photos from The Continental Fancy Dress Competition 1976. Supplied by Jill OHalloran (nee Sullivan). Jill (Kermit) and friends who played Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and Gonzo won the fancy dress comp.
Leigh Wieland-Boys asks…Does anyone remember the nightclub under the Cafe Continental in Bexhill?
Charlie Ball… I remember Shunters ? Used to go to Shunters at Bexhill, also the queens Head king offa way, and another just round the corner ?
Leigh Wieland-Boys… I don’t remember that name Mr B – I worked at the Continental in the restaurant early 70s whilst at college. Only remember the nightclub at the Con, can’t remember what it was called but it was very popular & always crowded at the weekends.
Yvonne Cleland… Yes, I used to go to that club! It was ok, as it happens!
Gaynor Duke… The club was called the Continental, the Cont by locals , it opened in the early 60s.
Charlie Ball… The York, Leigh, you must remember that one ?
Leigh Wieland-Boys… May & Headley Storkey ran it with their sons Brian & Ronnie(?) – they also owned The Bexhill Club across the road.
Bob Shoesmith… Shunters was in Terminus Rd (it’s an auction house now I think) – pretty sleazy!
Richard J Porter… Conti club was dreadful, grab a granny night Thirsdays, leave work at 6, in Bexhill club before 5 past. Get ratted in there until they chucked you out then stagger across the road to the Conti for the rest of the night. Great times!
Peter Gladwish… It was the Continental and was a very popular night-spot for many years. A few years ago, it was re-opened under the name ‘Fusion’ but due to inconsiderate modern drunkards and noise complaints from ‘influential’ neighbours, it didn’t last very long. The Queens Head was on Belle Hill, not King Offa Way, which didn’t exist at the time. Around the corner in London Road was The York. All three were great live music venues back in the late 60’s and early 70’s.
Andre Martin… The Queens Head – that was closed and demolished to make way for the new road, I think that would have been mid 1970s, good pub, the land lady had connections with the guy who ran the motor dealers opposite.
Yvonne Cleland… Not to mention the Castle. Start off in there, and them amble round to the Queen’s Head to see a band and mooch with a boyfriend in one of the many nooks in that pub……. Part of my teenage, right there.
Alan Esdaile… I remember it well and always referred to it as The Continental. Any photos anyone? The only one I could find were Harry R & The Jump Jets. 22nd September 1982.
supplied by Pete Prescott
John Hinkley… Played a gig there not so long ago. …night club is closed but bar upstairs ia still open. …it’s still the same old Bexhill
Louisa Ives… Continetal? Used to go with my sister n my mum used t go there too. Ur goin back a while
Tim Moose Bruce… And dont forget the Arcadian club.
Virginia Davis… Went there in the early 80s.
Bob Shoesmith… I have a vague recollection when I first moved to the ‘stings of a club/dive on the seafront called ‘Scallywags’ …or did I dream it…? it’s a hazy recollection to be fair – scared me to death that place
Tim Moose Bruce… Scallywags was on the seafront at St Leonards.
John Hinkley… It’s now milligans every now and again
Terry Pack… The Continental. I spent many an evening there, usually with Ray Fenwick (see the photo of Harry R above).
Robert Searle… Thats right Peter Gladwish I played at the York in London Road Bexhill lots of times .Always had a gtreat night there with Easy St and Centre Page.
Andy Qunta… Oh yes, had some good times there around 1980. Used to refer to it as the Wonky Mental, but don’t remember what its real name was.
Terry Pack… Remember Harry, who worked behind the bar? And John the Post?
Pete Prescott…. I saw John a few months ago. He no longer hears from Ray. Some great stories of the continental. Most are not for printing here. There is a security clampdown ha ha !
Ian Mc Gilvray… We used to call it The Cont
Robert Searle… Dont forget the Arcadian Club. Used to go to the Cont with the famous and nice bloke Graham Putland .
Nicola Dobson… Yes I used to go to The Continental…remember 2 Steve’s one form Bexhill who had a red sports car with one of those funny tune playing horns…and another Steve Roff I think it was!
Steve Cooke… Knew it well, and the Bexhill Club. When you got to the top of the stairs at the Cont, Brian’s mother would be sitting there on a stool making sure you were sensible enough to go downstairs! A very lovely lady.
Pete Prescott… Brian Storkey I think. Nice guy.
Robert Searle… Brian has,in recent years,been a compere at the Eastbourne Air Show.
Leight Wieland-Boys… When I asked if anyone remembered the Continental I didn’t expect so many responses! Lol! Headley Storkey passed away whilst I was working there, May & her sons Brian & Ronnie were always at a table at the top of the stairs. They were a lovely family & looked after the staff well. The barman I recall was Mick Ottley. Brian Storkey was married to a dancer from The Young Generation (some of you may remember them) and she used to come in the restaurant/club with her friend, Lesley Judd (who went on to present Blue Peter), with regard to Steve Demetri – I was in fact at college with him at the time & don’t recall him going to the club then, but I could be wrong. We remained friends & eventually went out together in the mid-70s for some time, I was very saddened by his passing, I think it was Pneumonia. It’s been interesting reading everyone’s comments & I guess, in answer to my initial post – Yes, you do remember ‘The Cont’!!
John Wilde… I went with Steve D once to the Cont. Vague memories of a 3 piece jazz outfit. Small and welcoming.
