Photograph: The Lost
Violin
by Garry Courtnell
Another sellout gig at the studio was provided by Liverpool's
'The Muffin Men'. Founded in 1990 to perform a one-off show to
celebrate the 50th birthday of Frank Zappa, The Muffin Men have
established themselves as one of the worlds leading exponents of Zappa Music.
In their ten-year history they have played nearly 400 shows in 8
countries, during more than 25 European tours. They have released
10 CD's, amounting to over 12 hours worth of music. Their
ever-changing line-ups have included 4 original Zappa band members.
Jimmy Carl Black, original drummer with The Mothers Of Invention,
was a special guest on the night. Jimmy played on more than 15 of the
original Zappa albums, between 1965-81. Jimmy was also drummer with
Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band - he now carries the flame for the
good Captain by singing several of his gravel-voiced songs during the
Muffinz programme. They select material from all periods of Zappas career,
often shaping the compositions in to new arrangements and versions, just as
you would expect Zappa to have done it.
They can safely say that they have never performed the same show twice…
KEEP MUSIC LIVE
As can be seen by these pages, Hartlepool is now
competing with the cities when it comes to hosting 'big name' acts -
and with the Studio policy they are within financial reach of
the majority of Hartlepool's music listening population. So
what are you waiting for? What's gone before you have
missed! But what is to come? Make an effort and maybe
GET A LIFE.
PAUL BIANCO INTERVIEW
I have long been an admirer of Hartlepool model-maker Paul Bianco's models of all things sci-fi so I recently caught up with him for a chat.
Jennifer: When did you build your first model
and what was it of?
Paul: My first model was a full-size Dalek to
promote the 60's Dalek films at the Odeon Cinema,
Hartlepool. I then used the model to raise money
for charities such as Scope and The Red Cross.
Jennifer: What are your favourite materials to work with?
Paul: Plywood, clay, fibreglass, plastic, scrap model kits, anything at all.
Jennifer: I recently saw your model of `The Mummy' at the Warner
Cinema, how long did it take to build and what is it made of?
Paul: It took 3 weeks. It is made from fibreglass, clay and wire (to
form veins etc.) plus masking-tape and varnish.
Jennifer: What first inspired you to build models?
Paul: Watching Gerry Anderson's Supercar, Fireball XL5
and Thunderbirds.
Jennifer: What other models have you made?
Paul: Yoda (Star Wars), K9 (Doctor Who), Rygell (New from
Farscape) and Parker (Thunderbirds).
Jennifer: Were you disappointed that children weren't allowed to see
your model of `The Mummy' at the Warner Cinema?
Paul: In one way yes, but it IS disgusting.
Jennifer: What is your next project?
Paul: I'm on with FAB l (Thunderbirds) and an Orb Swordsman
(Lord of the Rings)
Jennifer: What are your views on plans to have a statue to
commemorate Andy Capp?
Paul: I think it's a great idea. Long live Reg Smythe.
Jennifer: What are your plans for the future?
Paul: I'm doing some model work for `Blue Peter' for September-October.
Jennifer: Thank you for your time.
Paul: Ta for your interest.
STUDIO will be Music to your ears
-- -- 
--
Did you know that one of the best live music venues in the north is
only two minutes walk from Hartlepool's town centre?
The Studio is a unique community music project which opened
in May 1998 following a £1 Million conversion of the 100 year old
former Baptist church in Tower Street.
It is open daily and has a 200 capacity live music venue,
recording studios, rehearsal rooms, tape and CD copying facilities. The venue
opens as a pub during the day where visitors can relax, have a drink (tea
and coffee also available) or enjoy a sandwich.
There are events most nights incorporating a wide range of live
music including indie, blues, rock, dance, drum & bass, R&B, hip-hop,
folk, jazz, big band and punk. There is a good mix of local, regional and
national bands and The Studio has hosted many well known artists including
The Damned, Kathryn Tickell and Tom Robinson. Every Sunday
lunchtime you can hear Hartlepool's very own big band `Musicians Unlimited'.
Manager Liz Carter said: "The Studio has a very friendly
atmosphere and attracts people of all ages from 16 to 80 years. It also runs
a variety of courses and evening classes in sound recording, MIDI,
Cubase VST and live sound engineering. These are designed to suit complete
beginners or people with more experience."
