Leeds Central

[Petedillon]

anybody got any pis from the Leeds Central days?

[Guest aintgotit]

anybody got any pis from the Leeds Central days?

if its pics of leeds central try glynis elgeys albums on facebook , theres a few on there from about 78

[Guest topcatnumpty1]

Are you asking bout the Fridays early in the 7o,s with Tony Banks, or the 78-80 Saturdays with Swish,Pat Brady and Ian Dewhirst --as i,ve got some of the later ones.

T.C

[Petedillon]

was hoping for Tony Banks/allnighter era and earlier if possible really but any would be good..say from 1967 -1972. all would be interesting though as very few are around. Chris Mallows has loads but getting him to upload them in near on impossible!!

Edited November 27, 2010 by oscar toney

[Guest mooma]

peter!!! hope urs is a misprint PIS ??? u working as a squad person these days !!! p sample not done one in years !!! or PIC as I hope it is is what ya after I will get up in the attic sort threw thousands of carrier bags and do my best to find those i have happy days eh? BUT!!! am not responsible for any any embarrment caused if anyone recognises themselves xxx

[SOULCENTRAL]

peter!!! hope urs is a misprint PIS ??? u working as a squad person these days !!! p sample not done one in years !!! or PIC as I hope it is is what ya after I will get up in the attic sort threw thousands of carrier bags and do my best to find those i have happy days eh? BUT!!! am not responsible for any any embarrment caused if anyone recognises themselves xxx

COUNT ME IN FOR A FEW IF YOUR LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND THEM. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET SOME PICS,FLYERS ETC FROM THE CENTRAL DAYS OF 1970 to 1974 FOR AGES.

ROY

[Petedillon]

watch this space in next couple of weeks, hopefully have some to upload. If any turn up Sue, put em on.

[Guest miss nancy]

I would love to see pics of this venue, I could kick myself for never taking any photos! Saying that I was at college, working in a local post office from 9.00 - 6.00 pm for the princely sum of £6.00 which had to pay for the train to Leeds (never worried how we would get home!) and drinks etc., and something to wear couldn't afford a camera never mind the cost of developing the pics

[Petedillon]

put a few in my gallery, should have some more soon

[Ian Dewhirst]

was hoping for Tony Banks/allnighter era and earlier if possible really but any would be good..say from 1967 -1972. all would be interesting though as very few are around. Chris Mallows has loads but getting him to upload them in near on impossible!!

Hiya Pete.

Long time no see. Hope you're well mate. You were an established Leeds Central regular long before I got there and I can still remember your sharp taste in suits!

I'd love to see some photos from the early days. I never realised that the Central kicked off in 1967. This stuff needs documenting and I guess the best bet would be to trawl locally and maybe launch a kind of 'memorabilia appeal' via the local papers. I'm worried that a lot of this stuff will get lost. Ridiculous as it sounds, Jimmy Saville actually invented the concept of utilising two record decks for the DJ. So the whole foundation of the professional DJ and the use of two record decks started in Leeds. Then Leeds based Pete Stringfellow came along and launched with the Mojo in Sheffield before going on to establish himself as a massively successful nightclub entrepreneur on the international stage. So Leeds is responsible for spawning a lot of influential stuff in terms of culture.

The Central was a total inspiration to me as a 16 year old entering the scene in1971 and I namecheck it every opportunity I can because it was the most important and influential club in my musical education. Leeds Central is very dear to my heart.

Who's the local heritage guy Pete? And does he know about this rich seam of local history I ask myself.....?

Ian D

Edited March 5, 2011 by Ian Dewhirst

[Guest topcatnumpty1]

Got to agree with all the above(even the comments by the Carshalton Cowboy) i loved my time at Leeds Central and The Precinct pub b4 hand,and it is never givenenough credit in the development of our uniquescene ,its always Wheel,Torch,Cats,Wigan etc.

T.C

[SOULCENTRAL]

put a few in my gallery, should have some more soon

[/quote

HI PETE,

Well you really have dug deep to get these. Obviously showing their age but still makes the hairs on the arms stand to attention!!

regards ROY

[SOULCENTRAL]

. Ridiculous as it sounds, Jimmy Saville actually invented the concept of utilising two record decks for the DJ. So the whole foundation of the professional DJ and the use of two record decks started in Leeds.

The Central was a total inspiration to me as a 16 year old entering the scene in1971 and I namecheck it every opportunity I can because it was the most important and influential club in my musical education. Leeds Central is very dear to my heart.

