Whilst looking for an image of tea-cosy Pete on 'tinternet, I found this thread from another forum; http://www.urban75.net/forums/threads/great-tramps-of-our-time.77746/ for some reason that I can't explain I found some of the stories on it to be quite touching. Well worth a read. So I thought I'd ask for your stories/anecdotes/memories of....(drum roll)....THE GREAT TRAMPS OF OUR TIME! Please contribute. (The only 2 I can think of at the mo are 'Tea-cosy Pete' and 'Terry' from Port Talbot who would always wear a kilt come rain or shine)
This guy may be as mad as a box of frogs and looks a little like Gimli or a rusty santa but I agree with him completely... [video=youtube_share;oEPXkuGuy_Y]http://youtu.be/oEPXkuGuy_Y[/video]`
Oh yes old Bernard - remember him well. There was another odd guy in Neath too - I think his name was Morris - strange bloke used to see him up the Gnoll lot when we used to play up there as a kid
Man, 21, jailed for tramp murder (Payne made a last-minute admission of the murder) A 21-year-old man has been jailed for life for the murder of a popular tramp in south west Wales. Swansea Crown Court heard that Alan Payne from Ystradgynlais - who admitted the charge - had a serious drink and drugs problem. He is believed to have killed Phil Jones, 66, with an axe in the summer after an argument over a drink. Mr Jones was found beaten to death near a wooden hut where he used to sleep on the outskirts of the town. Police said his death brought the largest public response ever to a murder case in South Wales. Judge Mr Justice Nigel Davies said Payne, who had been due to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court before changing his plea last Monday, must serve at least 12 years for the "dreadful" crime. Mr Jones' body was found on 23 July last year on ground near the A465 Neath flyover. He had suffered serious head injuries.*The reaction of the community was unprecedented and was the largest response to any murder investigation in South Wales*(Det Chief Insp Paul Burke). The court heard forensic experts established that he was killed 13 days before. After the case, Det Chief Insp Paul Burke of South Wales Police said the investigation had been "lengthy and complex". He said: "From a personal point of view this was a very difficult enquiry and I would like to thank the public for their help and support. The response to our appeals was fantastic and helped us greatly." The reaction of the community was unprecedented and was the largest response to any murder investigation in South Wales." The incident room received 400 calls, while cars were stopped at a check point near where Mr Jones' body was found. The court heard how Payne drank two bottles of vodka before attacking Mr Jones with the handle or flat side of an axe. He then left Mr Jones to die. Argument over drink Paul Thomas QC, prosecuting, said Payne had been seen talking with Mr Jones on 10 July 2004, the day identified as the date of Mr Jones' death. Payne was arrested after telling friends he had attacked someone and could have killed him. Mr Thomas said the likely cause of the murder was an argument over drink. Payne told friends Mr Jones had been "in my face" and that he struck him between two and four times to the head before also kicking him. A memorial service for Mr Jones is to held at St David's Church in Neath on 17 April. Rod Rees, of Churches Together in Neath said: "Mr Jones was shown kindness by many people in the town and this service will be an opportunity for them to pay their respects following Mr Jones' private funeral a few weeks ago." Chief Insp Burke added: "Perhaps now his family and friends will be able to close this awful chapter in their lives, and move on. Our thoughts are with them."*
The guy in the video talks more sense than so-called upstanding members of society. I remember Bernard in Neath and Tea Cosy Pete. Many of those people have sad stories to tell that we should all hear. There but for the grace of (oh dear) god.
From the site I posted a link to above ....Xylophone man (from Nottingham) http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm/title/xylophone-man-1931-2004/id/80
Here's Cliff a legend in Portsmouth, he's got a direct line to somewhere... [video=youtube;QOyPlthtBng]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOyPlthtBng[/video]
I knew Togo very well and he was more of a chronic alcoholic than a real tramp, tea cosy Pete is what i would call a proper tramp. As regards to Togo he gave up the drink and became a respectable person that even those who knew him could not believe the change
In the 90's there was a tramp in Bournemouth called the 'seagull.' Used to sleep down by the pier, the YMCA said he could have a room anytime he liked but the guy never asked for anything from anybody, he was a homeless man because his life had fallen apart, but I'll tell you what, you have to respect someone who makes a choice & sticks to it, unlike the 'wants something for nothing' society we have today. He died in a particularly cold winter & I remember feeling pretty sad about it. Next time you cross the street to avoid one of these guys, maybe spare a thought for the backstory.* *Disclaimer, don't go & talk to them and get stabbed then blame me! <run>
I can remember i think he was called Ken the Dancer. When i was working The Kingsway he would be up and down dancing all night. There is a quick shot of him in 'Twin Town@
What about the not606 tramp? goes by the name of Dragonborn, but known to his friends as the Knackered one!...................