Formally known as Durham Street Studio, for 17 years the
project occupied premises on the Headland. As well as offering training
opportunities and highly subsidised studio time it offers concessionary ticket
prices for gigs for unwaged people.
"We hope people will visit The Studio to see how we are trying
to provide a good facility for the town," added Liz.
For further details and full programme of events pop into The
Studio in Tower Street or telephone 424440. Alternatively visit the website
at www.studiohartlepool.com.
Hartlepool Snail
est, 2001 SPECIAL EDITION No 666
Price :- Freedom of Speech for all
Click for larger pictiure
Famous Hartlepool People Abroad
HUGO OF HARTLEPOOL
HUGO DE HERTERPOL came from the Franciscan Friary of Hartlepool.
He was a Founder and Proctor of Balliol College, Oxford, and later lecturer to
the Franciscan Convent and a Doctor of Divinity. His lectures were so valuable as
to be preserved in manuscript at Assisi. He was the 14th Provincial Minister
and Head of the English Friars, 1298-1302. In 1299 he attended the General Chapter
at Lyons and in 1301 at Genoa. He was one of the Ambassadors of Edward 1st
(September 1302) to the Court of Rome to arrange peace with the King of France.
He died at Assisi on the 4th of September 1302 and was buried there.
On the floor of the Middle Church of St. Francis of Assisi under
a dark archway between the Chapels of St. Anthony and St.
Mary Magdalene is an incised grave slab of marble bearing a figure of
which the above rough outline gives a general idea. Above the figure is
the legend in Lombardic letters of which the following is a free
translation :—
"Here lies the body of Brother Hugo of
Hartlepool, Englishman,Master in Sacred Theology, formerly English
Minister, who died 4th day of September in the year of Our Lord (1302).
O Pray For His Soul."
Support the Snail's `Bring Hugo Home'
Campaign
As the Charter Celebrations get under way, there is no better time
to bring home one of Hartlepool's `Founding Fathers' - A suitable
place has been designated at the Marina for his final resting place and
hopefully he will attract more visitors to the area.
Readers are being asked for suggestion's on who else we can dig up
and bring home - let Jon Fool know your ides.
Hartlepool Sport
`Angus the Monkey' sent off in Scunthorpe groping incident.
Saturdays League match was brought to a stand still as
`out-of-control' `Angus' was escorted from the pitch after
allegedly `groping the referee.
`Angus the Monkey' sent off in Darlington groping incident.
Tuesday Night's friendly match was marred as `out-of-control'
`Angus' was escorted from the pitch after
allegedly `groping' the ball boy.
`Angus the Monkey' sent off in Wrexham groping incident.
Next Saturday's match will be brought to a stand still by an
`out-of-control' `Angus' who will be escorted from the pitch after
allegedly `groping the linesman.
`Angus the Monkey' Identified
It was revealed today that `Angus the Monkey' is none other than the
`Snails' Jon Fool. He was identified after `groping' the Chairman of `Pools'
while attempting to get his own page in the `clubs programme`.
Here are the sentiments of a true fan:
Away (with) the FOOL
`Fool' thinks his letters controversial and slick
though most of the readers find him offensive and sick
One thing worse than the racist who spreads hate
is he who mongers and leaves deeds to others fate.
A man in his position who abuses his right
and adds to the fires that burn in the night
He's a fine example to set Hartlepool right
so to rid the town of `Fool' is now our fight.
We have enough jokers that think they are clever
we have had enough, his next column should be never
The finger that he points has started to turn
though we doubt that it will ever make him learn.
Take note `Fool' it's time to clean up your act
for don't you doubt it we will take you to task
To reveal to all the man behind the cowards mask
and put an end to your misguided reign at last.
FAMOUS SONS & DAUGHTERS
of
HARTLEPOOL
ST. HILDA - A Saxon princess who became abbess of Hartlepool and then founded the abbey at Whitby.
HUGO DE HERTERPOL - The town's namesake. Was a member the Franciscan Friary of Hartlepool and became Head of the English Friars. Buried at
Assisi, Italy.
ROBERT DE BRUS - Forfeited his lordship of Hartlepool when he became King of Scotland.
WILLIAM 'BILLY' PURVIS - In the 1830's the man known as the Jester of the North brought his strolling players to Hartlepool. - Buried in St. Hilda's Churchyard.
