Clifford T Ward sings
Scullery.
Appearances on the Old Grey Whistle Test and Top of the
Pops
Click
to hear Podcast - Cherry Red to release Box Set of 'Singles'.
Sixty Tracks hand picked by 'John Peel', commentary by Clive Selwood Life Too, Has Surface Noise:
The Complete Dandelion Records 1969-1972
The Annual Clifford T Ward Convention - 24th September 2006 ...
The 2006Convention featured excellent tribute artists and also new
extracts from uncut recording tapes . Full Report to follow ...
Highlights below:
This
year’s convention was a gem. New 'uncut' versions of recording tapes
were shared for the first time with the audience. Live accoustic sets from
James Davey and a Rock'n Roll extravaganza from
Bev Pegg's Band,
re-living the 'Cruisers', made for a great day. Special Guest Iain McNay Cherry Red paid warm tribute to CTW's music. Paul Walters of BBC Radio 2 was awarded the Clifford T. aWard 2006 for 'keeping the music and memory
alive'. Francis Klonowski of the TOGS received this on Paul's behalf.
Thank you Paul ... thank you everyone ... and thank you Clifford T. Ward
Questions and Answers .....
Ronan Keating
With album
sales topping 17million, Ronan - a Dubliner born and
bred
- has enjoyed a decade singing at the top of the pop
charts. Away from Boyzone, he's scored 12 Top Ten
singles and released three chart
topping albums. So he knows a good song when he
hears it. So what is
number 4 on his current playlist ? Home Thoughts of
course.
featuring Clifford T Ward and others ....
By Terry Kirby
The Independant : Published: 02 December 2005
The Cause is Good ...
Miriam Evans (that's 'me now' below) took part
in the Great Manchester Run, on 21st of May, which is 10K (6.2miles)
long, to raise money for sufferers of MS, their families and to ultimately help
to find a cure. Miriam's Dad has written directly to the FoCTW knowing
that Fans will remember Clifford's struggle with the illness too....
"In
June 1973. 'Gaye' entered the singles chart and was being played constantly on
the radio, a song which I just loved so much.
I first met Carol (Miriam's mum) on July 8th,
on a pub trip to Southsea that I had helped to organise, and we were instantly
attracted, although I had to wait till August 3rd until I saw her
again, as she disappeared to Switzerland, on holiday with one of her friends
from work.
I introduced her to
Clifford T Ward's music and she loved it as much as me. There was something so special and
personal about it. We married in May 1975 and were blissfully happy.
Carol was very active cycling 5 miles to work at the local Pirelli factory where
she worked as a sewing machinist in the slipper department.She loved walking in the countryside, camping, holidays in
Cornwall, going to pubs (with me of course!) listening to music (Clifford T. !)
and going to concerts.
Our son Andrew was born in 1983 and Miriam in 1985, to make our happiness
complete, and Carol gave up work straight away, as she wanted to be with them
full time. She only returned to work when Miriam started at the local Primary
school in 1989, as a dinner lady, a job that she just loved doing.
Carol appeared to be a picture of health, but in June 1986 the first sign of her
MS appeared, blurred vision in one eye, and visited her doctor, optician and eye
specialist at the hospital. Nothing could be found to explain it, and during the
summer her vision gradually returned to normal and it was forgotten about. Her
optician years later, told her that he was sure of it being caused by MS, but
decided to say nothing as there as no treatment for it. He just referred her to
a specialist at the hospital. Life continued and we were all so happy.
Carol had no more obvious symptoms
until around 1992 when I noticed her personality
changing. She was not enjoying things quite so much and
appeared not to want to do the things she once had, It
was difficult to pin it down, it was just a feeling that
something within her had changed.In May 1994 we were on holiday in
Cornwall and she was obviously frightened when we were
all walking along a footpath by the side of a cliff.
This was very strange indeed as this was the girl who
used to climb up mountains with me.
She visited the doctor and specialists for lots of tests
and scans later that year, as her balance was rapidly
getting worse. In February 1995 we were given the news
that Carol had MS but were reassured that most people
didn't end up in a wheelchair and would live a long and
comparatively active life.
