Wigan Casino Anniversary On The Old Site Of Casino

[jocko]

Heard the name and he helped the guys, did he used to dj in Mr Ms ?

I am really assuming you are taking the p**s now in an attempt to bump up the thread, sad thing is based on your recent posts its not that unlikely you are being serious.

Can I ask a serious question, how long did you actually go to all nighters in the 70's, what brought you back on the scene and when, and will you go away again when they close the Shopping Centre down.

Actually even sadder is if you are taking the p**s I have just walked straight into it.

[homeoftheblues]

If people want to attend this event, fine, I've no problem, alot people enjoy these sort of nights, Personally it's not for me, I much prefer to go to the soul scene as it is now, there's some fantastic stuff being played currently, some top niters and alot of promoters doing some great nights around the country.

Lets just enjoy it, it may not be around for ever !

Martin

[Pauldonnelly]

Ive know Stef for 35 years, bugger me he used to come up on the stage at The Wirrina in 75 and ask me to play Cochise ffs.

1= He's on a mission to keep the Wigan thread active and with me having my 2d worth I'm helping

2- He's on one massive piss take at eveybodys expense.

Like the bloke above if there are people who want to enjoy a night out in a shopping center fine afterall my Mrs has been enjoying herself in Peterboroughs shopping centre every Saturday for an eternity.

[Dave]

Like that one, your now in the lead for best come back and the 2 free tickets to Wigan

What's the runner-up prize? Four tickets?

[Guest StefMalajny]

What's the runner-up prize? Four tickets?

SIX

and bugger me I just might have won them

[Guest StefMalajny]

Ive know Stef for 35 years, bugger me he used to come up on the stage at The Wirrina in 75 and ask me to play Cochise ffs.

1= He's on a mission to keep the Wigan thread active and with me having my 2d worth I'm helping

2- He's on one massive piss take at eveybodys expense.

Like the bloke above if there are people who want to enjoy a night out in a shopping center fine afterall my Mrs has been enjoying herself in Peterboroughs shopping centre every Saturday for an eternity.

Thanks for that Paul, the nature of this little plug meant some eliment of humour had to be used, its been fun fishing for bumps to see who would bite, doesnt really matter how many bumps happen on this site, lets face it customers wont be heading down from this thread and this site is for the more established guys who arent interested,and if anyone new to the site might have been interested they would think Northen soul has got a load of grumpy old men, not you of course, promised Russ I would give it plug and a promise is a promise.

Funny you mentioned Cochise I remember going to King Cliff with Jonah and John Anderson playing Cochise on his little old record player , he told us it had just arrived and I guess me and Jonah were the first to hear it in the UK,wow, didnt think about it at the time but we must have been the first to here quite a few records, Jonahs budget meant he didnt get to be the first to break many big tunes.

Also remember wall to wall mint records, if John hadnt got rid of all those unwanted records in his lucky dip bag he would be a multi millionaire, I just took Eny/Orlons out from the cafe table cus I saw it on a list at £70, tried selling some old unwanted stuff once at St Ives, got bored after half an hour so pleased the price of 30p didnt interest anyone or the Francis Nero at 50p, prices still on origonal sleeves in felt tip.

Methinks I need a warm up for Sat, I reckon no better place than the Fleet on Friday, was at the first one 30 years ago, very little changed , lovely place and I believe one of my favourite djs is on.

[Guest StefMalajny]

I am really assuming you are taking the p**s now in an attempt to bump up the thread, sad thing is based on your recent posts its not that unlikely you are being serious.

Can I ask a serious question, how long did you actually go to all nighters in the 70's, what brought you back on the scene and when, and will you go away again when they close the Shopping Centre down.

Actually even sadder is if you are taking the p**s I have just walked straight into it.

Thanks for the bump Jocko , all appreciated,I went to Wigan on week after 1st Anniversary and stayed on the scene nearly to the close, me and my mate then went into business as promotors, we did try to keep the Northern thing going but if Richard Searling cant bring them in I guess you have to turn to Jazz Funk(or was it Modern, I dont know) much more fun was being the first kissogram comany in the uk

, I wont bore you with story how me and my mate trained the strippergram girl, unless anyone insists

back on the scene and you will be glad to know i havnt got time to keep bumping up good causes , however as Arnie said..

