2010-04-04: Stafford, Fancy Another One ?

[Constellation161]

SAME AGAIN NEXT YEAR PLEASE

MICK

[nubes]

Adelle

Were you standing at the side of the main dance floor at some stage? If so, I saw you but wasn't sure if it was you and didn't want to make myself look like a pillock.. If it was sorry too.

Mick

Yep...was pondering....whether to go for it or not...coz me knees were wobbly!!!!...no worries...will catch up somewhere hun...think i saw ya dancing,,,....near the top of the dancefloor...but as well with my dodgy eyesight...didnt want to come up ..in case it wasnt u!!!!!!..Delxxxx

[Dazdakin]

Really surprised that this thread has not gone ballistic!!

What a night it was and i had.

Seen people i had not seen for 25yrs.. far too many to mention but the biggest buzz was just as he was leaving around 3am Sean from if my memory serves me correct Doncaster, i actually got quite emotional it was all just too much at this point in the evening when i thought i had had all my shocks and pleasant memories rekindled.

Oh and i have to mention fantastic seeing Jane from rugby (complete with hair plats) and Mr. Phil Worrell you are a legend!!

Top night, but i say no to next year, maybe another five yrs down the line as these kind of nights need to be remembered for what they are........JUST TOO MUCH.........FANTASTIC!!

[Guest]

theres another thread in weekender/allnighter lookbacks

[Mark Oliver]

For those of us washed up on foreign shores, any chance of playlists and/or what tunes went down best etc...please!

Dave

Classic playlists of the time in the main room and many of the original sounds played were quite upfront then, that are now so well accepted. Think back to the great times of hearing the new breaking sounds at Stafford and last night reflected so many of the records that were played. Full credit goes to the dee-jays and their playlists and remembering where applicable the original cover up names.

It seemed quite strange being there with the Gloucester crowd of Mark George , Des Parker, Shaun Price, Adey Pierce, Ian Freeman etc but no Dave Flynn.

Mark

[Guest]

Had a great night even though my lift never turned up and I had to make my own way there

Saw lots of people I hadnt seen in years Martyn Melia & Phil Worrel both looking in top form, was hoping Con may have been there but unfortunately not and remenisced about some no longer with us, such as Dave Alcock, I still have equipment he "fixed" for me over 20 years ago although I never realised most of them needed fixing until they got in Dave's hands

Finally managed to catch up with Debbie Butler at long last to discuss our mutual friend Mr Keen

Heard some top tunes and tried to have a dance, I say tried cos as with all Night Clubs rather than dance halls, dancefloors were smallish and hard to dance on but John Pugh had it bouncing in the main room for the last hour

There were more bars than you could shake a stick at with no bitter

Wandered , chatted, danced and attempted to look through the record boxes, they needed either a queueing system or one of them ticket things that you get at supermarkets, loads of record boxes but not enough space to actually get to them, felt a bit sorry for Adam stuck in the corner, he even offered to carry over records he thought I would like as it was really difficult to get to his boxes, thanks Adam, although you never did bring them !

Fantastic night as a one of occasion and congratulations to all concerned, Mace thought about you dismantling all those tables this morning ( well for about 10 seconds )

Would I go if it was a regular event again, I doubt it times have moved on but I would like to hear some of the tunes played out a little more often

For me now Lifeline and Radcliffe mainly fit the bill but most of all give me a dark, dingy, dirty Bidds with cracking tunes and great people every time

Steve

Edited April 5, 2010 by Guest

[Rob Wigley]

Dave

Classic playlists of the time in the main room and many of the original sounds played were quite upfront then, that are now so well accepted. Think back to the great times of hearing the new breaking sounds at Stafford and last night reflected so many of the records that were played. Full credit goes to the dee-jays and their playlists and remembering where applicable the original cover up names.

It seemed quite strange being there with the Gloucester crowd of Mark George , Des Parker, Shaun Price, Adey Pierce, Ian Freeman etc but no Dave Flynn.

Mark

So Mark George did turn up then Mark ?? I didn't see Ady Pierce either

God I'm Knackered ! apologies for missing Mace and Marcelle off my initial "First Post" this morning in thanks-sorry.x

KAREN says HI to allwho asked for her-the "Wake" (2) is going well in the Emerald isle

Still more later, been on auto pilot all day!

