manchester sports guild folk club

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Oct 09 - 08:24 AM

HIya Helen,

I think i first saw the 'Owdam Tinkers' at the MSG and have seen em meany times since. Just been watching a Utube vid of them singing their great 'Welcom Song' (should be on the curriculum of every school in the land!). See John every Monday down at the Oddfellows.

Hsd a great bluegrass album of Tom & Smiley once. Might just pop over to Co. Kilkenny one day and visit your club.


Here's the utube link for your enjoyment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK9kuo2gdoQ

Vin

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Helen Howard (ne Walker)
Date: 25 Oct 09 - 08:04 PM

Hi to all, I used to go to the MSG in the 60's and played guitar and sang on Monday nights, as well as seeing all the big names of the time, They were such good days.They were the beginning of a lifelong love and involvement in folk music. I met my husband there--Dave Howard who has been in the Oldham Tinkers for the last 25 years. So up to date now, we live in S.Ireland. Last year we went off to Boyle to see a magical reunion night of the Grehan Sisters,they were singing in "Mammie's bedroom!!" now the upstairs of their old pub. We still see Marie Little and Pete Smith, (here in June)
Then in September we met up with Tom and Smiley in Spain. Tom (Bowker) and Norma have lived there for 5 years. Tom(Travis) and Ann live in Glossop. We see Gerry Brady from the Beggerman, he now lives in Dublin, still sings and comes to our folk club in Co.Kilkenny.
So the memories live on, from little acorns.....

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 22 Oct 09 - 05:17 PM

Referring back to my list 4 or 5 posts up from this, Pete Wood who got second billing in May '67 is still going strong, whether it be solo or with The Keelers. A local lad, though many think he's from Tyneside, my local club - the Bothy in Southport has him as guest one Sunday next Spring.
A fine, and modest, understated talent.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 12:19 PM

Still watching. Great list Clive, did Diz Disley actually turn up?! The Union Folk - in those days inc. Brian Dewhurst who was forced to change his stage name to Brian Preston. Tom & Smiley - Tom is still around - not seen Smiley since Tony (Tony & Arthur) Hardman's memorial concert.
Ray

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Vin2
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:33 AM

Well, there's some really great names and memories mentioned here. Jack, re Lynn Sidebottom (Taylor); i'll ask Ian next Monday night at the Oddfellows in Middleton Jack.

If you're ever in the vicinity Christie & Jack & Ray or any one else (Oddfellow in Middleton near Rochdale) on Monday nights you can usually see Mike Canavan (Tony Downes pops in occasionally), Ian Sidebottom and John Howarth etc.

Great guest list clive!

Pitty Manchestu hasn't got an msg now.

Les i will get to the Beach one day tho i've have to leave early to get back to Heywood.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 03:55 AM

Pete Royle visits Chorlton Folk Club and produced his own CD last year although he very rarely sings these days.

L in C

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 04:17 PM

I'm especially pleased to see Pete Royle's name on here. Bothy, Southport Pete? Remember? mid/late '70s? 'Lover's Cross' never sounded as good!!!! - well apart from Croce's original!

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,John Ashurst
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 04:09 PM

I remember the Monday nights with Tony and Arthur (Wakefield, still going in Macc.) and then Tony Kelly and Terry Walsh. Great fun and people used to come considerable distances as it was so near Victoria Railway station, so you got to hear new voices. Only other place I have ever been which had (and as far as I know still has) simultaneous Folk and Jazz on 2 floors is Nicky Tams in Edinburgh. Nice to see so many familiar names joining in this thread. Pete Ryder made a CD "Drinking in the Last Chance Saloon" fairly recently. It was good. Anyone remember Dave Mandel. I can't recall if he was an MSG habitue. Made a record called "Nuclear Power Station"

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 02:42 PM

Here, from my archives is the detail from their xerox'd flyer - 3 months in 1967.

