The Bar At The Casino Next To Ms

[Guest NS101]

I once found myself in this hidden location which i'm pretty sure very few people knew about. To say i was gobsmacked would be an understatement. The place was chocka and alcahol was flowing and it was about 4am. It was like being in a nightclub yet a few feet away was the main room with its music and dancers. Soft drinks only bar. It was like being in another world. I really didn't understand it.

Later i sort of learnt it was for the wives and girlfriends of the DJs and other "dignitaries" and guests.

But it still didn't quite fit into my notion of NS at the time and it's always been like a bug up my ass wondering what on earth it was all about and what was the purpose of having this unconnected area in a place that was like the premier NS venue. Soft drinks, dancing all night and so on.

So if anyone can shed any light on this or even have any stories about this drink-hole i'd love to hear them.

Thanks

[Guest familytree]

I once found myself in this hidden location which i'm pretty sure very few people knew about. To say i was gobsmacked would be an understatement. The place was chocka and alcahol was flowing and it was about 4am. It was like being in a nightclub yet a few feet away was the main room with its music and dancers. Soft drinks only bar. It was like being in another world. I really didn't understand it.

Later i sort of learnt it was for the wives and girlfriends of the DJs and other "dignitaries" and guests.

But it still didn't quite fit into my notion of NS at the time and it's always been like a bug up my ass wondering what on earth it was all about and what was the purpose of having this unconnected area in a place that was like the premier NS venue. Soft drinks, dancing all night and so on.

So if anyone can shed any light on this or even have any stories about this drink-hole i'd love to hear them.

Thanks

Do you know what, that rings a bel!.... its all very vague (no suprise there then!) but i do recall somethin similar.. now you have got me wondering, i will ask richard tomorrow at the tower!

try to sleep while you wait for the answers, i may be sme time! x

[Guest NS101]

Do you know what, that rings a bel!.... its all very vague (no suprise there then!) but i do recall somethin similar.. now you have got me wondering, i will ask richard tomorrow at the tower!

try to sleep while you wait for the answers, i may be sme time! x

I presume you are talking bout Richard Searling here. If so we want the truth and not some half-hearted bull, yeah, cos i would not have thought that Richard will have ever took part in the alcahol participation in here. Maybe soft drinks, but i always respected the guy's DJ spots and professionalism. Still do and listen to his 10pm spot every sat night.

[Prophonics 2029]

Don't remember that, you had the downstairs bar, upstairs and that restaurant behind M's.

never seen any DJ with a pint in hand.

[Guest NS101]

Don't remember that, you had the downstairs bar, upstairs and that restaurant behind M's.

never seen any DJ with a pint in hand.

I don't think i'm talking or referring to a restaurant behind M's. I never knew of one so it might be what i'm talking about but there was absolutely no food on sight when i was in that bar. The entrance to it was like 2 feet from the entrance to Ms. Straight in front of you. So if there was a restaurant well that's something totally new to me. Maybe something they did later on. I'm talking '74/'75. Maybe they re-did it with an entrance behind later on. Dont give a siht about that. My question was regarding the booze culture in that bar 2 foot away from the entrance to M's ok. Oh and i did see a DJ with alcahol. Not gonna say who as i do not want any litigation going my way. LOL

[Prophonics 2029]

I don't think i'm talking or referring to a restaurant behind M's. I never knew of one so it might be what i'm talking about but there was absolutely no food on sight when i was in that bar. The entrance to it was like 2 feet from the entrance to Ms. Straight in front of you. So if there was a restaurant well that's something totally new to me. Maybe something they did later on. I'm talking '74/'75. Maybe they re-did it with an entrance behind later on. Dont give a siht about that. My question was regarding the booze culture in that bar 2 foot away from the entrance to M's ok. Oh and i did see a DJ with alcahol. Not gonna say who as i do not want any litigation going my way. LOL

You had to go to the back of M's an through the doors.

Litigation who from Keith or Russ constipation more like.

[Guest familytree]

I presume you are talking bout Richard Searling here. If so we want the truth and not some half-hearted bull, yeah, cos i would not have thought that Richard will have ever took part in the alcahol participation in here. Maybe soft drinks, but i always respected the guy's DJ spots and professionalism. Still do and listen to his 10pm spot every sat night.

Yes i mean Richard and he likes a pint, who doesnt?! but i understand you are more interested in the alcohol being served. I seem to think it was local people, management and friends, councillors etc and it was known as a late night drinking hole but not just anyone could gain entry... there are loads of people who will know including Richard.