One thing about this thread that I think has been cleared is that with the knoledge that most of what Richard was playing at Wigan was under Russ` guidance so I guess its agreed by the boys that they were and are on equal footing, so its nice to put that one to bed.

Just had phone call , Flirtations have finshed putting Foundation on and are moving on to full make up and Russ will run with the auburn bouffant sytle

[Pauldonnelly]

Methinks I need a warm up for Sat, I reckon no better place than the Fleet on Friday, was at the first one 30 years ago, very little changed , lovely place and I believe one of my favourite djs is on.

I can confirm that John Manship will be deffo attending the Fleet Reunion

[Guest StefMalajny]

I can confirm that John Manship will be deffo attending the Fleet Reunion

Dont be shy Paul ,you know I meant you

[Guest StefMalajny]

Ive know Stef for 35 years, bugger me he used to come up on the stage at The Wirrina in 75 and ask me to play Cochise ffs.

1= He's on a mission to keep the Wigan thread active and with me having my 2d worth I'm helping

2- He's on one massive piss take at eveybodys expense.

Like the bloke above if there are people who want to enjoy a night out in a shopping center fine afterall my Mrs has been enjoying herself in Peterboroughs shopping centre every Saturday for an eternity.

By jove

I think weve got it

I must point out to any other promoter, if you dont want the undesirables spoiling your thread , just mention the phrase "thanks for bumping", get a mate to hint about the deliberate mistakes you throw in and hey presto they leave you alone, this is a new era in the World of Northen forums ,thanks Paul got to rush and talk tactics with Mr Levine.

ps Paul, were you in Peterborough in 65,? not trick question or bump

[Guest StefMalajny]

Flirtations are moving on to mascara

Russ has been to the barbers and has requested a "Peter Stringfellow", whatever one of those is

Steve has reported that although it will be shown on the ctv security cameras live on the internet there will be no sound(that bit is true)so you can watch, look out for the great dancer in the Latino Polo Club shirt

I have been busy polishing my dancing shoes and of course practise nite amongst feinds at the Fleet will be great

dave is bring his lovely girlfriend Trish and Dave Parr, have also heard the denim twins are trying to squeeze in the car

looking good and feeling great

Thank you to everyone who has put the effort in to bump this thread and keep it live

[Guest dedicatedsoul]

Flirtations are moving on to mascara

Russ has been to the barbers and has requested a "Peter Stringfellow", whatever one of those is

Steve has reported that although it will be shown on the ctv security cameras live on the internet there will be no sound(that bit is true)so you can watch, look out for the great dancer in the Latino Polo Club shirt

I have been busy polishing my dancing shoes and of course practise nite amongst feinds at the Fleet will be great

dave is bring his lovely girlfriend Trish and Dave Parr, have also heard the denim twins are trying to squeeze in the car

looking good and feeling great

Thank you to everyone who has put the effort in to bump this thread and keep it live

Hi Steff,

It's Nick Parr, not Dave Parr, looking forwards to this nght as the last time i went to the CASINO was with you Steff in 1979 at the 6th ANNIVERSARY, few red bulls on the way, and i will be on my way. I'm on my way - i feel a song coming on.

K.T.F ALL YOU SOULFULL PEOPLE OUT THERE AND HAVE A SOULFUL WEEKEND

Dave

[Guest StefMalajny]

Hi Steff,

It's Nick Parr, not Dave Parr, looking forwards to this nght as the last time i went to the CASINO was with you Steff in 1979 at the 6th ANNIVERSARY, few red bulls on the way, and i will be on my way. I'm on my way - i feel a song coming on.

K.T.F ALL YOU SOULFULL PEOPLE OUT THERE AND HAVE A SOULFUL WEEKEND

Dave

Oh thats right your Dave , wasnt deliberate mistake and have also noticed spelling error

The gang that are going to the Fleet on Friday are my friends not fiends

[Guest StefMalajny]

5000 views showing the interest that still lies with Wigan Casino, thank you everybody

reckon it would have been more if it hadnt been for that Ian Levine chappie,mind you he has taken a lot of the flack recently, Bless him

[Gaz]

Lee Roye Pete ? Always thought that was JV.

