jack Haddock and neighbour Taj. Image from Walsall Express & Star.
I don’t think it’s any secret how much respect I have for the late Jack Haddock, who sadly passed away earlier this year – Walsall had few, if any better champions; local historian, documenter and photographer, author and community stalwart, Jack was the son any town could be proud to have.
Jack was also a great cyclist, storyteller and mate to a good many. I still think the civic elders should have given him the freemanship of Walsall – you can read my eulogy to Jack in this post here.
The reason I bring this up again is that I was recently sent scans of a wonderful book/promotional publication featuring Jack made by Walsall Housing Group a couple of years ago. Historian and author Clive Roberts knew Jack well, and kindly scanned the book which I’ve made into a PDF you can download here, or check out the gallery below.
The book was originally a free giveaway, celebrating the history of social housing in Walsall, and Jack’s status as a very longstanding tenant. There was also a video, which I’ve featured before – I’ve included that at the foot of the post for completeness too.
So please do enjoy this reminder of Jack, a great man and inspiration to all in the local history community. I know and feel personally the gap Jack has left, and how quiet the Local History Centre is without him.
My thanks to Clive for great scans and a reminder of a lost, but wonderful soul.
Click any image for a full size version.