Pete Prescott… We did the original Harry r and the jump jets gigs there. I had to learn 48 rock and roll songs in a week. Then 24 of them were picked for the final two 1 hour sets. Dave eastern and I had to learn some dance routines there for the Dell a warr shows. Didn’t go there much socially (wasn’t part of the crowd )but had good memories of it. I signed the “dick of the day” trophy for the continental gigs. Brian told me he had some bikers in the place one day. They were threatening people and looked like they were going to smash things up.Brian for desperate so he said to the ring leader “you and me ! On the beach now ! When they got there the guy apologised and they all left. Brian assumed he was going to get killed. I always respected him for that. Great guy.
Ralph Town…. Went there twice and had to be signed in by my friend and club member Chris.
Alan Esdaile… Great post Leigh Wieland-Boys. I also went to the Continental with Steve D a couple of times. The next time we went have trouble in getting in, maybe no membership card or full up, so I think we told them where to go, then we went over the road and played on the pinball tables.
Dave Nattress… Leigh (just Weiland) back in those days!!! You were thought to be rather nice! I didn’t say that! I remember you and Jane Dorsett (who I went out with for a few years). Jane’s Mum Ivy worked there also for years. Sadly passed away about 3 months ago – 97. I’m back in contact with Jane after about 37 years!!!! Fabulous memories of the Cont and all the Storkeys. Great fancy dress parties – Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, lots and lots of “goings on” and clandestine relationships carried out in the dark corners and slow dances. Many old friends worked there over the years. Many stories. It was a real turn a blind eye to this, that and the other place. I recall seeing Ray Fenwick and Pete Prescott playing with various band line-up’s many times. Ray always seemed to be down there. Brian and Ron are still around, May and Headley sadly gone. Yvonne did u used to work at an accountants in Bexhill with my old mate Ian Coleman? Rock on Leigh!! Across the road Yes was the Arcadian, where you could usually get a late drink. Bexhill Club for the older generation – it seemed like you couldn’t join until you got yer pension. Only a few years to go then.
Leigh Wieland-Boys… Dave I remember you well, we lived near each other off Collington Lane & recall when you & Jane first met & started to go out. I found an email address for her on Discover Bexhill website so sent her a message earlier this week, haven’t had a response so might be an out of date address. So sorry to hear about Ivy, I spent time at Jane’s house (in Sidley) & obviously knew her from the restaurant. Hope you are keeping well. Lovely memories to The Cont days! Spooky – just had an email from Jane Dorsett!!
Dave Nattress… Yvonne mentioned the Castle in Bexhill. Never a club but a good cheap and cheerful pub to hang out in when you came of age – or could suggest you were of age – more like it. When I was a young lad, we used to assemble in the back bar of the Castle – all of us the weekend Hippies mainly and the bikers – great juke box, then next to this was the Lounge Bar – where we would not go, or weren’t really wanted, far too straight in there and we were far to scruffy. Hells Angels Branded chapter would come in, most of them local guys from Bexhill/Hastings – never any trouble, most of them all old mates anyway. There was one other bar The Public Bar facing Town Hall Square. Back then, all pubs of course had these differently named bars and the Public was the bottom tier generally by a long way. We called it The Animal Bar; the inhabitants could be a bit dodgy and you didn’t dare go in there or even use the Animal Bar entrance till you sensed you’d somehow got your wings and could be considered as a junior (at least) animal. Also, Yvonne mentioned the Queen’s Head in old Belle Hill, Bexhill, now long since demolished of course and The York – renamed several times. Some great bands in the York particularly from time to time. Good memories of many bad heads and great, great fun times with a bunch of maniac mates.
Jane Dorsett… Ray Fenwick lives near me, played at my mums 90s birthday……
Yvonne Cleland… I must know Dave Nattress, even if it’s just by sight. Please tell him I enjoyed his Bexhill memories, Al, and share a lot of them!
John Delaney… Wow, just found this thread about the Continental. I was one of the regular DJs there for about 3 years from 1977 – 1980 working for Brian & Ronnie with May sat upstairs keeping a good eye to it all with a cup of tea haha (May was as hard as nails in business & took no crap from no one but equally she had the respect of us all). Back then Lee (she was always bubbly) & Harry (H) were behind the Bar and Ronnie was mostly at the Snooker club & was driving a white Jag, Brian had a very fast blue 2000GT Toyota Celica (which I bought off him) & then he got a BMW I think. Brian was in love with an Air Stewardess from BCAL but they fought more than they cuddled if I remember things right. Ray Fenwick was a regular in his red shoes & I remember there used to be a regular monthly live music night on a Wednesday I think and at one stage it was just a jam session for anyone who turned up to play (Jim Jim & the Jims was how it was billed if I am correct) & people like the drummer from Chicory Tip & the Bass Player from The Enid would play alongside Ray & also Phil Cordell etc – Amazing times listening to one of the very best rock guitarists in the world playing live in a tiny cellar club as Ray did a 5 minute into into Smoke on the Water or whatever. I always remember how the snooker stars would come over for a drink or game of cards or whatever after doing an exhibition night at the Snooker club and how much fun/trouble Alex Higgins could be when at the club and while I think of it does anyone remember some of the zany things Brian came up with to decorate the Continental at Christmas – One year he covered the whole club in Tin Foil & we all nearly cooked to death & another year he made it like a forest with all real branches & leaves etc lol. I loved those days & by the way today 15th June 2015 is Brian Storkeys 75th Birthday so very happy Birthday Brian & thanks for all the memories xxxx
Ralph Town… Yes,Yes I do and thats all I,m going to say about it to protect the innocent 🙂
Dave Nattress… John I remember you well as the DJ and glad you’ve happened on to this site and it’s suddenly living it all again with all the posts about the Cont. A lot of posts were put up a few months back and it’s brought so many great memories of so many years ago and all the names and fabulous times.