And lets be honest, from 77 onwards his playlists were generally pretty dire. He didn't seem to be spending much money on records considering he had the prime spot at the no 1 all nighter.

Lee Roye was actually Soul Sam's He was playing it at the Raven in Whitchurch a year or even more before anyone else.

As an alternitive to the Shopping centre your very welcome to come down to Shrewsbury all-nighter 9:00 - 8:00 (See event guide).

It's a Russ free zone.

[Guest StefMalajny]

Got a delivery today in queensgate shopping centre, so thought I would check ambience out, dancing shoes were checked on the marble floor , very nice all looking good for sat

So its practice nite tomoz at the Fleet with PD and guests

then on to the biggy its

WIGAN

WIGAN

WIGAN

[Guest StefMalajny]

Had phone call from Steve a few minutes ago, him and Russ have been chuckling at the thread and seen that its all been aproached in a good spirit

Steve said there was one bit i got wrong, he checks where all the customers have heard about the event and apparently quite a few did say Soul Source so I stand corrected, he also said a few people have tried to get an illusive black badge and its only been mentioned on here.

Russ and Steve would like to thank the contributers for keeping this topic high on the forum with thier imput and Russ added that if any contributers do come along they will be upgraded to the VIP area, nice one Russ

Dave said he was coming with me to the Fleet as he kept things live there for 6 years after Ken pulled out, I reckon me and Dave can blag entrance into the Fleet VIP area

[corby john]

Had phone call from Steve a few minutes ago, him and Russ have been chuckling at the thread and seen that its all been aproached in a good spirit

Steve said there was one bit i got wrong, he checks where all the customers have heard about the event and apparently quite a few did say Soul Source so I stand corrected, he also said a few people have tried to get an illusive black badge and its only been mentioned on here.

Russ and Steve would like to thank the contributers for keeping this topic high on the forum with thier imput and Russ added that if any contributers do come along they will be upgraded to the VIP area, nice one Russ

Dave said he was coming with me to the Fleet as he kept things live there for 6 years after Ken pulled out, I reckon me and Dave can blag entrance into the Fleet VIP area

The Fleet V.I.P. Area?? You've got no chance..........you can pay like all the others

see you later,

John Mc.

[Dave]

Had phone call from Steve a few minutes ago, him and Russ have been chuckling at the thread and seen that its all been aproached in a good spirit

Steve said there was one bit i got wrong, he checks where all the customers have heard about the event and apparently quite a few did say Soul Source so I stand corrected, he also said a few people have tried to get an illusive black badge and its only been mentioned on here.

Russ and Steve would like to thank the contributers for keeping this topic high on the forum with thier imput and Russ added that if any contributers do come along they will be upgraded to the VIP area, nice one Russ

Dave said he was coming with me to the Fleet as he kept things live there for 6 years after Ken pulled out, I reckon me and Dave can blag entrance into the Fleet VIP area

I would imagine that depends on what the "P" in "VIP" stands for.

[SteveM]

I would imagine that depends on what the "P" in "VIP" stands for.

Poundland Dave.

You get a five second trolley dash there.

[Steve G]

Had phone call from Steve a few minutes ago, him and Russ have been chuckling at the thread and seen that its all been aproached in a good spirit

Good on them for recognising that. Enjoy yourself tomorrow Stef, but don't trip over any shopping bags as you rush onto the dancefloor.

[Guest StefMalajny]

Good on them for recognising that. Enjoy yourself tomorrow Stef, but don't trip over any shopping bags as you rush onto the dancefloor.

Thanks mate

Anyway I think shopping bags are banned something to do with the ozone layer

[Guest StefMalajny]

I would imagine that depends on what the "P" in "VIP" stands for.

I`m not a VIP

I`m a VIB

very Important Bumper

[Guest StefMalajny]

The Fleet V.I.P. Area?? You've got no chance..........you can pay like all the others

see you later,

John Mc.

