An Amazing Thing Has Happened

[Guest Swish]

Some of you may know i am writing my life story (ok been doing on and off for years but really knuckling down to it lately).

I'm writing the lot.

The chemists, the gear, the characters, the sounds, my girlfriends, the squad, the rollers, the truth about how we were all NOT IN LOVE AND FRIENDS all tickety boo all the time as a lot of newcomers think.

The strong bonds we had that were as deep as the soul itself for those of us who formed that bond.

So can you believe my surprise when I found a MASSIVE box of stuff I thought was long lost in my attic today?

Lot's of membership cards, posters, court appearance summons, all-nighter tickets etc.

I found Black Echoes (soul newspaper) in near mint condition, and Blues & Soul mags in near mint, oh and Black Music mags as well.

There is a list of around a hundred people who had packed in nighters written , I do not know when, but perhaps 1974/5 maybe.

I looked through the names and was amazed how many I had forgotten, and at the same time, how many I now remembered whom I had long forgotten.

But most of all probably every letter I was sent from all my mates who were sent down (and there are plenty, believe me.)

Letters from girlfriends who loved me. I buzzed and cried (without any gear) at what I found and read.

There is a love letter from a girl fom Castleford called Carole, who wrote the lovliest things, and I confess I can't remember how we split up or anything.

I thought I remembered all my girlfriends but obviously not.

She asks me to meet her at Castelford station next saturday. Did I go? If I did was she there?

I honestly don't know.

I could have kept this secret till i die, but I don't want to. If this gal reads this forum or anyone knows whom it may be please tell me..........

Having been single for years now It was great to read there was a time when girls loved me. I'd long given up the idea.

All the letters from my mates inside, and lots from others talking about records or arranging to go to Crewe or Torch etc.

For record collectors there are lists galore from Selecta-Disc and F.L. Moore etc with top sounds for 65p each. Mostly pressings I guess but not all.

I have a letter from one company informing me they had reserved me I DIG YOUR ACT -O'JAYS ON STATESIDE FOR £1

It's an emotional goldmine, and will help fill in lot's of gaps in my book to make it a better book.

[Sean Hampsey]

That sounds awesome Swish.

Its as if you were destined to be reunited with that box, at this time!

Superb stuff.

Looking forward to the book mate.

Sean

[Guest Swish]

I had a lot more to say and shall do. I thought I had better post that right then because I have had loads of posts on other forums just dissappear into thin air when they were too long.

I found a leaflet from THE PEEL LEEDS admission 15p for christ's sake!

This was one of the first places I ever went to aged around 14/15. This is where a rather hard looking Negro pulled out a flick knife and sliced part of my lapel off my Levi Jacket.

"Just testing the quality of the cloth" he said.

OBVIOUSLY I DARE NOT DO A THING ABOUT IT.

And then, to add to it, there is a message written in biro on the back of the leaflet saying" GONE TO WIGAN, BACK SUNDAY NIGHT, OR IF WE GO TO AN ALL-DAYER BACK MONDAY

Signed Smyg and John.

Smyg has been my mate for nearly 40 years and went to Torch reunion with me last month. John Watkinson I have not seen for 15 years.

This would have been writen in around 1975 when we all shared a flat together.

CHEEKY BASTARDS , writing on my PEEL leaflet!

Now then, does that make the leaflet rarer or less rare? LOL.

[Guest Swish]

Next a Membership card for the extremely short lived Heaven and Hell club, Briggate Leeds. Honestly cannot remember when, maybe 1974?

Anyone know?

This was where I was sold haluciogen drugs in disguise, by the same man, and not for the first time.

I came round to find my record box gone.

If that man ever reads this, and I know damn well who you are.

Well just explain yourself.

[Guest Swish]

CENTRAL No2 SOUL CLUB (why No2?)

OUR CHRISTMAS ALL-NIGHTER

9 SUPER SOULFUL HOURS (no date, again I'd guess 1974/5)

Advance tickets 70p.

Catacombs membership application for the aforementioned John Watkinson proposed by Smyg and seconded by me, but mysteriously never sent in.???

THE ULTIMATE IN DISCOPHISTICATION

Mon Oct 6th 1975

CAT'S WHISKERS YORK

ADMIT ONE PERSON FREE OF CHARGE

NORMAL PRICE 35p

FULL SIZE POSTER

WIRRANA STADIUM PETERBOROUGH

18TH APRIL 1975 FOLDED BUT OTHERWISE NEAR MINT CONDITION.

So the list goes on.

Fantastic!

[Guest Swish]

Thanks Sean

Appreciate your comments

Thanks

Swish

[Guest Dave Turner]

Hey Swish, that sounds great and as Sean says it seems you were destined to find that box at this moment in time.

Are there any of those super duper fantastic poems you wrote in there? Really hope so.

I don't think I can ever remember so eagerly awaiting a book to be published.

Best,

Dave (Minit as was)

[Jumpinjoan]

Wow! I wish I had kept stuff from years ago.

You have a wonderful way with words Swish and a fantastic writing style.

I can't wait to read about your exploits!

[Guest]

Hi Swish,

Cant wait to read this book, it realy will be the ultimute "blast from the past".

Take care

Sue

x

[Guest Swish]

Thank ypu all for your kind words and encouragment.

This might make you laugh.

It is a short letter (probably never finished) by persons unknown, (Don't know how come I have it).

Obviously it was never posted.

