supplied by Pete Prescott
Leigh Weiland-Boys… Wow – what a great record! Wouldn’t mind a copy of that myself (on CD, of course!) Hedgehoppers Anonymous?! They don’t make ’em like the used to!
Mick O’Dowd… Saw this at The Meet. Good stuff and some great memories.
Andy Qunta… So many brilliant songs on there! Wish I had that album!
What a week it has been so far, and here we now have reached Saturday 25th June 1966, and in the Happy Ballroom, Hastings Pier, we have been having some fun today and are now getting ready for the 3rd Night of entertainment that the Hastings College has presented for Rag Week. The Top of the bill tonight is the Radio & television stars – Edmundo Ross Band. This was aimed mainly at the parents of students and the older generation. I have to report that like both the Thursday and Friday nights we had a roaring success. Part of the evening’s entertainment was a Churchwardens Pipe Smoking Competition, I know that sound slightly non PC today but 50 years ago, nobody worried. The idea was the winner was the smoker who could keep hi/her pipe going the longest. It just so happened that the winner was my girlfriends Dad! – I promise I had no influence over this at all. Yes the Winner Mr Charles Potter took his pipe and the tobacco, but I don’t think he was ever allowed to smoke in the house!!
As you will no doubt recall the Friday Nights show would keep us up and around till 7.00am Saturday morning, and too get us in the mood, of course it was time for Ready Steady Go, and luckily the Television in the Bar on the pier was able to pick up the broadcast. That Friday night the show included – Tom Jones:” Not Responsible”,Kinks:”Sunny Afternoon”, DDDBMT :”Hideaway”, Dave Berry:”Mama” and Norma Tanego:”Walking my dog named dog”- that was the lead into the Night.
The Witch Doctor was playing it down on the Friday and only had records; we had invited all the management and staff to our “do” afterwards, so they arrived very soon after closedown at the Pier. On the Saturday the offering was a couple of very popular groups that were regular visitors to St Leonards – The Riot Squad and The Poor Boys. The regular record nights, with Johnny Mann, Tony Powell and of course Steve Maxted in full show as ever, on the Thursday night. Nevertheless the youngsters made the most of what we had presented over the last few days.
Let now look back quickly to what we watched some 50 years ago ! BBC Radio – the Light Programme had Brian Mathew with guests, Herman’s Hermits, The Fortunes, Chris Barber Jazz Band, Cliff Bennett and The Rebel Rousers, Graham Bonney and The Johnny Arthey Band. Later in the day Saturday Swings with Tom Jones and The Squires, The Settlers, Scott Peters with the Johnny Pearson Orchestra. Other shows that night included Music from the Movies, Eddy Arnold Sings, Blackpool Night with Charlie Chester, Eddie Calvert and Reginald Dixon on the famous Blackpool Organ. The BBC International Festival of Light Music and Dancing Round Europe. One Sunday Easy Beat with Keith Fordyce presenting Pop Artistes from the BBC Top Tunes Listeners chart. Lunchtime it was 2 Way Family Favourites from London & Koln. Later in the afternoon – Comedy with Ken Dodd, Leslie Crowther and music from Val Doonican, Semprini and at 4.00pm Pick of The Pops with fluff- Alan Freeman. The evening continued with Drama and some music and at 11.00pm The Jazz Scene – this week with Humphrey Littleton and the Tubby Hayes Quartet.
Television On the Saturday- Grandstand was mainly Wimbledon. Juke Box Jury that night with David Jacobs were Gene Pitney, Susan Maughan, Denny Piercy and Betty Marsden. We also had Dr Who, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Not only.. But Also, The Trouble-shooter and the 1966 Greyhound Derby. On Sunday Green Acres, Captain Pugwash Perry Mason, Billy Cottons Band Show and the award winning film biography of Elgar.
