Kathryn Magson

It's not so much trying to force us oldies out - more a case of them looking down on anyone older. Most of us can't dance as well as we used to - some of the younger ones will spin & backdrop etc with a smirk on their faces & try to take over the dance floor, leaving no room for others. I've sat & watched them do it - I quite enjoy just watching a busy dance floor. Having said all this - most of the younger end that I've met are nice & get on well with everyone regardless of age - room for all of us I reckon. I know a few oldies too that object to the younger end being there...…..

It DOES happen, but not very often I glad to say. A few of the younger ones seem to want to take over the whole scene & shove us oldies out of the way. As for me ....I'm going nowhere lol Overheard one younger guy mutter "f------g sh-te" as he pushed his way past me when the DJ played an old Marvin Gaye track from the 60s. How can anyone say that about Marvin Gaye? I wanted to punch his ;lights out lol

I've not been to a nighter since 1970 - in my late 60s now, so I guess I won't be going to another now lol. I love my nights out - not fussed about the dayers - but I'm usually one of the last to leave at night - 2am or so. I have a couple of local monthly ones that I never miss - I don't drive, but I'm happy to go anywhere further afield if I can blag a lift. I don't hit the dance floor as much as I used to - happy to watch a full floor though. Good to see people of all ages mixing together - some of the young ones can really dance - alongside the old shufflers like me. I always think there's room for all of us - I'm not one who feels the scene should be exclusive to us "old originals" - but equally unhappy with some of the younger ones who feel we should leave the scene cos we're past it. Bit of respect on all sides is needed. I have a friend in her late 60s who still goes to the soul nights - along with her granddaughter & her boyfriend. The girl reminds me of myself when I was 16 - she can really dance, her clothes are fab & she gets on really well with everyone.

Quite agree with you there Mark, but they normally only go round the room once so I don't find it too bad to dodge the cameras. Never been one for having my pic taken

At most of the soul night I go to, there is always someone who will want to take pics. A lot will take photos of the group they are with & some will also go round the room & take pics of everyone. I think that's fine, just so long as they ask first - then if you give permission for your pic to be taken, you have to accept that it could pop up anywhere - Facebook - Soul Source - anywhere at all. Permission first is the key. If you don't want your pic taking, it's probably easier just to head to the bar/toilet/dance floor/best mate that you just spotted at the other end of the room etc when you see the camera heading in your direction - avoid the situation altogether.