Len

That's great. As you say, and I can imagine, not easy, but you both put your children first, which minimised any damage a divorce can do to them. My elder sister and her husband went out for a meal with his ex-wife and her new husband spending his last child support payment on the meal for them all - Bizarre but how nice! Again, theirs' was a 'rocky road' at first, but then the dust settled ref all the strong emotions, and they soon put the children first. I only know how hard my situation has been for me, I'm deeply effected, and even had vivid nightmares over the years. But I can't begin to imagine what my children are now thinking, how can they unpick a mindset of over 20 years? I know it won't be like 'flicking a switch', and it won't be good for them to suddenly go against their mum (That would be a shallow victory for me) I'm thinking that my Son (The youngest, so doesn't remember anything) will be quicker at dealing with it - I just hope so much that he visits my mum (his gran) before it's too late for her (She's now in her 80's) A few years back, my mum and dad drove over 200 miles to Blackburn to be prayed for by one of those evangelical preachers about all this - Whether you are religious or not, that just tells you how much these situations can hurt so many people. Bless em (literally!)

Nice to hear Dave. I know someone who has been visiting his daughter at a Visitor Centre under supervision for 4 years. Can you imagine having someone sat there taking notes at every visit? That can't be good for the child. The strain of it all is taking it's toll on my friend. The grandparents in this case went to court for their separate access, only to be told they too had to have supervised visits at a Visitor Centre - They are lovely people, it just doesn't make sense (They declined the ludicrous offer) I understand that the people making these decisions can't take risks (if there is anything untoward involved) but seems to me that they are making these decisions from some sort of guide with no thought to the human element. I don't know.

A message of hope to (usually) Dads Without sharing personal details, having no choice in the matter (Court being so one sided etc) I haven’t seen my children from my first marriage for 22 years. Not one day has gone by without me thinking of them, and the struggle of (luckily) having a happy life with my now wife and two more kids, against the depression and guilt of not being around for them, and missing them terribly, has been so hard. My Dad was a Children's entertainer, and a lovely man, but died never seeing them again (No one considers the grandparents) Unfortunately, there is a lot of this about, and some (usually) dad's lives have been ruined by it. They either turn to drink, or in some cases sadly commit suicide. I waited until my children were adults, then wrote to them every so often ‘chipping away’ at changing their mindset about me. Finally, on Sunday 6th August, I met both my son and daughter in Bristol, and we had a wonderful re-union, which will now be built on. This thread must not turn in to a 'women hating' exercise. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors, but my opinion is - No matter what mum and dad think of each other, it is so important for children to know that both parents love them, and for regular contact to be established. My message to any (usually) dads out there going through this, is never give up hope. This nature thing is really powerful, so one day you will be reunited. When this happens, do not dwell on the past, what's done is done. It is much better to focus on the future, a strong close relationship will soon follow. I am now waking up feeling so different about life, it's unbelievable. I expect some of you can relate to this - Please share this message of hope to anyone you know who is going through a similar situation. Len.

Hi Ted, Firstly, like everyone else, my heart goes out to you. The records aside, this unpleasant experience is devastating. It’s bad enough being burgled, but having intruders whilst you are there, I cannot imagine. Then there is the loss of your lifetime’s commitment, your records. Each and every one of them meaning so much to you. I got burgled many moons ago, and this was while I was out at a Soul do. It was two weeks before I was getting married (first time), the house had been trashed, and they nicked the wedding rings, leaving the empty ring boxes on our pillows (I should have seen that omen!) I then noticed that my record box that I DJed from had been opened as the latches were undone - I felt sick, shot over to see what was missing, and the comedy side of this being……”Oh, they didn’t even take one!”…….I was quite offended, and half expected a tape from the burglars to drop through the letterbox the next day Ted, you are in all our thoughts. If there is a ‘just giving’ page set up, can someone add the link to this thread? It would be great if we were to enable Ted to replace some of his records. But let’s not give up hope just yet. All the best, Len.

