberts for putting back into 'the scene' too.....great stuff!xx Yes....folk moan about profits......but I think folk should hear about your investments made on behalf of the scene too...X Your 'decent' donations are much appreciated....by a proud heritage preserver....I reckon..X)

Sad news as it always is when these great singers pass.....RIP...x Dave....thanx for posting that tune......the best one i;ve heard in a week or so.....nice 1 and it would make my playbox....X LUV SOOTY X

Hi Drew...X Can you give me a call before lunchtime today regarding this plaque?!x I am going to a meeting this afternoon which could discuss your request for funds!x Although I never went...It's been a hobby of mine all me life looking at these plaques around the UK in backstreets and stuff.....and much of my knowledge would never have been discovered without them....great idea!x I have some 'charity' money available for investment back into the scene.....and this seems a proper lasting thing to support....if my idea can be fitted into the time scale you have!x I look forward to your call and well done on doing something....on behalf of the scene...like I gather your sister did...(x)......respects mate...X LUV SOOTY X 07521042699

....got to say this Mark....X I drove a 17 seater LDV for 9 years in the 90's and had some regulars come when off to Blackburn/Keele....well...any all-nighter I was driving too really! A now super friend who had been 'at it' for 25 years when I started in 1993....continually gobsmacked me.... this is what 'T' would do......EVERY WEEK END!!!! Dance ALL night....possibly 2/3 E's....couple of wraps.....and about 20 jays.......through the night........and then we would make for the servie station @ 8.30am.....and he would buy a newspaper....full breakfast.....sit next to me all sensible like...not speak...and read every page....and lick the plate........to my amazement....for 9 years!!!! He was 42 when we met.....had a good job and still has....and lived a decent lifestyle....and was 'solid' in his attitude and we always have got on and always will. He is the only Soulie I have met who can do such!x Just thought i'd share that as I chuckled at your post....and hope you see why now!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

...cough....morning Barry!!!!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X ...never went........but when off me face of 5 dexies walking into Tony's Blackburn and dancing for 9 hours and stuff in '94......might have give me some sense of wot u all experienced i;d like to think!x Otherwise....i'm glad I didn't go....or i'd be dead methinks......!x I ended up in borstal '79 and prison till 1980.....so I was saved by the state....from getting in a state......on music from the States......hehe!!!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCJCCRuyT6s

....part of me ever increasing interest in decent soul music mate!!x We have the same interests obviously.....!x He wants to do some 'chunky' RnB/gritty feel stuff......and luvs our ability to fuse generations and genres together.....him and Pete have been 'on it' for 2 days solid including today!!! I know noooofink until I get to hear bits at the studio later today!!x I just popped in for the happy snaps yesterday......i'm a mooosic mogul now init!!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X I'll show him this thread and he will be pleased with your comments for definite Steve...thanx....X

"The other point that I feel the need to make is to say great news to hear Keb is ok too....X" Further to PM's....I took this to be the case based on the thread I read in here which suggested he was fine as at 7.30pm last night. Nobody had countered it....but....i've been told his close family have heard nothing up until 5pm last night. So...sorry to be presumptuous based on comment in here...X My intentions were sincere and I have offered practical help if indeed it may be required to try and get more accurate news if none is where it is required...X LUV SOOTY X p.s...looking to the future positively....Ronnie is coming to the 100 Club with us to learn more about Northern/Rare Soul of which he said Edwin always spoke well of....in fact he went as far to say....'you all treated him better than Motown......'....which told me we spoke the same language....X

