Articles: Helen Pereira - Queen Of The Go-Go

[Pat]

I have just read your touching tribute to Helen,a lady I was fotunate to meet in the late 1960's in my days at The Cats.

Pat & I left the soul scene for many years to bring up our family

but when we returned and went to the Connaught for the first time

"Holmsey" (I'm not sure of the spelling but she will always be Helen Holmes to me) was one of the first people to welcome us back. It's safe to say Helen was one of those people who was once met never forgotten, and have no fear Pep she will never be forgotten. We will be there on Thursday to offer any support we can to both you and Ryan

Respect Alan & Pat Carter

[Pep]

I have just read your touching tribute to Helen,a lady I was fotunate to meet in the late 1960's in my days at The Cats.

Pat & I left the soul scene for many years to bring up our family

but when we returned and went to the Connaught for the first time

"Holmsey" (I'm not sure of the spelling but she will always be Helen Holmes to me) was one of the first people to welcome us back. It's safe to say Helen was one of those people who was once met never forgotten, and have no fear Pep she will never be forgotten. We will be there on Thursday to offer any support we can to both you and Ryan

Respect Alan & Pat Carter

Dear Pat & Alan,

Of course you know Helen from her earliest days on the Scene, and she never forgot any of those sunrise-era soulies - nor the more recent soulmates she attracted for that matter.

Love you both.

XXX

Pep

[Pep]

Dear Pat & Alan,

Of course you know Helen from her earliest days on the Scene, and she never forgot any of those sunrise-era soulies - nor the more recent soulmates she attracted for that matter.

Love you both.

XXX

Pep

Dear Pat & Alan,

Thanks for the call.

Flowers are welcome of course delivered to the Church, St. Mary's, Oldswinford, Stourbridge on the morning of her funeral on Thursday 26th April.

Interflora and others usually do this kind of thing for well-wishers.

Alternativel bring the flowers with you to the church before the service at 2pm.

They can also be sent/delivered to Sanderson Funeral Services, Merridale Street, Wolverhampton between now and then.

Helen will be lying in the Chapel of Rest at Sandersons on the day before the funeral, for anyone wishing to see her once more.

Instead of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Mary Stevens Hospice by way of donations at the church service itself, via a collection being organised by St.Mary's. Nearby Mary Stevens Hospice (where my family was born when it was a maternity hospital in the fifties/sixties) were very amenable to Helen's needs near the end of her life, and provide superb palliative care to cancer victims. They rely on charitable donations.

All the hundreds of sympathy cards will be kept and treasured forever by me and Ryan.

Thankyou everyone for the many lovely cards and messages within them.

Please, anyone who will be sending or bringing cards, can you put your contact details in so I can thank you or keep in touch with you in the months and years to come.

I am also looking for any old (or more recent) photos of, or with, Helen in them.

Please post them here on Soul-Source or eMail them to:

mr.soul@live.co.uk

Anyone can phone me on 01654 710264.

I love talking to soul friends old and new, and will catch up with many of you soon.

Love and great appreciation.

XXX

Ian (Pep)

Edited April 20, 2012 by Pep

[Pep]

Anyone wishing to contact me re Funeral Flowers, Times, Venues or anything else is welcome to ring me on 01654 710264 (but not from an allnighter please!) or send an eMail to: mr.soul@live.co.uk

Great thanks for all the love and support shown for Helen.

XXX

Pep

[Guest sandi]

Ian what a beautiful tribute, words chosen lovingly that only you could convey to a truely special lady, I wish l'd known Helen in the early days of the "cats" but alas l was too young then, all l know is that l did know her and was proud of that fact.

I had to smile where you refer to Helen as the "maternal soul mother", because l know this was so true, many a time she had to take me and Jennifer in hand and threaten to bang our heads together lol.

I also remember the dark days of the mid 80's musically speaking, if it had'nt been for you Helen and Paul (Harpo) Wolverhampton would not have had a "Soul-Scene", you all where the driving force and the pioneers for what survives to-day.

