Guest Brian Ellis Posted February 1, 2009 Posted February 1, 2009 Like almost everywhere, we have seen numbers decline at Broughton over the past 18 months - the reasons probably the same as elsewhere, too many events, greater popularity of weekenders and nighters, less money around, people needing a break from the routine of attending the same venue on a regular basis. We've been running now since June 2000, so into our 9th year. Sam and I started running things on a bi-monthly basis with our first attendance of around 40 rising sharply in the first year to some packers with well over 200 people coming from various parts of the country. There were many requests from our regulars to run Broughton on a monthly basis and negotiations with management there saw monthlies commencing in 2002. We continued to have great numbers of people supporting us every month. Sam's and my vision was to run an event where we would try 'push the boundaries' as far as a music policy was concerned; not a 'rarest of the rare' night but one with an eclectic mix and where no one would be too worried to try somthing new. We used to get many travellers coming some distances to hear what they often described as a 'breath of fresh air' and so different to the usual diet offered at so many other venues. However as the popularity of Broughton grew we started to attract more people who were returning to the scene and with it the demand to 'play something we know', 'are you going to play this disco shite all night mate', 'this is crap, play us The Snake', 'have you got Third Finger Left Hand'.... you get the drift. So increasingly more oldies were starting to appear on playlists; this attracted more 'returners', but we started to lose those who were prepared to travel for something a bit different. Overall numbers however remained high. All of these changes have occurred very gradually - we can't put a date, or even a year on when it changed, but the playlists of the past year are much different to those of 2002/3. But what has really happened, and is quite depressing, is that the people for whom we gradually changed our music policy have very quickly deserted us in the past 18 months or so. This has left Sam and me with some major decisions to make. We've given it a great deal of thought and have arrived at the decision to go back initially to the 2-monthly formula to see whether 'absence will make the heart grow fonder' and encourage people to support Broughton with the new schedule. We'd also like to get back to our original music policy, but we feel we do need to do this gradually as an overnight shift might see us alienate a number of those who continue to support us currently. If things do pick up then it is our determination to start pushing the boundaries again. So this is quite possibly a 'make-or-break' year for Broughton. If we can't pull it around then Broughton will slip into Northern Soul history - and like lots of things NS that have disappeared, people will say 'Wish Broughton was still running'. So we guess it's a case possibly of 'use it or lose it'. Brian & Sam
Guest welshruss Posted February 1, 2009 Posted February 1, 2009 Hands in the air Brian...........Sue and i are 2 that have not supported Broughton over the last 12 months,well not on a regular basis any way(possibly bi-monthly). And yes,we were there on your opening night,i remember it well. However,the fact is that people will say "wish Broughton was on tonight,we had some good times there". Its all in place.One of the best dancefloors around,and roomy,the cheapest bloody bar anywhere..i kid you not,and some excellent tunes to boot(well not boots,original) So its deffo time for us to support you and give it the boost it deserves. Good luck mate, Russ & Sue P.S If anyone arrives early you will probably hear some of the best SOUL you ever hear.I know coz i usually stand in the bar saying the people "whats this....i like this one"
Guest Brian Ellis Posted February 1, 2009 Posted February 1, 2009 Hands in the air Brian...........Sue and i are 2 that have not supported Broughton over the last 12 months,well not on a regular basis any way(possibly bi-monthly). And yes,we were there on your opening night,i remember it well. However,the fact is that people will say "wish Broughton was on tonight,we had some good times there". Its all in place.One of the best dancefloors around,and roomy,the cheapest bloody bar anywhere..i kid you not,and some excellent tunes to boot(well not boots,original) So its deffo time for us to support you and give it the boost it deserves. Good luck mate, Russ & Sue P.S If anyone arrives early you will probably hear some of the best SOUL you ever hear.I know coz i usually stand in the bar saying the people "whats this....i like this one" Thanks Russ When I look back at the beginning you and Sue always spring to mind as the first people at the start of Broughton. Would love to get things back on track - it would be great, everything is in place, quality venue, easily accessible, cheapest beer in the world, great sounds, but in the immortal words with which we are all too familiar we live in 'The Strange World of Northern Soul' where there's no accounting for logic . Brian
Guest soulboy Posted February 1, 2009 Posted February 1, 2009 Thanks Russ When I look back at the beginning you and Sue always spring to mind as the first people at the start of Broughton. Would love to get things back on track - it would be great, everything is in place, quality venue, easily accessible, cheapest beer in the world, great sounds, but in the immortal words with which we are all too familiar we live in 'The Strange World of Northern Soul' where there's no accounting for logic . Brian good luck to you and sam me [russ from shrewsbury] chris and when he was alive pedro have been lots of times allways good as you said times is hard will try and make it to the next one ,we all have just got to weather the storm!
