The Worst Journey To Wigan!?

[Guest Andy Newbold]

Just sat here at work, looking through the forum and it got me thinking about venues and people and the thought struck me (yes it did hurt!) What was the worst journey you ever made to the Casino.

I'll start the ball rolling.

Back in the olden days (as my kids remind me) A friend and myself would leave Hull and head for Leeds and the Central Club and then off to Wigan. On occasions when myown transport was not available Gary (my friend) would use his Fiat (wait for it!!! wait for it!) 127 or was it a 126? all I know it was dam small and noisy and cold and crampped and....... Well not great. I remember thinking back that once we got to Leeds it would perhaps suffer a breakdown and die on us so that we could catch a train to Wigan. But it never did. But by the time we where leaving the Central I'm not too sure if trains where still running *shrugs* Ah memories ! ......... Some time after this period he anounced he'd bought a new car and turned up to go to Leeds in a Mini and an old one at that. You know the type that had a cable you puched down on to open the door, I'm not sure that was an improvement lol

Soooooo How's about You lot?

[Pete S]

ME AND A LAD CALLED sTEVE EDWARDS WERE THE ONLY 2 GOING FROM WOLVERHAMPTON THIS ONE SATURDAY, I'D BEEN TO THE OLDIES THE NIGHT BEFORE, COME HOME, AND DECIDED TO GO BACK UP, ANYWAY WHEN WE GOT TO CREWE WE WERE TOLD WE DIDN'T HAVE TO CHANGE TRAIN, WE ENDED UP SPENDING THE ENTIRE NIGHT IN A SIDING SOMEWHERE NEAR PRESTON BECAUSE WE SHOULD HAVE CHANGED AT CREWE...

[Guest]

Just sat here at work, looking through the forum and it got me thinking about venues and people and the thought struck me (yes it did hurt!) What was the worst journey you ever made to the Casino.

I'll start the ball rolling.

Back in the olden days (as my kids remind me) A friend and myself would leave Hull and head for Leeds and the Central Club and then off to Wigan. On occasions when myown transport was not available Gary (my friend) would use his Fiat (wait for it!!! wait for it!) 127 or was it a 126? all I know it was dam small and noisy and cold and crampped and....... Well not great. I remember thinking back that once we got to Leeds it would perhaps suffer a breakdown and die on us so that we could catch a train to Wigan. But it never did. But by the time we where leaving the Central I'm not too sure if trains where still running *shrugs* Ah memories ! ......... Some time after this period he anounced he'd bought a new car and turned up to go to Leeds in a Mini and an old one at that. You know the type that had a cable you puched down on to open the door, I'm not sure that was an improvement lol

Soooooo How's about You lot?

All of them ......

Probably the worst journey I made to get home from anywhere , was from Blackpool Mecca ......

It was early February 1974 , and the weather was very foggy in and around said coastal resort ....

The driver we had somehow took a wrong turning heading out of Blackpool , and instead of heading for the Preston road , kept going , saying " it'll be alright " ......

We ended up in Penrith ......

We eventually got home - in the middle of Sunday afternoon .....

Malc Burton

[Guest TONY ROUNCE]

The worst journey I ever made to Wigan in the 70s? Probably all six, because they all ended up at the Casino

Little seasonal humour there. Sorry, Pete...

PS - Sorry to Malc, too, didn't mean to copy your joke, was writing my bit while you were posting yours apparently...

Edited December 11, 2007 by TONY ROUNCE

[Ged Parker]

I remember in about late '77 or early '88 me and Tony Giddings being offered a lift by Mick McGarry in his new (to him) Vauxhall Viva. We left Blackpool and all was OK until we approached Charnock Richards services when there was a mighty crash as the sump fell out of the car. It was pissing down too. We walked the mile or so to the services and explained our plight to the motorway coppers who made us go back to put the lights on on the viva (I don't think they'd get away with that now) Then when we got back to the services they kindly phoned us a taxi. The money I'd saved for a deal on a copy of the Precisions Such Misery went on the taxi fare and getting home. Didn't manage to get a copy until about a year later and when I did it came out on Grapevine the following week .

[Guest bazabod_downunder]

I foolishly & trustingly drove my 1963 Ford Anglia to Wigan once from Poole in deepest dorset a mere stroll in the park at 250 miles which should have took us about 5 hrs but the radiator had a slight leak in it & would need refilling periodically so we had set off earlier to take it easy.

The stupidity of youth, this had been going on for a bit, I couldn't afford to get a new radiator so I'd thrown in a couple of bottles of radweld to do the trick as our regular coach had been cancelled & I was so psyched up about going nothing was going to stop me getting there.

Obviously the damn thing would overheat so we'd have to pull over, run the gauntlet of undoing the radiator cap to let the pressure out so we could refill it quicker & get going (yes I know you weren't meant to do it) after scalding your skin with the emitting steam.

We were using streams & any other water source to get water, we had to pull of the motorway about 10 miles from Wigan into a quiet residential area about 11pm & I knocked on the door of someones house to ask for some water, poor woman must had been mortified to see a youth at her door at that time with a plastic bottle asking for water, thankfully she kindly obliged which managed to get us to the Casino before opening......that was the mission, I really wasn't worried about how we'd get back & it took us a damn sight longer to get back as well.

Baz

Just sat here at work, looking through the forum and it got me thinking about venues and people and the thought struck me (yes it did hurt!) What was the worst journey you ever made to the Casino.

I'll start the ball rolling.

Back in the olden days (as my kids remind me) A friend and myself would leave Hull and head for Leeds and the Central Club and then off to Wigan. On occasions when myown transport was not available Gary (my friend) would use his Fiat (wait for it!!! wait for it!) 127 or was it a 126? all I know it was dam small and noisy and cold and crampped and....... Well not great. I remember thinking back that once we got to Leeds it would perhaps suffer a breakdown and die on us so that we could catch a train to Wigan. But it never did. But by the time we where leaving the Central I'm not too sure if trains where still running *shrugs* Ah memories ! ......... Some time after this period he anounced he'd bought a new car and turned up to go to Leeds in a Mini and an old one at that. You know the type that had a cable you puched down on to open the door, I'm not sure that was an improvement lol

Soooooo How's about You lot?