Tim Phillips… I think I spent almost every Friday & Saturday night in there from 1994 to 1996. Mind you, I was going out with the manageress so felt a certain obligation. Happy memories chatting with Ron & Brian
Terry Pack… Hi John (Delaney). I was the bassplayer you’re referring to above. There are a number of incriminating photos from that period. Pauline was the name of Brian’s perfect woman. Whatever became of Nicky (your flat mate)? Yvonne, I remember The Castle as being pretty scary, but then I was only about 15 when I first went in there! Remember the music nights at The Granville (?) in Sea Road and the Gibbons Racing Team?
Yvonne Cleland… I remember the Granville, Terry, and also spent many happy hours in the Castle from when I was about 17. Bexhill was more fun back then!
Jane Hartley… I remember the Continental too!
Mike Curtis… If you can remember the Continental you weren’t there! I too remember trying to pass the May Storkey test – trying to behave sensibly after drinking at the Denbigh all evening, so as to gain access to “The Cont”. I remember getting past May and then falling from the top of the stairs to the bottom. Managed to convince Ron I has missed my footing. I could barely string a sentence together. I remember that if anyone bought Brian a drink he used to ring an old ship’s bell and drop his trousers.
Lesley Brown… I remember trying to convince Brian I was my brother in order to get in. I know people said we look alike, but?????
Robert Searle… I just love this topic.Played the Granville when i was bass player for the Kult.Played the York in London Road with Easy Street and the beginnings of Centre Page. Never played Queens at Belle Hill but used to go and see the groups playing there when we had a break at the York,Penny Black etc..Great days at Bexhill.And the Cont,trying to act sober to get in.
Richard J Porter… LOL, yes, the Conti club. Get thrown out of the Bexhill Club then stumble across the road into the Conti.
Dave Nattress… The Cont and others. Robert I remember you and the other guys in the Kult really well, saw you at various gigs around Bexhill 1969 – 1970 odd – church halls maybe the one at the bottom of Belle Hill (as was), maybe. You were THE BAND. Recall the Granville gigs, saw you there, and did you guys support T2 at the De La Warr – sure you did, I was there. Paul Freeman became a mate in later years I think he was still playing drums for you. Like I say you were out there!! There have been a lot of posts about the Kult over the last year or so and some photo’s and sounds and it’s been really brilliant to get those old memories back. I was 16 in 1969 so dodgy getting in some gigs/pubs!! Terry, (Pack) don’t want to blow your cool now mate, because I know your’re world class – really. but I think back in the day you maybe worked in a record shop in Bexhill. Was it Wickham Avenue first and then it moved round the corner or vice-versa. Owned by a nice older couple, (well I was young then). I used to be in there a lot buying vinyl. I don’t mean the really old record shop that was in Sackville Road for absolute years on the same side as Birds Music (now is) – and close to there – racking my brains trying to remember it’s name – was it Beaney’s? and the guy – Pete York I think who ran it, who was always in there. They had all the cool stuff in there. Tony Bird’s dad’s music shop was further down on the other side of Sackville Road and was a post office as well.
Jane Dorsett… hi john, I remember u from the cont, I use to work there in the 70s, my mum ivy,worked there for many year, so many happy memories.
Jim Hobbs… I was resident DJ for many years and remember working for May, Ron and Brian Storkey. The Club was buzzing most weekends with a good crowd. I worked with a number of great people over the years including Lee, Harry, John (Delaney) and many others. It was sad to see the Club change hands, suffer a fire and be closed for months and eventually lose its popularity and close. Happy days!
Terry Pack… Dave Nattress: no blowing of cool! I’ve never been cool. I did work at Flyright Records, firstly in Wickham Avenue, and then in The road that heads towards the sea, whose name I can’t remember(?!). I worked there after school and on Saturdays from the age of 14, because I was so interested in music, and asked so many questions about the blues and jazz records that I became friends with the owners: Simon Napier, Diane Stephenson, Bruce Bastin, Robin Gosden, John Broven and Mike Leadbitter. Diane is the mother of Roy and Kay. I played football with and against Roy. Simon and Mike founded and edited Blues Unlimited magazine, John and Bruce wrote excellent books about the blues, and Bruce and Simon founded the label Flyright Records. I spent hours there, listening to blues and jazz after school, until Diane offered me a job. I knew a lot about contemporary music, and knew a lot of people, so that my friends started buying records there, which made a dent in Beaney’s fortunes. Pete Kent, who managed Beaney’s, eventually came to work for the competition once Beaney’s had closed. He knew everything about film music, and I learned a lot from him. I liked everything from folk to classical and from pop to jazz. I worked for Flyright, both the shop in Sackville Road (it came back to me!) and the record label and distributor in Endwell Rd, until I became a pro musician in 1976. I got to know most of Bexhill as a result, since most people then bought records. It was a happy time for me, but I was desperate to leave and embark on a career (?) as a musician. I got lucky! Brian Storkey used to buy the 45s for The Cont from Flyright Records (whose premises now house Second Spin, btw). It’s nearly 45 years since I started working there. Another life!
Phil Gill… Working in a record shop was cool. Cooler than working in a filling station, which I did.
Robert Searle… Thank you Dave Nattress for your comments on The Kult.The band was Pete O’Driscoll vocals Mick O’Driscoll bass Richard Melhuish (sunshine) lead guitar and John Hales (custer)drums. I became bass guitarist when Mick went into management ,and John left and Paul Freeman joined. We think we were way ahead of our time by the material we were playing.It did show by the way groups in the Hastings area started to play heavier music in the early 70s. Still proud of the things we did .Times have changed and gigs have disappeared. Had some great times in the Bexhill Hastings area.
