Frank Booper

[Bigsoulman]

Did'nt know him or see him dance but his name cropped up last night, anyone know his whereabouts now?

Lenny

[Guest Soultown andy]

pretty sure he was at the last twisted wheel allniter,so les rushton informs me

[Guest Chris Waterman]

Hi Lenny

He still goes to the Twisted Wheel and gives it some on the floor

Sorry looks like Andy and I were typing at the same time, he just a little faster

Edited March 26, 2006 by Chris Waterman

[Bigsoulman]

Thanks guys

[Guest Bearsoul]

He's always at the wheel...like the guys say!!

[Winsford Soul]

Did'nt know him or see him dance but his name cropped up last night, anyone know his whereabouts now?

Lenny

Hiya Lenny. Frank was at Prestatyn last week. had a good chat with him as always when 2 Widnesians get together.

Steve

[Keithw]

Frank Booper was a doorman,used to come to the Casino in his penguin suit,with a holdall

with his bags n vest in

real cool dude

used to go to original Wheel i think

was/is a great dancer BUT

He couldnt get near Derek Marriott and Ian Cadman from Crewe

Derek was that good the go-go dancers used to stop and watch his mooves

so i was told

lives 200 yards from me now(Maz that is,Frank Booper still in Widnes)

talked to him @ Middlewich soul night once,about 6 months ago

keith williams

[Iancsloft]

Did'nt know him or see him dance but his name cropped up last night, anyone know his whereabouts now?

Lenny

===================================================================

No but i remember him being a regular visitor with Bobby Houghton and several other

slim shadys to the Bungalow i had in Lowton in 72/73 god it even made the national press

that place did, if they made a film about the goings on there it would win a Golden Globe

no danger

[Iancsloft]

Hiya Lenny. Frank was at Prestatyn last week. had a good chat with him as always when 2 Widnesians get together.

Steve

====================================================================

My god Steve there,s nowt worse than two Widnesers together better check if i,ve still got my

clothes on my back

[caseoftyme]

I can remember being at the Casino some time during it's first year, certainly before the 1st anniversary. In those days there was plenty of room to dance. Big rumour going around on the night that Frank Booper was in. I'd never seen or heard of him before, someone explained to me that he was a really good dancer. I was probably about 17 or 18 at the time. Anyway this, (to my mind), almost middle aged guy (late 20s maybe) in a crisp white shirt, slightly portly, (no offence intended if you're reading this Frank), not wearing the bags type trousers, but ordinary suit trousers goes to the DJ obviously to request a record, then hangs around by the stage. When the record comes on I was treated to the most awesome display of northern dancing I have ever seen in my life. The whole place stopped to watch and applauded after.

You name the move , he had it and all in perfect time to the beat of the record. Abso bloody lutely amazing.

[Guest Bearsoul]

I can remember being at the Casino some time during it's first year, certainly before the 1st anniversary. In those days there was plenty of room to dance. Big rumour going around on the night that Frank Booper was in. I'd never seen or heard of him before, someone explained to me that he was a really good dancer. I was probably about 17 or 18 at the time. Anyway this, (to my mind), almost middle aged guy (late 20s maybe) in a crisp white shirt, slightly portly, (no offence intended if you're reading this Frank), not wearing the bags type trousers, but ordinary suit trousers goes to the DJ obviously to request a record, then hangs around by the stage. When the record comes on I was treated to the most awesome display of northern dancing I have ever seen in my life. The whole place stopped to watch and applauded after.

You name the move , he had it and all in perfect time to the beat of the record. Abso bloody lutely amazing.

YEP THAT'S HIM BIT PORTLY NOW BUT STILL GIVES IT SOME...WHEEL IS ON THIS FRIDAY, AND SURE HE'LL BE THERE !!!! ALWAYS IS !!!

[Winsford Soul]

===================================================================

No but i remember him being a regular visitor with Bobby Houghton and several other

slim shadys to the Bungalow i had in Lowton in 72/73 god it even made the national press

that place did, if they made a film about the goings on there it would win a Golden Globe

no danger

Bobby Houghton now there is a name from the past. Slim shady,s ? Wino, Arnie, Kenny Black, Smokey. Dennis Shannon It wasnt any of those was it Ian

Steve.

