I'm sorry to have to inform you that due to lack of funding/sponsorship The Soul Shack will sadly be closing it's doors next Sunday night if i can't turn things around, i have been on Solar for almost six years which has been a blast and a very important aspect to my involvement and contribution to the Northern scene, each specialist show on the station has to be self funding and although i have had some very generous supporters over the years including, Neil Jones, Chris Waterman, Andy McCabe, Stuart Cosgrove, Paul Conroy, Eddy Edmundson, Paul Donnelly, there has always been this financial problem hanging over my head, now i have been on here a couple of times with my begging bowl out, written numerous letters and emails to various companies and orgainisations to try and drum up a little financial support with no great success, i hate asking for money and i feel i can't directly do that anymore.

I have always been loyal to the various record companies who have been kind enough to supply me with promo product and have always done my best to preview/review stuff, i would like to thank all the numerous guests i have had on the show over the years and a massive big thank you to everyone who has listened to the show and supported me since November 2000 it's been a blast, finally if there is some kind soul out there who may be able to salvage something then please feel free to contact the station directly Tony.monson@btinternet.com

I'm in bits over this and really don't want to finish but i have been told by the station that there are several presenters waiting for a time slot who are funded, lastly i would like to thank everyone at Solar for giving me the chance to play music i really love with no fixed playlist, again if you can show any support even an email of support to the station then we may be able to turn it around but as of 6pm tonight it's looking pretty bleak, we are talking £25.00 per week per show based on a months sponsorship £100.00 which is not a lot but if you have to self fund it is i guess..... contact Tony.monson@btinternet.com Sunday nights may never be the same!

Thanks - Really pissed off and upset - Mark Bicknell.

[quote name=

Thanks - Really pissed off and upset - Mark Bicknell.

Mark,

You can always transfer your show to www.presencefm.com we don't ask for funding and are going out live on FM as from the end of this month (only in Bradford though but hey at least it's Yorkshire).

Let me know mate. Also going out on Sky as from sept

lemme know

cheers

Phil

Mark - I'm shattered to hear this news - I'm listening to you right now, like every Sunday night and 10 mins ago I told my wife (non-soulie) this is the best 2hrs of radio broadcasting !!

We managed to save Soul Club with the power of the collective soul fans on this site - I say we do the same for this great show .......

if your willing to accept Paypal etc. I'm first to offer my £20....

alan

I know you said you didn't want to take this route before Mark but it may be the only way, so yeah, £20 waiting from me to. You are giving us a service so don't start all that charity stuff again

Edited July 16, 200618 yr by richard

Really pissed off and upset - Sunday night will not be the same

Just so sad

Thank's for all the past shows Mark

Shep

(£20 from me if it will help)

Mark,

Really sad news, count us in for the £20, Sunday nights will not be the same without your show, I may as well cancel my Sky subscription coz theres not much worth watching on it.

What I like about your show is not only do you play great underplayed soul music but you also do not talk over the music and are very informative about each record.

Hope you have a re think on this and if you decide to go this route let us know where to send the money.

Good Luck

Paul & Sue

Doncaster.

Just a thought, could as you have allready a guest on the show, they could pay the £25 im sure you would get enough people lined up to have a pop at it? hell i'd proberly pay £25 to share some plastic to fellow soulies, i know it sort of goes against the idea of a 'guest' but at least its away of continuing the show? just thinking out loud

Really pissed off and upset - Sunday night will not be the same

Just so sad

Thank's for all the past shows Mark

Shep

No it bloody won't, listening to Mark's show gets me thru a dull working week where i am constantly rebuffing all attempts by my workmates to 'drag me around town' on one of their dreary nights outs,I really hope you will be able to continue mate,Del xx

I'm sorry to have to inform you that due to lack of funding/sponsorship The Soul Shack will sadly be closing it's doors next Sunday night if i can't turn things around, i have been on Solar for almost six years which has been a blast and a very important aspect to my involvement and contribution to the Northern scene, each specialist show on the station has to be self funding and although i have had some very generous supporters over the years including, Neil Jones, Chris Waterman, Andy McCabe, Stuart Cosgrove, Paul Conroy, Eddy Edmundson, Paul Donnelly, there has always been this financial problem hanging over my head, now i have been on here a couple of times with my begging bowl out, written numerous letters and emails to various companies and orgainisations to try and drum up a little financial support with no great success, i hate asking for money and i feel i can't directly do that anymore.

