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Chantel’s Memorial Soul Nite

Chantel’s Memorial Soul Nite magazine cover

Chantel’s Memorial Soul Nite

Saturday 27th April 2013 from 8pm until 2am

@ Bedford Athletic Club, Wentworth Drive, BEDFORD, MK41 8QA

Chantel was a spring baby, born on April 22nd 1958 in London, later moving to Watford and then Hitchin when she was in her teens. She grew up to be a bright and attractive young woman, with a warm lively personality and a way with people. This stood her in good stead in the various retail jobs she did throughout her life. All of them involved managerial responsibility, but more importantly, she had the gift of being able to bring out the best in the other people.

In 1978 she met her future husband Kevin at a Northern Soul gig and discovered the love of her life. They married in 1980 and in the fullness of time their two sons were born, Barry and Neil. It’s probably fair to say that nothing meant more to Cha than the three men in her life, then along came Barry’s two sons and she took great delight in becoming the devoted grandmother.

Chantel unfortunately lost her fight for life on the 11th December 2011 and a group of her friends along with Kev decided that it would be a fitting tribute to put on a Memorial night in her honour and at the same time raise some money for the Sue Ryder Trust.

So the Memorial Soul Nite has been arranged for the 27th April 2013. DJ on the night include Andy Rix, Kevin Bateman, Andy Felts, Hammie, Taff, Panch, Pete Hulatt and Geoff.

I have been asked to write a few words about my wife Chantel Batemen.... After much deliberation I decided not to bore you all by saying what a wonderful, loving, kind and fun loving person she was because everybody who met her would already know this. You would also know how much she loved her music and to dance and this love started at a very young age when she went to soul nights with the Letchworth crowd and then at the age of 18 to her first allnighter at St.Ives. This love stayed with her for the rest of her life.... I would like to recall a couple of stories for you.

I remember Chantel telling me about a dance competition she entered many years ago, I think it was Norwich. Anyway she won first prise and it was a grand prize of £50.00, which was and still is a lot of money. She went up to collect her winnings and they paid it to her in 50pence pieces, as you can imagine she wasn’t happy about all the change but took it all the same. Needless to say I don’t think she entered anymore competitions after that....that is until Cleethorpes 2003.

On the Sunday night at the weekender they had a fancy dress competition and Chantel decided that we should enter. When I say “we” I mean Chantel, myself, Panch and Winston. Great now all we needed was a theme and some outfits. Of course it wasn’t just a case of going to the shop and hiring one, no Chantel wanted to make one!

Now at the same time the Kentucky Fried Chicken advert had just come out, the one with the backing track Bobby Garrett — I Can’t Get Away. Well as you can imagine the light bulb lit with Chantel and the plan began to come together in her mind... I wasn’t too sure about it to begin with but after a while I could see it coming together. So we went about making the buckets and with the help of Panch and Ann they were ready in time for Cleethorpes and all we had to do was keep them under wraps until Sunday night.... It was worth all the hard work as we had such a laugh and won the competition.

It wasn’t easy doing anything in them buckets, you only have to ask Panch because he found out when he dropped his moustache....

Another good story is about a friend’s wedding. Chantel had been asked to be Dean’s best man when he married Marion and of course she was honoured and accepted. Well Chantel wanted to do something special that was funny and memorable and so the thinking cap came out.... The plan came together at the services after we had been to Stoke or Keele alnighter, there was a few of us and the conversation turned to what would we get Dean and Marion for a wedding present. After a few silly suggestions someone said I know why don’t we get everyone to buy them a toaster. Chantel then said I know what would be funny getting everyone to buy them a toaster, of course we fell about with laughter at the thought of them opening numerous toasters but the plan was made and as many guests were asked if they minded buying a toaster (putting the receipt with the gift) for the newlyweds. Chantel and I made a poster and everything was set. And so the to the wedding reception and in the evening just before the soul night was to start, Chantel took her place to do her presentation. Yes as you may have guessed Dean and Marion received over 20 new toasters and a loaf of bread!

Yet another plan that Chantel had been a big part in putting together and it was received with the response that she always wanted to achieve, yes everybody was in fits of laughter, even Dean and Marion. Would you believe that this story was told on the local radio, the Sun Newspaper and also Anglia News.

Well there are a couple of funny stories about Chantel.

I expect she is up there on that big old dance floor smiling down.