Morning folks...X Just read up on all since i;ve been away and have to say first and foremost...happy birthday Russ Vickers...X....welcome Adey Pierce whom I did business with back in the 90's and it was always a pleasure!x The other point that I feel the need to make is to say great news to hear Keb is ok too....X For those 'regulars' who read all.....then Abs has calmed down....she protects me and luvs me init!!!x I thank all who gave us their good wishes for various reasons...and.......erm....how come she can tell you all I may have a maintenance payment to consider yet I just get Vagara to come home too??? Wot's that all about?!x.....no....really?!x @@ ~ There is much I can tell you based on recent days of finding out the reality over there. However....most ain't nice. Do not look at the nice pics around the periphery as shown by media with reporters in nice clean shirts. They ain't been beyond 'safety'. I have considered seriously what to share with you that would be useful....and it is this.... The Philippines have cornered the market of 'telesales' over recent years here in the UK. Many Energy/Telecoms Company's have based their call centres out there. You have also all had calls from Company's proporting to be from 'The Internet' suggesting they have found problems in your computer....and all kinds of other 'scams'. Well...the Philippines is a corrupt State....always has been. These call centres are all 'paying' some Govt Official somewhere to be able to trade and scam you.....end of. Those 'established' connections....were also being mobilised to co-ordinate YOUR charitable donations. Part of the 'security' Charity's require are the logistics to funnel any donations. It may please you to know that 7 of these 'rogue' outfits who had had around £1/2 million between them in 2 days.....have been 'taken out' of any loop channeling funds for the disatster 'officially'. As a consequence....some have taken it upon themselves to go 'independent' as of yesterday. My advice to all of you is.....DO NOT give money to anyone calling you from the Philippines with any cry for help. Any cash you may want to give then give it through British recognised Charity's or Govt initiatives. I can't say their systems are perfect either but certainly the majority of that money reaches the affected. Like a fellow Soulie has witnessed with his collection disappearing....which I feel for (X)....whenever there is adversity.,....there is opportunity too. That trait in humanity reaches the absolute sewer in disasters such as the Philippines as shown above...but...it also produces the best in us too. As an independent Journalist I have met many men and women around the World providing 'private' security for all kinds of conflict/war zones and disaster hit Country's out there. Indeed at present there are more of these folk left operating in Iraq/Kuwait and Afghanistan than any Governments armed forces! This is what I found out.....up to 20 'hard core' 'vets' who up until 3 months ago were in Afghanistan supporting Charity's in the nether regions to try and encourage farmers to try alternative crops to poppy's......as that initiative has finished and Charity's ending their thankless task.....these folk have turned up in the Philippines...for free.......to answer a genuine humanitarian need. In context....they are on £5k a week out there doing their jobs usually. I know of at least 20....who have offered their services from their heart to assist Charity's. That....'hidden' story....is one i;m proud to share with you all....not all guys and gals with guns are baddies.....lest we forget!!x So...that's 'serious' stuff outta the way....it could be considered the sly.....who have been rounded by slicker operatives...which would be wicked.....but....those descriptions are reserved for happier things....like this!x Several weeks ago my producer mate Pete and I put some 'feelers' out there about some of our music projects. We had numerous responses from the world of Soul....which has resulted in several 'interviews' and meeting some modern singers who have had chart toppers in recent years. Out of that search....has come summink 'wicked'!x ....errr....yep....About 7 hours ago The Zoots Collective have added another 'quality' singer for future and current projects......and all I needed was to hear his voice! Then he tells me Edwin Starr was his best man at his wedding....and I knew I was bang on with my decision!x I have put this info here because you lot will know more than me......i'm sure!!x Ronnie Canada....is his name......and comes with much 'cred' too!! But personally...his past is irrelevant....he can sing...like Edwin could...end of. In our first proper meet 'today' he shared soooo much 'history' with me that to be honest....i've forgotten most already!!! Whether it was Wild Cherry....or The O'Jays...Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes....S.O.U.L....George McCrae.....Lou Ragland......Lou Rawls.....Teddy Pendergrass and looooads more like that...he grew up with them all....and I have been given information overload....which.....I needed.....a super distraction to come home too...init!x I'm playing the....Play That Funky Music Wild guitar......and I look forward to sharing with you 'privately' as to the story told us behind it....!!!!x @@ ~ Here is a link to his profile as such... https://www.dicore.nl/ronnie-canada/ I have listened to his Utube clips from Atlantic soul live covers to modern Garage/dance tracks which hit the heights of Judge Jules show 30 years after he was 'wicked'...in this....aged 25....and from the record sales/SS old threads....appears to have had exposure on the Soul Scene...?! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjH2iSH60x0 He said he was supposed to have taken the lead on the track instead of backing....but....the lead was more 'white' sounding and suited the suits at the time from a 'commercial' perspective. It's his 1 regret....and to be honest......his voice woulda 'rocked' it methinks!x We is 'on it' to make him happy!!!x This track features on the Soul Togetherness 2005 compilation.....which he knows nowt about either!!!! He was the lead in a modern group called 'Caviar'...and sung this which he knows nowt about as far as its impact on the Northern scene...if any!!?!!! Willing to be educated we is!!!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDbC6ES6WIs So...some excitement to return too.....and hope you didn't mind me sharing my genuine excitement at working with such a 'quality' singer with such 'pedigree'....X I am off to kip now but am meeting him again for some local media stuff and will have some 'quality' time before he jets off.....so if anyone has any questions I can ask him.......nowt to do wiv the Lou Ragland tune/vinyl..........beeeehaaaave......hehe....but....any questions that you would be interested in the answer then i would gladly report back later on his reply!x He sez it as it is too...so feel free!!x Thanx for reading....and for all you posters who expressed a feeling....and PMers....thanx for caring......I appreciate it sincerely...X LUV SOOTY X This is me fav track he's done from my modern perspective..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIF9OWYePxU ..and the reason he came to us????.......he liked our no time for bo**ox approach to music and the industry.....and has been blown away with what we've done with some Soul tracks.....like I was when first hearing Pete's genius!!!!!!x Ooops....he also said he has tracks him and Edwin recorded 'privately'......in his possession!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He sings quite often when talking........and i'll tell you this.....i've stood as close to Edwin to know....and the man has got it...!x Angelo...Edwin's brother...has Ronnie involved in recording some of Edwin's tracks both established and unreleased stuff for albums being compiled.....and....given their relationship over the years...and his natural talent.......Angelo knows best methinks!!!x PM with Q's or leave them here and if it's ok with Mike to do that i'll answer 'em later....if there is any!!!x We will be together from lunchtime till 3pmish today.....or from when i get up.....so any Q's I can get answered before that as we is on line at the studio!x Tis good to be 'ome'.....X .....awwww jeeez.....who left a box of Jaffa cakes in me bed........wot??........eh?........good to be innocent on occasion....I reckon!x @@ ~

....CUFC's club and fans logo's are same colour Frankie...Amber & Black....NEVER 'yellllooooooows'.....wot r these young colour blind kids like....I keep asking em??!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

....sent to me in the post a few years back....dunno by who......but.......when it kicked off....and followed through.....it was the most awesome impact i'd had since hearing the instru in 1975!x Well done all!!!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx3Ys0ldsxw LUV SOOTY X

....more TUUUUUUNEEEEESSS!!!!!x Super stuff folks and I need to get out more...!! On it!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

TUUUUUUUUUUUUUNESSSSSSSSS.....!!!!x Simple as!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

....i'm a Soul Music fan. Okdokey Gordon!x That'll do!x It may take me a while to get rid of the acronym 'Soulie'....I been using it for 35 years.....but i'm gonna try!x Can I put Soul Music fan with a particular interest in Northern Soul as some of that reaaaallly sloooow soul stuff does me head in!!!?!x LUV SOOTY X That 'commercial' angle is of keen interest to me Gordon....and it is noted!x So it will be to many leading Professors and celebs Globally...I reckon!!!!x More lata!!!x EDIT....before u start slashing ureself or ure kids Lenny.....nope....slower than yours!!!hehe!!x @@ ~