Mods – The Dungeon Club, Nottingham 1964-8

Enduring Memories

I asked the question – ‘What was your most enduring memory of the Dungeon? Do you have a story, a moment, a thing, which took place are was present in or around the club or building, something that will be forever etched in your memory?’

Some people replied in the Newmarket at a reunion night, others answered the question posted on the Facebook page.

Here are some replies.

Steve Worthington – the night the Goose Fair lads came down for a bit of bovver.

Mick Hatcher – I remember the night the Goose Fair lads came down to cause a bit of trouble and if I remember right a window got broken?

Jane Donnelly – I think Barry the DJ got a dustbin lid chucked at him. I was going out with him at the time and had to go to hospital with him. He had to have stiches in his head.

*Peter Wilson, original Dungeon photo, 1964*

Peter Wilson – Jane Donnelly, would that be Barry Kendrick?

Jane Donnelly – Peter Wilson, yes it was.

Peter Wilson – Jane Donnelly, He used to pick me up on Derby Road when I was at the university in his mini, or Ford Cortina, to give me a lift to the Dungeon. I got in touch with his son to invite him to join the site but no luck.

Jane Donnelly – Peter Wilson, that would be nice for his son to see some of his dad’s friends from the past.

Steve Worthington – Stevie Wonder.

Jenny Wilson – the night of the raid.

Terry Adcock – Steam Packet – the best act I’ve ever seen. I fancied Julie Driscoll.

Gritli Beckworth – I used to sit outside on the pavement guarding the scooters – never went inside.

Malcolm Beckworth – only went 4 or 5 times, don’t really remember.

Janet Butler – we used to go to shebeens where they played lots of Ska music.

Loraine Cobb– I didn’t go.

Matthew Norris – seeing a guy (called Trevor, I think), who was a very good dancer, on the dance floor with a black girl, which was quite a rarity in those days.

Sam Moore – So many but probably the most iconic for me was Charlie Foxx doing his tightrope dance across the stage.

Johnny Green, Steve Shaw, Gary Maxton, Newquay 66 — *Steve Shaw (centre), Newquay 1966*

Stephen Shaw – Don’t ask me why but three records always remind me of early days at the Dungeon walking down the stairs first one was Go Now by The Moody Blues, then Yeah Yeah Georgie Fame and You’ve Lost that Lovin Feeling the Righteous Brothers and live act was Little Stevie Wonder but loads more in my memory bank.

John Murphy, Joe Young, & Eddie McGraw, 1964 — *John Murphy (left), 1964*

John Murphy – Stephen Shaw, Those three plus “Can’t Explain”.

*Sharon Wilson & Eileen Smith in Skegness*

Sharon Wilson – Charlie of Charlie & Inez Fox when signing his autograph stroking my fringe ( hair!) and saying ‘I love your bangs’. …… wonder what the Snowflakes would make of that nowadays?

Eileen Smith – Sharon Wilson, I remember it well he stroked my too xx

Robert Garland – I’ll bet that there was a lot there that couldn’t give you any enduring memories of the Dungeon.

Jeanette Hutchinson – Many memories, records ,the dances but what sticks with me is remembering the excitement and long queue to get into the all nighter of the raid. My excitement was only short lived ..

Graham Sheppard – Drug raid yep as teenager well been in outlaw bar T.B. for booze cos only fanta on sale dungeon got in & the Announcer on stage say here we have the Drifters & all police came down stairs & we stood with hands in pocket cos everyone trying get rid of there gear bombers etc. & two police Van’s outside search the girls oh happy days & great memories never forget

Stephen Jeffery – Spoke to Ben E King he said how are you doing man.

Craig Strong – One of many memories is when Lee Dorsey had just finished his set and left the stage, making his way through the crowd in front of it, he stopped in front of me and said ‘ Hi man, how’s it going? ‘

Phil Long – Duke got Ben E King’s pocket handkerchief, I believe it was red also Rod Stewart tied to sell me some black bombers. He was very friendly.

Ros Guthrie – Talking to Cindy Birdsong in the ladies, she was telling us about shotgun weddings (as the song was on) she was putting on her makeup, she had a large vanity case full of makeup, would have rivalled Boots, she was lovely . Also got Keith Moons autograph and drum stick , lost those along with dungeon cards etc when I got married and left home.

Kate Cogle – Steve Marriott asked me if I was ok after he was pulled off stage & I got clonked by his guitar!! He was lovely.

Les Burton – Played darts with the Small Faces in the Royal Children.

Stephen Jeffery – For money? All or Nothing!!!

Mike Bond – Dave Dee said sorry to me when they sang the Legend of Xanadu and the whip he used nearly had my eye out!!

Sally Morpeth – Pete Stringfellow throwing flowers to everyone and then playing I’m gonna miss you at the end of his set x

Susan Allman, 1969 — *Susan Allman (Young), 1969*

Sue Young – Sally Morpeth I remember that and the men were jealous and threw bottles x

Sally Morpeth – Sue Young I can’t remember that …lol probably had to dash to catch my bus school night think it was on Mondays ..lol x

Brian Simpson (Sam Moore), 60s — *Brian Simpson (Sam Moore), 1960s*

Sam Moore – Sue Young nothing to do with jealousy we thought he was a twat because we wanted soul music, he even said this on a television program.

Sue Young – Sally Morpeth it was a Monday and I am older than you , Sam Moore well me and Brenda Jones liked him , haha.