In her words “Look up into the starry night and you will see her dancing wild and free”.

I hope to see some of you on the 27th April.

Kev Bateman



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Please feel free to add  any of your own memories of Char and Kev on the soul scene.

 

My earliest memory would have been at the Casino early seventies then lost touch after we got married but ended up living opposite each other at Northdale Close Kempston.

 

it would also be good to get some indication of numbers that are coming either on here or via the event listing.

 

This is for a very good cause and ALL money raised is going to the charity.

 

Thanks chalkie.

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Lovely words indeed. I`m sure as others have said our paths will have crossed at some point. Hope you have a Fantastic night, raise lots of very much needed funds for a charity also close to my heart. But most of all give someone who has devoted there life to the music she obviously loved. A trully memorable night Thoughts are with you and your family Kev

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I'm not a regular to Soul Source, but occasionally drop in to see what's happening on the scene, so I was shocked and saddened to read that Chantel Bateman had passed away.

I never knew Chantel - or even spoke to her (I only recognised who she was from the photo); so you're probably wondering why I'm writing this message. Well, I had the great pleasure on three or four occasions, when I attended the NS night at the Kempton Working Men's Club (going back a good 14 to 15 years now), to see Chantel dance. And did she know how to dance. I've watched a lot of people over the years strutting their stuff and I can quite honestly say that I've seen very few who had the rhythm, style, elegance, and pure presence on the dance floor as Chantel.

Unfortunately I won't be able to attend Chantel's Memorial Soul Nite, though I'd love to. I hope you all have a great night and raise lots for the Sue Ryder Trust.

My belated sympathies and condolences to you Kev, your family and friends.

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I'm not a regular to Soul Source, but occasionally drop in to see what's happening on the scene, so I was shocked and saddened to read that Chantel Bateman had passed away.

I never knew Chantel - or even spoke to her (I only recognised who she was from the photo); so you're probably wondering why I'm writing this message. Well, I had the great pleasure on three or four occasions, when I attended the NS night at the Kempton Working Men's Club (going back a good 14 to 15 years now), to see Chantel dance. And did she know how to dance. I've watched a lot of people over the years strutting their stuff and I can quite honestly say that I've seen very few who had the rhythm, style, elegance, and pure presence on the dance floor as Chantel.

Unfortunately I won't be able to attend Chantel's Memorial Soul Nite, though I'd love to. I hope you all have a great night and raise lots for the Sue Ryder Trust.

My belated sympathies and condolences to you Kev, your family and friends.

Great post, Cha was one of the best dancers I've ever seen, and so is Kev when the mood takes him. 

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We will deffinately be there. Already on the calender and wouldn't dare miss this night for a special lady who touched so many people in different ways.

 

Very much missed, but always in our hearts.

 

Nicola x

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Never knew Chantel but we acknowledged each other once or twice

Stand out, effortless dancer.....not theatrical like some just the business.

Condolences to her family

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I remember coming back from Wigan Oldies on the bedford coach back in about 78.

On reaching bedford we all basically went on the p***.

After a very lengthy lunchtime session about 12 of us squeezed into the back of Mick Smith's work van. Chantel's sense of fun and sense of humour made a very cramped jpurney a lot more fun.

God Bless Sweetheart.

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Hi Dave,Hope you can't make it on the 27th be good to see you,I was only taking about you to Widd at the weekend.Cheers Pete

I remember coming back from Wigan Oldies on the bedford coach back in about 78.

On reaching bedford we all basically went on the p***.

After a very lengthy lunchtime session about 12 of us squeezed into the back of Mick Smith's work van. Chantel's sense of fun and sense of humour made a very cramped jpurney a lot more fun.

God Bless Sweetheart.

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Myself and Dru, Roz, Tracy, Lucy, Angela, Andy & Julia will all be coming up to remember our lovely friend Chantel at this night - thanks for organising it guys.

 

Looking forward to seeing Kev and you all, let us know if you need anyone to shake their tins on the night to help with the fundraising, it's our speciality  :)

 

Wonderful memories of Chantel always xx

 

post-8338-0-25068000-1363821715_thumb.jp

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I have been out of touch with the scene a bit  recently ,last night i went to Stewartby and to my shock , i saw chantels mememorial flyer - it hit me for six litterally,she was an incredible person,funny,talented,full of life,a great friend and sublime dancer,in my opinion,probably the best female dancer down south,some one i hoped would allways be around,i feel like my hearts been torn out,god only knows what kev & family feel,so sad a huge loss,i will attended the event no matter what,i will allways miss her,she was so very special

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Nice words Petegroover, be good to see you there. There are some really great donations for the raffle details to follow shortly. Please post your thoughts or attendace at the event or even not being able to attend to lift this further back up the board so anyone who has missed it can see it before the event.

