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I Don't Believe It - It's Finally Finished


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Guest Dr Pickles
Posted (edited)

If you don't know him chances are you may have seen him on a dance floor at sometime. He's the one with biggest smile, in the middle of the floor, having the time of his life.

And now he's put all those experinces down on paper.

They say we've all got at least one book in us and this is Reg's.........

med_gallery_1774_234_181958.jpg

Foreword

Now, when you struggle through your time at school with reading and writing, you might think that the last thing anybody should attempt would be to write a book!

Like many of you reading this, I have contemplated a fanciful thought of 'one day, when I get the time, I am going to write a book' and that is as far as most of us get. However, for Reg this dream has now become a reality. It has not been easy, but his powers of recollection are amazing, even down to the details of conversations that took place over thirty years ago.

Reg is a storyteller! Whether we are out for a night 'souling', thumbing through records, meeting people for the first time, having a meal or just on a visit to each other's houses, there is always a story. The concept of a book came out of the blue one day about seven years ago. Once Reg had decided to give it a go, he made time to create this book and received nothing but support from all of his family and his many friends.

This book will not try to influence you in any religious or social way, nor will it attempt to deflect you from your musical preference. It will tell you a story of ordinary folk, growing up, their passion for music, the search for things that maybe weren't understood at the time, the highs and lows that life deals out and the love and appreciation of family and friends. It is a story that most of us can and will relate to in parts; you may see yourself or someone you know featured in this book - the names may be different but the experiences and characters will be there. I guess to sum it up, it's a diary about life and we all have experienced that.

I have known Reg for some forty years now and in reading these memoirs, I even had a tear or two at times and I was there! We have been friends for a long time and although we went our separate ways for a while, our passion and love of music has drawn us back together and so the search goes on.

Reg knows a lot of people and a lot of people know Reg. He always has a big smile for anyone and everyone and when meeting him for the first time you feel as though you have known him for years. Even when he is hurting inside, outwardly the smile is still there to cheer up everyone else. And like we all have had to bear from time to time, Reg has had his fair share of hurt.

There is no doubt in my mind that you will enjoy Reggie's story, even if your views on music, fashion, football and the rest differ. It doesn't matter, just read it and accept it for what it is - life.

Enjoy,

Yogi

The book's out at the end of November but if you would like an early copy or would like to stock it then please drop me a PM and I'll point you in the right direction.

Many thanks

Doc

Edited by Dr Pickles
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Posted

You failed to mention that also during the 70s Reg was a stand-in for Dave Hill of Slade fame!!! There isn't a nicer bloke on the scene than the dancing dwarf and I have been lucky enough to read several of his chapters over the past few years, usually whilst trying to dance!!!, and have to say that from those brief snippets it looks set to be an excellent read and is told very much from the heart. I have mine on order and urge everyone who says they are into Soul to get a copy for themselves and remind themselves/discover (whichever) of the way it was and still is! Well done Reg, you know MrsO and I are with you all the way on this...now spread the word and lets get Reg all the way to the Booker Prize :lol:

Posted

If you don't know him chances are you may have seen him on dance floor at sometime. He's the one with biggest smile, in the middle of the floor, having the time of his life.

And now he's put all those experinces down on paper.

They say we've all got at least one book in us and this is Reg's.........

med_gallery_1774_234_181958.jpg

Foreword

Now, when you struggle through your time at school with reading and writing, you might think that the last thing anybody should attempt would be to write a book!

Like many of you reading this, I have contemplated a fanciful thought of 'one day, when I get the time, I am going to write a book' and that is as far as most of us get. However, for Reg this dream has now become a reality. It has not been easy, but his powers of recollection are amazing, even down to the details of conversations that took place over thirty years ago.

Reg is a storyteller! Whether we are out for a night 'souling', thumbing through records, meeting people for the first time, having a meal or just on a visit to each other's houses, there is always a story. The concept of a book came out of the blue one day about seven years ago. Once Reg had decided to give it a go, he made time to create this book and received nothing but support from all of his family and his many friends.