Over on the Pirate Station, Radio Caroline Top five this weekend included Beatles: Paperback Writer.Kinks:Sunny Aftdernoon,Gene Pitney:Nobody needs your Love,Ike & Tina Turner:River Deep-Mountain High and Cilla Black:Don’t Answer Me. Over on Big L Radio London, Ed Stewart played No 1 River Deep-Mountain High – Ike & Tina Turner ,Everbody Needs you Love – Gene Pitney, Hideway – DDDBMT, Sittin on a Fence –Twice as Nice and I need You[EP] The Walker Brothers.
For many of us this was to be a weekend of change, as the college had finished for the year, and some of the students, like myself had finished our courses and were looking for either work or higher education opportunities. In the immediate future for me was a Monday morning reporting to Brook Street Depot of Maidstone & District, where I because KK51072 Conductor Martin A – yes that right I was back on the busses for the Summer.
So there we have a quick look at Hastings 50 years ago, until next week – you all take care, and let hope that we see some sun. Andre Palfrey-Martin© 2016
Several people have been in touch asking – “What has happened to the History of the Happy Ballroom etc “ for many reasons I have been unable to write the weekly blog for a while, but now things are sorted, it back to telling about Hastings and our lives of 50 years ago. This weekend is Saturday 18th June 1966 – and what a week this was to be, with the big event coming along on Friday with the College Rag week all-nighter, but more of that later. The Pier was in a quiet time, gathering up for the busy summer season that would have a whole range of weekly entertainments starting in July, included this was the new Sunday Club, that would be a challenge to the Witch Doctor with the groups booked incluing Zoot Money,The Yard Birds and The Who to name a few.
Our Friday Night Ritual would have kicked off with Ready Steady Go and amongst the acts booked were Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds –“ Out Of Time”, The Hollies – “Bus Stop”, Gene Pitney – “Nobody Needs Your Love” and Herman’s Hermits – “The Door swings Both Ways”. As usual the show was kept moving along with Keith and Cathy.
Down in St Leonards The Witch Doctor had “The Loose Ends “ topping the bill on the Saturday night, the rest of the week was the usual mix of records/disco and the ever popular Steve Maxted on Thursday Night, although I know that his crowds would be reduced this week, because of the competition offered in The Happy Ballroom.
On the Radio, BBC Light programme was following its usual mix of programmes including Saturday Club with Brian Mathew and his guests, this week including Dave, Dee, Dozy, Beaky,Mick & Tich. Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, The Downliners Sect and Los Bravos. Jack Jackson was spinning his records and Saturday Swings featured The Hollies. This was also the weekend of the 24hours Le Man Motor racing and reports from France were popping up all the time. On the Sunday we had Easy Beat, Two Way Family Favourites, The Ken Dodd Radio Show, Val Doonican, Semprini Serenade,Top of the Pops. Movie Go-Round and later in the evening Jazz Scene. Television, was the mix of films, variety and dramas, On Saturday Juke Box Jury was hosted by David Jacobs and his guests this week Richard Anthony, Ernestine Anderson, Sam Costa and Anne Nightingale. Likewise Sunday format was very much the same as each week, with the addition transmission of the Motor racing at many times over the weekend.
