Souledtrafford

Thankfully we have a wooden floor! Having it tickets only, we hope to avoid those who are not interested in the music. Did a spot in a pub last year, which was advertised as a Soul and Motown night and early on, someone came up and asked for 'Elvis'. Told him that I didn't think he was there and that it was a soul and Motown night. To which he replied 'call yourself a dj?' The floor is important and if a dj has an empty floor he is not doing his job, or those who are there are at the wrong event. Between the three of us who are dj'ing to start with I think we have enough to keep everybody happy. The first two or three of nights will certainly tell.

The Dumfries Soul Club you mention is an off-shoot of what the original intentions were and although the once or twice a year nights - at a completely different venue - will possibly continue, we are looking at more regular events in the hope to re-attract the locals. The Dumfries weekender is an independently run event.

Cheers Mate. Thanks for taking the time to post a reply. No fear with the sound spinners, they will have a have a proven record (excuse the pun). Membership is what I'm still pondering over, but it has been suggested, so has to be looked at. We have no outlay money wise, except advertising and all profits go to charity, so no problems there. We have a few weeks to get everything in place before the first night, so want to get everything right.

Doing it because we like the music and believe that there are enough interested to make it a good regular night. Music will be practically anything and everything. We have not fallen out with anyone and trying to start something in oposition. Those who will dj have enough tunes to play a bit of everything.

Out in the wild's of south-west Scotland.

No problem with the sound system, as it is reportedly the best in town and one of the lads has been and confirmed this. We are also fortunate that the owner of the pub is willing to make the 'nights' a private function, so we do not get any undesirables through the door, with admission being ticket only. He is also supplying the doormen.

Many thanks for both of the above comments, which are appreciated. Hopefully some of those out there who run soul clubs can come along with details of how they run things and we can do something that is both successful and worthwhile. Cheers.

Hi. Along with some like minded friends, we are hoping to start a soul club, where people can meet on a regular basis and listen and dance to across the board soul music. The area isn't exactly a hot-bed for soul, but we feel that we will be able to attract enough people to make the idea a success. I was therefore wondering if those of you out there who run a soul club, or have run one in the past, could pass on some ideas and suggestions as how best to move forward re. the likes of memberships, the do's and do not's etc. We already have a venue, which we are getting free, so all the money raised can go to charities and dj's who know what's what. Thanks for your time.

Give the following a try - CHICAGO SOUL - ROBERT PRUTER NOWHERE TO RUN - GERRI HIRSHEY A HOUSE ON FIRE - THE RISE AND FALL OF PHILADELPHIA SOUL - JOHN A. JACKSON At the moment, I am reading - MOTOWN, BERRY AND ME - RAYNOMA GORDY SINGLETON, which is a ggod read.

Hi Russ. Will take Nos. 6 (Wigan vol. 3) and 8 (one more time) if you still have them. Regards, IAIN.

Don't know about the quotes in the mag., but I saw Martha at the Arches in Glasgow a few weeks back. Was a bit apprehensive, but she was well worth the money and sounded excellent. Perhaps the smaller venue help her, as she was better here than at the MEN in Manchester last year.

THE FOUR TOPS SECOND ALBUM - EVERY TRACK IS EXCELLENT.

The Wigan one - none unfortunately. Spent most of the time travelling up and down the country watching football. Did go to the Blackpool one on numerous occasions though.

What about The Whispers - My Girl Elsie Strong - Ask the Lonely Connie Haines - What Two Can Easily Do Flirtations - Little Darlin'

Haven't read all the replies, so this might have already been said - If your soul nights were "quite successful", then why would the venue management want to change and perhaps risk losing money?

Bloody hell, didn't know that. Must give him some stick next time I pop in. Still a top lad though.

Yes, a top shop King Bee and a great guy behind the counter. Always try to pop in whenever I'm down from Scotland as you never know what you will find.

Hi, Does anyone know what has happened to the 'There's That Beat' magazine? I have just tried to email them and it has been returned!

I do seem to remember something about it back then. Get it to the printers Kev. There is never a good or a bad time to put a book out (I've had 16 published). If it is good, then it will sell anytime. My top ten - in no order except for No.1 Marvin Gaye - Little Darlin' Isley's - My Love Is Your Love Spinners - I'll Always Love You Elgins - Heaven Must Have Sent You Four Tops - I'm Grateful Barbara Randolph - I Got A Feeling Martha - No One There Isley's - This Old Heart Of Mine Kim Weston - You Can Do It Edwin - SOS

WHAT ABOUT PUTTING INTO BOOK FORM?

Yes, the Blackpool Casino was also the first soul venue that I went to, although it can't be said that it was 100% soul, as the balcony bar (an outside balcony I must add, with brilliant views up the prom) played more pop oriented stuff at times. However, it was downstairs in front of the decks with Gary Wilde that the real magic was. Ok, perhaps the go-go dancers up on stage did not fit in with northern soul, but........... The Casino must also have been one of the first soul clubs on the go, but rarely receives a mention anywhere, although Gary's name does pop up now and again. My ulimate memory is hearing Marvin's 'Little Darlin' ' for the first time and it is still my number one favourite.

I suspect that most people who are deeply involved in anything, will keep various bits and pieces, even if they do not see themselves as a "collector", hence there being all sorts of bits and pieces in the back of cupboards and up in lofts. Although not heavily into the Northern Soul scene from the late 60's onwards, due to the fact that I was more into football (not saying what team) and the distance from any clubs etc, I did collect memorablia relating to my team (which I still have). Due to the collecting bug being there, I still have a handful of fliers form visits to the Wheel, membership card, another from the Blackpool Casino (anybody out there go there?) long with others odds and ends. I am sure there are plenty of items out there, some that many will not even want to admit having.

Will definately go along with this one, as I had the pleasure of meeting Mary Wilson in Manchester recently at she looked really good.