Butch Spirit Of The Orwell Haydock Golf Club - Newton-le-willows

The Spirit Of The Orwell soul night has become one of the highlights of my soul calendar, the music is always top class with DJs who know their music and are not afraid to play records that most of us present do not know. The DJs know that we are an audience eager for new sounds as well as the more familiar “rare and underplayed”.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the one in November 2022 due to a train strike but this year I was fortunate that Jackie and Pete Ratcliffe gave me a lift, my thanks to them.

The room at the Haydock Park Golf Club was filling nicely when we arrived; after getting drinks we found seats and began to soak up the music and atmosphere.

I guess the main attraction was Butch, but the other DJs did a superb job.

Among the records we heard were Looks Like Rain; That's The Way The Story Goes (perhaps my favourite of Butch's cover ups); Kiss Me Girl On Your Way Out; If I Ever; The Feeling's Still There; Sweet Temptation; Things A Lady Ain't Supposed To Do; Old Time Lover; It's All Over (Baby); Make Believe You Love Me; and so many others. At least half or more of Butch's set were one's I didn't know, and the other DJs also played some that were new to me. Absolutely my kind of night.

The night flew by and all of a sudden it was 12.30 and time to leave.

It was really nice to see so many people I rarely see now. Thanks to Steve and the Orwell guys, Butch and to the bar staff.

I've been to some good soul nights this year but think this is my favourite, no disrespect to other ones.