Never heard of him?
Until - Several years ago, a friend gave me a copy of "Teddy Ashton's Lancashire Annual" dated 1923 from her deceased Uncle's effects. She knew I would appreciate the book, I did and treasure it. My husband bought "Teddy Ashton's Poems" for my birthday about the same time but I still didn't know anything more about the author.
Until - A letter appeared in the Bolton evening News.
Shirley Matthews wanted to find out if there was anyone still alive who remembered her grandfather, Allen Clarke (a.k.a. Teddy Ashton) This letter surprised and excited me and gave me the opportunity to write to Shirley, telling her about the 1923 Annual. The rest is history.
We have kept in touch, exchanged information about her grandfather and met up in Blackpool. My husband and I are members of the "Friends of Little Marton Windmill, and have viewed inside the mill when it opened for an exhibition - magic!
There is a wide variety of Allen Clarke's writings in Bolton Cental Library Archives, which make fascinating reading. My local library's copy of, "Windmill Land" has been taken out often, by me and I have recently been able to buy my own copy. My daughter tracked down, and gave me another book, Moorlands and Memories," so I know have two more treasures in my book shelves!
The original annual, which was given to me years ago, has opened a door onto the life of a most remarkable man, a much loved man.
I had never heard of Allen Clarke.
Now I feel I've known him.
Joan Hindle, Bolton. (member of F.L.M.W.)
15 March 2009, shirley