[Steve G]

How about the worst journey from Wigan?

I went up once (only once!) on the coach - National Express....forever after it was the train for us.

Coming back on the coach meant - waiting for the old boy to open up Wallgate station - first train from Wallgate to Manny Vic. Hot foot it across to Lower Chorlton St coach station, and then something lime the 11.30 am coach back to London. We stopped at Derby and some senile old boy wandered off so we had to wait 40 minutes while his wife went to find him. Got back to Victoria at about 5 pm, then back home just before 7 pm Sunday. My dinner was cold and I was knuckerd - but that's the sort of thing you do when you're 16

Edited December 11, 2007 by Steve G

[Harry Crosby]

There were quite a few bad trips to wigan,heres one of them, coming from york we used to get the train change at leeds and then on to manchester, in those days we used to go with a few of us one of these was a lad who`s nickname was Billy whizz [R.I.P.}those of you who can remember him would know billy liked a drink to say the least, anyway it was a quick change of trains in leeds but at manchester we had an hour to kill so we used to go into the rowntree bar near the station for a pint, as usual billy was mortal by this time, once in the pub Billy dcided to go to the toilets wich was through the pool room at the back were all the coloured guys hung out i allways waited to go on the train looked a bit dodgy to me and had a funny smell, anyway billy came back from the loo n started going through his pockets looking for his wallet, He then accused everyone in the bar of stealing his walet, Before sticking his head through the pool room door n shouting, WICH ONE OF YOU F***ING BLACK B*****DS HAS PINCHED MY WALLET,my first thought was were dead we were chased all the way back to the station where i vaulted the turnstiles n hid in the toilets now that was dodgy when your only seventeen the thing was nothing ever happened to dear old billy he just fell over

[Northern Soul Uk]

Me and a coach load of folks were travelling to Wigan, when our 52 seater coach was stopped by the squad. They took us all to some spurious police station in god knows where and kept us all in a room while they tested and searched us all for gear one by one. We had to keep our hands on our heads and were not allowed to go to the toilet. I was dying for a leak, but had to wait for about 4 hours until i was called. I was tested and proved negative. By the time we got on our way and arrived at Wigan, it was 7am and after a lot of arm twisting, we were allowed to go in for the last hour. NOT FUNNY!!!!

Edited December 11, 2007 by steveluigi

[Sean Hampsey]

Just sat here at work, looking through the forum and it got me thinking about venues and people and the thought struck me (yes it did hurt!) What was the worst journey you ever made to the Casino.

Hi Andy,

Many frightful memories of trips to Wigan... two of the worst...

Late 70's - Arranged with Craig Dethic and Bob Pilnick to pick me up around 9.00pm.

True to form... they arrived at midnight.

We set off and ended up in Sheffield Town centre, looking for a petrol station...

...eventually (around 1.30am) we got to the motorway.... got to Birch Services on the M62 (around 3.00am)... called in for a drink then Craig and Bob decided to spend an hour 'squeezing spots' in the toilet mirror (nice!)....

...we left around 4.30 and eventually, after another stop en route to listen to Lou Pride "Your Love Is Fading" at Full Blast on the stereo, echoing across the moors...

...we got to wigan at around 6.30 am.

The boys hit the floor for one dance and said, come on, we're off... gotta meet a bloke... and we left!

Just Unbelievable.

Early 70's - we took 'full' a Coach of about 40 guys from the Turf Tavern in Rotherham.

Before we got on the coach the place got raided and about a dozen got lifted... the remaining 28 got on the coach to leave... but before we pulled out the DS were all over the coach and pulled off another 8 or 10.....

...when we got to Birch they were waiting for us.... a virtual strip search up against the wall and lifted another half dozen.

The remaining dozen carried on to the Casino... eventually arriving around 2:30 am.

When we got there... the squad were waiting, entered the Coach and mopped up the rest of the naughty lads.

Me and my mate (and no more than another 2 or 3) eventually got in after 3:00am.

I could go on.... it was always a bloody nightmare.

Never again!

Sean

[Miss Wasperella]

I remember meeting up in Doncaster with like minded "soul music people" when the organised bus never showed up gutted we all stood about wondering what to do next , suddenly this older girl named "Linda" asked if anyone wanted to hitch and being only 16 young years of age and eager to dance I said I would alongside a couple of others (safety in numbers and all that) but then as we started to walk to the main road one by one eveyone started to drop out - I was so scared because by this time there was only 2 of us and I didn't even know the girl plus the fact I had never hitched before - (I will admit I was going to go home but had informed my parents that I was staying at my friends house plus the fact they never knew I went to Wigan and I would have definately been punished had they found out) but Linda was persistant and I was assured that she would look after me and that I would be ok (I was bricking it). Well we set off and managed to get to Birch Services about midnight and she met these 2 lads in the cafe and asked them if they were going to Wigan? yes they said we'll give you a lift in our mini (it had no floor on the passenger side but the engine started), so I thought well they look ok and she knows them so it must be safe - the only problem was we went through one red light after the other and were speeding at times - We arrived at Wigan in one piece (Shaken not stirred) and when we got out I asked her the question "why did we go through all the red lights?" her answer to this was simply they had no brakes on the car they had to use the handbrake and sometimes it just wouln't stop the car! aaarrrrrhhhh

Suffice to say it put me off hitching and the journey home was another story (we cadged enough money to catch the Train Home)

I can honestly say I have never hitched since.

I had not seen Linda for about 25 years and had actually spotted her at a northern night about 6 years ago she had not changed a bit - it was lovely meeting her again after all that time - the first words we said to each other was "Do you remember when we hitched it to Wigan. If the 2 guys that gave us a lift that night happen to read this - thanks for getting us there is one piece but never again.....

If Russ White (Train Driver) Stamford reads this can you get back in touch - I have lost your number you know who I am.

