An informal meet and greet at Forest Cottage Centre, Ovenden to launch a brand new oral history project!

The project aims to uncover the history of Champion Jack Dupree and the communities of Ovenden and Halifax as part of Historic England’s 'Everyday Heritage Grants: Celebrating Working Class History.'

The project will involve working with communities in Ovenden and Halifax to explore the extraordinary story of Champion Jack Dupree, originally from New Orleans, who lived in the area in the 1960's.During the 60s, Champion Jack and his American station wagon were a familiar, if unusual, sight around Ovenden and Halifax. Jack had met and married a local girl, Shirley, and their Ovenden home became the base from which he continued touring. He worked with greats such as John Lee Hooker, BB King and Eric Clapton, all of whom stayed over after gigs to keep the party going and if they were lucky, Jack would cook up some of his favourite New Orleans food.

Working with the local community, History in Action will undertake an oral history project, recording the memories of those who knew Champion Jack or who followed the music scene in the valley at the time. Events will be timed to coincide with Black History Month and CultureDale - Calderdale's 50th anniversary year-long programme of creativity and activity. A final performance will weave together memory and music in celebration of Jack’s amazing life.

The event is not only FREE but History in Action will provide, tea, coffee and biscuits and the bar will be open ( but not free!). Forest Cottage Centre, Cousin Lane, Ovenden

Interested? Contact mick@historyinaction.net for more details.