Andrew was 10 and Miriam just 8 years
old, but we decided it would be best to tell them the
truth about their Mother, although we reassured them
that life would continue pretty much the same.Unfortunately Carol had a very
aggressive form of MS and never experienced any periods
of remission like some sufferers do. It was just like a
relentless tightening of a vice, as each new symptom
appeared and added to Carol's problems.She was not one to complain though,
and always kept her sense of humour, even when things
became very bad. Only occasionally did she break down
and cry. It was very painful to watch, for me but
particularly for Andrew and Miriam, as they were going
through their school years.We had the house adapted to
help cope with Carol's disabilities, but in April last
year she was becoming so ill that we decided that she
would have to go into a Care Home as I just couldn't
cope with her at home any longer. In December 2005 she
became ill with Pneumonia and died on 14th.
December.
Andrew went to Sheffield Hallam
University and gained his degree in Software Engineering
in 2005 and is now working for one of the examination
boards developing new software.
Miriam is studying Three Dimensional
Design at Manchester Metropolitan University, currently
in her 3rd year.
Carol was obviously very proud of how
well they have done and this alone gave her a reason to
carry on and fight her MS.
Miriam has decided to raise some much needed funds for
the MS society and is taking part in the Great
Manchester Run on May 21st. 2006. She is
training very hard for it and joined a gymnasium this
January.
Miriam has always enjoyed taking part
in sporting activities. She did Ballet when she was
young and also did trampolining
for some years while at school.If you can
spare any of your hard-earned cash, please sponsor her,
as it is a very worthwhile cause."
A new CD, 'Studio Sessions', was launched at the
Annual Clifford T. Ward Convention, 25th September
2005. It comprises of studio 'takes' of songs and
comments. All songs are previously unreleased
versions. This unusual CD captures another side of
Cliff in humorous and creative modes. One of the many
high quality 'unknown' archive tapes that still exist
from recording studio sessions has made this rare CD
possible. It is a limited edition release and all
proceeds will be used to fund the ongoing technical
work of retrieving music and material from the tapes.
Buy
...
Note : This project is
funded by the Friends of Clifford T Ward - Official
Fan Club
FoCTW
Official Fan Club of Clifford T. Ward
Annual Convention
September 25th. 2005
The
Clifford T Ward Annual Convention 2005 was held on
Sunday the 25th September at the Gainsborough Hotel,
Kidderminster, Worcestershire.
Congratulations to James Davey, Ross and Bev Pegg for their individual musical
contributions that made this a true success for all Fans.
After
four years of patient preparation, the racehorse named
in memory of
Clifford T Ward made his debut at Uttoxeter
on Midlands Grand
National day, 19th March, 2005. Trainer
Ginger McCainchose the last race of
the day, a National Hunt Flat
race over two miles on good to soft going, for
"Clifford" to hit the best possible
note.
For the owners, Janet Rimmer and
Alan Kenworthy, the promise made to their favourite
singer/songwriter was fulfilled, and their expectations
were raised by the attendance of Ginger (of
Red Rum fame) and his wife
Beryl, who expressed confidence in the horse’s ability
even after only two months of training at Cholmondeley
Castle.
There were sixteen runners, some
of them expensive horses, and some had run before. In
the second mile the pace hotted up, and then a flat-out
gallop began from three furlongs out. "Clifford" had only
two horses behind him when this began, but he took the
inside route on the rail and shot past all his rivals
and led the race with a furlong to go. Inexperience led
him to believe his work was done, and the leading two of
the horses he had overtaken maintained their steady pace
and went in front by two lengths. "Clifford" gave chase
again but was just starting to pass the second finisher
when they passed winning post, third placed of sixteen.
His jockey, Jason McGuire,
expressed admiration for the his brave and renewed
efforts, and Ginger McCain’s verdict was even more
enthusiastic, predicting a successful career for the
horse over hurdles than as a three-mile chaser, and even
hinting at Aintree in a few years’ time! “The best is
yet to come with this horse!” said Ginger, apparently
unaware of the song title. The racing press commented, “In
contrast with the winner, "Clifford T Ward" is modestly
bred, but made a fine debut and
looks certain of a
future.” One racing channel TV commentator got very
excited at the finish and actually said we can expect
"Clifford T Ward" to be a future star at Aintree!
