Culcheth Anniversary Alldayer
Culcheth, Warringt Sat 06 Sep 2025

The Culcheth anniversary event was a true celebration of Soul music and nothing short of spectacular.  Stellar DJs of our scene ensured there was something for everyone. The main room, expansive and atmospheric, playing rare and underplayed 60’s and 70’s Soul. The modern room, intimate and engaging; spinning crossover, modern and contemporary gems. The event was packed, the atmosphere joyous and the dancefloor vibrant throughout the evening.

Main Room:

We arrived just after 5pm, Rob Haigh greeted us with The Brothers of Soul “I’d Be Grateful”. Followed by the raw and strident sound of Betty Harris “I Don’t Wanna Hear it”. And included the timeless, Carol & Gerri “How Can I find a Way”.

Simon Ingham followed, always quality, the rich tones of Cleveland Robinson “Boy”. Ray Charles “Tired of My Tears”, sounding great. The magical harmonies of the Groovettes “Think it Over Baby”. And a track that is certainly going through a bit of a renaissance, Rhonda Davis “Can You Remember”.

BazM next.  The OJays “No Time for You”, Not sure if this, or the Commands version came first. The enigmatic Speidels “Dream Girl” and a soulful sounding track I don’t know much about, Johnny Sayles “Tell Me Where I Stand”.  

Jimmy Knowles ensured the dancefloor remained lively, The Peoples Choice “Saving All My Lovin for You”. A dancer from Garnett Mimms later work, “Somebody Someplace”, then staying with the 70’s, the throbbing sound of O.V Wright “Into Something (I Can’t Shake Loose)”.

Robbo’s set included Jimmy Seals “Yesterday of Our Love”. The relentless and unforgettable dancer, Jo Matthews “Ain’t Nothing You Can Do”. And Yvonne Bakers refined version of “I Can’t Change”.

Julian Bentley certainly gave us some superlative tracks. The raw and thrilling sound of Margaret Little “Love Finds a Way”. The illusive Patrinell Staten “A Little Love Affair”. Top shelf gems William Powell and Bobby Kline and the unique sound of Jimmy Bo Horne.

Steve Thomas played us the incomparable Lenny Curtis, Northern anthems Jay Traynor and Carol Anderson “Taking My Mind off love”. And slowing things down masterfully with C. M Lords masterpiece “Oh Mama”.

Paul Shirly took the final hour. Magnetics (Detroit) “Lady in Green”. The soaring sound of Pat Lewis “No One to Love”. Crossover gold: Robert Tanner, The Imperial C’s and Chuck Cockerham. Northern anthems The Del Larks and the irrepressible Eddie Parker.

A wonderful evening closed with a dedication to the late kev Murphy (RIP), with the Serviceman “I’ll Stop Loving You”

Modern Room:

Pete Ratcliffe Got things underway in the Modern room. The first hour dedicated to new and future releases. His second hour included, the west coast funky sound of Patches “I’m Gonna Make This World a Better Place”, a smooth Willie Hutch ballad “When a Boy Falls in Love” and Space Lady “Bill”, complete with funky bassline and sophisticated backing arrangement.

Bill Wildman continued with some quality. The textured smooth arrangement of Mandrill “Getting in The Mood”. A super track from per-eminent writing team Ashford and Simpson “It Seems to Hang On”. Some disco magic with GQ “Make My Dream a Reality”.

Howard Whiteside provided us with some upbeat dance heaven with Trammps “Love Epidemic”. Phily gold with Teddy Pendegrass “Where Are All My Friends Gone” and finishing with the enduring sounds of the Spinners “I’ll Be Around”.

Tony Dawber played the newish release from Canadian songstress Clare Davis “Intuition” on vibrant green vinyl. The jazztastic Brenda Brooklyn “Love Is in Town”. And what must now be a modern anthem, the sublime and flawless and uplifting Jack Radics “No Matter”.

Charlie Smith was spinning Barbara Lynn's increasingly popular “Movin on a Grove”. Crossover ambrosia Celiste Hardy “Your Gone”. And the groovy harmonies of Unique blend “Yes I’m in Love”.

Modern Maestro, Steve Plumb gave us recent album track Crossroads, the jazzy “Tripping Out”. Another album track and one Steve has been championing, complete with a calypso and latin dance vibe “Ronnie Butler and Ramblers “Piece Without Love”. His set also included 70’s gems, James Walsh Gypsy Band, Bobby Thurston and Four Below Zero.

Baz M, put his modern hat on for the final hour, I manged to catch the tail end of his set. The strident and accomplished George Soule “Can’t Believe” or was it the cover by Jack Tennis “From the Heart”?

Last tune of the evening in the modern room was Thelma Huston’s appropriately named “Saturday Night Sunday morning”.

Thanks to Baz Maleedy and the team for a fabulous event.

Edited September 8Sep 8 by Mickyfinn

What a fantastic night both rooms buzzing all night with the now expected eclectic mixture of top quality rare soul . . Well done to all involved DJs and the Culcheth faithful alike and last but not least BazM who puts his heart and soul into the events promotion tirelessly.

😁