AS DARKNESS FELL THE setting sun cast long spectral shadows along the dimly lit streets of Hessle road. People scurried about their business, some returning home from the day's toil on the local fish dock, others setting off for their part time shifts at the many food processing factories that had grown along with the fishing industry in the town of Hull.
Most people acknowledged each other, as almost everyone knew everyone else. The community of Hessle road was a very close knit one, and many factors contributed to this strange sense of clannishness. One was the very style of the houses, terraces and streets of Hessle road. Built at the turn of the century most were two up, two down (rooms) better known as 'sham fours'. They were also built back to back, and were very small by today's standards. Many families were large, and the living conditions were cramped. Nevertheless people managed, they had to.
Another factor was the family atmosphere, although people were very hard as most working class communities are, they were also very caring. When any person or family was in need people would rally round. Whether it was a major problem such as bereavement or a minor one, maybe a cup of sugar or a bottle of milk,the people of Hessle road would be ready to assist. So was the spirit of the community.
All of these factors bound the people of West Hull, and Hessle road in particular together. The main contribution to the closeness of the people, the very bonding that held it together, was the main source of industry to the port of Hull. This bonding was the fishing industry.
The majority of men folk were dependent on the sea. This majority were the fishermen. They would fish the waters of the North Sea, from the Faroe Isles to the waters off Iceland, bringing home their catch of Haddock and Cod, approximately every three weeks. They would land their catch and pick up their 'settlings'. Then it would be a few days at home relaxing, seeing to the womenfolk and drinking in many of the local pubs along the length of Hessle road. These were very hard men. They worked hard they lived hard and they fought hard. These same men also cared passionately for their wives, children and their way of life.
The wives of these men were also hardened to this way of life, and were very much a community within themselves. Whilst the men folk were away at the fishing grounds the responsibility of running the home, bringing up the children and seeing to the day to day maintenance of the household fell squarely on the shoulders of these women. These tasks were readily undertaken as it was second nature to them as their mothers before them had done the same, and their mothers before them, and so on.
Many of these young women had faced tragedies and disasters over the years. From the sinking of thefishing fleet in the early part of the 1900's at the hands of the Russian Imperial Navy, right up to the present day problem of the 'Cod war' with Iceland. These problems, coupled with the restrictions implemented by the Icelandic government concerning the quotas of fish the trawlers were allowed to catch, were having a devastating effect on the fishing industry.
The community of Hull and Hessle road faced these threats to their livelihoods with strength and fortitude. Little did they realise that this latest problem with the Icelandic's had already begun the demise of the fishing industry. It would also in a few years hence totally decimate the lives, community and the industry that Hessle road had become famous for.
All of these problems were of no interest or concern to young John Bentley, for at eleven years of age his only thoughts at this present time, was for the promise of this evening's fun and entertainment. This would come on his once a year trip to the annual fun-fair held down Walton Street off the Anlaby road, in the town of Kingston upon Hull.
John's father was very tense and irritable and this was of some concern to John. The last thing he wanted was for something to go wrong and spoil the coming evening's festivities. Last year John had gone to the fair with his mother. It seemed his father was always away fishing. Try as he might, he could not recall the last time that his father was home at the same time as the annual Hull Fair.
'Will you get a bloody move on woman?" shoutedJohn's father. "The taxi's waiting outside and his bloody meter's running!'
'All right keep yer bloody' hair on,' carne the reply from the bedroom.
John was sat reading a Kung-Fu magazine. As he peered over the top of the page, he watched his father pacing the room and getting more and more agitated by the minute.
'If you don't hurry up, you can go to the fair by yourself with Johnnie and I'll piss off to Rayners with the lads, yelled his dad.
At this young John ran up the stairs to try and save the long awaited night at the fair going horribly wrong.
'Hurry up mam, dad's losing his temper.'
He was now looking down on his mam. She was lying on top of the bed having an awful struggle with her 'roll on' girdle, but at least she was winning. As she hitched up her 'belly flattener' she then stood upright, adjusted her dress and said,
'Right, time we we're off then.'