[Winsford Soul]

====================================================================

My god Steve there,s nowt worse than two Widnesers together better check if i,ve still got my

clothes on my back

The last clothes i remember seeing you in where, blood stained, muddy and wet. Front drops at prestatyn

Steve.

[Guest Bearsoul]

Bobby Houghton now there is a name from the past. Slim shady,s ? Wino, Arnie, Kenny Black, Smokey. Dennis Shannon It wasnt any of those was it Ian

Steve.

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FORBES BROTHERS ? DON & ALAN Edited March 27, 2006 by bearsoul

[Winsford Soul]

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FORBES BROTHERS ? DON & ALAN

Not off the top of my head . Still in Cabbage mode from sat night, Sleep i need sleep

Steve

[Guest Bearsoul]

Not off the top of my head . Still in Cabbage mode from sat night, Sleep i need sleep

Steve

DON TURNS UP AT THE WHEEL NOW AND AGAIN...ANYWAY KNOW HOW YOU FEEL WITH THE HEAD THING

[Guest Bearsoul]

HOPEFULLY THIS WILL WORK IMAGE FROM TWISTED WHEEL WEBSITE

ONE CLICK THEN CLICK ON NEXT AND YOU SHOULD GET FRANK & MICHELLE

Edited March 27, 2006 by bearsoul

[Iancsloft]

Bobby Houghton now there is a name from the past. Slim shady,s ? Wino, Arnie, Kenny Black, Smokey. Dennis Shannon It wasnt any of those was it Ian

Steve

========================================================================

Yip all those and several more Billy Ferrett, Joey Sines, Showy, Billy Mac, Terry Hastings,

Big Clemmy, Bri Rigby, Kev Fox all the Fjoders from Golborne Harty from Wigan god i could go

on all day it started in 72 with 4 of us living there and when I got evicted in early 74 there where 17

living there ......Mad or what

[Mak]

HOPEFULLY THIS WILL WORK IMAGE FROM TWISTED WHEEL WEBSITE

ONE CLICK THEN CLICK ON NEXT AND YOU SHOULD GET FRANK & MICHELLE

Christ , I've always wondered if he was still on the scene. We used to go to there house before the Casino, lovely couple and well respected

[Guest mooma]

hiya all

am new to the site but have been laughing at some of the names that you are on about on here!!!

my name is SUE BUSHBY am based in BRADFORD I went to the Wheel in 1969 to it closing in 1971! many happy memeories there.

I am still in touch with WENO!! He is still living in Warrington, knew Dennis Shannon and Bobby Houghton well too! Dennis died a long time ago and the last news on Bobby was that he was on holiday at the pleasure of her Majesty!!! Great guy tho! I was with Pilky from St Helens until his death so you may remember him also?

you also mention the CREWE lads anyone remeber DES BARKER? he is my partner now and asks if anyone out ther knows him?

Hope you all make me welcome??

mooma

[Ric-tic]

hiya all

am new to the site but have been laughing at some of the names that you are on about on here!!!

my name is SUE BUSHBY am based in BRADFORD I went to the Wheel in 1969 to it closing in 1971! many happy memeories there

welcome sue bushby ,

around the time of the early days of the casino samanthas etc you only looked about 12 years old so how did you ever get in the wheel?!!!!!

[Guest mooma]

TO RIC TIC!!!!

Thanx for the compliment!!! I am actually 53!!! so at the wheel in 1969 would have been 16!!!! I only looked 9 then!! Whao are you and where you based???

sue

how did you ever get in the wheel?!!!!!

[Guest]

Frank Booper was a doorman,used to come to the Casino in his penguin suit,with a holdall

with his bags n vest in

real cool dude

used to go to original Wheel i think

was/is a great dancer BUT

He couldnt get near Derek Marriott and Ian Cadman from Crewe

Derek was that good the go-go dancers used to stop and watch his mooves

so i was told

lives 200 yards from me now(Maz that is,Frank Booper still in Widnes)

talked to him @ Middlewich soul night once,about 6 months ago

keith williams

Hi Keith,

Depends on your view of dancing styles. At the time - Twisted Wheel, Torch, Wigan Casino - the style of dancing tended to include acrobatics - back-drops, spins etc. I know Derek Marriott (he'll remember Danebank Tech) and Derek was a very good dancer, but he didn't dance in the style of Frank Booper.

