Sooty

Nice to see you ain't lost any of your wisdom Andy!x LUV SOOTY X

Super stuff Pete!x I do believe I have this tape...from Paul Donnelly or someone at Peterborough gave me it several years back......or I ended up with a copy! I will find it!x The Tams Hey Girl I found real interesting as I didn't know it had been played at the peak of the scene as such! As a late comer to the scene in the 90's....from an active perspective....then I classed it as 'club soul' tune so to speak! However....Max Rees from Cambridge in 1993 as I started out said buy a copy from him...for £3! I asked why...he said play the B side! I did....and played it at Winsford....Blackburn and 100 Club to mention a few....and it went down great everytime.....and many used to come ask hat the hell it was!!!x I like both sides....but can see the impact back in the day of the A side.....and hope my efforts with the B kept this terrific piece of 20p Boot Sale vinyl....alive!x Thanx for your efforts mate much appreciated....consider me stimulated!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9ivKIESED0

...u have done me right....!x I do not listen to music FULL STOP. Not on the radio in house or in a vehicle....and haven't since 2000. The only time I hear music is when I play it. However Pops.......the CD's u sent me.....well.....I confess to being educated.....wonderful stuff!x I am now learning how to keep me needle on them without it sliding off. Thank you for being you Dad..........!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

...that's my Paaa...!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

I will add...I have never gone after a tune because of its money tag or owt. I used to follow Butch at the 100 Club regularly....he'd leave me with a £grander+ every time to follow.......the most successful takeover I had after such an occasion was with the first ever spin at the 100 Club of Fats Domino's If You Don't Know What Love Is.....which I found the day before for 50p......absolutely rocked the joint! So...I collect 'tunes'.....nowt else! I have only bought about 30 specific tunes in the past 10 years or so of 'value'. I don;t drink so possibly save £50-100 a week?? £3k a year? £30k in 10.......but have only spent about £4k on tunes in the past 10 years! I collect from Boot Sales....and it either hits...or misses....and I get by on that! I stopped using money to please me back in 1990 really.....had a life changing experience in 2000....and since I am easily pleased i;d say!x LUV SOOTY X 1995.....I'd heard it for the first time in a record shop in Brighton day before.....bought it for 50p.....went out to get in me car to go home.......car stolen!!! It;s all I had and the clothes I stood in!!!! I got home Saturday lunchtime....the record never left my side since walking out of the shop until I took over from Butch.........It filled the floor....but I din;t care if it didn't........job done!x Can you believe how 'attached' I have become to it.....??!!!! Worth??? Priceless!!!!!x @@ ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kL863eLCQE

I've read this thread...and put forth my feelings. I collect all kinds of music across the board. Northern has always got me up to dance...I can't not......nowt else does that to me. But....as I alluded to it in my Best Boot Buys latest comment.....EVERY record is a 'memory' to me irrelevant of the groove or label! I can tell you where I got every single record in my entire collection. If I sold any of them.....it would be like parting with your wedding photos or summink....assuming it was a happy marriage of course!!! If they were just records with good tunes on em worth a few quid.....i'd sell em without worry.....but very few of mine are of that ilk! So I can't do it........!x Trophy.....that's it....each tune is a 'trophy'....a happy memory of an individual or situation that came with the tune! My ex Mrs will tell u I still pine for me Boxing losers 6" shield awarded to me in 1967 Newham...Middlesborough! I was 6/7 and walked into a punch in the eye as soon as the bell went.....job done over and out just saw black patches humming in front of me eyes! I got a medal.........me Ex threw it out in the 90's.........listen to me 20 years later.......!!! Imagine that happening to all me individual 'trophy's....!!!! NEVERRRRR!!!!.....not now I do me own cleaning anyways up!!!hehe!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

Got a 'retreat' in the hills of South Elkington when on business that way...I go regular....would luv too anytime Swifty!x LUV SOOTY X

Popping into Ilkeston today CodfromDerby en route to Scotland....to collect this....no 'luck' wiv it....just Labouring Under Correct Knowledge!!!!x The fella wanted £400....i offered £250 and my company for an hour! He went for it last night! I was inspired to 'invest' because of the good fortune I had had as you rightly point out....yup....i'm a 'sod'....but happy one.!!!hehe!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuwKTXBHZU4

Hi folks!x Been too busy for boot sales the last few months but managed to get to one in Louth today! Scruffy fella with few boxes of LP's....box of records without covers and about 10 on a pile all in covers. I looked at the box of loose 45's.....Ken Dodd and Harry Secombe popped up so same old same old......then what I was dreading...Rolf's Two Little Boys....which has always made me hairs rise on me arm since being a kid. The dread is the conflict in me head still. I wanna play it on a sunny day along with Sun Arise....awesome stuff. I threw Gary Glitter stuff easily.....Jonathon Kings stuff never made my collection so no dilemma....but Two Little Boys? I mean I have played the grooves off 2 tri-centre Great Balls of Fires and Jerry was a self confessed peedo....but we all dance to it still if u know wot I mean! Suarez bites....goes to Spain and is a hero. Different cultures different rules. I was born in Hull which has been designated the City of Culture....but.....stick 'culture' up yer ar*e...too limiting and restricting methinks! I think I put my 2 tunes into me personal favs for when i'm on me own chilling. I digress....no apologies. Anyway...after thinking those thoughts as I flipped thru the tunes.....i started to come across some 'funny' songs! Stuff for Xmas and Halloween and the like! I got loooads of it....so was keen! Jeff....the scruffy fella who was happy with it...said they came from his Uncle who had collected music hall funnys and the like. He then said if I wanted them.....about 20 of the ilk....he'd take £5 for the lot! Job done....and he added the 10 or so in the little pile next to the box as they were all the same....I hadn't got round to them! Well....just got home.....and among the Charlie Drake and Bernard Cribbins demos....Goon classics and a couple of Mary Poppins songs on studio copy's.....I found this......never heard it....and yup......happy with my first Boot Sale for aaaages.....meant to be....I reckon!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X https://youtu.be/Fr2i4R19TTU My real happy tune...or piece of vinyl among it all is this on the copy u see here!! I had a British copy...mint and had it for yeeeeears love it and pet it often when reaching for an odd tune on a sunny day....but never did I think I would find a white demo...weren't looking!......well chuffed!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nCLVvpA7gI

