Tribute Edition February 2018

THIS ONE’S FOR YOU, JAMES Family, friends and readers say goodbye

It was always In this issue: MEMORIES OF A LOST FRIEND the paper for LOVE & GRATITUDE PRAISE OVERFLOWING the people SNIPPETS FROM THE PAST

Welcome to the “God bless ‘em, Tribute Edition of The Saltaire Sentinel, in every one” - Ed honour of its founder These are the last words and editor, my uncle, James wrote as Editor of James Duncan, who The Saltaire Sentinel passed away over the and they couldn’t be Christmas holiday. more fitting. Losing a friend who contributed The bitter-sweet task of so much to our lives is editing this Sentinel painful. I helped James gives me the along the way with The James was, that we lay who, like The Saltaire Sentinel, but I always opportunity of inviting The Saltaire Sentinel to Sentinel, was dearly had his guidance. For family and James’ rest, alongside its loved and will never be this tribute issue I’ve friends to participate in creator. I hope you will forgotten. worked closely with his remembering James and enjoy this edition in nearest and dearest: celebrating his life. which we join together Oliver T. D. Scruton Fiona, his sister and Undoubtedly, one of his to remember James Oliver, his nephew, who proudest achievements took charge of editing. was The Saltaire THE SALTAIRE SENTINEL STORY We are uplifted by the Sentinel, launched 15 Created and edited by James Duncan, The Saltaire loving tributes to James, the shared memories Sentinel has been part of Saltaire life for 15 years. The years ago with an and the praise for his identity that was first edition was published on 1 January 2003; the last many talents and unique, announced its on 1st December 2017. Two issues are missing, April achievements, not least purpose in a clear and 2013, and June 2017, due to circumstance and ill The Saltaire Sentinel. independent voice. The health. Overall, 178 Sentinels were published, each James would have been voice behind this one archived in Shipley College. Since January 2006, delighted with such introduction belonged, the Sentinel has also been available online feedback. His response of course, to James [saltairevillage.info] sought out far and wide for its to his family, friends and character and quirkiness. In total, 89,650 copies have readers would be, I’m Duncan. James was The sure, “God bless ‘em, been printed. We join here to celebrate James and his Saltaire Sentinel. It is every one.” unique contribution to Saltaire, our World Heritage with the utmost respect Pamela Reynolds and love for all that Site village, and mourn the loss of a dear friend.