The horse is back home for a
rest during the summer, and will make his debut over
hurdles in October. An eagerly awaited first win
is promised by Ginger’s son Don and is on the cards “provided we don’t
make a mess of it”!
A Day to 'Ourselves' - 9th July 2005
A 'Summer Picnic' was held at
Witley Court for all CTW Fans on Saturday 9th
July 2005. This provided an opportunity for Fans to meet and look around the
grounds and gardens including
visiting the CTW
Memorial Bench. The Memorial 'Friendship'
Bench dedicated to
Clifford T. Ward
and arranged by the Official Fan Club,
is sited at the prestigious 'Witley Court' with the
kind permission of English
Heritage. The featured picture shows the 'Little Friends
of Clifford T Ward' - Jack, Megan and Tom Ward. The site was chosen by Cliff's family as this was a favourite place of
his, especially
for publicity photos and also for its peace and
tranquillity.
'Singer
Songwriter'
Cherry Red Records have
now
re-released the very first Clifford T. Ward Album, 'Singer Songwriter',
on 13th
June 2005. The original master tapes have been discovered and used, plus the bonus track
'Sidetrack' is included.
The result is a fantastic Clifford T Ward CD. Order
here .....
Originally issued on John Peel and Clive Selwood’s
Dandelion label in the early 1970's, this fantastic album contains Clifford's
first two singles, 'Carrie' and 'Coathanger.'
The original master tapes were
located by Clive Selwood at his home and now the exact mixes that were used in
the original vinyl record can now be enjoyed again - but on CD. The original
master tape boxes are dated 10/7/1972. There are obvious differences between
this and the previously released version
in 1995 ('See for Miles'), which used entirely different masters and this has
been commented on by 'expert' listeners and fans alike . The Cherry Red CD version is exactly as CTW
intended. It would be good to hear from Fans as to which differences can
be identified. Which instrument was missing on 'Coathanger',
how does 'The Dream' differ .... and there are many
more subtleties? Most important, it is the absolute quality of the
recordings, and astounding
digital excellence engineered by Dave Johnson that has allowed Clifford's unique
music to reach us in perfect condition.
FoCTW
Home
Thoughts from Abroad ... Denmark ?
All fans of CTW will recognise this distinctive
image from the inside album cover of the 1973
masterpiece 'Home Thoughts'. Here sons Martin and
Sam (in yellow t-shirt) pose with Dad. The creative
artistic talents continue to run in the Ward family. To
find out what Sam's up to
click here and see if
it 'creates an impression' on you.
"Sam is a friend is a friend of
mine ..... "
C T W Song Writing Competition 2004-5
The
Clifford T Ward Song Writing
Contest 2004-5, launched jointly by
the
BBC and
MAS records
(in 2004), now has a winner - 'Richard Pollott'.
Out of a total of 250 entries, a last '8' have now been
reduced to a single winner after careful scrutiny from
celebrity judges. Clifford T. Ward is regarded as
one of the greatest songwriters in Britain
and is respected throughout the industry. As
well as promoting song writing and support for new
songwriters
the competition provides a significant reward to
the winner.
More ...
"Sometime Next Year" - now on CD
'Sometime
Next Year' is now available on CD for the very first time - with bonus
tracks. This is a real must for Clifford T. Ward fans. 'Sometime Next
Year' was originally released on vinyl in 1986 on the Roger Whittaker owned
'Tembo' label. Since Clifford sadly died, three years ago, there has been a
growing interest in his work. He is one of the most original English singer
songwriters and was initially signed to John Peel's Dandelion label.
Buy now ...
The track list is as follows:
Prams / Who Cares / Another Radio Station / Quiz Show / They Must Think Me A
Fool / Sometime Next Year / Losin' After All. (Nothin' New) / Stains / Turbo /
Like An Old Song / Today In Parliament / Lost In The Flow Of Your Love.