Watch for photos peeps

Rob

[Guest]

Has anyone thought about a Parr Hall reunion, could that be next on the cards ?

Come on Barry May you know you want to !!!!!

[Mark Oliver]

So Mark George did turn up then Mark ?? I didn't see Ady Pierce either

God I'm Knackered ! apologies for missing Mace and Marcelle off my initial "First Post" this morning in thanks-sorry.x

KAREN says HI to all who asked for her-the "Wake" (2) is going well in the Emerald isle

Still more later, been on auto pilot all day!

Watch for photos peeps

Rob

Rob

Mark certainly was there larger then life, we found him on the main dance floor around midnight.

Adey seemed to have a great time last night which included quite a few pints along the way.

Great to see you last night and send our love to Karen and look forward to seeing the photos.

Mark

[Ian J]

were there any body playing cd.s

I did in the car on the way there

Edited April 5, 2010 by Ian J

[Guest paulf]

and Mr. Phil Worrell you are a legend!!

Certaintly thought I should get a photo with the legend.

[Guest MrC]

Awesome! That's the biggest mirror ball i've ever seen. How did they get it in the building?

It was actually a 3d jigsaw of the world covered in tinfoil Shorny. Apparently it took a whole army of elves the whole of the christmas holidays to put it together, and then they had to find a couple of "the big people" to help hang it up. oh yeah, some guy called Keith from Guatamala was involved too, something to do with sending the bricks to sleep so they didn't realise what was going on. I guess it was just after that that a whole other army of incontinent elves went in to sticky up the carpet!

[Guest Netspeaky]

Went up on the coach from North Wales, had a great time with the usual suspects, drunk too much and danced my self silly, sufferring today but hell it was worth it , what a great night. Tune of the night was the 200mph version of the Originals, god it's years since I heard it played that fast, bit Suspious me thinks.

[Guest him N her]

excellent night all round ,best spot for me was Adam ,well done to every one who helped put this night on

[Guest Staffordbaz]

Yes It was a great night. It was great to hear some of those records which I have not heard since Stafford closed.

I thought Guy for me did a fantastic spot and like Stafford the music was a welcome mix of 60's, 70's and 80's.

The venue has not improved with age and it took me most of the night to find my way round but it was a real coup to get the club.

See you in 5 years?

[Mark Jones]

I thought Guy for me did a fantastic spot

Here's 3 minutes of Guy's spot! Apologies for quality and it was dark! I want that mirror ball!

[Guest soulmanvirgin]

What a FXXXXXXCking great night. Took me right back to the 80s, Loads of old faces and some new blood aswell. Proper stafford tunes. Its where i cut my teeth as a young boy.

Just need to find a decent CD with the play list on it. as not many available in these cd boxes.

Chris, Marcel, Mace and Dave. Thanks for a brilliant night. will stay with me for a long time.

May be another in 5 years do you think or will dave be too old then. haha

[Mark Jones]

Totally ace night....great be back at the old venue and hear the tunes that made Stafford THE allnighter of the 80's

Great night well done all for putting it together...did miss Pat though!

Volume 2!

Edited April 5, 2010 by soulechoes

[coops]

Stafford 2010

Okay, where do I begin.......

The negatives.......

1) £2.50 for a 500ml bottle of still spring water!!!! WTF? Same price as half a lager and that's without the chuffing 'fizz'. No wonder they High Viz Jacket Wearing 'Dorr-men' were confiscating ALL liquids at the door. Thought I was checking on to a plane at Heathrow, all liquids are potential 'bombs' in the 'flight game', here they were potential dents in the bar takings, at least they were confiscated with manners and respect.

2) Then there was..... errr......

3) Oh, and of course....... Ummm......

That's about it really.

I don't really count the fact that although the event was a sort of reunion that was held on the original footprint of the TOTW but not the same building, at least it wasn't a Shopping Arcade!