Over on the Pirate Stations, and new voice was heard on Sunday 19th June 1966 presenting the Fab Forty for the first time – Tony Blackburn. That weekend the top 5 included – Kinks : Sunny Afternoon, Ike & Tina Turner : River Deep Mountain High, The Animals : Don’t Bring me Down, Beatles : Paperback Writer and Four Seasons : Opus 17[Don’t you worry ‘bout Me.] On the good ship Radio Caroline, that weekend the charts would have included Beatles: Paperback Writer, Yardbirds – Over Under Sideways Down, Ike & Tina Turner – River Deep-Mountain High, Cilla Black- Don’t Answer Me and Tom Jones – Once There was a Time. We would be getting a visit from one of the Radio London DJs later in the week. This lead to the Rag weekend All Nighter and associated events on the Pier. We started off on the Thursday with an up and coming arties from London – Chris Farlowe with the Thunderbirds – he had just released “Out of Time” and that was starting to climb the charts, although we did not have a big crowd it was an excellent time, and his support act The In-Crowd did us well. Now for the BIG Event, this was going to be the first “All Nighter” as we when through from 9.00pm – 7.00am as First! The Line Up George Fame & The Blue Flames, Unit Four Plus Two, Tony Rivers & The Castaways and The Defiants, and compared by Radio London’s Earl Richmond. The venue was packed and the night was a great success, at one point I thought we might have had a problem, when Georgie Fame started his set, and hit the Hammond Organ – nothing but a loud bang! No music – it did not want to work, so he simply picked up an acoustic guitar and carried on. When we eventually sat down for breakfast and saw the dawn coming up over the sea, it was a great moment. Everything had gone well and we still had a full days entertainment to look forward to, and at some point to get some sleep, before the show started again… but more about that next week. It does not seem like 50 years ago, but it was, until next week you all take care and enjoy the summer – if we see anything that looks like Summer –Andre Palfrey-Martin©2016
Mick Bolton… I just sent this to Tony Rivers. He was really pleased to see that he was on Hastings Pier 50 years ago next weekend. He now lives in Spain and still performs regularly. Incidentally he was the voice on the theme tune to Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads. And he was one of Cliff Richards backing singers for many years. Saw them in ’67 when I was a student at a college in Twickenham – also Tony Rivers’ later band Harmony Grass.
Andy Qunta… Fantastic report, Andre, and what great memories it brings back! Thanks!
Andre Palfrey-martin collection
It may well be the Easter Weekend as I write, but 50 years ago, we still had several weeks to go. 50years ago its Saturday 26th March 1966 and the Happy Ballroom on Hastings Pier, is not in action this weekend, according to the local newspaper reports the visit from Dave Berry was well received and the Pier company were going to continue these shows in the coming weeks. Nothing mentioned about the Disc Jockey Promotions in the Restaurant, I think they were moved to the Regent Hotel about this time.
The Friday Nights entertainment for many would have been a short while in front of the Television with “Ready Steady Go” Keith Fordyce and Cathy McGowan would have introduced – Wilson Picket:634 5789- The Animals : Inside Looking Out, Mary Wells and Roy Orbison. But the best has to be Dusty Springfield as “You don’t have to say you love me anymore” – heading for the top of the charts within a few weeks.
The Witch Doctor again keeps the groups coming and we are being spoilt for the variety that always on the programme, This Saturday it’s the return of the fantastic ANTEEEKS and The Sonics plus records, just over 5 hours entertainment for just 6/- that has to be good value. Sunday afternoon “Big Big Record Spin” 2.30pm-5.00pm all for 1/6d. Tuesday night is “Candlelight Nite” an “Intimate atmosphere” and records for only 2/-. Thursday it one of the BIG nights with Steve Maxted and Friday according to the advertisement it was The Hastings Theatre group presenting “ Heat Rave so Come Cool” featuring 2 Fab groups – sadly very little can be found about this evening, and nothing was printed in the local press, so we will just have to wonder……
Radio for the weekend included on The Light programme – Saturday Club with Brian Matthew featuring Cilla Black, Crispian St Peters, Herman’s Hermits, Billy Joe Royal, Barry St John, The Puppets and the Ted Taylor Seven. Lunchtime it was the turn of Jack Jackson with his Record Roundabout, later the afternoons line up would include The Grand National from Aintree,THE Sound of Johnny Pearson, Saturday Bandstand, Desmond Carrington with Open House, Pop Over Europe organised by the West German Broadcasting Service, and Jazz Beat with the Alex Welsh Band. The evening was full of Music Hall, Old Time Dancing with Sidney Bowman and his Orchestra and Late Night Saturday with Peter Murray and friends. Sunday would include Easy beat with Keith Fordyce introducing toons from The Johnny Howard Band. Lunchtime it was Two Way Family Favourites from London & Koln. The afternoon was given over to comedy- Round The Horne,Val Doonican & Benny Hill. Alan Freeman would be around with Pick of the Pops. For the movie fans, Movie Go Round this week featured “Life at the Top” Laurence Harvey, Jean Simmons and Honor Blackman and “Where the Spies are” David Niven and John LeMesurier.