Terry Pack… It also meant being able to listen to new music all the time, Phil. I worked my way through the jazz, blues, orchestral, country, etc, and bought loads of albums. When I started playing with Ray Fenwick (who came looking for me at a bar called Webb’s in Devonshire Road, Bexhill: he said he’d been told to check me out) in 1979, he was surprised that I knew so many songs from the first six decades of the last century. That was the reason. It was the perfect preparation. Most kids only knew what they heard on the radio or what their friends liked, but I was soaking up everything from Fats Waller to Messaien. Lucky, lucky, lucky. I was talking last night after the gig to Mark Fletcher about how lucky we were to be teenagers when there were so many gigs: pop, rock, country, dance bands (every hotel in Eastbourne had a band for daily tea dances!), jazz (from trad to modern), prog. Even sleepy Bexhill had a fair bit of music going on. One of my first nights out was at The Granville to hear three bands, one of which was Subject, which included Philip George Thornton. Around the same time (1973/4?), I went to the Salvation Army Youth Club in Station Road to hear Factory and Daisy: Tony, Andy, Geoff and Lol, Will, Kevin and Terry. Soon after that I first started going to Hastings, and heard Roger with Felix(?) at The Carlisle. Tony Bird’s mum and dad ran the sub post office at the sea end of Sackville Road, and the shop part of the business was a music shop. Tony managed a clothes shop on the corner of Sackville Road and Wickham Avenue, and drove a Lotus! He picked me up in it for a gig when I was about 15. I don’t know where I put my bass! I remember driving at high speed from Bexhill to Rye to play with his trio. His bass player had left after a row, and I think I was the only person he could think of to ask. Another memory of The Wonkymental (as Kev Hoad used to call it), was the elderly couple of ex-teachers who used to monopolise the fruit machines every evening during the week until midnight. They frittered away thousands, moving to ever smaller houses in the process. They probably accounted for 20% of the club’s income. They knew so much, Geoff, and I learned so much from them. Mike died young, aged about 35. Simon passed away in his sleep aged 50. I don’t know if John is still alive. Robin moved to Orkney or Shetland about 30 years ago. I think that Pete is still around, and I see Diane and Bruce From time to time. Ray spent most of his time in Bexhill during the 1980s; he was always inviting me for coffee at The Cont or a frame of snooker at The Bexhill Club if I was down visiting my mum. We played down there any number of times around then, and set up a monthly night at Bexhill Rowing Club across the road. Peter James Shaw played drums, Tony Bird was on organ and we had guest singers: Pete Prescott, Linda Hayes, Liane Carroll and many more. Sorry, another memory of Bexhill. I also ran a monthly night at The Sackville (?) Hotel during the late 80s. A quartet gig with Peter, Tony and Liane.
Geoff Peckham… I was a big fan of the Kult too and recall seeing them at the Granville and supporting them at Ninfield Memorial Hall. Factory later played at the Granville. I bought a still treasured Big Bill Broonzy LP from “Sleepy Pete” at Beaney’s, which changed my outlook on music. I wish I’d met those Blues Unlimited guys, Terry. I believe John Broven is now loving in the USA, and has helped Ace Records become the brilliant label that it is. I’ve read his books on Louisiana and New Orleans music. Marvellous! What did they teach them at Bexhill Grammar in the 50s?
Phil Thornton… regarding gibbons …. it was ‘The Bexhill Gibbon Racing Club’ offical road crew for ‘Subject Subject’ long before any of us were old enough to drive !!
Dave Nattress… Terry – thanks for filling in so many gaps in my memory – you’d think, or i’d think, being Bexhill born and bred and having always stayed living here but been all over with jobs, I’d remember more, but it goes. Yes, Flyright Records of course, Wickham Avenue, and then of course Sackville Road where Second Spin is now. Also the shop/mail order business in Endwell Road. Got Pete’s name wrong – of course – it was Pete Kent – I said York – got my counties mixed up there. It got me thinking to Bexhill’s old record shops. There was the aforementioned, and Beaneys, and a long time back, Blackburns (I think it was) in Western Road opposite the Co-op but I think at one time – before or after Western Road they were in St Leonards Road – I bought a record player there – took 6 singles – think it was a Dansette, and loads of singles and the odd album – sort of 1966-ish. Another was Jennery’s in Devonshire Road by Mummery’s, and of course, Boots and Woolies. A story about Boots was/is, one that links Phil Gill and Jaffa…for what seemed like months looking through the LP’s upstairs in Boots every week to see what I fancied buying or had gone in to get, was an album in a bright Orange cover by a band called England – Yes THE England – “Garden Shed” of course – it intrigued me enough eventually to give it a whirl and surprise, surprise, what an album!!! I still have it and got it a few years back now on CD. England played the pier once at least, with Phil Gill on bass – this has been related on these pages I think, and the band went on to make a second album “Last of the Jubblies” with Jaffa, (Geoff Peckham) on the recordings – hope I’ve got this right you guys – Phil and Jaffa. I managed to find it on CD main-order. I then met Jaffa for a beer one night years later – we went to school together and I recall very well his musical awakenings and mine although I was a few years later than Jaffa before I got behind a mike – and we got on the subject of England and “Jubblies”. Turned out Jaffa hadn’t got a copy so, I was delighted, for old times sake to donate my copy to him – having burned myself a copy first. I’ve since bought it again on a re-issue. When there was silliness going on in the old Downs Secondary Modern School often leading to the slipper, “Growler” and “Tickler” from dear old Rex Salter, it was usually Jaffa and me involved!! The “Goon Squad” wasn’t it Geoff! Thanks again Terry for filling in some gaps!! Robert – Kult, Yes you were really out there and I’m so pleased this site has enabled me and so many more of us to catch up on the local music scene. In another time, you, The Kult would have been big – you were so good. Just one question I referred to in my last post – did you support a 3 piece progressive (London) band called T2 once at the De La Warr. I’m sure you did, I was there. T2 are famed for their first album “It’ll All Work Out in Boomland” on Decca. Got it on vinyl – a really treasured item and picked up 3 copies on CD over the years – first time being a Japanese Import. Thanks again chaps.