Guest welshruss Posted February 1, 2009 Posted February 1, 2009 Try and make it mate coz they always play good stuff...........and that BAR.....soooo cheap
Guest Brian Ellis Posted February 2, 2009 Posted February 2, 2009 good luck to you and sam me [russ from shrewsbury] chris and when he was alive pedro have been lots of times allways good as you said times is hard will try and make it to the next one ,we all have just got to weather the storm! Russ (Shrewsbury) - they were great nights then and you, Chris and Pedro (what a character!) were always welcome - and you all added to the special, friendly atmosphere that was the hallmark of Broughton. If you're up in the near future I look forward to catching up on things. Brian
sepia Posted February 2, 2009 Posted February 2, 2009 BEEN TO THIS VENUE TWICE,WISH I COULD GET DOWN MORE. I TELL EVERYONE I WISH I COULD PICK UP THIS VENUE & TAKE IT UP TO ABERDEEN,LOL. IT IS JUST PERFECT FOR SOUL.THE LAYOUT IS SUPERB.GREAT DANCFLOOR,GREAT SEATING,NICE RECORD BAR AREA & CHEAP DRINK. I KNOW WHAT UR SAYING ABOUT THE MUSIC BRIAN A TAD TO THE OLDIES SIDE. WASNT THERE TO HEAR WHAT WAS GETTING PLAYED FROM THE START,IM SURE WITH YOU & SAM DJ'N YOU CAN GET THE MUSIC BACK TO THE WAY YOU WANT. ANYONE WHO HASNT BEEN,YOU WILL BE BLOWN AWAY BY THE VENUE. I SAID A TAD OLDIES,BUT WAS STILL A GOOD MIX OF SOUNDS. ALL THE BEST FOR THIS YEAR & WILL TRY & GET DOWN AGAIN STEVE.
John Elias Posted February 2, 2009 Posted February 2, 2009 (edited) Must say Brian,me and the missus were regulars there years back but have had to curtail our northern outings for various reasons over the last few years,building a reasonable collection(cost!) being one,being involved with the monthly Bangor(phoenix) and also trying to promote in the Llanduno area another. Brian,you may recall I have sung the praises for Broughton on here before,so you will know how much we enjoyed it !! However we felt that running the night with three dj's would not be to our liking! maybe fine to other's mind! Our preferred kind of night would consist of about 5 dj's all having "split"spots i.e half hour early and t'other half later with all playing a big mix 6t's, 7t's, oldies, newies,nighter monsters,early club sounds, crossover (even a touch of rnb Sam!)and of course a splash of modern. Anyway Brian,Sam,whichever way ya go,hope it gets the numbers it deserves,gr8 venue,cheap booze,large car park and easy access,minutes off the dual carriageway,cheers,John Elias. Edited February 2, 2009 by dancingcollector
Guest Brian Ellis Posted February 2, 2009 Posted February 2, 2009 BEEN TO THIS VENUE TWICE,WISH I COULD GET DOWN MORE. I TELL EVERYONE I WISH I COULD PICK UP THIS VENUE & TAKE IT UP TO ABERDEEN,LOL. IT IS JUST PERFECT FOR SOUL.THE LAYOUT IS SUPERB.GREAT DANCFLOOR,GREAT SEATING,NICE RECORD BAR AREA & CHEAP DRINK. I KNOW WHAT UR SAYING ABOUT THE MUSIC BRIAN A TAD TO THE OLDIES SIDE. WASNT THERE TO HEAR WHAT WAS GETTING PLAYED FROM THE START,IM SURE WITH YOU & SAM DJ'N YOU CAN GET THE MUSIC BACK TO THE WAY YOU WANT. ANYONE WHO HASNT BEEN,YOU WILL BE BLOWN AWAY BY THE VENUE. I SAID A TAD OLDIES,BUT WAS STILL A GOOD MIX OF SOUNDS. ALL THE BEST FOR THIS YEAR & WILL TRY & GET DOWN AGAIN STEVE. Hi Steve Remember well you coming to Broughton on your way to the Amlwch all-nighter. It was our anniversary night which is the only night in the year when it is an exclusively oldies night (well almost exclusively until Sam gets on and argues that anything that has been played more than a couple of times is by definition an oldie - so as usual, does his own thing!). Pity it wasn't any of the other 11 nights in the year when you'd have heard a much wider spectrum of soul music. So if you do decide to make the trip down, firstly, you'd be very welcome, but my advice would be to avoid our anniversary night which is every June. Thanks for your support and endorsement above. Regards Brian
