About Soul and Mod
Soul and Mod website’s primary focus is to discuss varying topics and aspects associated with Mod subculture as well as Soul music.
The idea for the site began because of my love for Soul and Mod music. This originated and has continued from the 1980s, when I was a Mod girl. Influencing my choice to write this site was also the engagement with like minded friends on social media and associated events. Equally also friends, some I have known for many years. Friends who have a continuing and likewise passion for Mod subculture and Soul music.
Over the past 30+ years many aspects related to Mod continues to stay with me. An old friend of mine, from those years back in the 1980s made a simple statement. However one which was totally accurate and profound. “Mod is engrained within you”. One which I am sure many can relate to who have or continue to be part of the Mod scene.
This does not only apply to music from my perspective either. Within it are my continuing love of the origins of style and clothing, as well as literature and cinema associated with it. Examples of the bob hairstyle being one, along with my love affair of Kitchen Sink Realism! As well as my fondness for nostalgia, which my friends and family, I know will certainly agree with!
My career background began in science 29 years ago, where I have experience of scientific research, writing and publishing in scientific journals and then went onto working as a tutor and lecturer in Science. For 20 years I have developed, written and continue to manage websites along with my partner.
Acknowledgements
I would like to dedicate this site to all those who have encountered and connected with me throughout my journey in the past four decades. Those who have inspired me and introduced me to the ever evolving theme of Soul music and Mod subculture.
Whether this be music, style, books, cinema or events. Also to those friendships along the way, many which continue up to today. However also as equally as important, to those who were there with me at the beginning of my journey and to those who continue to be there. You know who you all are.
A special thanks also to ;
Paul “Smiler” Anderson
Scarlett Baylis,
Danny Coates,
Dominic Bassett,
John Beverley,
Gill Evans Catling,
Takako Cole,
Rob Cox,
John Crawford,
Mark Crew,
Caroline Dann,
Jon Dabner,
Tony Beesley,
Julie Goodreid,
Paul J Hallam,
Alan Handscombe,
Sandra Hutchinson,
Simon Ibbotson (Barnsley Sime),
Ian Jackson,
Dr Jo Jenkinson,
Shaun Knapp,
John Knight,
Clelia Lucchitta,
Caron Malcolm,
Claire Mahoney,
Jenny Martin,
Andrea Mattioni,
Martin Morgan,
Mark Raison ,
Julie Radcliffe ,
Dave Rimmer ,
Maurice Moore,
Vanessa Paxton,
Eddie Piller,
Emlyn Price,
Vicky Richmond,
Steve Rowland,
Tony Schokman,
Bell Sheffield,
Paul Stevens,
Tony Stephenson,
Ann Wellman,
Elizabeth Woodcraft,
Mark Windle,
Paolo Zironi
& to my parents, Don and Linda.
In Memory of :
Collette Rigby (nee Clannachan),
Joanne Richardson (nee Gilfoyle),
Gillian Haigh,
Colin Buckley,
Tony Class,
Kevin (Mugsy) Morgans,
John Beverley,
Bell Sheffield,
Steve Humphreys,,
Wayne Napier-Gibbins,
Barry Hewes Sr ,
Maria Veale
Gone but never forgotten.
And a final word … For John ….
For my dear and lovely old friend John Beverley who sadly passed away in June 2019. I had known John since I was 16 when I was a young Mod girl in my hometown of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. John was a little older than us all in age and entered the scene during the 79 Mod revival. At the time of meeting him he was studying at Cambridge University, for his joint honours degree, however we all used to see him during his visits back home.
The last time I had seen John was in 1992. Coincidentally passing EGS (one of the record shops we always use to trawl around after our Saturday meetups at Littlewoods Cafe during the 80s). He had graduated from university & I was not long off finishing my degree, but no longer living in South Yorkshire. We chatted and exchanged numbers … And that was the last time I saw him ever again in person ….. Sadly.
In 2015 we became friends on Facebook & he called me. We picked up like we had seen each other yesterday. In those following years we chatted so much, laughed so much. And deep down were the kids at heart that we were all those years ago. Anyone who knows me well from the scene knows I am a tad over zealous for 60s Soul, John on the other hand was a tad over zealous for his bands. So we had numerous chats about music.
John, being John was the friend who was always there to joke, offer his support. With plenty of music links along the way. I tried my very best to reciprocate & offer that old chestnut approach & advice of “The glass is half full approach” .. My typical and continuing outlook on life. I often look back & wonder if I had done enough sometimes.
John sadly passed away on the 30th June 2019. Coincidentally it was Anthony (Miller) who let me know. Anthony & John had taken us under their wings all those years ago & looked out for us on the scene. They had been good friends since the late 70s / early 80s.
We always said I should go back to my hometown & visit him & we could drink Earl Grey Tea, eat Lemon Drizzle cake & then dance like we were teenagers again to his rare vinyl. Not forgetting to share a few glasses of Red, but to make sure I was’nt sick this time. It was an in joke that we laughed about on several occasions during that time. John had turned up at my 18th with a bottle of posh Red Wine. He also had a party in the 80s & after me having a few too many. Let’s say I was somewhat nauseous. I was most likely drunk on half a litre of Woodpecker Cider back then, as young kids often do. We laughed many times about that.
John was a great friend, empathetic, understanding & also an incredibly academically clever man. Funny as they come, sensitive at times and loved by many. The world went darker when he passed away. However wherever he is now, I am certain that world is shining ten fold brighter than it did before.
What I do know …. Is that life hangs by a very slender thread. Regardless of the passage of time, the people we meet as teenagers, even more so on the Mod Scene, whilst they may not remain a continual part of our lives. They do remain a part of us and our history. They are the glue & spine work of those chapters of our earlier life, that hold our innocent teenage years together. If you have read this and have an old friend from that period tell them you value them and that you love them. Because after all, you never know if it could be the last time you have the chance to say it to them.
Go Now – Bessie Banks
Jul 6, 2019
the45prof
The very last song, ironically that John & I chatted about during our last music chat. I will forever remember John’s friendship with fondness ❤️️