Who's the local heritage guy Pete? And does he know about this rich seam of local history I ask myself.....?

Ian D

HI IAN,

Did you go to the regular saturday morning sessions at the Spinning Disc in the county arcade and then progress to saturday afternoon where a lot more soul orientated music was played?.

I remember on a few occasions when Sir Jim graced us with his presence on the afternoon and played a few soulful tunes.

Could not get into the Leeds Central until i was 16 although i tried for some 10 months before hand. The reason for this was i happened to go to school with the brother of the doorman at the time, big Willie Richardson, and also lived just down the road from him so he knew exactly how old i was. If you know him you will appreciate that there was no point trying to sneak passed him as he filled the doorway!!!!!.

Yes the Leeds Central does not get the recognition it deserves and as you say was inspirational for many at the start of their soulful journey.

regards ROY

[Ian Dewhirst]

HI IAN,

Did you go to the regular saturday morning sessions at the Spinning Disc in the county arcade and then progress to saturday afternoon where a lot more soul orientated music was played?.

I remember on a few occasions when Sir Jim graced us with his presence on the afternoon and played a few soulful tunes.

Could not get into the Leeds Central until i was 16 although i tried for some 10 months before hand. The reason for this was i happened to go to school with the brother of the doorman at the time, big Willie Richardson, and also lived just down the road from him so he knew exactly how old i was. If you know him you will appreciate that there was no point trying to sneak passed him as he filled the doorway!!!!!.

Yes the Leeds Central does not get the recognition it deserves and as you say was inspirational for many at the start of their soulful journey.

regards ROY

Hi Roy,

No, I was too young for the Spinning Disc but I'm pretty sure I was passing it when I was 15 and noticing that's where the action was. Leeds was always a pretty cool place so any excuse to get over there from Mirfield was good. I met the Cleckheaton mob - Sid, Smithy, Rod, Twink at a Soul night in a pub in Cleckheaton and they took me to the Central. Tony Banks was the deejay and P.P. Arnold, Lou Johnson, Fathers Angels, Soul Twins, Garnet Mimms were the big records, so I reckon that must have been '72 or thereabouts......?

I think Twink and I maybe started deejaying there from '73 then.....?

Ian D

[Petedillon]

Hi Ian and Roy.

Great to hear from you both. Yes Ian the Central was a big influence on the Leeds and surrounding areas developing Soul scene. I first ventured there around 1968,when it was simply a mod club playing the usual mixture of soul,motown and ska & rocksteady.Also a few tunes which blew our minds brought along by any of the older guys who ventured further, if they were not down at the BeeGee up the road. One of the dj's then was a guy called Andy he took me with him to the Wheel, then after that I ventured to the L'Ambassadeur, Metro etc . It was myself ,Mick Eastwood and people like Tony Jackson , Chris Mallows ,Dave Maltas etc who talked the manageress-Joan into having all-nighters. Previously we used the Central as a starter point before heading off to the all-nighter of choice..The rest is history, as they say. The few pics I have in my gallery are all I have, but hopefully by next week I may be posting a load more. Roy, Willie Richardson was awesome, ex-Mr Universe, I think. He once picked me up by the skin on the inside of my arms, I still have the scars!. In all honesty, I loved the Central. It was our spiritual home.

Before that the Spinning Disc was another cracking venue! if anybody doesnt know what it was like, its best described as a replica in lay-out of the casino!

I lost my first job because we used to go to the mid-week lunchtime 12-2 session 1 shilling to get in , cop off and not go back to work, spending the afternoon in the El Toro or Lulu's. Great times haha. Rick Vaughan used to play Billy's Bag by Billy Preston at the end as you left. Saw all the great touring soul bands there, Geno, James & Bobby Purify, Lee Dorsey,Jimmy James.

best

Pete Dillon

Edited March 9, 2011 by PeteDillon

[Petedillon]

Ian,

I should add, I remember yourself and Twink when you first arrived , you a fresh faced young upstart. We didnt give you the respect that you later obviously deserved for your record collection and expertise, mate.

well, that and we were Leeds Soulies and we were well hard!!

Edited March 5, 2011 by PeteDillon

[Guest]

Ian,

I should add, I remember yourself and Twink when you first arrived , you a fresh faced young upstart. We didnt give you the respect that you later obviously deserved for your record collection and expertise, mate.

well, that and we were Leeds Soulies and we were well hard!!