sepia Posted February 2, 2009 Posted February 2, 2009 Hi Steve Remember well you coming to Broughton on your way to the Amlwch all-nighter. It was our anniversary night which is the only night in the year when it is an exclusively oldies night (well almost exclusively until Sam gets on and argues that anything that has been played more than a couple of times is by definition an oldie - so as usual, does his own thing!). Pity it wasn't any of the other 11 nights in the year when you'd have heard a much wider spectrum of soul music. So if you do decide to make the trip down, firstly, you'd be very welcome, but my advice would be to avoid our anniversary night which is every June. Thanks for your support and endorsement above. Regards Brian i came down a second time on way to bidds niter,was in for a few hours. didnt seem to be any one on the door taking money that night?. was a good mix that night,sam playing what he wanted,lol. i like all all types of soul.in your venue it wouldnt bother me what was getting played(within reason,lol.),its a great venue. steve.
Dazcymru Posted February 2, 2009 Posted February 2, 2009 Brian It's a shame a lot of local support seems to have been lost for one reason and another. Guess as you suggested earlier you just can't please all of the people all of the time. I've seen Broughton go through many changes over the years but in my mind it's always delivered 100% quality. I well remember that first night actually won a CD (I've got two now!!). One thing you've not put in your post is the date of next night. It's been a long time since December!! Keep up the good work and here's to the next 9 years. Best regards Daryl
Guest Brian Ellis Posted February 2, 2009 Posted February 2, 2009 Must say Brian,me and the missus were regulars there years back but have had to curtail our northern outings for various reasons over the last few years,building a reasonable collection(cost!) being one,being involved with the monthly Bangor(phoenix) and also trying to promote in the Llanduno area another. Brian,you may recall I have sung the praises for Broughton on here before,so you will know how much we enjoyed it !! However we felt that running the night with three dj's would not be to our liking! maybe fine to other's mind! Our preferred kind of night would consist of about 5 dj's all having "split"spots i.e half hour early and t'other half later with all playing a big mix 6t's, 7t's, oldies, newies,nighter monsters,early club sounds, crossover (even a touch of rnb Sam!)and of course a splash of modern. Anyway Brian,Sam,whichever way ya go,hope it gets the numbers it deserves,gr8 venue,cheap booze,large car park and easy access,minutes off the dual carriageway,cheers,John Elias. John Thanks for this. One of our 'never solved problems' has been the hours available at Broughton. We started with a 12.30 am finish, that Sam and I explained to the committee at Broughton was really too early. It took us more than 18 months of pushing and arguing, and, following many committee meetings there was an acceptance that 12.30am was too early and the committee 'graciously' granted us an extra 15 minutes - - to 12.45am. It would take hell to freeze over before even another 30 seconds could be gained, so we're stuck with 8pm - 12.45am. However many people quite liked the shorter times, especially if they'd had a late one at a Friday night soul do, and particularly if we could ram in some top tunes in that time. But it did, and still does, restrict us with the number of DJs we can squeeze in. We used to have 4 DJs - myself, Sam, one of the North Wales coast DJs and every month a 'big name' from the national scene. We've had Butch, Kenny Burrell, Tim Brown, Arthur Fenn, Maria O, Ginger Taylor, Chris King, Keith Money, Terry Davies, Baz Maleady, Flanny, Steve Conner, Kev Murphy, Keith Minshull, Keith Williams, Gavin Paige, Neil Jones etc etc. The only one we've approached (on numerous occasions) without success has been Richard Searling. From this group we have had the full range of sounds from the nighter monsters to the rarest of the rare as well as a touch of R&B (usually the DJs wait until Sam has gone to the bog to play a couple!!). And Sam has always been well able to 'mop up' any gaps that people wanted if records hadn't been played earlier. We reduced to 3 DJs largely because the night hardly started before 9.15pm and the early spot was not particularly popular with DJs so we spoke with our regular DJs and there was general agreement that giving everyone a longer spot would allow them to play a little more adventurously, with plenty of time to get things back on track if a few 'sounds' didn't seem to be doing the business. So we've tried various things to move the event on, including our major decision (and it wasn't taken lightly) to revert to bi-monthly; we just hope people rally around and bring Broughton back to where it belongs - up there at the forefront of progressive soul music. Brian