As John and his mother walked into the living room, It was quite apparent that his father had left. As the disappointment registered in John's mind tears welled in his eyes. Cathy also felt the same despair as her son, but on seeing the sadness on his freshly scrubbed face she held back her own feelings. Forcing a brave smile she said,
'Well, we'll have just as good a time on our own.'
John tried to smile as he walked sullenly to the door. Emerging from the house they both saw John's father at the same time, he was sitting in the back of the taxilaughing and joking with the driver. Both stood staring agog at this unexpected bonus, until dad shouted,
'Come on slowcoaches.'
John's smile seemed to spread the full width of his face. Cathy also seemed to glow with happiness as they settled into the taxi. John sat sandwiched between his parents grasping both parents by one hand each. It was as if he wanted to form a physical link between them. Now they were all off to the fair and he would make sure that they would all enjoy it.
As the taxi travelled along Hessle road, John's father was aware of him holding his hand as well as his mother's. He smiled as he thought of the family unit.
'But what of the future?' he thought.
Although all seemed well, he knew different. Charlie had not yet plucked up the courage to tell Cathy his wife that he was now unemployed. The trawler he'd just finished his last trip on was being laid up indefinitely. He now knew he would probably never work again from his home port of Hull. The year was 1972 and the whole fishing fleet of the East coast was being slowly depleted by the restrictions imposed by the Icelandic government.
Charlie's concentration were interrupted by Cathy asking,
'Penny for your thoughts Chuck,' she always called him by his nickname when she felt particularly affectionate.
Charlie smiled as he reached across John and kissed Cathy on the cheek.
'Nowt worth mentioning my luv,' he said as he squeezed her neck.It was his way of trying to reassure her that she had nothing to be concerned about.
Cathy did not pursue her line of questioning, for although she knew in her heart that all was not well she also knew Charlie would tell her in his own good time. John was quite indifferent to what was passing between his parents. His only thoughts were of Hull Fair and of how many rides he could coax one or both parents to accompany him on.
When they left the taxicab, they began making their way down Walton Street towards the actual fairground. John's eyes darted from one gaily decorated stall to another. The whole of the street was lined both sides with a vast array of stalls. There were food vendors, cheap toy stalls and there were even street hawkers dressed rather shabbily as Father Christmas. As they progress further down the street the atmosphere of the fair begins to greet them.
The smell of hot dogs, beef burgers and freshly fried onions, the sight of candy floss, balloons, coconuts and of course the gypsy fortune tellers. All of these are ingredients that help make up the unique magic of the travelling fair. Still the best is yet to come, for after running the gauntlet of the street. Resisting the temptation of blowing all of their spending money, it is then the full splendour of the fair actually hits them.
The fairground itself is spread over an area of many acres. The Hull fair is reputed to be the biggest and best in England, rivalled only by the equally famous Nottingham Goose fair. There are rides, sideshows and gaming stalls of every description. Thousands and thousands of lights, of every colour imaginable illuminate all of these.As they push and shove their way through the heaving masses of fellow revellers John and his parents are caught up in the euphoria of the event. They flow along with it, stopping only when a particular ride or stall appeals to them. After what seems like an eternity to Charlie and Cathy, and the blinking of an eye to John, it's time to start making their way home.
'Come on then it's time for home, it'll soon be closing time,' said Charlie, actually meaning, I might miss last orders in Rayners'.
'Your dad's right John,' agreed Cathy, reading the double meaning.
'Let's start off home before all the drunks and nutcases fall out of the pubs, eh?"
John was absolutely worn out so he grudgingly agreed to his mum's suggestion. After all he'd achieved what he'd intended. That was to have as many rides as possible, to eat as much food as he could and if possible to win a coconut. The latter was the most difficult, and certainly the most expensive. Though determination and his dad's pocket prevailed, and now the prized
coconut was in his proud possession. Congratulating himself he took his mother's hand and said, 'Okay let's go.'