In the style that was more usual at all-nighters in the late 60s/early 70s there was no-one to touch Frank. Occasionally someone would outdance him to the odd track (as I've done) and possibly even across a whole evening - but rarely. Given that style in that particular period Frank was the most consistently accomplished and skilled dancer there was.

Didn't see Derek often at the Wheel (I was there in '70 and '71), though did see him plenty of other places (I'm from Crewe too). Don't ever remember Derek popping any pills - which I think tende to fuel many of the people who went to the all-nighters, just to keep going.

If you see Derek say Hi from me - name was Alan Piggott (changed to Prescott years ago) and my nickname at the time was Percy.

Alan Prescott

[Guest tomtomsouly2612]

Did'nt know him or see him dance but his name cropped up last night, anyone know his whereabouts now?

Lenny

don't know where he was from but have seen him dance lots of times in the old days him and matchy used to come to the georges in barnsley wich has opened back up as a northern soul event 4th sat of every month run by me and my brother tommy and john litherland look on events

[Rhino]

Hi Keith,

Depends on your view of dancing styles. At the time - Twisted Wheel, Torch, Wigan Casino - the style of dancing tended to include acrobatics - back-drops, spins etc. I know Derek Marriott (he'll remember Danebank Tech) and Derek was a very good dancer, but he didn't dance in the style of Frank Booper.

there was a coloured lad from burnley i think his name was vernon, saw him dance at the pier and his spins went on for ages and was 1 of the best dancers ive seen, he won the dancing comp on 1 of the anniversary allnighters

In the style that was more usual at all-nighters in the late 60s/early 70s there was no-one to touch Frank. Occasionally someone would outdance him to the odd track (as I've done) and possibly even across a whole evening - but rarely. Given that style in that particular period Frank was the most consistently accomplished and skilled dancer there was.

Didn't see Derek often at the Wheel (I was there in '70 and '71), though did see him plenty of other places (I'm from Crewe too). Don't ever remember Derek popping any pills - which I think tende to fuel many of the people who went to the all-nighters, just to keep going.

If you see Derek say Hi from me - name was Alan Piggott (changed to Prescott years ago) and my nickname at the time was Percy.

Alan Prescott

[Northern Soul Uk]

I remember Boopa from the Torch, I will never forget the time when I was invited to dance in his circle, that was a REAL acheivement! GOD! that was about 30 years and 40,000 fags ago LOL

[Northern Soul Uk]

hiya all

am new to the site but have been laughing at some of the names that you are on about on here!!!

my name is SUE BUSHBY am based in BRADFORD I went to the Wheel in 1969 to it closing in 1971! many happy memeories there.

I am still in touch with WENO!! He is still living in Warrington, knew Dennis Shannon and Bobby Houghton well too! Dennis died a long time ago and the last news on Bobby was that he was on holiday at the pleasure of her Majesty!!! Great guy tho! I was with Pilky from St Helens until his death so you may remember him also?

you also mention the CREWE lads anyone remeber DES BARKER? he is my partner now and asks if anyone out ther knows him?

Hope you all make me welcome??

mooma

Sue, do you remember me from Leeds? Steve Luigi, used to go to the Torch, Casino, Mecca etc. with Pete Dylon, Dave Maltas, Chris Mallows, Mouse, Steve Midgley and Bub from Barnsley, I was the one who came second in the comp at the casino and also at Cleethorpes pier. used to know you quite well. have a look at this site, there is a picture of me from back in the day. Northern website

WOW! good to hear you're still into it all.

Steve

[Barry]

Quote:

Add quaint Scottish accent:

"Like a whirling Dervish"

"Imagine, NASA had been trying to find something that could drill into the surface of the moon, and here it was, 20 stone...and from Warrington!"

(Granada - In The Club - Wigan Casino)

Genius!!

Edited November 16, 2007 by Barry

[Guest Bearsoul]

Quote:

Add quaint Scottish accent:

"Like a whirling Dervish"

"Imagine, NASA had been trying to find something that could drill into the surface of the moon, and here it was, 20 stone...and from Warrington!"

(Granada - In The Club - Wigan Casino)

Genius!!