I have always been loyal to the various record companies who have been kind enough to supply me with promo product and have always done my best to preview/review stuff, i would like to thank all the numerous guests i have had on the show over the years and a massive big thank you to everyone who has listened to the show and supported me since November 2000 it's been a blast, finally if there is some kind soul out there who may be able to salvage something then please feel free to contact the station directly Tony.monson@btinternet.com

I'm in bits over this and really don't want to finish but i have been told by the station that there are several presenters waiting for a time slot who are funded, lastly i would like to thank everyone at Solar for giving me the chance to play music i really love with no fixed playlist, again if you can show any support even an email of support to the station then we may be able to turn it around but as of 6pm tonight it's looking pretty bleak, we are talking £25.00 per week per show based on a months sponsorship £100.00 which is not a lot but if you have to self fund it is i guess..... contact Tony.monson@btinternet.com Sunday nights may never be the same!

Thanks - Really pissed off and upset - Mark Bicknell.

Drastic action required here........short of individual donations, the only idea I can think of is a 'SAVE OUR SOLAR SOUL' night where the tickets are £10 each - 130 paying ticket holders = £1,300 = 52 weeks @£25 per week = £1,300. I am sure that if someone organised a night in the North West in connection with Mark and the Soul Shack Show, this amount could be raised...and the guests who have appeared on Mark's show in the past could dj for nothing.......count me in. Jo

I tell you wot; I have over 20 shows recorded in mp3 format from the last six month's, how about £25:00 per lot on DVD or CD, cheques made payable to M Bickell

Drastic action required here........short of individual donations, the only idea I can think of is a 'SAVE OUR SOLAR SOUL' night where the tickets are £10 each - 130 paying ticket holders = £1,300 = 52 weeks @£25 per week = £1,300. I am sure that if someone organised a night in the North West in connection with Mark and the Soul Shack Show, this amount could be raised...and the guests who have appeared on Mark's show in the past could dj for nothing.......count me in. Jo

Mark, I'll even give you the £100 to keep you on the air for the next month whilst someone gets something sorted...I'm too far away in the smoke to sort out a venue etc...you could advertise the do on your show...what better way to get the message out there Any takers? Jo

im only new to this site but would gladly contribute some cash

I'm humbled, i've had several emails and phone calls tonight since posting this offering support, believe me i don't want to finish the show as it's so enjoyable to do and is my little contribution with no agenda to this wonderful scene, your offers are all incredible and if you wish to help please can all people offering financial help contact Tony.monson@btinternet.com and you can send the donation directly to the station, as i said i hate this begging bowl method as it's against my nature but you are all so wonderful, with what has been offered so far it will keep the show on air for a few months and perhaps give me time to secure some long term funding. if you want to contact me directly bicknellmark@aol.com i will pass on the emails to Solar directly.

Totally blown a way - regards - Mark Bicknell.

I think Jo's idea is bang on.

If we can't get 100 + to support a venue for something like this we might as well all give up.

The appeal to me is we can raise a lot of money in one hit which secures the longer term.

And when it's successful it could be an annual event to ensure the Soul Shack never closes!!

I think Jo's idea is bang on.

If we can't get 100 + to support a venue for something like this we might as well all give up.

The appeal to me is we can raise a lot of money in one hit which secures the longer term.

And when it's successful it could be an annual event to ensure the Soul Shack never closes!!

hi Tabs , i would urge everyone who listens to the show to send supporting e-mails & offers of funding to the address supplied by Mark, lets make sure this guy is blown away from the feedback he gets & cant even imagine taking the show off air.

Garv.

Always good to keep the rare soul going on the radio..I can offer the venue we use for Soul Or Nothing for a one off event,no cost involved,i am sure we will have many djs who would gladly come and play for free...100 tickets to keep in comfy at £10 each...Thats a £1000 towards the show..I don't really listen to the show that much but with so many getting pleasure from this i think its worthy indeed...Let me know soon as and i can sort out a date..

steve

I have contacted everyone by email and IM's who has offered support, your kindness is simply awesome, the venue idea is superb so i may look into that or if anyone has any ideas please feel free to contact me bicknellmark@aol.com

Thanks again - Mark Bicknell.