The three of them set off wearily down Walton Street, clutching the various prizes they had won on the many prize stalls. Soon Cathy became very excited by the sight of a gypsy fortune teller. She was stood in the doorway of a caravan, beckoning passers by to enter and have their palms read.
'Please Charlie, let's go and have our fortunes told,' Cathy continued, 'You never know we might be set for some riches, or even a new addition to the family.'Charlie's thoughts were not of riches, he knew just what the future held. His mind drifted back to the day before, when he received the news that he was soon to be unemployed.
He almost refused Cathy's request but then 'Why not', he mused.
'All right luv, if its riches were due for then that's fine, but if it's another kid that will cost me what I've just spent tonight then I'm off to work in Saudi,' he joked.
Cathy laughed along with her husband, especially at his little joke about another child. She knew he would have loved another child as company for John, but try as they had for the last eight years nothing was forthcoming.
When they entered the caravan, the splendour and elegance that greeted them also astonished them. The whole of the interior of the caravan was bedecked with ornaments of such beauty and style. Momentarily it took their breath away.
When they were seated they gazed around at the many examples of Crown Derby and shimmering crystal ware, there was even a glass cabinet full of Capo di Monte porcelain. John was also mesmerised, but not by the ornaments. The gypsy fortune teller and the manner of her dress had captured his attention. The lady was dressed all in black with a long flowing dress highlighted by an intricately crotched shawl draped around her shoulders.
Now she was holding his mother's hand palm upward and speaking softly, pausing now and again to study the various lines on her hand. John was staring hard at the gold rings and sovereigns that adorned this strange lady. The whole affect was highlighted by the colour of her hair it was raven black and had the sheen of polished ebony. It was as John stared that Charlie became aware and tried to distract his son's rather rude attention.
'Stop bloody staring John,' he whispered through clenched teeth.
John either never heard or just simply ignored this guttural command.
Charlie was now becoming very annoyed at his son's lack of discipline. Then just before he could admonish his son further the relative quiet of the caravan was broken. A firm voice emanated from the shadows in the rear of the caravan asking,
'Please send the boy over to sit with me awhile.'
Everyone present was startled at this unexpected interruption, none more so than the fortune teller herself. This request by her mother came as an absolute shock. Never before had she even let her presence be known, let alone speak while her daughter was conducting a reading.
The fortune teller had regained her composure and was now staring at Cathy and Charlie. She seemed to be waiting for an answer to her mother's request. At this Charlie gave an approving nod.
'Go on then son, just mind the ornaments as you go,' he advised. On entering the shadows John was met by an old lady, offering an outstretched hand.'Come sit with me child and rest yourself.'
John was a little apprehensive at first, but being young and trusting, he was soon sat next to her. Soon after this he was relaxed enough to launch himself on a detailed description of his tour around the fairground.
The old lady listened patiently and nodded approvingly at appropriate gaps in John's tirade of conversation. Then as the evening's excitement began to catch up with him coupled with the quiet of the caravan, he began to slow the conversation and started to slip into sleep. When he eventually dozed off the old woman took the boy's hand and clasped it between her own two hands, she was now ready to begin her own reading of this family's future.
As she settled back in her seat she knew that what she had to do was inevitable, for she was gifted to really see the future. Although it had been many years since she had last entered this realm of the unknown, she knew she could never refuse to do so as this was the reason for her very existence, and to refuse would endanger and imperil her own destiny.
Charlie's eyes had now become accustomed to the gloom at the rear of the caravan, and he could just make out the old lady with his son. She was dressed very much the same as her daughter but without the gold trimmings. Her head was covered in a black lace head square, this mode of dress reminded Charlie of Queen Victoria in her mourning days. But all seemed well so he returned his concentration to Cathy who was still being read by the fortune teller.
What Charlie had not noticed, was that the old lady was also totally blind and had been since the ageof thirteen. She was aware of Charlie's staring across, and when he turned back to his wife she cast her own mind back to the task in hand.