.....it was a 'tester' as such Swifty!x Seeing as it has been received with the seriousness it deserves then I will add this......as a Journalist...I discovered Special Forces had indeed put 'sets' of Badgers around perimeters to deter and detect rogue elements in defence camps globally to include Iraq and currently Afghanistan. Better than a guard dog I hear with no maintenance requisites and they have a knack of discovering pipe bombs too!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X On a more local note....I have witnessed regularly a Starling feeding on the bread I chuck out on my patio....and then feeding a tubby Thrush the bread!! The Thrush just sits there next to the bread....the Starling gets a mouth full....goes to it and transfers it into the Thrush's mouth!! Been so interested in seeing it I ain't got round to photographing it yet!!x Lazy little bu**er the Thrush....sits right next to the bread and does nowt except wait for the Starling....what's that all about....I mean there is no mutual co-existence required like ants/aphids etc etc...is there?!x

Hi folks!x I have shared my love of our wildlife and Countryside in here before. I was enjoying keeping up with this thread until January.....then got busy and leisure time such as it takes to read such delightful stuff.....dis-appeared!x I have tho' during my sabbatical witnessed many creatures out there! I have just clocked 55,000 miles scurrying around our Kingdoms as far as Inverness down to Portpatrick across to Berwick and the entire Coastline around England and Wales as well as every driveable road across the Yorkshire Moors....The Dales and Lake District. It's the most 'intensive' coverage I have ever done of the UK. In the 80's/90's I was doing on average 1,000 a week on business. I used to spot number plates and lorries to pass the time! For the past 10+ years i've shuttled up to 8 folk when cruising the Countryside and haven't had my focus on erm...the road and my external surroundings really! But...back on 'it' this year and I was stumped after the first week! Reason being is you can't do the number plates like we used to be able....and i've found my eyesight ain't what it was 20 years ago to spot a colour scheme and name that lorry firm from a mile away!! So....I was bored....and kept driving.....and then began to realise how many badgers....were 'freshly' deaded around the Country!!!! It has become my 'tick' as I plough through 400 miles a day on average.....except today.....streeeetch!!! Luvly!x So...2nd week of January I started to make a mental note of how many badgers I see dead. I can only say it as i;ve seen it.....and the figure is on average....25 a day.....in a random 400 mile trip through the lanes/highlands and valleys of the UK! I know they are cleared....I had to go to Westbury near Bath 3 times over 2 weeks.....different badgers each time! Same can be said Natonwide i;ve noticed! I don't know what my 'survey' sez....but that seems pretty more a better 'cull' than anything the Govt has come up with where necessary....shirley??!x I am ignorant about the Badger debate but that's what i;ve found out....and shared it here where i thought it may be appreciated!x I look forward to catching up with the thread soon!x LUV SOOTY X This pic accompanied an article in which the British Forces were accused of releasing man eating Honey Badgers around Basra in 2003 as a security measure...!x @@ ~

Blimey....! Just looked at me last bit I added in this thread...and it was nearly 6 months ago....!!! This is the first tiome I have logged on...or looked at the site since I last spoke in January too.....so sorry all for not replying to the messages stacked in me box and stuff...I have been busy...and am continuing to be for another 3 or 4 days and will pop back after then to share some joy here and there ok!x I've popped in early because I found this about 6 weeks ago in a junk shop in a friends barn in a village called Birch Cross near Stafford...! Took it home....and was so impressed I shared the tune with a few media friends ho were visiting same day! Just sat in me office after returning from Glasgow and bu**er me the tune comes up on 5 Live as a backing track to a horse racing article they is doing.....which me mates assist with! Sounded awesome....and fitting to the article! It inspired me to share my delight....and I also thought it a fitting tune......considering our last 'meet' in here....!x Love......whatever happens....the music can't leave yer.......some monkey......sigh...X @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X I will answer the messages etc when me business priorities are finished next week!x Have I missed it in here? Yes. Do I need it? Nope. But...we'll start again and less....is more.....i've proved it since being away.....and will share all when i pop back!!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMn3nPx5h-Q

...interesting comments!x The last piece of vinyl I bought before losing me freedom in 1979 was a tune by M...Pop Musik! It was 'unique' and I personally haven't come across it since but the copy I bought had a double run in groove...! You never knew if you was gonna get the A...or B side 'M Factor'?! No good for DJing but it was a 'coup' to promote the B side....and M as a collective were 'Soul' based folk in their youth!x Ahead of its time and yes I remember singing along to it on the radio whilst putting knock n nail play sets sets together in nick for the kids quite happily!! Was frustrated to not hear the B side tho for a year!!!x Decent 'pop music' and fitting tunes for the thread I reckon...!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GieHr2CbPxk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q5qaXkinpQ @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

....the aftermath of Xmas is.....Bubble n Squeak!x You've never been poor Dean have you?!.....or fortunate.........I luv the burnt bits personally!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

To you and yours and to all Mike....a happy festive occasion.....and I mean all whom frequent this forum.......! Honest!x LUV SOOTY...N AB'S XX ..short enuff ...for now....Winnie?...!x I'll be back.........be happy!xhehe!x @@ ~ ...perfected it Pete S....I caught up.....tis others behind now.....it'll be alright.........!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl45xkUtzMc THANK YOU to all who have emailed/pmd and text regarding receipt of your DVDs for Xmas!!!x Forgive me for not replying but take it from this post we are all pleased it went as planned!x As for some of your sincere concerns raised about comments made in this forum whilst I was away.......(hehe).....they will be addressed to suit those who have had a say after this Arab baby's birth is outta the way......i'm in labour always on Xmas Eve and its good to take deep breaths before any excitement......so off to relax and do me Xmas shopping....as usual xmas eve for 30 years....the only time I go into town shopping.....and I see the same faces each year.....maaad that............!x Xmas begins for me today....I will have a happy one and I genuinely hope you all have one too..........MERRY XMAS....!!!x ...Peter99.....bah humbug......hehe...!x @@ ~

...it wos wicked bruv!x Status......happy!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

