THE BARD OF SALFORD - JOHN COOPER CLARKE GIVEN THE CITIES HIGHEST HONOUR

We put our best drainpipe jeans on, ruffled up what remains of our hair and headed up to Salford's Civic Centre in Swinton this afternoon after being invited to witness a true Salford legend receive the prestigious honour of the Freedom of the City of Salford.

Our very own chancer Tony Flynn had somehow made Dr Clarkes guest list and had been sat on the news for months, sworn to secrecy, bursting to tell everyone and unable to tell a soul.

I think most people are aware of just how highly Tony regards John, not only as a poet but as a friend, as he says, you can emulate him but you can not better him, there is only one JCC.

Tony, said:

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"I am delighted to see John get this award, he fully deserves it for not only his massive contribution to the arts over the years but also for the way he promotes Salford, not Manchester... The Bard of Salford and we are so proud of him.

"On a personal level I first met John way back in 1970 stood outside The Shambles pub in Manchester, straight away I knew he had that something special about him... money... I'm joking he was a skint as the rest of us, one night he recited a poem called, Is Kilty Guilty?

"For those who don't know, John Kilty was a "colourful character" who used to carry an attaché case full of drugs with him, which he would dispense freely.

"He was arrested in Salford and appeared before the dreaded Stipendiary Magistrate, Leslie Walsh, who asked him if he was guilty? He misheard and thought he had said, are you Kilty to which he replied, yes and was promptly sent down for three months... and so the now legendary poem was born.

"I have watched John's career over the years and seen him perform, many, many times and it's always a delight to see him in full flow, machine gun delivery of his words and yes he has mellowed over the years as we all do but still sells out the big venues, long may he carry on.

"Finally I was over the proverbial moon when I got a phone call several months back from his Tour Manager the legendary Johnny Green who asked me if I wanted to be on the guest list for this event today, I consider it to be an honour to have been asked and I shall certainly enjoy watching John receiving The Freedom Salford... Poet Laureate next surely?

"Round of applause for Johnny Clarke!"

 

John was awarded his honour by Gina Reynolds - Salford Ceremonial Mayor, Tom Stannard - Salford CEO and Tracy Kelly - Statutory Deputy Mayor.

Councillor John Warmisham gave a rousing speech, telling those gathered how John had not only influenced him but also countless others both in and beyond Salford. He said it was an honour as a Broughton lad to be seconding the motion.

John even managed a few words with another Broughton icon, The formidable 'Media Maria' Brabiner, a local bedroom tax campaigner and community champion, now turned councillor. One day he may have as many TV and Radio appearance's as she has if he plays his cards right.

The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Gina Reynolds said:

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"Salford has always been a city of creativity that has nurtured remarkable artists. John Cooper Clarke is an icon not only in Salford but throughout the country.

"His remarkable literary contributions, infused with his unique Salfordian charm, have made a lasting impact on the world of poetry and beyond. He has inspired countless artists, musicians and writers with his incredible talent and has given a voice to the working-class spirit within his verses.

"To be honoured with Freedom of Salford is very special, the highest honour the city can give. John's words have inspired us, challenged us and been a motivator for change.

"Thank you John for your outstanding contributions to our city's cultural landscape."

 

Upon receiving the honour, The Good Dr John Copper Clarke, said:

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"How wonderful – I've circumnavigated the globe 10, count em 10 times, reciting poetry all the way and coming back here to my home town of Salford is always a treat... But this one – WOW.

"Thank you everyone!."

What more can we say? The punk poet and bard of Salford is now a Freeman of the City, joining an exclusive club alongside other legendary figures such as Henning, Lowry, Riley and even Mandela to name but a few. To us those who love him, he is still just Clarky.

The next step as Flynny quite rightly says, Poet Laureate.

Photos ©: Bill McLaughlin