WHATEVER IT WAS - IT WAS SAID IN THE Sentinel! JAMES - IT WAS AN HONOUR Oliver T. D. Scruton writes: When I was 12, I founded, edited and wrote a was shocked, surprised, scared, weekly newspaper which I named, The Weekly Whisperer. It was terrible, but or a mix of all three. I if you can’t tell where I got that idea from then you’re not a reader of The remember him being very Saltaire Sentinel! I’d print it using my dad’s printer and then charge him for the pleased to see me. He was privilege of reading it. It didn’t last many issues – probably due to the always pleased to see me. His disgruntled owner of the printer objecting to me using up all the coloured ink! I face lit up just as it did the last hope I sent copies to my uncle, James, but sadly I don’t remember. Regardless, time I saw him in December. I know he’d have been proud. He started young too. My mum, his sister, tells All in all, there’s a lot of James stories of James making his own publications as a child. He’d handwrite them, living in me. He is a part of me. copy them out several times in order to send it around, and keep a copy for himself. After a while, he got a John Bull Printing Outfit and he’d spend hours using tweezers to delicately place tiny letters in a slide to print his paper. Then he started ‘borrowing’ my mum’s baby typewriter. He broke the F key. Mum was furious! F, the first letter of her name meant it was, in her eyes, the worst key he could’ve broken. He was banned from borrowing her stuff! Eventually, he got a portable typewriter and spent countless hours producing these marvellous publications, none of which survived I’m sad to say. The good news is that the Sentinel is archived and I have no doubt I could get my hands on any issue I liked – especially as most are immortalised online. Newspaper production isn’t the only thing I got from James. Somehow in our shared DNA, I have inherited a voice similar to his, which was resonant and Oliver T. D. Scruton sonorous. Mine’s not a carbon copy by any means but I’m told it has some of the same hallmarks. Much like James, I’ve often been asked to narrate a play or THANKS TO ALL read aloud. I remember when I was about 8 and we lived abroad, I was asked to narrate a play in German There are many people to thank: Maggie Silver of Salts Mill who followed immediately by steadfastly supported the Jack and the Beanstalk in Sentinel. Pamela Reynolds, of English, and then a crazy the Saltaire Village Website, for performance of Tchaikovsky’s, online and technical assistance. The Nutcracker - but as a play Thanks to Shipley College; the featuring me singing The speedy John Taylor in re- Time Warp from the Rocky prographics; Julie Woodward, Horror Picture Show wearing Sandi Moore and staff in the a green sequin suit! We sent Saltaire Archive; the legwork of James a DVD of the whole Roger Clarke and Dina Plowes, evening. He certainly found and the church and businesses on the whole affair amusing – as whose shelves the Sentinel was did my parents – but he was placed for people to freely help also excited to see me take themselves. Thank you to the the lead in two languages, Sentinel’s contributors: the late even if it was from behind a Clive Woods, Dave Shaw, Roger curtain at some points. James Clarke, Colin Coates, David and also featured in many plays Jonathan Starley, and many in his younger years, often giving a solo performance in his living room for more; and thanks to the immediate family. He was also keen to point out he played the Sheriff of Sentinel’s many readers in Nottingham at Leeds Arts Centre where Peter O’Toole started his career! Saltaire and around the world. One of my earliest memories of James was when I was 4 and we surprised him James couldn’t have done it for his 50th Birthday at Salts Mill. My parents, grandfather and I arrived early without you and I am grateful. James appreciated you all more wearing big fake beards - nothing like James’. From the photos, I didn’t much than he could say. Thank you like mine as it appears to have been taken off almost immediately after his all. arrival! His face when he saw us was certainly a picture. I can’t tell whether he Oliver HE WAS MUCH MORE THAN MY ‘BIG BRO’ Fiona Scruton writes: James was a fantastic brother. Benny Hill songs and trotted them out at any He never treated me like the ‘pesky little sister’ that I appropriate or, indeed, inappropriate time. One line undoubtedly was at times, but rather he included me in that immediately springs to mind is: as many of his schemes and activities as he could. He ‘He was a great Lexicographer, well he had would invent a game, create stringent rules - we’d play ample opportunity, he wasn’t writing his diary all it and then he’d produce elaborate score sheets and the time was he?’ league tables. It gave him as much pleasure recording things as doing them. I won’t be the only one to James was a great prankster. In our younger days, if remember the Subbuteo World Cup - an elaborate there was a problem with utilities, a man would be competition made up of my brother’s friends, including sent around the streets shouting, ‘Water going off!’ Ian Cooper, James’ lifelong friend, and kids who lived sending our mum into a flurry, filling every pan, on our street. To enter you had to have full teams, with bucket, and even running the bath. One afternoon, home and away strips (my brother will have helped with when Mum was taking a bath, James started shouting loans of these) and provide a home venue, such as your in a muffled way, ‘Water going off!’ He thought it was lounge or cellar. In true James style he would hilarious, Mum panicking, trying to shout orders to fill painstakingly organise the matches and record the everything while scrambling out of her bath. There scores. I was only about six and a girl to boot, but I were endless scams where he and I would go to the was allowed to enter! Some competitors accused me of phone box on the corner to make prank calls to Mum, pushing rather than flicking and one time I burst into pretending to be a phone engineer and having her tears so that the match was declared a draw, but my whistle down the phone. brother championed me, naturally! His wit and sarcasm could be sharp, but never cruel. Every year until I was nine the family went on holiday Religion was always important in his life. We joined to Mablethorpe. James, always fond of traditions, Mum to worship at the local C of E. We had a would race me to the sea dilapidated greenhouse in our garden where he would straight from the coach in our gather his friends and preach travelling clothes. If the tide to them, usually something was out, that was a long way, from The Sermon on The and eight years younger, Mount. there was no way I was going James used to read out my to win. When he got to the horoscope from the TV sea’s edge he would stop, Times; unbeknownst to me, at take off his shoes and socks, that time an impressionable roll up his trousers, wait for teenage girl, he was making it me and then carry me into the up as he went along. He sea so that we could make it finally got caught out by in together. Such fun. Such a saying ‘You have a close big heart. relative who is in financial Recently I told James about a need. Don’t make them ask friend of mine whose child for help!’ reacted with jealousy when she brought the newborn James’ imagination, his love home. I asked him how he of current affairs, wordcraft felt when, at age eight, I and recording things, meant came along. ‘Why would I that he always dreamed of be jealous?’ he said, ‘You having his own newspaper. were the greatest gift anyone could have given me.’ I This had very early beginnings, more or less as soon felt myself swell with pride and gratitude. I can never as he could write. I have only been able to lay hands replace the love he had for me. We could make each on one example, which is a letter he will have written other fall around in fits of giggles. We had ‘in’ jokes 1961/62 when he was around 9 years old. that ran through my entire life. We learned the lyrics of Continued overleaf REMEMBERING JAMES

HE WAS MUCH MORE THAN MY ‘BIG BRO’ cont. very close friends. He made intricate props, such as links of You’ll see he signs himself KiKi, an early nickname based on sausage made from newspapers and my mum’s old the first sounds he made as a baby. He had an imaginary stockings, a black spot for Treasure Island that flew around town, named Kiksville which the room on a complex had its own newspaper. set of strings and In his early teens he pulleys. produced a more Music was his first sophisticated offering; love and he had I think it was called, eclectic taste - The Potternewton classical to country, Times, after the area but essentially rock we lived in. At first ‘n’ roll - and he loved handwritten, then a song that told a produced with a John story. He wrote great Bull printing kit, then songs too, and had a he commandeered my period of singing in Petite toy typewriter. pubs around Leeds. I used to follow him where I could, and Finally he bought himself a ‘proper’ portable typewriter, and convinced him to dress up his guitar to look like a cowboy, the joys of carbon paper made reproducing copies much complete with a pink leather face (fashioned from an old easier. What dedication for a handful of readers! There was a handbag of mine ) and a waistcoat. Great originality. sports page on the back, once again full of records and score Even at the darkest times James could always find humour. sheets. It puts into perspective his delight and dedication for He was and will remain my hero. Our love for each other the Saltaire Sentinel. was truly unconditional. I was never more myself than when Speaking of dedication - as a young adult he would spend six I was with him. months of the year writing a wholly original one man Fiona Scruton pantomime, only to be enjoyed by our small family and a few