Very few people who are of this world are blessed with the true gift of being able to actually see the future. Many are trained to read palms and prophesy, but this is a physical method. Though many have claimed to be clairvoyant, it is normally the subject that supplies most of the information given back by the teller. Certain facts can be gleaned from studying another's palm, both by the physical appearance and condition of the hand, to the manner of dress and attitude of the subject. And also by the clever use of questions and resulting answers they can then by a form of detection work, build up a series of facts. Then by mixing these with a little of what the subject wanted to believe or hear can convince the person, that they have had some form of special reading.
The old lady herself had taught her daughter many of the methods of fortune telling, but this method is learnt over many years. Her own ability was much more special, it was not taught it was bestowed upon her by who or what she didn't know. She knew only as she received the gift, she lost the ability to see in a physical sense. She had often wondered to herself,
'Was this gift, to help overcome the desperation at the loss of my physical sight? Or was the loss of my sight the price I have paid for this gift?'
She had pondered this question many times through her life and was still searching for the answer.
Although she had the appearance of a very old lady, she was in fact only sixty years of age. It was the burdenof this 'second sight' that had aged her so dramatically and gave her the appearance of someone in their seventies. It had taken her many years to perfect and control this gift. And though she was sixty years old, she had only the opportunity to explore it on a dozen or so occasions. After each experience she was both mentally and physically exhausted, it also had this awful ageing phenomena linked to it. She had come to dread any involvement for these reasons, but the main reason was that she was unable to do anything about what she had seen. Her family never spoke about her gift, they knew it was there, and chose not to become involved with anything so inexplicably awesome. They believed it was best left well alone.
When the three of them had entered the caravan the old gypsy became aware of their presence, as a cold chill and a familiar feeling of unease entered her very being. This family had an aura of exceptional tragedy travelling with them. She knew then she would have to once more probe her will into this aura, as one blessed with the gift can never ignore its call to be put into service. Although very little can be done to change the future or even manipulate it, one must at least try to advise on it.
John was now in deep sleep and pictures of his life began to flicker into focus in the old lady's mind's eye. She had chosen John as her subject because he himself was a product of Charlie and Cathy, and through him she could read the whole family.
As the past began to unfold she was viewing the scenes in her mind. They could not have been reproduced on film or in word these scenes were real. Itwas as if she were a time traveller for what she saw was reality, the past the present and the future.
She saw Charlie and Cathy at different stages of life, observing the good times and the bad. She watched the birth of John and witnessed the love of the parents as he grew, but she was not really interested in the past, which was gone. The future was what she was interested in.
The sights of the family's future were becoming hazy and vague, she had to use all of her concentration to bring them back into focus. She had not experienced this difficulty before, and it seemed as if the future of this family were trying not to show itself.
She was now seeing a short distance into the future when her worst fears were confirmed, the scene was a graveyard. With mourners stood around an open grave, a rosewood coffin lay alongside and a minister read from the Holy Bible. While she surveyed this scene, and experienced the grief of this sad occasion she saw Cathy looking tired and drawn. The black veil she wore could not disguise the grief and hurt in her eyes, and as she watched, Cathy began to collapse forward but was supported by caring and loving hands.
John was stood motionless and expressionless by her side. He appeared not to be aware of the proceedings, he looked vacant and uninterested. It was if part of him was being buried along with the father he had loved so much. As Zena gazed across at John, did she imagine, or did he actually 'Stare across and look back into my eyes?'The future was now much clearer and she witnessed the years ahead, years of hardship and sadness. But then Zena was plunged into a deeper despair, she was now at the proceedings of another funeral. She tried desperately to recognise John but to no avail. She saw many people but no mother or son. Just a coffin and even she could not see into it.
'Please, please help me to see, is it the mother or the boy?" The old lady was pleading, and her cry was answered. Her vision of the graveyard disappeared, she was now in a small room. The light of day was blocked out by the curtains. They were drawn shut, and would remain so until after the burial service.
John was sat on a chair with his head slumped forward sobbing into his hands, the table in the room had been laid with food and drink. This was for the mourners on their return to the home. A lady was present and tried to console John, the old lady wished she could help but knew this was impossible. She felt great compassion and sadness for John but she also felt a great relief that it was not him in the coffin. As she watched the scene she thought of the grief and sadness that awaited this boy sat next to her, and she hoped that this reading would now end.
