Ashton Ukrainian Club

Love this small club but everything else about it smack of a niter, the crowd, the music the Djs, fantastic.  Angie and myself had a great night although I didn't think we'd make it after exhaust troubles on the way.  AA soon on the scene, took the back box off and said on yer way  All in about 30 minutes.

We arrived to a full house which is often the case here. Missed my mate Simon because of said car troubles but there was a packed dance floor to Bob Hinsley and Robbo.  So good to see Bob playing some records in a venue again and I hope it's not too long till he does it again.  All the Dj's did the business, even had myself on the floor a few times.  Baz Maleady doing what he does best, Matt bringing that hard edged niter sound to the Ukrainian and Chris Penn rounding the night off with some big hitters.

Was great to catch up with so many., some I've not seen for ages, sat on the stage and had a good chat with Dave Evison who still seems as enthusiastic as ever. 

Great night, see you next month.

I was going to post a review but I'm always aware that involvement in the event can be rightly seen as bias...never my intention but then a review by a much respected legend of our beloved scene was shared with me . . I don't do Facebook so for those who haven't seen it this is what Dave Evison had to say about his first visit to Ashton (unsolicited and much appreciated)

Just got back to Stafford after a truly superb night at the Ukranian.Our first visit...in fact I think the last time I was in Ashton was our regular monday night at Tiffs in the mid 70's! So many friends I literally hadn't seen since then! Right crowd,venue and sounds...right up my street...Chris even played my all time No1 60's "newie" for me...The Fascinators "In other words". Sarah and I pick and choose specific gigs to attend now and ok sometimes we don't go out for a month, but I think I've served my apprenticeship since 1967, so the days of djing every weekend somewhere in the UK...indeed every night of the week in Gtr M/cr in the 70's are over! No regrets, I'd do it all again...if I was in my 20's!!...Its specific nights like last night and a very similar offering at our other "never miss" venue,the wonderful Electric Club in Wolves that keep us in touch with the Northern scene now  and we're in our absolute comfort zone! I did get one or two asking me what I was doing there...but in a genuinely "shocked, but nice to see you after so long Dave way!" My friends know that with my role on the scene as an Oldies dj I was typecasted! I was always delighted to do it, but ever since the Wheel on a personal note, dancing has always been foremost for me, albeit I can only manage one tune at a time nowadays!! I was bleedin' knackered last night but very happy! I don't profess to even knowing many of the newies let alone ever having owned them! I may have retired from treading the boards....but I couldn't imagine life without this soul scene and I dearly hope it continues! Special mentions for our lovely friends Penni Raith and Stuart Raith for reccommending it and getting us there and back....you were dead right about the Ukranian Club...wonderful!

This gem of a soul club never disappoints. From the moment you walk into the club, you are entering the Soul Zone.

We arrived a little later than usual, it was clearly going to be a busy night. Simon Ingham was taking over the decks from Phil. A typically great mix followed, The Mascqueraders, Elusions, a Fabulous 70’s dancer with Marcia Hines “You got a Let Go”. And the great cross over track, that always sounds much later than the year it was issued: Garland Green “Girl, I Love You”.

Robbo was on next, double decking with a surprise appearance of Bob Hinsley. Some great tunes to an appreciative crowd. Including Jerry Butler's version of the song he also wrote, “Right Track”. Some smooth 70’s: The Enticers, Eddie Kendricks and Buddy Miles “I’m Just a Kiss Away”. And a few dancers guaranteed to fill the floor, Jesse Davis and Angela Davis.

Mr Culcheth himself Baz Maleedy followed with a fabulous spot, Chris Farlowe’s version of “Looking for You”, classic oldies that still sounds fresh, Otis Smith “let Her Go” and Kenny Gamble. The incredible Wallie Hoskins “Switch Around”.  And dance floor fillers the Delegates of Soul and the Spiedels.  Finally, an inexpensive gem that was really appreciated, Johnny Nash “I’m so Glad You’re My baby”

Matt Sneaths set assaulted the senses with series of heavy beat dance tracks. A few new to me, the punters certainly loved it. Kicking off with Rudy Love, followed by Eddie Daye “Lean on Me”, The LMNOP & Chanson “I need You” and Jeanette Williams “Stuff”.

Chris Penn, treated us to some box office classics that included Paris and Arin Demain, evergreen dance floor fillers: The Soul Communicators and the Martells. NS dance gems: The Professionals and J.T. Parker. Slowing things down towards end with Chuck Cockerham.

The sheer numbers of appreciative and knowledgeable people, all willing to enjoy the music in what is quite an intimate club; created and incredible atmosphere. The fabulous night was concluded all too soon, by Chris playing the Commands “No Time for You”.

WOW,WOW,WOW Ashton Ukrainian Club flew off into The Stratosphere of all that is great on The Rare Soul Scene!!

We were treated last night to a playlist that ticked all the boxes!! Kicked off by Phil Dunn some real quality evergreens of the Soul Scene 7.15pm dance floor off and running, job done!!

Team Ukrainian "Fixer" Simon Ingham followed "tastes sour don't it" lit the fuse, Bobby Rich, William Cummings, Masqueraders "do you love me baby" and many more!!

Then it happened..........

Probably best summed up as "The Hinsley Effect" take a look at the attached video for a small snapshot of The Electric Atmosphere!!

Bolton's favourite son Bob Hinsley did an unannounced cameo DJ spot after waaay too long away from the decks, double decking and dove tailing perfectly with That Man Robbo and the crowd loved it, breathtaking!! So much so, me and my dodgy knees even managed a few dances Yessss!!!

Culcheth Head Honcho Tsop Manchester followed and for me probably the best spot of the night Gloria Barnes, Sonattas, Gerri Hall, The Differences, Delegates of Soul great set Sir !!!

Making the long trip from Market Harborough Matt Sneath followed starting with a BANG !! Rudy Love, Bobby Blakeney "I'm just your "Yo Yo" and the brilliant Don Hart amazing set!!

It was left to Chris Penn to close proceedings and he didn't disappoint Yvonne Vernee, Hytones "you don't even know my name" Jimmy Bo Horne Dade and finishing the night in fine style "I've got no time" dance floor still going to the last record !!

Our next event the Pre Christmas Special awaits next December 14th we run a week early due to club commitments, keep your eye on here and Soul-Source for updates as we near the time.

Once again The Ashton Faithful made it all possible, we were at full capacity last night and for that Team Ukrainian thanks you, see you in December !!!