I also don't count Mr.Darge's reported lack of his own records to play on the evening and having to play 'borrowed stock' (was he the only one?), twenty five years is a long time, after all, same thing happened to Poke at the last Winter Gardens and that didn't detract from his set either.... But...... I was a bit disappointed that he didn't leave his 'Potty-mouth' at home for this auspicious occasion.

I'm no prude, far from it, I live in Skegness, how could I be!

Having said that I was a bit disappointed that Mr. Darge had not so much learned some new and inventive swear words but had seemingly learned to say 'Fuck' as many times as he could fit in each sentence that I heard him deliver!

Using a swear word for effect is one thing, using it over the mic with the consistency of a silver-paper wrapper turning up in the toilets at the Casino in it's hey day smacks of a certain disrespect to the paying public.

I know we're all adults but some of us are still offended by such a sustained and repetitive swear-a-thon oft associated with the untamed youth of the day and not fifty-something's on an expensive night out (remember the £2.50 water?)

None of the above, along with the HSE led 'no talc' policy actually detracted from either the occasion or the delivery of a very, very special night.

A night that had a rich diversity within it's own lose-set Stafford theme.

Musically all Stafford was there from Booker Newberry III to the Vondells.

Although the two satellite rooms (Oldies & 'Spirit of Stafford') didn't really have enough space to accommodate those who wished to frequent their sticky little dance areas this was not the fault of the organizing team and was circumnavigated by the old 'If there's no room to dance I'll socialise' ethos and this was an event aimed at the socializing, re-forging of old friendships and building new ones as much as it was dancing.

I felt at home surrounded by the tunes so dear to me back in 1983 and 1984, not one disappointed me in the 'Main Room'.

As a personal preference Mr. Barnfather's set in the 'Spirit' room was a delight to partake in as was Adam's set in the Main room.

Whether playing their own records or borrowed ones the sounds provided by the dee-jays resonating from Stafford this night, just as they did twenty five years ago, did so with two omnipresent descriptive words.... Pure Quality.

I for one hope there won't be another 'reunion' there because this night was a compliment to my memories of the TOTW and if, in the future another night is put-on it just may not hit the spot. This night, as with the original Stafford nights would be (to quote Lamont Dozier) "A Tough Act To Follow".

An excellent night in deed.

full images on https://ournorthernsouls.org

[Mark Jones]

Finally (for now) Vol 3

[Guest Tassled Loafer]

The Videos Are Top, For A Lad Of 19 I Wouldnt Of Got The Same Feeling As Some Of You Guys That Witnessed The Stafford Nighters First Time Round. But Last Night Was By Far The Best Doo I've Ever Been To, Absolutly Sensational. Met Some Brilliant People And Got The Chance To Hear Some Stunning Records.

BreathTaking Night, Gutted Its Over.

[Guest in town Mikey]

Couldnt type yesterday when I got in. I'd lost my voice.

Couldnt have been a better night IMO. From getting to the hotel, to leaving Tesco's after a nice cheap breakfast, the whole 20 hours was superb.

Meeting up with loads of people in the Grapes beforehand. Who got the rock CD taken off and the Soul one on to replace it? Nice one.

Inside once we found the main room and planted our bags, it was non stop fun all the way. Met loads of people I hadnt seen for too long, and made lots of new friends too.

Cant pick out anyone DJ as I thought all were tuned right in to the magic. As were the dancers.

Thankfully booked the day off today. Planning to sit in the garden and savour just how lucky we were to be back there. All the memories came flooding back. And to those who have lost dear friends in the years between the last time we went there, it made the evening even more special.

Thanks to everyone involved. Top top night.

[Guest Sean Haydon]

This is nown as black country, wrightin

What do you know Drip, you can't even spell your own name

[Simsy]

It really was as brilliant as everyone said it was. We had a fantastic time and the music was something else. I just hope that wasn't the last ever.

[Md Records]

What a tremendous event!!! Hats off to all involved in this project for putting the jigsaw together, to give us as faithfull a recreation of those wonderfull years as could be done!!! Absolutely brilliant evening!!!!

Des Parker

Edited April 17, 2010 by SOUL.INC

[Dave Thorley]

I know that Mace was running around like a lunatic before and during the night to make sure things were right, and it sure paid off - What a tremendous event!!! Hats off to you as well Mr. Thorley for putting the jigsaw together, to give us as faithfull a recreation of those wonderfull years as could be done!!! Absolutely brilliant evening!!!!