May
Sat. 20th May   THE TARRIERS
                Mary Asquith & Ian Chisholm
Sun. 21st       THE PENNINE FOLK
                and friends
Sat. 27th       CHAPTER 3
                Harry Ogden
Sun. 28th       THE MINOR BIRDS
                Pete Wood

June
Sat   3rd       NOEL MURPHY
                The City Folk
Sun. 4th       MATT McGINN
                The Union Folk
Sat. 10th       THE BOTHY FOLK
                John Graham
Sun. 11th       THE TAVERNERS
                Lyn Taylor
Sat. 17th       THE WRECKERS
                Dave & Rog
Sun. 18th       JOHN FOREMAN
                The Valley Folk
Sat. 24th       NIGEL DENVER
                Roger Knowles & Nick Strutt
Sun. 25th       A.L. LLOYD
                Keith Roberts

July
Sat. 1st       CLIFF AUNGIER
                The Pennine Folk
Sun   2nd       JOHNNY SILVO
                Helen Peacock
Sat. 8th       THE HOG'S EYE MEN
                Tom & Smiley
Sun. 9th       ALEX CAMPBELL
                Brian & Bob
Sat. 15th       DIZ DISLEY
                The Folk Union
Sun. 16th       THE MUNSTER MEN

             DON'T FORGET - EVERY MONDAY - SINGERS CLUB

Relentless wasn't it?! oh yes, those were the days allright and aren't they missed?

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 03:50 AM

If you are passing by Christie you could join us for some songs or tunes at The Beech in Chorlton, Manchester

And thanks for endless amounts of great music

L in C

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,christy moore
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 09:56 PM

great to connect with MSG again.It was unique club.When I started going there Jack Taylor ran the singers night and I remember Drony taking it over.Getting to sing there on the Monday was a big part of my week.From there I got booked at Mike and Pat Hardings Old House at Home in Blakeley,StClares, Hopwood Hall. There was a vibrant and exciting Folk Scene in Manchester then and MSG was the hub of it all. Bob and Bill were on the door and Jenks was "himself".Was the tall banjo player Pete Stanley who gigged then with Wizz Jones? I also recall Eamon Clinch and Gerry Brady doing a few Singers nights but it was a bit too chaotic for Jenks.Rosie Hardman,Tony& Arthur,Marie Little,Tom&Smiley,Pete Ryder,Mary Asquith,Des English,Mike Harding, Tony Downes, Mike Canavan are a few of the Monday stalwarths.I started going in'67 when Hamish Imlach brought me along. My last gig there was with Planxty circa'73.Thanks for all the memories.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 04:34 PM

If you live locally you could join us for some songs or tunes at The Beech in Chorlton

L in C

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 02:52 PM

Hi - only recently talking about the MSG so I'm delighted to find this. I don't think I was as regular as most of you lot though. i was just turning on to folk/trad irish from 1970-1974 and the trad irish turned into my passion. I don't know if anyone remembers my mate Anna (mandolin) and me Pat (tin whistle), we used to go to the Monday singers night and play a few tunes. I remember Planxty playing and donal lunny fluffing Angie on the guitar (I still cringe when I think about it). How awful for that to be an abiding memory when everything else he does is so fantastic!! All the names you mention are very familiar but I can't put faces to them. Must be old age, the memory is banjaxed. Kelly and Walsh used to host the Mondays when we went and the folk was in the basement. I was once upstairs for a folk concert. We also used to go to the Crown and Anchor to see the Beggarmen. Aaah well. Patx

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 07:15 AM

Thanks for the encouragement, Jack. I am currently Legal Consultant to the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Ltd, Head Office of which is based in Corby, Northants ; so, as you

would have to come down from the Lakes, so I would have to come up from the sticks.

(Wherever you are in Northants you are in the sticks)

Doubtful I could manage anything this year, but I will give it serious consideration for 2010.

Good to hear from you, BTW - since you are a 'Guest' I had to post this in plenary, rather than PMing you.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Greenm
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 09:44 AM

A reunion is a great idea, and there are many "artists" that could be involved including some of the "big names" who owe a lot to MSG of the sixties. I am sure that the likes of Mike Harding, Ralph McTell, Marie Little/Pete Smith (now in the North East), Rosie Hardman/Bob Axford (Paul Simon?? who I first saw at MSG) would put themselves out (well perhaps not Paul Simon); but more interestingly are there and of the Monday night singers still around; I still have my Vinl album "Singers Night at the MSG" - who was the tall guy who played excellent Bluegrass Banjo and if I remember correctly was always imaculatly dressed unlike most attendees - and who can forget Big John McAtee and his rendition of Spanish Lady.......