Television that weekend included – Grandstand incl The Boat Race & Grand National. Dr Who on his travels, Juke Box Jury this weeks panel included Nina & Frederik, Adrienne Posta, Ray Davis with David Jacobs in the Chair. The evenings viewing continued with Dixon Of Dock Green, The Western with Audie Murphy. Barbra Streisand in “My Name is Barbra”. The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Spies and to end the evening The Andy Williams Show this week featuring amongst other the Osmond Brothers.
On the Pirate wave bands, Radio Caroline South is still having technical problems and were off the air for the coming week, however on Radio London – the top 5 were – Dedicated Follower of Fashion[Kinks], Elusive Butterfly[Bob Lind], Super Girl [ Graham Bonney], I met a Girl[Shadows] & Substitute [Who]
There you go, 50 years ago, it only seems like yesterday at times. This has been an interesting week, in particular with the Pier; we now have the official re-opening day and the headline show for that day, it’s going to be an interesting day.
Until next week – everybody enjoy what is left of the Easter break and fingers crossed that the weather is not as bad as predicted !! Andre Palfrey-Marin © 2016
The next report back on 50 years ago in Hastings, and what was going down Saturday 19th March 1966. The Happy Ballroom was in action with the appearance of Decca Recording Star – Dave Berry who we all remember as having hits earlier with “The Crying Game” and “Little Things”. Also that week the Teen Beat Coffee Club on a Thursday had its usual session in the Restaurant. This has to be an improvement as the facilities are being used.
For those who read my special for last Friday – 18th March, will have seen that the Friday night RSG had started us all off for the weekend in good style.
The Witch Doctor was recovering from the Ides of March Rave with A Band Of Angels now having returned to London, from what I remember the band had stayed the night with the d’Abo family in Bexhill after the great success of the show. On Saturday night it was a return from regular artistes Davey Sands & The Essex plus in support The Original Dyaks. Sunday and Tuesday it was the record shows with our regular spinners and Thursday the “Muscles Maxted” Show. Friday night was to be another first for the club, where it was advertised as a Surprise Night ! I should be able to tell more next week.
BBC Radio Light Programme on Saturday had the usual bundle of Children’s and Music programme to start the day from 5.30am. Saturday Club with Brian Matthew had its usual excellent range of artistes, including this week – Small Faces, Freddie & The Dreamers, The Bachelors, The Who, Valerie Masters, John Mayall’s Bluebreakers and The Les Reed Orchestra. Lunchtime we heard Jack Jackson Record Roundabout. The rest of the day was made up of Brass Bands, Male Voice Choirs, Jazz with Chris Barber’s Jazz band and several visits to the Old Time Musical Hall. Sundays included Joe “Mr Piano” Henderson and The Sing-along’s. Easy Beat with Keith Fordyce and the Johnny Howard Band. This week it was a three way link up with BFBS and BBC for Family Favourites – London, Koln & Nicosia in Cyprus. The afternoon included Round The Horne, Benny Hill Time, Semprini and Pick of the Pops. Movie Go Round this week included a great education film – St Tinian’s with Frankie Howerd, Dora Bryan and George Cole. Also it was getting ‘geared-up’ for the release of Alfie. Early in the evening it would be Brain of Britain 1966 competition. Later Sunday Half Hour was live from HMS Tiger RN Dockyard Portsmouth. Late night Jazz was introduced by Humphrery Lyttelton and continued till 2.00am Monday Morning !!