Plus: 4 bonus tracks ...
Cricket / Laugh It Off / April / Home
The
Ways of Love ... 2005
Peter Lacey is indeed a true fan of Clifford T Ward, but moreover he played on
the album the 'Ways of Love'. He has now released his own 2005 album - 'Songs
from a Loft'. He takes inspiration from a number of quality artists, like Brian
Wilson of the Beach Boys, Paul McCartney and, of course, Clifford T Ward ...
"In 2000 I was signed to David Paramor's RPM record
label who released my first album BEAM! I was amazed and honoured to see that
Clifford T Ward was a stable mate of mine on the label. I had loved Cliff's
music from the first Dandelion album 'Singer Songwriter' and bought every album
as they arrived. In particular I have many happy memories of Mantlepieces and
Home Thoughts which provided the soundtrack to many happy holidays in the West
country in the 1970's. Moreover, Cliff's inimitable style as both songwriter and
performer had a mentor role in my own musical development,- the quality of the
songwriting itself was inspiring and there was a distinct Englishness to his
approach,- the combination of the two in my opinion set him apart from many of
his contemporaries."
"I was then more than honoured to have the chance to play on Cliff's last RPM
album 'The Ways Of Love' on which I provided guitar and woodwind. It was magical
to do;- here was Cliff singing demo recordings of songs unheard before, and
across the decades his songs and his charming vocals seeped through the speakers
greeting me like a warm reassuring handshake. And the songs were as good and as
magical as anything
on the official albums, the tell-tale signs of a prolific songwriter with a
wealth of superb material until then unknown to most."
"Once I
had played my part on the album I was over the moon to have the album and listen
through to all the songs and hear them developed from simple demos to arranged
songs. I can't say how privileged I was to be one of the musicians on the CD."
"My greatest thrill was to be told by David Paramor that both Cliff and Pat had
really enjoyed my playing on the album, and it seemed as if a circle had been
formed for me in that I had connected with one of my musical mentors and had the
opportunity to repay my debt to him via my contribution to the record.
Wonderful."
"I was then most truly saddened to hear of Cliff's untimely death, yet what he
left behind in all his great songs is entirely life affirming and that's what I
hold on to. We have all been more than lucky to be able to share the
experience." Peter Lacey 2005
A Memorial 'Friendship' Bench
dedicated to
Clifford T. Ward
is now in place.
'The
Friends of Clifford T Ward', the Official Fan
Club, arranged for
the Bench to
be sited at the prestigious 'Witley Court' with the kind
permission of
English Heritage.
The site was chosen by Cliff's Family as this was a favourite place of
his, especially
for publicity photos and also for its peace and
tranquillity. The Bench itself is modelled on an older 'Witley
Court' design rediscovered during restorations,
maintaining harmony with the traditions of the site.
It is a beautiful setting and interestingly has an
historical association
with the Ward Family
name. The
Bench is sited in ‘The Wilderness’ - a new garden
- and provides opportunities
for
CTW fans to visit this memorial and to walk within Witley Court’s grounds - as indeed has Clifford T. Ward
himself.
More details ...
The
spectacular ruins of this
once great house are
surrounded by magnificent landscaped gardens which still
contain huge stone fountains. The largest,
representing
Perseus and Andromeda ((Jayne from - Spiral ?) and
which has just been fully restored, was described as
making the ‘noise of an express train’ when 'fired' as
featured on BBC1 in
the Antiques Road show recently (Oct'04).
Attached to Witley Court is
Great Witley Church,
which
has a superb baroque interior well worth seeing too. The
church also has a
Tea Room close by ....
please call
the site (01299 896636) for details of the fountain
firing times before you visit. You must ... Some time
next Year .
C T W Song Writing Competition 2004-5
The
Clifford T Ward Song Writing
Contest, launched jointly by
the
BBC and
MAS records
and FoCTW earlier in 2004, is now pleased to announce
the winner as 'Richard
Pollott', for his soulful ballad, “Butterflies”.