....so.....how do you play 24 1/2 tunes...in 58 minutes.....and ram the floor to each tune from the outset......choosing half the set randomly....??? Well...I found out..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV4pMIqLAUg I have always approached life since around aged 5 figuring 'your on your own' so to speak when it really counts. That understanding has helped me face whatever reality or circumstance presents itself in life. After having a long day beginning at 5am...and a successful night at Kings Hall.....enduring an extra 4 1/2 hour return journey.....I may have been forgiven for not going to Charity Soul's Dayer at Knottingley as I hadn't slept for nearly 2 days....and had further busy days ahead. But.....my decision was to go and help those 'band of brothers...and Sisters' who have shown their commitment to this 'project' that is rapidly expanding...and I am a better person for it...and thank them all again for the 'experience' and genuine friendship...my efforts returned me....!x I had to go......end of. Toc...the driving force behind Charity Soul had organised for Professor Maitland...whom Charity Soul are funding in the main....was making the trip from York to come and experience a Soul doo!! It was my chance to meet him and pass on some 'personal' messages from Colleagues he'd spent time with on Charity missions globally over the years....friends of mine back in Cambridge! I also needed to get an understanding from him as to what we could achieve further by working together. Within half an hour of him arriving.....we had him sown up to a movie deal....organising a function for us full of nurses.....and starring in his own record release as 'Norman Soul'..........all of which he lapped up....as any good Proff should!!x Job done....and the pics reflect our happy gathering with this leading scientist whose research is tackling stem cell cancer.....the root of all evil....literally. He was inspiring to us...and he was impressed and proud of us all too!x A super guy and proper cause. Charity Soul will be in a position to give an update on the outcome of these meetings and decisions in the New Year when it intends to go 'National' with its concept and philosophy. As Sooty....the kind of PR man for the outfit...I look forward to sharing that with you all in the New Year with my colleagues....as soon as the fine print and stamps are in place.....but we is excited about it all....and that can be said now!!x Here are some of the key folk who have helped Charity Soul become established and supported since its inception nearly a year ago..... ...sorry about the quality of pics taken adhoc....Topsy Turvy wanted to remain anonymous on the net in case his image was used for sexual deviants interests. We support his right to be safe....so there......!x @@ ~ As 'one of the crew'....I was there to help set up for 11am....but.....Toc and Swoz being good friends...insisted i had a couple of hours and I thank them sincerely for that 'support'!!!x They returned at 1pm...and we wos off...for the day! I was looking forward to it....it was the last time I had had 'time out'....same gig....3 months earlier! There was a 'buzz' to walk into this time.....the Proff coming....Yvonne Vernee speaking 'live' from the US....and 2 hours of the night being broadcast via the net....Globally!!! What more could one ask for....except to enjoy it...which I was determined to do! Now....I hadn't eaten 'proper' since me last McDonalds Friday afternoon at some service station somewhere.....so had a wander into the Community Centers Cafe......and a full Sunday home cooked dinner...was on the decks....and the family who piled it onto me plate who look after the Knottingley football folk...Miners...and every 'group' in the area......did themselves proud!x They said they will read this.....and so I say this proper......it is the best Sunday Dinner I have had....for 7 years!!!!x I recommend it to all...!x There you go Mam!x Folk who came for the evening enjoyed burgers and hot dogs too which went down well....so....everything for a Sunday day out....for those thinking of joining us for future events held there!x I am not one for record rooms or owt....I prefer to be in the main room if possible. But....as a joint host/promoter/helper...then you do as is required....! Because of the DVD....and the Proff visiting....and things to discuss with fellow promoters/helpers...then I spent me first few hours in there! 'Quality' time with the likes of Topsy....Swoz...'genuine' folk who.....made me pi** myself with laughter regularly throughout the day! Banter was bang on...and indeed Topsy in particular has been discussed in these forums....and all I can add is.....he's welcome in my company anytime....nice 1 mate...X I have my tent ready and I am setting up camp in his Radio Shack very soon....he insists.....so we will keep you posted as to when that will get aired....if it is allowed...hehe!!x @@ ~ Music......as I said above...there was more adventurous 'oldies' played throughout the day than I heard at Kings Hall. Not once in 10 hours did anyone find time to play One Wonderful Moment....or...A Little Bit Hurt as 'obvious' tunes. Both of which would have stormed the floors and i;ve happily played in me time. I would do again. But didn't this day either! Classics they are yep.....forgotten?...absolutely not. Should we forget them? No...but we need reminding of the others too. 10+ DJ''s can't be wrong....can they? Especially when they are packing the floors with alternatives! I found the same in 1993. The same top 10 DJs playing at all the venues the top 10 obvious....and 'creaming' it. Don't get me wrong....Keith Minshull...Brian Rae..Dave Evison...Rob Smith...and the like did it for me at Keele Xmas '92....honest! I danced to Keiths Too Many People by Bobby Goldsboro' 3 times......had it away each time! Never heard it...!! We all got to start somewhere!!! But...20 years on....from 20 years on.......it wasn't required to be so unadventurous let's say!x I heard around 20 'oldies' I had never heard before during the say 10 hours I ear wigged proper. I didn't hear 1 in 4 hours...at a top venue? Not labouring a point...just giving some context so folk can see where i;m coming from!x Having said that.....erm.......it was 'obvious' tunes that saved me and my set...more later.........!!!x Yvonne Vernee ( I think I typed Renee somewhere?!Soz!)...had been kept in touch with by phone to be updated on progress throughout the day. She told me her passion for patronning Charity Soul was because she lost 2 close family members to Cancer and she was made aware of the Proffs research and its potential over in the US. I found her to be a sincere Lady who also like 'being told'! She refused any pampering upon her impending visit and I told her she ain;t coming then unless she allows us to do so! I said be treated like a Lady.....or s*d off! She lu'v d it....and is looking forward to further involvement with Charity Soul!x Super stuff all round and a special thanx to Swoz for his efforts in getting such a respected singer on the Soul scene involved....X Young un's...and Lady's have been 'topical' in Soul Source forums lately.....and we had both at he Dayer....as DJ's and of course Dancers!!x During the 'live' radio transmission....2 young lads....early 20s....got up....and DJ'd.....and that is when us 'old school'....were in trouble!!! Me and Swoz were after these 'kids'....and they played EVERY TUNE I had lined up as a possibility in me set!!!!! 1 after the other.....couldn't believe it!!!!! I then realised who it was DJing.....Jonah and Rachels son...from Oldham and our old stomp venue the Hollinwood Club!!! Thing is....I used to play all his tunes....at his Mam and Dads gig....when he was in Rachel's womb..........so not surprising.......or aliens....just 'natural' stuff!!!!x Little bu**er all the same....!!!!x Sheeesh. Only took 100 with me....down to around 60 to choose from in me box!! 1 in 3...no probs....or so I thought!!!x The radio kit connected into the decks had caused some technical hitches for DJ's here and there during the day/evening.....but I took over after the Radio stuff had been disconnected....and everything back to normal....or so we thought!x I took over from a sweating Sammy whose last couple of records had 'slid' or jumped for some reason.....and neither of us knew why at the time! I then took over.......and rammed it with Little Darling....Marvin Gaye...so I could spend a minute looking at the deck whilst the tune looked after the people!!!x I couldn't find any problems that were obvious with the kit.....so followed with a respectful spin for Yvonne of the UK press of Heaven Must Have Sent You...........which I am told is Yvonne singing on that version and not the US iussue?!?!!x Learn summink everyday init!!x BUT....that it when the wheels...knobs and every groove on me tunes....fell off!!! It stuck......10 sec's in.....floor just getting loose....and silence......so start again......same thing....so change deck....chat....pull Supremes...He's All I got...which I was gonna play at some point......and that then slipped too......10 seconds in after dancers were off again!!! Change deck........grab ANY TUNE....chat chat....smile at groaning folk......and I play a request....Hopes and Dreams which was sat up waiting because of the request made before I went up!! Mouth organ saved me...again......but before Jimmy had finished his sentence...the mouth organ slid in....repetetively!!!!ARGHHHHHHHHHHH.........BOTH