[John Elias]

must be loads of light to be shed on this,intruging or what?

[Harry Crosby]

I seem to have a memory of people pushing racks of clothes up the dancefloor in m`s? anyone with any ideas on that one

Edited November 15, 2008 by HARRY CROSBY

[Stevie]

I seem to have a memory of people pushing racks of clothes up the dancefloor in m`s? anyone with any ideas on that one

Been caning it a bit that night had you Harry?

[Harry Crosby]

Been caning it a bit that night had you Harry?

maybe right, bloody pondrax

[Guest]

The place was called Gerry's Bar as I remember

I used to sweep up and crate up at Wigan on occasion and that was the way we got in

Bar, lounge and pool tables, never understood why they didnt open it up but guess it was a kept for artists and selected

guests

Steve

[John Elias]

The place was called Gerry's Bar as I remember

I used to sweep up and crate up at Wigan on occasion and that was the way we got in

Bar, lounge and pool tables, never understood why they didnt open it up but guess it was a kept for artists and selected

guests

Steve

spose the licence didn't cover alchohol after normal closing hours

[Guest]

I seem to have a memory of people pushing racks of clothes up the dancefloor in m`s? anyone with any ideas on that one

Hi Harry

Jill Bayles here on me pal's login

Can't believe that I can actually shed some light on anything on this board as generally I know nowt about owt but here is my chance to shine if I ever get it spat out that is as I'm having great difficulty navigating on this laptop as I'm used to a pc and its so different methinks t'would be Spencers as they used to wheel the racks of trousers in and out through M's...I did just that many times as some of my mates worked for them...do you remember the little room they had at the top of the staircase off the main room... the one by the gents bogs...think it was up there somewhere if my memory serves me correctly. I guess you will remember the selling of trousers at the Casino as you saw the clothes racks. They were transported from the premises near Halifax in a landrover or sometimes a van and owt left was taken back there the following day...I remember one Sunday going on to a dayer at Blackpool Mecca to sell them there...and boy did they sell...can't recall if I got paid or not...think at first it was backhanders from my mates but then it got put on a firmer footing and I got paid but don't recall how much. They used to get a fair few orders from our neck of the woods so opened a shop in Darlo and I did a stint in there as well.

So not quite as daft as you thought after all

Anyway hope this helps.

[Guest]

I seem to have a memory of people pushing racks of clothes up the dancefloor in m`s? anyone with any ideas on that one

Hi Harry Jill Bayles here on my pal's login.

Think I can help you out on this one mate...rather unusual for me as generally I know nowt about owt...but now's my chance to shine lol...methinks t'would be the Spencers trousers you saw being wheeled about on racks as they used to use the M's entrance...did that a fair few times meself as some of my mates worked for them. They had a room at the top of the stairs off the main room...the ones by the gents bogs. They used to sell by the shedload back in the day and I recall once going on to Blackpool Mecca to sell on the Sunday. They used to take a lot of orders from up our way and opened a shop in Darlo and I did a stint working in there. Don't recall getting paid but I think I used to get a cut from my pals at first then it got put on a proper footing.

So you see its not as daft as it seems eh?

Hope this helps anyway

[Harry Crosby]

Hi Harry Jill Bayles here on my pal's login.

Think I can help you out on this one mate...rather unusual for me as generally I know nowt about owt...but now's my chance to shine lol...methinks t'would be the Spencers trousers you saw being wheeled about on racks as they used to use the M's entrance...did that a fair few times meself as some of my mates worked for them. They had a room at the top of the stairs off the main room...the ones by the gents bogs. They used to sell by the shedload back in the day and I recall once going on to Blackpool Mecca to sell on the Sunday. They used to take a lot of orders from up our way and opened a shop in Darlo and I did a stint working in there. Don't recall getting paid but I think I used to get a cut from my pals at first then it got put on a proper footing.

So you see its not as daft as it seems eh?

