Mr Fred

Saddened to hear the news of Billy's passing. He was a favourite artist of my dear late brother Rob Ward. He was Captivated by "me and mrs jones" also "Let em in". Lots of our idols have passed on this year, Their music will live on . R.I.P. Billy

I remember when I first heard baby reconsider,blew us all away,what a sound and if I remember rightly one of the rarest sounds at that time.Still a belting sound. R.I.P. Leon

Hi ivor, like i said everyone has their own idea of what crossover is and yours obviously isn't mine and vice versa.With regard to Brainstorm :-Loving is really my game it was played and still is played at Northern Soul venues I DJ at and attend in the north of england even though it is as you say out and out disco.This is a perfect example of how the scene is and how it has evolved.As is Frankie Crocker:-Ton of dynamite played everywhere.Without getting into lengthy discussions on the subject, sorry I'm sticking to what I said originally that is what my idea of what crossover is.I gave examples of Blackpool Mecca and Cleethorpes as where crossover came about,maybe if you had gone to those venues you probably would have a different opinion.Finally I think the one thing we will both agree on is that we both are lovers of the music. Regards Fred.

In my opinion Crossover is a term used to describe a type of soul music that is different to traditional soul, northern soul and Motown that was played from the 60's to the early to mid 70's.It was introduced onto the soul scene at two major venues these being Blackpool Mecca and Cleethorpes pier /Winter gardens around 1973-1975 I would say a good percentage of Crossover records were a more funky type of sound albeit some were mid tempo , Examples of Crossover records are Brainstorm:- Loving is really my game. Frankie Crocker:- Ton of Dynamite. Skullsnaps:- I'm your pimp. Babe Ruth:- Elusive. Black Nasty:- Cut your motor off. The Matta Baby:- Do the pearl. Reggie garner:- Hotline. Everyone must have their own interpretation of what constitutes a crossover record.My views are based on actually attending those clubs back then and experiencing the music and the directions the music has taken over the years. Regards Fred Ward

Very Very sad news to hear of Dodger's passing. A real character on the scene and as I remember always a nice experience to be in his company. condolences to his family. R.I.P. Fred&Jacque Ward

For me its just got to be "Nine Times" absolutely timeless and I can even remember where I first heard it, The Golden Lion on Bradshawgate in Bolton and the dj was Paul Johnson. Regards Fred

I remember the first time I saw them on totp's and thought he's deffo worse for wear. Leading on from this did anyone see the Tymes, again on totp's 1974 singing Ms grace where the front row four singers had microphones and the one at the back singing his heart out with no microphone!.

Nope he'd already gone to the moon!

Really saddened to hear of Ian's passing ,a true gentleman and a great DJ .Ian will always be in our hearts. RIP Ian. Fred & Jacque Ward

Very sad, to hear of Maurice passing.Takes me back all those years.I can remember the first time I heard the song September literally blew me away. Earth Wind & Fire one of if not the best band ever to appear on stage. Rip Maurice Fred Ward

A merry Christmas and a "Soulfull" new year to Everyone Fred&Jacque Ward

How about:- Frank Wilson -Janice, Ronnie McNeir-Lucky Number,JJ Barnes-talk of the grapevine Oh and finally The four Vandalls-A Big strong love in my heart.

Shocked to hear this very sad news,Snoz was a really nice guy and a great character.He was well known not just in Barnsley but all over the soul scene.I haven't seen him at any venues for years,and often wondered how he was and if he and Ali were still together.When I think of Snoz I flash back to the Tracky Club on Harborough Hills Barnsley when on one occasion Jacque and I had just arrived and I'd bought two drinks at the bar and had just put them on a table when all of a sudden the table and drinks went flying.Snoz and Ali had just had a barney and in the commotion the table somehow became involved,Snoz being a true gentleman came over apologised and proceeded to buy us two more drinks, we were all amused by this and went on to have a great night. Deepest condolences go out to Pauls family. Jacque and Fred ward

I remember the Royal Swan well,being a Huddersfielld lad myself, used to have some great nights there,along with my late brother Rob Ward, "Scoffer"(Kevin Haigh)and his wife Karen, Mick Hales,Julie from Luddendenfoot and Novver another friend from Huddersfield.Charlie & Pauline Atkinson and many more. It's such a long time ago that its difficult to remember everyone that used to go. Wasn't there a club called the Birdcage in Ashton under Lyne where everyone used to go after the Wheel. Regards Fred Ward

