redbarsfj

9 June · Sometimes nostalgia strikes when least expected but it often calls on me when I pass a corner of Wakefield Bullring that’s close to my heart. Memories meande...r, if I stand on a particular part of the pavement, The Moonraker’s minions scatter into the shadows behind me; whilst at my side The Strafford’s stragglers make their way into the night. In this snap-shot of time I trace my steps through the entrance of a building and upstairs to the first floor. Inside the room there’s semi-circular seating, the bar beyond, a dance-floor full of movement, and an off-set DJ booth. If I peer around a corner I can see a mini staircase that leads to a world above, blasting out Bowie and Progressive-Rock, with the smell of something in a basket wafting in the air. Meanwhile, back below, the weight of the ambience is driven by the beat of soul music. The place is filled with friendly faces, crazy characters, and the atmosphere is brimming with good times. Raquels aka The Intercon - was a great night out and sometimes a warm-up to an all-nighter elsewhere; it also held its own all-nighter one Christmas night. The Thursday Club was a small collective and not a bad spot to do your home-work, under a table, on a school night. Many life-long friendships were forged with special people, some of which have passed, and romantic liaisons occasionally led to marriage - and divorce… There was wheeling and dealing, like in any other bar, and the boys in blue were known to call - because that’s Shakey-Wakey. Fast-forward some forty years and it’s time to celebrate that small, but significant, club. The reunion will be on the same stretch of road, Raqs goes to Red, and the event is hosted by WCSC. Paul Rowan, the original venue DJ, will be taking the decks alongside some great guys who also attended club – John Benson, Dean Roach, John Britton, Keith Fox. So, lets spread some 70’s spirit, with a new spin, and if you want to join in the party then come along with your memories.