Skatellite Towns: A Social History Project

**Another shout out**

I was lucky enough to sit down with Craig Ellis while on my travels up north. Great to chat about the early years of the Driffield Midnight Runners, a club still going strong today and preparing to celebrate their 50th anniversary next year. Was a pleasure to spend an afternoon at their rally this year.

Thanks to Craig for participating in the project and all the best for next year’s events!!!

A special mention to another of my interviewees, this time Glynis Elgey who sat down with me the other week in Bridlington for a chat.

We talked about all sorts related to the Northern Soul and scooter scenes across Yorkshire and Humberside. A familiar face on both scenes, Glynis gave me a brilliant insight into what it was like to live through and experience those exciting early years.

Really grateful to her for taking the time to share her memories with me.

🛵🛵🛵🛵

Shout out to Eric ‘Barney’ Barnes for meeting up with me and having a chat the other day. A member of the influential Scarborough based ska-punk band The Burial, Eric recalled his experience of the music and subcultural scenes in the region and beyond.

Here’s a link to The Burial’s first album A Day on the Town https://share.google/5stzJXi6IsGFjcidN. Give it a listen!

Thanks a lot Eric.

The first interview from this latest research trip was with Rob Jesse who I met back in May and was pleased to catch up again last week. Rob got involved in the scooter scene from early 1980s, joining the Eastfield scooter club and shared some fascinating memories about growing up in that part of the world. Lots about forging friendships and local rivalries, as well as living in a place that hosted big scooter rallies and the problems that could cause.

Many thanks to Rob for taking the time to share his memories and being part of the project. 🛵🛵🛵

Heading home today after a really productive and enjoyable few days in North and East Yorkshire.

I started in Driffield at the rally and finishing up today in Scunthorpe. The trip has included interviews with people from a scooter and ska/soul scenes, visits to local archives, and new contacts made. It feels like the project is really starting to take shape but lots more still to be uncovered.

A highlight of the trip was finding the local newspaper coverage of Scarborough rallies in the early 80s. Often unwelcome at the time, I think there is more interest in recognising them as part of local heritage.

Over next few days I’ll share some more stories of the people I met so far. Each interview is a real insight into a personal life experience while also adding to another piece to the broader picture of Britain’s youth cultures.

If you have any memories, photos, memorabilia, zines or know someone who does then I’d be very happy to hear from you.

I interviewed John a few months ago. Lovely bloke. 🛵🛵🛵

Not a bad place to come for a work trip!

Some very nice scoots in weymouth today! Great weather and lots of great pubs. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Successful run up the east coast to and —sun shining, the smell of two stroke everywhere, and the Skeg rally was buzzing. Though I didn’t have that much chance to enjoy it - there’s always next year!

Huge thanks to Rob Quartermain, and Sam and Simon Gee for taking the time to sit down and share their scootering stories—can’t wait to listen back.

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