Jeanette Hutchinson – Sally Morpeth I remember Pete Stringfellow throwing flowers.

Sally Morpeth – Jeanette Hutchinson I bumped into him.in Majorca years ago he laughed when I mentioned it lol x

Dave Callard – Sally Morpeth,I was there when he did that and he played San Francisco be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.

Sally Morpeth – Dave Callard, flower power days lol x

Christine Wright – Watching Shamus dance ………brilliant

Seamus Ferris - Weymouth 1966 Suit by Hepworth Long Row, — *Seamus Ferris – Weymouth 1966 Suit by Hepworth Long Row*

Seamus Ferris – Christine Wright Thanks for the Mention. Still Dancing. Love

Christine Wright – Seamus Ferris good nothing like it especially for keeping fit x

Kath Shaw – In 64, 1st visit, rhythm n blues, Beatles, music, so loud. Charlie & Inez, Stevie Wonder, so brilliant, Small Faces, could see the change through 66, 67. So pleased I experienced it all.

Linda Lowe – Coming down Stamford Street and hearing Junior Walkers Shotgun blasting out It felt like the pavement was vibrating !! BRILLIANT XX

Elaine Bower – I recall having a really surreal off the planet experience during work lunch break when my friends, who did not go to the Dungeon, were discussing the negative publicity following the raid.The club which I loved was being described as some hellish den of iniquity. I did not indulge- sure folk will know what I mean. No, I said to my friends, I was not pressed to do anything I didn’t want to and certainly was not concerned about anyone dropping anything in my orange juice.I tried to explain how I felt safer at the Dungeon and Beachcomber than any other popular venue. Neither clubs were cattle markets and I certainly never experienced any drunken predatory behaviour.I felt quite indignant and protective of the club at the time.

Elaine Bower – Another memory- who were the men on the door? On a back street, on our way to the club, me and a friend were accosted by a group of inebriated men and were in trouble. One of the guys was trying, to no avail, to stop his friend as I was trying to fight him off. A car pulled up and a doorman at the Dungeon rescued me telling me to get in his car whilst he dealt with the assailant. Then he drove us the short distance to the club.

Craig Strong – Elaine Bower, the only guys I remember on the door were Terry Flynn and Dave Brown, who had been a near neighbour since I was born. Not saying they were the only 2 but they’re the only ones I remember.

Elaine Bower – Craig Strong, thank you. It’s a shame I never knew the name of someone who did me such a big favour.

John Murphy – Craig Strong, Wasn’t it ‘Cupe’. He who must be obeyed! Hard as nails!

Elaine Bower – Gosh you have triggered some memories!

Up on the stage Sedge singing “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” and my friend Jane, singing “I Feel Love Coming On” during a singing competition.

Chris Barlow – I remember the noise and excitement as a 15 year old outside the club in summer/ autumn 1967. Joe Keighley and I had started at Colman’s months earlier but this crowd were a bit older than us so we had to be careful. Joe being a bit older wasn’t bothered though. It was just after this time that we started venturing to the Beachcomber too.

Gill Kerry – Def Pete Stringfellow. Great DJ.

Elaine Bower – Gill Kerry, Yes a great DJ and he seemed an OK sort of guy too. He once gave me and a friend a lift to a party at Wollaton. We never saw him once we were there but before he left he came and asked us if we wanted a lift back into town which we didn’t as we lived in Stapleford.

Roger Clark – Pete Was The Best DJ Ever. Love A Gogo Stevie Wonder – My Favourite. Mojo My Favourite Nighter !!!! And I Did Them All !!!!

*Terry Adcock on the right in the Dungeon*

Terry Adcock – Steam Packet really set up that period in time fashion, music, all excellent artists. Especially Julie Driscoll. Paved the way for all the Mod girls.

Chris Fensom –

Trish Fitzpatrick – Walking down those stairs towards the dance floor, music throbbing, bodies bouncing to the beat, running my fingers along the wall and feeling the condensation from all those people. I was 14.

Maurice Moore on scooter 1965/6 — *Maurice Moore (1965/6)*

Maurice Moore – Screaming Jay Hawkins singing ‘I Put a Spell On You’ stepping forward with a flash … and fusing the electricity. All you could hear was the horn section and drums. Mark Four (later to become The Creation) also fused everything. Was it a regular occurrence?

Maurice Moore – Pete Townshend played a guitar which had a clamp at one end holding it together. He said their van had been stolen and equipment taken just before that gig.

Maurice Moore – Jesse Fuller was outside after his gig giving out very small pieces of paper, about maybe 2 inches by 1/2 inch, which contained his autograph.

Christine Tarr – It was fellow scouser Beryl Marsden that was etched in my memory … she so deserved more recognition than that nasal warbler who Epstein signed up!! xx

Malcolm Booth – To me it was all about life on Stamford Street, just pop in to Dungeon but maybe the Steam Packet, Charlie and Inez the two old blues guys.

Roger Clark – Pete Stringfellow Playing Love A Go Go. Stevie Wonder. I Was At The Beachcomber When The Dungeon Got Raided. I Never Did Another Allnighter In Notts. Did Mojo Night Owl Jigsaw And Wheel Instead

Roger Clark – Some Of Our Stories Could Still Get Us Arrested !!!!

Amy Peate, 1967 — *Amy Peate (Spence), 1967*

Amy Spence – Long John Baldry and Steam Packet super smart dressers and the beautiful Julie Driscoll is a lasting memory.