Guest Brian Ellis Posted February 2, 2009 Posted February 2, 2009 Brian It's a shame a lot of local support seems to have been lost for one reason and another. Guess as you suggested earlier you just can't please all of the people all of the time. I've seen Broughton go through many changes over the years but in my mind it's always delivered 100% quality. I well remember that first night actually won a CD (I've got two now!!). One thing you've not put in your post is the date of next night. It's been a long time since December!! Keep up the good work and here's to the next 9 years. Best regards Daryl Daryl Next night Saturday 21st February with Ginger Taylor, Soul Sam and Kevin Jones. I'm away that night but will be back and on for the other 5 nights in the year. Posted in the events calendar, and I'll shortly start a thread in the 'Events Talk' forum. Brian
Guest stash313 Posted February 5, 2009 Posted February 5, 2009 An excellent venue and one in which I really enjoyed DJing at. It certainly deserves the support and I hope things pick up there for you Brian, me and Jayne will be back at some point during the next year.
Guest Posted February 5, 2009 Posted February 5, 2009 An excellent venue and one in which I really enjoyed DJing at. It certainly deserves the support and I hope things pick up there for you Brian, me and Jayne will be back at some point during the next year. We will. Good luck Brian. Agree with all of the above, I wish I could pick you all up and move you to Manchester. Aside from the fab venue, It is one of the very few truely across the board music policies. It's as if it was taylor made for me. Just a shame it's so far for us to travel. Please feel free to send flyers up to me or Sean and we'll happily do our bit in North Manchester. Best wishes, Jayne.x
Guest Brian Ellis Posted February 11, 2009 Posted February 11, 2009 We will. Good luck Brian. Agree with all of the above, I wish I could pick you all up and move you to Manchester. Aside from the fab venue, It is one of the very few truely across the board music policies. It's as if it was taylor made for me. Just a shame it's so far for us to travel. Please feel free to send flyers up to me or Sean and we'll happily do our bit in North Manchester. Best wishes, Jayne.x Jayne & Sean Thanks for your support; realise it's a long way from North Manchester, but you know that any time you can make it to Broughton you will be very welcome. Sorry for late response - been away from computer for a while. Cheers Brian
Keithw Posted April 1, 2009 Posted April 1, 2009 HI All missed very few Broughtons at one time,always a nice floor.good people with a really good music policy then as Brian said it changed to old oldies slowly but surely i decided then not to bother as Brian said D.J ed for Sam and Brian think that was when it was going really well (Not coz i was on) will venture back when i hear its playing more of my type of stuff maybe if you have 3 months of nighter/rarer stuff then 1 oldies special i dont know,ive stopped promoting as its 99% oldies in crewe STILL UP TO D.J anyone ? 01270 xxxxxx hope it can be turned around as its not too far for us
Guest Posted April 1, 2009 Posted April 1, 2009 HI All will venture back when i hear its playing more of my type of stuff maybe if you have 3 months of nighter/rarer stuff then 1 oldies special i dont know,ive stopped promoting as its 99% oldies in crewe STILL UP TO D.J anyone ? 01270 xxxxxx hope it can be turned around as its not too far for us 3 months of rarer / niter stuff??? but it's not a niter and niter folks go to niters not soul nights with those early finishes.. Broughton is still the best for playing a true mixed bag and a bit of everything & I still believe its the best way, impossible to please everyone I guess. Jayne.x
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