Time goes so quick and as another year ticks over it's now 13 years since the passing of the WAM maestro that was Bill Shipton.
To family and friends he will always be Clive Harris, but, to many Sploshers he was Bill, creator of Splosh!, the magazine, the videos and legacy of WAM.
Over the last 13 years there have been many tributes to Bill, just look back through the threads here.
Stories about his work for top shelf magazines, his script writing and the fun times in his beloved Marina Fountain pub showing his wit and views and subtle two-fingers to the establishment (like taking up pipe smoking when the smoking ban was enforced).
For newer people that have maybe recently got in to WAM, they may not be aware of Bill and the impact that he had on the WAM fetish. In a recent thread the question was asked for the forgotten heroes of WAM and many of the replies do mention Bill. Along with Rob Blaine, Roger Carpenter, David Wilkey, and Mike Ellison. Bill was at the beginning of bringing WAM to the forefront and making many many people feel somewhat easier knowing that 'their kink' was actually a thing, loved by many.
One thing that does stand out is Bill's style. His Splosh! Videos and magazines had the true Bill style to them, the bad puns, the slapstick and although they had a script alot was spur of the moment, and he just let it flow. Many amazing WAM scenes/photos captured this style, that a script could never have done. The early photos, Splosh day events (in Tenby), and magazine was( in my opinion) WAM at its finest.
Do not get me wrong there are many amazing current producers and makers of WAM now (which i celebrity in my monthly UMD calendar, shameless plug there), but the roots and nature of a Splosh shoot/vid, Aquadisaics, Messy Fun, WSM or WAMtec just have a different presence about them, and Bill was at the top of tree.
So 13 years on we still salute, respect and doff our cap to this great man, that splatted WAM on the map and brought many like minded, mess-dripping people together.
Bill, you will continue to be missed, but forever messy RIP.
Bill is missed and I still watch scenes he produced. It's a shame he isn't still around to shoot with Bri and Lottie Lalay. They would have made some incredible scenes together.
Bill, you were a pioneer, and I am grateful that you pursued your dream to produce a high-quality magazine for us. I managed to find a few copies of Splosh, and I will treasure them.
Love you, too