Elaine Bower – Amy Spence, I saw them at Margate’s Dreamland Ballroom in 64 and still recall Rod Stewart belting out “Shake” – and his candy pink striped suit.

Janice Higgins – Being searched in the ladies the night of the raid. I was 17 all my friends were 16 they were taken on the bus. Fearing going home.

Maurice Moore – Does anyone remember the night there was a shortest mini-skirt competition at the club? Did anyone here take part?

Elaine Bower – Maurice Moore, Funny you should ask that – I can’t remember that competition but associate the early days of the club with midi length skirts although I wore a home made felt mini Op Art dress at a Who event, I think, in 1965. I certainly recall lowering my hem lines at some stage.

Maurice Moore – I’ve just checked my calendar – it was held on Tuesday June 21st 1966 and Yes before you ask, I was there (but not in a mini-skirt).

Elaine Bower – Maurice Moore, I wonder who won? Shame there’s not a photo somewhere.

Paul Terry Watson – Can anyone remember the night they thought someone was shooting a gun and everyone ran inside, turned out to be me and my mates in a Morris minor every time you shut the engine down it made the loudest backfire, every time someone looked out the door we did it again, it was funny at the time.

Craig Strong – It’s funny now.

Paul Terry Watson – Not when the police came though Craig!

John Murphy – Always knew you were a wrong ‘un, Paul!

Paul Terry Watson – We were all wrong ‘uns John that’s why it was so good, can’t believe the things we got up to, just lucky never got caught.

Books, Mods, People, The Club

Memories of a Mod

Alan Fletcher lived in Newark in the 1960s, became a Mod, visited places like the Dungeon Club in Nottingham. In later life he decided to write about some of his experiences.

This is an article from the Nottingham Evening Post, written when his first book was being published.

The Movement That Swept Britain

Chapter of Alan’s life

Insurance broker Alan Fletcher might move with the times but his heart belongs to the Sixties when young lives were ruled by Vespas, parkas, Tamla Motown and The Who.

Alan’s vivid memories of those heady, frenetic days and the highs and lows of life as a teenage Mod have prompted him to put pen to paper.

His book ‘Brummell’s Last Riff’ is based on a mix of fact and faction, revolving around three Newark Mods, Andy, Don and Milt.

Alan based Andy on himself, while the other two characters bear a resemblance to a couple of close friends.

Much of the action takes place on August Bank Holiday Monday 1965 – the book was published 30 years to the day – when Mods from all over the region invaded Skegness.

Alan started writing in the 1970s in the hope that his tale would attract the interest of a television company.

But after being told the number of locations would make it too expensive to produce, the manuscript lay idle for nearly two decades.

Rivalry

In the meantime, Alan, of Hilton Road, Mapperley, became a story consultant on the cult film Quadrophenia – starring Sting, Toyah and Lesley Ash – and wrote the Corgi novel which tied in with it.

Brummell’s Last Riff will stir many memories for thousands of fellow Notts Mods.

It combines humour and sorrow, tribal protocol, camaraderie, outrageous snobbery, rivalry, music and style – and everything about growing up.

It features the hottest Mod spots in town.

In Nottingham the Dungeon, in Stanford Street, was THE place to be.

Summing up the spirit of the era, Alan said: “For me it was all the new music that was coming through and the style. It was extremely vibrant and a very close-knit culture.”

Mode of transport was crucial. Most had scooters but the more affluent had Minis.

The Nottingham Mini Boys were a familiar sight around the city. “They had a fleet of tarted up green Mini vans with a big letter E on the back and stripes down them … Mods liked stripes.

“No one knew what the E stood for and it was uncool to ask. I never did find out what it stood for,” Alan recalled.

Three years ago, he finally got the car of his dreams – a red mini with white stripes and a personalised Mod numberplate.

The Mods seemed to materialise overnight and peaked in the summer of 1965. But by the end of the following year the movement began to fade.

“I felt almost in limbo for a couple of years.

Frenetic

“There had been such camaraderie and it was such a frenetic time that when it all fizzled out it was like feeling slightly hollow,” said Alan.

His hopes of seeing his book brought to life may still come true.

Performing arts students at South East Essex College in Southend on Sea are planning to turn it in to a stage show.

The book is the first of four, tracing the decades through the eyes of a Mod.

The Learning Curve, due to be published next year, has as its central character a 30-something female Mod, a teacher, in the punk era of the 1970s.

The third in the series will be set in Thatcher’s Britain and is likely to have a Yuppie theme.

As for the final book, to be set in the 90s, Alan is waiting to see what the future has in store.

Brummell’s Last Riff is available from most book shops, published by Chainline, priced £5.99.

From Nottingham Evening Post, October 1995, by Lynette Pinchess.

Replies

Eddy Barry – “Alan is way off the mark with his memory about the mini boys. We never had a fleet of tarted up minis, just used the one green mini owned and driven by Graham Whalley. No E on his either, just a wolf on the door.”

Three novels were written forming what became known as the The Mod Crop Trilogy:

Brummells’ Last Riff
The Learning Curve
The Blue Millionaire

Also from the first book, a musical was written, called Mod Crop, which was performed at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham, featuring Dave Berry and later at the Lace Market Theatre in Nottingham.

