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“Val Weedon…someone worth knowing” (Spike Milligan) |
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Val Weedon is a leading campaigning journalist, author and recently turned music promoter. The topics she writes about are varied, but her interests are in Health, Environment, Community, Fashion and Music. She was awarded an MBE in 1997 for her campaigning work with the Right to Peace and Quiet Campaign, which was set up in 1991 with the help of the late Spike Milligan, who was its Patron. Val was appointed National Coordinator to the UK Noise Association in 2005, but quit noise campaigning for good at the end of May 2008. After leaving school in 1965, Val worked in the music industry for pop bands such as The Small Faces, Amen Corner and The Move. She worked for the infamous Don Arden (Mr Big and Sharon Osbourne’s father). In 1973 she left work to raise a family and in her spare time Val worked as a community volunteer in south London where she lived. This work included presenting radio programmes for Britain’s first community radio station (Radio Thamesmead) and writing for the community newspaper (Insight). It is during this time Val developed an interest in campaigning journalism as it gave her the opportunity to highlight the plight of others and raise awareness around grass roots issues. In 1984 she returned to full time education, graduating in 1987 with an Honours Degree in Humanities. She then went on to train in periodical journalism. After working in news and PR, in 1990 she decided to become freelance. Her work has been published widely in newspapers, magazines and journals. Val’s book “The Quiet Guide” was published in April 2007. In more recent times Val has rekindled her interest in music. In 2007 she headed a campaign for a commemorative plaque in honour of Don Arden and the 1960’s Mod band the Small Faces. The unveiling took place in Carnaby Street, London on 4th September. Val also helps with booking gigs for the tribute band the Small Fakers (the UK’s No.1 tribute to the Small Faces) and in the future will be looking to promote other artists. She is married to photographer Phil Weedon, has two grown up children, three young grandsons, two cats and a rabbit. Find Val on MySpace.com: www.myspace.com/valweedon |
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Details of up and coming bookings for the Small Fakers— visit their web site: MySpace.com/smallfakers and sign up as a Friend to be on their mailing list. |
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Web site updated: April 7th 2009 |
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© Val Weedon 2008 Produced by Val Weedon Promotions Contact |
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Val Weedon Promotions (web site) |
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UPDATE The concert in celebration of Erik’s life and to raise funds for the campaign group RoadPeace took place on February 22nd 2009 at the 100 Club in London. Headlining band was the Small Fakers plus support from Connett and DJ Smiler. They all played to a packed house and the evening raised over £800 from a raffle and auction. Read the story of Erik’s death here. The campaign for justice continues. |