Richard has built an impressive reputation throughout
the UK for his captivating live shows, and his finely
crafted songwriting continues to draw both admirers and
critical acclaim. In addition to receiving a cash award
from the Clifford T. Ward Foundation, the song will be
included on the forthcoming MAS Records CD and will
receive exclusive BBC radio airplay.
Out of a total of 250 entries a last 8 made
it into the final. Clifford T Ward is regarded as one of the greatest
songwriters in Britain
and is respected throughout the industry. As
well as promoting song writing and support for new
songwriters
the competition provides a significant reward to the
winner. Special thanks go to
BBC Hereford and Worcester,
and in particular, to avid CTW friend and fan Kevyn
Gammond and Kim Tanser both of
MAS Records - in
association with Kidderminster College. The competition
judges are Robert Plant - Led Zeppelin legend, Karl
Hyde - from Underworld and the late John
Peel's manager - Clive Selwood.
Hopefuls
from across the country bombarded MAS records
with their
best efforts to find some of the nation's most talented
songwriters.
MAS
records, in association with the CTW Foundation and the
BBC have organised
this event and the final stages were judged by the
celebrity panel.
As well as
a cash prize of £500 (GBP) from the CTW Foundation the
winner will have their song recorded and released on CD,
along with opportunities to perform live.
The finalists
Richard Attwood - Be Away
Backwash - Six Weeks
George Timothy Caanan - Desire
Finally,
after careful deliberation, the judges chose the overall
winner: Richard Pollott, for his soulful ballad,
“Butterflies”.
“Big Green Pocket” by Girls Love Ponies, who were very
popular in the public
vote, ripples with energy and confidence: you will hear
this coming through
the bedroom doors of many misunderstood teenagers. The
vibrant, openhearted
love song, “Soul Search In Utah” by The Murmur, shows a
fresh, sophisticated
approach to songwriting. All three songs comprise the
celebrity judges’ top
three.
The award will be officially presented at the MAS
Records Launch Party to be
held in late February 2005. Further details of the event
will be announced
at a later date.
MAS Records development manager, Kim Tanser, said, “The
contest is an ideal way for young songwriters and
musicians to be recognised.” MAS Records project
manager, Kevyn Gammond, also added, “There has been a
lot of quality material, and there’s a growing demand
from the music industry to hear artists that can provide
unique and original material.”
BBC Presenter, Dan Johnson, is considering developing
the next Clifford T.
Ward Competition on a national level ...
watch this space.
Source: BBC
Radio
NB : The
Clifford T. Ward Foundation is now planning for the 2005
competition.
'Rio de Janeiro' - a previously unreleased track
recorded by
Clifford T Ward
is one of the many master recording tapes recently
discovered but never published. This original
uncut version still contains the studio 'intro' and 'outro'
comments made by Cliff himself. A short, but fun
track with crystal clear production. Thanks to Pat Ward
for sharing this rarity, and also Dave Johnson (see
Guest book comments) .
Click hear to listen on-line to
the track . Dedicated to all CTW Brazilian Fans !
BBC
Radio 2’s 'Sold on Song' voting closed at the end of March
and results were published on May 31st 2004.
Clifford T Ward's 'Home Thoughts from Abroad' was
voted a very credible 24th beating many other big
'hitters' in this BBC competiton.
More ....
Terry Wogan Presentation ... June 2004
In
recognition of his consistent support and devotion to
Clifford T Ward over the years Terry Wogan has been
presented with a 'Cliffy' by Pat Ward. Terry met with
the 'Friends' and his sincere admiration for CTW
was evident. Terry was also given a full 'boxed
set' collection of all of Clifford T's work. Despite 'yer
man' jesting and quipping freestyle and at will, Terry,
ably guided by Paul Walters, regained sufficient composure to
proclaim " I am deeply honoured to receive this award
- you must know that. My support will
continue, as will the music, of Clifford T Ward"
New CD Release: No more Rock 'n' Roll ...