Helen was indeed a star shining bright on the scene, everything about her set her way above the rest, and as for her dancing ability Helen was unique........"THE QUEEN OF THE GO-GO".

It was a very sad day the day the Earth lost her, But Heaven is so much more richer for her being there, I just hope she does'nt hog all the floor space because when l get there l want a bit of room to keep on keeping on.

God Bless you Ian, our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.

Sandi and Paul xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Pep]

Ian what a beautiful tribute, words chosen lovingly that only you could convey to a truely special lady, I wish l'd known Helen in the early days of the "cats" but alas l was too young then, all l know is that l did know her and was proud of that fact.

I had to smile where you refer to Helen as the "maternal soul mother", because l know this was so true, many a time she had to take me and Jennifer in hand and threaten to bang our heads together lol.

I also remember the dark days of the mid 80's musically speaking, if it had'nt been for you Helen and Paul (Harpo) Wolverhampton would not have had a "Soul-Scene", you all where the driving force and the pioneers for what survives to-day.

Helen was indeed a star shining bright on the scene, everything about her set her way above the rest, and as for her dancing ability Helen was unique........"THE QUEEN OF THE GO-GO".

It was a very sad day the day the Earth lost her, But Heaven is so much more richer for her being there, I just hope she does'nt hog all the floor space because when l get there l want a bit of room to keep on keeping on.

God Bless you Ian, our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.

Sandi and Paul xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sandi, Paul,

Thanykou for your lovely words and help in first conveying the sad news to our friends on the scene.

Yes, the 'Old Vic' in 1986/7 was one of only a handful of events flying the flag at the time, so eventually attracted big audiences from very far afield. It was a very important and underrated venue in several respects. Paul (Harpo) was pivotal in its evolution into the most successful soulnight of those dark times.

Helen and you on the door. Priceless!

Love you both.

xxx

Ian

[Tivoli]

Ian,

So sad to hear of your loss.

What an emotional tribute to your Soul Mate - we will all miss Helen.

have fond memories of meeting you and Helen over the years from my formative days in Wolverhampton, down at Soul Galore Birmingham, Stoke, Oakengates, Esher's 86 Club, even at your own shop in Wolvo & so many more events.

I will be in Coalville on Thursday, however my thoughts will be with you.

Be strong and keep the faith.

My deepest condolences.

Tiv

[Guest sillycow]

Sad loss to us all Ian. Its true what everyone is saying, once met never forgot. I remember being the only 1 on the dance floor at the connaught, Wolvo. Helen came ova & started dancin by me. When the record finished she touched my arm & said thanks for the dance, then went back on the door. The pleasure was all mine,

Stewponey, swancote Connaught if you were there so were we. You played the best she was the best. Always played her up on the door but she took it like a gud un.

Ive still got the card you wrote on for me. I asked you the name ov a tune you were playin & you wrote it down for me. When eva we came to a soul nite id show you the card & you would play it for me. Boots Brown was all you wrote. Thank you for that.

Helen was loved by thousands Ian, that must be a big comfort to you & your son at this very sad time. Take care. xxxx

Dawn & Kev. ( was from wombourne)

[Pep]

Ian,

So sad to hear of your loss.

What an emotional tribute to your Soul Mate - we will all miss Helen.

have fond memories of meeting you and Helen over the years from my formative days in Wolverhampton, down at Soul Galore Birmingham, Stoke, Oakengates, Esher's 86 Club, even at your own shop in Wolvo & so many more events.

I will be in Coalville on Thursday, however my thoughts will be with you.

Be strong and keep the faith.

My deepest condolences.

Tiv

Cheers Tiv,

Thankyou for holding on to those memories.

Greatly appreciated.

XXX

Ian

[Pep]

Sad loss to us all Ian. Its true what everyone is saying, once met never forgot. I remember being the only 1 on the dance floor at the connaught, Wolvo. Helen came ova & started dancin by me. When the record finished she touched my arm & said thanks for the dance, then went back on the door. The pleasure was all mine,

Stewponey, swancote Connaught if you were there so were we. You played the best she was the best. Always played her up on the door but she took it like a gud un.

