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Twisted Wheel, For Sale?


ulyssees

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Guest mvb031259

For the doubters , take a trip down there on Sunday at least once before you pass judgement , the atmosphere is something else , many people you see there you see nowhere else or maybe they are the ORIGINALS out to party to sounds you hear nowhere else .. the roots the sound of STAX which is forgotten in many other places .

Believe it or not I have heard stuff down there that I didn't know existed ... I shall be chippin away at the piece of wheel on Sunday before its lost forever.

The Wheel has never had much credit from many patrons of this site (not all may I add), hence the reason Wheel goers don't bother posting on here. When you look at the amount of attendees (1040 in dec) who enjoy the Sunday soul session alone, you would think that the the Wheel would get loads of air time on here, but like you we get our bus in the club and have no desire to come on here and get knocked....

It can be frustrating that venues with 20 or 30 attendees playing some obscure rarity get so much publicity on here, guess that's them trying to convince everyone they are having a great time, but that's fine by me so long as they are enjoying what they do..... However what is frustrating is all the talk of soul brothers and sisters etc etc, yet some would rather come on here and put up no objection to the planned closure of this fantastic club even revel in the proposed closure....... Like it or not the Wheel IS the place where it all began, and without that the soul scene would be nothing like it is today or has been......

Yes a lot of the good old stuff is played there, because that is what the patrons want, and what's wrong with that, those tracks are the bread and butter of the scene. For anyone to say nothing different is played there is simply showing their ignorance, especially if they have never been, a great mix is played at the club, requests are played anything to please us patrons, and I have never walked away without being on top of the world at any Wheel session.....

So come on one and all, if you have been and don't like it that's fine, if you haven't been then you will never know what you are missing, but please don't knock our club, I don't see any Wheel goers knocking your club or music preference, if you don't feel obliged to put your weight behind the campaign that's fine, but don't knock it....... It would be great if everyone on here got behind the campaign to keep this fantastic club open, we may not win but let's give it our best effort together as soul brothers and sisters......

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I used to love the Wheel back in the 80's and 90's but then it was a progressive venue with top DJ's of the time. Guess some don't want to keep looking back.

Will the new hotel not have a function room where it can continue? I know it won't be the same but what is today?

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I have the utmost respect for the Twisted Wheel . Forty years since its closure the horse has well and truly bolted .

I am not knocking the current events at but they could be held anywhere if they are any good they will stand by there own merits .

Its a building , right I,m of to debate on the relative merits of wattle and daub on the bricks are better forum :rofl:

Edited by Mark S
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Saw it on the local news last night.

Peter somebody showing the Twisted Wheel tattoo on his leg to the sound of Do I Love You :lol:

Pete Roberts,Twisted Wheel D.J /promoter,a gentleman who was a member of the club in the sixties who took the chance to re-instigate the club in its original venue,keeping as close to the original playlists of the sixties Wheel and has managed to keep the club going from strength to strength over the past 11 years,staunchly aided by John Green and Albert "Jock" Heron.

Recent guest D.J's include Richard Searling several times,Ginger Taylor,Brian Rae regularly when his health permits,Barry Tasker, Jos from Amsterdam and more.

Bearing in mind that this was a B.B.C production at very short notice the Frank Wilson background would have been one of the backroom teams idea-i know that it is one of Pete's least favorite tunes anyway!

I trust you were trying to add some humour to what is obviously a very emotive subject to many joan,and didn't intended it to look like a snide comment :)

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Strange how a couple of months ago when the 100 Club was threatened with closure all and sundry on here were crying about it. Same thing happens with the Wheel and people can't wait to knock the place. Is part of the reason because the Wheel is in the north of England?

I was too young to go to the original Wheel but went to the nighters held every Bank Holiday Sunday in the 80s / early 90s. They were top nights and it was brilliant to be in the venue where it all started. For people to come on here slagging the place off who obviously never go is just another variation of the same old argument we have heard time and again, us versus them. Gets a bit boring after a while.

I don't attend many oldies venues these days but for those who do what is wrong with 600 people actually enjoying themselves on a Sunday afternoon? If you don't want to go then don't bother, I'm sure you won't be missed. Don't know why people can't let individuals make their own minds up regarding the type of event they attend instead of dictating what type of music they should or should not be listening to. A lot of jealousy from some quarters, methinks.

For anyone who is interested there is a petition on Facebook regarding the proposals for the Wheel , don't know if it will do any good but you never know. Personally I think it would be a shame if the Wheel were to close permanently, I know it's not everyones cup of tea but they must be doing something right to get the crowds they do.