Geoff Peckham… Unrelated I know, but Dave Natress and I often felt the wrath of Rex Salter’s slippers (indeed with “Growler” etc written on the sole) on our behinds! Didn’t he have an extra large plimsoll that he could write “Encouragement” on? And it did us no harm, did it? Yes, and we had a group of ne’er-do-wells called The Goon Squad. That’s right, dating back to and named by our Junior School teacher, Mr Ratcliffe. Good name for a band, that.
Andy Qunta… LOL, I’m sure the Growler etc made men of you guys! We had similar in my school days. Don’t know if it made a man of me, but it did make of me a rebel with a slight distrust of authority! Great piece by Dave Nattress there! Loved the run-down of record shops etc. He also mentioned the names of several musicians and bands, all of whom should have been much better known than they have been! Yes, The Kult and T2 – both of them were brilliant and inspiring!
Geoff Peckham… ..and the Kult. They were the first live band I REALLY enjoyed. I looked up to them and made mental notes as I watched them. I saw T2 at the DLWP, Dave; and I’m sure the Kult supported them. T2 were brilliant too!
Terry Pack… A further England and bass player connection: England and The Enid played on the same bill (at least once) whilst Phil was in the band in 1978(?). And another: I auditioned for Steve Kinch’s job with Stallion after he left to replace Jaffa with Factory. I was offered the job, but, aged only 16, was intimidated by Steve, Tony and Tich, who were a decade older than me. After Roger came and went, Steve asked me again, but I was still too young, I felt. Phil joined and they won the Melody Maker competition in 1976(?). In recent years, I have had the great pleasure of playing with both Phil and Jaffa.
Phil Gill… England played with The Enid in Chelmsford and at a college in Lewisham, in 1978. It was always a pleasure to meet up with you on those occasions too, Terry. I’m still in contact with the England keyboard player Robert Webb via Facebook.I was also a bit intimidated by Steve D initially, but at 18, I was determined to make a go of it. Steve taught me a lot, forgave my mistakes and went over and over tricky bits with me until we could play them in our sleep. I think I one of the reasons we usually nailed a song first take in the studio was that I was too scared to fail ! He generated a high standard of work ethics in me, which still prevails today.
Dave Nattress…Terry, Phil, Geoff, Andy, thanks for following up what started on an article about the Cont and went off on a different path!! Geoff you’re right I’m sure “Encouragement” it was. YOu know what, for a moment I’m back in that class – Mr Pecksniff actually wasn’t it although, I think you’d christened yourself Jaffa by then and on occasions I’m sure old Rex Salter addressed you or sought to gain your attention by shouting “Jaffa” across the class. I know I’ve said this a few times on these pages but, this website has just brought back so very much about the Hastings and Bexhill music scene with all the connections /names /contacts/acquaintances/venues/gigs/bands and the spin-off’s. Truly fabulous to re-live so much. LOL Phil regarding Steve D making sure you got it right – God bless him – can see him now banging away, fag in mouth, but that’s why it worked. Let’s keep the memories flowing. Just for an hour or two now and again I’d love to go back there provided I’d have an open two-way ticket back though. Not so sure I’d like the whole long ride again. In a way though it seems like we had no worries, didn’t exactly live for the day, our little – but maybe not so little worlds, were surely a better place in many ways.
Mike Curtis… There was an electrical shop on Sidley called Orchards that sold singles and albums. I ordered the first Vanilla Fudge lp on there. Took four months to get it in. Don’t think it was worth the wait ft memory. A long drawn out version of “You Keep Me Hanging On” was the first track, and that’s all I can remember. I think it went downhill after that. A bit like me really.
Leigh Wieland-Boys… So glad I asked if anyone remembered the Continental!! 🙂 This post has brought back many memories for you all!
Dave Nattress… Mike Curtis – I do remember the name Orchards for electrical goods but not for selling records. When compiling my list of Bexhill shops selling records I racked my brains as to whether there were any more and did think about Sidley, but there you go, memory letting me down again.
Tim Moose Bruce… Who remembers Crockers hardware in Little Common? Was where the horrible flats with tesco express is now. And opposite was Orchards.
Mike Curtis… There was an electrical retailers in St Leonards Road. called Boyds. They sold radiograms, and had a small stock of LPs for sale. My parents bought a radiogram and two LPs – “Sing Along With The Chipmunks”, and Russ Conway “My Concerto For You”. The LPs are now in my possession. Offers anyone?
Tim Philips… I lived in St Leonards Road during the 60s Mike but can’t remember Boyds. Where in St Leonards Road was the shop? I don’t think those albums would be my cup of tea by the way 🙂 Boyds would have been a stones throw from where I used to live but I have no memory of it at all. It shows how unaware of your surroundings you can be as a child.
Dave Nattress… Mike Curtis – Boyds – St leonards Road, you’re right. I mistakenly said very recently that I thought it was Blackburns that was once in Western Road, Bexhill and moved to St Leonards Road, but indeed, it was Boyds In St Leonards Road. Would have been around 1965 – 1966. Can’t recall when it disappeared. Was between Wilton Road and Eversley, South side of the road. About where a chemist is now. I may be going mad here but seem to think they did a deal whereby you could buy a few singles on some sort of credit routine and then pay weekly.