She was still in the room in the future and as she was waiting to be returned to the present, John lifted his head she could now see the tear stains upon his cheeks. He was now a man but sorrow has no age limits. He was staring through tear filled eyes directly at the old woman. She tried to tell herself he could not see her.
'I'm sorry... I just couldn't go through another funeral,' he cried, and then fell to his knees sobbing uncontrollably.The lady dashed to his aid and cradled John's head in her arms, she too was crying.
The old gypsy to her sorrow was still surveying the future, she saw John but there was now something fundamentally wrong with John's outlook on life. Any person that suffers the loss of one or both of their parents change in one form or another, but John's change was different. He seemed as if he was slowly losing his will to carry on with his life and put the past behind him.
The old gypsy was now exhausted, she had seen many other tragedies and deaths and had managed mostly to remain uninvolved. This time it was different, she felt moved and suffered much sadness for the boy, but also felt impotent to help in the boy's future. The vision she had witnessed had one last trick to play on her before she came back to the present. This was the final act to come.
In this last scene the old gypsy was gazing down on John lying in a hospital bed. Machines were all around him, and many were attached to him. The realisation now dawned on her that this was the final act of the visions. As she looked on she felt her heart and soul reach out to whoever blessed her with this gift. Then she begged,
If there is any way this boy may live please let it be so.'
At the same time of voicing this plea she became aware of a nurse sat beside him holding his hand, she too was asking for divine intervention.
The old lady tried to go further into the future but found she could not. The thought sprang instantly to mind that,'At least this child was in with a chance!' For if she could see no death and no future, then at this time there had been no decision. At this moment in time she knew that although the future held many heartaches and tragedies for the little boy sat beside her, at least there was some hope for him after all.
She was now awake and could see nothing through her eyes, but she was back in the present at home in the caravan. John was still fast asleep beside her, she let go of his hand. She then set about the task of composing herself. John woke up soon after and instantly carried on his description of his tour around the fair. This brought a smile to the face of the very tired old lady.
Charlie and Cathy were now finished with the fortune teller and as Charlie paid the fee he called over to John, 'Let's go deadhead.'
John stood up, but as he turned to go, he suddenly turned back to the old lady and asked,
'What's a'matter with your eyes then?" The question surprised the old lady but did not offend her.
'Oh well' she replied, "They don't work properly and I'm really quite blind John.'
He wished he'd never asked the question. Poor Charlie nearly died when he heard it and shot straight out of the caravan looking for a hiding place.
'I'll bleedin' choke the little sod,' he fumed.
Cathy moved over to her son. Placing a protecting arm around him, she politely apologised.
'Think nothing of it,' smiled the old lady.
John felt very sorry for asking the question and was trying to think of some way of making up for the remark. Picking up the prized coconut he placed it in the old lady's hand.'Here you are have this coconut, I won i know,' he cockerel. it myself you exclaimed, puffing out his chest like a prize
'Well thank you very much John. "Then rummaging in the folds of her dress, she added, 'I have a present for you too, she produced a small silver ring and handed it to him.
Cathy was embarrassed and shocked,
'Oh I'm afraid he can't accept such a gift,'stammered Cathy.
'Oh yes I can,' said John, ramming it on the middle finger of his right hand.
Don't forget all the money me dad spent winning that coconut!'
Cathy gave a nervous laugh and kicked John discreetly on the ankle bringing howls of protest from John, and caused the two ladies of the caravan some merriment.
'Well thank you very much we'll have to be off now, said Cathy on her way out of the caravan.
'Goodbye Zena see you again sometime,' said John.
Zena felt exhausted, her daughter helped her back to her chair.
'How are you mother?' the concern in her voice obvious.
Zena forced a smile, 'I'm fine, just a little tired.'
She seemed thoughtful, "Tell me did you mention my name to the boy or his parents?' she asked.
