There must be someone out there remembers the Eccles folk clubs 1967 to early 70's - I used to run the Cross Keys and when Jim Green the owner decided that he wanted to use the room for more productive purposes we moved to the Duke of York.

For a while we had Porter Cunningham as residents whilst the original residency at the Keys was the Free Folk. The Keys was always regarded as probably the most comfortable Folk Club in Manchester as we had plush armchairs and "real" carpet on the floor. Guests during that time were Mike Harding, Rosie Hardman (with Bob Axford), Pete Ryder etc. On one occasion whilst at MSG on Monday Night Singers club a couple of Americans (Mike & Debbie) from the deep south were playing (apparently busking around Europe) and I booked them for the Keys that was probably one of the most surreal folk evenings I have ever hosted.

I understand that the Duke of York carried on in the70's after I left and the Pub changed hands; but perhaps the most memorable nighht there was when Miss England was visiting and I remember playing the piano, "the most beautiful girl in the world" not really folk but who cared...... I think our most memorable guest at the Duke was Ralph McTell but thats another story......