Nothing has changed Peter , except that Ian is a fresh faced old upstart ........

Top man is our Foggy .

Malc

[Guest]

Hi Ian and Roy.

Great to hear from you both. Yes Ian the Central was a big influence on the Leeds and surrounding areas developing Soul scene. I first ventured there around 1968,when it was simply a mod club playing the usual mixture of soul,motown and ska & rocksteady.Also a few tunes which blew our minds brought along by any of the older guys who ventured further, if they were not down at the BeeGee up the road. One of the dj's then was a guy called Andy Harrison(Scotch Andy) he took me with him to the Wheel, then after that I ventured to the L'Ambassadeur, Metro etc . It was myself ,Mick Eastwood and people like Tony Jackson , Chris Mallows ,Dave Maltas etc who talked the manageress-Joan into having all-nighters. Previously we used the Central as a starter point before heading off to the all-nighter of choice..The rest is history, as they say. The few pics I have in my gallery are all I have, but hopefully by next week I may be posting a load more. Roy, Willie Richardson was awesome, ex-Mr Universe, I think. He once picked me up by the skin on the inside of my arms, I still have the scars!. In all honesty, I loved the Central. It was our spiritual home.

Before that the Spinning Disc was another cracking venue! if anybody doesnt know what it was like, its best described as a replica in lay-out of the casino!

I lost my first job because we used to go to the mid-week lunchtime 12-2 session 1 shilling to get in , cop off and not go back to work, spending the afternoon in the El Toro or Lulu's. Great times haha. Rick Vaughan used to play Billy's Bag by Billy Preston at the end as you left. Saw all the great touring soul bands there, Geno, James & Bobby Purify, Lee Dorsey,Jimmy James.

best

Pete Dillon

I can still see Willie / Bill's smiling face ( yes , he did smile ) as clearly as I can see the monitor in front of me .

He was a great guy and a pleasure to know , but when he went on door duty , he was an intimidating figure .

You are quite right Peter , he was an ex - Mr Universe , but it was the UK Amateur one .

Following his success in the contest , he gave up being a doorman to concentrate on body building and other related areas of the sport : I think he opened a gym in Leeds but I cannot be sure .

What you may not know , Bill had also been the UK arm wrestling champion for three consecutive years in the 60s . In respect of his arm wrestling prowess , Bill competed in the arm wrestling competition on Yorkshire Television's " Indoor League " . He had entered the competition right handed , but when he was told that all the places for RH competitors had been taken , he did it left handed ........ and won .

In respect of Bill's musical tastes , he was a big fan of the American guitar group The Ventures ( " Walk Don't Run " etc ) , and used to bring in copies of their albums ( on import US Liberty red vinyl ) " insisting " that we played " good music " before we opened . On the rare occasion I hear a Ventures record , hearing it makes me smile .

Malc

Edited March 6, 2011 by Malc Burton

[Mike]

gallery is coming to the end of a week of upgrade/work

 

its not the full finished item, but is useable

 

if you aint been there yet

here's a link to the "70s cat" which holds the leeds album by Pete (look on right for nav)

https://www.soul-source.co.uk/gallery/

[Ian Dewhirst]

Ian,

I should add, I remember yourself and Twink when you first arrived , you a fresh faced young upstart. We didnt give you the respect that you later obviously deserved for your record collection and expertise, mate.

well, that and we were Leeds Soulies and we were well hard!!

Well I was a div wasn't I?

It's the unwritten set of checks and balances that keeps 'new to the scene' people in their place. These things usually work in generational cycles. If you were going to the Spinning Disc in '68, you'll be around 5 years older than me I guess (ie 60+) which would make you a 'first generation' soulie and me a second generation one, since I probably didn't get seriously into it until '71. In fact, that would be about right, 'cos that was about the time I met Graham Slater and the Cleckheaton lads. So I was a kid.

No one who arrived on the scene back then got any respect until they'd been around a while or put a few good records together. It was a rite of passage and sorted out the wood from the chaff which probably wasn't a bad thing in retrospect. It meant an early induction into the heirarchy of the scene. This meant that you'd develop a hide of steel and thus be able to deal with the particular nuances of the scene.

Good fun this. I completely forgot about Joan, but she was responsible for giving me my first DJ gig. Later on, from '77 onwards, myself and Paul Schofield ran the club in conjunction with Len Cave and his glamourous younger wife who's name I've temporarily forgotten.

But that Joan was a real character wasn't she?