decks....down! So....I grab ANY TUNE...next to Jimmy Fraser....Jimmy Robbins.....I can't please you.....youths...and stomper folk hit the floor and answered my cries of LEEEETSSSS DAAAANCE....and I held my right index finger on the arm to help the needle run 'up' the sloping hill that the decks were now clearly on...!!! The vibrations and small movement after the Radio kit had been removed....meant the decks were a few inches forward on the table....which has a sloping front edge....and nobody had noticed!!! In fact the whole table was at a slant....! I reached over with my left arm to my box as folk wrestled to flatten the first deck as I held Jimmy Robbins in the groove.....and pulled another tune 'randomly' as I couldn't move.......and put it on the fixed deck!! Didn't know what it was...slung it on....cue'd....and pressed play and hopped for the best.....it held....I looked up....and the floor was cheering and packed too...My Man A Sweet Man....Millie Jackson! NEVER intended to play it....but....it did the trick...for the moment!!!x I let the lads look at the second deck as Millie kicked off.....and as Millie was finishing....she started to stick at t'other end....ARGHHH!!! I was given the 2nd deck back....6 seconds or so of Millie to go...repetitively......grabbed another tune.....knew it could have been 1 of 3 tunes on the same label and genre......cued it....pressed play and said...we is off...and waited for the sound to tell me what i;d picked next.....and Curtis took it away....Move On Up.......!!!!! Looked up.....job done!!! I think Baby Don;t Change Your Mind or Zing Went The Strings of My Heart would have done it too......none of which i;d heard all weekend!! NONE of then would have been played....if i;d have been 'choosing' I'd say...or unless requested!! When I thought it was all over..........Curtis started to stick as it finished like Millie had......so....both slanting t'other way now!!! No record cued....grabbed another 'randomly'....cued it as Curtis's violins were about to bust a string.......and You Get Your Kicks flew on and grabbed everyones attention as it had cued right......for the first time during me set......!!! Floor packed.....given 2nd deck back.......took a deep breath......realised I was halfway through my hour.....had played....or started about 14 tunes during this tecnical hitch......and decided I was going to have the last half hour away as I wanted too......so got a request out as I knew i;d have 1 or 2 dancers for it....to start....NF Porter....Keep On Keeping on......a luvly 'bassy' backbeat........which kicked off the next problems.......! The sponge underneath the decks had been removed to try and level them up......and NF driving bass......fed back thru the table....and made it jump..........!!!!!! Half way thru....deja vue....grabbed another tune 'randonmly' as there wa silence in the room again....at least the moans had stopped as folk realised there was a problem....which weren't me!!!! Seven Day Fool landed on the deck......Etta started to stick at the end.....and feeding back.........so faded that as I sincerely apologised agaaaaain to all....and grabbed another tune out of me box....randomly...realised what it was.....and thought hmmmm....let's see if that 'holds'....the floor....and the needle! I had been told a few seconds earlier that the heads/needles were the wrong type too.....more suited for modern thin grooved records as opposed to old school fat grooves! I pulled up a tune that i've loved since it arrived in the post 'anonymously' several years ago....as a new release! Never played it out.......so grabbed it happily as the groove was definitely in me mind at the time! I said.....now for summink different.....and 'The Spy' Instru kicked off.....'hard core' hit the floor......whistles went up.......they all knew it and hadn't danced to it for aaaages I gathered.......and then as they were just getting into it.......a luvly voice BLEW THEM ALL AWAY!!!! The same experience I had really when hearing Butch play Bird Walkin' early 90's at the 100Club! It was the only tune I knew that first night....began to dance....and yup......a Lady's voice blew me away!!! The 'Agent For Love' held it's groove...no feedback.....packed the floor....and yes....afterwards....it was the most popular question asked...a....wot was the instru orig called...and B....wtfOOOOk was that...???!!!.....with genuine appreciation of it by DJ's and punters!!! I was pleased!!!x @@ ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ2xCuWc-ws I turned to a 70' track with thinnish grooves....Love is A Serious Business....which suited the decks and not my choices at the time! Needless to say....my heart had gone out of the 'enjoyment' of me 1 night out as a DJ.....and was concentrating on just 'continuity' in some way for the people.....and as there were 2 folk fiddling with the decks.....and Swoz making ready to take over.....I put the Heaven Must Have Sent You back on....for Yvonne etc....it played all the way thru.....and whilst it did and the floor rammed....I decided I didn't want to put another tune on....told Swoz to make ready......as I PICKED the first tune for meself of the night....and said on the mic to all......."there is nothing else to say except.....i'm playing this for me....join me....or sit in ure seats and moan....I don''t care!"........pressed play.....leapt off the stage....and danced to Cry To Me...Solomon Burke. I was gobsmacked.......thought i;d be 'alone' with it....looked round....floor rammed and folk coming up with genuine appreciation for my efforts! Indeed....upon returning to my fellow DJ's and promoters....the most meaningful statement that resonated and made me feel better was when 1 said in front of all....'f*** me Sooty....never seen a seasoned Pro at work.....!" It meant summink....cos I am.....but did i want that....did I??? So....that was my personal reward for all me efforts! Yes i;m glad it was me....I sung a xmas song during some silence which went down well...gave banter out where uncomfortable silences may have filled the room...and 'held' it all together when all around was falling apart.....which is what I do in life............I just wanted a day off.....tbf. Sigh!x There...24 1/2 tunes played in 58 minutes....a floor to each tune for their duration.....and obvious oldies....a 'new' tune....and some 'quality'.....all done randomly....!!! No excuse for any DJ to do worse...is there???...given 3 minutes to 'think'. I had 3 seconds on average!!!!hehe!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmnvPnDZUI8 Overall tho'...a super day/weekend....and over £1100 raised via Charity Soul. A couple of hundred attended....and many stayed until 10/11pm where we was all treated to some 'quality' by Swoz allowing a luvly Lady...Promoter...DJ...whom I think was called Annie who came from Bolton and does a doo there! It could be Burnley....or Harrogate...! I forgot!x But...I witnessed something I hadn't seen for around 15 years! Annie went through another DJ's box and played the alternate tune! At a gig in Cambridge circa 1998....we swapped boxes...3 of us....me...Pat Loasby...(RIP)....and a local Cambridge lad called Andy! We all did our set with each others tunes! The same outcome was had that night...as was had by Annie and Swoz....a SUPERB set....which the owners of the said boxes were surprised to hear coming out of their collection!!! How many times do you stop at a tune....want to play it...know you should....but skip it for the guaranteed and the like?!x Imagine hearing that tune......precisely!! Swoz was gobsmacked at what he hadn't played for yeaaaars that Annie pulled out! I recommend it among 'friends'...for the craic one night!!x I can't thank enough Kev and Richard at Stoke for thie friendly welcome and the Charity Soul folk with Toc and his Luvly wife Tracey deserving a special mention for their quality hospitality shown to me.....thank you all!!x Now i;m getting the hang of it all.....again.....i'll be back for more....I reckon!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X I would like to take this opportunity to thank all you well wishers for my birthday plugs yesterday!! I did like them.....and do we grow up really?? Why?x @@ ~ I go away later today for perhaps a week and look forward to chilling with you all when I return over the festive season via banter and the like in here!x Have a Merry one all!x ...THE DVD...!! Those who have ordered through Paypal or any other method.....they are being posted today/tomorrow and you will have them for Xmas!x There are 27 copy's left from the Xmas stock which have been placed on Ebay for a 3 day campaign. If you want one still....then that is the only source until after Xmas!x Thanx again for your 'support' of that!x I said I was going to update folk on the Rochdale Rehab unit I was due to visit. Unfortunately I couldn't....physically'....do it among 4 trips to Blackpool from Cambridge over 2 days! I spoke to Carol who relayed messages to those involved....and a new date is to be arranged after the 20th January for me to visit 'proper' and give you feedback on that trip then!x I haven't forgotten Mrs Smith either.....but I will save that 'story' for xmas......!!x There Rob........a few more weeks to 'stress'.......his Mam told me EVERYTHING....since he was aged 5/6....! It made my day having a proper chat with Mrs Smith....something I hadn't done since first meeting her in 1994!!!x Yes....a happy day.....considering!x Thanx....X BRAV,,,,,,,my kind of guy mate......THANK YOU....X