May even pop along this Sunday................

Well said that man :thumbsup:

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I find it really sad that people on here think its a big joke , lets pour petrol on the fire and watch it burn .... where is your respect for those that were doing it when you was still at primary school or maybe not even out of nappies.

My sadness is for those people that stil love the place , they are losing something that feels very special to them , yes you can move the sounds to another location , but its still a sadness for them very much like losing your first love for many. You could at least show some compassion for that alone.

They made the faith .... you keep it so have some respect !

Edited by Carms
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Guest mottspeed

havent been going there long,but the few times i have the atmosphere as been second too none.me personally will be upset to see a brilliant club close.

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I find it really sad that people on here think its a big joke , lets pour petrol on the fire and watch it burn .... where is your respect for those that were doing it when you was still at primary school or maybe not even out of nappies.

My sadness is for those people that stil love the place , they are losing something that feels very special to them , yes you can move the sounds to another location , but its still a sadness for them very much like losing your first love for many. You could at least show some compassion for that alone.

They made the faith .... you keep it so have some respect !

Thanks for that Carmen, some of more negative contributors to this thread seem to have a downer because it's not to their particular taste,but if it was one of the venues that they have been supporting for any number of years there would be uproar.To be honest I sometimes get the impression that their ignorance is our bliss.

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Thanks for that Carmen, some of more negative contributors to this thread seem to have a downer because it's not to their particular taste,but if it was one of the venues that they have been supporting for any number of years there would be uproar.To be honest I sometimes get the impression that their ignorance is our bliss.

There called Keyboard Warriors !!!!

So, what's a keyboard warrior ? a keyboard warrior is someone who has a lack of skill or knowledge of the subject they are commenting on. They are generally aggressive in nature and have surely met up with some resistance in "real life." and usually have a small Penis. In short, they are idiots.

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There called Keyboard Warriors !!!!

So, what's a keyboard warrior ? a keyboard warrior is someone who has a lack of skill or knowledge of the subject they are commenting on. They are generally aggressive in nature and have surely met up with some resistance in "real life." and usually have a small Penis. In short, they are idiots.

You are sounding just as bad as those you are slagging off, give it a rest please. Any more off topic and it will be removed.

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PLEASE HELP US SAVE THE WHEEL

AS YOU MAY HAVE HEARD, A GERMAN COMPANY IS PLANNING TO DEMOLISH

THE WHEEL IN ORDER TO BUILD A HOTEL. WE HOPE TO PERSUADE THEM TO LEAVE THE WHEEL CELLARS UNTOUCHED. PHILIPPE WEYLAND IS THEIR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR.

HIS EMAIL IS pweyland@motel-one.com

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THIS LETTER: https://www.mediafire...e8bm7bduhf2xwb2

PLEASE REPLACE THE THE WORDS {REGULAR ATTENDEE} WITH {SUPPORTER} IF YOU DO NOT ATTEND THE CLUB AND ARE GIVING THIS CAUSE YOUR BACKING.

AND THEN EMAIL IT TO HIM. IF ENOUGH OF US DO THIS, HE JUST MIGHT HELP US OUT. PLEASE DO IT TODAY. THANK YOU.

NOTE:PLEASE SEE SAOSH's POSTING FOR A MORE UP TO DATE CAMPAIGN SUPPORT LETTER .

Edited by Irish Spinner
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Thank you so much for putting the e-mail address up Irish spinner .

I have sent my e-mail to them this morning , lets hope many follow as a mark of respect for the cultural heritage of what this building has meant to many and what it may mean to future visitors to one of the most soulful cities in the world.

Lets hope and we make an impression thats is one for all and all for one.

PS I didn't use the letter I made it personal , post the request on facebook and get people around the WORLD that you know to send them an e-mail .

I also asked him to read the book Central 1179 , which might give him some indication as to why people CARE .

If anyone has a spare copy , please offer to send it to him , he needs to see he has an added attraction that other hotels in the city do not have.

Edited by Carms
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Guest proudlove

If the "keyboard warrior"and obviously never been were aimed at me then you are so far off the mark you are on a different planet.i was at the last Friday session with Barry Tasker,Pat Soye ,Johhny Mac,having a chinwag with Brian Phillips,and literally just got back from a funeral in Newquay of a well known Manchester lad who went to the wheel back in the day.

