September 8, 20187 yr Some great memories there, from our humble beginnings......as the weeks go on....feel free to share your memories of the event...from what has been a great 10 yr journey
September 8, 20187 yr Enjoyed every minute of the CO72 wonderful memories with great friends You guys can hold your heads up High with the brilliant work you put into making the annual event so successful.. The event has always been an highlight of the year for me RESPECT Love, Peace & Happiness Always Ian Cunliffe
September 9, 20187 yr 11 hours ago, JulianB said: Me pissed? - I don't remember🤣 Of course Julian...I believe you ! 🙂 What I do remember is 5 or 6 CO72ers lifting Nogger's wheelchair carefully up those flight of stairs at Ryan Hall...very much in 'Chuckle brother' mode...'from me to you...you to me' etc etc
September 10, 20187 yr Another memory from one of the early CO72's was the inimitable 'Barmy Barry' with his rather impromptu and rsique greeting over the mic to Doris. Doris was one of the original 'cloakroom' girls at the Torch !!
September 10, 20187 yr Meeting old and new friends at one of the best events ever,will always give support for whatever it becomes. Martin
September 15, 20187 yr Just came across this...I think it was penned by the late Dave Turner (RIP) from Lincolnshire......a top lad and staunch enthusiast of CO72 from the get go... Brings a lump to lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. In a place called Tunstall, near Stoke-on-Trent A very special club, that I did frequent By road or rail, we all made our way there How we got home well we just didn't care Because to dance all night, was our thing To Sam and Kitty, or "Shingaling" The Kingspinners played, the whole night through Eddie Parker, The Shakers and "I Still Love You" One week there would be, a brand new sound The next it was yours, for just a pound Hoagy Lands, Rose Battiste, and Nolan Chance Roy Hamilton and Little Caesar, made everybody dance The Torch fans danced, the night away Showing off the steps, they practiced each day Some sliding and spinning, others seemed to flaot around These were the very best dancers, there were to be found I've Been Hurt "Landslide", and "He Who Picks a Rose" "Rat Race" "Thumb a Ride", the list just grows "Personally" "I'm Standing", "Crying Over You" "Angel Baby" "One in a Million", and "What Would I do" Junior Walker, Bob and Earl, and Doris Troy Fontella Bass, Edwin Starr, they were all a joy But When "Live at the Torch", was recorded by Major Lance It was one night there wasn't, any room to dance Each morning all too soon, when it was time to go Jimmy Radcliffe rang out loud, to finish off the show As the soul fans made, their way out of the door They all knew that they, would be back for sure When I look back on the Torch, the thing that stands out I feel honoured to have been, of this I have no doubt The Golden Torch may be, 35 years gone But in my heart, The Torch lives Right On!!
September 16, 20187 yr Further reflections on our past 10years of CO72.....remembering when we were 'evifcted' from Ryan Hall (due to its closure)...we had to frantically find another venue at 2 or 3 weeks notice..we wanted to keep it in S-o-T to minimise disruption ....therefore we ended up at the Queens at Basford .....yes the very same (for locals of a certain age) that hosted the infamous 'grab a granny' nights in the 70;s 🙂 Well Paul Donnelly had organised a coach load of CO72 revellers from over there in the Fens..... All good so far..until we realised ..mmm Pauls a bit late with his coachload.. After several phone calls ..trying to determine where the f==k are you?... It transpires that him,coach driver and said revellers are LOST !! Picture the scene..me trying to explain where the Queens is......as he drives round and round and round Newcastle u Lyme...for those that know 'Castle is a pain to negotiate and get your bearings...one ways, bit of a ring road...and all roads either lead to Hanley or M6 !!!....organised chaos comes to mind......!!!...eventually they arrive about an hr late....with me virtually going out to middle of the road to flag em down !! before they end up on the A500 again !!...phew it aint easy lol !!
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