A New CD
Release plus
previously unreleased bonus tracks is officially
released - May 2004. The fourth
Clifford T Ward release from Cherry Red Records is a
timely reissue of “No More Rock ‘N’ Roll”. Buy this CD on
line now ...
Originally issued by Philips in 1975, this new CD
version includes the original artwork and brand new
in-depth sleeve-notes from regular Record Collector and Mojo contributor Michael Heatley. An absolute must for all Clifford T. Ward fans, this
fantastic package also includes quality fully remastered
and amazingly
PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED bonus tracks, each
an alternative version of tracks found on this album – a
fantastic appendix to the legend that is Clifford T.
Ward. You will love it.
Bonus
Tracks : Secretary (alternative version) ...
Up In The World (alternative version) ... Tomorrow Night
(alternative version) ... For Emily (alternative
version) ... Easy, Baby (alternative version)
Clifford T Ward - On-line 'Studio' Video ...
During
Clifford T Ward's 'New England Days' (1980's) time in America, a
home film recording
was made by the
'Studio Owner' Gilbert Markle
whilst CTW
recorded
'Inspirate my Mind'.
This working title was later
renamed to 'Taking the Long Way round.' This
rare archive footage is one of a number of recording
artists who now feature on this amazing
web site. This particular film
clip captures the live atmosphere
at the mixing desk console as it
happens. For its time it represents very
creative video...
"A brief interview with Twiggy's
ex-boyfriend and Markle's distant cousin, Justin de
Villeneuve. Producer Hugh Murphy and engineer Jesse
Henderson are seen in the then-state-of-the-art Control
Room "A", working on an LP for Clifford T. Ward. Dennis
Allen produced and directed the clip for Wave." :
The Friends of Clifford T Ward sincerely thank
Gilbert Markle - and is there any more ?
A
Painting Inspired by "Home Thoughts"
This
painting has been inspired by the works of Clifford T
Ward. Andy Rushworth's
studio is situated in the very heart of Bronte country,
and he decided to try
to depict the heart felt emotion present in many of Cliffs
songs as a personal
tribute. His paintings are all landscapes and
attempt to visualise the sincerity of Cliff's words and
music. Each painting is inspired by a line or particular
phrase "Home Thoughts from abroad " depicts the
sadness of a person missing their family and
their home whilst far away. The
Artist explains: 'This painting is not representational
of any existing place , its a suggestion of a warm sunny
afternoon somewhere in England , a big dreamy sky in which
to lose yourself, haystacks on the horizon, something to
hold dear to you, to remind you what you have waiting for
you back home.
The painting is deliberately minimalist; its all about
thought and memory, that is where the detail is - a
template for anybody saddened by the absence of the things
they hold close to their heart.' (Thanks to Andy, Lucy and
Paul, FoCTW)
I Miss You - I Really Do.( Clifford T Ward ,Home Thoughts
from Abroad )
A Collection of 21
' Rarities'
mixed from the original multi tracks by David Johnson,
these are superior versions of selected tracks that
appeared on the now deleted Clifford T Ward albums,
Bittersweet, Ways Of Love and Hidden Treasures.
Not to be missed ... more
This
indeed is the age of the pop biography, but if you are
looking for sex, drugs and rock ‘n’roll you must go
somewhere else, although be warned, you may be surprised
by a few of the revelations in this book
It is a tale of talent, love, fame and tragedy as
experienced by two young sweethearts through the heady
days of pop; suddenly bewildered by the magnitude of that
long-awaited success. First published in 1999, this book
has been unavailable since selling out its initial
print
run and recently a copy was sold on eBay for £750. But now
its only £14.99. 350 pages + great photos.
If you have
already read this book and would like to write a review
'click'
Please
visit the Guest Book to read the book reviews written by
fans
Annual
Convention -
Report. Venue:
The
Gainsborough Hotel, Kidderminster. Held on the 28th of September 2003 -
a sell out - featured Live Music from
tribute artists and sales of quality CTW merchandise
- CDs, including
the latest
releases from Cherry
Red Records. The performers
included: James Davey,
in two excellent sessions; firstly a
classic style solo accoustic
slot and then vocal plus full original
backing tape session. New CTW
funkster
Chris Hutchinson (well, he
has recorded with
Ronnie Wood and
Nigel Kennedy)
and his Band
performed some totally innovative 'jazz'
renditions, including 'the
Best is Yet toCome'.
