The Geordie Connection: Interview
30.08.02
Stu Wheatman interviews Steve Wraith on the book

Stu: What made you decide to do a book on the Krays?

Steve: I felt that what I had learned from my association with the Kray family was important to those people who wanted to understand the full picture. I wanted to finish the Kray story properly. Fill in the gaps that other books had left behind. I wanted people to know about Ron, Reg and Charlie as old men. Let people know that The Kray family was still in business behind bars. I know a lot of people assume that the story ended when they were locked up but it was just the beginning.

Stu: When did you decide to write it? When they were still around?

Steve: It was whilst looking after Charlie Kray at Ronnie Kray’s funeral that I decided to write the book. I had gone from reading a book about the Krays to meeting and befriending the family and associating with the firm. That was when I realised how far I’d come. I started to make notes from 1995 onwards and with hindsight am glad. By 1998 Reg and Charlie were aware of my writings and were ok with it.

Stu: What was their reaction to you writing it? Were they shocked? Did they want in?

Steve: I don't think Reg thought I would pull it off and humored me. Charlie blessed the book and said that he knew I would 'do them proud'. They never asked for a cut, but I believe they would have had they been alive - once they saw that I’d made it happen.

Stu: Was it difficult to write?

Steve: Yes and no. I started writing the book in the back shop of a post office I used to own and didn't really know where to start. Ron’s funeral was fresh in my mind so that was the one I started with. I was thrilled when I read back on that chapter recently. That set me on my way. Some chapters were harder to write than others because dates times etc had to be accurate and some names omitted. Keeping yourself going is the hard bit. I don't think people thought I’d keep it up and in the early days didn't get much encouragement. I've always reacted better in life though when told I couldn't do something. I like proving people wrong!

Stu: What would you say to anyone accusing you of cashing in on the Kray name?

Steve: Yes I am and I’m proud of it, Ron, Reg and Charlie would have done the same in my position. It’s what they always done.

Stu: Why do you think they are so popular?

Steve: It’s the whole sixties thing. The David Bailey photos in black and white have made the Krays icons as much as Morrison and Keeler. I was attracted by that photo on the front of Profession Of Violence ... Kate Kray was too. After reading the book I wanted the flash suits the fast cars the nights out with celebrities ... and I have to admit I’ve had two of them ... I just can't drive so that pretty much explains why I haven't had the third! Reg wanted the Legend to live on no matter what some cronies say. I’m obliging him with his dying wish.

Stu: They were known for their love for publicity ... is that how you’re keeping it alive?

Steve: Yes I am. I know a lot of people despise people like Dave Courtney and myself. ‘Publicity Whores’ we've been called. What you must understand is that we do it for a reason. I’ve helped charities and sick kids and I’ve helped myself by selling things via the media. What’s wrong with that? Nothing. If the demand weren’t there then I wouldn't do it. The Krays loved publicity. It helped them and it hindered them.

Stu: Do you think there can be many other Kray books? I mean, even the barmaid of The Beggar has one out for a 2-minute incident.

Steve: There will always be books released. I have another up my sleeve when this book is done and dusted. As far as the Kray story goes though, this will be the final chapter for any Kray follower and it will fill in a lot of gaps. I’m proud of this book. It will grip people from page one and it’s one of those books you will not be able to put down. And as they say in court, its the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Stu: The gaps ... leads nicely into the Newcastle stuff. Are those the gaps you mean? What was it like finding out about what they got up to here?

Steve: There are a lot of myths in every city up and down the country about 'the day the Krays visited'. Newcastle is no different. When I started digging around for info on their visits there was the usual 'The Krays Got Sent Packing' stories but then I traveled to Manchester to meet up with the twins’ old friend Eric Mason. He was a treasure trove of stories on the Krays’ trips North and I owe him a big thank you for all of his help. I'll not give too much away, but the book goes into the trip up North from London and the nights they spent on the banks of the Tyne. Fascinating!

Stu: How do you feel when you know - or knew - all the lies, see lies printed and stories being told?

Steve: I can see why people do it. In their own way they are keeping the legend alive. Reg and Ron did it too. They spun lie after lie whilst in prison and would feed it to the press ... for a price, of course. Local people do this to enhance their reputation amongst their peers. To say you pedaled the Krays in the sixties would have made you a feared firm. I can see the funny side really. The twins would have too.