Television for the weekend for the Rugby fans included the Scotland v England game from Murreyfield, a quick visit to somewhere ???? with Doctor Who and we had Juke Box Jury and Beat girl –Shirley Anne Field, Adam Faith, Jimmy Young and Jeannie Carson made up the panel with David Jacobs ready with the hit or miss button. The evening followed very much the norn – Dixon Of Dock Green, The Western Film – this week City of Badmen with Dale Robertson, The Black and White Minstrels, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and the Andy Williams Show took us to closedown. Sunday early television was very much “educational” and the entertainment did not really start until teatime – David Copperfield, Pinky & Perky, Songs of Praise, The film that night was “Sons & Lovers” based on the D H Lawrence novel, starring Trevor Howard, this was followed by a classic Sunday night drama – Dr Finlay’s Casebook.
For those tuning to the Pirate stations would have heard amongst the weekend offerings – Radio London Fab 40 –Top Five – Shape of Things to Come: Yardbirds, Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine anymore: Walker Brothers, Exclusive Butterfly: Bob Lind, Dedicated follower of fashion: Kinks, Nowhere man:Settlers. Over on Radio Caroline South, with the Emperor Rosko – No 1 Walker Brothers, No 2 I Can’t let go Hollies, No3 Sha La La La Lee – Small Faces. No 4 These Boots… Nancy Sinartra and No 5 Back Stage Gene Pitney.
So there we go, it was a very interesting an enjoyable weekend for me and I know quite a few people in the town. Looking ahead the clock is ticking to the grand opening of the new Pier on 21 May 2016, and certain Red Letter Day from so many of us in the town. We still have Easter to get through and that is when traditionally the Pier used to put on extra events, we will have to see. All that I remember from Easter 1966 was that it snowed !! Until the next part of the Story, you all take extra care and look after yourselves. Andre Palfrey-Martin ©2016
March is quickly going and here are already at Saturday 12th, in The Happy Ballroom there is nothing scheduled, all that is advertised is for next week Saturday 19th, A Big Night Out – with the return of Dave Berry, no mention of his Cruisers. The Disc Jockey Promotions are happening in the Restaurant on a Thursday with local band – Mud Milligans Big Boss Band.
Friday Night had been a special on Ready Steady Go – with a James Brown Night – he was complete with the Famous Flames and the whole show was built around his touring concept The JB Review.
The Witch Doctor put together an interesting programme – On Saturday Night the headline band was Dean Ford & the Gaylords, who had recently moved from their home of east Glasgow to London. The group had been rated the TOP Scottish band in the early 60s, within a few weeks of appearing at Hastings they would change their name to The Marmalade and go onto a successful career. Supporting the lads from north’o the border were another popular act The Way. Sunday Afternoon, Tuesday & Thursday Evenings would be with Records, with what was a key part of the weeks entertainment on Thursdays. The “Biggest Disc Show Around” The Muscles Maxted Show.[quoted from the newspaper advertisement. Friday night continued with a “Roman Rave” with a Band of Angels – but more about that later.
BBC Radio over the weekend included Saturday Club with Spencer Davis, Ivy League, Division 2, Elkie Brooks, Ray Anton & Proform [sound like something you bought in Boots] and Jimmy James & The Vagabonds. Brian Matthew spinning and new releases and linking the whole show together in his usual calm way. Later in the day you had Jack Jackson Record Show. In the afternoon on Saturday Bandstand it was the Aldershot Staff Band of The Corps of Royal Engineers and on Jazz Beat that night – Acker Bilk.
Sunday followed the usual format – Easy Beat with Keith Fordyce, 12noon – Two Way Family Favourites London & Koln, afternoon comedy with this week Round The Horn, Val Doonican and Benny Hill. Movie Time featured “Flight of the Phoenix” starring James Stewart, Richard Attenborough, Peter Finch & Hardy Kruger, I think this had been filmed in Libya with help from the British and US Forces. The other feature film was “Our Man Flint” starring James Coburn & Lee J Cobb.
