PERHAPS Michael Letchford's fears about the humble Halifax lad who went on to wow the world with his musical talent are unfounded after all.

When Michael began his research into world-famous tenor Walter Widdop for a chronology of all his musical performances, he was worried the former mill worker, born in Sparkhouse Lane, Norland, might have been forgotten in his home town.

And equally perplexing was the lack of a statue – or plaque, at least – in memory of the great man.

So Michael, who runs a Hertfordshire-based music production company, decided to take a trip to Walter's old stamping ground.

And he says he has been heartened by what he has discovered.

"Just to have seen some of the old haunts Walter frequented has been marvellous. It is very exciting. It's been like a kind of pilgrimage," he says.

"It has been lovely to discover people who still remember Walter and remember what a wonderful voice he had. They remember what a great man he was, too," he adds.

And, more importantly, they agree there should be some kind of memorial to the man who became the only English tenor, apart from Edward Lloyd, to be invited to sing in the prestigious Cincinnati Festival in the US.

One of the venues on Michael's itinerary was Walter's former home, Bowers Hall Farm, where current owners Jim and Christine Haigh opened the doors to a gathering of Widdop fans.

One of them was 87-year-old Doris Anderton, associate of the Royal College of Music, who was taught by Arthur Hinchcliffe, Walter Widdop's singing teacher and recalls the pleasure of singing with the great tenor just before he died in 1949.

"It was at Queensbury Baptist Church and it was in the Messiah," reveals Doris, who lives in Highroad Well, Halifax, and was official accompanist to the Halifax Choral Society from 1949 to 1971.

"I was singing soprano and he was the tenor, of course. He seemed a little nervous as I recall. I came across him singing scales in the corridor just before we went on stage.

"I'd be about 25 or 26 at the time and I remember he had forgotten his book so he asked if he could borrow mine. He had a lovely voice and I would love to see a memorial to him. Perhaps something in the foyer of the Victoria Theatre would be nice, where lots of people could see it."

Patricia Earnshaw recalls Walter singing for the ruby wedding celebrations of her grandparents, George and Ellen Sykes, in 1946.

"We lived at Krumlin House and he was a friend of my grandfather's. I think the fact he came to sing was a surprise. I was only six or seven so I was not fully aware of just how famous he was but I do remember he had a lovely singing voice," she says.

"I remember having a red satin dress for the occasion and there was a lot of excitement about Walter's visit. It was explained to me afterwards who he was."

Jenny Lees takes out a battered old autograph book from her bag and turns proudly to the page where Walter Widdop has signed his name.

The inscription, dated March 15, 1931, reads "the lad from Yorkshire" and more notably the same wording is written in reverse.

"Apparently he would often do this. It's like a kind of mirror writing," says Jenny. The book belonged to her mum, Kathleen Priestley, who used to work at the Halifax firm of photographers, Hugh Greaves.

"My mum's uncle ran the business and this is where Walter Widdop had all his official portraits done. She just asked him to sign the book when he came in one day," says Jenny.

Benjy Kitchen also recalls the days when his uncle Lewis was a great drinking pal of Walter's. "They would go to all the local pubs together."

Michael, who became familiar with Walter Widdop's work while studying to be a singer himself ("I thought, my God, this guy is good"), is now spearheading a campaign to erect a memorial to the late musical maestro.

"I am thrilled so many people agree there should be something to mark his achievements. Hopefully a whole new audience will go on to enjoy his work."

From mill worker to star
Born in 1892, Walter Widdop left school at 14 to work in a local mill and then at Washer Lane dyeworks, Sowerby Bridge.

The story goes that he was discovered while singing at the dyeworks.
On the advice of friends who heard his great voice he took singing lessons under the watchful eye of Arthur Hinchcliffe.

He began to enter competitions and when the British national Opera Company was launched in 1922, he got his big break.

His first major role was as Samson and he went from one success to another. Broadcasts and recordings followed, along with performances throughout Europe and Australia.

His last engagement was in 1949 in London when he sang Lohengrin's Farewell under Sir Adrian Boult at the Royal Albert Hall.

He collapsed in his dressing room immediately after the performance and died the following day – September 6 – at his Hampstead home.

He is pictured, right, in the title role of Wagner's Siegfried.