Always good to keep the rare soul going on the radio..I can offer the venue we use for Soul Or Nothing for a one off event,no cost involved,i am sure we will have many djs who would gladly come and play for free...100 tickets to keep in comfy at £10 each...Thats a £1000 towards the show..I don't really listen to the show that much but with so many getting pleasure from this i think its worthy indeed...Let me know soon as and i can sort out a date..

steve

Stevie, I'm close to tears here mate, you are just a decent bloke, i'm like us all mate a normal bloke with no agenda who just wants to play a few tunes on the radio, thanks and we should talk.

mark bicknell.

hi Tabs , i would urge everyone who listens to the show to send supporting e-mails & offers of funding to the address supplied by Mark, lets make sure this guy is blown away from the feedback he gets & cant even imagine taking the show off air.

Garv.

Hi Gary,

IMO there are merits for both types of funding but donations could be variable and a few months down the line the same situation could exist.

Now little-stevie has offered a venue free of charge the revenue could secure the longer term. Just my thoughts.

Are you going to Stoke next Saturday?

I could be persuaded to buy you a pint

Stevie, I'm close to tears here mate, you are just a decent bloke, i'm like us all mate a normal bloke with no agenda who just wants to play a few tunes on the radio, thanks and we should talk.

mark bicknell.

We can talk tomorrow...Really really need some rest now..Lights out for me..I also have a another venue in mind and that would be even better..Speak in the next few days..

steve

Stevie, I'm close to tears here mate, you are just a decent bloke, i'm like us all mate a normal bloke with no agenda who just wants to play a few tunes on the radio, thanks and we should talk.

mark bicknell.

Let's hope we can all sort summert out Mark and count me in with any donations and such.

This is what our scene's about mate.

Hi Gary,

IMO there are merits for both types of funding but donations could be variable and a few months down the line the same situation could exist.

Now little-stevie has offered a venue free of charge the revenue could secure the longer term. Just my thoughts.

Are you going to Stoke next Saturday?

I could be persuaded to buy you a pint

No Tabs i`m going to the Rocket ( London) its on me doorstep & its James Trouble`s birthday so should be a old jolly up. I`m hoping to go to the next Banbury soul night as its been to long since i visited the place.

I was`nt making alternative suggestions for Mark`s show just trying to get folks to inundate the guy with support.

No Tabs i`m going to the Rocket ( London) its on me doorstep & its James Trouble`s birthday so should be a old jolly up. I`m hoping to go to the next Banbury soul night as its been to long since i visited the place.

I was`nt making alternative suggestions for Mark`s show just trying to get folks to inundate the guy with support.

More support the better!

I'm now convinced this will work out after reading all the other posts.

I'll see you in September if not before.

Tabs

Hi Gary,

IMO there are merits for both types of funding but donations could be variable and a few months down the line the same situation could exist.

Now little-stevie has offered a venue free of charge the revenue could secure the longer term. Just my thoughts.

Are you going to Stoke next Saturday?

I could be persuaded to buy you a pint

Tabs, Your point is so valid and has been an on going problem, i've had generous support over the years as i mentioned and even self funded and will continue to try and do so, i also will do what it takes to try and stay on air, like i say it's hard to swallow humble pie and come on here with this news but if things do go tits up i felt i needed to explain whats going on and try to get some support and so far the response has been fantastic.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Great show tonight Mark.

Hope all goes well.

Ian.

im a single dad looking ater my autistic daughter,apart from her,rare soul is my life, £2o from me

Tabs, Your point is so valid and has been an on going problem, i've had generous support over the years as i mentioned and even self funded and will continue to try and do so, i also will do what it takes to try and stay on air, like i say it's hard to swallow humble pie and come on here with this news but if things do go tits up i felt i needed to explain whats going on and try to get some support and so far the response has been fantastic.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Hi Mark,

I've had the pleasure of seeing you DJ and listening to your show.

From my perspective I don't think you have any need to swallow humble pie.

I've just found its so refreshing to see people getting together and supporing a worthwhile cause.

This is what makes the scene.

I'll donate or support a venue.

The venue option (full credit to Jo) just makes so much sense to me.

Whatever route we go down I'm still convinced you will remain on air.

Cheers

What a night the phone ain't stopped, emails left right and sideways and some wonderful comments on here again i'll try to answer everyone personally but i've basically told everyone if you wish to donate please contact Tony Monson directly at Solar Radio and he will advise contact address etc. tony.monson@btinternet.com - if you do wish to donate can you keep me posted so i know where we are up to bicknellmark@aol.com

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Mark sunday nights would not be the same i love it when you play a 45 then state AWESOME. £20 from me mate

good idea for a soul night what about a collection from across the monthly soul clubs run in the uk iam willing to do the west mids area

Mark, Good luck with the fund raising.