Miss Wasperella x

[Northern Soul Uk]

I remember meeting up in Doncaster with like minded "soul music people" when the organised bus never showed up gutted we all stood about wondering what to do next , suddenly this older girl named "Linda" asked if anyone wanted to hitch and being only 16 young years of age and eager to dance I said I would alongside a couple of others (safety in numbers and all that) but then as we started to walk to the main road one by one eveyone started to drop out - I was so scared because by this time there was only 2 of us and I didn't even know the girl plus the fact I had never hitched before - (I will admit I was going to go home but had informed my parents that I was staying at my friends house plus the fact they never knew I went to Wigan and I would have definately been punished had they found out) but Linda was persistant and I was assured that she would look after me and that I would be ok (I was bricking it). Well we set off and managed to get to Birch Services about midnight and she met these 2 lads in the cafe and asked them if they were going to Wigan? yes they said we'll give you a lift in our mini (it had no floor on the passenger side but the engine started), so I thought well they look ok and she knows them so it must be safe - the only problem was we went through one red light after the other and were speeding at times - We arrived at Wigan in one piece (Shaken not stirred) and when we got out I asked her the question "why did we go through all the red lights?" her answer to this was simply they had no brakes on the car they had to use the handbrake and sometimes it just wouln't stop the car! aaarrrrrhhhh

Suffice to say it put me off hitching and the journey home was another story (we cadged enough money to catch the Train Home)

I can honestly say I have never hitched since.

I had not seen Linda for about 25 years and had actually spotted her at a northern night about 6 years ago she had not changed a bit - it was lovely meeting her again after all that time - the first words we said to each other was "Do you remember when we hitched it to Wigan. If the 2 guys that gave us a lift that night happen to read this - thanks for getting us there is one piece but never again.....

If Russ White (Train Driver) Stamford reads this can you get back in touch - I have lost your number you know who I am.

Miss Wasperella x

YEAH! AND YOU STILL OWE ME 50P THAT I LENT YOU TO GET HOME!

[Miss Wasperella]

You must have been rich back in them days because I dont remember anyone giving us a 10 bob note! but suppose you could have done (thanks) I do however recall people were very generous -

[Northern Soul Uk]

You must have been rich back in them days because I dont remember anyone giving us a 10 bob note! but suppose you could have done (thanks) I do however recall people were very generous -

heheh! Only kidding, but I do remember every week people trying to cadge money to get home with. Usually spent their transport fare on 'other things'

[Guest]

3 trips ALL hitch hiking up from Aldershot, Hampshire

Always raining or windy or raining&windy

All horrible all knackering all memorable

Young kids today 'eh?

[Guest Awake 502]

Late 70's - Arranged with Craig Dethic and Bob Pilnick to pick me up around 9.00pm.

...we got to wigan at around 6.30 am.

Sean

That was earlier than they usually arrived......

First time I went, hitched it to Birch services, stuck there until 4 am trying to get a lift, eventually someone took pity on us and drove us to the door, very young in those days. Driver in the wagon was delivering Waggon Wheels and gave us half a dozen each, Mrs Woods let us in half price as it was so late....

[Guest Una Scot-Oz]

We also had various escapades coming down from Scotland! Once when we were going by car, there was Hank (driving - first mistake) Tommy C, Avron, Mags and myself. We got as far as Lockerbie or was it Moffat? The place that looks like one street from the A74 Somehow we crashed into the back of a Unipart Truck/Lorry. Our front windscreen was smashed and Hank made a feeble joke to the truck driver that he should have a spare windscreen in the back!

We decided to make our way to the local pub and recover a bit, luckily we were all okay. When we walked in to the hotel, it was like something out of a horror movie! You know like the village of the damned when everyone stops talking and looks at you! Stags heads on the wall and people wearing plus fours.

We quickly decided to continue our journey, minus the windscreen, wearing plastic carrier bags on our heads as it was raining. Couldn't believe it when Fontella Bass - Rescue Me came on the radio as we drove off....carrier bags inflated in the wind!

We made it on time too. Can't remember the journey home.

I have a bad journey home story too, but have ran out of time at the moment.

Baz, I remember you telling us that story! We're off on Monday so I'll see you in January!

[Guest]

I remember meeting up in Doncaster with like minded "soul music people" when the organised bus never showed up gutted we all stood about wondering what to do next , suddenly this older girl named "Linda" asked if anyone wanted to hitch and being only 16 young years of age and eager to dance I said I would alongside a couple of others (safety in numbers and all that) but then as we started to walk to the main road one by one eveyone started to drop out - I was so scared because by this time there was only 2 of us and I didn't even know the girl plus the fact I had never hitched before - (I will admit I was going to go home but had informed my parents that I was staying at my friends house plus the fact they never knew I went to Wigan and I would have definately been punished had they found out) but Linda was persistant and I was assured that she would look after me and that I would be ok (I was bricking it). Well we set off and managed to get to Birch Services about midnight and she met these 2 lads in the cafe and asked them if they were going to Wigan? yes they said we'll give you a lift in our mini (it had no floor on the passenger side but the engine started), so I thought well they look ok and she knows them so it must be safe - the only problem was we went through one red light after the other and were speeding at times - We arrived at Wigan in one piece (Shaken not stirred) and when we got out I asked her the question "why did we go through all the red lights?" her answer to this was simply they had no brakes on the car they had to use the handbrake and sometimes it just wouln't stop the car! aaarrrrrhhhh

Suffice to say it put me off hitching and the journey home was another story (we cadged enough money to catch the Train Home)

I can honestly say I have never hitched since.

I had not seen Linda for about 25 years and had actually spotted her at a northern night about 6 years ago she had not changed a bit - it was lovely meeting her again after all that time - the first words we said to each other was "Do you remember when we hitched it to Wigan. If the 2 guys that gave us a lift that night happen to read this - thanks for getting us there is one piece but never again.....

If Russ White (Train Driver) Stamford reads this can you get back in touch - I have lost your number you know who I am.

Miss Wasperella x

R the Tea lief White`s gone underground since being caught,no room for tosser`s on here

[Guest mooma]

Got the last train from Bradford one night in the middle of winter!! Snow was coming down at a terrible speed!!! Got to Halifax and the train bloody DERAILED!!! Talk about off ya head we were upside down in the bloody train!!!

sue

[Miss Wasperella]

R the Tea lief White`s gone underground since being caught,no room for tosser`s on here

If this is the RW I used to know he's obvioulsy changed never mind - "Time marches on"

[Mark B]

had no nightmare getting to or from wigan as we used to get thhe bus to manchester have a couple of pints then the last train to wigan and then first train back to manchester in the morning.

