'Bard of Salford' helps Winvenhoe campaign (From Gazette)

'Bard of Salford' helps Winvenhoe campaign

9:00pm Monday 15th February 2010 in

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THE Bard of Salford, a Colchester resident for a number of years, John Cooper-Clarke will be helping Wivenhoe’s Reel Appeal with a fundraising concert.

Cooper-Clarke is regarded as a major figure not only in UK performance poetry, but in punk culture as well.

He started his career opening for such acts as the Sex Pistols, the Fall, Joy Division, the Buzzcocks and Elvis Costello, giving lively rapid-fire performances of his work.

His influence on modern-day British bands has been well documented ,with Cooper-Clarke recording with Reverend and the Makers and Arctic Monkey’s Alex Turner citing his poems as a source of inspiration for his lyrics. His poem Out of Control Fairground was printed inside Arctic Monkeys’ single Fluorescent Adolescent.

Recently he recreated a live performance of his support slot at a 1977 Joy Division concert for the hit film Control, despite having aged 30 years since the date of the concert depicted in the movie.

The plan to establish Wivenhoe’s own community cinema in the old St John Ambulance hall, in Chapel Road, was launched last year.

Those behind the appeal also want the hall to be used for local groups for events, such as musical performances, poetry, talks and lectures.

In addition to individual donations and sponsorship, various fund-raisers are planned, starting with a gig featuring John Cooper Clarke and local group Hobo Chang this Saturday.

Distinguished British film director Mike Leigh is already a patron of the Wivenhoe Film Theatre.

Anyone who wants to find out more or get involved should look at the website at www.reelappeal.org.uk or contact Moira Collett on 01206 826404.

Tickets for the gig, to take place at William Loveless Hall from 7.30pm, are £10 in advance from the Wivenhoe Bookshop and Post Office and £15 on the door.