BACK TO WAKEFIELD

by Tel Currie
11 June 2007

Last Thursday, my father Tel Snr. and I made the five hour round trip to the forever morbid and frankly ugly building that is HMP Wakefield to see our old pal Charlie Bronson. I have now completely lost count of how many times I have been to see the rascal but with the obvious exception of the cheery old surroundings every visit is vastly different and rarely sad. The endless amount of checks and searches seem to grow even more frequent on each visit to ‘Monster Mansion’. You have heard many times now from all Charlie’s supporter’s (I don’t think the word ‘fan’ has a place in these situations.)

This time we waited about an hour to get through the searches. Wakefield is a very dark place with it’s own unique odor!

Every time I go there, I instantly feel like Billy Hayes in Midnight Express.

But my very favourite is the screws who deliberately squint, sneer and pull their shoulders back and grunt instead of talking. This little firm point and wave their arms as means of communication. These are the guys who get their pint spilled in a pub, say “ Did you spill my pint?” (checking first that the bloke is small enough). It then hits them that they are NOT actually Lennox Lewis! ......Then get knocked spark out!

But I have to admit, these cave dwellers are rare, and hopefully dying out. Most of the Wakefield guards are good men. I say that because every single guard don’t think Charlie should be in the nick, especially this nick where his neighbors are the worst kind of species in the world. These are what Dr. David Bellamy and other nature buffs would call ‘ Filthy bastard scummy nonces!’

Yes, the makers of that programme ‘Neighbors from Hell’ really need to get out more.

So, finally, we get into the small, dark cell, with cameras and furniture nailed down. Charlie is in his usual positive, even (dare I say It) happy mood. As I give him his canteen treats, off he goes into speech that would break the sound barrier! (only joking mate)

Then we return to more serious topics. My Uncle (Dad’s brother) had died that week. Charlie produced the most beautiful piece of art. A cross of respect, it was gorgeous and both me and Dad were almost in tears. Charlie then recited some poetry and sang ‘Wonderful World.’ And this guy is supposed to be mad. I told him he should have killed somebody while he was out. He would have been out years ago!

Obviously, I say that tongue in cheek but who could say that that would of actually been the case

I really wish those who surf the web or flick through books and say “ Oooooh! Poor man!” would actually do something. Try writing to your MP.

Do NOT be afraid if the MPs, the men at the top. Put it on them, tell them it’s a miscarriage of justice.

For those who think Charlie Bronson should be out: please, please do something about it.

A man who has never murdered to be locked up in the same vicinity as Ian Huntley. If you think that’s right, you have mental problems too!!!

RONNIE CURRIE
You were a good man and a great uncle. When I think of you I smile. You are now at peace and free from pain. R.I.P.

CHARLIE AND EIRA
Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers and the art work. How can you lock away a man with a heart as big and loving as that?