Next, Clive
Edwards with Ross of
'RIO' reminded us of
Cliff's 60's roots - 'All that
Glitters must be
Gold'. And it did. Finally
RIO, (Ross Ian and Owen) harmonised wonderfully
with their fantastic
version of
'Crisis'. The
Friends of Clifford T.
Ward Auction
featured some very
rare singles, a full set of
all 8 Leo Sayer autographed
CDs, radio memorabilia plus special items.
Important new announcements included details of a Robert
Plant backed Clifford T Ward
Scholarship
(more to follow - watch this page), and personal awards
to Dave Johnson and Dave Stubbs for their invaluable
work on archive material resulting in 'Work in Progress.
Also an award to Dave Young for his editorial work with
the fanzine 'Waves'. The international audience
contained many new faces including numerous Irish and
Scottish fans who flew in especially. FoCTW.
If you
were at the 'CTW Convention 2003' what are your
highlights ?
To mark the continued success
of Clifford T. Ward's 'Home Thoughts' album sales, and
also the 30th Anniversary of its release, Pat Ward was
presented with a fabulous Gold Disc. This was in
recognition of both Vinyl and CD sales. The award
was made jointly by the 'Friends of Clifford T Ward' and
'Cherry Red Records' at the Clifford T. Ward Convention
2003, in Kidderminster.
Hidden
Treasures ? Do you collect CTW Memorabilia? The
Friends of Clifford T Ward would love to hear from anyone
with any archive
memorabilia relating to CTW. Anything from press
clippings, recordings, to film or video would be of
great interest to the Official Fan Club. Please
contact directly by e-mail with details.
BOTH OF US - Clifford T Ward
(CDMRED 228)
now
re-released on CD May 2003. Cherry Red Records are to be
commended for providing a new launch of this
fantastic album. The track listing is impressive.
BUY NOW
The
third Clifford T. Ward release from Cherry Red Records
is “Both
Of Us”, originally issued by Philips in 1984, and yet only
released in Ireland where Clifford T.
Ward enjoyed (and still has) a
substantial following. This is the first reissue, and first time
on a CD format, the Philips release being vinyl-only.
This new CD version includes all of the original artwork and brand new in depth
sleeve notes
from David Cartwright, author of the Clifford T Ward
biography
'Bittersweet'. This book is also being published by Cherry
Red Books later this year. Additionally as a bonus spoken-word
CD track, David Cartwright provides an extract from
'Bittersweet'.
THE
CLIFFORD T. WARD SONGWRITING CONTEST
Clifford
T. Ward Music Scholarship
- Plans are well advanced to
establish
a student award in memory of Cliff via a Song Writing
Contest jointly supported by
BBC and MAS
Recordsin association with the
Official Fan club -
'The Friends of
Clifford T. Ward'.
The Launch , held on the 27th November
2003, was attended by Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) who
outlined the importance of new
young songwriters. "New songwriters are the lifeblood of the music industry,
and the aim of the competition,
which is also to be supported by the
BBC is to nurture new talent in all genres of music.
"
The prime purpose is to help young songwriters to carry on the legacy in
music that 'Clifford
T.' left behind. A CD
will be released containing winning songs.
Clifford is regarded as one of the greatest writers in
Britain and is respected throughout the industry. He
leaves a great legacy of music that will last, for as
long as an appreciative audience enjoys good songs.
Full
details - click here
Download a Clifford T Ward
Songwriting Contest application form
New
web-link -
A virtual home for the
bewildered, but devoted followers of Terry Wogan's BBC
Radio 2 weekday breakfast show 'Wake up to Wogan' -
and also 'home' to Clifford T's marvellous music. Inside
this site you will find some of the people who regularly
contribute to the show under various assumed
silly names. Don't worry if it looks a bit daunting at
first !