....I put it in the same 'class' as Brianstorms 'Loving is Really My Game'....or 'Have Some Everbody'.....both of which I played ritually towards the end of Tony's 7.45amish.....!!!x They 'rocked'...but were 'customer' demands'!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X Thanx for the birfday wishes folks.....sincerely!x The last time I celebrated it proper was with my Community Service mates 2 or 3 years ago!!x Thank You!x I am off to London to show some friends the sights! It will make my day to be honest and look forward to leaving in 5 minutes or Abs my 6ft Goddess will batter me silly...brifday or not!!!x I am half way through writing the 2nd bit of the last weekend.....but will finish it as a 'chill out' tonight upon my return! I then will be away for several days and look forward to 'sharing' Xmas joys with you all through here too upon my return....!x Thanx all...and have a happy day!x ...ouch....I made a mistake Steve G....it weren't Lou i followed with........it wos this......doh!!!!x I like Lou tho'.....amazed at Pete S saying it's '71...!x Willing to learn....as I always have been...thanx to you trailblazers back home and around the UK!!x @@ ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qrAp44fN08

A Question For The Oldies Brigade ? ...erm...at me last gig...I was approached in an affectionate manner by a fellow DJ who prides himself on his 'modern' approach....with things like 'Tribute'...and told 'we' are of similar ilk....'modern' DJ's...! I had never considered myself one......ever.....'Northern DJ first and foremost! But 'I'm So Happy...and Love is A Serious Business....and...Love Factory.....all represented a 'modern' approach....apparently!!x I did smile.....! I do remember having to listen to I'm So Happy a few times before I felt confident with it....in 1994! It eventually became a kind of signature tune wherever I D'd! However....it was never part of me original 100 taped Northern Tunes....and perhaps....wouldnever had made them either....if i;d have been choosing them....back in '74/5!!!x To me.....I'm So Happy...Heaven in The Afternoon and the like.....are 'disco' genre.......in me head! I have never danced to them really....or they don;t 'grab' me to dance.....but.....I play them....cos the people...in the 90's...and today....want to hear and dance to them......being a DJ....I do!!x I heard and saw the reaction to the 'modern' Sidney Barnes tune too...3 months ago! Never heard it....understand it to be an Ian Levine recentish production...then heard it at 2 venues over the week-end....folk danced....and why not...as did I....the 3rd time of hearing it.....and I was given a copy by a fellow DJ...and yup....i;ll play it!!x So...what i;m saying is....'Northern'...is Northern....from wherever...whatever....despite my personal 60's butt kicking perversions!!x https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qYiIsWZQAY @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X ...and if I remember......after Love Factory that night....I said....'let's get back to some puuuuuuuure Norvern.....stomp time.....!!!"....and spun Lou Pride....i;m Coming 'Ome....which rocked and packed further.......!!! Wot do I know???!!!hehe!!x @@ ~