This book will not try to influence you in any religious or social way, nor will it attempt to deflect you from your musical preference. It will tell you a story of ordinary folk, growing up, their passion for music, the search for things that maybe weren't understood at the time, the highs and lows that life deals out and the love and appreciation of family and friends. It is a story that most of us can and will relate to in parts; you may see yourself or someone you know featured in this book - the names may be different but the experiences and characters will be there. I guess to sum it up, it's a diary about life and we all have experienced that.

I have known Reg for some forty years now and in reading these memoirs, I even had a tear or two at times and I was there! We have been friends for a long time and although we went our separate ways for a while, our passion and love of music has drawn us back together and so the search goes on.

Reg knows a lot of people and a lot of people know Reg. He always has a big smile for anyone and everyone and when meeting him for the first time you feel as though you have known him for years. Even when he is hurting inside, outwardly the smile is still there to cheer up everyone else. And like we all have had to bear from time to time, Reg has had his fair share of hurt.

There is no doubt in my mind that you will enjoy Reggie's story, even if your views on music, fashion, football and the rest differ. It doesn't matter, just read it and accept it for what it is - life.

Enjoy,

Yogi

The book's out at the end of November but if you would like an early copy or would like to stock it then please drop me a PM and I'll point you in the right direction.

Many thanks

Doc

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

Congratulations Reg, hope it goes well for you :lol:

Win :-)

Posted

Blimey! It must have taken a great deal of patience to actually put a finished book together - well done Reg.

It's got to be worth a read in my view - just got one off Amazon.

:thumbsup:

Posted

:D Am I psychic?

Only last night I was thinking back to Reg reading some of his transcript at Chrissies prior to the Worthing bash in April.

Today I've scoured Medway's bookshops for it , :thumbsup: not knowing the title or even if it was out yet.

Then I get home to to read this!

:thumbsup: Well done Reg. I'll be reading it soon.

"STOLEN HOURS" 1st Anniversary, ***RAMSGATE*** 24th NOVEMBER.

2 Rooms + Accomodation + Free unissued Vinyl (first 100 tickets)

*** Change of venue - see Events thread ***

Posted

just had a message that not avail from amazon

to save anyone wasting time, ask can anyone confirm ?

The book is not in any bookshops yet you can only order from reg at present until November
Posted (edited)

It is available from Amazon Mike.

Searching for Soul (Paperback)

Buy new: £12.99 £8.57

You save: £4.42 (34%)

Usually dispatched within 2 to 4 weeks

Eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery.

>Amazon Link<

Edited by Ian Sims
Posted

just had a message that not avail from amazon

to save anyone wasting time, ask can anyone confirm ?

Mike, just ordered one today from Amazon - hope that confirm's.

Karen

Guest Little Reg
Posted

HI GUYS, WOW! :thumbsup: IT'S ME REG ALL I CAN SAY IS THANKS VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR INTERST IN ME BOOK. YES IT IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE PRE ORDERED THE LIMITED HARDBACK EDITION WILL BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS I RECEIVE THEM. THANKS AGAIN. I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE READ.

LTTTLE REG

Posted (edited)

REALLY UPSET!!! I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS WAS ME GRINNING AND DANCING ALL NIGHT LONG !!! NEVER MIND ,IM NOT SURE IF I KNOW REG BUT I WILL BE LOOKING FOR A COPY >>>>>>>>> NICE ONE MATE!!!!!!! nb the amazon is near brazil somewhere, so whats the postage?

got one ordered !!!!!!!!!!!, very easily,as brad will demand i get him one!! i shall read it,then wrap for his xmas present, which is considerate of me as he doesnt ussually get one!

Edited by ezzie brown
Guest Andy Kempster
Posted

cant wait to get my hands on a copy, i've seen various snippets over the last year or so and am really looking forward to the finished article.

well done reg mate! :thumbsup:


Posted

It is available from Amazon Mike.

Searching for Soul (Paperback)

Buy new: £12.99 £8.57

You save: £4.42 (34%)

Usually dispatched within 2 to 4 weeks

Eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery.