Guys and gals, I sent Mark £300 back in Jan this year and with some other guys kept the show going may I suggest that one person co-ordinates the SOS, Jo Wallace seems a nice enough lass.

Another idea...

If your're d'jing this weekend donate half of of your agreed fee, I'm guesting with John Manship at The Kontack Club in Grantham this Friday so I'll be contibuting just let me know where to send the bag of coins.

cya

Keep it going Mark---Were starting a new event in Newcastle this month-----every 2 months---maybe a box on the bar or something.It soon mounts up.

Ill sort something out with Paul Conroy

Steve

Mark, Good luck with the fund raising.

Guys and gals, I sent Mark £300 back in Jan this year and with some other guys kept the show going may I suggest that one person co-ordinates the SOS, Jo Wallace seems a nice enough lass.

Another idea...

If your're d'jing this weekend donate half of of your agreed fee, I'm guesting with John Manship at The Kontack Club in Grantham this Friday so I'll be contibuting just let me know where to send the bag of coins.

cya

Good idea that man! I would rather put my money in a pot that you have some control over Mark! I m sure it would have more impact to have a season s worth of money going in...in one go!

I ll give you my few measley quids too if you can organise somewhere for it to go.

xxxx

Mark, I'll even give you the £100 to keep you on the air for the next month whilst someone gets something sorted...I'm too far away in the smoke to sort out a venue etc...you could advertise the do on your show...what better way to get the message out there Any takers? Jo

Jo

I'm sure we could sort something Londonwise as well, one in the North and one in the South. How about it?? Maybe Adey, Valatone, Southside Soul Club, Solid Hit, Boogaloo, us and anyone else in London can all get behind it??

If anyone has a venue that would hold 100+ that we could get rent free I'd take on organising it

Come on London, lets show we've got Soul

In actual fact I can sort the venue no problem, nice venue spread over 3 floors so can have 2 main rooms and a chill out area so should be able to get 100+ in

I've got one lot of equipment to use so would need someone to have another lot of gear for the other floor

now just need a date and people to get involved

If your up for it me moby number is 07751 016975

Edited July 17, 200618 yr by richard

Count me on anything up north, for d jaying, paying guest, anything. Mark Bicknell is a legend on the soul scene, a true genuine bloke and he plays the dogs wotsits on his show, £20.00 from me to begin with, anything else i can do let me know... Love the soul on a Sunday, cant do without it....

Babycakes, keep on keepin on

Dawn

x

They say things always look better after a good nights sleep, well not had that much of a good sleep with all this on my mind but your support so far has been wonderful again anyone who wishes to donate something please contact Solar directly tony.monson@btinternet.com and he will advise how to make the donation etc.

The idea of a venue to support this is a superb and i feel could work, i still feel very awkward about this and from the bottom of my heart i thank you all.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Lots of people have been asking where to send donations etc. i've had loads of emails from all over the place all of which have been passed onto Solar directly, if you wish to send a donation please make cheque out to SOLAR BROADCASTING LIMITED and send to -

For the attention of Tony Monson - Solar Broadcasting Limited, Boulevard, 221 - 225 Grove Hall Court, Hall Road, London, NW8 9NR.

Please keep me posted as i need to keep a check on where we are on all this, again your support is fantastic, all i want to do is play a few tunes on Sunday nights and it's looking far more solid than it was this time yesterday.

Regards and thanks - Mark Bicknell.

Jo

I'm sure we could sort something Londonwise as well, one in the North and one in the South. How about it?? Maybe Adey, Valatone, Southside Soul Club, Solid Hit, Boogaloo, us and anyone else in London can all get behind it??

If anyone has a venue that would hold 100+ that we could get rent free I'd take on organising it

Come on London, lets show we've got Soul

I think it would be rude not to.....ring me tonight at home and we'll hatch a plot

Jo

I think it would be rude not to.....ring me tonight at home and we'll hatch a plot

Jo

This is all so brilliant of you all, i'm sure Solar will also be blown away by your support.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

I can't believe this still getting loads of emails, messages and offers of support, please keep them coming it's brilliant.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Mark, Good luck with the fund raising.

Guys and gals, I sent Mark £300 back in Jan this year and with some other guys kept the show going may I suggest that one person co-ordinates the SOS, Jo Wallace seems a nice enough lass.