....I love you Gordon,.....irrelevant!x...and U can't do owt about it!!!x.....nite!!!!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

....naaaa Dave.....coppers read it tho'!x I ain;t got time for bo**ox with them or anyone else either!x The night I made the DVD...my BM's drivers window was put in and me phone nicked...right outside in Kings Hall slip road. The door was unlocked and the key in the ignition....tw^t. Several weeks later there was an admission that it was an undercover job and 1 'force' assisting another. The other....I had 5 of their 'moguls' in the frame for being naughty in 1 way or t'other over 25 years. I was stopped 17 times thru 5 different Police forces....none of em knew why....just answering 'requests'.......! It all stopped when I didn't do me producers....and when turning up at court...intending to do so for all 17 'stops'.....the first 2 appearances i turned up with my ;'evidence'.....which compromised the Magistrates somewhat! So...suddenly...nobody wanted to read 'the truth'...all charges dropped....everywhere....and The Zurich Insurance company capitulated and eased their 'pressure' on our finest Forces and paid out £4 Million.....to victims of peedo activity whilst in kids homes....over 400 of em to date...victims in the 70's and 80's....folk our ages. So....I was genuinely happy at the Kings Hall 10 years ago....it was a 'chill out' making the film....considering!x The same this weekend. I haven't 'been out'...since the last Charity Soul doo....3 months ago!!!x So..yes...I enjoyed Saturday....and indeed Sunday.....without gear....a few spliffs granted....and seeing as i stopped alcohol in 1980....then...all done on Endorphin.....and good tunes Dave....!!!!x @@ ~ To all those Charity Soul folk and others waiting the 2nd half as such....then i;m sorry!x I'm shot thru now....and have to go to Blackpool....3 times...before Friday 4pm!!! That's after going to Stoke...extra 4 hour journey thru roadworks......back home then immediately to Knottingley for the day.....getting to bed Sunday night 2am after being at the dayer and among the last to leave.....'hard core' we is....no kip Saturday....then leaving Tocs at 4am to go to Washington/Sunderland and back to Knottingley for a few hours kip....(Thanx Toc and Tracey...XX)....then on to Spalding....and Cambridge.which i managed to do by 8pm Monday!x Tuesday....finished off a tiling job I started last week for some folks with learning difficulties who have a flat between them! Left to go play football for an hour....went back...finished tiling at 11pm llast night....went to bed for 5 hours....then took a truck to Blackpool....and back....just loaded for 5am start tomorrow!!x I wanted to do the 2nd bit of feedback....but it needs thought....and at present...I need 5 hours kip to be ready for me mega 3 trips to Blackpool....forgive me.....nite nite!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X ....none Soul folk read I was 'free' this week elsewhere......and I can't say no.........so shipping stuff around the UK for the Philippines.....to be loaded on a Hercules on Sunday.......so....priorities....and as said....forgive me for the delay...X Thanx for the email Richard(Searling)....much appreciated friend and yes...10 years on.....tis looking good!!x I will hopefully do it Friday.....as at present....I am free.......erm...I said that about Monday and Tuesday....I was free.....wot day is it? Charity's....pah. Ooops...heard from Drew too re the rehab unit in Rochdale...who are expecting me tomorrow......and I will fit it into 1 of me return trips from Blackpool tomorrow or Friday.....on it!!x.....now nite nite.....and thanx for your understanding.....X

Since my first Northern function...Keele xmas 1992....I have never ever not enjoyed meself Winnie.....and nobody can say different!x Correct!x My choice...not a promoter or DJ's...fortunately!!x I won't let the bu**ers control me life......whatever next!!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X ...off t'Blackpool.....see the light....s.....X