"Dear Sir,

I have just read your article on Wigan All nighters, and I would just like to say what a load of f***** s*** it was. You never gave a mention to guys cranking up on the s*** filled toilets or birds gobblin' bombers in the downstairs bar"

[Guest Swish]

I have found a letter from Noreen (mentioned elsewhere on forum along with her sister Ethna)

She was in fact from Dunstable Bedfordshire and not Luton as Paul thought.

She even has her phone number on the letter.

Don't suppose she still lives there though 36 years later HA HA HA HA HA !

[Guest Swish]

I've found some reference slips

I started going to the reference library to read all about gear

I used to look through the reference cards and I had to fill a form in to read them as they were classified. I had to give my name and address as well but always gave a false one.

I still have some library slips now.

Books included were:

DRUGS FROM A-Z -BY R.R. LINGERMAN

CHEMISTRY OF SYNTHETIC DRUGS -BY P.MAY

GUIDE TO DRUGS IN CURRENT USE -BY J.R. TROUNCE

DRUGS -BY THE HOME OFFICE

REPORTS ON PUBLIC HEALTH -BY DEPT. OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY.

I wanted to know all about them, what they were meant for and how many different types and strengths there were.

Very interesting and useful information Ifor all concerned!

[Professorturnups]

Some of you may know i am writing my life story (ok been doing on and off for years but really knuckling down to it lately).

I'm writing the lot.

The chemists, the gear, the characters, the sounds, my girlfriends, the squad, the rollers, the truth about how we were all NOT IN LOVE AND FRIENDS all tickety boo all the time as a lot of newcomers think.

The strong bonds we had that were as deep as the soul itself for those of us who formed that bond.

So can you believe my surprise when I found a MASSIVE box of stuff I thought was long lost in my attic today?

Lot's of membership cards, posters, court appearance summons, all-nighter tickets etc.

I found Black Echoes (soul newspaper) in near mint condition, and Blues & Soul mags in near mint, oh and Black Music mags as well.

There is a list of around a hundred people who had packed in nighters written , I do not know when, but perhaps 1974/5 maybe.

I looked through the names and was amazed how many I had forgotten, and at the same time, how many I now remembered whom I had long forgotten.

But most of all probably every letter I was sent from all my mates who were sent down (and there are plenty, believe me.)

Letters from girlfriends who loved me. I buzzed and cried (without any gear) at what I found and read.

There is a love letter from a girl fom Castleford called Carole, who wrote the lovliest things, and I confess I can't remember how we split up or anything.

I thought I remembered all my girlfriends but obviously not.

She asks me to meet her at Castelford station next saturday. Did I go? If I did was she there?

I honestly don't know.

I could have kept this secret till i die, but I don't want to. If this gal reads this forum or anyone knows whom it may be please tell me..........

Having been single for years now It was great to read there was a time when girls loved me. I'd long given up the idea.

All the letters from my mates inside, and lots from others talking about records or arranging to go to Crewe or Torch etc.

For record collectors there are lists galore from Selecta-Disc and F.L. Moore etc with top sounds for 65p each. Mostly pressings I guess but not all.

I have a letter from one company informing me they had reserved me I DIG YOUR ACT -O'JAYS ON STATESIDE FOR £1

It's an emotional goldmine, and will help fill in lot's of gaps in my book to make it a better book.

Hi there!

I can remeber seeing your name in (Black) Echoes many years ago as one of the DJs at Leeds Central. It's great to hear people like you are still around. Like me, your probably being a bit hard on yourself about the woman thing...

Take Care

Mark C

[Guest mooma]

DO I GET A MENTION lol

sue bushby!!!

xxxxxx

[Pauldonnelly]

I have found a letter from Noreen (mentioned elsewhere on forum along with her sister Ethna)

She was in fact from Dunstable Bedfordshire and not Luton as Paul thought.

She even has her phone number on the letter.

Don't suppose she still lives there though 36 years later HA HA HA HA HA !

Dunstable is 800 yds away from Luton you twat...LOL

[Guest Dave Turner]

Dunstable is 800 yds away from Luton you twat...LOL

Maybe, but not in Swish's world

[Blake H]

Next a Membership card for the extremely short lived Heaven and Hell club, Briggate Leeds. Honestly cannot remember when, maybe 1974?

Anyone know?

This was where I was sold haluciogen drugs in disguise, by the same man, and not for the first time.

I came round to find my record box gone.

If that man ever reads this, and I know damn well who you are.

Well just explain yourself.

Yes Swish I remember Heaven + Hell, it was on Lower Headrow in Leeds and was on a Monday night as was the Peel on Boar lane, the waitress's had bunny girl outfits and there was an aluminium dance floor, when a drink got spilled on it it mixed with the talc and turned to mud.

Martin Brad (Fad) dj'd for a while at H+H, also remember Frank Elson turning up and reviewing the venue in B+S.

Happy days

Blake H (ex Leeds now York)

[Guest]

That sounds awesome Swish.

Its as if you were destined to be reunited with that box, at this time!

Superb stuff.

Looking forward to the book mate.

Sean

N'er mind the book - what about Carole from Castleford

[Mak]

Sounds very intresting , how long do we have to wait to here the whole story

[Guest Swish]

Hi there!

I can remeber seeing your name in (Black) Echoes many years ago as one of the DJs at Leeds Central. It's great to hear people like you are still around. Like me, your probably being a bit hard on yourself about the woman thing...

Take Care

Mark C

Well it was a bit of a surprise to find a love letter from a girl I had forgotten ever existed!

[Guest Swish]

DO I GET A MENTION lol

sue bushby!!!

xxxxxx

Yes Sue, of course you do, we were together at Market Harborough a few times, weren't we.