>Amazon Link<

Posted
sad.gif Sorry Mike i was on the wrong amazon site couldn't find it need to go on amazon co.uk or use Ian sims link hope you find it okay
Posted

HI GUYS, WOW! ohmy.gif IT'S ME REG ALL I CAN SAY IS THANKS VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR INTERST IN ME BOOK. YES IT IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE PRE ORDERED THE LIMITED HARDBACK EDITION WILL BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS I RECEIVE THEM. THANKS AGAIN. I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE READ.

LTTTLE REG

PM'd ya Reg. Hope you got it.

Good Luck with the sales mate!

Guest andrew bin
Posted

well done Reg thumbsup.gif:unsure: looking forward to getting my copy

Posted

dave shaw was selling and signing copies of his book, casino, at one of the nighter I went to a few years ago, (think it was the fleet weekender, probably wrong though), why not give that a go. Blackpool in a few weeks would be a good venue. only a thought!

Posted (edited)

Well I have ordered one off him just to keep him off me back with all hes stories.. bet he still tells me them afterwards any way. :D

Joking a side - Reg well done you said you was gona do it and you did.. and i'm looking forward to reading it..

I know I pre ordered it at Sounds Of Soul.. but what do I do about payment?

also I want it signed... so when you become big whistling.gif i'll have a signed copy :unsure:

well done

oh and after reading Yogi's forward in it.. blimey when you writing one - well done

Edited by mischief
Guest Dr Pickles
Posted (edited)

This is the promo material for the book direct from the publisher.

Reg, you better buckle up for the ride of your life :thumbup:

Another paperback original from SAF Publishing for 2008

Searching for Soul

by Reg Stickings

Biography/memoir

156mm x 234mm, 240 pp illustrated in colour

UK £12.99

ISBN: 978-0-946719-87-7

BIC Code: AV/CV

Availability: Worldwide

Insider's account of the clandestine, dance-obsessed, passionate world of Britain's Soul clubs.

"What was it like in the Wigan Casino?"

"Wigan was open every Saturday night. It was like you were dancing in a red-hot furnace. The place stank of sweat and stale Brut aftershave. It was a scruffy place with bits of plaster and nicotine droplets falling from the ceiling. If you sat and watched the feet of the dancers moving, you would see small clouds of talcum powder bouncing off the sprung-loaded floor."

In the early seventies, Reg Stickings and his mates immersed themselves in a phenomenon epitomised by clubs like the Blackpool Mecca, The Wigan Casino, The Cali and the Bali Hi that inspired a whole generation who worshipped the Soul music of the era. "Soulies" travelled the country to weekenders and all-nighters in search of the perfect Soul experience. In the mid-seventies Reg began to frequent clubs in the south of England, like The Goldmine in Canvey Island, discovering Jazz Funk on the way, adding a different type of Soul to his record collection. Reg's quest for perfect Soul continues to this day...

Highly personal, often touching, Searching for Soul is a tale of the records, the fashion, football, travel, hardship, sacrifice and above all - the people.

· The author is a respected member of the UK soul scene

· Reviews in NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS, MOJO, Q, THE WORD, UNCUT, RECORD COLLECTOR, HOT PRESS, NME, and other music mags.

· Author will appear on UK national and regional radio stations to promote the title.

Distributed by TURNAROUND. Website

www.turnaround-uk.com

Unit 3 Olympia Trading Estate, Coburg Road, Wood Green, London, N22 6TZ

Tel: 020 8829 3000 Fax: 020 8881 5088 Mnemonic: TURN Email:orders@turnaround-uk.com

Edited by Dr Pickles
Posted

Well done Reg. Told you you could do it mate. Take a bow that man.

Guest Dr Pickles
Posted

med_gallery_1774_53_110921.jpg

The man himself.