Des Parker

As I said earlier, Mace, Chris & Marcelle did a great job and without them it wouldn't of happened. It was a great one off, but for so many reasons it should stay just that, otherwise we end up with a 'shopping center' scenario.

The night was about all those people that supported the club years ago. For the DJ's to entertain one more time and for everyone to catch up. But if people want the spirit of Stafford to survive, then get out and support todays venues that focus on the future and the DJ's that play with the same spirit.

A big, big thanks to everyone that helped and paid on the door, hope you got your monies worth, as that was the intention.

Dave

[Mark R]

It was a great one off, but for so many reasons it should stay just that, otherwise we end up with a 'shopping center' scenario.

Dave

Mr T......for lots of reasons this is ABSOLUTELY the correct stance to take, but it does make me all the more blue that I couldn't be there...............bollocks and double bollocks!!

Glad it was a great night for everyone

Cheers,

Mark R

[Jerry Hipkiss]

Mr T......for lots of reasons this is ABSOLUTELY the correct stance to take, but it does make me all the more blue that I couldn't be there...............bollocks and double bollocks!!

Glad it was a great night for everyone

Cheers,

Mark R

Seconded...ended up jocking locally instead but I've made my apologies to Dave...must say he sounds a little hoarse this morning!

[Guest frenchie]

Think I have just landed back on planet earth!

Fantastic night, and as Mick mentioned earlier was brilliant to catch up with all the Stafford stalwarts we haven't seen for a long while. Gaz on top form, good to see him bouncing around on the dance floor, hope Shents and Louie got him back to Preston in one piece on the train!! also to see Dave Molloy (minus Julie unfortunately), and my mate Lorraine. The list is endless and quite overwhelming, took me about 2 hours to get my head around it all.

Well done to all that made it a night that will not be forgotten, another one put in the memory box.

[Guest Byrney]

A cracking night from start to finish. A mob of us met up at the vines and congered to TOTW, from there on we had a ball. More of a party then a nighter. Well done all

[Anton L]

Great night, loved the quirky layout very good for working the legs, staff wearing blue basks frightened me but not as much as the bar bill!! Fantastic music I only hope this resounds across the country that these tunes need to be played more often. Dance floor was so sticky couldn't dance but this gave me more time to talk at people. great event that was no doubt very hard work to pull off, well done Chris, Mace, Dave and Marcelle.

[Rbman]

Thanks to Steve Guarnori for doing the driving.

Funny how a modern style discotheque doesn't do it for me when it comes to a soul 'nighter. Great sound systems throughout. No beer (as opposed to lager) and the guinness ran out after my first pint.

[Speedlimit]

Well where do you start ? for 30 odd years i've helped push the scene forward be it d.jing or dancing to new tunes, so when this was advertised back in december i was reluctant to go as i thought that maybe this would turn into yet another oldies night. then just 3 weeks ago . i thought what the heck i hadn't seen many of the original 60's mafia for many a year and this would be a great chance to catch up and listen to tunes that changed my whole outlook on this scene of ours. by 2pm sunday we were still looking for a lift from huntingdon ,thanks to great friend kev draper for that lift we arrived at totw at 9.10pm, the place was rammed solid! what time did the doors open? we immediatly saw loads of people we knew both past and present . we had decided that allthough there was the spirit of stafford room with an awesome d.j line up, one that any venue would be proud of we would indulge in one night of nostalgia .of friends , and music from an era when 90% of the nights attendeees had deserted the scene and left us die hard to keep the scene going for thier return . what an awesome night we had, the music was spot on, the faces were there and it felt like the early 80's once again , play list's for the night were as authentic as you could have asked for, in the words of scotlands finest son we danced our f..king arses off. we ventured to the other two rooms briefly to say hi to peple we knew would be in them. they to were rammed to capacity with great atmosphere. high lights of the night meeting up with gary .r not seen him for 25 years and scotlands finest plus all those great tunes that deserve more exposure. To dave and crew thanks for one great night of nostalgia those who originally attended it was great to catch up, but for me, now its back to onward and forward

[Rob Wigley]

Just putting photos up in the gallery-take me a week at this rate !!