[Guest Swish]

Dunstable is 800 yds away from Luton you twat...LOL

Actually it's about 6 km away, I just looked it up, YOU twat LOL!

[Guest Swish]

Yes Swish I remember Heaven + Hell, it was on Lower Headrow in Leeds and was on a Monday night as was the Peel on Boar lane, the waitress's had bunny girl outfits and there was an aluminium dance floor, when a drink got spilled on it it mixed with the talc and turned to mud.

Martin Brad (Fad) dj'd for a while at H+H, also remember Frank Elson turning up and reviewing the venue in B+S.

Happy days

Blake H (ex Leeds now York)

Blake, is that your real name? Are you the Blake I used to know?

[Guest Swish]

N'er mind the book - what about Carole from Castleford

I've found the original envelope. It was posted in 1969. So it was before nighters then (from my point of view). I remember her a little now, she wasn't a nighter girl.

[Guest mooma]

Yes Sue, of course you do, we were together at Market Harborough a few times, weren't we.

we were all over the place together mate happy times! remember when Pilky and I kidnapped ya? you wanted to go home but we took you to the Ritz in Manchester nighter lol!!

sue

[Guest Swish]

Sounds very intresting , how long do we have to wait to here the whole story

Hard to say. I've written over 300 pages and that's only my childhood and soul scene up to 1972.

There's a hell of a lot to do yet.

A lot of pages were written on a type writer and, although I have found and re-typed on to computer the majority, loads are lost, sadly. (That's how come I found that box of memorabilia whilst trying to find the lost pages.)

Also a lot was typed on to an old computer that got destroyed by a virus. Some of those were saved on to floppy disc but they don't work in this computer.

So, it's tough, re-piecing it all together, coupled with emotional factors that sometimes inspire me to write and sometimes make me feel too sad to write.

There's a lot to think about, believe me.

THE WIGAN CASINO STORY is a decent read but it's more like a history book than a nighter boy's personal life,

CENTRAL 1179 which is about THE TWISTED WHEEL is a great read but similar applies.

My book is much, much more than a history book. A lot of it is hard to believe, apart from those who lived the same life, I want to portray it real, the way it really was. I can and will do it, but it takes much time, effort, and soul-searching (if you forgive the expression),

So, bear with me, it's going to take a few months yet.

Anyway here's a litle "clip"

THE METRO WAKEFIELD

When I arrived at the Metro and walked down the stairs, the atmosphere hit me like nothing I had ever experienced before. The heat was over whelming, as was the atmosphere, and the sounds were absolutely out of this world.

The place was absolutely packed out with people. It was so hot that sweat was dripping from the ceiling, I loved it, loved it completely.

There were sounds from the Wheel, sounds I had heard at The Spinning Disc and others I had never heard before, every one brilliant.

Dennis went off for ten minutes, then came back and asked me to follow him.

He took me up some stairs near the entrance.

They only led to a small attic-like room but there were 4 or 5 people in there.

"Have you got £1.50" asked Dennis, putting his hand out.

I gave it to him and this other guy got a plastic bag out which was absolutely full of gear. I had never seen so much.

He put his hand in the bag and passed Dennis some gear which he passed to me.

8 Dex, 2 Green and Clears 2 Black Bombers.

WOW!

I glanced back at the plastic bag. What beautiful colours they all were.

"Thanks a lot " I said and someone handed me a coke and I gulped them all down.

I went back downstairs and sat with Dennis's girlfriend Heather and some friends of hers. We were introduced and made small talk for a while, but then I started to come up , they were as well and then we could not each get a word in fast enough.

Every time one of Heather's favourite records came on she got up to dance to it, but us other 3 just talked and talked and talked.

A few friends came past whom I knew from the Wheel and we shook hands and they joined in the talking as well. We all felt great, much more then great, completely at ease, we wanted to be friends with the world.

Every now and again a sound would come on and one of us would say "Listen to this" or "What's this, it's absolutely brilliant.

So this was Caps and pills , eh? Bloody marvellous!.

After a couple of hours, Dennis came over to us and pointed out a big Negro named Vinny.

" Stay well out of his way lads, he's bad news. By the way, how are you all feeling?"

"Fucking great, best ever", I answered.

"See you later I'm off d-jing in ten minutes".

"Ok Dennis, see you".

We carried on talking and occasionally dancing, but you could hardly move, there were so many people , and sweat was pouring down our faces and backs with the heat.

Here's another extract:

THE TWISTED WHEEL

But I went to the greatest and most notorious discotheque nearly a year before that..

I'll never forget that night in Manchester.

The time about 9p.m., me and Eddie (Arthur)wandering around this city trying to find this disco.

We went up to 3 guys and asked them the way.. One of them answered,

His exact words were:

"You've got to be a Jew a coon or as hard as nails to go there".

AND ANOTHER:

Thumbing home from THE LANTERN, MARKET HARBOROUGH

I got to somewhere near Barnsley, when I was dropped off.

I had spent all my money on the record almost so there was not much money left to get a bus, and it was a mile to Barnsley town centre.

So I started walking.

I had my bag with all my change of all-nighter clothes in + my precious record.

After half a mile I passed a road with a bridge over it. The bridge was about 200 yards away.

Underneath the bridge was a group of about 30 skinheads, so I quickly walked passed.

But they spotted me!

A-G,AGR, AGRR, AGGRO came the chant and they ran for me.

I was thumbing like mad on a busy road trying to get a lift but nobody stopped, I ran as fast as I could, (remember I had not slept for 2 days and nights).

They were gaining on me.

I turned a corner and there was a pub over the road!

I shot across the road and ran in the pub.