Ian D

[Petedillon]

Ian,

I really think you summed it up well with regard to the newcomers role on the scene!. I myself was the young upstart to the older BeeGee and Wheel lads from Leeds myself. Couldn't get even near the Three Coins though!

I'm only 57 mate

I started going to the Spinning Disc near the end of 1967 at 13, was an old looking teenager and had a Keyhole club membership card , got nicked on a scooter at Roundhay Park and was dropping gear at 14! So wrong!!

Somewhere else on here, Sue Bushby from Bradford tells stories of going to The Spinning Disc on a Saturday afternoon so she too will have some memories to share on this subject. I myself only went to the Saturday afternoon sessions in the summer, I was at Elland Road during the winter.

Yes, Joan and her hubby Derek were a pair weren't they? In the early days at the Central, they would do a waltz if a dj played a slow number at the back end of the night.She was as rough as a bucket, hard as nails but a lovely lady. She died quite tragically I seem to recall. Len Cave was the owner even then, a bit of an eccentric figure, himself.

Malc, you say "we" with regard to Willie Richardson and his Ventures records and before "we" opened !

What year was this mate? let me know whats your connection to the Central & how old are you ? Really puzzling me and some of the older Leeds lads to be honest. Not doubting you, just cant place you at all.

Pete

Edited March 6, 2011 by PeteDillon

[Northern Soul Uk]

OH MY Word, The 'Leeds central'!! The first ever REAL Northern Soul venue i ever went to and easily the best small club in the world ever.

I remember the brilliant atmosphere, the massive tunes, the owners Joan and Derek and their beautiful daughter, and Clive her boyfriend, and Len Cave who went through a bottle of Whiskey every night, but what a character.

I remember all the DJs, Twink, Ian, Swish, Tony Banks, and was very lucky to have been one of the resident DJs in the later days of the central.

If you look at the picture that Pete posted with the mighty 'Bub', that's me on his shoulders, what a top bloke and very sadly missed.

I could go on for ever and will probably come back to add to the amazing memories of this legendary venue.

Edited October 28, 2018 by Northern Soul UK

[Guest I KNOW NOTHING]

a

[SOULCENTRAL]

Ian,

I really think you summed it up well with regard to the newcomers role on the scene!. I myself was the young upstart to the older BeeGee and Wheel lads from Leeds myself. Couldn't get even near the Three Coins though!

I'm only 57 mate

I started going to the Spinning Disc near the end of 1967 at 13, was an old looking teenager and had a Keyhole club membership card , got nicked on a scooter at Roundhay Park and was dropping gear at 14! So wrong!!

Somewhere else on here, Sue Bushby from Bradford tells stories of going to The Spinning Disc on a Saturday afternoon so she too will have some memories to share on this subject. I myself only went to the Saturday afternoon sessions in the summer, I was at Elland Road during the winter.

Yes, Joan and her hubby Derek were a pair weren't they? In the early days at the Central, they would do a waltz if a dj played a slow number at the back end of the night.She was as rough as a bucket, hard as nails but a lovely lady. She died quite tragically I seem to recall. Len Cave was the owner even then, a bit of an eccentric figure, himself.

Malc, you say "we" with regard to Willie Richardson and his Ventures records and before "we" opened !

What year was this mate? let me know whats your connection to the Central & how old are you ? Really puzzling me and some of the older Leeds lads to be honest. Not doubting you, just cant place you at all.

Pete

HI PETE,

I wont say the memories are flooding back but some things i keep recalling about the Central. If memory serves me correctly do you remember the time probably around mid 1971 when the Central nearly closed its doors for good.

I recall being down there one friday night when there was only about a dozen of us in there. Joan and Derek were going back and forth between Len Caves office and it was unusual that Len was in that early anyway. The upshot of it all was that the ballroom evenings, like the soul nights, were dwindling in numbers and as a result the club was suffering financialy. Joan called a few of us for a chat and explained the club may close. From that night on i believe we all more or less took over the paid jobs in the club, obviously doing them for nothing. Tony jackson,Keith Atkinson and others dj'd and we all gave a hand serving behind the bar and on the door. Well we did regard it as our club and wanted it to stay open. :thumbsup:

Yourself, Mick,Chris,Dave,Tony,Keith and myself managed to persuade some new faces to attend including some new people off the street and the club started to pick up again. About this time some of us started going to the Torch and got into buying records to take back and play at the Central. A great discovery at this time was the legendary record stall on Bradford market which helped put the Central well and truly on the musical map as many off the finds here were also being played at the Torch.