Well done mate. :thumbup:

Posted

Sod that Pickles, thats my bloody Plinston posters on your walls!!!! lol. Spoken with Reg tonight and he is CHUFFED so get out there and order it boys and girls

Posted

Sod that Pickles, thats my bloody Plinston posters on your walls!!!! lol. Spoken with Reg tonight and he is CHUFFED so get out there and order it boys and girls

Big O don't want to cause trouble :thumbup: but Pickles used to nick them at the begining of the night so he could use them at his own club :yes: but after that he then went on to nick road signs in Abergaveny for his club.. :yes:

but its ok he has moved on now.. he seems to be nicking garden statues from some where for sounds of soul now laugh.gif

Posted

:) well reg what can i say other than WELL DONE MATE i knew you could do it :D

i am so pleased for you honey you should be so proud cant wait to get my copy

really looking forward to 23 nov

lots of love

kay

xxxxxxx

Posted

Seven years of hard work and at last its here mate.Wishing you all the success in the world with this Reg,nobody deserves it more.See you on the 23rd. :)


Posted (edited)

Oi Taff, Reg says you have mine and MrsO tickets for the launch on the 23rd Nov, drop me a text and confirm please.

Edited by TheBigO
Guest Little Reg
Posted

YES YOUR RIGHT TAFF HAS GOT YOUR TICKETS FOR THE BOOK LUNCH.

BUT AS THAY ARE VERY LIMITED KNOWING TAFF THAY ARE PROBABLY ON THE BLACK MARKET AS WE SPEEK. :)

THANKS TO ALL YOU SOULIES FOR YOUR LOVLEY COMMENTS ABOUT THE BOOK. IM GOING AWAY FOR TWO WEEKS. SEE YOU ALL WHEN I GET BACK. YOU NEVER KNOW WE MIGHT HAVE SOME BOOKS BY THEN :D

KTF LITTLE REG

Posted

YES YOUR RIGHT TAFF HAS GOT YOUR TICKETS FOR THE BOOK LUNCH.

BUT AS THAY ARE VERY LIMITED KNOWING TAFF THAY ARE PROBABLY ON THE BLACK MARKET AS WE SPEEK. :D

THANKS TO ALL YOU SOULIES FOR YOUR LOVLEY COMMENTS ABOUT THE BOOK. IM GOING AWAY FOR TWO WEEKS. SEE YOU ALL WHEN I GET BACK. YOU NEVER KNOW WE MIGHT HAVE SOME BOOKS BY THEN :D

KTF LITTLE REG

So there's a book launch and a book lunch! Your not having one of those poncy lunches are you Reg? :)

Guest Dr Pickles
Posted

So there's a book launch and a book lunch! Your not having one of those poncy lunches are you Reg? :)

"Music is food for the soul" :D

Posted

does this mean we all have to sit around a table and discuss what we think of the merits and the retrospective ramblings of the author? I only ask because if Reg is going to speak about the book we are going to need a lunch, then dinner and probably breakfast after he's finished going on!!!! Reg, sent you an email to follow up on mate

Posted

YES YOUR RIGHT TAFF HAS GOT YOUR TICKETS FOR THE BOOK LUNCH.

BUT AS THAY ARE VERY LIMITED KNOWING TAFF THAY ARE PROBABLY ON THE BLACK MARKET AS WE SPEEK. :no:

THANKS TO ALL YOU SOULIES FOR YOUR LOVLEY COMMENTS ABOUT THE BOOK. IM GOING AWAY FOR TWO WEEKS. SEE YOU ALL WHEN I GET BACK. YOU NEVER KNOW WE MIGHT HAVE SOME BOOKS BY THEN smile.gif

KTF LITTLE REG

Im really pleased for you Reg, see you at the launch.

P.s. just to mention the karen mentioned in the book isnt me!!!! :lol:

Guest Marcus B
Posted

Reg,

You must be extremely proud mate of your achievement. I am ! :huh: I've only known you since the millenium years but you're always smiling and still willing to learn new choones whenever we meet and a pleasure being around you.

I've chuckled already on the extracts and can't wait to dig into the book when they come thru. The tie's at the Mecca story is priceless. :lol:

We must have another day soon listening to records and chatting away about life & all. Plus I think deep down you're really a modern soul man!! hehehe. :lol: You and I feel the same .It's all Soul music whatever genre, if it's good buy it.Simple!