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVlXQQcrpho My first attendance of a Nighter for 10 years.....and Turley's tune spun at Kings Hall...1 of 3 that I danced too during our 4 hours there.....sums up my weekend nicely!!x Thank you all!x I am writing this post to respond en masse to numerous chats and comments had with folk be they Soulies...Promoters...DJ's and the hidden 'gems' behind the scenes!!x I told all I would 'report' back as to my opinons and findings through SS and this post is it!x It's up for discussion...but...as a seasoned 'journeyman'.....and returning after 10 years...then perhaps...it may suit as an article too?(Mike?x) There is lots to share....after 10 years and updating meself...so no apologies!!x I consider my feedback 'sensible and measured'. Why? Well...I don't do drugs as I did for All Nighters back in the 90's. I enjoy a joint Publicly and anyone will tell you that Globally...but anything else is reserved for privacy....in me own home and in more intimate settings....for special occasions instead of a meal out and bottle of Bolly....which I recommend for true lovers!x On that basis....I was meeting 'the people'...and as Pete and I were talking to folk about the DVD at Kings Hall....then yes...as Gordon Russell quite rightly points out on occasion....business is business....and Pete and I both take that 'responsibility' serious. Therefore....I went to Kings Hall with my business head on first.....and the 'social' Soul Scene second......and the following is based on that criteria!x We intended to get to Kings Hall for 9pmish.....but those who travelled via the A14/M6 after 7.45pm....copped 3 diversions.....adding 42 miles....and 2 hours to the journey taking in the wonderful sights of Wolverhampton Town Centre......sigh.....10 minutes too late to miss it the dversion we wos.....£$**(&%"!"&^%((poo.....so we got there after 4 1/2 hours at just after 11pm....and I was genuinely sorry for missing Sean's set and others whom I wanted to catch......bu**er....X Upon arrival I was met at the door by a Luvly Lady who announced with a huge smile like a 'I remember now moment' a conversation I hadn't been part of........"....ahhhh.....I know who you are now...the Charity Soul doo at Knottingley....!" She then announced her broken toe is fixed....and so I said I wos happy to hear that and she took me £30 quid for the 2 of us!x We had some kit with us...a telly and things to show the DVD.....and headed for the Record room......which has gone since I last went...!! Dealers now 'gel' in the 2nd room with KICKING TUNES accompanying them.......which sadly meant for us.....the environment wasn't conducive to 'talking' with folk about the film!!!! So sadly...and I mean that....we had to seek elsewhere to go!x Pete had never been to a Nighter...or a Soul Night proper....but he knows the craic and mucked in by staying put in the room with our kit whilst I went to seek where to camp....sensibly!! I took that moment to head for the Balcony to take an overview of 'the happening'....but got as far as the steps half way up...and was met by a bouncer and 2 platformed shoed 'teenage' girls...dressed for clubbing and as I looked approachable in me 3/4 length jeans and UJ jacket and hat.....asked if I would teach them too dance......!!!!! The bouncer said he can't help em as it was his first time working a Northern doo...as it was for most of them I discovered!x Their 'husky Joe Lifeguard' poses wilted...or relaxed as the night wore on...which was nice to witness!x Dancing lessons??? It's been topical on SS in recent months....and I gave my passionate speech to these young Lady's based on taking those comments on board...and my sincere feeling.......and said....'Dancing 'lessons'???" It's a feeeeeeeeling girls.....stand near the edge of the floor....watch others....and let the music move you....it'll happen I promise!!! Nobody gives a to** what you do either....I do me own thing....'naturally'.....just get on with it!!"....and gave them a huuuge re-assuring smile with which the Bouncer nodded in agreement whilst grinning too! I saw them venturing onto the floor about 2 hours later....together....tip toeing and stepping around in their platforms....in time.....job done!!x On my way down from the Balcony I bumped into Sammy on the way up who features on the DVD and on Paul Masons Cultural show t'other week......but I didn't tell him about the girls whom he would have trained...personally i'm sure...hehe!x He was too busy wanting to talk about our 'togetherness'...10 years ago.....which was BRILL....and nice to be remembered so fondly mate....nice 1 Sammy...!!X When reaching the foyer again....Kev Roberts was chilling there....and I took my chance to shake his hand and genuinely thank him for providing the function for us all!x It was 'kicking'!x He then went beyond what some of you may expect of him....I wasn't surprised as he has always been helpful and friendly when our paths have crossed or needed too since first meeting him in the 90's. I told him of our dilemma and looked to him for a solution....and a superb one he found too....!x He suggested we set up at the entrance to the old corridor where the record rooms used to be! It was right opposite the middle doors to the main room and a perfect place to talk to folk who stopped to watch the film whilst peering through the door at the stage and hearing EVERY TUNE whilst there!!! Thanx Kev.....and indeed....his suggestion and assistance showed no signs of being 'anti' or uncaring with his attitude towards genuine Soulies that some out there consider he may have!x By now....i'd been about half an hour....during that time...Pete...my Producer friend...had been listening to tunes in the 2nd room......and had a massive 'content' smile on his face as I walked to the bar towards him....because of the tunes he'd been privvy too in that 1/2 hour!!x To impress him....takes some....i dunno who was on during 11pm-11.45ish....but you did it for him......and by default...for me too....THANK YOU!!x Now...'the night'. No it wasn't played during my 4 hours there.....but....was expecting it any moment.....more later!x We set up...and were MOBBED....soon as!x The Kings Hall 'Management' from the Council...Tim and his good Lady Manager whom I think was called...?? I'llfind out now!x .....I can't thank enough either...X They trusted Pete and I and allowed us access to the corridor which is now firmly locked to get access to a plug socket!! Tim in particular who had just taken over as Duty manager kept returning to make sure we were ok! Luvly fella....and he gave me an update on how the function has fared from his perspective over recent years....and ALL was good! I said during our early chat that I thought the Bouncers 'husky Joe' approach was a bit OTT at the time.....he acknowledged my sentiments! However....as I said...after chatting with many of them as they prowled the corridor....I was able to report to Tim as I left that their attitude and 'stance' had indeed mellowed and become more relaxed as they realised Northern gigs ain't like 'that'!!!x Super stuff too which Tim received warmly...X I gave him and his Lady Manager a copy of the DVD which he was pleased to have and understand more of 'the scene'. As an ex promoter....my findings were that it is all sitting pretty for 2014...and beyond...as far as the Council are concerned!! Nice 1!x ......ooooops......having said that.....erm...I was contacted on Sunday afternoon to be told a punch up had actually occurred between 2 Soulies after we had left....!!! A spat brewing for 30 years I understand but report such in the interests of balance!!! But....in 9 years of promoting....I never had 1 to deal with.....but in the grand scale.....I would believe it a very rare occurrence at Kings Hall too....X UPDATE/Edit.... I have just spoken to Tim to ask the Lady's name...Janice was it...and I wanted to get their names right!x Thanx Janice!x I gave them a DVD and look forward to their feedback which they have promised to give!!x He just reported that the biggest 'problem' they had for the night was a Young Lady.....who had dislocated her knee