4 replies to this topic

[Griffin]

It is the early 1960s, and you are standing in Bridge Street, on the side where Tyrers is now, and facing the Covered Market and the bus stops where you catch the Rainhill bus. It is shortly before Christmas, and there is a man playing a barrel organ (quite a large one, like a piano with a handle on the side) and collecting for some charitable cause. He is standing just past that alleyway which leads to Victoria Passage, where you can cut through into Market Place. But who is he? This is where the memory gets confused. I have recollections of two people playing a barrel organ there. One was the Reverend Laird White, who I seem to remember had something to do with the Deaf and Dumb Institute in Dentons Green Lane, and the other was an Italian priest who wore a long black soutane - rather an unusual costume for wearing out of doors, but more common in Italy. Did both these men play the barrel organ there, or is my memory defective?

[eddiedunc]

Griff the only one I remember was the Rev O Laird White who as you say was the Chaplain to the Deaf and Dumb Society.

[Griffin]

Thanks Eddie. At least I haven't imagined that part of it then. Maybe the padre was standing in for him while he had a brew from that stall the bus drivers went to.

[Graham]

eddiedunc, on Feb 17 2007, 09:36 PM, said:

Griff the only one I remember was the Rev O Laird White who as you say was the Chaplain to the Deaf and Dumb Society.

Likewise
I don't remember the Italian Priest though

Edited by Graham, 17 February 2007 - 10:01 PM.

[Griffin]

Thanks Graham. What puzzles me is, how I knew he was Italian. Maybe I imagined that part of it. Seems a great coincidence - two barrel organs in the same place.