I FIRST introduced myself to Dave Cherry at Carlton WMC, at our initial Barry Hines’ Statue fundraiser.
I don’t know why, but I’ve always felt slightly awkward with introductions – concerned that I might slip-up and drop a clanger.
“Hiya Dave,” I said, extending my right hand. “I’m Ronnie Steele and it feels good to shake your hand at last,” (so far, so good).
“It must be 10 years since I last saw you entertaining at the Shaw Inn. You’ve put a bit of weight on since then.” (Doh! I’m at it again – subtle as a sledgehammer in a toffee shop).
But Dave was quick to seize the opportunity to get a laugh. He looked at me with mischief in his eyes and half a smile on his lips.
“I’ve put a bit of weight on?” he repeats, unflustered. “That’s because I’ve had a lot on my plate recently.”
And his response is so lightning-quick and funny that I, and all the people listening, fall about laughing. The ice is broken, a new friend is made.
Since that day, over six years ago, both Dave and I have been involved in several projects associated with our town – sometimes together, sometimes apart.
When our plans have overlapped and we’ve been in a position to help each other, we’ve always done so. No hesitation.
I especially admire Dave’s documentary films about local historical events. They bring people’s attention to tragedies that are in danger of being forgotten.
In particular, I often praise his emotive films about the Public Hall disaster of 1908 and the ‘heroic’ aeroplane crash in Pogmoor during WWII.
Therefore, I was delighted when I was allowed to have a sneak preview of his latest film about one of the most fascinating characters of the twentieth century – George Orwell (or to give him his real name, Eric Blair). Orwell is one of the best loved names in English literature and some of his novels – 1984 and Animal Farm – are the most famous ever published.
As many will already know, in 1936, Orwell spent several weeks in Barnsley, lodging in digs on the edge of the infamous Barebones. He was sponsored to study the lives of ordinary local people and the exact place where he stayed – Agnes Terrace – has recently had a blue plaque attached by Barnsley Civic Trust. From this place, Orwell was able to document the terrible living and working conditions of Barnsley people, at a time when Britain was one of the richest nations on earth.
Orwell’s stay in town coincided with the visit of the fascist, Oswald Mosley, and his ‘Black-Shirt’ thugs. And in his diaries he described how they created bloody mayhem at a far-right rally at the Civic Hall.
Dave Cherry has brilliantly resurrected this important part of our town’s history and he’s also persuaded Ian McMillan to do the commentary. Furthermore, Stuart Sykes and James Stier have used their talents to dramatically improve the ageing pictures.
There is no doubt that this film is worthy of the closest attention. It will soon be available to watch on YouTube and it’s of such relevance today, it should be broadcast on national TV.
The funeral of the popular, former Barnsley school teacher, Pete Bevis, is on Tuesday. It will be held at the North Chapel, Grenocide Crematorium, Sheffield S35 8RZ.
Mourners are invited to enter the chapel from 9.15 am, to chat and listen to music. The service itself starts at 10am.