Mike Curtis… Dave – spot on as far as location goes. And I remember it had parquet flooring that used to click as you walked across it, and some dark blue carpet. 50 years ago. I can’t remember where I left my car keys 30 minutes ago. They certainly did credit for furniture and radiograms, but not sure about records. I bought my first 45 in there, at a cost of 6/8d. Not going to say what it was, because it’s a bit embarrassing really. The record was released in 1963, which is when I would have bought it. I also bought my first LP there, which I am happy to own up to – With The Beatles, 32/6d. Still got it, although to say it is battered is an understatement! A bit like me I suppose.
Andy Qunta… Go on, Mick, what was that single you bought? 😉 I should disclose that in 1963 we had You Were Made For Me by Freddie & The Dreamers, but only because Mum liked it of course!
Steve Kinch… I wish I could recount and relate some of my episodes re: 60s & 70s music scene in Hastings – the occasional photo popping up on FB is evidence that I was there – sadly, my memory never was up to much 🙁
Andy Qunta… I saw you in the ’70’s, Steve! Don’t worry, you were definitely there, & appeared to be having a good time!
Mike Curtis… Andy. “I want to stay here”. Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. There. I’ve confessed.
Terry Pack… The first 45 I bought was American Woman by The Guess Who (who expanded into Bachman Turner Overweight). I bought this single in Brampton Ontario in 1972 from a bargain box. I also bought Elton John’s Honky Chateau from the same shop. The first UK 45 I bought was Layla, and the first album was Led Zeppelin’s first LP, probably from Flyright in Wickham Avenue. I didn’t buy a record till I was 14, though. We didn’t have a gramophone at home. I bought one from Drays in Western Road when I came back from Canada in September 1972.
Pete Prescott… My first album was a Glen miller (my friend Glen).I went mad on him when I was 11/12.. Fist single was I am the walrus. I also got Eleanor Rigby that day. It all changed when I saw Free on totps doing Alright Now. Then my brother Chris sent me into the record shop (sittingbourne Kent) to get Led Zep and Highway by Free (I was supposed to get fire and water) no more Glenn miller after that. He came home in the Xmas of 70 with 19 albums for me (6 doubles and 2 triples).a bit like that scene in”almost famous” life changing. That kept me busy for a while. The first one I played was Abraxas by Santana (yeah the breasts on the cover !) Good choice. I still have some of those albums.
Tim Phillips… I was having a beer with a friend of mine (Bob Wicks) in The Harp last night. He’s lived in Bexhill since the 50s. He couldn’t remember Boyds record shop in St Leonards Rd either but he said there was one called Beeneys in Sackville Rd. Also, I saw Ron Storkey in Tesco on Wednesday….he was looking well 🙂
Mike Curtis… Boyds was primarily a furniture shop Tim, but they sold radiograms and needed to sell something to play on them. Unless my memory is playing tricks on me. Wouldn’t be the first time!
Tim Phillips… I’m quite surprised how much I don’t remember of the 60s Mike. I was only a kid so can’t blame it on alcohol lol.
Jill OHalloran (nee Sullivan) I used to go to the Conti every weekend in the late 70’s…. Had many a great night there. I knew Brian Storkey… and my Dad used to go the Bexhill Club…. for snooker i think… his name was Larry Sullivan. I also had my 21st birthday there…. so long ago now….. but so many great memories with such lovely friends 🙂
i now live in Perth Western Australia at the end of the earth. I can’t wait to visit Bexhill again haven’t been back since 1986! I left in 1981 for New Zealand…
Tim Phillips… I remember Jim Hobbs. I think he was the DJ before Willie George took over.
Jan Warren… Yep!! I remember The Continental
Janie Lowe… Yes i played drums on Sundays down there, can’t remember guys we played with by name, We had a sax player who was a butcher in London Road St Leonards
Caroline Shott(Now Smith)… Lots of names I remember although I only went once or twice to the Cont (as we called it in the 60’s). Friends and classmates Linda Russell and Bev Koller, Fern Moynan, among others, used to go quite often, I think, when we were at the Girls’ Grammar School. Oddly, we used to go to Eastbourne for Saturday nights, and some people used to go to the White Rock in Hastings. (Not certain that was what it was called but I remember going there to dances. The place shaped like a white ocean liner.) I remember Blackburns but haven’t a clue where exactly it was.; I bought my first singles there. My Dad went to the Queen’s Head on Belle Hill for snooker, along with friends Pete Smith, Ron Cochrane, (Dick?) Rumsby and (Steve?) Ormerod. If they didn’t go there, they went to the British Legion at the bottom of London Road. I too live far away…not quite as far as Perth..we also left in 1986 and we went the other direction, to Pennsylvania in the US. These days we are able to come back to Bexhill a couple of times a year, and we enjoy it.
Dennis Torrance… Went there early 2000 was ok remember the stairs down to club area enjoyed the times there . My mate was a club member I remember had to sign in and give my address.
Jeanette Jones… Oh Yes. Fine times
Virginia Davis… I remember going there for the first time in 1980
Wendy Weaver… went there a couple of times in the 80s as my friend, Andy Matt’s mum worked there
Yvonne Cleland… I loved the Continental. Bexhill’s finest xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
No Home Jerome… Alex Higgins used to go there. Used to get pissed and lose his money at cards down there.
Tony Court-holmes… o god yes i passed out in there once
Leigh (just Weiland) back in those days!!! You were thought to be rather nice! I didn’t say that!