Anyone know how to "Link" it ! ?

Rob

[Wiganer1]

a couple of stafford monsters i didnt hear were : - mike vickers - on the brink & hayes cotton - black wings have my angel

[mikecog]

Awesome! That's the biggest mirror ball i've ever seen. How did they get it in the building?

Don't be daft sean! Not rocket science , They built the club around it !

So the mirrored ball was your big hilight ?

Mike Cog

[Wilxy]

I must say that I had a right "blast", from arrival at 10 to departure at 6, and kept faith with the main room throughout, some fantastic music and equally good company ..............

[Iancsloft]

As I said earlier, Mace, Chris & Marcelle did a great job and without them it wouldn't of happened. It was a great one off, but for so many reasons it should stay just that, otherwise we end up with a 'shopping center' scenario.

But if people want the spirit of Stafford to survive, then get out and support todays venues that focus on the future and the DJ's that play with the same spirit.

Dave

========================================================================================

WELL SAID DAVE

Love the shopping centre quote

maybe TESCO across the road next time !!

Brilliant nite thanks !!!

xx Ian Cunliffe

[Matt]

Great Nite- great to meet up with friends old and new- really enjoyed the tunes played overall a great cross section. Venue was great and much different to the 80's- only pity was that they would not allow talc on the main floor. Superb way to end the Easter weekend and with Bristol City winning on the Monday, what more can a man ask for!- all the best and here's to more! from Matt (Trowbridge, Wilts)

[Theresa]

As I said earlier, Mace, Chris & Marcelle did a great job and without them it wouldn't of happened. It was a great one off, but for so many reasons it should stay just that, otherwise we end up with a 'shopping center' scenario.

The night was about all those people that supported the club years ago. For the DJ's to entertain one more time and for everyone to catch up. But if people want the spirit of Stafford to survive, then get out and support todays venues that focus on the future and the DJ's that play with the same spirit.

A big, big thanks to everyone that helped and paid on the door, hope you got your monies worth, as that was the intention.

Dave

Ahh Dave, have we told you you've been Thorley missed? Thanks all for a great night of fun.

Best spots of the night for me were yours, Adam's & Robin's, though cutting off my favourite tunes half way through to squeeze a few more in was doing my head in

A cracking night from start to finish. A mob of us met up at the vines and congered to TOTW, from there on we had a ball. More of a party then a nighter. Well done all

I can confirm publicly that at an official back to back measuring ceremony in the TOTW foyer, Byrney appeared slightly taller than Theresa Price, who is after all only 5ft 4in. Unfortunately the two independent witnesses to this were so blinded by Mr Byrne's veneers that they were unable to record the exact details, and the only other witness, a Mr Colin Law, was deemed to be biased on behalf of Mr Byrne and therefore his measurements could not be taken into account.

[Rbman]

Best spots of the night for me were yours,......

But maybe not the one in the "Spirit of.." room....not only cleared the dance floor but also the room!!!!

[Rob Wigley]

Just off out for a couple of hours and only 1/3rd of way through picture's-I took loads-check the Gallery

Do us a favour and if you see your self in the crowd shots stick a comment underneth -or for that matter if You can see your self at all.

I havent got time to Tag them all...

Ie Debs & Julia

Rob

[Geoff]

Just like to say how much I enjoyed the night, thanks to Dave and all the others who worked hard to organise it. Saw loads of friends from all over the country, and heard great music. And thanks to Steve G for driving up there, and to Martin and Karen for their good company. I'm at work and still getting over it.

[billb]

What a fantastic night!

Joyann, Ste H, Sandra and Grant, great company, glad you all enjoyed it!

Grant, thanks for the Album top chap!

Was great to hear Frankie Saunders - Take another look, a cheap one that doesn't get plays much now.

Went to Stafford TOTW for an alldayer two weeks before Easter 1980 on my scooter and yesterday morning at 05:00am saw one of the lads I travelled down with all those 30 years ago, mind blowing!

Well done and thanks to all that made this happen!