It was obvious to the land lord and customers I was under great stress.

I got total sympathy.

I got 2 pints of ale bought for me and some cigs given to me.

They knew all about the gang and hated them.

The gang stood outside chanting for a while, but eventually, fucked off.

I sat and drank my beer for an hour or so and gradually calmed down.

I had a few pence left, enough to catch a bus some part of the way back to Leeds. The fellahs in the pub checked the gang had gone and told me where to go to catch a bus to Leeds.

The bus stop was about a hundred yards away.

I thanked them all and tentatively made my way there.

The bus came . It was 75p to Leeds and I only had 50 p left.

So I said I would have a ticket that would take me as far as possible.

Often when I had done this before, the driver forgets who paid what, or turns a blind eye, or just ignores it if you stay on. But not this time.

About a mile from Leeds he stopped at a bus stop and told me to get off.

I had 4 miles to walk, cold and shattered.

It took a long time but I did it. I got in the flat, threw my bag and clothes on the floor and got into bed.

ABSOLUTE BLISS!

I layed in bed for a little while before I fell asleep, re-capping my weekend, how I loved Harborough and the people, Blackpool Mecca as well, thanking GOD for how I escaped from the skinheads, how the nice blokes in the pub had looked afterme,

AND I now owned THE NEXT IN LINE on STATESIDE!

What a fucking result!

AND ANOTHER: ALSO ABOUT THE LANTERN

Some lads from ---- noticed me wandering around and came up to me.

"What's in your box pal?"

I knew their game straight away.

"Fucking Christmas trees, what do you think?"

"Lets have a look then!"

"Fuck off !", I said, knowing, even though I was out of my head, that they were going to try and roll me.

Suddenly one of them tried to grab my box, and just as suddenly they were surrounded by lads from Harborough, Kettering, and Corby.

The ----- kids knew they had made a mistake, more than that they knew they were in serious danger.

"Touch him and you don't walk out alive. That's Swish, he's a decent geyser. He hasn't come all this way to be bothered by wankers like you, Know what I mean?"

The ----- kids were scared now and quite rightly.

"Look mate we only wanted to buy a few records"

"Oh is that a fact, well you'd better by some then hadn't you? How much money you got?"

He searched frantically in his pocket.

"Err I've got £3 here"

"And I've got two" said another"

"I've got 3 as well" said another, visibly shaking.

"Have another look, you haven't come all the way from ----- with only that much between you" says Wacker.

(As a matter of fact people often did come with hardly any money, myself included, because once you had scored your gear,unless you were buying records,you only needed money for drink and cigarettes.

But they did have another "look" and came up with about £16 between them.

"Swish sell these tossers £16 worth of records", said Wacker.

"But that's all we've got........." says one of them we won't have any money for a drink or to get home".

"What a fucking shame, we're all filling up for you, NOW HAND IT OVER!"

They gave me all their money and I gave them all the records that were hardest to sell, about a tenner's worth.

They fucked off.

"Thanks lads" I said.

"Anytime Swish, no one will ever touch you here, you're one of us"

How I loved that club and those brilliant people.

In the morning when the nighter finished Sean invited me back to his flat in Northampton.

We sat for hour after hour talking like you do, but I had sold every record in my box part from 2 so we didn't have much to play. He'd just got the brilliant DARKEST DAYS by JACKIE LEE so we played that over and over again. It sounded ace for the first 25 times or so but then it started to get a bit monotonous., so we played the 2 records I had left. In the end we were absolutely sick of them.

At 12 noon we went down the local pub but were still too smashed to enjoy a pint, properly, although we did down a couple of pints of lager, and carried on talking about the sounds, the people, the squad, the gear, it was so interesting, so exciting, so brilliant.

We went back after the pub, talked some more then I crashed out on the settee. I slept for a long time.

When I woke up it was dark.

But it wasn't Sunday night (as I thought at first).

IT WAS MONDAY NIGHT FOR CHRIST'S SAKE!

I had missed work again!

So, you see, Mak, there's a lot to remember, think about and do.

Thank you for asking buddy.

Edited November 13, 2009 by Swish

[Guest bunty]

"IT WAS MONDAY NIGHT FOR CHRIST'S SAKE!" ...I had missed work again!

This made me laugh out loud Swish!.... I had this problem too!! & lost my job because of it! I had several warnings, then a letter saying if you have any more Mondays off you will be dismissed! ... I really tried, but unfortunately I didn't make it in on the following Monday!

It will be very refreshing to read your book, I tend not to tell anyone about some of the "antics" I got upto in my youth! (because they sound unbelievable!!)... You certainly do "have a way with words" I personally can't wait!!

hopefully see you at the next reunion 2010? SKF best wishes Bev xx

[Guest Swish]

"IT WAS MONDAY NIGHT FOR CHRIST'S SAKE!" ...I had missed work again!

This made me laugh out loud Swish!.... I had this problem too!! & lost my job because of it! I had several warnings, then a letter saying if you have any more Mondays off you will be dismissed! ... I really tried, but unfortunately I didn't make it in on the following Monday!

It will be very refreshing to read your book, I tend not to tell anyone about some of the "antics" I got upto in my youth! (because they sound unbelievable!!)... You certainly do "have a way with words" I personally can't wait!!

hopefully see you at the next reunion 2010? SKF best wishes Bev xx

Thank you Bev,forgive me, but was it you who gave me that photo of Skip at The Torch reunion?

Plus I love your signature:

I smile because I have absolutely no idea what's going on!

Sometimes my poker playing pal Wilbur makes wisecracks at the poker table but talks in such a low voice I can't hear him so I do exactly that!

