Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: MikeL2
Date: 19 May 17 - 03:11 PM

Hi

Heard some sad news yesterday that Ken Greenhough who was well know as playing in Union Folk and latterly in Calico Jack passed away recently.

I knew Ken well years ago and am very sad to hear the news.

I know that many here will remember Ken.

My condolences go out to Keen and his lovely family. Also his many friends in the Folk Scene.


Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: The Sandman
Date: 19 May 17 - 03:33 PM

Steve Turner had/has a shop in nottingham, he has a website why not contact him

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Kalom
Date: 27 Oct 17 - 07:29 AM

Don?t suppose anyone used to visit northwich folk club/ rudheath folk club and remembers the moonshiners?

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Julie
Date: 10 Jan 18 - 07:24 PM

I too remember the golden lion and poynton folk clubs.
Does anyone remember a weekend hosted by Billy Connolly and guests were Christy moore and barbara dixon , mike harding.
An amazing time to be involved with folk in the area

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 11 Jan 18 - 04:24 AM

I remember them both well. Harris and Appleton, who ran the Red Lion, were notorious for paying a pittance (usually by cheque) and Eric Brock, who ran the club in Poynton, was legendary for pleading poverty whilst running what was probably one of the largest clubs in the UK, the lowest admission fees and the most odorous gent's toilets.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Aussie Mike
Date: 25 Oct 19 - 02:07 AM

G'Day. Stumbled across these threads by accident but it brought back some wonderful memories of Folk Nights at the MSG, Rosie Harding [?] I have a record "Queen of Hearts" I think? Tom & Smiley and Pete Wilmot at the Wellgreen in Hale. I think my all time favourites were the Taveners. Where did the 1960's go?
Regards to all ancient Folkies in Manchester!

Sydney Australia

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 25 Oct 19 - 03:35 AM

That would be Rosie “Hardman” - (not Mike’s daughter!)

Tom is still with us although I’ve not seen him for a couple of years. Smiley went off to play with PJ Proby and, the last I heard of him, he was living somewhere near Blackpool. Pete Wilmott died several years ago and we lost the last of The Taverners, Alan Bell, earlier this year.

The 60s went the same way as the 50s and 70s!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 25 Oct 19 - 03:51 AM

Not many may remember him but Ivan Kelsall - bluegrass banjo player who frequented the MSG - died last week.

Ivan had more or less given up the banjo and had taken up the mandolin instead. He was 74.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Kevin A.
Date: 15 Feb 20 - 04:31 PM

Although I knew and liked such as the Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul & Mary, and Joan Baez, I wasn't too aware of folk music until I (by happen-chance) dropped in one night at the Wellgreen - I still remember that the guests that night were Redmayne. From then I was a regular visitor (shift work permitting!) and saw many notable guests, including the Fureys, Harvey Andrews, Vin Garbutt, Foggy Duo. to mention just a few. I'm not sure whether Steeleye Span appeared there - I know I became a great fan of their music and have many of their albums, so how else?
I also remember that for a short(?) while, there was a weekly folk club at the Queens in Sale (next to the railway station).
Re the railway station - for those who know him, AGRAMAN (aka John Marshall) worked for a time in the ticket office - I know because I worked with him! :-)

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Brian Peters
Date: 16 Feb 20 - 05:17 AM

I certainly remember Agraman, always popping up in local clubs to read his poetry, organising stuff too. My then band the Mossley Dukes played a gig for him once in Chorlton, with (then unknown) Caroline Aherne and Lemon Sissay also on the bill.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Brian Peters
Date: 17 Feb 20 - 05:30 AM

'Lemn', obviously. Damn autocorrect.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 17 Feb 20 - 06:44 AM

Whatever happened to “Kevin”? (Although I’m not sure it was spelt “Sissay”)

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Rob Mad Jock Wright
Date: 17 Feb 20 - 08:12 AM

Ah yeah the glorious 90s when Taggart and Wright caused a bit of mayhem wherever they went. They guested at lots of the club above. Start with first gig supporting Tanglefoot at Northwich Folk Club. Were regulars around all and any gathering in Chester. The session in the Ship Victory a favourite. They split up when Angie Wright moved to Perthshire where she now sings entertaining in care homes and performs at the TWA Tams .

There is rumours that they may get together again for a few gigs this summer. So beware they may be near you.

T

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Rob Mad Jock Wright
Date: 17 Feb 20 - 06:53 PM

Just realised. .....this thread has been going longer than loads of Folk Clubs.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Apr 20 - 06:16 AM

There was a club I used to go to in Leigh, on Sunday nights.The name of the pub escapes me now, nearly fifty years later, and looking on Google maps I can't find a pub in the right area, so I suspect it has gone.

I remember seeing Harry Boardman there, Martin Carthy, Cilla Fisher.

Phillip

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 02:57 AM

i played the white swan, ashton under lyne, ring of bells middleton, the unicorn, saddle worth,good fun nice people

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 03:03 AM

oh yes swinton ged todd and some kind of gnome.
salford martin gittins, and the landlord who pulled pints with one arm

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 05:23 AM

You mentioned them in this thread 10 years back, Dick. Thanks for the reminder. Swinton Folk Club at the White Lion is still going. Only Ged of the original residents left. Dave W moved to SW Scotland and I have moved to N Yorshire.