I’d just like to finish by saying that the book is out on 24th October 2002, RRP £6-99 with Zymurgy Publishing. It’s available at all good bookshops as well as on amazon.co.uk. Dave Courtney has written the foreword. Get well soon mate. Also a big thank you to Stu Wheatman, Martin Ellis and Steve Parnell for all there hard work help and support.

Hi steve hope things are good some of the questions im going to ask might be a bit personal there fore i just appreciate your help in the ones you can answer thank you
1) How old where you when the kray twins were let out of prison for their mums funeral?
I was ten years old and was watching the national news with my parents and remember vividly watching these two middle aged men attending a cemetery and big crowds watching them.

2) How did a normal person like yourself from newcastle come into contact with the kray family?
I studied John Pearsons book ‘The Profession Of Violence’ and passed my GCSE’s in English on that book. I wrote to the twins in prison and broadmoor and we became penpals. The relationship developed from there.

3) What relationship did you develop with the kray family?
From Penpal I progressed to visitor. From visitor I became close friend and confidant. I then took harge of a majority of there public relations and business deals between 1992-1999.

4) From what period of time were you involved with the krays?
I was involved between 1989-2000.

5) Where you anything other than the krays business advisor?
As I have said I was a very close family friend first and foremost. I fell into the PR and Business Advising as a result of my relationship with the three brothers.

6) What is your understanding of the kray twins and the way they ended up serving life long prison setences?
There is no doubt in my mind that the Krays were political prisoners. They were pawns in a game and paid the ultimate price. The fact that the Kray Files have been sealed again for another 50 years means we will probably never know just how powerful they really were.

7) Have you come into contact with any other underworld figures as a result of being involved with the krays and if so who?
Fred Foreman, Frank Fraser, Bruce Reynolds, The Lambrianou Brothers, Eric Mason, Dave Courtney, the list is endless.

8) What is your relationship with the people who you have come into contact as a result of being involed with the krays?
I’m one of the chaps. I don’t pretend to be something I’m not. I think the chaps respect my honesty and loyalty. I’m very old school.

9) What is your relationship to the underworld?
I have a relationship with the chaps North South East and West. What is the underworld? (laughter)?

10) Can you tell me a bit about your book entitled The Krays, The Geordie Connection?
My book covers my11 year involvement with the 3 Kray brothers . There is a more personal feel to my book. It doesn’t go over old ground. You learn a lot about the Twins behind bars. You can also read in depth about Charlie Krays drug trial and the Krays visits to my home town Newcastle. At £6-99 it’s a snip….honest guv! Wink Wink.

11) Throughout your involvment with the kray family what kind of people did you find them to be?
All three brothers were different but you could see how well they would have worked as a firm on the outside. Ron had a wicked sense of humour! Reg was business business business and Charlie was like a wicked uncle, always up for a good night out. A Gent and a perfect host.

12) Last but not least in a couple of paragraphs at most can you please sum up the krays twins and their life in your own words?
The Krays were and still are Legends. I’m glad our paths crossed. They told me the difference between right and wrong, and I like to think that I took the good from all three. They helped me grow up and opened a lot of doors for me. My only regret is that they aren’t still alive today….

Thank you very much for all your help steve
Kind Regards
Mark Shields

QUESTIONNAIRE

1. What or who influenced you into the life of boxing?

Rocky Marciano. An unbeaten legend.

2. What has been you most terrifying moment?

Being born……

3. Do you have any regrets?

I’ve had a few. Too few to mention….

4. Who was your idol?

John Dillinger and the twins had a glamour that I admired and wanted to aspire to.

5. What has been your toughest moment?

The death of my grandfather.

6. What has been the highpoint of your life?

Dawn my partner agreeing to marry me.

7. What three words would you use to describe yourself best?

Polite. Friendly. Approachable.

8. What is your most reliable weapon?

My brain.

9. What is your most prized possession?

My home.

10. How would you like to be remembered?

A good friend.

11. What is your present job title?

Security Consultant.

12. Describe a typical Saturday night in your line of work.

Manic. Newcastle is the party city of the UK and I’m proud of my heritage. There is never a night the same. Saturday sees a cosmopolitan of people arrive on our doorstep to taste the Geordie hospitality. We don’t let them down.