[Guest bunty]

Thank you Bev,forgive me, but was it you who gave me that photo of Skip at The Torch reunion?

Plus I love your signature:

I smile because I have absolutely no idea what's going on!

Sometimes my poker playing pal Wilbur makes wisecracks at the poker table but talks in such a low voice I can't hear him so I do exactly that!

Yes Swish that's me! I'm a Cambridge gal but moved down to Devon in 1987!

I think my signature probably sums me up really!

You take care,.... & can you put my name down for a copy of your book please. xx

[Soul Stu]

Hi Swish

Great days so many memories do u ever see mouse think he was from Bradford

All the best Snitch

[Guest topcatnumpty1]

Now then Robert from the Shop----great reading,as i said b4 i read about 25 pages of the book in faded type about 1988---if the rest is as good you ,ll be rich and may never need to work again(LOL). Missed you last Fri,Bry Walker came out for a couple of hours(Blue Bell,Golden Lion and Wagon and Horses--Lawrence street).Will be in Eboracum again b4 Xmas ,will give you more notice.

N.B. Brian and i were wondering was the Torch that you went to as good as the one in Hose Street!!!!!

Give me a bell

T.C.

[Guest spudmurphy]

bry walker top man

[Guest miss nancy]

Hi, I assume you are the Swish who used to dj at the Central in Leeds in the 70's, I was only a baby and started going at about 16, celebrated my 18th there in 1980 (cannot believe where the time has gone), I seem to remember you came from York?? I remember spending a weekend in York with my mate Gillian Sutcliffe, a guy from Bradford called Martin Carroll and there was a guy called Martin who had tons of soul albums and was heavily into Dusty Springfield????????? All such a long time ago, I spent 10 mins every Sat night convincing Steve Luigi I was old enough to come in, spent the Fridays doing the same at Wigan!!!!!! If my Mother had known she would have killed me!!!

If you are that guy I always loved your dj spots and hope you are doing wellx

[Guest Swish]

Hi Swish

Great days so many memories do u ever see mouse think he was from Bradford

All the best Snitch

I found a photo of Mouse leaving the Torch, Snitch

but i do not know what ever happened to him.

[Guest Swish]

Hi, I assume you are the Swish who used to dj at the Central in Leeds in the 70's, I was only a baby and started going at about 16, celebrated my 18th there in 1980 (cannot believe where the time has gone), I seem to remember you came from York?? I remember spending a weekend in York with my mate Gillian Sutcliffe, a guy from Bradford called Martin Carroll and there was a guy called Martin who had tons of soul albums and was heavily into Dusty Springfield????????? All such a long time ago, I spent 10 mins every Sat night convincing Steve Luigi I was old enough to come in, spent the Fridays doing the same at Wigan!!!!!! If my Mother had known she would have killed me!!!

If you are that guy I always loved your dj spots and hope you are doing wellx

Hi,

As you know I have e-mailed you.

But just to say again I dont know what happened to Steve Luigi.

You may remember Lee Roy. He is a negro fellow crippled from birth who waks on crutches. He was a super DJ for funk nights. (sometimes the funk started early say 7pm, and the Northern started later. )

Anyway met him this year after all these years.

The reason why is cos i go to casino I n Leeds now and again to play poker.

Next door is Weatherspoons pub.

At that time bitter in Weatherspoons was 99p and a short and a mixer was £1.20.

In Casino its around £3.

So any break I just nipped next door for cheap drinks.

Anyway he is fit and well and it was great to meet him again.

[Guest Swish]

Yes Swish that's me! I'm a Cambridge gal but moved down to Devon in 1987!

I think my signature probably sums me up really!

You take care,.... & can you put my name down for a copy of your book please. xx

Thank you Bev

You are welcome to a copy of my book.

Much love

Swish

P.S. I normally expect at least 3 kisses from lovely gals.

xxxx

[Guest Swish]

Now then Robert from the Shop----great reading,as i said b4 i read about 25 pages of the book in faded type about 1988---if the rest is as good you ,ll be rich and may never need to work again(LOL). Missed you last Fri,Bry Walker came out for a couple of hours(Blue Bell,Golden Lion and Wagon and Horses--Lawrence street).Will be in Eboracum again b4 Xmas ,will give you more notice.

N.B. Brian and i were wondering was the Torch that you went to as good as the one in Hose Street!!!!!

Give me a bell

T.C.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA , Tony

There will be noone except you who knows why you call me ROBERT FROM THE SHOP.

To others

Sure I had a shop but that ain't it.

By the way Tony thanks for telling me about that sound. Got it thank you.

[Guest Heartnsoul]

Absolutely brilliant!! Look forward to reading more of your antics when the book comes out. Reminds me of the tales my old mate Stan Spencer (RIP) used to tell me about the Wheel, Torch, VA Va's etc etc.

I seem to remember chatting to you at a few venues back in the 90's - Keele allnighter rings a bell?

Keep at it mate, it sounds like it'll be worth the effort when it's finished. Hope Carole from Cas turns up, it brought a rear to me eye that bit!

Rich

Hard to say. I've written over 300 pages and that's only my childhood and soul scene up to 1972.

There's a hell of a lot to do yet.

A lot of pages were written on a type writer and, although I have found and re-typed on to computer the majority, loads are lost, sadly. (That's how come I found that box of memorabilia whilst trying to find the lost pages.)

Also a lot was typed on to an old computer that got destroyed by a virus. Some of those were saved on to floppy disc but they don't work in this computer.

So, it's tough, re-piecing it all together, coupled with emotional factors that sometimes inspire me to write and sometimes make me feel too sad to write.