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Hi there everybody

 

2 weeks to go before this very important night.....

 

Lets hope we can remember Chantel in the best possible way, and how she would

want it by having a great night, no tears, no glum faces, just a madcap right laugh.

This is exactly how she was, always full of fun and making others smile, thats how 

I will remember her on the night...how about you?

 

So I hope we can all get behind this event for Kev and the family,

Please if you can start ramping up the messages on here to get it on the front page

and get on your facebooks and twitters and lets get a good turnout on the night.

 

Thanks to everyone in advance for your support

 

All the best

 

HAMMIE

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Hi there again

Dont forget to post any little anecdotes/memories you have

about Chantel and lets keep those posts coming leading up

to next Saturday ok folks

All the best

Hammie

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Second that Hammie and for anyone who is coming the event has been very lucky to have some great raffle prizes donated as follows;

 

A pair of tickets to the Blackpool Tower Weekender 8 - 10th November 2013 kindly donated by Richard Searling.

 

A selection of Kent CD's kindly donated by Ady Croasdell of 100 club & Kentrecords fame.

Latest edition of John Manships price guide kindly donated by John Manship.

 

Selection of Backbeats CD's kindly donated by Ian Dewhirst.

 

A pair of tickets for St Ives reunion 23rd September 2013 kindly donated by Dave Hayden.

 

Plus a selection of other soul related books, Dvd's etc to be confirmed on the night.

 

The venue was very kindly donated free of charge by the Bedford Athletic Rugby Club for which we are very grateful, this means all money taken on the door, by raffle and collect will go to Sue Ryder. Final amount will posted after the event.

 

And don’t worry there will be no break in the sounds for the raffle just a quick ticket number shout out and then will write it on the board.

 

Be good to see all Char's mates and celebrate her life & love of the soul scene.

 

cheers

 

Andy

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GOOD MAN ANDY!!!!

 

GREAT POST, NICE THAT WE HAVE GOT SOME GOODIES TO GIVE AWAY

ON THE NIGHT FROM LEDGENDS OF OUR SOUL SCENE.

 

THANKS TO ALL FOR YOU GENEROUS DONATIONS .

 

HAMMIE

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Hi,

Can you please use the actual event posting in the calendar for all further comments and reminders. This topic is showing on the front page in rotation with a cople of other topics so doesn't need bumping.

Event topic can be found at

Thanks.

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Turns out I will have to work on the Sunday so I won't be able to make it. I would like to make a paypal donation or send a cheque for a specific charity.

Could someone pm me with details please?
Sorry I'm going to miss it, I was looking forward to a few catch ups.

Dave

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Turns out I will have to work on the Sunday so I won't be able to make it. I would like to make a paypal donation or send a cheque for a specific charity.

Could someone pm me with details please?

Sorry I'm going to miss it, I was looking forward to a few catch ups.

Dave

 

Hi Dave, sorry to hear you won't be able to make it Saturday. The charity is Sue Ryder, I am sure that Hammie or Andy will have the details if not I will get them for you.

 

Take care

 

Nicola x

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Turns out I will have to work on the Sunday so I won't be able to make it. I would like to make a paypal donation or send a cheque for a specific charity.

Could someone pm me with details please?

Sorry I'm going to miss it, I was looking forward to a few catch ups.

Dave

Dave hi mate, Hammie here.

Sorry you cant make it was looking forward to seeing you and having a chat.

 

Someone else was in the same boat and also cant make it, they asked if they could

have Kev Batemans (and Chantels) home address so they could make a donation.

Kev did'nt mind me giving out details on his behalf so if you want to contact him direct

I will send you a personal message Ok  

 

All the best

 

Hammie

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Morning Guys being an ex Bedford soul man I knew Chantel along with Dave and Ann Chase back in the 70,s. Told Andy I would be there BUT my own health recovery is a bit of a downer. Looking forward to seeing everyone.Along with my sister,brother and close friends.

Good work Andy and Hammie.

Steve Foran

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