By 72' the club was again well and truly vibrant again and people were travelling from far and wide including regular coachloads from Newton Aycliffe. The dj rosta had changed as well with the addition of the likes of Swish, Tony Banks and various guests to be followed later by Steve Luigi, Twink and some guy called Ian Dewhirst :lol: .

The great thing in all this was that nearly all those guys are still around and great friends. Genuine people who built a comeradery around soul music and a very special club in which they could listen, socialise and meet new friends. :lol: .

Pete this is a great thread to indulge in a bit of history and many stories yet to surface so come on everyone who went lets hear some more.

ROY

[Northern Soul Uk]

Another memory of the 'Central' was my 21st birthday, I can't remember who did it, but I think it was Joan and Derek who made me a birthday cake with the Central badge iced on it with black icing. Fantastic! so 21, that will have made it 1975.

I also remember that on the last days of the Central I was offered a copy of 'Solomon King -This beautiful day' on UK Columbia demo for £30, but couldn't afford it.

I have a picture of the Central with Chris Mallows in the forefront, and Ian Dewhirst on the DJ stand in the background. here it is.

You may be able to spot someone you know on there too.

Edited March 6, 2011 by steveluigi

[Petedillon]

Alas, the promised pictures will be delayed for a few weeks. But I promise everybody that I will get them on here as soon as possible.

In the meantime can anybody list any tunes which were first broken at the Central? Think Ian and possibly Pat Brady might be able to help with this.

I know one which was definitely broken at the club. The Triumphs-Walking The Duck!!! I bought it at Bradford market in the afternoon, and Kim Dent from Bradford dropped it on the floor in the evening! Broken in three pieces .!!

by the way Roy, that last post of yours was brilliantly put. Regarding the closing down crisis jogged my memory. I worked on the membership and cloakroom counter for a while.

Edited March 6, 2011 by PeteDillon

[Northern Soul Uk]

Just added some old Central photos from the 70s to my Gallery. Hope you like.

[Ian Dewhirst]

Ian,

I really think you summed it up well with regard to the newcomers role on the scene!. I myself was the young upstart to the older BeeGee and Wheel lads from Leeds myself. Couldn't get even near the Three Coins though!

I'm only 57 mate

I started going to the Spinning Disc near the end of 1967 at 13, was an old looking teenager and had a Keyhole club membership card , got nicked on a scooter at Roundhay Park and was dropping gear at 14! So wrong!!

Pete

OK, you're 2 years older than me then and probably started 2-3 years before I did. I actually lived in Leeds (Roundhay) up to the age off 11 (in '66), when the family then moved to Mirfield, however, I used to go to Leeds on a Saturday afternoon in the mid to late 60's and can clearly remember that the Saturday afternoon action happened at the Spinning Disc. Mind you, moving to Mirfield, meant that I fell in with the Huddersfield crowd which included several Wheel goers plus Graham Slater used to work at the same place as me, so I figure I would have eventually found the In Crowd wherever I lived LOL....

I think the Central was the main beneficary of it's proximity to Bradford market because I remember hearing all those Verve/MGM tunes very early on like Dottie Cambridge, April Stevens, The Tymes, The Shalimars, The Triumphs, The Superiors and Alice Clark's "You Hit Me" on Warners which was also via Bradford Market etc, etc.

The first records I had at that time were "Thumb A Ride" - Earl Wright, "I Need Your Love So Desperately" - Peaches & Herb, "Crying Over You" - Duke Browner, "Nothing But Love" -Kaddo Strings, "Wait Til I Get To Know You" - Bobby Treetop, "Slipping Around" - Art Freemen plus virtually all of the Bradford Market gear including quite a few things which hadn't broken at that point. I think it was "Thumb A Ride" which got me the Central gig 'cos Banksy used to pester me to bring it down every week.........

Ian D

Edited March 7, 2011 by Ian Dewhirst

[Guest Nick Harrison]

Post removed,

Edited March 7, 2011 by Nick Harrison

[Northern Soul Uk]

Used to love the 'Spinning Disc', The big tune I remember from there was 'Isley brothers - Behind a painted smile' and it's still one of my faves.

Also the 'Snowballs' that they used to serve at the bar, which were crushed ice with juice poured over it, Yummy!