Ive still got the card you wrote on for me. I asked you the name ov a tune you were playin & you wrote it down for me. When eva we came to a soul nite id show you the card & you would play it for me. Boots Brown was all you wrote. Thank you for that.

Helen was loved by thousands Ian, that must be a big comfort to you & your son at this very sad time. Take care. xxxx

Dawn & Kev. ( was from wombourne)

Dawn & Kev,

That little ditty brought you straight back into my mind. Remembered it clearly, and playing it at those those popular nostalgia nights at the Stewponey, Swancote, etc. The Connaught was probably our smartest venue in the nineties, and we had many big northern nights there. Everyone loved the spacious, polished dancefloor and lux surroundings.

I remember seeing you both just about every week somewhere or other. Great times.

Helen had the hard job (on the door), and was amazingly easy going all things considered. She was friendly and loving by default - and people loved her in return.

She was often the only dancer when a new sound was being spun. Two weeks later everyone was dancing to it. Knew what she liked and voted with her feet.

Thankyou again for those vivid memories.

XXX

Ian

[harpo1]

With the funeral fast approaching, and reading everyones posts, i finally feel ready to share my thoughts and memories of Helen and Ian.

I was not old enough to do the Cat's or Torch, so my first memories were of Helen dancing when i first started going to Wigan and other venues. As a fledgling "soulie" i was in awe of the Wigan DJ and his missus "the dancer"

It was through visits to the shop that i first really had any true contact, however one particular early memory was of a rather memorable "falling out" one christmas at Newcastle Tiffs all-dayer, never seen anyone other than my mom and dad have a ding dong like that, Ian took refuge with Martyn Elllis behind the decks, yet despite it the relationship survived 35 plus years, says a lot eh!, not to mention it must have influenced me, as i had a few myself in later years! LOL

Once i'd finished 6th form and Poly. and was earning my visits to the shop became more frequent, at the time i was out every weekend hearing and aquiring records, and it would appear Ian and Helen recognised that. Over the following years i was given exposure to the full benefit of Pep's amazing knowledge, and introduced to so many awesome tunes, he if anyone was my soul tutor/mentor. At the same time Helen took on the role of looking out for us, particularlly the "bad lads" like myself and Phil Shelton, to name just two.

They gave me my first DJ break on Tuesdays at the Laffayette, it was through the shop i got to meet and become friends with Soul Sam, as well as many others, i was even given the chance to get my hands on some of the few tunes Ian parted with, tunes so good that they made my collection quite a good one, to say the least, ie Proffesionals, Silhouettes, Ronnie Mcneir etc...etc....Through the shop and DJing at the Laff we became involved with the early times of the modern soul scene, which was amazing, getting the chance to get to hear stuff first, along with Richard in the NW and Arthur and co. up on the east coast....great times.

When i, with Chris Mick and Neil Rushton ran the Cavendish nights first time around i think what Ian saw gave him the desire to get back to commiting to the scene as well as the shop, and what followed is the basis for the whole west midlands scene right up to the current time.

Two years later i was invited by Helen and Ian to co=promote the second Cavendish period, the real catalyst to the future of soul in the west midlands and probably further affield.At the time we also both DJ'd at nighters, dayers and soul nights throughout the region, further cementing the friendship.

As time progressed i "sold up" while Helen and Ian pushed on with venues like the Black Horse, Royal, Swancote etc. Yet i was always in the shop, or out doing some sporty activity with Ian. During a rather low period in my life during the mid 90's the shop provided a haven for me, where i could spend time with friends, i'll always remember that.

In the last few years as Helen and Ian took on parental and new business oppertunities, and moved to the mid-wales coast, contact was occasional, but my affection and respect has never wavered.

I find it hard to imagine the not together, once again "soul heaven" finds its numbers swelled by the arrival of a wonderful, great lady, and my friend!