Reg top man from the soul scene and our town Treacle Bumstread,

Marcus

--------

Filthy & Treacle Soul

Posted (edited)

oh and after reading Yogi's forward in it.. blimey when you writing one - well done

MR M,

I've already started, i've written the first page...only another 328 to go but being a shy retiring chap, much like yourself, it may take some time......

I think in reality i'll stick with Reg's foreword and leave it there

cheers

Yogi

I am shy thats why I act like I do, to make up for it :lol:

:huh: Take care mate :lol:

Edited by mischief
Posted

Congrats Reg, i would have one too but i aint much cop at reading so i will wait for the DVD to come out :lol:

I always wanted to put my life into words but just cant think of the right one to use :lol:

seriously though Reg i hope its a success for you :huh:

Guest matt tees
Posted

Congrats Reg, i would have one too but i aint much cop at reading so i will wait for the DVD to come out :lol:

I always wanted to put my life into words but just cant think of the right one to use :lol:

seriously though Reg i hope its a success for you :huh:

Absolutely Fabulous Young Reg, agree with all what's been said. Definately one of the nicest guys you could ever meet with the biggest and best smile around. I know it's taken some time but the best things in life are worth waiting for and I cannot wait to get my copy. All the very best with the sales.

Posted

WELL REG ME OLD MUCKER, YOU GOT IT DONE, AND THAT MUST HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE PROUDEST MOMENTS OF YOUR LIFE, I`M JUST IMAGINING YOU BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL, SCREWNG UP TRANSCRIPTS AND CHUCKING THEM OVER YOUR SHOULDER, JUST TO GET IT RIGHT, LISTNING TO YOUR SOUNDS TO GIVE YOU THAT SOMETHING EXTRA, TO TRY AND REMEMBER MORE,, WHAT A JUST 7 YEARS MATE..I remeber the ties at the mecca to lol we nipped over there from the cassino, cos lack of gear, only to find thay wouldent let you in, so on a whim we tied our shoe laces together and got me mate to put it on, he was the only on whering a shirt lol..he got in ok ..so i remember that well to lol... Congratts mate, couldent have hapend to a nicer bloke..

Posted

Hi ya Reg

Cant wait to get my copy.

Pleased to see your Caister passes on the book cover. As you know there are'nt that many of us who are so 'across the board' !

Now you've ticked the, i've written me own book box, whats next on the agenda ?

Apparently there looking for some blokeys for the next series of strictly come dancing?

Oh well only a suggestion.

Best of luck Reg, I'll be watcing W H Smiths movers and shakers with great interest over the next few months.

Keith

(PS Paula sends her love XX)

Guest Dr Pickles
Posted (edited)

Hi ya Reg

Cant wait to get my copy.

Pleased to see your Caister passes on the book cover. As you know there are'nt that many of us who are so 'across the board' !

Now you've ticked the, i've written me own book box, whats next on the agenda ?

Apparently there looking for some blokeys for the next series of strictly come dancing?

Oh well only a suggestion.

Best of luck Reg, I'll be watcing W H Smiths movers and shakers with great interest over the next few months.

Keith

(PS Paula sends her love XX)

Hi Keith

Welcome to Soul Source.

Looks like Reg has ticked that box as well!!!!

dominic02.jpgdominic06.jpg

:thumbsup:

Doc

Edited by Dr Pickles
Posted

Hi ya Reg

Cant wait to get my copy.

Pleased to see your Caister passes on the book cover. As you know there are'nt that many of us who are so 'across the board' !

Now you've ticked the, i've written me own book box, whats next on the agenda ?

Apparently there looking for some blokeys for the next series of strictly come dancing?

Oh well only a suggestion.

Best of luck Reg, I'll be watcing W H Smiths movers and shakers with great interest over the next few months.

Keith

(PS Paula sends her love XX)

Hi ya you two, good to see you both at last Caister. Glad you both on here, hope to see you soon, of course holding your copy of Reggie's book!!!

Karen

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