LAUREL AITKEN 'The Godfather of Ska'
As some people may be aware, Laurel Aitken, The Godfather of Ska, lived in my home town of Leicester for many, many years.
A while after the great man's death in July 2005, I read an article in my local newspaper telling how The Heritage Foundation had granted the right for a memorial 'blue plaque' to be erected in honour of Laurel's outstanding musical achievements and how Laurel's widow, Sandra, needed help in raising the money to pay for this most respectful tribute.
Knowing how generous the 'scootering fraternity' could be, and how much of an influence Laurel's music had had on the scooter scene, I decided to organise a collection at the Isle of Wight Scooter Rally in August 2006.
After recruiting my good friend, Trojan Tara, to the cause, we set off, stompin' the streets, pubs and clubs, rattlin' our bucket under the noses of as many Skinheads, Mods and Scooterists as we could (...and at the IOW Rally, that's ALOT of people!!!)
With many thanks for the generosity and kind donations, we managed to raise, above and beyond, the amount we'd expected (...and all this in just ONE night!!)
Returning to Leicester, and handing over our 'haul', Sandra was delighted and thrilled at the peoples kindness and asked me to relay her thanks and appreciation to everyone involved.
Myself with Laurel's widow, Sandra and (right) the plaque that made it all worthwhile!!