cap....whilst dancing..........................................................................! Erm...I thanked him and put the phone down sharpish................hehe!!x The 4 hours were spent in the corridor greeting old friends and faces and meeting many new ones including many of you 'regulars' who read in here!x In fact there are more readers who said hello....than talkers!x The 'silent majority' spoke...and your opinions were indeed appreciated.....nice 1 all!!x Good friends Ian...Jack....had spent many times on the Mini bus with me over the 9 years I trekked nationally....and it was fantastic to see them both still 'active' and excited by the scene!x Ian has continued his collecting which he re-started after coming to our Soul Nights in Cambridge '93. He had nowhere to go based in Ipswich...and he found a 'home' with us.....and he said i;m responsible for his still 'habit'...of collecting!!x Others commented on his 'quality' collection he has gathered over the past 20 years....but Ian...being a laid back guy....does some DJing....but doesn't like DJing really he said....and I can believe that!x A luvly unassuming fella...and mutual friend to Ted Massey too! Ted waved at us both from the end of the corridor...but I didn't have the chance to meet you Ted or hear your stuff......but Ian said you is 'kicking ass'.....and that mate....is good enuff for me to believe in...he knows his stuff...and people...and his judgement is 'consistent' with folk who have reported back on your input to us all as being 'super'.....to me in the past 20+ years.....as I have said mate!!x Nice 1...and I do look forward to hearing your stuff somewhere soon...and your 'students'.....!!!x The main room.....as said...ear wigged every tune...and saw all reactions to all...during the 4 hours. The screens i'll mention first. Again...been good debate in here about such things at venues...showing the tunes being played. It was the first time i;d seen such personally....aaaaand.....I HATED IT!!!!!!!!!!!! As a dancer......it took away my 'natural' physical reaction to a tune away....knowing in advance what was coming!! No more would the surprise of trumpets announcing the arrival of The Majestics...be uplifting...or the Frankie Beverly BURST launch u outta ure seat.....for me....the brain took over the groove!!!!!! YES...I see the interest and they are a good thing....to see a label...super....like it. But..it killed me....straight up!! My solution to help dancers and watchers??? Delay the pic until 30 seconds after it kicking off.......simples!! Naturally...it messed me up! Took away the excitement....and made it...for me....brain active not dance gear. Most dancers I know...feel it.....they just need reminding what it wos afterwards!!x It is a 'dance' venue....and folk go there to do it...I genuinely feel it better to not show the tune in advance.....if it can be avoided!X As for the tunes I was privvy too......well...I danced 3 times. The first tune was 'Im Not Built That Way...Hesitations....an old favourite spin I had in the 90's.....then Don't Pretend by The Belles...again another old spin......and as I was leaving...telly in hand...Turley came on...which i;d never heard before until in this forum a few months back...and it dragged me back into the room for me last dance!!!!x Although I was busy....and was reserving my energy for the next days Dayer too.....to be very honest.....nothing else made me dance!!x Indeed I would go as far as this.......the DJ's tunes playing n the background of the DVD 10 years ago.....being played by some of those who DJ'd this weekend....pi**ed all over the 'quality' as to what was spun Saturday!! During my 4 hours....so 'obvious' a tune was played one after the other...it;'s a good job the majority where 'on it'...as discussed with Tim the Manager this morning....otherwise...the tunes wouldn't have inspired alone....methinks!x Yes top 500 is the theme.....but to hear the same 50 outta them....pop end too...was disappointing. I heard over 250 tunes on Sunday at the dayer....spun by perhaps 10 + DJ's....and many 'classics'/Oldies among them which packed the floor. Not once did I hear anything from those top 50 obvious...all day!! It is all I heard....and am sad to have to report that. There is no excuse when having an 'easy' appreciative crowd....chomping at the bit for any tune to give it some too...to play just 'any' tune. No real adventure....and as said....Turley....was it for me....the only track i had never heard 'live' or danced too in me life....in 4 hours!!x The DJ's can do better.....listen to yourselves on the DVD 10 years ago......i;m sorry to have dropped in from a time warp or summink....but either you can't be ar*ed....or....realised you didn't need to 'entertain'? Anyone could have turned up and had it away so to speak....but to inspire??? Different thing...and I didn't see anyone do that during my time there......and hoped for better really...X So...people wise....from Kev...to behind the scene folk...and Soulies....and indeed Ginger..Dave Evison and the few DJ's I spoke with.....from a social perspective......BRILLIANT and thank you all for the welcome back as such!x My comments ain;t personal...strictly business....as Gordon would like it...!!x Business done...which included 62 copy's of the DVD among it all...Pete sorted that!!x His opinion??? He heard more ';quality' in the half hour in the little room than he did in the main room in 4 hours......I am the messenger!x ....but after all we have said...I would recommend going.....and sincerely hope it is there for many a year to come!x I mingled among some of the new kids...and watched their approach....and it is to be encouraged....and supported. They added a sparkle to the occasion and indeed can dance....those not in platforms anyway!!x Great to see...and the dress code too.....I saw a pair of 6 buttoned/3 flap waisters on a young un.....and was dead jel......always wanted a pair....and they looked good!x I waddled off...silly prat in a hat back to the car happily reminiscing about me childhood in me head....which is what Kings Hall seems to be about....so on that basis Kev.....JOB DONE....for me!!!x THANK YOU!!x LUV SOOTY X I have to go out for the day.....and will add further with pics the next 'chapter'....featuring lots of happenings on Sunday at a Dayer!!x Including me telling Yvonne Renee to shut up and be looked after....she pi**ed herself on the phone and said she's willing to be told and pampered....love it!!x I did her...just like she did me...in the 90's....awesome!!!x @@ ~ ...I also was done in by another Lady this weekend.....and listened to her 'story'...of you all.....and she has one....which perhaps none of you have heard....or considered!!x Mrs Smith.....and thanx to Maslar...for the inspiration!x I will reveal all her opinions on it all too....this evening!!x X

...never forget the first time i DJ'd in 93 at Blackburn...Tony's.....given the 7-8am launch spot to finish.....and played Happy....3rd tune from the end of the night........because I really really was....blew the doors off.............X @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X

....Kids....music..past....future...current.....DJ's....Promoters.. and Lady's???......hmmmm.They all impressed me this weekend at both venues I frequented....Kings Hall and the Charity Soul sponsored gig at Kellingley...XX I have much to share about it all relevant to this thread....but I can waffle on...and as many SS folk came up to me over the weekend.....then I know u wanna hear it anyway....so will write me feedback on all kinds of stuff of interest to most i'm sure.....tomorrow....!x I will also tell how both Young and Old DJ's...dancers...and Promoters...can have it away in 58 minutes....with 24 1/2 tunes....which pack from the outset...pulling them randomly outta ure box..from reaaaaal oldies.....to 4 year old tunes....that were the talk after the doo......!!!x Thanx all of you who expressed an opinion to me over the weekend wherever we were!x.....and out of respect...i'll give mine back on it all....tomorrow!!x Now tho'...a well earned kip.....!x Nite nite...X ++ ~ LUV SOOOTZZZZZ X