I remember you and Jane Dorsett (who I went out with for a few years). Jane’s Mum Ivy worked there also for years. Sadly passed away about 3 months ago – 97. I’m back in contact with Jane after about 37 years!!!! Fabulous memories of the Cont and all the Storkeys. Great fancy dress parties – Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, lots and lots of “goings on” and clandestine relationships carried out in the dark corners and slow dances. Many old friends worked there over the years. Many stories. It was a real turn a blind eye to this, that and the other place. I recall seeing Ray Fenwick and Pete Prescott playing with various band line-up’s many times. Ray always seemed to be down there.
Brian and Ron are still around, May and Headley sadly gone.
Yvonne did u used to work at an accountants in Bexhill with my old mate Ian Coleman?
Rock on Leigh!!
Across the road Yes was the Arcadian, where you could usually get a late drink. Bexhill Club for the older generation – it seemed like you couldn’t join until you got yer pension. Only a few years to go then.
Yvonne mentioned the Castle in Bexhill. Never a club but a good cheap and cheerful pub to hang out in when you came of age – or could suggest you were of age – more like it. When I was a young lad, we used to assemble in the back bar of the Castle – all of us the weekend Hippies mainly and the bikers – great juke box, then next to this was the Lounge Bar – where we would not go, or weren’t really wanted, far too straight in there and we were far to scruffy. Hells Angels Branded chapter would come in, most of them local guys from Bexhill/Hastings – never any trouble, most of them all old mates anyway. There was one other bar The Public Bar facing Town Hall Square. Back then, all pubs of course had these differently named bars and the Public was the bottom tier generally by a long way. We called it The Animal Bar; the inhabitants could be a bit dodgy and you didn’t dare go in there or even use the Animal Bar entrance till you sensed you’d somehow got your wings and could be considered as a junior (at least) animal. Also, Yvonne mentioned the Queen’s Head in old Belle Hill, Bexhill, now long since demolished of course and The York – renamed several times. Some great bands in the York particularly from time to time.
Good memories of many bad heads and great, great fun times with a bunch of maniac mates.
Wow, just found this thread about the Continental. I was one of the regular DJs there for about 3 years from 1977 – 1980 working for Brian & Ronnie with May sat upstairs keeping a good eye to it all with a cup of tea haha (May was as hard as nails in business & took no crap from no one but equally she had the respect of us all). Back then Lee (she was always bubbly) & Harry (H) were behind the Bar and Ronnie was mostly at the Snooker club & was driving a white Jag, Brian had a very fast blue 2000GT Toyota Celica (which I bought off him) & then he got a BMW I think. Brian was in love with an Air Stewardess from BCAL but they fought more than they cuddled if I remember things right.
Ray Fenwick was a regular in his red shoes & I remember there used to be a regular monthly live music night on a Wednesday I think and at one stage it was just a jam session for anyone who turned up to play (Jim Jim & the Jims was how it was billed if I am correct) & people like the drummer from Chicory Tip & the Bass Player from The Enid would play alongside Ray & also Phil Cordell etc – Amazing times listening to one of the very best rock guitarists in the world playing live in a tiny cellar club as Ray did a 5 minute into into Smoke on the Water or whatever.
I always remember how the snooker stars would come over for a drink or game of cards or whatever after doing an exhibition night at the Snooker club and how much fun/trouble Alex Higgins could be when at the club and while I think of it does anyone remember some of the zany things Brian came up with to decorate the Continental at Christmas – One year he covered the whole club in Tin Foil & we all nearly cooked to death & another year he made it like a forest with all real branches & leaves etc lol.
I loved those days & by the way today 15th June 2015 is Brian Storkeys 75th Birthday so very happy Birthday Brian & thanks for all the memories 🙂 xxxx
John I remember you well as the DJ and glad you’ve happened on to this site and it’s suddenly living it all again with all the posts about the Cont. A lot of posts were put up a few months back and it’s brought so many great memories of so many years ago and all the names and fabulous times.
I think I spent almost every Friday & Saturday night in there from 1994 to 1996. Mind you, I was going out with the manageress so felt a certain obligation. Happy memories chatting with Ron & Brian 🙂
The Cont and others. Robert I remember you and the other guys in the Kult really well, saw you at various gigs around Bexhill 1969 – 1970 odd – church halls maybe the one at the bottom of Belle Hill (as was), maybe. You were THE BAND. Recall the Granville gigs, saw you there, and did you guys support T2 at the De La Warr – sure you did, I was there. Paul Freeman became a mate in later years I think he was still playing drums for you. Like I say you were out there!!
There have been a lot of posts about the Kult over the last year or so and some photo’s and sounds and it’s been really brilliant to get those old memories back. I was 16 in 1969 so dodgy getting in some gigs/pubs!!
Terry, (Pack) don’t want to blow your cool now mate, because I know your’re world class – really. but I think back in the day you maybe worked in a record shop in Bexhill. Was it Wickham Avenue first and then it moved round the corner or vice-versa. Owned by a nice older couple, (well I was young then). I used to be in there a lot buying vinyl. I don’t mean the really old record shop that was in Sackville Road for absolute years on the same side as Birds Music (now is) – and close to there – racking my brains trying to remember it’s name – was it Beaney’s? and the guy – Pete York I think who ran it, who was always in there. They had all the cool stuff in there. Tony Bird’s dad’s music shop was further down on the other side of Sackville Road and was a post office as well.
Terry – thanks for filling in so many gaps in my memory – you’d think, or i’d think, being Bexhill born and bred and having always stayed living here but been all over with jobs, I’d remember more, but it goes. Yes, Flyright Records of course, Wickham Avenue, and then of course Sackville Road where Second Spin is now. Also the shop/mail order business in Endwell Road.