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Jack Taylor
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 07:41 PM

So Bryn - I can't see any volunteers for the reunion you called for in July 2008. Well I'm for it if you can get it organised. I seem to half recognise a lot of the names posted but they seem so reticent - just like they were on their very first gigs on Monday nights Singer's Club - remember? I'm still up to kipping in the car in my sleeping bag, so pick a good venue with plenty of good ale and let us all know. I'll have to come down from Lakes - but it'll be worth it. Might even give you all a song.....

Vin 2 mentions Ian Sidebotham in one of his posts. Is this Ian Sidebotham brother of Lyn(used to be Taylor when we were married)? He used to play banjo very well indeed if it's the same person.

The reason Salford Uni and MSG used to 'share' guests was so we could get the expenses netted out of their fees - two big gigs in the same area. Jenks had me well trained - I did the folk bookings and some Monday night compering until I managed to off-load that onto Drony. Jenks thought Drony was a fine fella' so he jumped at it as soon as I suggested it. I could then spend more time doing the bookings upstairs then slip down later to listen to the likes of Rosie Hardman, Marie Little, Sam Bracken, Tony Kelly, The Beggarmen
Harry Ogden, Pete Smith etc all of whom started out on the Monday night's Singers Club stage at the MSG.

Now just to settle you all - Jazz up or down and Folk up or down. It all depended on the night (Thur; Fri; Sat or Sun) and what Jazz was booked on what night. If it was a big name massive pre-bookings sell-out then the Jazz went upstairs no questions asked. Folk took a back seat, or rather a downstairs one. Monday night folk was very rarely affected - no jazz on Mondays, though occasionally it would be downstairs if the upstairs room was being used for something special or if it was being (rarely) decorated.

I'll vouch for Jim Carroll's 27.09.08 Peggy Seeger/George Best autograph escapade. I was there and witnessed it.

Come on Bryn organise the "do."

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Guest John
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 03:14 PM

hi pete

I certainly remember the Malt Shovels....I should do because my Auntie Doris was the landlady there for many years.

I can't remember when she gave up there but I do remember all the various music that was performed there.

Everything from modern Jazz to Traditional Folk etc etc...

Last time I went in there many years ago there was a banjo band playing...there seemed to more bajoists than customers...

The Malt had a reputation under my auntie for being a " learner drinkers pub".

Most of my mates "learned" there. Of course I couldn't because she knew my age. So I learned in the Orange Tree.

I do remember the Folk workshop at the malt but just can't remember any names.

Ah the good old bad old days

Regards

John

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Dave Roberts
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 06:38 PM

Have wonderful memories of the MSG where I saw so many marvellous acts at the folk club in the early seventies. Mr Jenks was a strange character but we always had a laugh because of something he said or did. One night he made an announcement about something that had been stolen or so he believed. He said that if the person responsible would leave the article in the gents, then all would be ok. Pause for laughter.
Had so many great nights here, it's difficult to name everyone but here goes : Murph and Shaggis (later Draught Porridge), Alex Campbell ( always finished with Wild Mountain Time swaying about drunkenly), Martin Carthy, Nic Jones, The Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra, Sam Bracken and Dave Shannon, Magna Carta, Tony Capstick, Mary Asquith and Big John McAtee.
Such a shame that it became a car park. Long Millgate was the address just near the cathedral.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 15 Jul 09 - 11:30 AM

Great photos Vin, almost everyone looks so old! Is that John Howarth on the last one - looks about 30 years older than when I last saw him.
ray

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: scouse
Date: 15 Jul 09 - 04:16 AM

Oh Dear Me, Paul Read... I used to go with you to the MSG.Also you booked me to play at your Club Although in those days even I sang 15 verse songs of the Trad. ilk. It was through you I met Pete Smith and ended up doing an MC job at the MSG... My Gig night there was "The Mathews Brothers, The Grehan Sisters." and I somehow remember Christy Moore demanding to have a Newcastle Brown drinking contest.. My God the memories..
As Aye,
Phil Jackson.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Vin2
Date: 14 Jul 09 - 12:13 PM

Some nice piccies from the Oddfellows if you copy and paste the below address into your address bar......