James McDonald Duncan, father - James Adrian Duncan, son Fiona Scruton writes: Dad loved to join in his games, and spent secretive hours I lost my brother and dad building him model castles and circuses and such. One in the space of a few days. year Dad set up a full-size tepee for James to discover on Dad died on the 13th Christmas morning, complete with a feather headdress, a January, a few days after plastic tomahawk and an axe placed outside. James James. They were very entered the room, saw the tent and ran out screaming close, sharing many because he was certain that the Indian chief who lived interests and characteristics there would be back at any minute. throughout their lives. I As a young adult James found it hard to settle down and like to think they were true often, over the years, came home to roost. So for many Renaissance men, happy years on and off, he lived to study the arts, though Our dad was James with Dad in the family McDonald Duncan but James’ nature was very he was known as home. He was a great much like Mum’s - Donald, because his housekeeper, very neat and passionate, exciting, dad was also James. My organised, and made dramatic and stubborn. brother, James, was inventive meals, especially also known by his They both held high with leftovers. Dad was middle name Adrian, expectations of life which to avoid confusion! always grateful for his care often left them disappointed. and company. We were James and Dad would go out at the weekends together and delighted when James married Cheryll, and Dad spent often visit Temple Newsham, a country house near Leeds. many happy occasions staying with them where they I was told that, in the formal gardens there he imagined his always made him feel very much at home. own, complex, railway system. Dad would enact the path When Dad became ill late in life and couldn’t manage of the train, running around the flower beds, ordered when alone, it was James who offered him a home. Dad was to set off and when to stop by a very bossy 6-year-old so very proud that James realised his early ambitions of ‘controller’. becoming a lay preacher and a newspaper editor. TRIBUTES David Scruton: Wherever we if Roger hadn’t kindly left a copy Always his pursuit of a promised travelled, my brother-in-law, for me in the Gallery. The article to meet a missed deadline James, made sure that a hard copy publication brought us together was good natured & encouraging. of the Sentinel would follow and with people from around the world There was a lot more to James than we were always so glad to receive and allowed them to record their just the Sentinel, but the more one it, for its uniqueness and humour. memories, whether first hand or reflects on it, the more one is When we visited, his walls were passed on through their families. struck by James’ creativity in its filled with Post-its full of ideas and Right now, I feel deeply grateful to production & editing. He had to schemes for the novel he planned James for the very fine idea of a work, particularly in the early to, one day, write. free paper to keep us all informed days, with very limited production

