Vincent, you mention the Duke of York in Eccles. That was the first club I ever went in 1969 aged just 14. Ted Edwards who was a friend of my Dad's took me under his wing.

One night Ma Brand (rule of Iron) came upstairs and found me in the club room ………… "What's he doing in here" came the shout. Ted, bless him, said to Ma "it's alright Ma he's with me" …………. Hmmm "he can two pints no more!"

Went to the Duke for years all through the 70's. It did close for a period I recall and then re-opened and closed again.

During one period of closure my good lady and I started a club in the Red Lion in Patricroft. Now that was a great club!!