Andrew Simpson: Our history ….. revisiting the debt we all owe to Neil and Sue Richardson

Wednesday 8 November 2023

Our history ….. revisiting the debt we all owe to Neil and Sue Richardson

Yesterday I wrote about Neil and Susan Richardson and the contribution they made to the history of Greater Manchester.

Neil and Sue published a series of books, many written by unknown authors and local historians which might not otherwise have got onto the bookshelves.*

Some were personal memories of growing up in places like Salford and Ancoats, while others were meticulously researched descriptions of everything from the Pal’s Battalions to housing conditions in the twin cities and beyond.

I never met Mr. Richardson although I did talk to both him and his wife Sue over the phone about possible publishing projects as well as ordering up some of his books.

Nor did I mention that Mrs. Richardson has continued to run the business which I should have done.

So I was very pleased when a heap of people came forward and offered up their memories of Neil and Sue, the contribution they have made to the history of our region, as well as offering a place for writers who might not otherwise got their works into print.

I would like to include all of them, but in some cases I haven’t yet got permission to use their comments, but Tony Wolstenholme found and sent over a link to the Guardian’ obituary for Mr. Richardson who died in 2006.**

Tony Flynn added that, Neil was “A very good friend of mine I met him in 1976 when he was the printer for Salford University despite having a degree in physics, we shared a mutual interest in local history and pubs!

Together we researched and he published our first book, History of Salford Pubs Volume One in 1977, we then did three more volumes aided by Allan Gall, I then wrote several books on my own all published by Neil and I have to say if not for Neil, myself and many other people wouldn't have got their works in print.

His sad death in 2006 was a terrible blow for many people, his wife Sue has carried on his good work and she should be congratulated and supported by buying her publications of Neil’s back catalogue, contact her on 01204 578138, a lovely woman".

And Salford Media*** added links to interviews with Sue Richardson, about Neil, and her work in continuing the business and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4CofYgHBg0 ****

So that is it, other than to say just how many people hold Neil and Sue Richardson in high regard for what they have done to bring our past alive and to thank Tony Flynn for the videos, Tony Wolstenholme for the obituary and many others who have recorded their thoughts.

Location; the past in Greater Manchester

Picture; covers from Waterways Into Castlefield, John C Fletcher, 1989, Visitors to Manchester, L D Bradshw, 1987, Salford's Pubs, Neil Richardson, Tony Flynn, Alan Gall, and The Old Pubs of Hulme and Chorlton-on Medlock, Bob Potts, 1997, Neil Richardson

*Neil and Sue Richardson publishers, 01204 578138, wattywalton@btconnect.com A full list of all the Neil Richardson Publications is available from Sue Richardson by sending a stamped addressed envelope to 88 Ringley Road, Stoneclough, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 1ET.

Or from MLFHS, https://mlfhs-online-shop.myshopify.com/collections/neil-richardson-publications?page=1