I know Pete Roberts and have the utmost respect for what he has done and the passion and commitment and tenacity he has shown in putting on the sessions he does.

BUT......personally,I stand by my comments,Fridays can be good,no great,the Nighters can be good,but the last couple I have been to have been dissapointingly poorly attended (especially after midnight).............but the Sunday sessions are not my cup of tea..............

Key board warrior ,my arse,I said exactly the same thing when I was down there,and exactly the same to Johnny who will be there on Sunday

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I trust you were trying to add some humour to what is obviously a very emotive subject to many joan,and didn't intended it to look like a snide comment :)

I mentioned it because I found it absolutely hilarious. What has a tattoo on your leg got to do with saving a club?

I mentioned FW because it's pants :lol:

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This is the latest version of our campaign, containing the THREE names that need lobbying

AS YOU MAY HAVE HEARD, A GERMAN COMPANY IS PLANNING TO DEMOLISH THE WHEEL IN ORDER TO BUILD A HOTEL. WE HOPE TO PERSUADE THEM TO LEAVE THE WHEEL CELLARS UNTOUCHED.

THERE ARE THREE PEOPLE WE NEED TO LOBBY. THE ARCHITECT (WHO WILL ACTUALLY APPLY FOR PERMISSION), THE BUILDER, AND THE HOTEL GROUP.

SO PLEASE DOWNLOAD THESE THREE EMAILS:

mail@hodderandpartners.com

info@olympianhomes.com

pweyland@motel-one.com

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THIS LETTER (IT WILL BE OK FOR EACH OF THEM):https://www.mediafire.com/?s7z7ij0hieeaxe4

AND THEN EMAIL IT TO EACH OF THEM. IF ENOUGH OF US DO THIS, THEY JUST MIGHT HELP US OUT.

Thanks for your support

Edited by soash
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time and money waits for no one, no even old soulies, its history yes, but only a generations history, our generations, when we go so will our history, fact of life im afraid.

our history is recorded in various publications and in that it goes on, they only preserve old buildings surronded by 20 million acres so the masses can have somewhere to walk at the weekend.

No they don't...

They retain them as imposing reminders of what this country really represents...Just in case we forget, which a hell of a lot of people do... :hatsoff2:

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Guest mvb031259

I mentioned it because I found it absolutely hilarious. What has a tattoo on your leg got to do with saving a club?

I mentioned FW because it's pants :lol:

So you know of no one who has tattoos of the great Wigan Casino on their person...... It's a sign of passion for the club or whatever of your choosing, no one has any more passion than Pete who runs the club, he was just trying to portray what the club means to him personally......

The Wheel in a hotel function room !!!!!!!!...... Get real, It's my opinion that function and council rooms are the ruination of many Soul events, they have no atmosphere, no history and are nothing like the soul clubs of the 6T's and even 7t's where it all began. The Wheel is about the atmosphere, to be in that room (stage room) and look where Pete, John and all are plying their trade and realise the likes of Charlie and Inez Fox, Jr walker, Edwin Starr, Spencer Davies, Marv Johnson, Chris Farlow etc etc etc stood on that stage and played to the crowd makes your hair stand on end, how in gods name could that feeling be replicated in a brightly lit open function room.

The Twisted Wheel club is a fantastic piece of history, you walk down the stairs listening to Wheel tracks, the feeling is unbelievable, you can't wait to get into that stage room and on the dance floor, the heat fills the room with thoughts and memories of those hallowed days,you walk through the dark coridoors with the sounds of the 6T's banging off the walls..... Brilliant. Yes the floor does get packed, but that's how it was and lets be honest there's not too many of us nowadays who need acres of room to ply our trade, like when we were kids....All this is part of the Wheel, as Pete said if we do loose the club it's replacement will have to be another dark dingy cellar to get as close as possible tothat atmosphere at 6 Whitworth St.....

For those interested don't loose sight of the link which Brooksey has posted https://www.change.or...gends-nightclub...... It is mainly a Legends link but that link is protesting to Manchester city council, who are still to receive and aprove planning permition for the proposed hotel. Personally speaking I think these are the people who need lobying as they have the ultimate say and the investors haven't purchased the club to run Legends or The Wheel. On that link you can declare your interest and put forward reasons for opposing the proposed hotel......

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So you know of no one who has tattoos of the great Wigan Casino on their person...... It's a sign of passion for the club or whatever of your choosing, no one has any more passion than Pete who runs the club, he was just trying to portray what the club means to him personally......