I also remember a load of scooters getting kicked over outside (before it was pedestrian precinct), there were about 6 parked up and some

dickheads went past and kicked them over. I think there was an upstairs bar too in there where you had to be 21 to go in, I never got in cos I was too young at the time. Can't remember what they called the upstairs bit now??

The coffee bar I used to frequent the most was the 'carousel', which was opposite the Grand theatre, and another one (name escapes me now) which was opposite the old 'ABC' cinema. I remember the 'Corousel' was run by a Greek guy called 'Ardi', Top bloke who used to put up with all the goings on. Great days those were.

Another place I use to frequent very regular was 'The Precinct' pub, with the metal dance floor, and the really tall DJ (what was his name?), remember cracking up in there after coming back from the Casino one day, might have been the Torch, thought everyone was looking at me, I think they call it paranoia LOL.

Edited March 7, 2011 by steveluigi

[Northern Soul Uk]

OK, you're 2 years older than me then and probably started 2-3 years before I did. I actually lived in Leeds (Roundhay) up to the age off 11 (in '66), when the family then moved to Mirfield, however, I used to go to Leeds on a Saturday afternoon in the mid to late 60's and can clearly remember that the Saturday afternoon action happened at the Spinning Disc. Mind you, moving to Mirfield, meant that I fell in with the Huddersfield crowd which included several Wheel goers plus Graham Slater used to work at the same place as me, so I figure I would have eventually found the In Crowd wherever I lived LOL....

I think the Central was the main beneficary of it's proximity to Bradford market because I remember hearing all those Verve/MGM tunes very early on like Dottie Cambridge, April Stevens, The Tymes, The Shalimars, The Triumphs, The Superiors and Alice Clark's "You Hit Me" on Warners which was also via Bradford Market etc, etc.

The first records I had at that time were "Thumb A Ride" - Earl Wright, "I Need Your Love So Desperately" - Peaches & Herb, "Crying Over You" - Duke Browner, "Nothing But Love" -Kaddo Strings, "Wait Til I Get To Know You" - Bobby Treetop, "Slipping Around" - Art Freemen plus virtually all of the Bradford Market gear including quite a few things which hadn't broken at that point. I think it was "Thumb A Ride" which got me the Central gig 'cos Banksy used to pester me to bring it down every week.........

Ian D

ian I thought you were the same age as me and Pete, 57, I know your birthday is 2 days before mine 4th march?? If I'm wrong please forgive me.

Steve (Still love you to bits mate) we had some fab times Ian, especially in your flat on Cardigan Lane, with the 'log laying' dog LOL! Thanks.

Edited March 7, 2011 by steveluigi

[Ian Dewhirst]

ian I thought you were the same age as me and Pete, 57, I know your birthday is 2 days before mine 4th march?? If I'm wrong please forgive me.

Steve (Still love you to bits mate) we had some fab times Ian, especially in your flat on Cardigan Lane, with the 'log laying' dog LOL! Thanks.

Hiya Screamer,

Born in '55. I was 56 last Friday. Talking of Central regulars has anyone seen hide nor hair of Chris Jenkinson aka Psycho over the last 20 years? He was a good mate in the 80's but I lost touch with him in the mid 90's.......

And, yes. That Cardigan Road flat sure saw some action didn't it LOL.......?

Ian D

[Northern Soul Uk]

No Ian, but at the moment I work with another good friend of Chris's, Terry Dean. I asked him the same question and he said the last time he saw Chris was about 2 years ago when he came into Terry's then place of work repping for some company?? Don't know what he was selling like. Chris was a major player in the Leeds pirate radio scene when he spawned 'Dream FM', then, and still to this day the best pirate radio station in the City and maybe farther afield.

[SOULCENTRAL]

Used to love the 'Spinning Disc', The big tune I remember from there was 'Isley brothers - Behind a painted smile' and it's still one of my faves.

Also the 'Snowballs' that they used to serve at the bar, which were crushed ice with juice poured over it, Yummy!

I also remember a load of scooters getting kicked over outside (before it was pedestrian precinct), there were about 6 parked up and some

dickheads went past and kicked them over. I think there was an upstairs bar too in there where you had to be 21 to go in, I never got in cos I was too young at the time. Can't remember what they called the upstairs bit now??

The coffee bar I used to frequent the most was the 'carousel', which was opposite the Grand theatre, and another one (name escapes me now) which was opposite the old 'ABC' cinema. I remember the 'Corousel' was run by a Greek guy called 'Ardi', Top bloke who used to put up with all the goings on. Great days those were.