TOP DANCER...BLIMEY THAT CLIP JUST MAKES ME FEEL SO LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN A WEE PART OF IT ALL.....IT'S NOT NOSTALGIA FOR ME..MY FIRST VISIT CHANGED MY LIFE ! ( IT WAS LIKE ' I'M HOME ! THIS IS IT ....THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR) FROM 74 TO NOW AND HOPEFULLY FOR YEARS TO COME , IF THAT MAKES ANY SENSE AT ALL !...CHRIS MORGAN

[Mak]

Talking of Bopper ,can anyone remember his buddie . I think his name was Ian Shipside or something like that.

[Guest griffh]

Talking of Bopper ,can anyone remember his buddie . I think his name was Ian Shipside or something like that.

Think you may be on about Sharpie? Ian Sharples,they were both into cars when Frank used to work in a garage near the Lord Rodney in Warrington.Not sure if he's still alive but I used to knock about with him in the 70's.Not seen him for years,but thats life eh?

[Guest okehmelc]

hiya all

am new to the site but have been laughing at some of the names that you are on about on here!!!

my name is SUE BUSHBY am based in BRADFORD I went to the Wheel in 1969 to it closing in 1971! many happy memeories there.

I am still in touch with WENO!! He is still living in Warrington, knew Dennis Shannon and Bobby Houghton well too! Dennis died a long time ago and the last news on Bobby was that he was on holiday at the pleasure of her Majesty!!! Great guy tho! I was with Pilky from St Helens until his death so you may remember him also?

you also mention the CREWE lads anyone remeber DES BARKER? he is my partner now and asks if anyone out ther knows him?

Hope you all make me welcome??

mooma

Ask Des if he remembers Mel and Roy - the lads who broke into the local chip shop thinking it was a chemist?!!!! Hi Des it's Mel from Glos

[Jerry Hipkiss]

Ask Des if he remembers Mel and Roy - the lads who broke into the local chip shop thinking it was a chemist?!!!! Hi Des it's Mel from Glos

Glad you're more sensible these days Mel!

Hippo.

[Paul Shirley]

i rimember harty terry hastings and bri rigby billy mac all of them billy used to live in worsly mesnes and terry beech hill as you say you can go forever with the names i used to hang around with davis tomo pimy aman ashall simon little eric gordon derick wainright johna dink orrell sad to say dink died a long time ago , babs kenny spence ah them was the days 74 my nick name was shirky from worley mesnes , all wiganers and i have left loads out to many to list

Edited July 26, 2008 by mepaul50

[Paul R]

i rimember harty terry hastings and bri rigby billy mac all of them billy used to live in worsly mesnes and terry beech hill as you say you can go forever with the names i used to hang around with davis tomo pimy aman ashall simon little eric gordon derick wainright johna dink orrell sad to say dink died a long time ago , babs kenny spence ah them was the days 74 my nick name was shirky from worley mesnes , all wiganers and i have left loads out to many to list

I used to know many of them. When I was in the Navy, in the late 80s I was based in Hove near Brighton(it was a reservists base). I was in a local pub one day talking to the landlady, who had a lancashire accent. She said I'm from Wigan, and so is Eamon over there. Eamon Ashall was stood there, looking as he did last time i saw him in about 76. To say we had a few beers and a good old reminissing session would be an understatement.

Paul Rimmer(no relation to Simon)

[Paul Shirley]

bloody hell paul fancy that the state he used to get in to i realy thort one day he would over do it and well am sure you know what am geting at ,you have realy tickled me eamon ashall oh man fancy that imagine that bugger stood in some faraway pub bold as brass , well if you knew them two simon as well his side kick you must know me shirk used to hang around with davis and little eric gordon , am trying to rimember if i knew you paul rimmer where abouts did you come from paul ?? do you rimember phil honkings and his brother black guys' from pemberton i think .

[Guest]

Yep.....from the moment he stepped out of the Black Jag to the moment he stepped onto the floor..............a nice bloke and...

..............................ONE COOOOOL DUDE!

