If its Tuesday ……. it must be Castlefield ……. stories from walks through the past

Now I have been doing walks and talks for over 34 years.

Mr. Rothwell's house, Castlefield, 2003

It is one of those things I do because I enjoy talking about the past , love an audience and never tire of tramping the streets of the city in pursuit of a story.

And I fully admit that part of it is simply that I’m a frustrated actor who delights in the dramatic turn of phrase and revels in an audience.

It all started around 1987 with trips to Castlefield which was one of the GCSE History assignments I taught, and they rumbled on through the next two decades getting more comprehensive but always running the gauntlet of Derek the Developer who each year would take out another old and interesting building.

For those thinking of beginning a career doing guided talks, I recommend starting with parties of fifteen and sixteen year old students, who range from the eager and studious, to those looking for a secluded spot for a quick cigarette.

Southern Street, as was, 2003

It sharpens the skill of being both interesting and knowledgeable and encourages the acquisition of more than a few silly stories to lighten the delivery.

All of which are part of any teacher’s skills.

The ground had already been well prepared a decade earlier with impromptu walks through the city centre and along the Rochdale Canal with groups of students when for a variety of reasons the “planned” adventure had fallen apart.

I can happily report that there were no serious upsets, and the worst that I remember was a year seven student who when introduced to a rare Roman coin at Manchester Museum proceeded to bite it in imitation of Long John Silver testing out a “piece of eight”.

Gathering for the walk along Beech Road in 1847, 2014

Most have been done for free, although over the years I have picked up an annual commission from Manchester Library Service, and regular visits to history societies, and a very successful series of talks at the Chorlton Post Box Café.

The key as always is that mix of knowledge, humour and the honesty to admit to not knowing when Hiram from New Jersey asks the unexpected question, which only the “All Seeing” would know.

Sun, spectators and a bit of history, 2010

Added to which it is about never talking down to those who have taken the time to come along, or when as often happens someone wants to know about tunnels between old buildings or headless  ghosts, the response should always be one that leaves the questioner feeling that their opinion is valued.

And for those who want to know how we know, there must always be the willingness to advance the sources, and suggest where to go to follow up the inquiry, which is as much about good manners as it is about professional integrity.

So, there is always a souvenir booklet, with pictures, stories and of course at least one image of an appreciative audience, with links to my books and those I have written with Peter Topping. 

Indoors at Chorlton Good Neighbours, 2018

And now, with Covid restrictions appearing to fade, and the sun making a reappearance I think it may be time to hit the road again.

There are plans for walks through Chorlton and Didsbury, the return of the Library walk for Chorlton Book Week, and in fulfilment of  promises made, a series of talks postponed by the successive lock downs.

Nor does it stop there because the arrival of Zoom and all those "virtual" opportunities have transformed how we go about talks as well as walks.

It is all out there to do.

Along the Rochdale Canal, 1979

Castlefield, 2002

And in the year or more since the last walk and talk, there will no doubt be plenty of changes which makes the research and the walk always more fun. 

Location; everywhere where there is history

Pictures; talks and walks wot I have done, 1979-2018, from the collection of Andrew Simpson, Mr. Rothwell's house, Castlefield, 2003, Liverpool Road, 2003,  The Rochdale Canal, 1979, Castlefield, 2002, from the collection of Andrew Simpson  © Andrew Simpson