The Bolton Spitfire Soul Club Farnworth

After a rest on Saturday after the Shirt club on Friday it was off to Farnworth for another Spitfire Soul afternoon at the D Haviland Club.

I arrived just before 2 pm to find Vance Butterworth taking the cash and fixing the arm bands, glad he did it, I always seem to mess it up if I do my own. Found a seat and waited for my friend Lawrence Crossley to join me.

Linda Butterworth was the first DJ, on for an hour and a half. Getting us all in the mood with records like One Night Affair; Sad Little Girl; Shoes; I Cry Alone; Spring Rain (one of Lawrence's favourites); Let Me Make You Happy, etc. A nice mixed set.

Neil Brackenridge was next on playing some great oldies like Mr Big Shot; In Orbit; Festival Time; Got To Find A Way (not heard that for ages). Good to hear an oldies set that omitted what I describe as the usual suspects, sure readers may guess what I refer to. Nothing wrong with them but slightly overplayed in my opinion.

For the second time in three days I listened and enjoyed a set by Bob Spendlove. He started with Milton Wright's I Belong To You. I had to check what it was only to find I've got it, flip of Like A Rolling Stone, what am I like? Others he played included If You Ever Walk Out Of My Life, Come Go With Me, both of them got me dancing; Now You've Got The Upper Hand; You Only Live Twice (nice Crossover) and I'd Think It Over Twice.

Then it was time for Ted Massey, one of the UK's premier DJs, always a big draw for a club. He started with a request from Bob Spendlove for No One Can Take Your Place. While he played some of his big records e.g. Joseph Webster; Pee Wee Shucks & Huey; Tiaras' Foolish Girl (latter two my requests); Poets; Constellations and others. He played a few I didn't recognise, one being Jay Bee & The Mighty Sensations' Anybody Here, rather nice. Ted turned to more funky sounds for his last two: Angela Davis' My Love Is Strong and What I Did In The Street by Barbara King. When he played the last one he said he wasn't sure anyone would dance to it, except perhaps Geoff Green, so no pressure there then Ted, and now everyone knows who I am, lol. Absolutely superb set, hope to get to the Ashton Ukrainian club on Saturday.

Bob and Vance double decked playing mainly oldies, appropriate for the last hour or so,; some good tunes. Bob's last play was a forthcoming release on North Broad St records, the House Brothers with Shake, sort of Modern Soul meets House.

All of those who attended seemed to be enjoying themselves, the music was top notch and the company I was with were very friendly.

I can think of few better ways to spend a Sunday afternoon than at the Spitfire, if you haven't been there give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

My thanks to the DJs, promoters and staff of the club, and also to Phil Jones who gave me a lift home, cheers mate.