"Clifford
volunteered to appear in the 2002 Children in Need 'TOGs'
Celebrity Calendar, which was a great kindness - considering how unwell he had been."
Woman
& Home
(May 2003) features an
interesting article entitled 'Monte Carlo or Bust'
about two women who enter a charity classic car rally from London to Monte Carlo
staying at gorgeous chateaux along the way. The
experience transforms the two
fortysomething women into the new Thelma and Louise. The challenge is in aid of the Chemical Dependency
Centre - helping victims of addiction. On nearing the end of the 5 day rally drive,
the pair reflect, and their mood of adventure and
certain triumph is
encapsulated, quote:
"
We were so proud for so many reasons. We
had tracked our way through wonderful French Villages,
and spectacular mountain scenery, to the sound of the
Stranglers, Robbie Williams and Clifford T Ward. "
So, browse page 17 at your
local newsagents to capture the full story ...'even' buy
it .Congratulations and admiration to both
CTW fans , Denise Elphick
and Annabel Freeman, for this achievement, and on their
true sense of style !
More Information on the Rally/Charity: The
Grand Tour to Monte Carlo
Ideas,
thoughts and contributions
to this new web site are truly welcomed. Please share your
thoughts, your favourite lyric, best song,
interpretations and
memories ..... to be published on
this site
After
four years of patient preparation, the racehorse named
in memory of
Clifford T Ward made his debut at Uttoxeter
on Midlands Grand
National day, 19th March, 2005.
Trainer
looks certain of a
future.” One racing channel TV commentator got very
excited at the finish and actually said we can expect
"Clifford T Ward" to be a future star at Aintree! 
visiting the CTW
Memorial Bench. The Memorial 'Friendship'
Bench dedicated to
"Once I
had played my part on the album I was over the moon to have the album and listen
through to all the songs and hear them developed from simple demos to arranged
songs. I can't say how privileged I was to be one of the musicians on the CD."
This
painting has been inspired by the works of Clifford T
Ward. Andy Rushworth's
studio is situated in the very heart of Bronte country,
and he decided to try
to depict the heart felt emotion present in many of Cliffs
songs as a personal
tribute. His paintings are all landscapes and
attempt to visualise the sincerity of Cliff's words and
music. Each painting is inspired by a line or particular
phrase "Home Thoughts from abroad " depicts the
sadness of a person missing their family and
their home whilst far away. The
Artist explains: 'This painting is not representational
of any existing place , its a suggestion of a warm sunny
afternoon somewhere in England , a big dreamy sky in which
to lose yourself, haystacks on the horizon, something to
hold dear to you, to remind you what you have waiting for
you back home. 
including
the latest
releases from Cherry
Red Records. The performers
included: James Davey,
in two excellent sessions; firstly a
classic style solo accoustic
slot and then vocal plus full original
backing tape session. New CTW
funkster
Chris Hutchinson (well, he
has recorded with
Ronnie Wood and
Nigel Kennedy)
and his Band
performed some totally innovative 'jazz'
renditions, including 'the
Best is Yet to
Come'.
Next, Clive
Edwards with Ross of
'RIO' reminded us of
Cliff's 60's roots - 'All that
Glitters must be
Gold'. And it did. Finally
RIO, (Ross Ian and Owen) harmonised wonderfully
with their fantastic
version of
'Crisis'. The
Friends of Clifford T.
Ward Auction
featured some very
rare singles, a full set of
all 8 Leo Sayer autographed
CDs, radio memorabilia plus special items.
Important new announcements included details of a Robert
Plant backed Clifford T Ward
Scholarship
(more to follow - watch this page), and personal awards
to Dave Johnson and Dave Stubbs for their invaluable
work on archive material resulting in 'Work in Progress.
Also an award to Dave Young for his editorial work with
the fanzine 'Waves'. The international audience
contained many new faces including numerous Irish and
Scottish fans who flew in especially. FoCTW.
Clifford
T. Ward Music Scholarship
- Plans are well advanced to
establish
a student award in memory of Cliff via a Song Writing
Contest jointly supported by