Hope this helps anyway

ahhh forgot about the spencers clothes thing jill, hope your ok? thanks for that, its put my mind at rest

[Guest]

ahhh forgot about the spencers clothes thing jill, hope your ok? thanks for that, its put my mind at rest

wot a twot i am...am on laptop and not used to it as i have pc so typed the first reply and poof! off it disappeared into the ether...so typed it again and blow me down if they both don't go up...might also have summat to do wi the fact that i've been out a-soulin and am now at party o one...hmmm...bedtime i reckon...delete post facility would be just a tad useful on this occasion lol

next best thing is a blank post i reckon so will go work me magic

err now no edit post facility on t'other posts...my poor head lol

Edited November 16, 2008 by Jay

[Guest]

i give up...defeatist attitude i know but god loves a trier eh

Edited November 16, 2008 by Jay

[Russ Vickers]

The place was called Gerry's Bar as I remember

I used to sweep up and crate up at Wigan on occasion and that was the way we got in

Bar, lounge and pool tables, never understood why they didnt open it up but guess it was a kept for artists and selected

guests

Steve

Is this the room at the back of The Casino that became known as Gerry's Inn ???.........last few years of WC this would open early doors, only ever went in once to get Anniversary tickets, as we were always dragging ass on the last train, it was just a bar if I remember rightly...........does this ring a bell with anyone or have I made this up, dont think so but the memory aint what it was these day's.

Russ

[Guest]

i give up...defeatist attitude i know but god loves a trier eh

The bar room / area at the side of Ms , ( correct name " Gerry's Bar " ) was used when it was / on the anniversary nights , as the function facility for the invited / assembled dignitaries / liggers , as it was the " best " room they had for that purpose . " Gerry's Bar " was also used as the dressing room for when live acts were appearing ........ ......

I attended - through invite - the three successive anniversary nights after The Casino opened in the said room , where alcohol was freely served with the food .......

I was expecting to attend the 4th anniversary bash , but I fell out of favour with Mike Walker in 1977 , when he banned me for distributing leaflets at / in The Casino for my promotion of the Wakefield Unity all - nighters - I probably would have got away with it if I had not dropped them from the balcony onto the dancefloor ............

My action resulted in being manhandled by two bouncers and dragged into MW's office , sat in a chair ( one of the bouncers felt I would be more " comfortable " , by placing his arm round my neck as I sat ) , and MW bellowing at me like a deranged banshee for twenty minutes , threatening me with legal action , and then telling me I was banned forever from attending The Casino , told me to f**k off out of his sight , instructing the bouncers to " escort " me from the building .......

I did eventually return to The Casino , but it was after the death of Mike Walker , and not because he had lifted his ban on me ......

Malc Burton

Edited November 16, 2008 by Malc Burton

[Guest]

I once found myself in this hidden location which i'm pretty sure very few people knew about. To say i was gobsmacked would be an understatement. The place was chocka and alcahol was flowing and it was about 4am. It was like being in a nightclub yet a few feet away was the main room with its music and dancers. Soft drinks only bar. It was like being in another world. I really didn't understand it.

Later i sort of learnt it was for the wives and girlfriends of the DJs and other "dignitaries" and guests.

But it still didn't quite fit into my notion of NS at the time and it's always been like a bug up my ass wondering what on earth it was all about and what was the purpose of having this unconnected area in a place that was like the premier NS venue. Soft drinks, dancing all night and so on.

So if anyone can shed any light on this or even have any stories about this drink-hole i'd love to hear them.

Thanks

hi - there was a room to the left of the stage as you looked at it, times I went in, they were all playin cards and can't remember a bar, but do remember trying to make a grand exit once from that room (long story) and got totally disorientated and went out the door striaght onto the stage behind the dj's - EVERYONE IS LOOKIN AT ME was not paranoia that time......by the way this is me on my log in and not Ms Bayles, who was so focused last night, she put the same post up twice ............lol

[John Elias]

hi - there was a room to the left of the stage as you looked at it, times I went in, they were all playin cards and can't remember a bar, 230306646916and got totally disorientated and went out the door striaght onto the stage behind the dj's - EVERYONE IS LOOKIN AT ME was not paranoia that time......by the way this is me on my log in and not Ms Bayles, who was so focused last night, she put the same post up twice ............lol

ANY CHANCE OF THE LONG STORY PLEASE

[Pete S]

I presume you are talking bout Richard Searling here. If so we want the truth and not some half-hearted bull, yeah, cos i would not have thought that Richard will have ever took part in the alcahol participation in here. Maybe soft drinks, but i always respected the guy's DJ spots and professionalism. Still do and listen to his 10pm spot every sat night.