'No I thought you'd told the boy,' retorted the daughter. A puzzled look passed over Zena's face.'I possibly may have done, but one day he'll return. And when he does you must call me immediately, understand!"This was not a request from the old lady, it was a command.
John and his parents were almost home in the taxicab. Charlie was still refusing to speak to Cathy or John. He would not speak to Cathy because he baned her for him missing 'last orders'. He felt like never speaking to John again. Considering the 'showing up' he'd given him in the caravan. Charlie sat sulking and muttered,
'What a bleeding life, she cocks up me nights boozing, and that gormless twat of a son almost get us a gypsy's curse.'
Try as she might Cathy could contain her self no longer bursting into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.
'I don't see what's so funny, you callous bitch.' bemoaned Charlie while trying not to see the funny side.
He glanced across at John merrily polishing the silver ring, once again recalling the stupid question asked by him to the old lady. Cathy was now trying to stop laughing as she was almost losing control, and not wanting to wet herself in the taxi.
'Don't worry luv, I've got you some cans in the fridge,' she informed him.
With this news Charlie perked up no end.'Good lass,' he exclaimed, 'I knew you wouldn't let me down.'
The whole atmosphere cheered up as they all laughed together. It had been a good night, they were all well pleased. Only the old lady Zena had suffered.For the rest of them theirs was to come in the future Now they were home, and all retired to bed. Charlie and Cathy to try and increase the family, John to polish his gypsy silver ring.
John was sprawled out across the settee in his usual position, casually flicking peanuts to the grateful mongrel also sprawled out on the rug below him. Cathy, wax polishing the sideboard was becoming more and more impatient with him now. She'd asked him over and over again to sort out and tidy his bedroom, before his father came home from the pub. Now she was almost at the end of her tether.
Charlie had been out of a ship for almost two months, and it was only two weeks to Christmas. After the expense they'd incurred for the coming celebrations, there would be very little left in the bank for the start of the New Year. Cathy strode across the room and grabbed the remainder of the peanuts from John's hand and hurled them into the waste bin. John leapt from his prone position and scrambled for the stairs.
'All right mam, I'm off to do my room now!' he exclaimed.
Now he showed some willing, realising just how close he'd come to having his ear cracked.
Cathy watched him scamper up the stairs, and found the sight quite amusing. Though soon had this brief moment of victory marred by the sound of the waste bin crashing over on the hearth as the dog tried rescuing the remainder of the peanuts so unceremoniously dumped there. Cathy let out a scream at the poor unfortunate mongrel and as she did pelted the can of wax polish which struck the dog squarely on the head. The dog rapidly gave up his liberation of the peanuts, and shot up the stairs to join his partner in crime.
Over tea later that day Charlie broke the news that after Christmas a couple of friends and himself were off to Fleetwood to try and find work for themselves.
Cathy wasn't too pleased at this idea but decided to say nothing. Her husband had been getting very depressed of late and with his obvious excitement at this prospect, she just smiled and nodded and feigned agreement.
'Where's John then?" asked Charlie, between mouthfuls of chips.
'He's out with Andrew Slingsby. I think they said they were off to join a Karate club,' replied Cathy 'A friggin what?' spluttered her husband, almost choking as he tried to swallow and speak at the same time.
Carrying on his outburst he asked, 'Why mess about with all this Chink rubbish? We've got enough trouble with all the bleedin' curry shops up and down the road, without giving them more custom.'
Looking up toward Cathy expecting her whole agreement, he was shocked to see her standing there hands on hips glowering in his direction.
'Charlie Bentley! Karate is a Japanese sport, and its local lad's who teach it.'
With embarrassment reddening his cheeks at this innocent put down by his wife, Charlie tried to salvage his lost pride by adding,'Well I don't suppose it can do any harm, but I'd have much preferred him to join a good boxing club.
As Cathy began clearing away the crockery from meal table, Charlie moved across the room to his favourite armchair, and began his ritual reading of the evening's paper. Cathy was lost in her own thought's all she was concerned about was her only child, and if the truth were known, she would have preferred him not to indulge in any sport that might get him hurt.