There's a lot to think about, believe me.

THE WIGAN CASINO STORY is a decent read but it's more like a history book than a nighter boy's personal life,

CENTRAL 1179 which is about THE TWISTED WHEEL is a great read but similar applies.

My book is much, much more than a history book. A lot of it is hard to believe, apart from those who lived the same life, I want to portray it real, the way it really was. I can and will do it, but it takes much time, effort, and soul-searching (if you forgive the expression),

So, bear with me, it's going to take a few months yet.

Anyway here's a litle "clip"

THE METRO WAKEFIELD

When I arrived at the Metro and walked down the stairs, the atmosphere hit me like nothing I had ever experienced before. The heat was over whelming, as was the atmosphere, and the sounds were absolutely out of this world.

The place was absolutely packed out with people. It was so hot that sweat was dripping from the ceiling, I loved it, loved it completely.

There were sounds from the Wheel, sounds I had heard at The Spinning Disc and others I had never heard before, every one brilliant.

Dennis went off for ten minutes, then came back and asked me to follow him.

He took me up some stairs near the entrance.

They only led to a small attic-like room but there were 4 or 5 people in there.

"Have you got £1.50" asked Dennis, putting his hand out.

I gave it to him and this other guy got a plastic bag out which was absolutely full of gear. I had never seen so much.

He put his hand in the bag and passed Dennis some gear which he passed to me.

8 Dex, 2 Green and Clears 2 Black Bombers.

WOW!

I glanced back at the plastic bag. What beautiful colours they all were.

"Thanks a lot " I said and someone handed me a coke and I gulped them all down.

I went back downstairs and sat with Dennis's girlfriend Heather and some friends of hers. We were introduced and made small talk for a while, but then I started to come up , they were as well and then we could not each get a word in fast enough.

Every time one of Heather's favourite records came on she got up to dance to it, but us other 3 just talked and talked and talked.

A few friends came past whom I knew from the Wheel and we shook hands and they joined in the talking as well. We all felt great, much more then great, completely at ease, we wanted to be friends with the world.

Every now and again a sound would come on and one of us would say "Listen to this" or "What's this, it's absolutely brilliant.

So this was Caps and pills , eh? Bloody marvellous!.

After a couple of hours, Dennis came over to us and pointed out a big Negro named Vinny.

" Stay well out of his way lads, he's bad news. By the way, how are you all feeling?"

"Fucking great, best ever", I answered.

"See you later I'm off d-jing in ten minutes".

"Ok Dennis, see you".

We carried on talking and occasionally dancing, but you could hardly move, there were so many people , and sweat was pouring down our faces and backs with the heat.

Here's another extract:

THE TWISTED WHEEL

But I went to the greatest and most notorious discotheque nearly a year before that..

I'll never forget that night in Manchester.

The time about 9p.m., me and Eddie (Arthur)wandering around this city trying to find this disco.

We went up to 3 guys and asked them the way.. One of them answered,

His exact words were:

"You've got to be a Jew a coon or as hard as nails to go there".

AND ANOTHER:

Thumbing home from THE LANTERN, MARKET HARBOROUGH

I got to somewhere near Barnsley, when I was dropped off.

I had spent all my money on the record almost so there was not much money left to get a bus, and it was a mile to Barnsley town centre.

So I started walking.

I had my bag with all my change of all-nighter clothes in + my precious record.

After half a mile I passed a road with a bridge over it. The bridge was about 200 yards away.

Underneath the bridge was a group of about 30 skinheads, so I quickly walked passed.

But they spotted me!

A-G,AGR, AGRR, AGGRO came the chant and they ran for me.

I was thumbing like mad on a busy road trying to get a lift but nobody stopped, I ran as fast as I could, (remember I had not slept for 2 days and nights).

They were gaining on me.

I turned a corner and there was a pub over the road!

I shot across the road and ran in the pub.

It was obvious to the land lord and customers I was under great stress.

I got total sympathy.

I got 2 pints of ale bought for me and some cigs given to me.

They knew all about the gang and hated them.

The gang stood outside chanting for a while, but eventually, fucked off.

I sat and drank my beer for an hour or so and gradually calmed down.

I had a few pence left, enough to catch a bus some part of the way back to Leeds. The fellahs in the pub checked the gang had gone and told me where to go to catch a bus to Leeds.

The bus stop was about a hundred yards away.

I thanked them all and tentatively made my way there.

The bus came . It was 75p to Leeds and I only had 50 p left.

So I said I would have a ticket that would take me as far as possible.

Often when I had done this before, the driver forgets who paid what, or turns a blind eye, or just ignores it if you stay on. But not this time.

About a mile from Leeds he stopped at a bus stop and told me to get off.

I had 4 miles to walk, cold and shattered.

It took a long time but I did it. I got in the flat, threw my bag and clothes on the floor and got into bed.

ABSOLUTE BLISS!

I layed in bed for a little while before I fell asleep, re-capping my weekend, how I loved Harborough and the people, Blackpool Mecca as well, thanking GOD for how I escaped from the skinheads, how the nice blokes in the pub had looked afterme,

AND I now owned THE NEXT IN LINE on STATESIDE!

What a fucking result!

AND ANOTHER: ALSO ABOUT THE LANTERN

Some lads from ---- noticed me wandering around and came up to me.

"What's in your box pal?"

I knew their game straight away.

"Fucking Christmas trees, what do you think?"

"Lets have a look then!"

"Fuck off !", I said, knowing, even though I was out of my head, that they were going to try and roll me.

