What had made Alexander Grahame Russell first change his name to Phil (from the Greek word for Love, and later take on the name Wally Hope.
I had read Penny Rimbaud's account "The Last of the Hippies" at a formative age and would refer to this writing quite often. Many a copper had heard me explain my imposition into their illegal "exclusion zone" using the tale of Wally Hope and the Tribes of Albion.
Travelling with the box in my possession, I spent many an evening sleeping with it. While on the drove I had a dream in which Phil came and spoke telling me that there was much yet to learn. It was at this time I realised that custodianship of the box and all it entailed was in no way conducive to drinking. Especially when one drank Special Brew for breakfast !!.
Over the last 8 years I have investigated first Phil Russell, then the wider aspects of the so called "counter culture" and of the festival movements. I have set out to research the beliefs of Wally Hope which has led me to meet many of the Wallies and to understand that they all had a story to tell.
Over the next few months I will be sharing many documents, letters, leads that I have followed. I urge you to do research yourself to share what you learn.
I realised that Wally Hope was an alter ego that lasted three years, the true Phil was twenty eight years old. I have now made contact with Phil's sister so I can now advance, knowing I will have full scope on the making of the man.
Over the coming months I will be needing to obtain publications and make FOI requests, many of which may throw up as many questions as answers. To fund this I will be making available the "Everyone's Wally !" Dvd for the first time.
WATCH THIS SPACE !!!!
I can be contacted @ Wally Dean on Facebook
or email wallysociety@yahoo.co.uk