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=262238457&albumId=585703

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 14 Jul 09 - 11:38 AM

Yes Vin - hence I said to check out Mandolin Cafe where he posts regularly. He's said in the past that he frequents the Oddfellows but its a bit far from where I'm based. Not seen John Howarth for years either!
Ray

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 14 Jul 09 - 11:17 AM

I had a very nice E-Mail from Ivan earlier on this year. He is alive and well and still playing (IMO) shit-hot banjo.

Nice to hear that you are alive and well, Pete R - PM me, if you wish, and we'll catch up.

Bryn

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Vin2
Date: 14 Jul 09 - 04:48 AM

Hi Pete, i thought it was Newt' Neef (my birthplace). Nice to hear your thinking of coming back on stream. Hope to see sometime.

Ray, i saw Ivan Kelsll (who i used to work with at BAe in Middleton years ago) three or four months ago at the Oddfellows Arms in Middleton where there is a singing/playing session every Monday eve (John Howarth, Mike Canavan, Martin Lynott, Des Friel, Jack Lee, Pete Middleton, Ian Sidebottom and others). I know Ivan played banjo quite a lot in the past and last time i spoke to him he was learning the Mandolin!

Cheers, Vin

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 01:25 PM

Hi Pete, great to hear from you - it must be 30+ years - I see from you photo on my-space that you've taken up shaving! Its probably that long since I last went to a folk club although we did play a spot at the club in Conway for an old mate's 70th birthday. In all honesty, it seemed to me that everyone there had simply carried on going at the majority seemed to be around our age. I live up in the hills nowadays so it would be quite a trek down to Chorlton. Maybe our paths will cross again in the future.

Vin - the bluegrass banjo player - I think it was Ivan Kelsall. I've not seen him for nigh on 40 years but I am in touch with him - check out Mandolin Cafe. Tom & Smiley - Tom is still around - Google Tom Travis. Smiley (also Tom) went off to play with PJ Proby and then packed it all in. I've not seen him since the series of concerts we did in memory of Tony Hardman (Tony an Arthur) - I think he was living Preston way in those days.
Ray

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 09:58 AM

This is an excellent idea Pete.

Les in Chorlton

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Pete Royle
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 09:32 AM

Hi Vin2, Yes I ran a folk club at Newton Heath Cricket Club '73-4-5
         enjoyed it a lot, good time to have a club.

         I've retiered from work now so thinking of getting back to
         singing again, as a pastime.

                               Take care, Pete

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Vin2
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 07:29 AM

Hi Mike (Green)

Re MSG and "....a tall guy whos name escapes me but played fantastic bluegrass banjo", i can recall a fab duo who i saw there a couple of times called Tom & Smiley and once had an lp of theres called 'The Bluegrass Sound of Tom & Smiley', great stuff! Or could it have been Ivan kelsall? Not suprised at Pete Ryder having a 'hate hate relationship with Jenks. Others found him a bit hard to take aswell at times 'cept Alex Campbell who alway managed to get away with calling him Mr Jinks! bless him.

Pete Royle, did you once run or appear at a cricket club in Moston (or was Newton Heath) in Manchester many moons ago?

Hope to see y'all at Saddleworht this w/end. I think it's Eric Bogle's last tour.

Vin

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 05:53 AM

My abiding memory of the MSG (in the 60s) was the large, enthusiastic audience. Some of the best gigs we ever played.
                                           Nigel Paterson (mandolin, The Halliard)

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Pete Royle
Date: 12 Jul 09 - 03:58 PM

Hi ,Ray And Pip. Just stumbled upon this web site and was pleasently surprised to see my name mentioned ,thank you for that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I first played "THE GUILD" in '68 . To be honest with you if it hadn't been for Monday night Singers Night I don't think I'd have ever had the nerve to play in public,it was run very well,the atmosphere was great, and there was comradery amongst the musicians that doesn't
seem to be preverlent these days. There is much more of a competetive
edge to performers these days. Pip , that's why I don't hang around folk clubs anymore, the friendlyness isn't there these days.There's
a tension amongst performers that wasn't there in the '60's and '70's.
I quite sure that this is not just my imagination I'm a lot more
relaxed these days than I was then , as most people who new me then would tell you,there was more tension in me in those days than there is in a guitar string .
Anyway , next time you see me at the Chorlton Folk Club say hello.
I intend doing a song there Thursday 23rd July. Thank you for your
comment about "The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carrol"take care,Pete