Nav Chohan, Principal, Shipley of the past whilst also keeping us resources – no colour, no photos College: James had a wonderful up to date with the present in etc. His answer was to create way about him. The work he has Saltaire. His loss will be felt by so something that was totally original done to support the village will not many people, not least those who & recognisable - and above all be forgotten. He was passionate looked forward to their copy of The readable! You couldn’t help but about community involvement and Sentinel but above all by James’ pick up a copy when you saw it. family and his dear friends. Saltaire History Club & local went out of his way to reach a balanced and informed view. In Molly Kenyon: James was chair history enthusiasts are particularly our various conversations, he was of Saltaire Village Society in 2002, indebted to James for the platform always looking to develop the year I moved to Saltaire and he provided, through the pages of community spirit and genuinely volunteered to become Saltaire the Sentinel, for readers to learn committed to improving life in Village Society treasurer. He about the village’s past, as well as Saltaire for all concerned. As an didn’t appear to enjoy the role, but the present & future. individual, he was exceptionally was willing to do his bit. After he In building Saltaire, Sir Titus Salt caring and carried a distinctive air stood down, I recognised that his said he wanted to draw around him of wisdom. We will miss him. real passion was the Sentinel, and a population that would enjoy the beauties of the neighbourhood – a Maggie Silver, Salts Mill: I am although James could seem dour, he was also very kind. Several population of contented & happy full of regret that I didn’t know people. James did our community James as well as I would have times he made space for articles I submitted. I knew him more proud in contributing to, & wished. The opportunity to meet sustaining, that vision. Thanks be him at social gatherings rarely through Roger Clarke, who worked so closely with him. A to James. occurred and we met cordially or by chance on only a few Sentinel insert about Saltaire Julie Woodward, Shipley College: occasions. He seemed a fine man Festival, Saltaire Inspired and The Saltaire Sentinel, hot off the with high standards and of course, Saltaire Stories was one Shipley College press, came to the particularly good result. Learning Resource Centre where I his creation, The Sentinel, brought interest and pleasure to so many Dave Shaw, Saltaire History Club work, and it was always a privilege people. I think he expressed founder: Having edited the to be one of the first to read it. I himself through The Sentinel with Saltaire Sentinel for 15 years, & took a copy for our College consistent civility, consideration, prior to that having been chairman Principal, one for my 90 year old inclusion and appeal to everyone of Saltaire Village Society, James mum who was born and bred in through genuine interest and had an unrivalled network of Saltaire, and one for the Saltaire kindness. James must have been connections in and around the Archive. Other copies went to proud of the high standard he set village. How many of us haven’t History Club members and our and maintained for himself and the turned to Jim at some stage to seek own staff and students then; contributors, being careful not to his help in promoting an event, a whatever the weather, the Sentinel offend, yet with honesty. favoured cause, or a piece of was delivered around the village. Our allocation for the Mill seemed Saltaire’s great heritage? Always James did a marvellous job in to disappear in no time and his editing of an article would be producing the Sentinel. His talent sometimes, I wouldn’t see it at all good & fair – you could trust him. as an editor made the Sentinel TRIBUTES readable and informative and there helped me to improve my writing, Sometimes he had to remind us to was a sense of mischief in the way as from time to time he would give an update! Sadly, we never he put it together. Importantly it politely suggest phrasing a got to know James at all well - kept us all informed on the big sentence differently. He did so in a perhaps we should have tried news issues and the many courteous and respectful manner. harder. The Saltaire Sentinel was reflections on the past were I am sure I can speak for the a very special and unique part of wonderful. Saltaire History Club when I say village life, and James will be James, we can’t thank you enough. James was one of Saltaire’s remembered with great affection as You will be greatly missed. unsung heroes and he will be sadly the one who made it happen. missed. Colin Coates, Chairperson Mr and Mrs Lad, The Spa on Saltaire History Club: I Rob Martin: During my years as Titus Street: We were sad to hear considered James a friend, chair, SVS regularly used the the news about James Duncan. The although we never actually met. Sentinel for publicity, but I didn't Sentinel has been such a great We corresponded on a regular actually meet [continued over] paper, keeping everyone in the basis by email and on more than James. In 2011, Saltaire Learning village informed about the Saltaire one occasion we agreed to meet up was planning the first World news and with quirky stories too. for coffee, but for one reason or Heritage Weekend and James We had The Sentinel in The Spa another it never happened. Not agreed to add a special ‘World since it first started. The Sentinel meeting James is something I Heritage Weekender’ insert to the was always picked up and read by deeply regret. April edition. He was very ourselves and our customers. Our James was a great supporter of the pleasant and helpful, so Molly and thoughts go out to his family. Saltaire History Club and since I hoped to get to know him more. Thank you to everyone for your June 2013, he allowed me the He welcomed items from Saltaire expressions of sympathy, shared privilege of having my own Learning, Saltaire Stories and most memories of James and kind thoughts. We wish we could print column in the Sentinel; for that I recently the campaign for a every comment. They are will be forever grateful. James also Shipley Town Council. appreciated. Oliver

Goodnight Jimbob. You will be forever in our hearts

It is with great sadness and regret we learn of the In the 90’s he would accompany me to art galleries, passing of our long-time family friend, James Duncan. exhibitions and museums; very good company and We would like to express our sincere sympathy and a knowledgeable at that. I learned a lot from Jimmy and message of condolence to his family, friends and appreciated his company no end. acquaintances. James, also affectionately known to our family as Jimmy This is how we remember him and nothing of that will and even Jimbob (like in The Waltons) was a kind, change - we are so grateful for the times we spent with thoughtful and compassionate person with very special him and all the precious memories he’s left behind. I qualities – let’s say he was one of a kind. for one will certainly miss the beautiful cards he would send at birthdays and Christmas without fail every year We shared happy holidays on the east coast of Yorkshire – his distinctive handwriting and thought provoking with several members of the family. Splashing in the sea, messages were a pleasure to receive. enjoying the beach and in the evenings, playing charades or board games, sometimes invented by James. He I’m sure his creative spirit will be felt as a great loss to added originality and creativity to our evenings which the local community but trust his memory will were memorable and great fun. His witty imagination continue to inspire all those who knew him. It certainly was unique and he would often illustrate poems and will for us. songs with quirky little drawings to amuse and entertain. So, we say now, ‘Goodnight Jimbob.’ You will be He could play the guitar and he would rewrite the lyrics forever in our hearts. to the songs of his favourite songwriter (back then it was Jake Thackery). They were more than entertaining - Lots of love, very, very funny, we’d say. Perri and Lisa Webster FRIENDS SAY GOODBYE

Eddie Lawler: James Duncan came into my life was not so evident, except perhaps in the persona of World Heritage Wheelie Bin in the Sentinel. He was able some 35 or so years ago as Jim, and that’s how he remains to split sides with his witty songs, the most renowned of for me. We got to know each other a few years before I which was a mickey-take of the heroic Wild West, came to Saltaire, and Jim came a bit later to Shipley and entitled, Two-Bummed Bill - outrageous but not then to Dove Street. offensive – and I’m proud to have him send me the lyrics He was from Leeds and that’s where I met him. I was in recent times. running an Adult Education group entitled Songwriters In those days if I remember rightly, Jim aligned himself Workshop, and he was one of the first to turn up. Like with the Left, and may have been seen selling copies of myself, he wasn’t a virtuoso guitarist, but he had already Socialist Worker. His convictions led him in the penned several original songs and went on to write more. direction of religion, and he studied long and late to I engaged him as support for some of my gigs at the Pack become a respected voice in local United Reformed Horse close to the University. His immediate appeal to the circles. At the Candlelit Carol Service in Saltaire his audience resulted from his originality and sense of humour, wonderful voice, as the final reader, made my hair stand combined with a droll stage presence and a resonant, deep on end. ‘In the beginning was the Word’ – Jim’s voice voice, in which he lacked a little confidence, but people had found the right stage, in the right light – is took to him. He also followed me as organiser and reader unforgettable for me. I will hear it (and see it in the for a group of visually handicapped Leeds people who met candlelight) as long as I live. weekly to have stories read to them. His voice – well- paced – was a major asset in this role. This is also an opportunity for me to say, ‘Au Revoir,’ to As far as I know, people have always ‘taken’ to Jim Saltaire; we are about to move to Scarborough. But Saltaire will not have seen the back of me. And I can hear my lovely, because of his sincere voice and genuine smile. But his witty friend Jim saying, ‘End of an Earache.’ originality lay in his very sharp wit, which in recent years