Martin's club at the Star Inn had another oddity apart from the one armed landlord. The club room was long and thin, almost like a train carriage, and stood between the bar and the gents. Most non folkies wanting to use the gents were respectful of the artist performing though :-)

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 07:53 AM

Dave history repeats itself first as a tragedy then as a farce , KARL MARX Better to repeat myself on an internet forum than in polite society.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Raggytash
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 09:49 AM

Many happy memories of the Star at higher Broughton. I always promised myself that one night I would leave sober ……...……. never did manage that. Martin Gittings and Ric Rybecki ran a very good club … and Rib made some very good clogs. I've still got the one's my good lady bought for me in 1979!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 10:03 AM

It was there I first saw Stanley Accrington perform that romantic Irish classic, "I'm arse over tit in love with Guinness". Complete with a stout volcano achieved by sucking all the air out of a bottle of the black stuff and then releasing the bottle from the vacuum :-)

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Raggytash
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 10:46 AM

"Oh Guinness how I love you with your body black and strong
and your head so white and creamy I could sup you all day long
In fact that's what I always do, that's why I sing this song
cos I'm arse over till in love with Guinness"

It think he wrote it because someone told him he wouldn't get anything to rhyme with Guinness.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Raggytash
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 10:48 AM

!&*%$£*&Y !!!
Arse over Tit!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 11:21 AM

Perhaps it’s because I’ve been around so long but am I the only person who knows Stanley Accrington’s real name?

I could tell you but I’d have to kill myself first!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 11:43 AM

I played at the Star many times ,there was noisy empty glass and bottle collector i stayed above ric rybicis, clog shop in todmorden,must have been 80s

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 11:48 AM

I know too :-) I can't remember why exactly but went to his house once. Before the twins were born. Summat to do with cricket.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Raggytash
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 11:52 AM

You're not alone Ray, I too know his given name. Not that I'll ever let on to anyone.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 12:50 PM

Good to hear. I only know because, nearly 40 years ago, I was involved in organising the Royal Exchange song competition and he entered it under his own name.

My old mate Tony Hardman also entered a song but never got to sing it. I ‘phoned him on the Friday to sort out a date for his heat and he said “I’m glad you ‘phoned now; we’re just off to go climbing in Glencoe.” He didn’t come back and the bodies of him and his climbing partner were found soon after.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 01:05 PM

Blimey, Ray. That was an unexpected story! Sorry for your loss, albeit 40 years too late :-(

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Raggytash
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 01:10 PM

I just asked him outright!!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Raggytash
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 01:21 PM

Bugger used to live in Huddersfield too!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 01:42 PM

Going back to the Manchester theme do you remember Stan's version of Space Oddity?

Heeeeere am I throwing up in a dustbin
Farrrrrrr up Market Street
The Arndale centre's puce
And it serves no bloody use...

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Raggytash
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 03:26 PM

I do indeed, "take your wine gums now and put yout crash-helmet on!!"

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 07:07 AM

Dave (the Gnome) - Tony gets a brief mention elsewhere on this thread. He, and Arthur Wakefield, were stalwarts of the Manchester folk scene long before I arrived (e.g. The Two Brewers in Salford?).

Not many people know this but Tony did release an LP record “Tigermoth”; or, to be more precise, it actually escaped! He and his brother recorded a series of demo tracks and sent them to several record companies. One of them pressed the record which immediately went into oblivion until I dug out what was left of them at SP&S records in Manchester - a trade remainder warehouse.

I’d like to say that the record comes up very infrequently but I’ve just noticed that there’s been a copy available on Amazon since I wrote a review of it in 2015.

Does anyone remember the series of memorial concerts we held for him? Apart from the evening with Mike Harding and the two Bunny Girls, I’m having difficulty in remembering who took part.

Tony’s niece did pop up on Mudcat just before the 35th aniversary but her post/email address disappeared in the “Mudcat Crash” and she never came back.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 07:54 AM

Thanks Ray. Lots of good stuff there. "Songs from The Two Brewers" was televised in the late 60s or early 70s by Granada TV which was based just found the corner from the pub. I can't remember much about it but you have spurred me on to do a search while we are in lockdown :-)

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 12:09 PM

I just about remember the programme - I think it was the late 60s. The Two Brewers was on Regent Road in Salford. I think it was re-built and then the site re-developed without a pub.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 12:43 PM

Yes, all of Regent Road was "redeveloped" along with Liverpool Street, Broad Street, Cross Lane, Oldfield Road and much more beween. The end result was a city with no city centre!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 13 Apr 20 - 01:04 PM

Salford originally grew up in a loop in the river Irwell which set a natural limit to its expansion and the development of a “city centre”.

Manchester, on the other hand, had no similar limit and the, more the Manchester centre developed, the less need there was for one in Salford.