I am not doubting anyone's passion and I am certainly not trying to belittle what is trying to be achieved here. Apologies if it seems like I am. I work in heritage and feel very strongly about things like this.That said, we all know what the media is like, especially where the soul scene is concerned. They certainly don't have an impressive track record of making us look good do they?

If it was me, I would have concentrated on putting the serious message across, as in the clubs history and what it means to the many people who still go there. Not have them focus in on me and my tattoo.

It has got the word out there though which can only be a good thing. I have signed the petition.

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I am not doubting anyone's passion and I am certainly not trying to belittle what is trying to be achieved here. Apologies if it seems like I am. I work in heritage and feel very strongly about things like this.That said, we all know what the media is like, especially where the soul scene is concerned. They certainly don't have an impressive track record of making us look good do they?

If it was me, I would have concentrated on putting the serious message across, as in the clubs history and what it means to the many people who still go there. Not have them focus in on me and my tattoo.

It has got the word out there though which can only be a good thing. I have signed the petition.

You're always causing trouble you, Joan....ha ha! :lol:

If the Wheel had been an opera house, jazz club or ballet school there would have been no question of it being demolished, in fact it would probably have qualified for lottery funding to keep it open.

The fact that it is a working class venue and part of a working class scene in the North West of England has got a lot to do with it.

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I have added this mail on behalf of Pete Roberts, promoter Twisted Wheel Club.

(Reason: He is not a member on Soul-Source)

Pete Roberts here.

I was reluctant to come on to this site, but I feel I would like to reply back to Jumping Joan and others, about the BBC Interview on the threatened Twisted Wheel Club closure.

Do you seriously think that I spent the best part of three hours being interviewed and that I wanted the TWO minutes to be condensed and part of that two minutes wasted on showing the tattoo on my leg, which by the way they were told by a third party about the tattoo, and not by me? The Interviewer promised me they wouldn't be broadcasting that part of the interview. I have no control over what the interview was edited down to, I also had NO control over that Frank Wilson Pop record "Do I Love You" (Indeed I Don't) being played either, which is Not a Wheel record, and will NEVER be played at the Wheel.

Yes I can take your point and believe me, I did tell them how important the Club and the BUILDING is!!

I also told them all about all the Black American Artists who appeared on that famous little stage at the Wheel.

And for the people who think the Twisted Wheel Club is a Youth Club - Why for the last 12 years has my phone never stopped ringing, by some of the biggest named DJ's in the country asking me if they could do a guest DJ spot at the Twisted Wheel?

Pete Roberts

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If the "keyboard warrior"and obviously never been were aimed at me then you are so far off the mark you are on a different planet.i was at the last Friday session with Barry Tasker,Pat Soye ,Johhny Mac,having a chinwag with Brian Phillips,and literally just got back from a funeral in Newquay of a well known Manchester lad who went to the wheel back in the day.

I know Pete Roberts and have the utmost respect for what he has done and the passion and commitment and tenacity he has shown in putting on the sessions he does.

BUT......personally,I stand by my comments,Fridays can be good,no great,the Nighters can be good,but the last couple I have been to have been dissapointingly poorly attended (especially after midnight).............but the Sunday sessions are not my cup of tea..............

Key board warrior ,my arse,I said exactly the same thing when I was down there,and exactly the same to Johnny who will be there on Sunday

I don't think that you are a keyboard warrior mate

As a wheel regular for the last 4 years

I do agree love the Fridays and the allnighters ( but I don't stop till the end work commitment )

Sunday's are fantastic up to About 5pm then you see to get loads of "tourists" (for want of a better word) drinking on the dancefloor spilt drinks ect.

Great atmosphere though and I am still hearing stuff that is new to me and have to ask wtf is that

Today I'm gonna try and dance to as many tracks as I can today is gonna be special it's the wheel and long may it keep turning

Spike

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I don't think that you are a keyboard warrior mate

As a wheel regular for the last 4 years

I do agree love the Fridays and the allnighters ( but I don't stop till the end work commitment )

Sunday's are fantastic up to About 5pm then you see to get loads of "tourists" (for want of a better word) drinking on the dancefloor spilt drinks ect.

Great atmosphere though and I am still hearing stuff that is new to me and have to ask wtf is that

Today I'm gonna try and dance to as many tracks as I can today is gonna be special it's the wheel and long may it keep turning

Spike

As for the "tourists" with their drink problem, they always get told to "GET OFF THE DANCE FLOOR" in no uncertain terms whenever it is brought to the attention of the DJ who is on at the time (especially Pete Roberts!) as I'm sure you will agree with...

