A ‘Blue Plaque‘for The Waterson in Hull

Subject: A ‘Blue Plaque‘for The Waterson in Hull
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 25 Sep 21 - 12:18 PM

I am trying to have a plaque put up to commemorate The Watersons and The Folk Union One Folk Club which they ran in Hull during the 60’s and 70’s. This process is handled by Hull City Council and I have now tracked down the councillor who will be best able to carry the process forward. She said to me ‘I have investigated the process, and it seems that it is quite specific and required me to submit a lot of detail .‘ She has asked me to supply her with written information which will enable her to make a good submission. In my initial approach to her I was conscious of the likelihood that the ultimate decision in this process will probably be made by people who are not very aware of traditional English folk music or of the role that the Waterson family played in the folk revival during the 1960’s and 1970’s. For this reason I told her that the Waterson’s and their club had made Hull renowned all over the world to people who are interested in English Traditional music. My thinking here is that the possibility of arousing the interest of potential tourists might incline decision makers to see a financial benefit to the city when they may not otherwise have been moved to support the plaque. What I would like is posts to this thread from all over the world from people who have an appreciation of the Watersons and the contribution that they have made to Traditional English music.

Subject: RE: A ‘Blue Plaque‘for The Waterson in Hull
From: StephenH
Date: 25 Sep 21 - 01:51 PM

Glad to help, if my comments are any use, from Canada.
The Watersons recordings of Traditional music had an immeasurable
impact on my enjoyment and understanding of same.
Their powerful style of group singing brought me a lot of joy and had
an influence on my style of singing.
I certainly eagerly sought out each of their recordings as they were released.
I really believe that they made a unique contribution to English
traditional music.
I hope they get the recognition they deserve.

(feel free to edit as you like)

Stephen Harvey
Canada

Subject: RE: A ‘Blue Plaque‘for The Waterson in Hull
From: GUEST,Rattler
Date: 25 Sep 21 - 04:33 PM

I certainly approve of this Geoff. The spirit and gusto of their singing permeates far and wide in the folk world. Thw Watersons' version of how to interperet the English tradition for a young audience was hugely successful in that it got people singing! To sing in choruses at first, then solo with aquired confidence, is an empowering experience and they have been masters at promoting that experience for many of us.

I add my voice of support! Cheers, Richard Beswick

Subject: RE: A ‘Blue Plaque‘for The Waterson in Hull
From: Brian May
Date: 26 Sep 21 - 06:14 AM

I've got a copy of The Mighty River of Sound which I've had from new and only played about 10 times.

£120 plus postage.

[e-mail]

Location: Doncaster, UK

Subject: RE: A ‘Blue Plaque‘for The Waterson in Hull
From: GUEST,Rigby
Date: 26 Sep 21 - 10:43 AM

A plaque to Lal Waterson was unveiled earlier this month:

https://www.topicrecords.co.uk/2021/09/lal-waterson-plaque-unveiled-in-hull/

Not sure who was behind that but presumably the council were involved?

Subject: RE: A ‘Blue Plaque‘for The Waterson in Hull
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 26 Sep 21 - 11:31 AM

"Not sure who was behind that but presumably the council were involved?". -From: GUEST,Rigby
No, the council were not involved at all Rigby. I got APPRA our local resident's Association to have it cast and put up.
Here is a blue clicky for your link     https://www.topicrecords.co.uk/2021/09/lal-waterson-plaque-unveiled-in-hull/

Subject: RE: A ‘Blue Plaque‘for The Waterson in Hull
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 28 Sep 21 - 04:21 AM

Thanks for all comments. More would be good

Subject: RE: A ‘Blue Plaque‘for The Waterson in Hull
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 28 Sep 21 - 12:22 PM

Hi Geoff,
Keep us posted regarding any costs.
The obvious place is on Lowgate next to Blue Bell Entry. If it is the market wall then the Council would have to give permission and might be persuaded to get involved anyway. I wouldn't even bother asking the landlord of the Blue Bell as it's Sam Smiths and anything to do with entertainment is no-go.

The cast plaque for Lal seemed to be green rather than blue. Would an official blue one be preferable in this case? The Watersons do feature in the famous Hull Music people pictured down the arcade at the album stall and the owner might have some input, perhaps even help to finance it.

Subject: RE: A ‘Blue Plaque‘for The Waterson in Hull
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 28 Sep 21 - 02:26 PM

Hello Steve, Lal's plaque was green to fit in with the style of all the other APPA plaques. Yes blue might be good unless there are restrictions about who is allowed to put up blue plaques. We will have to find out. I will get back to you if there are any developments to report.

Subject: RE: A ‘Blue Plaque‘for The Waterson in Hull
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 29 Sep 21 - 05:49 PM

Apologies if you already know this, but there is Yorkshire Blue Plaques organisation, administered by The Yorkshire Association - blue plaques programme only recently established in 2018, but might be worth also contacting them? Otherwise, it seems that most of the Blue Plaques programmes up and down the country are administered by English Heritage.
Yorkshire Blue Plaques