The Happy Ballroom & More 14th August 1965 by Andre Martin

How did we find the time back 50 years ago to get everything done? and still have to work or go to college? This is half way through August, its Saturday 14th, 1965. The Happy Ballroom on the Pier is continuing with its apparently successful Old Time Music Hall and Monday Night Wrestling. Plus the occasional visit from the Paddle Steamers, the longest bar in the town is doing a good trade, and the fishing folk are enjoying the day and night competitions.
We have started of the weekend with our visit to the Kingsway Studios of Associated Redifusion in London, as its Ready Steady Go – the weekend starts here –and even though this would have been a Friday 12+1 – the show included some good attractions – Cathy and Keith in control with The Animals : “Talkin about You”, “Let the Good times Roll” and “We’ve gotta get out of this place” The Walker Brothers: “ Make it easy on Yourself” and Nico “ I’m not Saying” Another entertaining 30 minutes for us to enjoy.
Along at the Witch Doctor, Saturday Night would have started the week with “chart newcomers” Ray Anton and the Peppermint Men, supported with Williams Conquerors all for 6/6d!! Sunday Club this week presented Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich. And Friday would have seen the return of Trendsetters Ltd. Plus the highly entertaining Record Nights, which would have given us the young people in the town a good variety for the seven days.
BBC Radio had another great selection – 9.00 Children’s Favourites with Jim Dale. !0.00 Brian Matthew with his Saturday Club, and this week on the show Brian Poole & the Tremeloes, The Rockin’ Berries, Chris Barber & his Jazz Band, Sugar Pie Desanto and The Shevells. 12 noon its Lance Percival with Lance Agogo. 12.30 The NDO show with special guest this week Susan Maughan.1.15 it was country music with “ Walk Right In” with David Gell. Saturday Swings followed with Acker Bilk, The Yardbirds, the Fourmost, Rose Brennan plus the Johnny Spence Orchestra and Peter Latham adding some hits and new releases on record. 4.00 and its back to the Folk Room and this week on the bill Lorne Gibson Trio, Dorita y Pepe, Sonny & Cher and Steve Benbow, introduced by Wally Whyton.
Sunday would have started with Easy Beat at 10.30 this week it’s the Johnny Howard band and Guests. Noon and its back to Two-Way Family Favourites with presenters in both London[BBC] and Cologne{BFBS] keeping families and friends connected. Later in the afternoon after the comedy shows Pete Haigh presents “Movie Go Round”!and this week featured Von Ryan’s Express and The Spy in My Face, plus a special on Christopher Lee – The Prince of Darkness. This was followed by Fluff and Top of The Pops. This week something different at 5.00pm “Melodies around the World” with The Geoff Love Orchestra.
Television followed its usual lines – Saturday 5.15pm BBC 1 would have presented Juke Box Jury, with this week’s panel, Ian Carmichael, Mike Hirst, Jacqueline Jones and Sue Thompson with David Jacobs and the Hit or Miss buttons. Later that Evening “The Andy Williams Show” featured Bobby Darrin and Robert Goulet. Over on the commercial channel Brian Matthew was in charge of Thank Your Lucky Stars and this week included the Kinks, The Shadows, Eddie Culvert, Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames and Danny Williams.
The summer is going past at a great rate, and we will soon be at the Bank Holiday with whatever extras that will attract. I think that the weather had been fairly good so far this month and that had been a bonus. Until next week – you all take care out there
Andre Palfrey-Martin© 2015

Andy Qunta… Thanks, Andre! Fabulous article once again!

Andre Martin… What was your Animals favourite track/single ?

Alan Esdaile… Difficult Andre as most were really good. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, I Put A Spell On You, When I Was Young would be among my favourites.

Mick O’Dowd… Great yet again Andre. One of my fave tracks was Send You Back To Walker & I’m Talkin’ ’bout You(live) Both b-sides.

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