Song for a genuine life-saving superhero from Outwell
Today sees the release of a new single dedicated to the memory of a little-known local hero – William Tolladay Streader.
While the likes of Metropolis have Superman, and Gotham has Batman – Outwell has William who proves not all superheroes wear capes.
William was a real-life hero rescuing nearly 100 people from drowning - at least 25 of them from the River Nene in Wisbech - during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
He made his first rescue when he was about 11 pulling a boy called ‘Church’ from Well Creek and dragging him safely ashore.
His ability to swim enabled him to gain an education swapping swimming lessons for pupils at the grammar school with tuition for himself.
After serving in the army during the Crimean War William became a customs officer, a career move that came after he pulled a man from the river at Wisbech. A local customs officer witnessed the rescue and offered him a job.
Working by the water in places that included: Wisbech, King’s Lynn, Shoreham by Sea, and Grimsby, gave William plenty of opportunity for acts of bravery.
In total, he rescued 98 people receiving at least two citations from the Royal Humane Society, and was awarded over 30 bravery medals. He received one of those medals at a public ceremony in Wisbech in 1864, when he not only received the Royal Humane Society’s medal but also five guineas.
Now William’s great-great-great-grandson, John Tibbits, has used the inspiration of his story for a new single he has written, produced, and performs.
Out today on all platforms ‘Testament to Will’ has John both singing and playing the guitar.
John who spent the early part of his life living in March with his family before moving to the Midlands explained he was inspired to write about his great-great-great grandfather after reading a novel written several years ago by his Dad Hugh Tibbits also called ‘Testament to Will’.
"The book and Will’s story were very inspirational and the song generally tells that story but has a wider meaning and speaks to those who lift us up during the toughest of times,” said John, who now lives in London where he works in marketing and acquisitions, who has been writing songs since he was 14.
His unique sound blurs old and new together, with his music taking inspiration from the likes of Frank Turner, Enter Shikari, Declan O’Rourke, and Radiohead. He blends folk blueprints with alternative music tones to create a unique and signature sound.
He said: “Music and writing songs is a passion. I have an album coming out in December and it will feature this song among five others.”
The lyrics to the song, which can be downloaded on streaming platforms that include Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, are as follows:
Digging canals away from his kin
Digging until there were blisters on their skin
Tearing soil away from the ground
Longing for the journey homebound
Walking for miles down the Norfolk flats
No horse and carriage like the aristocrats
Preaching freedom from the self-proclaimed
Leaders whose respect was falsely claimed
And dive into the water
Deep down and grab the hand
And heave back to the surface
And drag us back to dry land
Now this is a testament to Will
His foolishness and bravery still
For many sons and daughters were saved
From the waters that Will braved
And dive into the water
Deep down and grab the hand
And heave back to the surface
And drag us back to dry land
Now old age has crept up on him
And his bones no longer let him swim
Yet his thoughts are with the rivers and seas
Of their magnitude and majesty
And dive into the water
Deep down and grab the hand
And heave back to the surface
And drag us back to dry land