Edited by john green
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:hatsoff2: HI ALL GIRLS! I Would of thought, rather than the 2 days of non action, from SOULSOURCE members, can't at least 1 of you get in touch with GREENPEACE!! as they are really passionate on the subject of SAVEING THE WHALE! :g:SOME OF THE PIONTS PUT FOREWARD SO FAR, HAVE MEANT NOTHING?

THIS IS WHAT TO DO!...So far the best suggestion is to agree on is it worth saving? if so why?......

The concept of it being saved as a building of NATIONAL & LOCAL HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE, seems to me the obvious starting place, if they can save a semi-detached house in Liddypool, because of the link to Macca! and the BEATLEMANIA! (Youth sub culture) The importance to pay homage to the Manchester Club the LIVE Acts, and the cult following, for young people to gather together as the only way to hear music, BLACK MUSIC,

At a time when the majority of the country had racist & bigoted views on any thing foran to them, It is now excepted that the MOD culture of the inner Cities were the 1st people to start the integration process in England, the early All NIGHT clubs owners, were taking a huge risk, by establishing these Clubs, that only 18 moths earlier, would have been raided by the youth cult of TEDDY BOYS, My paint can be better made by looking at the immigrants who lived in NOTTING HILL!

Although to us the Soul Scene is our life and our passion, made with a bond of love, greater than our lust to reproduce! for many of us it is a religion (belief) that we can't live without, Again the next big step towards integration, come as a shock reaction f the working class youth towards the more privileged middle classes, who were given far more privileges to further their education, only to be HIP and Drop out, or establish sorority groups that stated all men were bad! and saw the answer to be liberated from their shackles to have the right to be feminists, I am not knocking or mocking them for this, But the girls that I met in 68 smelt of body Mist, MUM Roll on, Yardley SEA JADE, and liked to shop in CHELSEA GIRL.

In 1968 the reaction to the freaks turned hostile, they looked down their noses at us, Eventually there snooty ways got answered with a leather sole, and then by BOOTS, these younger MODS were given the name of in the South East BOVVER BOYS, BOOT BOYS & AGRO BOYS, As a Micky take on the Cockney Accent, by 1969 they were christened with the name SKINHEADS, in the South East the integration carried on, but the big difference was that the majority of SKINHEAD Firms started to attend the local West Indian Clubs and most up market clubs played the new soul FUNK! the new Jamaican Music Reggae appealed to the 15 to 20 year old,

However although the style went northbound, the SOUL Scene went UNDERGROUND, so much so, that you would never of known it existed, as invitation was by word of mouth only, When I went into the twisted Wheel Club in 68, it was by pure fluke as I had watched West Ham play, we were going to Blackpool, but hit the Pubs around the rail station, and just stumbled across the bob next to the wheel,

Now the reason behind this post, is if I can appreciate the importance of the building and how it stands as a statement as to all the original clubs, instead of yapping on, lets at least organise a demo to protest and for those of you who still don't get the point or the difference between the Wheel that closed in 1971 and the opened one, all I can say some of us are or have fallen on hard times, the true fraternal spirit of the original club goers would take me and TOADY BOY and all the others back for that last time visit. in fact I would do the tent thing that they did at St Paul's just to make the statement? it's back in your hands BROTHERS & SISTERS RIGHT ON KTF :wave:

post-13241-0-53504900-1329273893_thumb.j SAVE THE TWISTED WHEEL CLUB OK! DtheDRUG 69

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MONEY!!! That's all it's about. No regard to anything else and in ten years when it's a tatty doss house or backpacker inn we'll say - 'Told you so' My city has had it's fair share of 'council led' projects over the years and the ones that disposed of heritage/youth culture etc are now all a crock of shit. The old Victorian - Handyside Arcade - a haunt of everyone from hippies to Mods was demolished years ago to be an extension of Eldon Square shopping centre - oh and the same block housed The Club a Go Go where every sixties beat band, Zoot Money etc and even Hendrix played. Apart from that and surely you must have had one in your town/city - The Mayfair Ballroom a Mecca establishment - I went to every soul nighter there in the late 70's and saw every band imaginable in that hall as well. Now it's a car park under the drinking cess pit called The Gate. Home of every stag and hen and chav getting pissed every weekend Great if you've been and had fun but history was condemned because the council took the leisure group/restaurant chain and multiplex cinema money. The missus loved The Wheel when I eventually dragged her along on a weekend away and it looks like I better get back sharpish. It may be out of everyones control but protest like hell and challenge the authorities involved. They don't do getting upset! I'm sure Pete will find some place in the Northern Quarter and if people consider it died in 71 anyway then at least carry on the spirit of The Wheel once again albeit in a different place! Places come and go but as the future is unwritten, all we have for certain is our memories.