Got Pete’s name wrong – of course – it was Pete Kent – I said York – got my counties mixed up there. It got me thinking to Bexhill’s old record shops. There was the aforementioned, and Beaneys, and a long time back, Blackburns (I think it was) in Western Road opposite the Co-op but I think at one time – before or after Western Road they were in St Leonards Road – I bought a record player there – took 6 singles – think it was a Dansette, and loads of singles and the odd album – sort of 1966-ish. Another was Jennery’s in Devonshire Road by Mummery’s, and of course, Boots and Woolies.
A story about Boots was/is, one that links Phil Gill and Jaffa…for what seemed like months looking through the LP’s upstairs in Boots every week to see what I fancied buying or had gone in to get, was an album in a bright Orange cover by a band called England – Yes THE England – “Garden Shed” of course – it intrigued me enough eventually to give it a whirl and surprise, surprise, what an album!!! I still have it and got it a few years back now on CD. England played the pier once at least, with Phil Gill on bass – this has been related on these pages I think, and the band went on to make a second album “Last of the Jubblies” with Jaffa, (Geoff Peckham) on the recordings – hope I’ve got this right you guys – Phil and Jaffa. I managed to find it on CD main-order. I then met Jaffa for a beer one night years later – we went to school together and I recall very well his musical awakenings and mine although I was a few years later than Jaffa before I got behind a mike – and we got on the subject of England and “Jubblies”. Turned out Jaffa hadn’t got a copy so, I was delighted, for old times sake to donate my copy to him – having burned myself a copy first. I’ve since bought it again on a re-issue. When there was silliness going on in the old Downs Secondary Modern School often leading to the slipper, “Growler” and “Tickler” from dear old Rex Salter, it was usually Jaffa and me involved!! The “Goon Squad” wasn’t it Geoff!
Thanks again Terry for filling in some gaps!!
Robert – Kult, Yes you were really out there and I’m so pleased this site has enabled me and so many more of us to catch up on the local music scene. In another time, you, The Kult would have been big – you were so good. Just one question I referred to in my last post – did you support a 3 piece progressive (London) band called T2 once at the De La Warr. I’m sure you did, I was there. T2 are famed for their first album “It’ll All Work Out in Boomland” on Decca. Got it on vinyl – a really treasured item and picked up 3 copies on CD over the years – first time being a Japanese Import.
Thanks again chaps.
Terry, Phil, Geoff, Andy, thanks for following up what started on an article about the Cont and went off on a different path!! Geoff you’re right I’m sure “Encouragement” it was. YOu know what, for a moment I’m back in that class – Mr Pecksniff actually wasn’t it although, I think you’d christened yourself Jaffa by then and on occasions I’m sure old Rex Salter addressed you or sought to gain your attention by shouting “Jaffa” across the class.
I know I’ve said this a few times on these pages but, this website has just brought back so very much about the Hastings and Bexhill music scene with all the connections/names/contacts/acquaintances/venues/gigs/bands and the spin-off’s. Truly fabulous to re-live so much. LOL Phil regarding Steve D making sure you got it right – God bless him – can see him now banging away, fag in mouth, but that’s why it worked.
Let’s keep the memories flowing. Just for an hour or two now and again I’d love to go back there provided I’d have an open two-way ticket back though. Not so sure I’d like the whole long ride again. In a way though it seems like we had no worries, didn’t exactly live for the day, our little – but maybe not so little worlds, were surely a better place in many ways.
Mike Curtis – I do remember the name Orchards for electrical goods but not for selling records. When compiling my list of Bexhill shops selling records I racked my brains as to whether there were any more and did think about Sidley, but there you go, memory letting me down again.
MIke Curtis – Boyds – St leonards Road, you’re right. I mistakenly said very recently that I thought it was Blackburns that was once in Western Road, Bexhill and moved to St Leonards Road, but indeed, it was Boyds In St leonrds Road. Would have been around 1965 – 1966. Can’t recall when it disappeared. Was between Wilton Road and Eversley, South side of the road. About where a chemist is now. I may be going mad here but seem to think they did a deal whereby you could buy a few singles on some sort of credit routine and then pay weekly.
I used to go to the Conti every weekend in the late 70’s…. Had many a great night there. I knew Brian Storkey… and my Dad used to go the Bexhill Club…. for snooker i think… his name was Larry Sullivan. I also had my 21st birthday there…. so long ago now….. but so many great memories with such lovely friends 🙂
i now live in Perth Western Australia at the end of the earth. I can’t wait to visit Bexhill again haven’t been back since 1986! I left in 1981 for New Zealand…
Lots of names I remember although I only went once or twice to the Cont (as we called it in the 60’s). Friends and classmates Linda Russell and Bev Koller, Fern Moynan, among others, used to go quite often, I think, when we were at the Girls’ Grammar School. Oddly, we used to go to Eastbourne for Saturday nights, and some people used to go to the White Rock in Hastings. (Not certain that was what it was called but I remember going there to dances. The place shaped like a white ocean liner.) I remember Blackburns but haven’t a clue where exactly it was.; I bought my first singles there. My Dad went to the Queen’s Head on Belle Hill for snooker, along with friends Pete Smith, Ron Cochrane, (Dick?) Rumsby and (Steve?) Ormerod. If they didn’t go there, they went to the British Legion at the bottom of London Road. I too live far away…not quite as far as Perth..we also left in 1986 and we went the other direction, to Pennsylvania in the US. These days we are able to come back to Bexhill a couple of times a year, and we enjoy it.