Campaign launched for Norman Evans to be recognised with blue plaque

A campaign is underway for a blue plaque to be installed to commemorate the life of Rochdale born entertainer Norman Evans.

Norman Evans, was one of Britain’s best known entertainers, and is renowned for ‘Over the Garden Wall’ where he played a Lancashire housewife gossiping over the garden wall.

He was born in Rochdale in 1901 and lived on Ventnor Street, Deeplish. He was schooled and worked in the town before he headed for the bright lights, with the help of Gracie Fields.

Evans died in 1962 and in 1999 a plaque was unveiled in his name at Manchester’s Opera House Theatre – but there is no recognition in Rochdale.

Now, Pete Hinchliffe, 61, who has been interested in Evans work since he was a teenager, is calling for a plaque to be put up in his honour.

Mr Hinchliffe, said: “I was surprised that after 110 years we don’t appear to have celebrated his life.

“He is closely linked with Rochdale and I think a tribute for Norman Evans will be a good thing for Rochdale.”

He added: “He was very widely regarded, his life was untouched by scandal, he really was well liked, you don’t hear anything bad about him – that’s another reason he should be recognised, he was a great ambassador for Rochdale.

“Everything you hear is doom and gloom but Rochdale has plenty to celebrate and I can’t think of anyone better than one of the town’s sons who has gone on to achieve fame and glory.”

Mr Hinchliffe has got the ball rolling with his quest for a plaque to be put up in Ventnor Street.

He has scheduled a meeting with the town’s tourism officer, Tim Nuttall and has written to the three Deeplish ward councillors, to see if they are interested and can offer support. Councillors Ann Metcalfe and Jean Ashworth have also offered their support.

He said: “He put Rochdale on the map; 50 years ago Rochdale was known for two things, Gracie Fields and Norman Evans.

“I hope when people see this story on Rochdale Online it will generate more interest; I’m hoping people will remember seeing him and I am hoping I might be able to find some family members.”

Mr Hinchliffe said ideally he would like to see Mr Evans’ work reappraised on TV.

Mr Hinchliffe concluded: “He was proud of Rochdale, he never forgot his roots, he never changed as a person, he was happy in his two up two down semi playing with his model railway he was a real family man.”

What do you think about this idea? Have your say on the Rochdale Online Forum:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13760&PN=1&title=norman-evans