*Alan Fletcher & Dave Berry outside the Theatre Royal*

For more information:

Alan Fletcher

The Mod Crop – mod musical

Mods, People, Transport

Scooters & Minis

Scooters

Maurice Moore – “What scooters did you drive back then – make, colour, mirrors, etc. Did you have a tail?”

Paul Terry Watson – “LI 150 my pride and joy, full front rear racks mirrors whip aerial, crash bars, mudflap with chrome tax disc in the middle, skinny front Mudgard, blue side panels white stripes, flyscreen , wish I still had it. No photos either 308- DVO.”

*Mick Shakespeare (left), Dane Tuxford (right)*

Siddo Mel Senior – “I can hear you cursing from here, not a conventional Mod scooter, I had for a very short time a BSA, 608 HRR, then progressed to a Grey Mini Van. Sorry!!!!”

Danny W.Gill – “A Barton’s bus.”

John Hauselt – “Lambretta Pacemaker, Silver, Chrome Side Panels, front and rear racks, whitewall tyres (painted) Flyscreen. Still looking for pics.”

Stephen Coleman – “Rover 90 then a Hillman Imp.”

Tim Northern – “Li 150 red Front and back rack, mirrors, flyscreen, crash bars, back rest, aerial and broken foot stand from banking around corners.”

Paul Thorpe – “This was the only one I had in the 50’s, got a red & white Li 150 now, it’s a work in progress …”

Paul Terry Watson – “Better late than never Paul, well that ones about as cut down as you could get.”

Paul Thorpe – “Triang, very economical, brakes a bit ropey though ….”

Paul Terry Watson – “Probably the same as my Lambretta then.”

Roger Lowe – “Blue minivan.”

John Murphy – “1960 Li 150 series 2. Had it 1964/65. Painted it different colours every few weeks. Ripped front mudguard off and put ally motorbike one on. No chrome ‘cos I was a prento on 4 quid a week, but did have the 11’ tank aerial with Esso tiger tail on. Loved the Skeggy Easter runs and only mode of transport then.”

Louis Singer – “LS 125, chromed up, Union Jack mudflap, 45 mph top speed down hill wind assisted.”

Alan Jukes – “LI 150 series two. Still do.”

Alan Jukes scooter — *Alan Jukes Lambretta LI 150 Series 2*

Chris Lawson – “Lambretta 150 blue and white with fox fur tail some lights and back rest.”

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Maurice Moore – “I don’t think most mods had lots of mirrors or spotlights etc on their scooters back in the 60s … or did you?”

John Murphy – “On £4 5s 1d a week as a prento I couldn’t afford it Maurice.”

Alan Jukes – “I did Maurice until I came off and couldn’t afford to replace it. Bought a minivan instead.”

Dougie Bairstow – “Best extra on my Lambretta LI was the outrigger silencer, used to echo off Harrisons, Curtess, Jeffs and Continental House when you rode up Hockley.”

Peter Wilson – “Did you have an aerial on the back with back rest and a tiger’s tail at the top. And what about chromed side panels or Union Jack on them?”

John Murphy – “11′ tank aerial from Bath Street, Army Surplus. ESSO tiger’s tails hanging from handlebar grips.”

Embed from Getty Images

Mal Redman – “Had one on Lambo not for long got nicked.”

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Dougie Bairstow – “I remember coming off my scooter on Ekowe Street, still cobbled back then and as soon as it rained they were deadly if you were on two wheels. I went to Jocylyns if I had money which wasn’t too often as I was still at school when I owned my first Lambretta LI. I bought it from TMS on Carlton Road for £49.00. Had hire purchase and my Mum had to sign as a guarantor. Sold it on after a couple of years to Roy Harrison (Sparrow) or Dave Renshaw can’t remember which. Spent more time fixing it than riding it.”

Paul Terry Watson – “Brings back memories, slipping and sliding on the cobbled streets plus white lines, tyres nearly as shiny as my accessories. Got talked into taking Liz Holgate to Wakefield, seized up on the way back, my dad collected my scoot in the boot of his Humber Imperial. Had the engine rebuilt, then sold it. Wish I had car and scoot now.”

John Wood – “One for the old ‘Scooter Boys’ … did anyone buy accessories – crash bars, racks, mirrors, spots, etc from sure it was called ‘Josslin’s’. It was on Vernon Road in Bulwell on the right going out of the city … spent a few bob in there.”

Mick Hatcher – “I remember Josslin’s on Hyson Green.”

Paul Terry Watson – “Was that Glens or Brownhills? Both sold scooter accessories.”

*Steve Clay, Alan Richards, Ingoldmells, 1967*

Roger Flowers – “It was on Hyson Green facing the Old General.”

Paul Terry Watson – “Remember it now Roger.”

Peter Wilson – “Yes, Josslins was at Hyson Green almost opposite The Old General Pub. I bought a Vespa from there, my Grandfather had to be guarantor.”

Peter Brown – “Bought my Vespa from Blacknells. Accessories came from Josslins, wheel discs, crash bars, racks and sports exhaust. Failed my first driving test in Basford. Fell off after skidding on damp cobbles during emergency stop. The examiner laughed.”

Les Burton – “No Blacknells Trent Bridge near Globe Cinema.”

Stephen Jeffery – “Blacknells Motor Parts. The other one was Jocelyn.”

Peter Brown – “Still got the receipt.”

