If you've read the recent article in "Yesterday Today" and/or Bygone Derbyshire and were interested in (or perhaps remember) this anarchic mob reciting poetry, playing music and just generally having fun in the early 1970s, then here is a bit more information.

Valve originated in the very creative minds of Andy Parker and Nick Whittaker.  I was there from the beginning but tended to just follow in their wake! The purpose of Valve was to give the creative spirits in Burton the chance to actually express themselves instead of moaning about "there's nothing to do around here". 

The picture on the left shows our one and only attempt at a Rag Day Float.  Andy Parker is on the far left, Nick Whittaker (well known local author) is next to him with his arms raised.  The man with the sunglasses, length of wood and threatening posture is Kev Spiers, a very talented local musician who now lives and works in Australia where he has his own recording studio.  Finally, the idiot in the hat on the far right, is me.  If you recognise anyone else on the photo and would like to remind me, email me at: 

 mail@philwhiteland.co.uk