Roger Clarke: Community activist, Saltaire United Reformed Church teacher, musician and would-be journalist were We first came across James when we needed someone to be all aspects of James when I first knew him in the voice of God in a production of Simeon, a musical play 2003, but his lasting achievement was in directed by Valerie Jenkins with Cheryll McCandlish as founding and editing the Saltaire Sentinel Musical Director. Cheryll said she knew someone who would community newspaper. be ideal and she was absolutely right. James Duncan’s James always preferred to have a background beautiful deep voice was perfect for the part! Following this role. He stamped his own individual style on introduction to Saltaire URC, he became a regular attendee, a the Sentinel, especially in his early artwork. member of the church and subsequently elected to the All that remains of this now is the Lion of Eldership. In his spare time James was studying for a theology Vigilance on the front and the World Heritage degree using an online course with Lampeter University. He Wheelie on the back. Typical of James’ quirky was part of the Worship Group and preached in the church on humour is that he tried for some time to give several occasions and also led Bible studies at his home. He the Wheelie changes of personality by changing had a wry sense of humour which showed up particularly in his hat and background details. He also wanted the Sentinel. To those who knew James he was a good friend the Sentinel to have its own style and I’m and he will be sadly missed. convinced that he only included my first contribution because it was titled, How perspicacious was Sir Titus? Eccleshill United Reformed Church The Sentinel survived the many changes in For the last three years James has been very much involved James’ life since 2003, and was a lifeline for with Eccleshill United Reformed Church who are currently him when he returned to live in Saltaire Village without a minister. They rely on visiting preachers, in 2014. We met monthly and James continued particularly Ordained Elders, as James was, to conduct their to offer care for others through the Sentinel and worship. He was held in high esteem by the congregation share his religious faith through his sermons at there. He led worship twice a month, led special Festival local United Reformed churches. Sadly, he put Services, conducted a funeral service, was always present at his own needs in the background, and his health Church Meetings, and was willing to contribute his wisdom to suffered. the proceedings. He was a good friend to everyone there and You are sorely missed, mate. will be greatly missed. JAMES DUNCAN, SINGER SONGWRITER BANDITOS Chris Minns: I first met Jim Duncan (as he was known to me) around 1988 at the At our hacienda we threw a birthday bender last Friday There were candles to be lit and of course we had a lot of cash Songwriters Workshop, led by Eddie to burn Lawler. We soon became friends and So we sent for a singer to sing us some nice country music discovered that we lived in the same area of But the agency sent us a rather unusual turn. Leeds - Jim with his dad on Shepherd’s They were Banditos, a bunch of bandoleros in bandanas Lane, me with my mum, just five minutes They played for ten minutes, then demanded money in the hand walk away on Elford Grove. Jim was a Yes they were Banditos, I suspect that they had never heard of manners talented and prolific songwriter, composing Calling themselves Bandito Big Bad Band. at least one or two well-crafted songs every I found them offensive and rather expensive I might say week. Unlike most of us in the group, Jim How ever much I offered them they said, ‘Is that the best you can wrote not so much from personal do?’ I had to give them the Renoir, the keys to the Renault - they experience, but created highly original said, ‘still not enough - we are in great demand.’ characters and composed songs from their They showed me their poster – it was true! perspective. I remember being very They were Banditos, I asked politely please be gone, mañana impressed with Jim’s lyrics, often comical They said, ‘Vaqueros’, ‘Arriba’ and other things I didn’t but also thought-provoking, drawing the understand. Because they were Banditos, a bunch of bandoleros in bandanas listener in to the worlds inhabited by the Calling themselves Bandito Big Bad Band. characters he’d created. Oh their sombreros –they threw them in the air and danced and One if his best loved songs is Banditos, spat on them which tells a tale of a well-to-do gentleman And on the Axminster as well hiring a band for an event and getting rather They danced boleros, well I think that’s what it was that they were doing more than he bargained for. Having But at least the wife enjoyed it and it’s done her good as far as performed it at my local folk club in I can tell. Scarborough several years ago, Banditos is Oh what a disaster, they pulled all the plaster off the ceiling now one of the few songs I ever get requests When the chandelier came crashing, they didn’t even offer me a fuse for. I can never sing it with the same And when they said, ‘We have an idea... you should ride with us,’ amount of gusto as Jim did, but it’s always it was crazy well received, more so than anything I’ve But when I took a look around, I realised I’d nothing left to written myself. lose. Now I’m one of the Banditos, we smoke cigars imported from Havana Jim and I collaborated on a few musical I don’t know how they roll them so thin, they must have very projects over our years together in Leeds, dainty little hands notably a collection of songs under the But we are Banditos, a bunch of bandoleros in bandanas guise of ‘The Scam’, which focussed Calling ourselves Bandito Big Bad Band. mainly on the issue of homelessness. As Oh we are Banditos, we don’t play for peanuts or sultanas But when we are on stage, everybody gets to have a lot of fun was typical of his writing, Jim was not (whether they like it or not). merely preaching a message; instead he Banditos, a bunch of bandoleros in bandanas approached the subject matter from Why don't you come and join us, I can sign you up and then we different angles with compositions which will be one...two...three...four... were witty and often worked on many Banditos, a lot of people say we’ve gone bananas levels. But we’re only pistoleiros, that’s the only thing you need to understand. When not performing, Jim was generally a Oh, and Banditos, a bunch of bandoleros in bandanas quiet sort of bloke, not one for idle chit-chat Calling ourselves Bandito Big Bad Band, Bandito Big Band Band and it was clear to me that he thought (La cucaracha) Bandito Big Bad Band deeply about the world. I’ll always (Shake your maracas) Bandito Big Bad …. remember him as a man of principles, of (I said maracas) Bandito Big Bad Band Oh, oh, oh, who d'you think it was that made the Rio Grande so good nature and good humour - a bearded grand? gentle giant with a cheeky grin and eyes that Bandito Big... Bad... Band! could see right through to your soul. Copyright James Duncan A DIP INTO THE PAST