[Guest gordon russell]

Frank Booper was a doorman,used to come to the Casino in his penguin suit,with a holdall

with his bags n vest in

real cool dude

used to go to original Wheel i think

was/is a great dancer BUT

He couldnt get near Derek Marriott and Ian Cadman from Crewe

Derek was that good the go-go dancers used to stop and watch his mooves

so i was told

lives 200 yards from me now(Maz that is,Frank Booper still in Widnes)

talked to him @ Middlewich soul night once,about 6 months ago

keith williams

have to slightly disagree with ya.....l didn't know him to talk to,but he didn't really dance.....but spin like a top and fast...phew! and secondly he used to come in the casino with a case like the milk tray advert....but with little or nowt in it lol.....one of the scenes host of characters

[Paul R]

bloody hell paul fancy that the state he used to get in to i realy thort one day he would over do it and well am sure you know what am geting at ,you have realy tickled me eamon ashall oh man fancy that imagine that bugger stood in some faraway pub bold as brass , well if you knew them two simon as well his side kick you must know me shirk used to hang around with davis and little eric gordon , am trying to rimember if i knew you paul rimmer where abouts did you come from paul ?? do you rimember phil honkings and his brother black guys' from pemberton i think .

I was originally from Southport, but Lived in Burscough during this time. My sister, Chris also used to attend, and we were normally there on the Wednesday & Friday nights as well. At one time I went out with Gill from Shevington, who used to go around with a girl called Janet, & Anne Rodgers of Footsee fame.

Great days, but too great at times. I bottled out & joined the Navy in '76, although I still went to Wigan occassionally.

Paul

[Paul Shirley]

I was originally from Southport, but Lived in Burscough during this time. My sister, Chris also used to attend, and we were normally there on the Wednesday & Friday nights as well. At one time I went out with Gill from Shevington, who used to go around with a girl called Janet, & Anne Rodgers of Footsee fame.

Great days, but too great at times. I bottled out & joined the Navy in '76, although I still went to Wigan occassionally.

Paul

strange world in it . i knew most of the girls you mentiond but its a long time ago and not sure who was who . like you i used to go up to the wednesday & friday night sesions as well. and now i live in southport and am allways on at burscough legion these days . you must rimember d wainright alf and the rest of us ???

[Guest little_pat]

lot of names takes me back to when frank decided to do a fancy move downstairs in the wheel jumped up the wall an broke his elbow good guy frank little bobby and dennis were good mates of mine , lol had some good times at the wheel hated the last cell in the nick opposite you could hear the music all night long damm hi sue we is following each other

little pat

[spot]

First time I ever saw Frank Booper was at the Mecca Hanley, Stoke on Trent, it was sometime in 1973 the 36 hour extravaganza, when Soul Sam was wearing a Donovan style hat & to us young guns looked ancient, in walks this guy wearing a Black 3 piece suit & we all think (Being young & foolish) who the F**ks he? He walks to a table at the edge of the dancefloor takes his jacket off & gently places it across a chair back so as not to crease it & in his white shirt & waistcoat that makes him look like male Flamenco dancer he steps onto the edge of the floor & thats when we found out who the F**k he was, this guy could dance & I stood there open mouthed & amased & after that I wanted to be Frank 2 & although I tried my damnedest I never did manage it & although today it would be mainly classed as Gymnastics then it was bang on, thats how most people danced or tried to dance.

Take care,be safe & remember," A backdrop & spin is just a clever way of falling over",

Spot.

Edited August 20, 2009 by spot

[Guest]

First time I ever saw Frank Booper was at the Mecca Hanley, Stoke on Trent, it was sometime in 1973 the 36 hour extravaganza, when Soul Sam was wearing a Donovan style hat & to us young guns looked ancient, in walks this guy wearing a Black 3 piece suit & we all think (Being young & foolish) who the F**ks he? He walks to a table at the edge of the dancefloor takes his jacket off & gently places it across a chair back so as not to crease it & in his white shirt & waistcoat that makes him look like male Flamenco dancer he steps onto the edge of the floor & thats when we found out who the F**k he was, this guy could dance & I stood there open mouthed & amased & after that I wanted to be Frank 2 & although I tried my damnedest I never did manage it & although today it would be mainly classed as Gymnastics then it was bang on, thats have most people danced or tried to dance.

Take care,be safe & remember," A backdrop & spin is just a clever way of falling over",

Spot.