But did have a nightgmare on the way home from Derby all dayer.

lefft the all datyer at about 11.30 no problem there but Al the driver had been chatting to 2 girls and decided to give them a lift home wait for it Grantham. a long way in the opposite direction. after we had dropped them off and had been giving al no end of stick we made it back to the moors and the thickest fog you have ever seen came down it was so thick we actually stopped about 2 foot from those black and white roundabout signs at this point we took it in turn to walk in front of the car to make sure it didnt go off the road. we made it home at 6.30 am monday morning straight to bed and i was up for work at 7.30. absolutely knackered. we never let Al forget about it.

Also AL told us he knew the way to loughborough when we were going to an all nighter we got there at about 2.00am we left manchester at about 10.00pm. that was bad enough but we stopped on the motorway for a pee and right in front of us were wayne jackie and sue who had gone tatally the wrong way to begin with and ended up near blackpool

mark

[Dave Rimmer]

If this is the RW I used to know he's obvioulsy changed never mind - "Time marches on"

Well it's over ten years since he was caught thieving

[Robin S]

1) Anyone on the coach from Nottingham when Phil Flavell (Leicester) put his fist through a Space Invaders machine...the police would not let the coach go until the person responsible owned up...no one would dare drop Phil in it! His hand was dripping with blood and he was saying "If the person owns up..what will you do?"

2) Rob Burnett mini bus from Loughborough for one of the late anniversarys...broke down - never got out of Loughborough...

3) Regular train journeys from Loughborough - changes all over the place on the way home and getting back at 1600 Sunday afternoons!

[Guest]

Well it's over ten years since he was caught thieving

And wont be over till he returns em`old boy

[Pauldonnelly]

Missed me lift to Wigan one night so decided to walk to Dogsthorpe to spend the night with some mates, turned into Central Avenue and there was a Austin 1100 with the keys in it...I couldn;t resist it, 3hrs later I was chugging along Station Rd,

Came out at 7-45 and you know what some theiving shitty bastard had knicked my car.

[Zed1]

Came out at 7-45 and you know what some theiving shitty bastard had knicked my car.

Know the feeling!!.....

I only missed one Nite at Wigan in 3 years when some cnut knicked my Austin 1100 from outside our house in Central Ave...

[Guest bazabod_downunder]

ROFL....then you shouldn't have left the keys in it then.

Know the feeling!!.....

I only missed one Nite at Wigan in 3 years when some cnut knicked my Austin 1100 from outside our house in Central Ave...

[Guest whippet]

If this is the RW I used to know he's obvioulsy changed never mind - "Time marches on"

Believe you me he hasnt he is living in Peterborough I believe. I hear from sources in Doncaster he wont be welcome back there.

Edited December 13, 2007 by whippet

[Guest nubes]

1) Anyone on the coach from Nottingham when Phil Flavell (Leicester) put his fist through a Space Invaders machine...the police would not let the coach go until the person responsible owned up...no one would dare drop Phil in it! His hand was dripping with blood and he was saying "If the person owns up..what will you do?"

2) Rob Burnett mini bus from Loughborough for one of the late anniversarys...broke down - never got out of Loughborough...

3) Regular train journeys from Loughborough - changes all over the place on the way home and getting back at 1600 Sunday afternoons!

Bloody ell...that's a name from the past ......Delxxx

[Miss Wasperella]

Believe you me he hasnt he is living in Peterborough I believe. I hear from sources in Doncaster he wont be welcome back there.

Well I am shocked - I didn't know about the "t-leaf-ing" - I have not seen him for over 26 years since my late teens and about 8 years ago he tracked me down to see how I was - I just thought it was so sweet for someone to go to to so much trouble after such a long time - we had a long chat about out lives and exchanged numbers but I lost his when I moved house - I would like to apologise profusely if I have raked up stuff or upset anyone - I feel terrible now - sorry

[Guest whippet]

Back on the Wigan track I dont remember a good trip there. Once had some one be sick in the car, next time had a car crash. Do you think I was a Jonah?? Nott good times. Cars broke down more times than I care to remember. Once tied the exhaust up with a coat hanger I happened to have in the boot. Need I say more. But I was very resourcful as I always wanted to get there, where ever there was.

[spot]

Worse trips to Wigan we're all prior to the M62 being built/finished (1973-74) and as we all lived at Goole (between Doncaster & Hull) which even now takes us almost 2 hours in fast cars & on motorways, well you can imagine.

Here's how I remember it, Gail's (wife) best friend Andrea was a farmers daughter & her Dad would lend us his Big old Bedford van, which was used to transport his women who worked on the land for him, the vans main feature being it was a column gear change (where indicator stork is now, not on the floor) which took some getting use to.

Saturday morning it would be cleaned out & benchs put down each side for the passengers, then if we were going to Blackpool Mecca first we'd set off at 3pm or if straight to Wigan we'd set off about 5pm. So pick up in Goole & then round the villages on the way to the "Horse & Jockey" pub at Whitley Bridge/Pontefract for a pint & pick up "Woody" Woodcock our last comrade.Then it was off down the road using all the "A" &"B" roads until we could get on the M62, I think it was at Castleford, until it stopped at M1 junction which would have been at most 10 miles & we'd have been able to acheive speeds of 60 miles per hour, WOW!! Bear in mind there would by now be at least 12 bodies in the back & 3 in the front, those in the back on the floor & some hanging on for grim death on the unrestrained slipping & sliding bench seats.

We'd have to go over the Pennines via Woodhead pass "A628" & inevitably each time we'd end up getting to it via a different route, in other words we'd get lost. Then it was the long drag around Manchester to our destination. In winter it was bloody scary, specially with fog or snow & how we never had an accident I don't know, come to think of it looking at the maze of "A" & "B" roads I don't know how we ever got there & home but we always did, maybe with aching & seized up joints that took an hour to unlock but we did.

When the M62 opened it was a god send, we could stop at "Birch" & meet up with mates & have a drink & share a plate of chips between 10 & then travel in convoy to Wigan, it also knocked hours off our journey time, which was even better, specially on the return leg.

Was it a pain in the arse, was it uncomfortable, cold,damp,smelly? You bet it was. Would I change one minute? Not on your life, it was part of the whole experience & what a laugh.