Another place I use to frequent very regular was 'The Precinct' pub, with the metal dance floor, and the really tall DJ (what was his name?), remember cracking up in there after coming back from the Casino one day, might have been the Torch, thought everyone was looking at me, I think they call it paranoia LOL.

HI STEVE,

Your memory seems to be pretty sharp for an old un!!. The Carousel was one of the few coffee bars to be seen in when you were in Leeds as well as the others mentioned in previous posts on this thread. I remember frequenting the coffee bar you mention opposite the old ABC, although i too cannott remember the name i do remember joining my first scooter club that met there- The Incas and when that one closed we ended up down the road at the Texas Grill??.

As pete previously mentioned the bar upstairs at the Spinning disc was the Keyhole club and Pete was lucky enough to have a membership card, must be something to do with the fact he could grow facial hair from the age of 11 .

I think your cracking up episode would have been on a return trip from the torch as that was one of the places we ended up in when landing back in Leeds. The fact that people were looking at you was because your eyeballs were three times the size they should have been and seemed to be on sticks :thumbup:

ROY

[Northern Soul Uk]

HI STEVE,

Your memory seems to be pretty sharp for an old un!!. The Carousel was one of the few coffee bars to be seen in when you were in Leeds as well as the others mentioned in previous posts on this thread. I remember frequenting the coffee bar you mention opposite the old ABC, although i too cannott remember the name i do remember joining my first scooter club that met there- The Incas and when that one closed we ended up down the road at the Texas Grill??.

As pete previously mentioned the bar upstairs at the Spinning disc was the Keyhole club and Pete was lucky enough to have a membership card, must be something to do with the fact he could grow facial hair from the age of 11 .

I think your cracking up episode would have been on a return trip from the torch as that was one of the places we ended up in when landing back in Leeds. The fact that people were looking at you was because your eyeballs were three times the size they should have been and seemed to be on sticks :thumbup:

ROY

Heheh!! yes Roy, I think that was the reason mate. I was in the 'Incas' too at the time, and then when the Central Scooter club was formed I obviously joined that. There are some pictures on my profile gallery of the scoots from the Central SC on their way to Brid' I think, there;s mine, Mac's, Chris mallows, Dave Maltas's and Andy Waller's scooters on there, and all bearing the 'CSC' shields.

I will try to find out the name of the Coffee bar opposite the ABC, as the woman and her husband who own the post office near me used to go to it. They told me the name once, but I forgot again.

Steve

All the best Roy.

[SOULCENTRAL]

Heheh!! yes Roy, I think that was the reason mate. I was in the 'Incas' too at the time, and then when the Central Scooter club was formed I obviously joined that. There are some pictures on my profile gallery of the scoots from the Central SC on their way to Brid' I think, there;s mine, Mac's, Chris mallows, Dave Maltas's and Andy Waller's scooters on there, and all bearing the 'CSC' shields.

I will try to find out the name of the Coffee bar opposite the ABC, as the woman and her husband who own the post office near me used to go to it. They told me the name once, but I forgot again.

Steve

All the best Roy.

STEVE,

Just complimented you on your good memory and you then come out of the closet and admit to showing signs of sinility courtesy of memory loss :thumbup: .

Nothing to do with those little blue "Tic Tacs" that were consumed many years ago .

Keep well pal

ROY

[Petedillon]

was it called the Acropolis?

[Petedillon]

Chris Jenkinson was last seen , by Dave Maltas a few years back in the Grand Theatre with his dad, watching an Agatha Christie play!!! I kid you not, people. Even ore bizarre was that Dave Maltas was there too !! He lived in Lovell Towers flats in Little London around 90-ish, used to visit occasionally, if you know what I mean. Every time you went it was a cloak & dagger operation getting in. Only to find the flat full of ravers and that Leeds band..Utah Saints.

Strange Days indeed.

[Guest]

was it called the Acropolis?

Correct

Malc

[Petedillon]

There we are...Uncle Peter with his amazing recall! dont know where I dug that up from. Malc can you remember what the club that backed onto Lulu's was called, cant for the life of me think of it.

[Soul Stu]

Ye god this takes me back to the good old days.

[Petedillon]

Hello Stu , how are you? long time mate...

[Petedillon]

Malc, did you remember what the club behind Lulu's was ?

[SOULCENTRAL]

Correct

Malc

Hi MALC,

Just wanted to share a little story with you about Willie the doorman and the Central Club.

