Memorys of Kate Kennedy.

Kate Kennedy 1945

“She was out and about in the city centre, mostly frequenting the pubs. Her appearances in court were too numerous to recount and publicans dreaded her arrival at their establishments, where she would invariably order a drink without the wherewithal to pay for it!

.....................................

“Landlords would try to get rid of her by giving her a half of beer gratis on condition that she drank it and left. Otherwise, a refusal would prompt some usually disgusting behaviour on her part! On these terms she could regularly enjoy a lengthy pub-crawl on the house!

...........................................................................................

Some stories below ...

The memories I have of kate Kennedy are from when I was about 11yrs old . she would run out in the middle of Manchester Road and stop the double decker busses lol .One time she dragged acouple of christmas tree from outside a greengrocery store , and caused a right old ruckus .She was just one of the many colourful characters of Bradford

...........................................................................................................................................................................

Mr Clayton recalls that Alice's semi-sheltered lifestyle as a housewife almost led to an awkward confrontation with Kate Kennedy, who had countless court appearances for drunken behaviour.

...............................................................................

"We lived then in Manchester Road directly opposite the Carlton Cinema. Alice, daughter Mary and I boarded the bus at the Odeon Cinema. We sat in the lower saloon and occupied the long seat just on the right as one entered from the platform.

"Mary was old enough to stand, holding on to the seat back and looking out of the window. As the bus filled up, Kate Kennedy got on and took the seat directly opposite us. She appeared taken with our child and reached across to touch her hand. She seemed quite sober and kept up a pleasant, affable contact with Mary all the way to the stop at Bowling Old Lane where she got up to alight.

"Perhaps because Kate was already approaching old age, Alice took hold of her arm in a friendly gesture, to steady her.

"The immediate result was a sharp command from Kate that Alice remove her hand. Don't you touch me!' she said, her eyes flashing dangerously at Alice who was starting to bridle at being addressed so aggressively. The conductor and I, knowing Kate, were concerned that Alice should not challenge her and we somehow kept the peace until Kate was off the bus.

"When the bus restarted, Alice demanded to know what kind of woman she'd been dealing with. She knew nothing of Kate Kennedy, her infamous antics in the public houses of the city or her behaviour inside court rooms. I was at great pains to make sure Alice was aware of her reputation because it was possible they may meet again and Alice was a proud lady of 5ft 8in, very able to hold her own and speak her mind when the occasion called for it."

......................................................................................................................