Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99

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 - 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 - 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: 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: 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 - 01:21 PM

Bugger used to live in Huddersfield too!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Raggytash
Date: 12 Apr 20 - 10:48 AM

!&*%$£*&Y !!!
Arse over Tit!

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: 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 - 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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,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,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: Brian Peters
Date: 17 Feb 20 - 05:30 AM

'Lemn', obviously. Damn autocorrect.

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: 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: 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,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,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: 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,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,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: 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: 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: Les in Chorlton
Date: 15 Sep 15 - 11:49 AM

Black Stan was , I believe Stan Ellison - who is alive and well, as far as I know - he turned up at the Dulcimer in Chorlton within the last year

And here we are on facebook

Where are you now Pete?

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,petehulme
Date: 14 Sep 15 - 04:04 PM

I remember the Crown and Anchor. Had some fab nights.The beggarmen were splendid.I always remember their excellent rendition of Dicey Riley to a crowded sweaty smokey room. Nobody seems to have mentioned the Whestsheaf on High St in town.Can't remember who ran it but I do remember a blues guy who used to call himself Black Stan ecstasy! Also there was a club on Wednesdays in the late 60s at the Hulme FE Centre. A small room right at the top of the building.I was only 16 and had no idea who the likes of Mike Harding, Rosie Hardman and Tony and Arthur were.I just know I loved their singing.There was a lot of local talent and enthusiasm there too.I had my first ever go at performing there and the guy who was running it gave me a Park Drive for my efforts. And the Seymour hotel in Chorlton had a club run by the excellent Harry Boardman.

And while I'm reminiscing , try there was as guy who used to sing woody Guthrie repertoire. He was bloody great!And whatever happened to Tony Hill who did a very entertaining Manchester Rambler!? Oh shit I'm back in 2015! What a shame

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Howard Jones
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 07:29 AM

The loos in the Harrington Arms were modernised many years ago. However before this, I remember one evening there was a group of young ladies in the pub. One of them went outside, and returned with a slightly shocked expression on her face. Then they all trooped out to see if it could really be true.

I'm not quite sure what facilities the gents offered, as it was usually too dark to see anything.

Not that anyone would dare to complain to the landlady, the formidable (but still fondly remembered) Mrs Bailey.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Susie
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 05:41 AM

Had occasion to see Roy Palmer a bit in the last few years - a lovely man. The Harrington Arms in Gawsworth, near Macc - when I was last there some 40 years ago, it had the original loos. Thunderbox with 3 holes of varying sizes in the ladies. Not a thing one forgets!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 03:36 AM

I guess Paul Grainey but he left us a long time since

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 02:48 PM

Like many others, I was saddened to hear of the death of the writer of many many books on folk song, history and folklore, Roy Palmer (see separate thread). Roy was at university in Manchester, and had recently recalled singing The Foggy Dew at a student gathering in 1950. He was later involved with Harry and Lesley Boardman in the very early folk song gatherings in Manchester. Does anyone remember that far back, or know anyone still around who was involved with clubs with Harry and Roy in the early 1950s?
Derek

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,ian fleming campbell
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 12:16 PM

I remember the waggon and horses in bridge street and playing at the Manchester sports guild in 1964 run by frank duffy

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Bill S in Adelaide
Date: 23 Feb 15 - 11:35 PM

Or Bonfire Night at the Jolly Angler when he had a lot of cardboard boxes on the bonfire and a sudden wind came up blowing the blazing boxes through the middle of the set, of course GMM kept going. We usually went to the Moulders as well though I gather this went many years ago.
If Macclesfield is allowed, I'll throw in the Harrington Arms to get back to the thread.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Blokfluit
Date: 23 Feb 15 - 05:04 AM

I believe the music in the Jolly Angler is still going strong. This is a great little pub and a rare survivor, but apparently best avoided when City are playing at home!
I'd forgotten about the night you mention (strange how patchy some of my memories of Gorton Morris are), but the memories are now flooding back. Excuse me a minute ....

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Bill S in Adelaide
Date: 23 Feb 15 - 03:19 AM

Is there still folk in the Jolly Anglers? I might be passing in a few weeks. It was a regular end of tour for Gorton Morris before it was altered, with a bit of a session. We were there one night in a real pea souper and couldn't dance on the road till a couple of coppers asked what we were doing, got on the radio and ordered a ring of cop cars with full lights on so we could dance in the middle. The odd car coming along Ducie St definitely got a shock!

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 22 Feb 15 - 06:20 AM

Bump!

In view of the recent crash/loss of posts, would Tony & Derek Hardman's niece please re-post her contact details so I can get in touch.

Ray

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 07:18 PM

No Ray, I'm the Ali from Saddleworth - but you're right, there was an Ali in Tickawinda (brilliant group), and they were also residents at the Rose and Crown. Ali x

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 12:00 PM

I thought "Grannys" was a mile or so further South at the Crown and not the Blossoms.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs, Greater Manchester 1960-99
From: GUEST,Rob the Roadie
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 10:47 AM

No one seems to have mentioned The vBlossoms Folk Club sessions Properly known as Grannys Folk Club. Had many a great night there even if it was only four of us crowded around the fire singing playing and of course drinking.
heady days.