Number 114, June 2012 Number 1, January 2003 THE STORY OF THE SENTINEL HAPPY NEWS YEAR By Roger Clarke AS COMMUNITY PAPER IS World Heritage Wheelie LAUNCHED has been a feature of the This newspaper is an entirely independent since the second initiative. It is not affiliated to, nor in any way issue in 2003. With the controlled or influenced by any group, society tag-line “Does NOT talk or organisation whatsoever. The Sentinel will, rubbish” the bin has been of course, have a voice of its own, champion a regular feature in all certain causes and, where appropriate, work in subsequent editions. He conjunction with other parties to particular first appeared on page 2, ends. where he remained until February, 2005 when he was repositioned to the back page, providing the Number 7, July 2003 “last word” every month. The green bins were relatively new in the village in 2003, and Wheelie’s The Saltaire Sentinel GREAT TITUS first ever caption quoted a notice which had been BEARD COMPETITION stuck on his lid: “Your bin is too heavy for the lifting YES, LET’S CALL IT BY ITS PROPER NAME. We are pleased that the mechanism, so please remove some of your refuse competition is attracting great attention to before the next collection.” He has been a the Saltaire Festival, largely through its complainer and commentator on stories featured in coverage by other agents of the media. It the Sentinel ever since. Readers will have noticed behoves us, nonetheless, to remind all that Wheelie is presented in a variety of guises. interested parties that it was THIS Usually he has a top hat, worn at a rakish angle, but NEWSPAPER which, two months ago, occasionally his headgear is that of a cricketer, artist FIRST announced: “The Saltaire Sentinel or clown, and he is sometimes accompanied by has an exciting new idea which is sure additional items, as in February, 2004, [above]. to set chins wagging all over Saltaire”.

Jonathan and David Starley: Saltaire History Better still, when the Scott Motorcycle Owners’ Explorers was a series that ran intermittently for 22 Club, organising an anniversary of the founder’s issues of the Sentinel, between June 2012 and March death, came across the article they invited 2017. It started when Jonathan, a pupil at Saltaire Jonathan and his dad to the ceremonial ride Primary School, was asked to research a topic of through Bradford to the factory, then to a wreath local history. Instead of turning to the well-known laying ceremony at Scott’s grave in Undercliffe history of Titus Salt’s Village, he decided that the Cemetery. More articles followed. Shipley origins of the Scott motorcycles he’d seen in Bradford Industrial Museum were more to his For the encouragement to undertake this research, interest. There was little written on the subject and, and the opportunity to share it with our community searching for evidence on foot, we were invited into we have much to thank James Duncan. As part of the remaining factory, now Archerdale, at ‘reporters’ for the fondly regarded Sentinel, locked Hirst Wood Road Industrial Estate. We offered the doors were opened to allow access to otherwise story to James at the Sentinel who, with a taste for inaccessible areas. On a personal level, it provided the quirky and less well known, welcomed it. a father and son with many memorable shared Publication was a morale booster for Jonathan. experiences of the village that is our home. No. 117 September 2012 No. 51 March, 2007 The Saltaire Sentinel SALTS MILL JOHN NICHOLSON THE SILVER YEARS POETRY PRIZE It is twenty years since Throughout the year, we invite readers to submit original Jonathan Silver bought poems on the subject of Saltaire and/or Airedale, the best Salts Mill; an event which of which are published in these pages every September. is generally – and quite (John Nicholson is the self-proclaimed ‘Airedale Poet’, who died tragically on the justifiably – regarded as river bank, near the weir, in 1843.) the most important moment in the history of SALTAIRE'S SPIRIT the Village since Sir Titus built it. By Anita Mackwood For a fascinating new series, Roger Clarke Visiting art exhibitions at Salts Mill has got the true story of those caused my spirits to rise like the highest hill. years from