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Paul Reade
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 05:27 PM

Re September 08 "...someone who ran the Owdam Folk Club (Paul ????)!!! ... in the middle of nowhere." I think it might be me - I ran a club from 1967 or 68 until about 1973 at the Swan in Dobcross, otherwise known as the "Top House" and we had some great nights there. There was a bar in the room but Jim the barman - definitely a different generation to us (probably in his 60s), wouldn't serve you if there was a singer on who he wanted to hear. Jim's comment after Martin Carthy's gig was "Ee, he were a reet good turn!". We later had to move to the Hanging Gate in Diggle (even more i the middle of nowhere) as the floor at Dobcross was found to be in imminent danger of collapse.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Pete Mac
Date: 04 May 09 - 06:51 AM

Back in late 60's, me (piano/guitar) & Geoff (Harmonica/vocals) played an MSG Blues night with legendary US Bluesman 'Big Boy' Arthur Crudup. Anybody remember that? In early 70's we founded the Maltshovels Folk & Blues Workshop in Altrincham - anyone got memories of that place?

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 13 Mar 09 - 05:36 AM

Pip - thanks for the info, please mention me to him next time you see him although whether he'll remember me from a name is another matter; I don't think I've seen him for over 30 years but we used to cross paths regularly in the 70's - ask him if he remembers the resident band at the Deanwater.

The first time I encountered Pete was at the Guild and remember Bryn Pugh (Eddie) introducing him saying that this chap will make a better living out of folk music than he would.
Ray

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 12 Mar 09 - 04:43 PM

Ray - I see Pete Royle fairly regularly; he's a bit of a fixture in the downstairs bar at Chorlton FC (the club is upstairs). He's good when he can be prevailed on to play - I remember hearing him do a terrific "Hattie Carroll" - but unfortunately he takes a lot of prevailing.

He hasn't given up music, though. He made a CD in 2007; this is the Myspace page that goes with it.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Ray - again
Date: 12 Mar 09 - 11:18 AM

Forgot - whatever happened to Pete Royle

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 12 Mar 09 - 11:16 AM

Tony and Arthur? Yes, so far as I know, Arthur still runs the club at the Dog & Partridge on Friday nights although I've not been down for years. I bet he's still singing Sammy's Bar. Mrs "Arthur" was the Mayor of Bollington a year or so ago and Arthur her consort. As for Tony, he sadly died in a climbing accident in Glencoe around 30 years ago.
Ray

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Greenm
Date: 12 Mar 09 - 10:58 AM

Further to last posting - I am no longer a "guest" - I joined the mudcat cafe many years ago but forgot my log-in name, password etc. I have now rejoined with a different Email address.

Just as an addition to the previous search for Pete Ryder - for the past forty years I have been playing annother of Pete's renditions (althought not written by him the arrangement was his) - "wish I was Mole in the ground" - a unique finger style on the D chord which took me ages to copy......

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Mike Green
Date: 12 Mar 09 - 10:35 AM

Dave - I would really appreciate it if you could acquire details from Pete. I could supply an Email Address if that woud be the best way to make contact

Incidentally I sometimes recorded the sessions at the Cross Keys on old open reel tape and I have a recording of when Pete was our guest for the evening and Rosie Hardman & Bob Axford turned up on the same night. Quite naturally Pete & Bob got "lathered" and the night deteriorated into a drunken slanging match (but with some good music). Rosie & Bob performed a piece they had just picked up (The Day the Pittletrenthide Jug Band hit the Charts). I must attempt to get that session converted to CD.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Dave Wynn
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 12:53 PM

That last lot from Guest was from a cookieless me.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 12:51 PM

Pete Ryder was a regular at the MSG and had a hate hate relationship with Jenks. I went there once or twice but it never clicked with me.
Pete is still playing and living in Bolton. I will ask him this week about Child of the Rain lyrics Mike.