Sean Adams - One of the greatest characters that we have ever had the pleasure to know. Thanks for being you! RIP 100 Club Member No 1 Len 'n' Nina x

Couldn't agree more, Cressa Watson sounds like Lulu to me. Robert Thomas wins! (Sorry wrong thread) Len

Hiya, and welcome to the site. Hopefully some info from members will get posted for you. All the best, Len

Hiya, There's one here - Len

Hi Tom, There's one currently on the John Manship auction (Auction ends on 13th October) Len

Awful noise Len

Who really knows nowadays Tony? Hope you bag the record Macey. Len

Looks like it’s not 'just you' Hugh….. I currently feel contented and safe here in my ‘prehistoric cave’, and don’t feel the urge to go out at all. I haven’t played my records for a good while either.....Until last night.....I suddenly got the urge to stick a record on, then another, then a ‘oh blimey’ record seemed to mysteriously jump above the others as if to say…..”Me next Len!”....."You beauty".....I replied.....Then I heard a chorus of.....”We’re all still here Len!” Three hours later I went to bed feeling great! There will be a soul scene in one form or another for a long time yet, and it’s good to know that it, and the people in it will be there when we want to leave our caves. Len P.s - Keep the me talking to my records thing to yourself please

Morning all, I thought this lock-down business would change things, but until I'd read these comments I thought everyone had just 'sprung back' as if nothing had happened. Lock-down aside, I know I've had my best times out 'n' about, so going out comes in 'waves' of enthusiasm, which has a lot to do with what else one has going on in life. The moment you feel you are 'chasing your tail' is the time to stop and enjoy other things, then before you know it another wave of enthusiasm hits you and you go round that merry-go-round of Northern Soul one more time. (Hope the above makes sense) Len

Off-topic posts removed - And please remember to not use swear words when posting as this damages the site. Thanks. Len.

Olney, as in, near Milton Keynes? (I guess it must be what with 'MK' Soul Club) Just up the road from me - When's the next one? Thanks for the reviews thus far - It's good to hear how things are developing after our 'famine' Len

Any more reviews on how venturing out has been after such a long time from anyone? I'm looking forward to dipping my toe back in / 're-grouping' with folk, so it would be good to hear how various places have been. Len

Apologies, I went a bit 'off-topic' above. I know some like the DJs to flow seamlessly when a change-over happens, which is fine of course. But I also like the old 'ender' to someone's set, then it's like a new chapter when the next DJ starts. The first record is pretty crucial as it sets the tone for what you're about - I give my first record an awful lot of thought. This often changes depending how the night is, but a couple of records that spring to mind for me to set things off, would be, 'Sam Fletcher - I'd Think It Over', or The Soul Bros Inc - The Pyramid'. Although these aren't classed as underplayed. If I think the night could take it, three choices of underplayed tunes that I would start with would be 'The Odds and Ends - Let Me Try', 'The Festivals - You've Got The Makings Of A Lover', or the powerful 'Bobby Sansom - Don't Leave'. Last underplayed tunes, either 'Teddy Randazzo - You Don't Need A Heart' or 'Diana Ross And The Supremes - Will This Be The Day' Len

I was just about to go on, and the DJ before me said...."Len, would you like me to clear the floor? Saves you doing it mate"........I smiled, and said...."Yeh please do"........The floor was absolutely packed, and low and behold he did just that with his last record....."There you go Len".......He said with a rye smile Talk about taking one for the team Len N.B - This didn't badly effect anyone's night.....and not one bottle was thrown (on this occasion)

I prefer to 'go against the grain' / kill the atmos.....then 'the only way is up'.......(I hope and prey) You've seen it in the flesh Steve Len (Now retired) P.s - You know nothing

For me it peaked at 'The Ritz' Manchester - That bouncing floor just suited it (Along with my amazing foot work) The Dome was ok of course Len

Yup I remember Kenny playing it. .......I love it - Sorry Len

Swearing isn't allowed on the site as it causes problems with searches etc. Currently being sorted - Those who have replied, could you please edit the swear words out of the post that you quoted? Many thanks. Len

Yup, that sums it up - Great for the seller if two wealthy people are chomping at the bit for a record. And starts a thread on here of course Len