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Maurice Moore – “I had to be different. I had a DKR Defiant, British scooter made in the West Midlands. It was powered by a 197c.c. blower cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke Villiers engine. It had a big hump over the front wheel, which to many made it look ugly or even pregnant and I painted it a bright orange colour to make sure it stood out. I used to drive this to the Dungeon and around the Square, hanging around and parking with the other mods on scooters in front of the Council House. One Bank Holiday weekend, I took it on a run – to the Mojo for an all-nighter, followed by Skegness for the rest of the weekend.

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Mini Vans & Cars

Mini Boys in Margate — *The Mini Boys in Marga*te

Eddy Barry – “A few of us were known as the Mini Boys, we all crowded into Gra Whalley’s green mini van. Only ever the one van. Some of us had scooters as well.
Lots of other mods at the time had minis, it was big in Nottingham. But some people thought the other Mini owners were part of our group. They weren’t. I’ve named the lads who were part of our group before on here. Can we get a list together describing the other minis and who owned them?”

Peter Wilson – “I had a Ford Anglia 396 LNN then a Minivan 166 AAU B.”

Siddo Mel Senior – “I had a Ford Anglia Van 698 GXD (Firms) and my own Maroon Mini FNN 643 D, but I was not one of your group. This picture before I fitted twin Webber Carbs, Lucas spot lights (plus one on the boot) and of course go fast stripes, which didn’t make it go any faster …”

Mario Joseph – “I remember the green mini vans had the letter L on the back, what did this stand for?”

Craig Strong – “You sure you don’t mean E on the back, which meant free love?”

Mario Joseph – “That’s right it was an E. Don’t know we’re the L came from.”

Craig Strong – “It’s because you could make an F and L from the E. Just overlay the letters.”

Brian Jones – “A few of the lads from the Chilwell/Beeston area had the mandatory Mini Van … Dropped suspension, wheel spacers and the spare wheel mounted on the rear door were the norm …”

Pete Wardle – “And the spot light on the back to dazzle anyone behind.”

John Hauselt – “I had a Grey one. Rack on top, stripes on side, black painted wheels and spotlights on the front. Have photos somewhere, will find and post.”

Ann Carlton – “Only one lot of Mini boys, Eddy Barry.”

Peter Hawkins – “I swapped my Lambretta 175 for A35 van and that for grey mini van with go faster stripes and thick town and country tyres. It was always parked under the Hyson Green flats, loved it, exchanged that for Zephyr six.”

Philip Jones – “The one I remember was grey with a Nottingham Coat of Arms on the bonnet, don’t know who owned it.”

Ann Barry – “Metallic pale blue owned by John Berry, found usually in the company of Alan Daft from the Meadows and Keith Oxby. I think also a lad called Alan Smith.”

Ann Barry – “Kenny Astle … was his mini the black one?”

Maurice Moore – “Kenny had a black one with a yellow stripe and an E, Nigel Tatton had a grey one with a black stripe and an E.”

Steve Banting – “Did one of the Mini Boys work in the mudguard shop at the Raleigh, Eddy?”

Eddy Barry – “No I don’t think so. But one of our mates from a bit later worked at Raleigh. Dave Baguley.”

Ann Barry – “A few lads who had minis in 1966 … Twink. John Nequest. Mick and Ian (don’t know surnames), Frank (no surname) who had a red mini.”

Ann Barry – “Twink had ‘a white mini with a Cooper engine’.”

Chris Lawson drove some Newark Mods to Newquay in the car pictured below.

Ann Barry – “Someone called John O’Reilly had a red mini. Can’t remember him, can anyone else? ‘He’s a proper lad, always dishing out compliments but he does to everybody so you don’t take any notice’. Sounds like he kissed the Blarney Stone.”

Ann Barry – “On a roll now. Lad called Everett (forename) – British Racing Green and white.”

Susan Foster – “Everett Kirk !”

*Alan Richards, Steve Clay, Roy Foulger, Ingoldmells, 1969*

Ann Barry – “Last ones for a bit. Derek had a pal Davey, with a TURQUOISE mini with a white roof. And someone called Nick with a mini van that was GOLD with a black roof. Hope someone recognises themselves.”

Ann Barry – “More?”

Ann Barry – “Green Mini Cooper with a white roof … Dave.”

Maurice Moore – “Also during the 60s, I had a Ford Popular which I often had to start with the starter handle and it had physical direction indicators which appeared out of the side of the car when switched on.

“The Popular was followed by a Morris Minor and the decade was completed by the obligatory Austin Mini.”

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Maurice Moore‎ – “Just thought … we have talked about the scooters or cars (minis) that the guys drove back in the old days, but what about the girls?”

Steve Leadbeater – “They drove you mad – loved them to bits.”

‎‎Christine Tarr‎ – “Here you go Maurice. Girls on wheels.”

Christine Tarr's Triumph Spitfire, 1967 — *Christine Tarr’s Triumph Spitfire, 1967*

Maurice Moore – “So Chrissie – very nice – when where who what?”

Christine Tarr – “Triumph spitfire … was 1967, the year I passed my test … the location you may recognise as near to you and Micky …”

Douglas Bairstow – “Was it broken down, they usually were.”

Christine Tarr – “Always breaking down!!!!! One night after the Brit it nearly went in the Trent … awful car.”

Carol Heithus – “Girl power back in the day, not all about the boy’s. Good one Chris, Girl power.”

Eileen Smith – “Go girl.”