I've emerged from the deepest depression, Maggie Silver like a butterfly from its chrysalis; This story really begins with the sale of Jonathan Hockney's beautiful masterpieces Silver’s retail empire. He have provided a desired catalyst. had thirteen menswear Bright blue, emerald greens; shops in major cities across colours so perfectly interwoven the country. It continues with his formed from the formation association with Sir Ernest of Hockney’s brilliant notions. Hall at Dean Clough Mills Salts Mill possesses the power to open my heart, in Halifax. His ideas then perhaps distilled over the an oasis that radiates course of a three year trip the spiritual dimension of art. around the world which he Following the renowned Arts Trail took with his wife Maggie is a process of discovery; and their daughters, Zoe and Davina. On their everything seems bohemian avant-garde, return to Yorkshire, the especially the sight of a colourful montage. girls needed to be settled in A place for the flowering of arts and crafts, school. Jonathan and Maggie brought Zoe for the scent of aromatic incense mysteriously wafts. interview at Bradford Girls’ The architectural beauty of the United Reformed church seems graced with Grammar in February 1987 sacred geometry, and then had coffee in a displaying impressive mastery of outstanding creativity. first floor café in Saltaire. Saltaire in all its glory has always boosted my blackened spirits, Looking across the rooftops at the Mill, shrouded in the light of inspiration has always shone here, mist (“Like the Marie a light to inspire every generation. Celeste”, says Maggie), they Sir Titus Salt’s spirit of philanthropy decided to buy it. The price is reported elsewhere to be has created an enduring legacy. “less than a million”, but in Sir Titus revolutionized Saltaire dramatically, its dilapidated state it is I'm sure he would approve of Saltaire World Heritage Site emphatically. small wonder there was a Saltaire’s special embracing atmosphere always feels vibrant and electric, bargain to be had, if you had the cash. discovering Saltaire is like striking gold; awe-inspiring admiration powerfully enfolds. The spirit of Saltaire should always be celebrated and appreciated. He not only had the cash, he also had the vision, drive and No. 7 July 2003 confidence to make things Dave Shaw’s HERITAGE QUIZ [Answers next month.] happen. His aim was to Place the following nine textile terms in their logical sequence of worsted make the Mill into the processing: Spinning, Blending, Drawing, Weaving, Combing, Twisting, northernmost part of the Scouring, Sorting, Carding. Victoria and Albert Museum, perhaps housing Last Month’s: its Asian collection. Sadly, What relation was Shirley Salt to Grace Smithies? this was not to happen. Ans: Great Grandson However, other dreams Gracie Smithies married Daniel Salt and was the mother of Sir Titus. Shirley soon became reality… Harris Salt was the third baronet, inheriting the title from his father, Sir William To be continued Henry Salt, son of Sir Titus. Snippets from then to now...

