Len

To be serious for moment, we do actually feel this way, and it shows in the way folk are so protective of it - I like that. But as I said, there's no point fighting against something we ain't gonna win, so 'flip it on it's head', and make it advantageous to us. All the best, Len

It does - It belongs to me Len

Agreed, I think it beneficial to embrace this change rather than fight against it, because it is a fact. Excuse this 'blatant' plug, but we have done exactly that at 'Soul in the Bowl' here in Northants, advertising in local newspapers etc - The upshot being that we attract over 250 people, yes some we see as 'Bubble Wrap', but they come, they ad to the great atmosphere, and have a great time - Some of these newcomers seem intrigued with 'Len's Den' (which is the second room) and feel comfortable staying in there albeit 'sight seeing'. All this has got to better than a room with not enough people playing great music, with no atmosphere. It works well for us anyway. All the best, Len

Damn right, I think in an 'ideal Northern Soul World' this may be the case......but I won't forget having me fags nicked at The Ritz in Manchester in the 90's, that incidently also had a nice Jo*nt hidden in there for the next morning - There has always been crooks everywhere, although the ones I refer to being somewhat 'relaxed' with a smile upon their faces All the best, Len

I like it being a 'secret society'.....and it is 'our' scene. But everyone's welcome as far as I'm concerned All the best, Len

Great stuff, and 'can' be beneficial to an event. "I'm actually quite pleased to see outsiders at an event these days as long as they don't cause trouble" I got presented with my very own 'Tailor made' Hand Bag the other evening, and felt obliged to dance around it (Thanks Nick 'Topsy' Turvey of Banbury Radio!)....I plan on bringing it the next 'Len's Den', where it will have pride of place Obviously some folk at the event that the thread starters is referring to, didn't have a clue about how to behave - that is when it gets irritating and frustrating. All the best, Len

Although I don’t like the term ‘Handbaggers’ because I find it offensive to those that respectfully come into our Scene, I know what you mean. As has been said, choose your venues wisely - You now have to do a bit of research (That is what has changed) There are still some great venues about with the true ‘spirit’ Welcome home by the way! All the best, Len

The first 'professional' ones I saw were Cliff Steel's Detroit Academicals ones. But yes, the hand drawn ones are fab. Len

I would love to see your 'famous' garage Chalky - Mr Trebus springs to mind Len

'London's Chosen Mass' Great name that. Love the old flyers. Cheers Chalky. Len

Here's a couple of interesting pieces, Big Bob talks about going back to 1963. Len

Just read this thread - Way before my time, but a fascinating read. Thanks. All the best, Len

......and all that is needed - It's the 'vibe' people get I suppose. All the best, Len

Well I presumed those events went without saying I couldn't possibly name an event that I was involved in - That would be crass ..... Len

I can only apologise , it was 'Moses Smith - The Girl Across The Street'......What's a soulie supposed to do?........'hang' in there Buddy All the best, Len

I know - Been there mate!........So frustrating having your night 'stolen'......so I do it to others for revenge! Len

Yep often been in a 'heart to heart' convo and had to 'suddenly' stop it. Once, some one was 'really deep', telling me about a time they were going to kill themselves, etc - A record came on, I said ..."Back in a sec".....and as I was dancing, I thought, oops, that was bad timing......I got back - No problem, and carried on chatting - He was 'one of us'; you see Whereas on the other hand, I've had people that have been offended (and said so) just because I've 'been in the zone' and 'ignored them' - That really irritates me. Len

Great stuff - Me and Nina always had our own 'adventure', then we'd talk b*llox about each of our adventures for hours when we got home. Many times we've given some 'strange soul' (that we had only just met) a lift home from f*ckin miles away - One stayed at a mates for the next three days - THIS IS NOT NORMAL! - But we loved it! Len

Yes, we call that 'House wives on spe*d' - Don't get trapped All the best, Len

For years I suffered from 'Imposter Syndrome', but as you get older you come to realise that some people are simply not friendly (their loss) Social skills are over rated mate All the best, Len

The (What I call) 'Welcoming Committee' on the door is extremely important - It puts people in the right frame of mind (appreciated), and I don't mean 'over the top' as that isn't genuine. I know what you mean mate. All the best, Len

I love tapes! The only reason we bought our last car, was because it had a tape player Len

You're probably right there mate. Every time I was D.Jing through the 90'd I noticed there was always this guy on the stage (wearing a head band) that had one of those huge tape recorders - He taped everywhere he went. As I said, I love those 'ruff 'n' ready' recordings, they even taped people's conversations in the back ground - Great stuff. Len

I love cr*p recordings of Nighters Len