WILLIAM GRAY - In 1863 the draper shop owner went into partnership with John Denton to build ships. Became first Mayor of Hartlepool.
FREDERICK SHIELDS - Renown artist born in Hartlepool in 1833.
SIR JOSEPH ISHERWOOD - Eminent ship designer born in the town in 1870. Created the Isherwood system and made into a Baron in recognition of his
services to navel architecture.
SIR CUTHBERT SHARP - Historian, poet, soldier and artist. Mayor of the town three times in 1813, 1816 and 1824. Best known for writing "History
of Hartlepool".
SIR EDWARD MELLENBY - The man who pinpointed that a deficiency in Vitamin D was the main cause of rickets, was born in Hartlepool in 1884.
REG SMYTHE - Reg is the creator of the internationally loved cartoon character Andy Capp. He lived in the town most of his life until he died in June
1998. His comic strip can still be read daily in the Daily Mirror and Hartlepool Mail.
JANICK GERS - Lead guitarist with heavy metal band Iron Maiden who went to St. Cuthbert's Primary School and English Martyrs School in Hartlepool.
Was part of the local band White Spirit. He still has family in the town and visits regularly.
TONY SCOTT - Ridley's brother, again a former student in Hartlepool who also went on to make his name in the movie world.
BRIAN CLOUGH - The flamboyant footballing name started his
managerial career at Hartlepool United at the tender age of 30. At the time he was the youngest football league manager and lived locally in the Fens area. He went on to manage Notts Forest's successful league championship and European Cup winning sides.
CHICK HENDERSON - Began his singing career in St. Hilda's Choir and went on to be a regular performer at the Borough Hall. He was the first person to sell over a million records in Britain with the classic peoples favourite 'Begin the Beguine'.
PHIL MIDDLEMISS - The actor who became a national name thanks to his portrayal of Des Barnes in Coronation Street. The former English Martyrs pupil is a regular visitor to the town as his family still live here. He can also be seen in 'Where the Heart is'.
RIDLEY SCOTT - A former student of Hartlepool College of Art. He is the famed movie director of such films as Gladiator, Alien, Blade Runner and Thelma and Louise.
WAYNE SLEEP - The famous ballet dance, born in and educated at the former West Hartlepool Technical Day School. He has been a principal dancer in over 50 leading roles and also a former show business Personality of the Year.
ANDY LINIGHAN - The footballer who scored the winning goal for Arsenal in the 1993 FA Cup final. Andy and his footballing brother David, both started their careers with Hartlepool United and went to English Martyrs School.
DARREN MORFITT - One of Hartlepool's growing band of young actors. Sprung to fame for his role in Grafters alongside Robson Green.
PAUL BRENNAN - Actor who has appeared with everyone from the Royal Shakespeare Company to the English Shakespeare Company. The former English Martyrs pupil has his own company and wrote a radio series set in Hartlepool.
NORMAN STONE - Film director who can count among his credits the Cookson dramas 'The Black Velvet Gown' and 'The Gambling Man'. Recently made
an acclaimed documentary seen on TV about Dudley Moore.
DR ALBERT EDWARD MORISON - Famous surgeon and pioneer of the Boy's Brigade and the Girl's Brigade movements in Hartlepool and the whole region. Known as Bertie, he came to the town as a doctor and set up a practice with his brother. During the Boer War he was a surgeon to the troops in South Africa.
----
----
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BRIAN CLOUGH-PHIL MIDDLEMISS-CHICK HENDERSON-
JANICK GERS
The Seacoal Gatherers
On the beach at Seaton Carew
So many flocked, it was the life that we knew,
Over shadowed by darkness, in the middle of the night
Gathering seacoal, working only by moonlight,
Skinny kids muffled up against the bitter gale
Collecting the shiny black treasure, spilling
over their pails,
Young and old raking the coal, icy water teaming
into their wellies
To cook the food to fill their hungry bellies,
Seacoal bags, crammed so tight
Would set the fire blazing bright,
Orange flames licking, heating the old black oven
Were fresh bread baked and sometimes a rice pudding,
Yet even though times were very hard
If we had a seacoal pile stocked in the yard,
We had smiles on our faces, that was for sure
Although we were working class folk and really
quite poor.
Vanessa Fitzgerald
"No Madame-
that's not
Beef-on-the-bone it's a
genetically modified tomato"
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