Suddenly one of them tried to grab my box, and just as suddenly they were surrounded by lads from Harborough, Kettering, and Corby.

The ----- kids knew they had made a mistake, more than that they knew they were in serious danger.

"Touch him and you don't walk out alive. That's Swish, he's a decent geyser. He hasn't come all this way to be bothered by wankers like you, Know what I mean?"

The ----- kids were scared now and quite rightly.

"Look mate we only wanted to buy a few records"

"Oh is that a fact, well you'd better by some then hadn't you? How much money you got?"

He searched frantically in his pocket.

"Err I've got £3 here"

"And I've got two" said another"

"I've got 3 as well" said another, visibly shaking.

"Have another look, you haven't come all the way from ----- with only that much between you" says Wacker.

(As a matter of fact people often did come with hardly any money, myself included, because once you had scored your gear,unless you were buying records,you only needed money for drink and cigarettes.

But they did have another "look" and came up with about £16 between them.

"Swish sell these tossers £16 worth of records", said Wacker.

"But that's all we've got........." says one of them we won't have any money for a drink or to get home".

"What a fucking shame, we're all filling up for you, NOW HAND IT OVER!"

They gave me all their money and I gave them all the records that were hardest to sell, about a tenner's worth.

They fucked off.

"Thanks lads" I said.

"Anytime Swish, no one will ever touch you here, you're one of us"

How I loved that club and those brilliant people.

In the morning when the nighter finished Sean invited me back to his flat in Northampton.

We sat for hour after hour talking like you do, but I had sold every record in my box part from 2 so we didn't have much to play. He'd just got the brilliant DARKEST DAYS by JACKIE LEE so we played that over and over again. It sounded ace for the first 25 times or so but then it started to get a bit monotonous., so we played the 2 records I had left. In the end we were absolutely sick of them.

At 12 noon we went down the local pub but were still too smashed to enjoy a pint, properly, although we did down a couple of pints of lager, and carried on talking about the sounds, the people, the squad, the gear, it was so interesting, so exciting, so brilliant.

We went back after the pub, talked some more then I crashed out on the settee. I slept for a long time.

When I woke up it was dark.

But it wasn't Sunday night (as I thought at first).

IT WAS MONDAY NIGHT FOR CHRIST'S SAKE!

I had missed work again!

So, you see, Mak, there's a lot to remember, think about and do.

Thank you for asking buddy.

Edited November 29, 2009 by Heartnsoul

[Guest Swish]

Hey Swish, that sounds great and as Sean says it seems you were destined to find that box at this moment in time.

Are there any of those super duper fantastic poems you wrote in there? Really hope so.

I don't think I can ever remember so eagerly awaiting a book to be published.

Best,

Dave (Minit as was)

I found a couple more:

THE SAINTS AND SINNERS (BIRMINGHAM) IN WINTER

THE EXPRESS SHOOTS THROUGH THE STILL NIGHT

SHATTERING THE DARKNESS WITH A SPEAR OF LIGHT

"OUT ON THE FLOOR" POUNDS FROM THE DISCOTRON

AS WE MAKE OUR WAY TO BIRMINGHAM

THE TIME GOES SO FAST IT'S INCREDIBLE HERE

AS WE EACH DROP OUR FIFTEENTH GREEN AND CLEAR

IT'S 3AM IN THE MORNINGSOON THE WINTER SUN WILL BE DAWNING

(BUT NONE OF US WILL BE YAWNING)

AS THE FIRST DAWN LIGHT IS FORMING

TALKING, SITTING, WITH RECORDS ON OUR LAPS

SMOKING, DISCUSSING, SMASHED ON CAPS

AFTERSHAVE COMBS AND PERFUME

WE KNOW WE'LL BE THERE SOON

THE DAWN GROWS CLEARER AND CLEARER

AS OUR TRAIN GETS NEARER AND NEARER

ESCITEMENT FILLS US AND BUTTERFLIES GRIP US

SOON WE'LL BE DANCING AT THE SAINTS AND SINNERS

PEOPLE WILL BE COMING OUT AT EIGHT

TONIGHT WE'RE VERY LATE

PETE JOHNS, CHRIS HUNTER, NETTA AND COLIN WILL BE THERE

THEY FOLLOW SOUL EVERYWHERE

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE PEOPLE I'LL MEET

AND TO WALK THROUGH THE MORNING SNOW ON BROAD STREET

I wrote that in DECEMBER 1974.

Here's a short one by the late KIM DENT from Bradford.

He wrote it in December 1974 also whilst sharing a flat in Leeds with myself, Smyg from Leicester, John Watkinson from Goole, and Shammy from Leeds.

Myself and Smyg had been to Scarborough. Smyg had cracked up and thought the squad were hiding in the same room as him in the B&B.