After finally being allowed in as a fresh faced 16 year old circa 1970, after a few months i began to get a little more confident within the club and improved my dancing somewhat and social skills. One of the proviso's on Willie allowing me in was not to touch the alcohol as he knew how old i was.

Anyway i finally plucked up the courage to go to the bar and order myself half a Double Diamond which was duly served and i returned to my little dark alcove at the far side of the club. I had a few sips and remember thinking, this is it i have finally arrived.

After a cople of dances i went for a drink again and as i put the glass to my mouth i felt a vice like grip around the back of my neck which completly parylised most of me. I could not put the glass down or turn around but i had a good idea i was in trouble and who it was-Willie.

The words he spoke began to ring in my ears "what did i tell you not to do" over and over. By this time a small audience had gathered at which point Willie marched me over to the bar and made me pour what was left of the Double Diamond down the sink and as punishment for my indescretion made me collect glasses for the rest of the evening :D .

It was an abject lesson in humiliation but fair play to him he did not chuck me out and when i returned the following friday he still let me in, but not without the wry nod of the head and smile which i took to mean dont do it again!!!

ROY

[Davetay]

Hi MALC,

Just wanted to share a little story with you about Willie the doorman and the Central Club.

After finally being allowed in as a fresh faced 16 year old circa 1970, after a few months i began to get a little more confident within the club and improved my dancing somewhat and social skills. One of the proviso's on Willie allowing me in was not to touch the alcohol as he knew how old i was. :yes:

Anyway i finally plucked up the courage to go to the bar and order myself half a Double Diamond which was duly served and i returned to my little dark alcove at the far side of the club. I had a few sips and remember thinking, this is it i have finally arrived.

After a cople of dances i went for a drink again and as i put the glass to my mouth i felt a vice like grip around the back of my neck which completly parylised most of me. I could not put the glass down or turn around but i had a good idea i was in trouble and who it was-Willie. :)

The words he spoke began to ring in my ears "what did i tell you not to do" over and over. By this time a small audience had gathered at which point Willie marched me over to the bar and made me pour what was left of the Double Diamond down the sink and as punishment for my indescretion made me collect glasses for the rest of the evening :( .

It was an abject lesson in humiliation but fair play to him he did not chuck me out and when i returned the following friday he still let me in, but not without the wry nod of the head and smile which i took to mean dont do it again!!!

ROY

A GREAT STORY, and also a sign of how times have changed.

Dave.

[Tanktop]

I would love to see some picts of the central 76-80. I moved from dundee to leeds to go live at my aunts & was frequently at this venue on the saturday sessions with a couple of my pals, dave tasker & mally. My nickname back then was Scotty & if anyone remembers me, drop me a email. Ive still got my original central soul club patch which nowadays seems to be fetching a few bob....... Oh happy days.

[Petedillon]

I believe the original badges go for 3 figures now. Somebody told me Mally had recently bought one.

[Northern Soul Uk]

Yeah Pete, apparently Chris mallows has 1 too I think.

Pete do you remember some of the faces from the Lulu's lot back in the day, like Tommy McLean and John Sweeney? I used to go to school with John Sweeney and it was him that introduced me to the Mod/Scooter scene. I think it will have been him that took me to the 'Spinning Disc' for the first time too. They were proper hard nuts.

[Petedillon]

Oh yes, we were awesome buddy! haha. thats so sad know. John & Gary Street, Chip Fisher, Eddie Cawley, Scotch Andy, Wee Tam, and the West Indian guys -Jerome, Martin and Dennis. also Harehills Mick and others I cant recall by name. Lulu's (previously called Ioannou's ) was on a back-alley really. It was where the Bird Cage is now, between Albion Street and City Square. Higher up was the Three Coins club. legendary in its time for hosting R&B giants such as John Lee Hooker. I was too young to go there!! It was the top Mod place in town before the BeeGee, Lulu's & the Central. Le Conq D'ore was in the next backstreet too.

[SOULCENTRAL]

I believe the original badges go for 3 figures now. Somebody told me Mally had recently bought one.

HI PETE

I have still got mine and somewhere in the shed have one of the original Central scooter club sheilds as per Steve Luigis photo gallery. Still got the membership cards too, both the Central Dance club and Central Soul club ones.

Just need one or two original flyers with a couple of piccies and i can complete my framed collage Central Soul Club which i have been meaning to complete for the best part of twenty years now :)

Anyone got a few to spare!!!!

ROY