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I think we need to get a few scooter clubs involved lets have a gathering invite loads of scooters , get some posters made , sandwich boards and hold a protest , even dress up ! invite the press , make it as colourful as you can ! The press and TV will love the spectical and it will give the cause publicty , all publicity is good even if you think it doesn't portray todays scene its still PUBLICITY !

We can all congregate and have a few beers outside Monroes . Arrange to get it organized for the Easter Sunday session preceding the bank holiday Monday , weather should be good for a large gathering and I think many will come to show their support if we start talking about it NOW !

Edited by Carms
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Guest mvb031259

There is currently 2,067 signatures on https://www.change.or...gends-nightclub the petition to Manchester City Council...... A great start but we need to keep on recruiting signatures and keep the pressure up.

Guess most all will be off to a soul bash this weekend, lets get the word spread. If you can get DJ's to announce the link or reference to the thread on here that would be fantastic...... Got a favorite local radio show/shows ? Please consider e-mailing them with the plight of the Wheel, directing other listeners onto this thread on here, or directly onto the link above (make sure you click on it to get the full address), another tool for spreading the word and getting that petition signed........

Like I have said in previous posts, not too many wheel goers come on here, but some of us are here and asking for your help to keep this piece of all of our soul history alive. The threat is real and your support, and any ones support you can muster will help preserve this fantastic club. This is fight can be won with the help of all. People are starting to worry/feathers are being ruffled about the campaign, the Germans have been in contact with Julian and Jorge (the current lease holders of the Wheel, and campaigners from the Legends side) asking what the blooming hell is going on with all the interest in Legends and the Wheel :thumbsup::yes: .......

Edited by mvb031259
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Just a quick point, the Wheel is Iconic because it lasted longer than any other all-niter, 7 years if you include Brasenose Street and had a policy of showcasing unkown black artists, all other top clubs lasted bearly a year or more at the niter level, Wigan: before you jump in, was a modern club;it was also pretty straight to the roots in promoting Soul music with a dose of Ska.

When the Mojo in Sheffield had Bobby Freeman on doing the Swim, everyone walking round with joss sticks in their mouths didn't seem to go together, i.e. like lots of other clubs, it moved with changing fashion and tastes, the Wheel stayed true.

Why is it so interesting at present is that it is the original place is virtually unchanged:Cats, Torch and Blackpool Mecca plus loads of others have been demolished, hence it is not only oldies,people as well as records, but the original environment-hence the attraction, you can put your youth into some kind of perspective,

When it's gone you can't move it, it's the place that's key..

There are hundreds of venues today offering "northern soul" ,but when the Wheel was going that term hadn't been coined, and most where hole in the wall venues which added to the excitement, as it was then a word of mouth scene, the Wheel was the pinacle, if your mates ( older) asked you to go, you'd done it!

Unfortunately it will go, it can't be compared to the Cavern as the Beatles and Mersysound originated from there, all that came from the Wheel (with respect)was a load of pillheads having a great time.

Shelly

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Guest JIM BARRY

Just a quick point, the Wheel is Iconic because it lasted longer than any other all-niter, 7 years if you include Brasenose Street and had a policy of showcasing unkown black artists, all other top clubs lasted bearly a year or more at the niter level, Wigan: before you jump in, was a modern club;it was also pretty straight to the roots in promoting Soul music with a dose of Ska.

When the Mojo in Sheffield had Bobby Freeman on doing the Swim, everyone walking round with joss sticks in their mouths didn't seem to go together, i.e. like lots of other clubs, it moved with changing fashion and tastes, the Wheel stayed true.

Why is it so interesting at present is that it is the original place is virtually unchanged:Cats, Torch and Blackpool Mecca plus loads of others have been demolished, hence it is not only oldies,people as well as records, but the original environment-hence the attraction, you can put your youth into some kind of perspective,

When it's gone you can't move it, it's the place that's key..

There are hundreds of venues today offering "northern soul" ,but when the Wheel was going that term hadn't been coined, and most where hole in the wall venues which added to the excitement, as it was then a word of mouth scene, the Wheel was the pinacle, if your mates ( older) asked you to go, you'd done it!