[carlos63]

Thanks to all ,for making it such a great ,great nite.

Can anyone tell me the last record that keb played of his set???

[Rbman]

Thanks to all ,for making it such a great ,great nite.

Can anyone tell me the last record that keb played of his set???

i think it was ...."Get On The Fcukin' Floor" By the Basterds"...

[Ezzie Brown]

Had a great night even though my lift never turned up and I had to make my own way there

Saw lots of people I hadnt seen in years Martyn Melia & Phil Worrel both looking in top form, was hoping Con may have been there but unfortunately not and remenisced about some no longer with us, such as Dave Alcock, I still have equipment he "fixed" for me over 20 years ago although I never realised most of them needed fixing until they got in Dave's hands

Finally managed to catch up with Debbie Butler at long last to discuss our mutual friend Mr Keen

Heard some top tunes and tried to have a dance, I say tried cos as with all Night Clubs rather than dance halls, dancefloors were smallish and hard to dance on but John Pugh had it bouncing in the main room for the last hour

There were more bars than you could shake a stick at with no bitter

Wandered , chatted, danced and attempted to look through the record boxes, they needed either a queueing system or one of them ticket things that you get at supermarkets, loads of record boxes but not enough space to actually get to them, felt a bit sorry for Adam stuck in the corner, he even offered to carry over records he thought I would like as it was really difficult to get to his boxes, thanks Adam, although you never did bring them !

Fantastic night as a one of occasion and congratulations to all concerned, Mace thought about you dismantling all those tables this morning ( well for about 10 seconds )

Would I go if it was a regular event again, I doubt it times have moved on but I would like to hear some of the tunes played out a little more often

For me now Lifeline and Radcliffe mainly fit the bill but most of all give me a dark, dingy, dirty Bidds with cracking tunes and great people every time

Steve

steve has just about said what i would have done........i spose not havin been to stafford ,it wasnt the same for me as the original attendees , but still a crackin night, thanks all........ez

[Mace]

First of all, many thanks to Chris Waterman and Dave Thorley for once again inviting me to co-promote this event, though if I'd have known how much hard work was gonna be involved I might well have told them both to do one (should have learned my lesson with the 20 year anniversary )

From our initial visit to the venue as the new management were gutting it last summer, to the last record of the night from John Pugh (Esther Phillips 'Just say goodbye')...I can honestly say it was worth every minute to see it all come together so well.

Apologies to those disgruntled by bar prices, especially the water, but it was non-negotiable and if it makes you feel any better none of us got 'staff tariff' drinks (not for the want of trying mind )

Water and bottled beer were quite expensive, but pints of lager and cider were around £2.90, which I personally don't believe to be over the top, especially in a nightclub.

Bag searches were obviously carried out as the venue didn't want talc and drinks brought into the venue, they are running a business and we have to respect that.

Car parking was hard work, but a few months back Chris and I spent an afternoon walking the streets of Stafford trying to privately hire any nearby carparks to no avail. Chris tried his best to secure a deal with Tescos but they were having none of it.

Someone posted up that they didn't get clamped at Tescos......sorry to say they don't clamp vehicles, but as mentioned on here previously they have automated cameras that log your number plate on entry and exit and then fine you via post by accessing your info through the DVLA

Final big thanks to everyone who turned out, the DJ's for doing the business, and not forgetting Marcelle and Clair(e?) for running the door so efficiently.

Regards

Mace

[Guest Byrney]

I can confirm publicly that at an official back to back measuring ceremony in the TOTW foyer, Byrney appeared slightly taller than Theresa Price, who is after all only 5ft 4in. Unfortunately the two independent witnesses to this were so blinded by Mr Byrne's veneers that they were unable to record the exact details, and the only other witness, a Mr Colin Law, was deemed to be biased on behalf of Mr Byrne and therefore his measurements could not be taken into account.

I want a rematch

I towered over you Tee, like a smiley, mop topped, false toothed gargantus

[Dave Thorley]

But maybe not the one in the "Spirit of.." room....not only cleared the dance floor but also the room!!!!

Fair to say I've done better, by that time the gaul stone had kicked off and the pain killers weren't working, sadly had to go home soon after.