Goodbye Golden Broom...

This shot taken early one saturday morning in January 2003 on Cambridge Market square is one my favourite, of many, photographs I took of Allan Brigham who has sadly passed away. Allan, a local legend. first came to fame as a Sheffield University graduate whom became a road sweeper when he moved to Cambriodge. Also a much respected Local Historian who focused on Cambridge Town rather than the University, a One time winner of a 'Golden broom' - awarded to UK best Toilet attendants or Road Sweepers , and most importantantly a dedicated trade unionist who was much admired by his fellow Cambridge City street Service work mates and management alike. I spent many happy hours with him whenever we met on the streets of Cambridge over the last 4 decades chewing the cud - I remember fondly Lion Yard security asking Allan and myself to move on as we were causing a people jam with an ever increasing group of passing friends who had stopped to join in our banter! If ever an individual has encompassed both Town & Gown then Allan was that person. Sitting in his garden last summer, we had gently agreed to record a series of photographs and podcasts of his many historical walking talking tours once he felt up to it - but alas ongoing circumstances had made that impossible for him. One memorable time, of many, was when Allan curated and my business partner wife Jane ( who passed away last month) designed and subbed a set of panels celebrating 100 years of Cambridge street cleaning and refuse collections. Two people whom, alsa have both died far too young , and in their own ways very much Cambridge people, I will miss dearly.