FILM PAINTS PICTURE OF LIFE IN 1960s
ONE year ago with Newcastle on the verge of a local lockdown due to a global pandemic, street trader Albert Sayers took the hardest decision of his life. He would pack up his stall until normality returned.
During the summer, Albert sat with local filmmakers Steve Wraith and Neil Jackson to give an insight into his life as a street trader in Newcastle.
Steve explained: “Every village, town and city has its share of notorious names and infamous families. Ones that capture the headlines and imagination of the locals and media alike. Albert Sayers has been a familiar face in Newcastle’s city centre for more than half a century.
“In this documentary, Albert talks frankly about his early life as a promising fighter, and illegal street trader.
“He talks openly about the infamous battle of Percy Street and paints a wonderful picture of clubland during the 1960s in Newcastle.”
Neil Jackson whose company Media Arts financed the project was delighted to have captured someone he feels is an important part of the city’s social history.
Neil said: “Albert is a fascinating man whom I have got to know well over the last five years. With Covid putting his working life on hold, it seemed the perfect time to get him sat down in front of a camera and tell his story.”
The documentary was filmed in August 2020 in Pumphrey’s pub in the Bigg Market following Covid
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It was nice to take a trip down memory lane and put the record straight on a few things.
ALBERT SAYERS
guidelines. Steve added: “It gives a unique insight into Albert’s life and his battle for the legalisation of street trading of which he was at the forefront of.
“He also talks about the persecution his nephews John Henry, Stephen and Michael Sayers have faced at the hands of the police.”
Albert Sayers plans a return to his pitch on Northumberland Street once permission is granted for street traders to return to the city.
He said: “I have missed the hustle and bustle of street life. We have so many loyal customers and I am looking forward to seeing them all again, God willing, on the other side of lockdown.
“I have enjoyed working with Steve and Neil on this little side project. It was nice to take a trip down memory lane and put the record straight on a few things.
“We talk about the early days of street trading where people were arrested and jailed for trying to make an honest living.”
● The documentary Albert Sayers: A Barrow Boy’s Tale is out now on DVD at www. badboysbooks.net or as a download for £5 from here: https://gumroad.com/ mediaarts#ujlpb