Like I say for some strange reason I didn't go there too often but couldn't justify why.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: JohnB
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 08:51 AM

Well Guest Mike Green, I knew a lot of those names from my youth too.
I could hardly ever afford to go to MSG but a lot of those people went to the Friday Night Folk Club at the Noel Timpson Youth Centre.
Pete Ryder is still around and playing, although I don't remember him from back then. I saw him a few years ago in Rochdale and he was playing in Swinton a couple of weeks after we were there in 2007.
I live in Canada and have since 1977, I can probably find a UK contact for him if you want one.
JohnB

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: doncatterall
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 08:12 AM

Mike

fond memories of clubs at both the Keys and Duke of York (and MSG of course)

Don

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Bill S from Adelaide
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 07:13 AM

At the end of the 60's early 70's, I was involved with the Salford University folk club and for some reason, we had to book all or most of our guests through the MSG.
So does anyone remember SUFC? Our biggest draw was Jake Thackeray a the locals from the flats used to flood in, we could get 300 on a good night, we must have been the only Uni club to cater for the surrounding community and make money, we booked Mr Fox one time to spend up some money and made a prifit even with their fee!
We got to the MSG but I can't remember who was on (it was the 60/70's after all)
Wassail
Bill S from Melbourne (still awaiting a change of nic)

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Mike Green
Date: 11 Mar 09 - 06:32 AM

I Have been "googleing" for something quite different when I was amaized to come across this.....

I was a regular for many years on Monday Night Singers Club at the MSG (I even have a vinl album call Folk at the MSG recorded on one singers night) and also ran two folk clubs in Eccles The Duke of York on a Friday and the Cross Keys on a Sunday where our resident group was Porter Cunningham.

I left the Manchester area for the North East in 1973 and met up with a Guy Vin Garbut of the High Level Ranters but lost touch with him in the mid seventies. A few years ago at a Poetry Festival in Durham (where i now live) I met up with Mike Harding with whom I would swap gigs in the 60's between his club & mine. Other names I remember from the MSG days were Marie Little & Pete Smith (who lived behind me in Clifton), Marie is now in the North East also. I was with a group for a while, the Free Folk, and we were billed with the Spinners & the Taveners. Other names are Big John McAteee, Bob Axford & Rosie Hardman, and a tall guy whos name escapes me but played fantastic bluegrass banjo.

A particular memory is of Paul Simon who appeared on a Saturday night at MSG during his tour of the country and he played a new song he had written on Widnes Station..you guessed it.

My searching was actually to find refernce to a guy called Pete Ryder who wrote and performed a song called Child of the Rain - does anyone remember him (he was a good mate of Bob Axford) or more importantly remember the lyrics to his song.

I have many other memories (I got the words/chords for streets of London of Ralph McTell when he visited Eccles sometime in the 60's) but the lasting memory will be of Monday nights at the MSG and that miserable old sod Drony.......

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 08:29 AM

They were good fun - I believe Arthur still runs that club in Bolligton

Cheers

L in C

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Charlie
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 08:16 AM

What about Tony and Arthur singing Sammy's Bar?

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Tom Ryan
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 01:58 PM

I used to go with friends in the mid sixties, when I was about 18-19. I remember seeing the McPeake Family, three generations of them, and being impressed , though I thought the Uilleann Pipes a bit odd at the time. I, too, remember Alex Campbell being excellent, but again not finishing the set because he had drunk too much. The Corrie Folk Trio, as they were then, were popular. I have a vague memory (as do most of us who were active in the 60s) of seeing the Ian Campbell folk group there, but I can't be sure about that. Anyway, the folk nights were great fun. Nothing quite like it here in Sudbury, Ontario, where I have lived for the last thirty years.

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,Susieq
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 05:52 AM

MSG!   The thought of that place brings back many happy memories of the late sixties. Memories fade with time but I thought it was jazz upstairs and folk upstairs.   Does anyone remember John Cooper Clarke being there or is that just me??

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 09:38 AM

That might well have been Lorraine (Lori) Mills, an old flame of mine, who hailed originally from near Scarborough and had studied at Elizabeth Gaskell (DomSci)

Last I heard of her - and its over 40 years - she had married a chap called Dave Driver, making her . . .

Subject: RE: manchester sports guild folk club
From: GUEST,g.
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 09:26 AM

I met a young teacher upstairs in the folk club her name was Laurie, Lorrie can't quite remember !