Had to do double at the shop, Polish Chef drank too heavily the night b4

Dave said it was a brilliant nite, this is one venue that is virtually unchanged, so worth catching next time

Very nice to here the Wigan flyer was on display, thanks for that lads

[Guest StefMalajny]

Over 1000 tickets sold and still the walk up wow

Steve is giving me limited edition t shirt "35th Anniversay Wigans Chosen Few" thanks buddy

got to go know and make sure the wifes ironed my clothes correctly

Have a lovely day everyone wherever you go

Some more of the comments left by old faces attending

tonyisle of man

goosebumps reading about peoples memories i was to young to go but love everything about the scene

Dave, Grantham

Regular in the early days of the Casino from 2nd nighter till circa late '75. Life long memories of looking over the balcony with jaw-dropping awe at a packed floor when sounds like Rhino, Tomangoes and Vel-vets were playing. Shame cam-corders weren't about then as a good video from the balcony whilst imagining the volume, the heat, the smell and the atmosphere would have said more than a whole book.

Ian, Grantham (79-81)

what can i say that hasnt already been said? 17 yrs old, train journey that took hours, change at Crewe, onto wigan..... walk up station road and BANG!! i walked into that dance hall with a grin that probably lit the place up, i stood in the archway in the 'record bar' and gazed aimlessly. 2 of my friends who shared those early days are no longer with us but my good friend from then and now will be travelling up the M6 next weekend to re-live some fabulous memories. I will never forget looking over the balcony at a sea of bodies dancing in unison to 'anything i can do' by Will Collins and thinking, "this will stay with me forever" it certainly has. see you there

rick reynolds

walking home back to leyland

lee derby soul club founder dj

fantastic casino pics what a find there should be a civic award for wot russ has done for the town of wigan and the music we love northern soul ktp

John Smith

The night we went to see Betty Wright. Me and my best mate Steve Pool missed the last train from Preston and decided to hitch hike. thinking someone would stop and give us a lift. No such luck we walked all the way. Only to be told the place was packed and we couldn't get in. Like so many other on the night we spent in the Beachcomber dancing to some great sounds. So many memories and great sounds during the mid to late 70's. The Casino is gone but the memory is still alive. I can smell the place even now. The revival is great, we are regulars at the Grasshoppers, and thought your spot at the Greenlands was the best I've heard for ages. KTF John

mel (lancs)

I have many fond memories of the Casino, but one of the funniest was being stopped by a policeman after an oldies night, I came out eyes squinting with a bag FULL of sweaty t shirts (not all mine)and the officer wanted to inspect my bag? anyway I said ok and he pulled out t shirt after t shirt, at the end (much to the amusement of my mates) he exclamed "in all the years of doing this beat I've never found anyone who wore or carried 17 t shirts in one bag!" and with that he said ok get yourself home.

Garry William Keen (Sam)

going back to the early days of the all-nighter's, it was the community of the casino. Expectations every week it was fresh. This all seemed gone after all the media coverage. The best time's where around the 2nd anniversary, Tommy Hunt was 1 of the best nights ever in the casino. Nowhere as even come close to that casino feeling did'nt ever matter if it was your first all-nighter or your 100th that casino magic made it all so special.

Dave Lomo (Hull)

Wigan Casino just the best ever.Like your 1st trip to disney florida.proud to have been lucky to experience it.will be there @35th in fact still intouch with M.Ashcroft of marsh green area great friend from 76>08

Frank Kirkham

The night when Richard realised he hadn't got a copy of Dean Parish at 8am and said "Sorry for the first time we won't be able to play the three before eight". I'd bought a UK label demo that night and I rushed to the stage chucked it up to Richard who put it on the decks and the tradition carried on unbroken.

Doug Gannon

Hitched to Wigan ,it was a long way to go,we used to go most Saturdays in the early years.The anticipation was what kept us standing on the roadside in Cambridge at 2 or 3 o'clock in the afternoon,waiting for a lift, it usually took three or four lifts to do the journey and sometimes it took 10 hours to get to the Casino but we still done it week after week.When we got there it was the sheer atmosphere and the sound of new records ,whatever they were ,we danced all night enjoying every last minute of it.All too soon morning came ,pints of milk from passing milk floats and the long hitch back to Cambridge, it sometimes took in excess of 12hours to get back ,but we still done it again.I still sit here listening to the music from then, along with all the other dance soul