Sandi and i will never forget you "H", thanks for everything, if theres anything we can possibly do to assist Ian and Ryan we'll be there, hoping in some tiny way to give just a bit of that support and strength you gave.

Paul Harpin

Edited April 23, 2012 by harpo1

[harpo1]

Thanks to my old school mate Bod for reminding me about the 100 club incident.........what can i say!!!

Tried to forget it for 25 years, not that i remember the true version of events anyway, we were looked after by H and Ian, as well as them getting my works Subaru and the three stooges home safley.

We all know the identity of the culprit, best forgotten

I actually apologised to Ady a few years ago , he diplomatically said he couldn't recollect the circumstances,

ouch!!!

Harpo x

[Pep]

With the funeral fast approaching, and reading everyones posts, i finally feel ready to share my thoughts and memories of Helen and Ian.

I was not old enough to do the Cat's or Torch, so my first memories were of Helen dancing when i first started going to Wigan and other venues. As a fledgling "soulie" i was in awe of the Wigan DJ and his missus "the dancer"

It was through visits to the shop that i first really had any true contact, however one particular early memory was of a rather memorable "falling out" one christmas at Newcastle Tiffs all-dayer, never seen anyone other than my mom and dad have a ding dong like that, Ian took refuge with Martyn Elllis behind the decks, yet despite it the relationship survived 35 plus years, says a lot eh!, not to mention it must have influenced me, as i had a few myself in later years! LOL

Once i'd finished 6th form and Poly. and was earning my visits to the shop became more frequent, at the time i was out every weekend hearing and aquiring records, and it would appear Ian and Helen recognised that. Over the following years i was given exposure to the full benefit of Pep's amazing knowledge, and introduced to so many awesome tunes, he if anyone was my soul tutor/mentor. At the same time Helen took on the role of looking out for us, particularlly the "bad lads" like myself and Phil Shelton, to name just two.

They gave me my first DJ break on Tuesdays at the Laffayette, it was through the shop i got to meet and become friends with Soul Sam, as well as many others, i was even given the chance to get my hands on some of the few tunes Ian parted with, tunes so good that they made my collection quite a good one, to say the least, ie Proffesionals, Silhouettes, Ronnie Mcneir etc...etc....Through the shop and DJing at the Laff we became involved with the early times of the modern soul scene, which was amazing, getting the chance to get to hear stuff first, along with Richard in the NW and Arthur and co. up on the east coast....great times.

When i, with Chris Mick and Neil Rushton ran the Cavendish nights first time around i think what Ian saw gave him the desire to get back to commiting to the scene as well as the shop, and what followed is the basis for the whole west midlands scene right up to the current time.

Two years later i was invited by Helen and Ian to co=promote the second Cavendish period, the real catalyst to the future of soul in the west midlands and probably further affield.At the time we also both DJ'd at nighters, dayers and soul nights throughout the region, further cementing the friendship.

As time progressed i "sold up" while Helen and Ian pushed on with venues like the Black Horse, Royal, Swancote etc. Yet i was always in the shop, or out doing some sporty activity with Ian. During a rather low period in my life during the mid 90's the shop provided a haven for me, where i could spend time with friends, i'll always remember that.

In the last few years as Helen and Ian took on parental and new business oppertunities, and moved to the mid-wales coast, contact was occasional, but my affection and respect has never wavered.

I find it hard to imagine the not together, once again "soul heaven" finds its numbers swelled by the arrival of a wonderful, great lady, and my friend!

Sandi and i will never forget you "H", thanks for everything, if theres anything we can possibly do to assist Ian and Ryan we'll be there, hoping in some tiny way to give just a bit of that support and strength you gave.

Paul Harpin

Paul,

Thank you.

What more can I say?

XXX

Ian

[Guest]

Can't imagine how you feel so its impossible to say anything that will make you feel any better. A lot of people avoid people in your situation because they don't know what to say, which to me makes it worse. My cousin died last month of cancer and I was the only one with his wife at the end, he was a lovely lad who had a hard life and i thought of him as my brother. I got back into the soul scene to try and get my mind off it and i am hoping to make some new friends to help as a distraction. Hope things go the way you would like them. She will always be with you, so live the life she would have wanted for you.