I'm afraid as the Casino went on, Richard certainly became a drinker...remember him introducing John Leach as "Put that whisky down"

[Harry Crosby]

I'm afraid as the Casino went on, Richard certainly became a drinker...remember him introducing John Leach as "Put that whisky down"

Was he or is he still a spurs fan? i always remember him with a football scarf on, sure it was 1980 when they won the fa cup replay against man city was a bit tiddly that night to say the least

Edited November 16, 2008 by HARRY CROSBY

[Guest familytree]

Was he or is he still a spurs fan? i always remember him with a football scarf on, sure it was 1980 when they won the fa cup replay against man city was a bit tiddly that night to say the least

Yes hes still a massive fan... used to see him when we sold football scarves outside the grounds when they were playin.

[Guest]

Was he or is he still a spurs fan? i always remember him with a football scarf on, sure it was 1980 when they won the fa cup replay against man city was a bit tiddly that night to say the least

Colin Curtis is a huge Spurs fan as well as Richard .......

Malc Burton

[Guest topcatnumpty1]

No mystery about this place(it,s not like Tom,s Midnight Garden or something!!) as you went out of Mr M..s on the way to the street at the back,you went thru the doors and came to a long narrow corridor and about half way along on the right was a door with a small staircase leading up to "Gerry,s Bar"--which was only open to the General public on a Sat night 10---1 to collect tickets for Anniversaries etc during the last 3 or 4 years i.e.1977--81.Prior to this it was usedby the live acts,journalists, visiting dignitaries etc. as a "hang out".

Tony C.

U.T.T.

[Russ Vickers]

No mystery about this place(it,s not like Tom,s Midnight Garden or something!!) as you went out of Mr M..s on the way to the street at the back,you went thru the doors and came to a long narrow corridor and about half way along on the right was a door with a small staircase leading up to "Gerry,s Bar"--which was only open to the General public on a Sat night 10---1 to collect tickets for Anniversaries etc during the last 3 or 4 years i.e.1977--81.Prior to this it was usedby the live acts,journalists, visiting dignitaries etc. as a "hang out".

Tony C.

U.T.T.

Pretty much as I said then.

Russ

[Guest topcatnumpty1]

Pretty much as I said then.Indeed Russ

Russ

[Guest yorks old boy]

I seem to have a memory of people pushing racks of clothes up the dancefloor in m`s? anyone with any ideas on that one

sunday clothes market was held inthe main room on some weekends

[Guest]

ANY CHANCE OF THE LONG STORY PLEASE

erm, something to do with a dj's girlfriend can't remember which one (Rushbrook, was that his name??), short skirts and Phil Joss - funnily enough all very hazy..........lol

[Guest NS101]

erm, something to do with a dj's girlfriend can't remember which one (Rushbrook, was that his name??), short skirts and Phil Joss - funnily enough all very hazy..........lol

We waited 8 days for the long story and get this?

[Guest NS101]

Thanks guys and gals for all the replies. From them it seems strange that it wasnt open regular like as the extra income might have been welcome to those running the place as opposed to just on anniversaries or special nights. I must have been on one of the anniv nights. The Malc Burton story is rather tragic and shows how pathetic Walker was. Then again he tried to charge record sellers a fee didn't he.

[Barry]

No mystery about this place(it,s not like Tom,s Midnight Garden or something!!) as you went out of Mr M..s on the way to the street at the back,you went thru the doors and came to a long narrow corridor and about half way along on the right was a door with a small staircase leading up to "Gerry,s Bar"--which was only open to the General public on a Sat night 10---1 to collect tickets for Anniversaries etc during the last 3 or 4 years i.e.1977--81.Prior to this it was usedby the live acts,journalists, visiting dignitaries etc. as a "hang out".

Tony C.

U.T.T.

Bang on - if you ever sneaked into Wigan round the back, you came through this area, generally you would push through the fire doors at the back of the building and through the area you speak of, into the long corridor spoke of above, through M's and it's foyer, down the stairs and hide in the Gents bogs until they let people in, then out you went - quite scary sometimes though as I have been hidden in a bog witha random Blackpool lad when a doorman has come in for a piss in the next trap - problem being that said Blackpool lad had a death-wish and was tittering like a bast*rd.

Good shout, as if you ever did that run it gave you a different perspective of The Casino and the way it sat on it's foundations.

[Guest]

We waited 8 days for the long story and get this?

Hey - an you remember what you did 30 years ago!!!!????, hmm there is a bit more to it, but probably not suited to publication.....next time I'll start a story I can finish....lol!!!!