Unfortunately it will go, it can't be compared to the Cavern as the Beatles and Mersysound originated from there, all that came from the Wheel (with respect)was a load of pillheads having a great time.

Shelly

i went to the placemate 7 in 74 when it was an upmarket club, i remember seeing the old twisted wheels on the walls, but can't recall any winding stone corridoors or alcoves, they may have been on a different level, or did they revamp it and years later restore the celler area?

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i went to the placemate 7 in 74 when it was an upmarket club, i remember seeing the old twisted wheels on the walls, but can't recall any winding stone corridoors or alcoves, they may have been on a different level, or did they revamp it and years later restore the celler area?

Different level, lower/lower ground floor

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Guest mvb031259

Just a quick point, the Wheel is Iconic because it lasted longer than any other all-niter, 7 years if you include Brasenose Street and had a policy of showcasing unkown black artists, all other top clubs lasted bearly a year or more at the niter level, Wigan: before you jump in, was a modern club;it was also pretty straight to the roots in promoting Soul music with a dose of Ska.

When the Mojo in Sheffield had Bobby Freeman on doing the Swim, everyone walking round with joss sticks in their mouths didn't seem to go together, i.e. like lots of other clubs, it moved with changing fashion and tastes, the Wheel stayed true.

Why is it so interesting at present is that it is the original place is virtually unchanged:Cats, Torch and Blackpool Mecca plus loads of others have been demolished, hence it is not only oldies,people as well as records, but the original environment-hence the attraction, you can put your youth into some kind of perspective,

When it's gone you can't move it, it's the place that's key..

There are hundreds of venues today offering "northern soul" ,but when the Wheel was going that term hadn't been coined, and most where hole in the wall venues which added to the excitement, as it was then a word of mouth scene, the Wheel was the pinacle, if your mates ( older) asked you to go, you'd done it!

Unfortunately it will go, it can't be compared to the Cavern as the Beatles and Mersysound originated from there, all that came from the Wheel (with respect)was a load of pillheads having a great time.

Shelly

Your post is very interesting, however with respect I have to disagree with your last statement.

What about the the promotion of so many black american artists who were being suppressed in their own country, where would the Soul Scene be without the likes of the Wheel promoting them...... What about all the music which was first played at the Wheel, so many tracks even artists which we all know and love today may have never been heard..... It is often said the Wheel is the place where it all began and without its historic relevance the Soul scene would be a very different one today.....

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Guest mvb031259

i went to the placemate 7 in 74 when it was an upmarket club, i remember seeing the old twisted wheels on the walls, but can't recall any winding stone corridoors or alcoves, they may have been on a different level, or did they revamp it and years later restore the celler area?

This clip shows the corridoors and alcoves in the Wheel, (which Pete was furious about, as obviously "Do I Love you" was not a Wheel track and how he was misrepresented into showing his tattoo, after being assured it wouldn't be in the clip). The cellar has never been restored as such, but obviously changes were made, i.e the inclusion of an alcohol selling bar, the entrance was originally by, now removed stairs by the toilets, the DJ booth used to be at the top of the now downstairs bar room, not in the stage room where Pete is sitting etc..... But there is no denying it is as it was then in all aspects of the word as many patrons will tell you who were lucky enough to attend both then and today's Wheel.

Some confusion comes from Placemates using all the rooms available for different types of music, but this was an entirely different club to the Wheel which was obviously closed in 71. Also the number of people who attend the Sunday sessions nowadays, dictates that the Dance Bar is always used, and on occasion the lower rooms are also used to accommodate the numbers. Of course Back catalogue Wheel tracks only are played in those rooms, but the original club only used the stage room section......

Edited by mvb031259
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SAVE THE WHEEL CAMPAIGN - STAGE TWO

WE NOW NEED TO LOBBY ALL THE MEMBERS OF MANCHESTER COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE. EVERY ONE OF THEM NEEDS TO KNOW THAT WE ARE ALL BEHIND THE WHEEL. THEIR NEXT MEETING IS ON MARCH 15th.