That's very kind of you to say so, Mr Donely

Jo

I think it would be rude not to.....ring me tonight at home and we'll hatch a plot Jo

Sure thing

Mark,

I could probably set a date at the main room in Bidds to run a night in Stoke.

I would need dates of all the other events to ensure dates suitable are available.

Doubt it would be an allnighter as I can only get 4 a year, but certainly a very late finish.

If there are gonna be a few different venue locations it would probably be a good idea to have one flyer advertising all the different venues and dates - keeps costs low and we can have a decent glossy flyer that can be distributed by all the promoters and DJs etc

If its a goer let me know and I will chase dates......you would have to DJ of course, and I'm sure you could persuade a few other decent name DJs to offer their services for free.

If there are gonna be quite a few events - it might be more sensible to keep admission price down to a fiver and you would probably make more money in the long run - certainly enough to cover sponsorship for a year.......an annual repeat of these events could keep your show going for many a year yet mate...

Mark,

I could probably set a date at the main room in Bidds to run a night in Stoke.

I would need dates of all the other events to ensure dates suitable are available.

Doubt it would be an allnighter as I can only get 4 a year, but certainly a very late finish.

If there are gonna be a few different venue locations it would probably be a good idea to have one flyer advertising all the different venues and dates - keeps costs low and we can have a decent glossy flyer that can be distributed by all the promoters and DJs etc

If its a goer let me know and I will chase dates......you would have to DJ of course, and I'm sure you could persuade a few other decent name DJs to offer their services for free.

If there are gonna be quite a few events - it might be more sensible to keep admission price down to a fiver and you would probably make more money in the long run - certainly enough to cover sponsorship for a year.......an annual repeat of these events could keep your show going for many a year yet mate...

Mace infact everyone you are all so so kind and generous, if you feel people won't mind parting with a donation to attend a few events then i'm 100% up for it, i just don't want to come over as a charity case, the show means everthing to me and i will fight tooth and nail to keep on the air, so perhaps we need to work out a battle plan on here.

Regards and thanks - Mark Bicknell.

Mace infact everyone you are all so so kind and generous, if you feel people won't mind parting with a donation to attend a few events then i'm 100% up for it, i just don't want to come over as a charity case, the show means everthing to me and i will fight tooth and nail to keep on the air, so perhaps we need to work out a battle plan on here.

Regards and thanks - Mark Bicknell.

I don't think anyone will have a problem with paying a fiver into a soul night.....think a tenner might be pushing it though...you might make the same money but with less people, and I know I will have to sell the idea to the venue owner that it is in fact a charity night and he will make money over the bar...so obviously the more in the more he makes on the bar and also the better the atmosphere.

Regards

Mace

I must have forwarded 40 emails to Solar today, god knows how many have been sent direct? i am doing all i can to keep the show together and i'm sure with all the wonderful help etc. i will make it, the people on this scene are simply a different class when it comes to situations like this, so looks like we could have a few gigs around the country, i want to make it perfectly clear that it will not be my intention to clash with any normal regular events so if an event or two should take place every effort will be made to contact esablished venues first to avoid clashing etc.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

I look forward to my Sunday evenings in my Soulful Shack tuned into Mark Bicknell because as well as some choice moments of aural pleasure he is also very informative and he doesnt talk over an intro. I will be sending a cheque for £20 on Friday morning direct to Mr Monson as per the previous entry & hope that the show continues.

.

Keep on keeping on !!!!!

.

Dave

.

I look forward to my Sunday evenings in my Soulful Shack tuned into Mark Bicknell because as well as some choice moments of aural pleasure he is also very informative and he doesnt talk over an intro. I will be sending a cheque for £20 on Friday morning direct to Mr Monson as per the previous entry & hope that the show continues.

.

Keep on keeping on !!!!!

.

Dave

.

Dave, You are a top bloke, please can you let Tony Monson know that you are doing this, tony.monson@btinternet.com - the support from everyone just keeps growing.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

And still the support keeps coming again thanks to everyone who has contacted me directly and Solar off their own bat, fantastic, possibly won this battle but not the war, i can't thank you all enough.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

contact - tony.monson@btinternet.com directly if you have any ideas or donations or bicknellmark@aol.com and i will forward everything to Solar.

Thanks a million.

And still the messages, emails keep coming, this is just awesome!

Regards - Mark Bicknell.