Take care & be safe but mainly travel in style & comfort,

Spot.

[KevH]

first trip to Wigan was the worst.Been underage drinking earlier,then met up with the lads who had already been on the niter scene.

"Lets go up to Wigan" they said." You coming?".I'd just had my membership come thru so it'd be rude to say no.

6 of us piled into a mini,i kid you not, and me being the littlest ended up on the handbrake,no seatbelt.All the way.

Noticed the others seemed very awake for the time of nite,i was flagging.Great sounds on the way though.

Got to Wigan at god knows what time,to the strains of Yvonne Baker,Jeanette Williams,Ann Perry etc.

2 of the lads on entry to the balcony area then produced a small baseball bat,and marched off to find a guy .Welcome to the world of Northern Soul. .

After it closed ,i was knacked,but the others went swimming!Left me in the car, b*lloxed .

Can't remember journey home but on arrival tried to make some sandwichs,which i fell into ,face first, to the shock of me mum.

Never again? .Learnt from the masters,the art of staying awake.After that it was Mecca first followed by Wigan(sometimes).

[Guest Andy Newbold]

OMG! Seems We all have our tales to tell.

We could start an entire sub forum by the sound of it.

Hey Spot ... It was much easier going to the Viking Sunday All Dayer m8. Well it was for me just up the road. When I was in the RAF we used to have use of a Sherpa van on a hire basis (greatly reduced fee ) the first one we had was a seats down the side job, (ouch no cusions!)

Oy! Malc how the hell do you end up in penrith from Blackpool? Was Payne'y the dam navigator? lol

[Guest martinsbox]

What was the worst journey you ever made to the Casino.

Worst journey to Wigan Casino!! (please note this journey was in thick snow)

1. Bus from Bedford to Kempston.

2. Thumbed it from Kempston to motorway.

3. Thumbed it up motorway . . . got dropped off by an Asian at Leicester Forest . . . not Watford Gap as promised.

4. Thumbed it back from L.F. to Watford Gap.

5. Ended up getting a National Express Coach to Wigan (via Will's Mothers), but charged from Luton!!!!

6. Arrived inside the Casino at gone 6 a.m.

7. Thumbed it back at the end of the night to Bedford.

Some good nights though thumbing it . . .

One November night . . .

As usual in the Seventies, it seems a long time ago now, I would scan either the 'Blues & Soul' or 'Black Echoes' northern events pages for somewhere to go that weekend. It wasn't every week, that we all chose were to go at the weekends. The usual mid-week Soul night in 1978 was then held every Thursday night, at The International Club in Kempston (not far from the Soul nights of today - The Kempston Rovers). The Club was owned by two Indian blokes and they used to let the function / back room out to two great guy's by the name of Frank and Danny from Bedford who also supplied the disco gear (these two also used to spin their tunes, usually jazz/funk, Mecca tunes etc. at The Pilgrims Inn in Bedford every Sunday night). The D.J.'s of the day in our area were as enthusiastic then, as they were young and included Tommy Taylor, Stuart 'Groover' Green, Tony Warot, Hammy, Rug and Mick Smith. The crowd of the day came from much the same catchment area as today's scene ie. Bedford, St. Neots, Rushden, Northampton, Kettering, Hitchin etc. in fact a few of those still make it today - a little greyer or thinner on top - but still there drinking the pints and shining theirs soles out on the dance floor.

But this was mid-week, there were no hindrances at the weekend with the likes of Soul nights - weekends were for All-Nighters and the odd All-Dayer when they turned up. One Friday each month was almost always taken up with the Oldies All-Nighter at Wigan, so that date was almost always booked in advance. That usually left three weekends, of which two were taken up at an East Anglian Soul Club All-Nighter (then The Fleet Centre, Peterborough), so down to one weekend in a month . . . . . were do we go . . . Coalville - Sheffield - Colwyn Bay ?? It all depended on how things fell that month. Remembering, in those days we had All-Nighters on Fridays as well as the following Saturday and sometimes two events on both nights in one weekend. In those days, there were still plenty of the days youth (the 'Older' and 'Wiser' one's then called us 'Kids') making their way around without the heavy weight of marriages, mortgages, kids and car repayments etc . . . . in other words, we were free and easy and free to go were we wanted (if we could get there). The main route to All-Nighters in those days for me (if I couldn't get a lift) was by 'thumbing-it'. Looking back, we took a few risks, but nothing compared to today . . . perhaps! But we were young and by heck, we didn't care. The main thing in those days was reaching our goal and getting to the do's for opening time. The hardest part, more-so than actually getting there, was the arduous journey home in the bleak light of morning after a night of excessive dancing. Feet still aching and a definite lack of sleep, it was a tall mountain to climb.

But one Friday night on 17th November 1978, having decided that that was were I was heading, it was off to one of the Casino's mid-month Oldies. This month the theme was Torch & Mecca sounds and I was off on the road once again, just me and my thumb. As the norm. it would be bus to Kempston (I was living in Bedford at the time), then a walk down the A421, 'Nighter' bag over shoulder and arm out with my thumb vitually disjointed, trying desperate to catch the next vehicle passing to get a lift to the M1 (juction 13) a few miles further down the road. Please note that most of this road had no footpaths and was mostly of discoloured soggy grass verges. Anyone who has ever 'thumbed-it', will appreciate what I mean when I say, that fresh socks and shoes were required for the outward journey!! At the M1 jct. 13 there was hardly ever a queue of hikers so this part never took more than 20 - 30 minutes to get a lift. Once the lift was obtained I'd try to continue my ritual and make my way along to the usual stopping place - Watford Gap sevices. On arrival I'd usually have a cup of tea, top up on the chewies etc. and back to the M1 slip road. Once at the slip road, unlike at the Bedford turn, there would usually be a queue - Hippy types, Armed Forces, Transport workers, so it was like, take your turn and hope that the ones in front soon got their awaited lift rather sharpish to make way for your turn. But then once it was your turn, it was still hit and miss that someone was going your way (but that's another story). After perhaps a few lifts the signs appear for (M6) Wigan and eventually I get dropped off on the slip for Wigan. It was then a long walk into Wigan town centre (I never did get a lift from the motorway into town), turn right down Station Road from the Town centre and on to the Casino Club just around the corner.