No. 156 January 2016 10 years ago: No. 62 February 2008 WORLD HERITAGE ANOTHER AWARD WHEELIE VILLAGE VOTED GREAT PLACE Does NOT talk rubbish Saltaire came third in the This newspaper first brought Royal Town Planning the contest to the attention of Institute’s competition to find its readers, under the front ‘England’s Greatest Place’, in page heading ‘Vote for which over 11,000 people Village’, last November. voted online for one from a shortlist of ten. To what extent this influenced the result we shall never know, Liverpool Waterfront turned but Your views on the subject out to be the most popular will be still be welcomed. place, but our village took the title of “Greatest Place in For example, what does this ‘Speeding? Not me, officer! Yorkshire” – and since we all title mean – and what do we As for parking, well, y'know ...’ know that there is no greater stand to gain – or even lose? place than Yorkshire, the Intended for No. 179, January 2018 accolade remains open to some How might Saltaire be Sadly printed in this dispute! improved; and what are the threats to its future? Tribute Edition, February 2018 COLIN’S COLUMN No. 89 May 2010 NOT SO SIMPLY SALT 2018 – A Year of Organisers of the Simply Saltaire exhibition Anniversaries were amazed when an anonymous donor 2018 is a year to celebrate a number of gave a bust of Sir Titus Salt for sale. The anniversaries in Saltaire. These bust stands one foot high and is in unglazed include:- porcelain or Parian ware, dated 1877. As Sir th 25 January 1918 – Sir James Roberts Titus died on December 29 1876, this may sells Saltaire Mills and the village of have been a commemorative piece. Saltaire to a syndicate of Bradford There is a similar bust in a display cabinet in businessmen. (They officially took over the entrance to Victoria Hall. Roger Clarke on 1 February 1868). said: “The donor told us that her father had been given the bust by a very elderly lady in 7 February 1868 – The opening of gratitude for his help in enabling her to Saltaire Wesleyan Methodist Church. continue to attend the church despite her 2 June 1868 – Opening of the Factory infirmity, and for other acts of kindness.” Nothing more is known of the old Schools in Victoria Road. lady or her family. As the Sentinel goes to press, Roger is hoping the bust 31 August 1868 – The first time the will appear as a feature of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, due to be filmed in Victoria Hall on April 29th [2010]. Dining Hall in Victoria Road was used as a dining hall since being built in 1855. 23 September 1868 – The Opening of the COLIN’S CHRISTMAS QUIZ 2017 Almshouses & the Infirmary. Answers as promised 28 November 1868 – The launch of a new lifeboat at Milford Haven. The 1. Bing Crosby 12. Albert Finney lifeboat was named Katherine and was 2. Palestine 13. Ethiopia paid for by Titus Salt Jnr. 3. 1840’s 14. Maids a Milking On the 2nd August 1868 Harold Crossley Salt, second child of Titus Jnr & 4. Humphrey Bogart 15. David Bowie Catherine was born. 5. Humphrey Bogart 16. Rudyard Kipling On the 15th September 1868 - Joseph 6. Italian 17. Sandringham Crossley died aged just 55. He was the 7. Irving Berlin 18. Raymond Briggs father of Catherine, wife of Titus Salt Jnr. st 8. 21 Dec 19. Dashing Through The 2018 is also of course the 100th 9. St Stephen Snow anniversary of the end of the First World 10. Indian 20. Murmansk War on the 11th November. 11. Annie Lennox 21. November Colin Coates VILLAGE MY COLLEAGUE, MY FRIEND PETER RANDALL My first meeting with James followed a cautious Gentleman’s email exchange. I’d started a website for Saltaire WEBSITE Hairdresser and wondered if I could include the characterful 205 Bingley Road Archived copies of the and quirky, Saltaire Sentinel. Patrick and I went to 01274 – 597140 Saltaire Sentinel will still James’ house to be ‘vetted.’ It was winter – cold – be available online via but the house was cosy and there was tea and cake. ______James’ air of dignified authority was a tad VICTORIA www.saltairevillage.info intimidating. I babbled, I guess, but he kindly gave ______me a chance. That’s where our collaboration began. TEAROOMS The next edition of The Saltaire Sentinel, January 8 Victoria Road SALTAIRE 2006, was also published online, as was every issue Open Daily after that. Coffee, tea, cakes, scones, snacks CANTEEN and novelty gifts Now open every day The Sentinel was a labour of love, a joy and occasionally a burden to James. He had some 01274 - 823092 79 Victoria Road ______01274 - 597818 intense and painful challenges in the twelve years that I knew him - not least a house fire that CAROLINE ______rendered him temporarily homeless. A good man SOCIAL CLUB has good friends and he found shelter from Caroline Street, always has a The SPA someone equally generous and kind. In such times, welcome for all. his fortitude was humbling and inspiring. I was 21 Titus Street Regular Events glad to be a helper. James appreciated his friends. I 01274 – 585140 The Authentic don’t know how or when we became dear friends. ______Respect and love is organic. It grows. Throughout, Village corner shop he focused on The Sentinel which was, to our SALTS MILL Open Mon-Sat surprise, read around the globe. Its quirky appeal Opened in 1853 and still 8am-10pm was down to James; his wit and mischievousness Open Every Day Sun. 10am-10pm Attractions include: often showed in the headlines. Supplying all you could ever SALT’S DINER need in groceries and more. The Saltaire Sentinel spans 15 years and was Café in to the Opera 01274 – 826534 always a gift of time and effort. To keep unpaid SALTAIRE HISTORY work going for that amount of time requires ______EXHIBITION generosity, tenacity and, in adverse conditions, 1853 Gallery VICTORIA guts. James was courageous as well as dedicated, THE HOME meticulous and kind. He was dour as well as witty, and much more HALL sometimes frivolous, but never insincere. James ADMISSION FREE assembled a body of work which will intrigue and 01274 – 531163 Many Regular Events delight generations to come, giving future readers Rooms for Hire an authentic glimpse of this time, place and people. WORLD HERITAGE www.victoriahallsaltaire.co.uk I’m proud of him. Everyone who contributed to the WHEELIE Sentinel – everyone who has read it – is part of this Does NOT talk rubbish 01274 – 327305 achievement. Well done, James. You did good. ______His last email to me, a couple of days before Christmas, is the loveliest gift. CUPPACARE Dear Pamela Thank you so much again for everything that CAFÉ AND BOOKSTALL you and Patrick mean to me. Have a lovely CUPPACARE is a popular café Christmas. and bookstall, open to the public James on most Mondays and Fridays, from 10am to 1.30pm in New x0x0 Kirkgate, Shipley. Thank you, James, for being a great colleague. Thank you for your friendship, kindness and love. We are a non-profit service provided by Shipley Christians We’ll miss you so much. Xoxoxo Together. Pamela and Patrick Reynolds I’m Wheelie going to miss you.

The Saltaire Sentinel, was written by the people of Saltaire and photocopied by Shipley College in the heart of Saltaire every month. It was lovingly edited by top bloke, James Duncan, and was not affiliated to, nor in any way controlled or influenced by any group, society or organization. Sadly, sooner or later you will dispose of this copy of the Sentinel. Please do so with care for our World Heritage Site environment. Goodnight, James. Rest in peace.