CRACKING UP MY WAY

(BASED ON FRANK SINATRA'S "MY WAY")

AND NOW THE END IS NEAR BECAUSE THE SQUAD'S BEHIND THE CURTAIN

THE NOISE, I HEAR DOWNSTAIRS IS BURGLARS I'M CERTAIN

[Guest Dave Turner]

I found a couple more:

THE SAINTS AND SINNERS (BIRMINGHAM) IN WINTER

THE EXPRESS SHOOTS THROUGH THE STILL NIGHT

SHATTERING THE DARKNESS WITH A SPEAR OF LIGHT

"OUT ON THE FLOOR" POUNDS FROM THE DISCOTRON

AS WE MAKE OUR WAY TO BIRMINGHAM

THE TIME GOES SO FAST IT'S INCREDIBLE HERE

AS WE EACH DROP OUR FIFTEENTH GREEN AND CLEAR

IT'S 3AM IN THE MORNINGSOON THE WINTER SUN WILL BE DAWNING

(BUT NONE OF US WILL BE YAWNING)

AS THE FIRST DAWN LIGHT IS FORMING

TALKING, SITTING, WITH RECORDS ON OUR LAPS

SMOKING, DISCUSSING, SMASHED ON CAPS

AFTERSHAVE COMBS AND PERFUME

WE KNOW WE'LL BE THERE SOON

THE DAWN GROWS CLEARER AND CLEARER

AS OUR TRAIN GETS NEARER AND NEARER

ESCITEMENT FILLS US AND BUTTERFLIES GRIP US

SOON WE'LL BE DANCING AT THE SAINTS AND SINNERS

PEOPLE WILL BE COMING OUT AT EIGHT

TONIGHT WE'RE VERY LATE

PETE JOHNS, CHRIS HUNTER, NETTA AND COLIN WILL BE THERE

THEY FOLLOW SOUL EVERYWHERE

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE PEOPLE I'LL MEET

AND TO WALK THROUGH THE MORNING SNOW ON BROAD STREET

I wrote that in DECEMBER 1974.

Here's a short one by the late KIM DENT from Bradford.

He wrote it in December 1974 also whilst sharing a flat in Leeds with myself, Smyg from Leicester, John Watkinson from Goole, and Shammy from Leeds.

Myself and Smyg had been to Scarborough. Smyg had cracked up and thought the squad were hiding in the same room as him in the B&B.

CRACKING UP MY WAY

(BASED ON FRANK SINATRA'S "MY WAY")

AND NOW THE END IS NEAR BECAUSE THE SQUAD'S BEHIND THE CURTAIN

THE NOISE, I HEAR DOWNSTAIRS IS BURGLARS I'M CERTAIN

Wow Swish, that's ff fer ferr fantastic.

Yours is pretty good as well

Can't wait fer the book, it's gonna make ya wich

[Guest mooma]

hiya swish

have you mentioed in the book how you got the "nickname" swish?? I have known for a long time how you got it but will leave the explaining to you lol!!

sue bushby

Ps give ya all a clue it was to do with a certain make of curtain pole and some1 falling lol xxxxxxxxxxx

[Guest Swish]

hiya swish

have you mentioed in the book how you got the "nickname" swish?? I have known for a long time how you got it but will leave the explaining to you lol!!

sue bushby

Ps give ya all a clue it was to do with a certain make of curtain pole and some1 falling lol xxxxxxxxxxx

I've e-mailed you

I don't think you were there.

And I don't appreciate you being clever with me.

WHAT IS THE POINT OF THAT?

I know what you are like when you get all f***** wierd and that, I've known you nearly 40 years.

Leave it out Sue.

You do the lovliest posts with those superb photos and then suddenly switch.

I guess you always did.

Swish

[Guest mooma]

I've e-mailed you

I don't think you were there.

And I don't appreciate you being clever with me.

WHAT IS THE POINT OF THAT?

I know what you are like when you get all f***** wierd and that, I've known you nearly 40 years.

Leave it out Sue.

You do the lovliest posts with those superb photos and then suddenly switch.

I guess you always did.

Swish

Hiya swish!!!

you have taken my posting the WRONG WAY!!!! I never meant to offend you or anyone else by what I put!!! I wasnt there when you got the "NICKNAME" but have listened to the tale many times and cant see why you would be offended by informing anyone!!!

Yes! you have knoewn me for 40 years and if you did really know me you would know that it wasnt meant to offend you.

ONCE AGAIN I APOLOGISE TO YOU IF I HAVE UPSET YOU IN ANYWAY OR FORM!!!

Sue Bushby

x

[Guest mooma]

swish

havent gone any emails on my hotmail account!! dont know how to read any emails sent on soulsourse (aint think neva had one sent) CAN ANY ONE ADVISE ME???

sue

[Guest mooma]

ps that should read AINT THICK!!!

sue

[Guest Swish]

Sue, that was a joke honey

I don't remember telling you that joke. I never got my nickname for that reason (its nowt to do with it)

The real reason is on the lost e-mail(It's also lost here)

If you were here now I'd hold you in my arms and kiss you to death.

Knecked with you once, adored you, but times changed, you found other guys.

Still love you

Always will.

Love Swish

[Pauldonnelly]

Sue, that was a joke honey

I don't remember telling you that joke. I never got my nickname for that reason (its nowt to do with it)

The real reason is on the lost e-mail(It's also lost here)

If you were here now I'd hold you in my arms and kiss you to death.

Knecked with you once, adored you, but times changed, you found other guys.

Still love you

Always will.

Love Swish

sorry swish, bit down at the mo so stuff like this sends me all over the place

[Guest Dave Turner]

sorry swish, bit down at the mo so stuff like this sends me all over the place

That piccy kills me everytime. Looks like Patrick Moore and someone's just bust the yolk on his chucky egg

Edited December 2, 2009 by Dave Turner

[Guest mooma]

SWISH!!!

LOVE YA LOADS MATE!! always have always will!! hope we will be mates for the next 40 years!!! and I do remember that KISS!!

sue

[Guest]

Yo Swish,

Re the other post the ladies referred to are Noreen and Effna and as far as I know they are alive and well and still living in the L.uton and Dunstable area, L & D are right next to each other, one side of Pointers Road is in Luton, the other side is in Dunstable LOL

Every Beat of my Heart was a big sound at Harborough...on the President (UK) label

Edited January 4, 2010 by mike
requested