The only one at Wigan tonight from Bedford - me - and what the heck, it was like most Nighters, you always knew someone from somewhere and if not (a rare occassion) then you'd always know someone or other sooner or later that night, the scene was just that friendly and we all had so much in common . . . . a thing you never get anywhere else!

Once inside, the place was buzzing, but unlike the usual first Friday of the month Oldies, tonight there were only 600 - 700 Souls at the most. This being the case, there was ample room for dancing. Usually you were lucky to move both feet as the floor was the most prized piece of wood in the country and was closely guarded by all who stepped on it. As for the sounds being played, it was very loosely woven around the said Torch & Mecca era so to speak and not ever having been to those hallowed venues, who was I to complain, every 'new' sound you heard was an education in Soul music. Down to some of the records spun that night and in no particular order . . . .

Earl Wright - Thumb a ride.

Jodi Mathis - Don't you care anymore.

David & the Giants - Ten miles high.

Marketts - Stirrin' up some soul.

Young-Holt Unlimited - California montage.

James Fountain - Seven day lover.

Van Dykes - Save my love for a rainy day.

James Lewis - Manifesto.

Bob Relf - Blowing my mind to pieces.

Lynne Randell - Stranger in my arms.

Darrell Banks - Somebody (somewhere needs you).

Maxine Brown - One in a million.

French Fries - Dance a la musique.

Big Boris - Devils drive.

R.P.M. Generation - Rona's theme.

Roy Hamilton - Crackin' up.

Eula Cooper - Let our love grow higher.

Fuller Brothers - Times a wasting.

Saxie Russell - Psychadelic soul.

Barbara Lewis - Someday we're gonna love again.

Tymes - Here she comes.

Nancy Wilson - The end of our love.

Kenny Smith - Lord! what's happening to your people.

Soul Twins - Quick change artist.

April Stevens - Wanting you.

Incredibles - There's nothing else to say.

Gwen & Ray - Build your house on a strong foundation.

Bobby Jason - Wall to wall heartaches.

Flaming Emeralds - Have some everybody.

Sam & Kitty - I've got something good.

Sherries - Put your loving arms around me.

Mel Williams - Can it be me.

Dottie Cambridge - Cry your eyes out.

Timothy Wilson - Love is like an itching.

Carstairs - It really hurts me girl.

Wendy Rene - Bar-B-Que.

Gems - I'll be there.

Clara Ward - The right direction.

R.Dean Taylor - There's a ghost in my house.

Jackie Wilson - I get the sweetest feeling.

Porgy & the Monarchs - My heart cries for you.

Valentines - Breakaway.

Spyder Turner - I can't make it anymore.

East Coast Connection - Summer in the parks.

Paul Sinbad - Do what you wanna do.

Larry Williams & Johnny 'Guitar' Watson - A quitter never wins.

The Tams - Hey girl don't bother me.

Robert Knight - Love on a mountain top.

Fidels - Try a little harder.

L.J. Johnson - Your magic put a spell on me.

Eloise Laws - Love factory.

Edited December 18, 2007 by martinsbox

[Guest joneye1]

Worst journey to Wigan Casino!! (please note this journey was in thick snow)

1. Bus from Bedford to Kempston.

2. Thumbed it from Kempston to motorway.

3. Thumbed it up motorway . . . got dropped off by an Asian at Leicester Forest . . . not Watford Gap as promised.

4. Thumbed it back from L.F. to Watford Gap.

5. Ended up getting a National Express Coach to Wigan (via Will's Mothers), but charged from Luton!!!!

6. Arrived inside the Casino at gone 3 a.m.

7. Thumbed it back at the end of the night to Bedford.

Some good nights though thumbing it . . .

One November night . . .

As usual in the Seventies, it seems a long time ago now, I would scan either the 'Blues & Soul' or 'Black Echoes' northern events pages for somewhere to go that weekend. It wasn't every week, that we all chose were to go at the weekends. The usual mid-week Soul night in 1978 was then held every Thursday night, at The International Club in Kempston (not far from the Soul nights of today - The Kempston Rovers). The Club was owned by two Indian blokes and they used to let the function / back room out to two great guy's by the name of Frank and Danny from Bedford who also supplied the disco gear (these two also used to spin their tunes, usually jazz/funk, Mecca tunes etc. at The Pilgrims Inn in Bedford every Sunday night). The D.J.'s of the day in our area were as enthusiastic then, as they were young and included Tommy Taylor, Stuart 'Groover' Green, Tony Warot, Hammy, Rug and Mick Smith. The crowd of the day came from much the same catchment area as today's scene ie. Bedford, St. Neots, Rushden, Northampton, Kettering, Hitchin etc. in fact a few of those still make it today - a little greyer or thinner on top - but still there drinking the pints and shining theirs soles out on the dance floor.

But this was mid-week, there were no hindrances at the weekend with the likes of Soul nights - weekends were for All-Nighters and the odd All-Dayer when they turned up. One Friday each month was almost always taken up with the Oldies All-Nighter at Wigan, so that date was almost always booked in advance. That usually left three weekends, of which two were taken up at an East Anglian Soul Club All-Nighter (then The Fleet Centre, Peterborough), so down to one weekend in a month . . . . . were do we go . . . Coalville - Sheffield - Colwyn Bay ?? It all depended on how things fell that month. Remembering, in those days we had All-Nighters on Fridays as well as the following Saturday and sometimes two events on both nights in one weekend. In those days, there were still plenty of the days youth (the 'Older' and 'Wiser' one's then called us 'Kids') making their way around without the heavy weight of marriages, mortgages, kids and car repayments etc . . . . in other words, we were free and easy and free to go were we wanted (if we could get there). The main route to All-Nighters in those days for me (if I couldn't get a lift) was by 'thumbing-it'. Looking back, we took a few risks, but nothing compared to today . . . perhaps! But we were young and by heck, we didn't care. The main thing in those days was reaching our goal and getting to the do's for opening time. The hardest part, more-so than actually getting there, was the arduous journey home in the bleak light of morning after a night of excessive dancing. Feet still aching and a definite lack of sleep, it was a tall mountain to climb.

