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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Rhaune Laslett O'Brien Notting Hill Carnival Blue Plaque Notting Hill Gate London 26.8.11 In view of what we consider inappropriate developments with regard to the association and intended unveiling ceremony of the Rhaune Laslett O'Brien plaque on the corner of Tavistock Road and Portobello Road on friday 26.8.11 . The Laslett O'Brien family feel it would be counter productive to attend. To do so, would by our presence condone such controversial issues and taint Rhaune’s memory. We are of course saddened at the course of events as we had hoped that the day would prove an opportunity for many old faces from the original 1960’s street festivals to reunite and rekindle friendships and share memories. We hope everyone has a peaceful and happy Carnival weekend . The Laslett O'Brien family In an attempt to make sure that history isn't rewritten for personal and financial gain, and to make sure that what Rhaune Laslett O'Brien started is recognised and respected. We, her family, have decided to start this campaign. Whilst it's true that Claudia Jones organised London's first Caribbean carnival in January 1959, in the St Pancras town hall and sadly died in 1964, Rhaune Laslett started the first Notting Hill Carnival and that's a historical FACT. The Carnival we all love and attend every year takes place in Notting Hill, not St Pancras town hall. The two events are historically and geographically separate. We will present the historical evidence of this and we hope the facts will speak for themselves and you will be able to determine who is telling the truth and who is not. Ultimately we would like to see a plaque erected to honour Rhaune Laslett alongside the plaque honouring Claudia Jones that currently stands at the corner of Tavistock Square W10. We feel this will be a fitting and fair tribute to both of these remarkable woman. We are not trying to stir up trouble or gain in a financial manner from starting this campaign, we just believe in credit where credit is due Join The Facebook Group NEWS !!! We are pleased to announce that a plaque for Rhaune will be erected the week before the 2011 Carnival (tbc). We wish to thank everyone who gave their support and provided us with such a huge amount of archive material. We would like to put together a book about Notting hill/ north Kensington / Portobello road from the late 1950's up until 1970 based on the memories of those that lived in and around the area then. we would like oral memories, archive material, photographs, etc. from any people, relatives or interested parties. obviously anything relating to the birth of the Notting Hill Fayre/ Carnival would be very welcome, but it is chiefly the memories of the whole area at this time that we would like. Mike Laslett |
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