If Frank did once again " appear " on t'scene , It would be likened to Len Goodman sitting in judgement on " SCD " ........

Malc Burton

[Guest roundtree]

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FORBES BROTHERS ? DON & ALAN

I used to live with Don he is now back in Shrewsbury there is a photo of him in gallery at Chris Morgans 50th so I would look at the Shrewsbury

soul nites for him . Alan has lived in Austrailia for about 10yrs now hope this helps you.

[redcoupe]

have to slightly disagree with ya.....l didn't know him to talk to,but he didn't really dance.....but spin like a top and fast...phew! and secondly he used to come in the casino with a case like the milk tray advert....but with little or nowt in it lol.....one of the scenes host of characters

he was,< known> .as a spinner the best around in the seventies why talk about him as tho hes not here..,lets hear from the man himself what do you say frank...my earliest recolection of him was at the blue rooms in sale....k

[Guest JerryL]

I Remember him well, I was also a spinner and wherever I was and he appeared, he used to come over and dance near me to try to intimidate me, I suppose hahaha never worked but he felt the need to do it, he also had this piercing cold stare, probably from too much coffee LOL ....And he never spoke to me but a friend of mine who knew him well at the time said he was a nice guy underneath.

I had heard that he was no longer with us but that seems not to be the case, looking through the notes.

I will be at the Torch reunion hopefully will see alot of old faces there......not long now!!

[wiganelli]

First time I ever saw Frank Booper was at the Mecca Hanley, Stoke on Trent, it was sometime in 1973 the 36 hour extravaganza, when Soul Sam was wearing a Donovan style hat & to us young guns looked ancient, in walks this guy wearing a Black 3 piece suit & we all think (Being young & foolish) who the F**ks he? He walks to a table at the edge of the dancefloor takes his jacket off & gently places it across a chair back so as not to crease it & in his white shirt & waistcoat that makes him look like male Flamenco dancer he steps onto the edge of the floor & thats when we found out who the F**k he was, this guy could dance & I stood there open mouthed & amased & after that I wanted to be Frank 2 & although I tried my damnedest I never did manage it & although today it would be mainly classed as Gymnastics then it was bang on, thats how most people danced or tried to dance.

Take care,be safe & remember," A backdrop & spin is just a clever way of falling over",

Spot.

[wiganelli]

blody hell mate you to was amazed with booper sounds just like 1st time i see him at wigan feb 74 and in he walked dinner suit on with dickie bow looked like f...n james bond then into the toilet were i watched him remove his coat and shirt and then he stood with that bloody blue vest on Then what a treat !!! you can forget em all frank was the king !!!how the f..k could anyone spin like that he was amazing And the best part is ive actually spoke to him about it at the wheel and got if of my chest FRANK they must have made that record about you VELVET SATINS .NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO YOU.!!I will be at the wheel tonight and get his photo and get it posted on here

[manus]

Was big Clemmy a Liverpool fan? I think it's the same bloke who lived up in Gateshead for a while in the early 70's. There was a few of them from Kirby I think, hard to remember the names but one them was an Everton fan called Frannie. Some of them came up around 71 and Big Clemmy followed them up a bit later 72 maybe. I was just a kid at the time it was the suedehead sort of period and remember Big Clemmy particulary because of an incident at a Newcastle v Liverpool match. He came along with a few of the Gateshead lads to the match and when we were leaving across the car park outside someone got wind that he was a Liverpool fan and before you knew it there were about a 100 blokes baying for his blood we were trying to say that he was a good guy but a blood frenzy took over. Big Clemmy then did one of the calmest things I've ever seen- he had a crombie on and I think he was wary that he was going to be rolled for it - he walked into a dry cleaners calmy took the coat off and handed it over to the little old lady took his ticket and then walked out again. Luckily at this point a couple of decent Newcastle hard lads came along and told the mob to leave him alone and escorted him away. Strange how you remember these things and I doubt very much that he would remember me and my brother who was there also but top marks to him for coolness under pressure. Apologies if it's not the same bloke but I think it must be as they were all Soul fans.

Cheers

Manus

[Guest Miss3 G's]

Just tried to post a picture of Frank taken in 2005 at Middlewich British Legion during my fantastic year of Charity Fund raising with Christie The Bear although I haven't a clue where ?

LLx