But one Friday night on 17th November 1978, having decided that that was were I was heading, it was off to one of the Casino's mid-month Oldies. This month the theme was Torch & Mecca sounds and I was off on the road once again, just me and my thumb. As the norm. it would be bus to Kempston (I was living in Bedford at the time), then a walk down the A421, 'Nighter' bag over shoulder and arm out with my thumb vitually disjointed, trying desperate to catch the next vehicle passing to get a lift to the M1 (juction 13) a few miles further down the road. Please note that most of this road had no footpaths and was mostly of discoloured soggy grass verges. Anyone who has ever 'thumbed-it', will appreciate what I mean when I say, that fresh socks and shoes were required for the outward journey!! At the M1 jct. 13 there was hardly ever a queue of hikers so this part never took more than 20 - 30 minutes to get a lift. Once the lift was obtained I'd try to continue my ritual and make my way along to the usual stopping place - Watford Gap sevices. On arrival I'd usually have a cup of tea, top up on the chewies etc. and back to the M1 slip road. Once at the slip road, unlike at the Bedford turn, there would usually be a queue - Hippy types, Armed Forces, Transport workers, so it was like, take your turn and hope that the ones in front soon got their awaited lift rather sharpish to make way for your turn. But then once it was your turn, it was still hit and miss that someone was going your way (but that's another story). After perhaps a few lifts the signs appear for (M6) Wigan and eventually I get dropped off on the slip for Wigan. It was then a long walk into Wigan town centre (I never did get a lift from the motorway into town), turn right down Station Road from the Town centre and on to the Casino Club just around the corner.

The only one at Wigan tonight from Bedford - me - and what the heck, it was like most Nighters, you always knew someone from somewhere and if not (a rare occassion) then you'd always know someone or other sooner or later that night, the scene was just that friendly and we all had so much in common . . . . a thing you never get anywhere else!

Once inside, the place was buzzing, but unlike the usual first Friday of the month Oldies, tonight there were only 600 - 700 Souls at the most. This being the case, there was ample room for dancing. Usually you were lucky to move both feet as the floor was the most prized piece of wood in the country and was closely guarded by all who stepped on it. As for the sounds being played, it was very loosely woven around the said Torch & Mecca era so to speak and not ever having been to those hallowed venues, who was I to complain, every 'new' sound you heard was an education in Soul music. Down to some of the records spun that night and in no particular order . . . .

Earl Wright - Thumb a ride.

Jodi Mathis - Don't you care anymore.

David & the Giants - Ten miles high.

Marketts - Stirrin' up some soul.

Young-Holt Unlimited - California montage.

James Fountain - Seven day lover.

Van Dykes - Save my love for a rainy day.

James Lewis - Manifesto.

Bob Relf - Blowing my mind to pieces.

Lynne Randell - Stranger in my arms.

Darrell Banks - Somebody (somewhere needs you).

Maxine Brown - One in a million.

French Fries - Dance a la musique.

Big Boris - Devils drive.

R.P.M. Generation - Rona's theme.

Roy Hamilton - Crackin' up.

Eula Cooper - Let our love grow higher.

Fuller Brothers - Times a wasting.

Saxie Russell - Psychadelic soul.

Barbara Lewis - Someday we're gonna love again.

Tymes - Here she comes.

Nancy Wilson - The end of our love.

Kenny Smith - Lord! what's happening to your people.

Soul Twins - Quick change artist.

April Stevens - Wanting you.

Incredibles - There's nothing else to say.

Gwen & Ray - Build your house on a strong foundation.

Bobby Jason - Wall to wall heartaches.

Flaming Emeralds - Have some everybody.

Sam & Kitty - I've got something good.

Sherries - Put your loving arms around me.

Mel Williams - Can it be me.

Dottie Cambridge - Cry your eyes out.

Timothy Wilson - Love is like an itching.

Carstairs - It really hurts me girl.

Wendy Rene - Bar-B-Que.

Gems - I'll be there.

Clara Ward - The right direction.

R.Dean Taylor - There's a ghost in my house.

Jackie Wilson - I get the sweetest feeling.

Porgy & the Monarchs - My heart cries for you.

Valentines - Breakaway.

Spyder Turner - I can't make it anymore.

East Coast Connection - Summer in the parks.

Paul Sinbad - Do what you wanna do.

Larry Williams & Johnny 'Guitar' Watson - A quitter never wins.

The Tams - Hey girl don't bother me.

Robert Knight - Love on a mountain top.

Fidels - Try a little harder.

L.J. Johnson - Your magic put a spell on me.

Eloise Laws - Love factory.

OMG!!!!!!...i Know im Old..BUT im sure they were some of the Best northern EVER!!!

jon

[Guest martinsbox]

OMG!!!!!!...i Know im Old..BUT im sure they were some of the Best northern EVER!!!

jon

Yep, some great tynes played that night! Torch & Mecca revival nighter . . . wow!!

Oh, and by the way I cocked up, it was 6 a.m. I arrived to the Casino that snowy night. One good thing, they did let me in for nowt that nght (morning).

Martin

[Guest]

Bloody ell...that's a name from the past ......Delxxx

Still see Phil fairly often, still in Leicester knocking about with Gaz Keen

[Ian Seaman]

How about the worst journey from Wigan?

I went up once (only once!) on the coach - National Express....forever after it was the train for us.

Coming back on the coach meant - waiting for the old boy to open up Wallgate station - first train from Wallgate to Manny Vic. Hot foot it across to Lower Chorlton St coach station, and then something lime the 11.30 am coach back to London. We stopped at Derby and some senile old boy wandered off so we had to wait 40 minutes while his wife went to find him. Got back to Victoria at about 5 pm, then back home just before 7 pm Sunday. My dinner was cold and I was knuckerd - but that's the sort of thing you do when you're 16

I remember going up to Preston after an allnighter with a girl called Angela ( i was from N. Wales)

worst journey of my life as i ended up marrying the fookin bitch !! why oh why didn't i just get on the train back to Wales !!

Ian.

[spot]

OMG! Seems We all have our tales to tell.

We could start an entire sub forum by the sound of it.

Hey Spot ... It was much easier going to the Viking Sunday All Dayer m8. Well it was for me just up the road. When I was in the RAF we used to have use of a Sherpa van on a hire basis (greatly reduced fee ) the first one we had was a seats down the side job, (ouch no cusions!)