Ann Barry – “As I thought Maurice Moore, Christine Tarr was and still is something a bit special. As far as I recall, I didn’t know any girls who had a car in those days. Let alone a cool car like this. It’s not Wollaton Vale is it … maybe Thoresby Road?”

Christine Tarr – “Thank you Ann for the kind comment, it is Thoresby Road just before you hit the hill to Bramcote Lane shops … a pain in the bum reversing onto!!!!”

‎‎Ann Barry‎ – “Shanks’s pony for me, I didn’t learn to drive until 1973. So here’s one for you Maurice, of me sitting on my dad’s car about 1966, which is the closest I got.”

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Margaret Kerslake – “Lovely photo Ann – gorgeous girl.”

Ann Barry – “Thank you for saying so Margaret.”

Eileen Smith – “You look so young Ann.”

Ann Barry – “I was. Once. A long time ago.”

Jacky Swift – “You look like a model, Ann, lovely photo.”

Ann Barry – “Skinny enough but that’s about it Jacky. But thank you for saying so.”

Stuart Morris – “Ann. Reminds me of the times I sat on the long bench seats on buses where my feet didn’t reach the floor.”

Ann Barry – “Ha Ha Stuart Morris.”

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Peter Wilson – “Who remembers having Air Horns on their scooter or Mini?”

Bob Musgrove – “Had them on my Vespa!!! “

Colin Messon – “Had them on my Morris minor they were great.”

Josephine Pate – “Still got one on ours Pete just doesn’t work!“

Steve Leadbeater – “In me Escort Masarati twin.”

Paul Thorpe – “Had them on my minivan (in the early 80’s).”

Mods, Music, People

February 2020

Another afternoon of fun & frivolity for all the family.

February 2020

All photos courtesy Maurice Moore 2020

Mods, Music, Musicians, People, The Club

Meeting the Stars

The Dungeon was not a particularly big place, any of the audience could touch the artists on the stage which was only raised about a foot or two off the dance floor. The changing rooms were also part of the cloakroom. Therefore it was not uncommon for the star and the public to mix and converse.

Maurice Moore – “Does anyone have any stories about meeting stars at the Dungeon? Or which artists you saw had a big impact on you – could be good or bad.”

Spencer Davis Group

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David Thorpe – “In April 1965, I went with my pal Ben, to see the Spencer Davis Group at the Dungeon. Quite surprisingly in the audience/crowd that night, and keeping a low profile was Lulu (I think with a female friend/minder). She knew the club, having appeared there a few months earlier. At the time, she wasn’t the big star she was later to become – she’d had a big hit with “Shout”, but had no follow up hits by then. Sometime later in the evening, Ben and I got a “pass-out” and went to one of the local pubs – could have been the Sawyers Arms? and there again was Lulu and “friend”. I bought them a drink (soft one of course – she was only 17!). I think the story was that they were on their way to somewhere, but had seen that the Spencer Davis Group were appearing at the Dungeon, and being fans decided to break their journey. Many years later – maybe 25 or 30, Ben and I were reminiscing about the acts we’d seen at the Dungeon, and as we discussed the above encounter, he said something I can’t confirm or deny. He said that when we parted from them, to return to the club, Lulu gave me a kiss! He said he remembered because he didn’t get one and was a bit jealous! Surely I would remember such a moment, but I can’t!”

Peter Wilson – “I remember that night as well as we went to The Flying House public house and we stood chatting to Lulu and her entourage; could hardly understand a word she said with that broad Scottish accent, was there with my pal Pete Mcnaught … just recall how small and young she was …”

Pete York – “I was with Spencer at that time. Lulu was an admirer of the group and we often found ourselves at parties with her. Her friend was probably her manager, a constant companion. Lulu was a lovely person and many years later I was with Chris Barber at the Albert Hall. Lots of stars there but Lulu, by then very famous, came over to greet me and reminisce. Great days.”

David Thorpe – “Pete York … what a superb drummer you were and probably still are, Mr York! As I was a drummer myself in those days, meant that whenever I watched a group/band, I would always position myself so that I could maybe pick up tips from the drummer – I rarely did!

“I believe you are a Nottingham lad, from Wollaton? … and a group I was in during the mid 60’s, had a guitarist for a while who was from Wollaton, and had also been at Birmingham University, and he claimed he was a pal of yours – I can’t remember his name!

“Strange and a coincidence, I’ve had a BBC4 documentary about Steve Winwood, recorded for over a year, and last night, I decided to watch it!”

Pete York – “Yes, I had many happy years around Nottingham. Our house was only yards away from a back gate into Wollaton Park. I began learning about drumming in the High School CCF Band about 1955. I can’t think of the guitarist you mentioned, names escape me. I did visit quite recently and made an appearance on the Trent College concert at the Albert Hall. So I am still active and loving it. Warmest wishes to the Dungeon Clubbers.”

David Thorpe – “Pete York, you obviously had correct tuition at school, as I recall you were one of the few “group drummers” of the 60’s (and even now) who held the left stick in the “correct way”! You mentioned playing with Chris Barber – whenever I hear his name mentioned, I don’t think of his trombone playing, I just think that he is probably the worlds fastest talker!”

Pete York – “Poor Chris is not very well right now, but I will play a show with his band in Munich, where I live, in November.”