THERE ARE 13 PEOPLE ON THE COMMITTEE. A BIT OF WORK, BUT IT WILL BE WORTH IT. SO PLEASE COPY THESE EMAIL ADDRESSES:

cllr.a.ahmed@manchester.gov.uk

cllr.t.burns@manchester.gov.uk

cllr.b.curley@manchester.gov.uk

cllr.d.ellison@manchester.gov.uk

cllr.a.fender@manchester.gov.uk

cllr.j.flanagan@manchester.gov.uk

members.services.office@manchester.gov.uk

cllr.m.loughman@manchester.gov.uk

cllr.d.sandiford@manchester.gov.uk

cllr.g.shaw@manchester.gov.uk

cllr.n.siddiqi@manchester.gov.uk

cllr.m.watson@manchester.gov.uk

THEN DOWNLOAD & COPY THIS LETTER (IT WILL BE OK FOR EACH OF THEM): https://www.mediafire.com/?di77uucugb15a0r

AND THEN EMAIL IT TO EACH OF THEM. IF ENOUGH OF US DO THIS, THEY JUST MIGHT HELP US OUT. PLEASE DO IT TODAY. THANK YOU

Atb Irish

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Guest mvb031259

Please don't loose sight of the petition to Manchester City Council https://www.change.or...gends-nightclub There is currently 2,261 signatures on this petition directed at the council itself, if you consider that there was 1040 in the Wheel on the January Sunday soul session surely we can do better than this, we are making good progress but need to do more if we are going to save the Wheel, keep spreading the word :thumbsup::hatsoff2:

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Well for what it's worth, (not a lot probably) here is my experience of the Twisted Wheel as it is now....

I went to the wheel a couple of years ago with a few mates for a saturday night session.

My mate Dek who's idea it was to go in the first place, is a Mod since birth was having orgasms just being there.

Another mate Bob, who is old enough to have gone originally, but never got round to it was more shocked at the "Gay Club" connection and the sights he saw everytime he went outside for a smoke, and I will quote what he said to me the first time he went out,

"I've just seen a 20 stone hairy arsed builder walk down the stairs wearing make up, a string vest and leather chaps with his bare arse hanging out" :-D

Some of his other quotes wouldn't go down too well, as Bob is a lot of things, but being PC isn't one of them.

My own personal take on the club was that although I will always respect all who went before me on the scene, it wasn't really my cup of tea. I felt that I didn't need to travel to Manchester to hear the tracks being played when at that time I could walk round the corner to my local monthly club do in good old Donny, and hear Snowy playing something similar to a packed dance floor, while I had a few beers and wore out some shoe leather. I have never needed to be in a specific venue to enjoy good oldies.

I am now more or less not able to get out to attend any venues at all, and I certainly couldn't go the the Wheel as I couldn't get up or down the stairs anymore due to my disabilities, but I still feel strongly enough about the scene's birth that I will sign the petition to try and keep it open for those who like that kind of thing.

Cheers all, Heath

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In reply to the above posted by Vep T5

Well for what it's worth, (not a lot probably).......

I have to agree with you with on that point but thank you for signing the petition and a few emails fired off to MCPC would be welcomed by all who want to Save The Twisted Wheel. See the email addresses previously posted to send your supportive views to.

My mate Dek who's idea it was to go in the first place, is a Mod since birth was having orgasms just being there.....

.I am so glad he enjoyed it that much.

Another mate Bob, who is old enough to have gone originally, but never got round to it was more shocked at the "Gay Club" connection and the sights he saw everytime he went outside for a smoke, and I will quote what he said to me the first time he went out,......

Thank goodness this was outside the club. You don't half see some sights outside soul venues/clubs now days in the wee hours in the towns & city's. Burnley was a real eye opener for me {SHOCK HORROR} but it didn't reflect the grt venue going on inside or the lovely people in attendance.

"I've just seen a 20 stone hairy arsed builder walk down the stairs wearing make up, a string vest and leather chaps with his bare arse hanging out" :-D......

Thank goodness he was not going into The Twisted Wheel Club then to give it some on the stage that would have upset a few i can tell ya lmao

I am now more or less not able to get out to attend any venues at all, and I certainly couldn't go the the Wheel as I couldn't get up or down the stairs anymore due to my disabilities, but I still feel strongly enough about the scene's birth that I will sign the petition to try and keep it open for those who like that kind of thing........

Thanks again for signing the petition. You have made one very good observation on the point of disable access i will pass this point on to be taken into consideration if the new owners decide to integrate the lower ground level into there plans.

This is providing they see a good business case to keep the club going .I cant comment on the gay club part of the buildings in question or what might happen on street level and above.As these plans may be under review as we speak owing to the mounting pressure or resistance they might be felling, if they have any feelings for the people who are campaigning against its total destruction.

Atb Irish

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