Mark Bicknell

Safe to say you have an obsessive passion....lol like us all i think. Regards - Mark Bicknell

Intrigues on Port for a fiver even with Good grading has to be worth a punt...bargain and a superb tune. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Honest reply there Pete, but you still love it! Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Is being part of the Northern scene circa 2007 still a way of life? do we all live, sleep and eat everything connected with this unique scene? without question once hooked I feel you are there for life, it becomes twenty four seven, three hundred and sixty five days a year full on, the whole process is very addictive from attending the venues, collecting if you are into the records becomes an endless journey and can very soon become an addication almost like nothing else matters in your life. There's not a day goes by without some connection with the scene and it's music, be it a new addition to the collection, presenting the radio show or working on future ones, spending more time than you should on Soul Source, Ebay and other sites connected to the scene, the debates, the politics, the venues, the DJ's, the people involved all play a very important part in our lives. Other hobbies and interests if any? don't even come close in terms of how much time you commit or dedicate to them, often the working week is a means to an end to help fund what we do at weekends and to fuel the desire for the music i.e. the collecting, playing and appreciation of it. I'm sure we have mellowed over the years and perhaps for some people it's not quite so full on and I would like to think that I put my family first, pay all the bills etc. but there is still something there that drives me in that the music is never out of my thoughts. There's not a day goes by if i'm to be totally honest that I don't listen to or talk about the music, it might be a question or topic on here that I contribute to or the postman bangs on the door with a sign for package which is a process that still gives me a buzz and a lump in the throat as the stylus hits the run in. We all have off days and periods on the scene that trouble us but despite some of the negative stuff that happens and goes on the common ground that over rides this and pulls it all together is the music, the records and this almost endless musical melting pot which we all swim around in..........why? well because nothing else even comes close does it? Northern/Rare Soul has provided the soundtrack to mine and i'm sure many peoples lives, social gatherings, parties etc. it's there, in the car going to Asda it's there, sitting on the bus going to work with the MP3 at full blast it's there, even if you don't attend venues every weekend as some of us don't it's still there in the background as once it get's inside you it's almost impossible to leave, a way of life almost certainly, a passion for sure and in the nicest possible way a true addication that I don't think anyone connected or involved with will ever wish to seek rehab. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Paul, sent you an email with the number i have for Dave. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

If you gonna do something like this you have to think along the sames lines as 'Hard Rock' and 'Planet Hollywood', authentic genuine memorabilia is a must as anyhthing else just looks tacky and cheap, so to deck a place out in this will cost a fortune to start with that's if you can find it? location is all important so London or Manchester somewhere like that would be a good choice, then there is the cost of buying a suitable property to house the thing, to set something up like this your not gonna see a lot of change out of a million quid? similar ideas have been and gone i even think there was a Motown Cafe in New York and Florida which i understand are closed now so it's a very big gamble indeed. I don't think you can simply rely on the scene to champion a venture like this so you would have to look at the bigger picture which would have mass appeal to survive, retro is good, very trendy etc. but it would have to be more than that to tempt serious investors and create something with longevity. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Sorry Kev i forgot that one, don't forget i was poorly sick lol, brilliant music at Lifeline though. i think i must have been thinking the last time i DJ'd at an allnighter rather than going to one...lol still few and far between for me these days. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Not been to an allnighter for ages must over twelve months can't even remember where it was possibly Mace's do in Stoke, Winsford or Lea Manor can't remember getting old lol i don't need the allnighters to enjoy the music as i can do that at home, at parties, soul nights, through the radio show etc. my passion for collecting is stronger than it's ever been but don't need to stay up allnight too often anymore, respect to those who do but there is more to the soul scene than allnighters. I think the only thing you miss is the cutting edge music at some venues. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Cheers Dave.... Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Dave, sent you an email and message on here. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Sorry Kim but you did ask i was simply quoting an Ebay price and i was way under, i'm sure it will turn up for you at a more realistic price. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Hi Phil, it's a bit short notice mate but you would be more than welcome mate, deffo when we have another one you must come over, plenty of fun, a few beers and some top tuneage, see you soon. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Wow, i was gonna say a ton but i was trying to be democratic...lol i knew it was up there Kirsty but not that much, i suspect this is now possibly the hardest one to locate and to think my Jacqui used to give them away for Ady on the door...lol Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Tea, cakes and soul....wonderful combination....lol could catch on! Regards - Mark Bicknell.

I could be way off the mark here but i seem to remember someone saying it sold on Ebay for around £80.00????? could be possible i guess as some of the Kent 45's seem to sell for a few quid. Good luck and i hope you get it Kim. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Thanks chaps, just played it again and as i say there is something about the record that hits the spot for me, certainly worhty of a mention here. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Party favours ready...should be a good night me thinks...lol Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Yummy with a cherry on the top. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Pretty in Pink...lol Regards - Mark Bicknell.

A gem of a logo. Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Now that is sexy, very sexy indeed. Regards - Mark Bicknell.