If i have said anything to upset anybody I apologize. I know you're not thinking about it but good luck for the future!

Edited April 23, 2012 by mikeyof

[Pep]

Again Paul, the 100Club incident has become one of those mad memories. They'd call it an 'urban legend' in America. We'll have to put it in print one day, although Helen, bless her, may have taken some of her personal recollections with her to soul heaven.

What would life be without such memories?

XXX

Ian

[Pep]

Can't imagine how you feel so its impossible to say anything that will make you feel any better. A lot of people avoid people in your situation because they don't know what to say, which to me makes it worse. My cousin died last month of cancer and I was the only one with his wife at the end, he was a lovely lad who had a hard life and i thought of him as my brother. I got back into the soul scene to try and get my mind off it and i am hoping to make some new friends to help as a distraction. Hope things go the way you would like them. She will always be with you, so live the life she would have wanted for you.

If i have said anything to upset anybody I apologize. I know you're not thinking about it but good luck for the future!

Thanks Mike, for your empathy, having been through much the same situation yourself recently.

I'm sure we'll cross paths on the scene in the not too distant future.

Your time taken in leaving those thoughts is greatly appreciated.

XXX

Pep

[Pep]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to read my tribute and responding so affectionately.

I look forward to catching up with a lot of you on Thursday at St.Mary's in the afternoon or/and the Connaught in the evening.

Love and apprection.

XXX

Ian

(Pep)

[Guest roger H]

Pep, What a fantastic tribute to "H"

my old and most fond memories are spending time in the shop with you both, that was a big part of my younger life and and meeting a lot of friends through the both of you, tea/coffee and toast was always on the menu, it was my second home, and then alberts every weekend meeting up to decide where we were off to using black echos as the nighter guide,we had great times and great laughs with you both, memories we will treasure forever.

KTF

love and respect

roger h x

[Guest Brian Fradgley]

Ian andRyan, bitter sweet memories of Thursday but good to see such a large andrespectful turnout for a very unique and special lady.Unable to make the evening at the Connaught but trust all went well andthe respect continued.Ryan in particular wassuperb in his manners and attitude. June and I both commented on how we could see both you and Helen in his mannerisms.From the first time he helped me behind the decks at the Black Horse you have both done a wonderful job as parents.

We promise we will both keep in touch.Wehave a good many years as friends behind us these days

Bless you both.

Brian andJune

Brian andJune

[Guest Marcus delaney]

Ian,I've only just found this site im not very technically minded....memories are given to us by people who matter,Helen was one of those people,I got to know you by working for you when there weren't many nights on and our scene was threatening to fizzle out,many places inc black horse,somewhere in Stourbridge the name evades me now,we were at the Connaught one night and you were busy and just said use my records cover for me for half hour.............memories of Helen......one night I will remember and often recount.......in Cannock at a French restaurant which became a soul venue after we cleared the tables,chez Jean jacques.....Helen came over to me and asked me to play hoagy lands...the next in line......another of her favourites....I duly played it and both of you were dancing to it....smokey walked in and made a derogatory remark about your choice of Hawaiian shirt and Bermudas........Helen looked at him and just said....f ...offff. Smokey.....probably one of the few to get away with that....lol.....you just had to be there!...off the scene for a while and returning she greeted Jackie as if we'd never been absent.............I'm so sorry Ian......and events prevented me from being there on the day being confined to bed and consequently heart operation....but I was thinking of you both...a large part of Wolverhamptons soul passed away with Helen my friend........but I'm sure it will never die....best for the future to you both..Andy and Jackiex

[Ted Massey]

Bloody hell I remember that venue and the night im sure

[Guest Marcus delaney]

Yes Ted sure you were on there I think we all had half hour....sure it was put on by Racker from Cannock way...Neil Allen was another dj ....was short lived but great fun...had to carry the tables out fore we could start lol...