David Thorpe – “Pete York, didn’t mean to turn this into a Q and A session, but the intro to “Gimme Some Lovin” is to me the best intro to a pop song – ever! I was wondering how it came about? Who came up with such a great opening riff? I recall Spencer being interviewed about the song some time ago, and him saying the whole thing was recorded very quickly.”

Pete York – “David Thorpe, the bass and drum pattern were nicked from a single by Homer Banks, very effective. The opening organ riff was something Steve could come up with very easily and then it’s into the song. No big deal. As Spencer said, sometimes the basic track for a single plus the B side were done inside 3 hours, overdubs later maybe.”

Hi Man

Craig Strong – “Yeh … Lee Dorsey said ‘Hi man’ to me! 😂”

Kath Shaw – “Craig Strong, yes, friendly guy, spoke to most of us.”

Craig Strong – “And I got in the way of Amen Corner as they came up the steps from the basement 😂😂”

Pamela Buxton Brown – “I sat on the stage when Rod Stewart was singing with Long John Baldry, nearest I got to ‘meet’.”

David Thorpe – “On one of my first visits to the Dungeon in 1964 (may have been my first?) I saw the Mojos, (singer Stu James had a great voice). The lineup also included the future “The Professionals” actor, Lewis Collins on bass. However, as a drummer, I was pleased to be in the toilets when their drummer walked in, and I asked him for his autograph (I hope he washed his hands first!). At the time I didn’t know who he was, but he went on to become one of my hero drummers. He was Aynsley Dunbar, who I later saw playing with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. He also had his own band – Retaliation, who I saw several times at the Boat Clubs, and I still have two of their LP’s. He then went to the States to join up with Frank Zappa’s Mothers Of Invention.”

Sharon Wilson – “I went to get Wilson Pickett’s autograph and I remember him saying ‘I love your bangs’. He was referring to my fringe, along with my best mate Eileen Smith!”

Eileen Smith – “I remember it well Sharon xx”

Michael Read – “Our memories are just shadows of events we remember with most of the details confined to oblivion. I do remember my mate Geoff Seymour being given a tie from the late Edwin Starr … I think!”

Charlie Foxx, Lynn Allen — **Lynn Allen and Charlie Foxx**
(Courtesy Lynn Allen)

The picture above shows Lynn Allen who was invited on stage by Charlie Foxx. I believe it was on the night Little Stevie Wonder played at the club. The following picture shows the one-dollar note which Charlie gave to Lynne ‘as payment for her public appearance’.

Maurice Moore – “When one-man band blues legend Jesse Fuller played at the club, we met him afterwards out on Stanford Street and he gave out very small pieces of paper with his autograph written on them.

Growing Up

Ann Carlton – “A groupie at the Dungeon – never! What do you think Susan Cassar. X”

Susan Cassar – “Ann Carlton, met so many … Mostly because of The Nashville Teens … x”

“Ann, would love to see a photograph of Chris Burke … Teresa and I met him at The Motorway services. We went back to London with them … He was really hilariously funny and made us laugh a lot. He played Jazz and told us to come and see him play … Somewhere on Wollaton Street but, we never did, regretfully. His Mum had a shop in Hyson Green. I imagine he is the Chris Burke Jenny talks about? x”

Ann Carlton – “Susan Cassar, yes I’ll ask Jen if she’s got a photo x”

Christine Tarr – “I think a lot of us girls had a fling or two or three with a few of those now famous musicians … xx”

Kinks

Iain McKinlay – “Had a pee standing beside Ray Davies of The Kinks, kept eyes firmly to the front!!”

Margaret Kerslake – “I met the Kinks on a Saturday afternoon walking past the Dungeon club. They were appearing that night and they asked my friend and me if we wanted to go swimming with them! I hasten to add we just walked on by!!”

Glenis Moore – “Margaret Kerslake omg what an opportunity. I’d have gone in a flash even if I can’t swim. Were you scared?”

Margaret Kerslake – “Yes I think we were! I met Ray Davis a few years ago through my daughter and she recounted the tale to him. He said in view of my life I think you made a wise choice! He made me 😂 laugh. A really nice guy x”

Dorothy Derrick Porter – “When the Kinks were down the Dungeon, Derrick took Ray Davis and his brother Dave down to Portland baths where they went swimming!”

Small Faces

82578024_10159673579719199_6214994178993029120_n - 001 — **The Small Faces on stage at the Dungeon**
(Courtesy: Jo Barnes)

Sue Lord – “Sat in the Small Faces mini. Got their autographs and a cheeky kiss. Only 15 years old!!”

Les Burton – “Played darts with Small Faces in Royal Children.”

Dorothy Derrick Porter – “Another story from Derrick: he took Kenny Jones from the Small Faces to buy some drum sticks from the music shop behind the Theatre Royal!”

John Briley – “Moz – I remember you, me & Stan queuing outside The Dungeon and the Small Faces jumping out of a Ford Consul and diving in the stage door before they got mobbed.”

**The Small Faces Live at the Dungeon – Steve Marriott & Kenney Jones**
(Courtesy Bryan Bennion)

Kate Cogle – “Small Faces … Steve Marriott was very kind when I got clonked by a guitar thanks to over exuberant fans!!”

Kath Shaw – “I think Steve Marriott, I was on the front row, & his voice was fabulous x”

Elizabeth Cave – “Me too!”