Oy! Malc how the hell do you end up in penrith from Blackpool? Was Payne'y the dam navigator? lol

Andy, what a blast from the past, the Viking's Alldayer's & Soul nights, those were the days I remember Major Lance, Doris Troy, Roy C, Mac & Katie Kissoon, Real Thing, Limmie & Family cooking & god knows how many more, not bad for "Sleepy Hollow" Yorkshire, blink & you'll miss it town.

I remember the Soul roadshow coming & Blues & Soul coming & interviewing people at a dayer, I also remember some of the top East Coast Dj's coming to Dj including; Ian "Frank" Dewhurst, Rick Todd, Dick Jervis & more.

I must know you Andy? Seem to thing someone was looking for you & said you was from Hull? If so I knocked about with lads from there; Tony Dickinson, Steve Elsom, Mike Turnbull, Rick Layden & some part time Soulies but mainly hung out with Snowy & Donny crew.

Viking's is still there, just had a lick of paint & a tosh out & would still make an excellent venue for a Soul night. Oh those halcyon days youth!!!!

Take care,be safe & remember the old days,

Spot.

[Dunc]

In 1978 a few of us decided to go on scooters.

I decided that I did not want to be up all night and then ride home, so I accepted a lift in a sidecar.

BIG MISTAKE. The sidecar turned out to be a bathtub bolted to the frame and painted bright red to match the Vespa with "TH'OWD SCRUBBER" written on the side

There was no suspension and a vinyl car seat was bolted into the bathtub.

The things you do when yer young eh!!!!!!!

[Peter99]

In 1978 a few of us decided to go on scooters.

I decided that I did not want to be up all night and then ride home, so I accepted a lift in a sidecar.

BIG MISTAKE. The sidecar turned out to be a bathtub bolted to the frame and painted bright red to match the Vespa with "TH'OWD SCRUBBER" written on the side

There was no suspension and a vinyl car seat was bolted into the bathtub.

The things you do when yer young eh!!!!!!!

That is funny!

[Peter99]

It was never the journey there. It was the long, long journey home. I was never one for coach or car travel - I was nearly always sick. After a night on the old meds I was always sick!

[Guest martinsbox]

It was never the journey there. It was the long, long journey home. I was never one for coach or car travel - I was nearly always sick. After a night on the old meds I was always sick!

Just try thumbing it back home 180 miles after a steaming night indoors there. Arrived once back to junction 13 of the M1 at 6 p.m. and had to phone my brother up to drive me the next 10 or 12 miles home!! That makes you sick, especially work on Monday.

[Guest]

It was never the journey there. It was the long, long journey home. I was never one for coach or car travel - I was nearly always sick. After a night on the old meds I was always sick!

I remember one morning after a nighter walking back to Bolton with my mate, who had somehow managed to lose his shoes or swapped them for something else which he couldnt wear during the night! So we shared one pair but with one shoe each until the unshoed foot hurt too much. We thought nothing of it but didnt half get some funny looks

[Peter99]

I remember one morning after a nighter walking back to Bolton with my mate, who had somehow managed to lose his shoes or swapped them for something else which he couldnt wear during the night! So we shared one pair but with one shoe each until the unshoed foot hurt too much. We thought nothing of it but didnt half get some funny looks

Wild days - we were all out of fooking control!

I've slept at the side of duel carriage ways, railway stations, burned out cars.

The youth of today - they know fook all!

[Guest Andy Newbold]

Andy, what a blast from the past, the Viking's Alldayer's & Soul nights, those were the days I remember Major Lance, Doris Troy, Roy C, Mac & Katie Kissoon, Real Thing, Limmie & Family cooking & god knows how many more, not bad for "Sleepy Hollow" Yorkshire, blink & you'll miss it town.

I remember the Soul roadshow coming & Blues & Soul coming & interviewing people at a dayer, I also remember some of the top East Coast Dj's coming to Dj including; Ian "Frank" Dewhurst, Rick Todd, Dick Jervis & more.

I must know you Andy? Seem to thing someone was looking for you & said you was from Hull? If so I knocked about with lads from there; Tony Dickinson, Steve Elsom, Mike Turnbull, Rick Layden & some part time Soulies but mainly hung out with Snowy & Donny crew.

Viking's is still there, just had a lick of paint & a tosh out & would still make an excellent venue for a Soul night. Oh those halcyon days youth!!!!

Take care,be safe & remember the old days,

Spot.

Small world m8. I know Tony but I've not seen him for 20 years or so, I used to take him up to the Windmill, Rotherham when I was jockin with messers Burton, Payne and Hempsey (Sounds like a firm of dodgy solicitors) 6 but then lost touch, he was living in South Cave last I herd. I Knew Mike and Ricky also.

martinsbox.............. What a dam good set of memories you listed there

[Guest Mrs Simsy]

Wild days - we were all out of fooking control!

I've slept at the side of duel carriage ways, railway stations, burned out cars.

The youth of today - they know fook all!

As a 24yr old i would give anything to have gone to Wigan even just once but after reading your journey stories i must say i'm glad that i go most places in my dads car. Saying that i bet you had some fantastic times...

[Peter99]

As a 24yr old i would give anything to have gone to Wigan even just once but after reading your journey stories i must say i'm glad that i go most places in my dads car. Saying that i bet you had some fantastic times...

Wild - and often dangerous too!

We did have some wicked times though!

[Guest]

Small world m8. I know Tony but I've not seen him for 20 years or so, I used to take him up to the Windmill, Rotherham when I was jockin with messers Burton, Payne and Hempsey (Sounds like a firm of dodgy solicitors) 6 but then lost touch, he was living in South Cave last I herd. I Knew Mike and Ricky also.

How dare you , Biggles : Dodgy firm of solicititors indeed .....

Tony Dickinson still alive and well , and residing in Hull ( I think it is in South Cave ) : He has a long distance haulage business , which takes him all over Europe . I have not spoken to him for several weeks because of his travels , but he was in good spirits the last time we chatted on the phone .....

The Rotherham Windmill Reunion - working title " The Four Arse Men Of The Puckered Lips Ride Again " - will be held in the spring of 2008 .......

Malc Burton