In shock to hear this very very sad news, saw Cheryl very recently at the Central. Always there in the 70's, a true Centralite. Our Deepest condolences to Cheryl's family. Fred & Jacque Ward

Having been involved over the years in promoting Various soul events. It's not a bad thing for the promotors to be on the door every so often so they can see for themselves what type of people are coming to their venue,before they are in,I'm sure you can easily see who's a true Soulie and who isn't, and who is a bad element and who isn't. I know you must not be predudice against anyone,however I believe there usually is a sign saying the management reserve the right to refuse admission. This gives you the choice who goes in and who doesn't ,I'm sure this would nip in the bud the possibility of physical violence and resulting in a good night for all.I'm in no way trying to tell anyone how to run their venue but merely trying to help. Regards Fred Ward

Hi Ian, hope your keeping well. Chris has been to the last two all dayers at the Central and believe it or not hasn't changed a bit, still the same.He'll be at the June Do and I'll mention you were asking after him.Might be a good idea for the future Where we and a few others could all meet up in Leeds for a drink and a meal then go onto the Central. Another few faces are becoming regulars Cam and Christine Froggat, Charlie Fineberg, Helen Swish's ex Tom o'leary and his wife,Jimmy Adams from Darlington I'm sure you remember all of these. Oh and John Caerns from York gets across. Look forward to your reply Regards Fred

Still do at Drax, Eggborough and Leeds Central,quite a lot of soulies remain on the scene that were there when clapping first started and i think reflects the camaraderie and the sense of one collective that still exists today. Regards Fred Ward

Would be nice to see Alan again after all these years. Me and Phsyco(Chris Jenkinson) used to go over to the Hansom Cab in York on Sundays where he used to DJ. Can't someone from York get him out for say a one off ,I'm sure he would enjoy himself. Regards Fred Ward

Ok here goes. Torch:- Maxine Brown :-One in a million, PP Arnold:- Everything's gonna be alright Jo Armstead:- I feel an urge coming on James Bounty:- Prove yourself a lady Lord Jims Huddersfield:- Alexander Patten/Patton A lil lovin' Sometimes Earl Harrison:- Humphrey Stomp Bin Lid Dewsbury:- Fascinations:- Girls are out to get you Tymes:- People Pendulum Manchester:- Isleys:-Tell me it's just a rumour Lou Johnson:- Unsatisfied Farthers Angels:- Bok to Bach Blackpool Mecca:- First Choice:- This is the house where love died Soul Twins:- Quick change artist Mel Britt:- She'll come running back Hi-Fi Huddersfield:- Jerry Cooke:- I hurt on the other side Clifford Curry:- I can't get a hold of myself Samantha's Sheffield:- Johnny Sayles:-I can't get enough of your love Leeds Central:- Phyllis Hyman:- You know how to love me Keni Burke:- Let Somebody love you Rufus Lumley:- I'm Standing Benny Troy:- I wanna give you tommorrow Young Holt Unlimited:- California Montage Cleethorpes Pier/Wintergardens:- Frankie Crocker:- Ton of dynamite Tracky Club Barnsley:- Fats Domino:- It keeps Raining Tiffany's Wakefield:- Younghearts A little togetherness Wigan Casino:- Larry Laster:-Go for yourself and finally Des Harris's house in Huddersfield Sandi Sheldon:- You're gonna make me love you Regards Fred Ward

Not taking anything away from Brian, as I understand It all the records on Brian's show are compiled By a guy called Phil (the collector)Swirn. Once again a great show . Regards Fred.

I was listening to the Graham Norton show last Saturday (21st Feb) on radio 2 and was surprised to hear him play one of my fav oldies Just in the nick of time by Toni Lamarr, have heard the odd "Soul Sound"played previously and just wondered who is behind playing Northern soul on Radio 2 Regards Fred Ward.

Apologies Mike, Had not seen Bobby Dazzlers posting,on the same subject prior to my posting ,will put my specs on in the future so as not to miss anything. All the best for the new year Fred Ward

New Years Day sees Sharleen spiteri Presenting Northern Soul on Radio 2 12.00 till 2.00 pm Regards Fred.

A Fantastic turnout for John,with a packed church,family and many friends John had gained over the years. John will be remembered for his wiked sense of humour. John you will always be in our hearts.