Lyn Frost – “Got to be Small Faces. My haircut was same as Stevies 😊😊”

Sue Gough – “One memory Karen and I talk about is when we went to Derby to see the Merseybeats. They were backed by a group called Steve Marriott and the Moments. We were blown away, they gave us a lift home to Nottingham and the next time were were at the Dungeon we told Mick Parker he HAD to book them. He did and we all know they became the Small Faces. So many lovely memories.”

The Who

Les Burton – “Had a lift to London with the Birds; when we got there the Who were coming out of their flat.”

Jenny Wilson – “Sue Pechell and I followed The Who up to George Hotel must have ‘spoken’ to them as I got Keith Moon’s drumsticks … sadly don’t have them now! My Dad must have had a very big clear out of my possessions!!! 💋”

Maurice Moore – “I stood on the dance floor watching I suppose the evening’s support band, when I turned and realised Keith Moon was standing right next to me.”

Other Places

Les Burton – “On stage with Graham Bond at the Brit.”

Ann Carlton – “Alvin Lee (Graham) showed me how to dance. But that was at the YMCA on a Monday night. Think you were there Phil Long.”

David Thorpe – “Not Dungeon related, but in 1964, myself and a couple of friends waited outside the Odeon stage door for Roy Orbison to arrive, so we could get his autograph (which we did). Wayne Fontana plus Eric Stewart and Bob Lang from the Mindbenders came outside and asked us where they could find a chemist so they could buy a new cine film for their camera. It was a Thursday afternoon, so half day closing, but we thought we could help, so led them around the city for ages trying to find somewhere open – we failed!”

Nigel Tatton – “Rod Stewart and the roadie taking me to my house so they could borrow a Vox AC30 amp!!”

Janet Butler – “The Zombies had such a unique sound of their own. ❤️ xx”

Christine Tarr – “Janet Butler … in 1964 I was on a BBC series called Cool Spot, recorded here at the Ice Stadium; 20 of us were dancing to new artists. Met Rod Argent and the band along with many more as the programme was recorded over 4 weeks … in the background were a handful of skaters including a certain local champion, Michaela Shardlow later to become Micky Moore. XX”

Micky Moore – “Yes – guilty as charged!! I remember The Four Pennies and Dave Berry being on as well on one of the sessions. I recall a discussion among the skaters who wondered why Dave Berry hid his face – was it a gimmick or did he have spots?? And so the debate raged on on in the ladies locker room! xx”

Janet Butler – “Micky Moore, that’s a lovely little story from yourself and Chrissie, thank you both xx”

Gary Maxton – “I was at an all nighter at The Mojo, and had spent or lost all my dosh. I went up to Pete Stringfellow’s poky office (about 9 feet square), it had on a one bar electric fire. I asked Pete to lend me 10 bob to get home, which he kindly did, when I got home and took my shoes off their was about £10 in ten bob notes in the bottom of my shoe (wonder where that came from) PS I never did pay him back. lol”

Sue Pechell – “It’s amazing what turns up when you do a bit of clearing out. I won this competition in NME for a night out with the Searchers but it ended up as seeing their concert at the Odeon, 16/11/64, I was only 13, and then meeting them backstage plus all the other acts. Got all their autographs. Sold the LP when I was a student and needed some cash.”

The Searchers
(Courtesy Sue Pechell)

(Courtesy Sue Pechell)

Robb Storme & the Whispers

Robb Storme Group — **Rob Storme group, featuring Jim St Pier, Garry Hooper, Wilson Malone**
(Courtesy Kate Holmes)

Kate Holmes – “In recent weeks I have been in touch with Jim St. Pier. Jim was the saxophone player in Robb Storme and the Whispers/Group. They were one of Mick Parkers favourite groups and played regularly down the Dungeon. When they were on tour with Roy Obison, Jeff Beck and the Small Faces I was able to meet the Faces and also lucky to be able to stand in the wings with Garry (bass player with Robbs group) watch Roy sing and speak with him as he came off stage. I didn’t realise what an icon I was meeting at the time.

“Recently Maurice asked what music we listened to in the early Dungeon days. This may surprise some members! As part of his set Robbb Storme would sing Maria (West Side Story) As soon as he announced it Mrs Parker (Mick’s Mum) would leave her position as cloakroom attendant and come running down the back staircase to listen. Mick and I have laughed about it since. It was sung with such emotion you could hear a pin drop. Not ‘MOD’ music but one could say it went down a Storm. Does anyone else remember the group?

“I think we should make Jim a member of out group!”

Lorna Hickton – “This was one of my favourite groups and loved it when Rob was playing with us as their dressing room was part of the cloakroom we were lucky enough to chat to them on a regular basis I worked there with Lucy Parker even to this day Mick always mentions that this was my favourite.”

Kate Holmes – “Lorna Hickton, sad news Robb passed away two years ago.”

Lorna Hickton – “Kate Holmes thank you for letting me know I hadn’t heard that he had passed away good memories of the group.”

Ann Barry – “Wow, what an amazing story, so glad that you shared it Kate, thank you. Jim would be more than welcome to join the group.”

Peter Wilson – “Nostalgia at it best, great story of our time.. xxx”

Michael Read – “That takes me back. I Remember P J Proby had a couple of hits with Maria and Somewhere, think he appeared at the Elizabethan Rooms also remember seeing Roy Orbison at the Odeon I think.”

Kath Shaw – “Michael Read yes, I also saw them.”

Shelagh Payne – “Remember two girls from my class at school went to see him and one fainted so was taken out and they both missed him … and spent months falling out about it!”

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