Have a look at this map from 1857 - http://www.artus-

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Weasel
Date: 14 Apr 20 - 05:38 PM

Granada's "Songs from the Two Brewers" was my introduction to folk music, although I didn't know that it was folk music at the time.

I remember Magna Carta and an early performance by The Strawbs (not sure whether they were actually called that at the time.)

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 06:46 AM

Magna Carta! The first, so called, folk “super-group”. Saw them at the MSG but missed most of their second spot as we had to go for the train - didn’t fancy the 12 mile walk home. Back in those days, MC comprised Chris Simpson, Davy Johnson and Glenn ??. Davy Johnson left to go and play with Elton John and he still does. Don’t know what happened to Glenn ??.

A mate of mine once bought a Martin D28 from Chris Simpson. The back had been trashed by famous musicians scatching their names. He eventually had a ‘phone call from CT’s wife trying to buy it back but, by then, he’d had the back re-finished.

Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be though!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Vincent Jones
Date: 16 Apr 20 - 07:13 AM

I remember Magna Carta at the MSG. And, I think, Wally Wyton and maybe the Swarb.

Great thread, this one, long may it continue. Looking upwards I see many venues I used to frequent, as the song goes. I was a regular at the Duke of York in Eccles, occasionally went to one in Swinton, one in the Stocks in Walkden, and once or twice headed down to Poynton 'cos everyone said it was the dog's, which I think it was.

I never went to the folk club in the Harrington Arms, but I remember the bogs, the result of having, at sixteen, supped one pint of Guinness and five of mild.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Apr 20 - 07:51 AM

I'd forgotten the Stocks at Walkden! How could I? It was my local for the first 3 years I was married. 73-76 I think the folk club may have finished by then or maybe started later? My mate Dave often told me the story of a very young Steve Robinson (anyone know what became of him?) throwing up on the Oldham Tinkers there :-)

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 16 Apr 20 - 07:58 AM

The Strawbs used to be called The Strawberry Hill Boys.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Apr 20 - 08:20 AM

I found one clip of Jeremy Taylor introducing Pentangle at the Two Brewers but it says it was London. I think it was the Salford one but maybe someone can tell me otherwise?

Pentangle - The Two Brewers, London, 1970

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Apr 20 - 10:32 AM

Sorry, should have made that clearer. It is an audio clip of Pentangle's spot at the Two Brewers, introduced by Jeremy Taylor. Quite a long spot. 20+ minutes.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Raggytash
Date: 16 Apr 20 - 10:41 AM

Ah the Stocks at Walkden. First club I ever played in back in 1973. I went there one night with two friends and one of the floor singers was truly awful. On the way home I stated "I could do better than that" ….oh can you was the response.

The next week they were both outside my door "come on then, lets see if you can do better" ………….. Oh Bugger I thought.

The MC at the time was called Harry and my "friends" said I would like to sing. So in the second half Harry called me up and said to the audience it was my first time and that I was probably going to be crap. As he walked off and I walked on I said "just cos you're got hairs round your mouth Harry, there's no need to talk like one.

I got a HUGE cheer and a massive round of applause. BANG that was like a drug, I felt 10 feet tall.

I probably was crap I remember singing "Mon Like thee" and another one but I was hooked on that applause.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Raggytash
Date: 16 Apr 20 - 12:41 PM

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!!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Apr 20 - 01:10 PM

Rule of York was great. Dave Wynn and I walked it from Swinton Church and back because of the fog! Another night we were stood outside chatting after the folk club with Ted, resplendent in his full length Arab cape and flat cap when a policeman approached us.

"Scuse me chaps" he sez. "We have had reports of cars being broken into by a man with a beard"

"We've all got beards you daft bugger" replied Ted. "Did they say anything about capes?"

Them were the days. My first introduction to Timothy Taylor's RamTam as well. I now live 5 miles from the brewery :-)

Do you remember a chap called Chris, Raggy? Possibly Whiley? Used to do floorspots.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Apr 20 - 01:11 PM

Rule? Bloomin' spill chucker. Duke of course.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Vincent Jones
Date: 16 Apr 20 - 02:33 PM

Steve Robinson? Was he one of the two lads who compered at the Duke in the late 1970s? Mad on John Denver? The other lad was older with quite a line in patter.

The last time I went to the Stocks I thought I gave an acceptable rendition of a Jim Croce song, were it not for the house band smashing a couple of beer mugs: it was the club's last night. A couple of regulars from the Duke were there and somehow I became known as the man whose songs closed down the Stocks.

One night Ted Edwards (what Lancastrian folkie doesn't have a Ted talk? - and believe it or not, his dad Nathan was even madder than he was) anyway, one night he was the Duke of York and told us that he was going away and might not come back. Sure, Ted, we said, but got him to end his spot with "Coal Hole Cavalry". Then about six months later I'm switching TV channels and I hear this bloke saying "T'oreet, Tel?" - it was Ted on Wogan talking about his journey across the Sahara.

Anyone know what happened to Paul Sherratt, author of "The Lancashire Vampire" and composer of an extra verse for "The Rawtenstall Annual Fair"? I generally went with him to the Duke, but lost touch years ago.