Television offered on Saturday Dr Who, Juke Box Jury with David Jacob and his panel Patsy Ann Noble, Brian Matthew, Wendy Varnals and Bert Kaempfert. The evening continued with Dixon of Dock Green, the western film – “The Maverick Queen” followed by Terry Scott and at 9.10pm an Election Broadcast with the Prime Minister – Harold Wilson OBE. This was followed Dick Van Dyke on the Andy Williams Show. Nothing out of the ordinary on Sunday except perhaps Pinky & Perky !!
On the Pirates: Radio Caroline South with Tom Lodge @ 12 noon the charts were topped by Small Faces – Sha La La La Lee and the Hollies – I Can’t let Go. Radio London new Big L Top 40–Yardbirds – Shape of Things, Kinks -Dedicated Follower of Fashion. Walker Brother – The Sun Aint Gonna Shine Anymore. Hollies – I Can’t Let Go. Bob Lind –Elusive Butterfly.
A brief write up this week, as I have been very busy with projects that are all coming together nicely – including the Hastings Pier situation. Look out for more information as it’s trickled from the Trust over the coming weeks towards the Grand Opening on Saturday 21 May 2016.
Next week I will include more about the Friday 18th March 1966 and The Ides of March Rave at the Witch Doctor and the duel appearance of the d’Abo family !! Until then you all take care, fingers crossed that the warm weather continues. Andre Palfrey-Martin © 2016.
Andre Palfrey-martin collection
The weeks move on and it’s now mid February 1966, and for many it’s that time of the year to look toward to Valentines Night! In the build up to that event, one would have expected something from the Pier Ballroom, or at least the Pier – but nothing, perhaps they have something up their sleeve, and it’s going to make a sudden appearance a little later – we will have to see. [Just for once I would love to be able to start off the weekly column with some GOOD NEWS from 50 years ago, about this iconic building in the town]. In the line up to the weekend, Friday starts as ever with that most popular television programme for the teenagers – Ready Steady Go, and this Friday [11 February 1966] this line up includes The Animals “Inside Looking Out” & “Mandie”: Len Barry “ Like a Baby” : the Breakaway : The Action & James Brown as a special guest from America, even Cathy & Keith did not really get into any sort of Valentines mood.
The Witch Doctor, starts a busy weekend, with this Saturday night Thee Washington DCs featuring Johnny Cannon, ably supported by The Defenders, all the usual services, DJ and Records with Johnny Mann, bar open to 11.00pm and for the princely sum of 6/- [30 pieces of the new decimal currency] On Sunday afternoon, it would have been Afternoon Spin all for 1/6d and that would allowed you to tuned in at home and have a quick Sunday Lunch with 2 Way family Favourites on the Light Programme and get down to the Club in the afternoon. On Monday it was Valentines Night and here the Witch Doctor had something special – The [British] BIRDS not to be mistakes for the [US} Byrds. Based in west London they had developed a musical description that was a Motown-style group. A founder member of this group and still with them in February 1966 was Ronnie Wood. The advertising tag for this evening the local press was “ fly in and see – the Birds” 7.30pm-11.00pm and all for 5/6d. The remainder of the week was as usual Tuesday Big Record Session – possibly with Trevor Ollive and “You Know Who “ on Thursday, the “Muscles Maxted Show” from Maidstone. A whole evening of confusion & mayhem for “half –a-dollar” or since Monday twelve and a half new pence.
I said that the whole of the Marine Court was busy that night, in the Dolphin Ballroom; the Hastings College Students had a St Valentines Night Dance with The Gordon Rider Orchestra and cabaret The Trendsetters. It was unusual for a college night, late bar till 1.00am, 7/6d on the night and 6/- in advance. And if I recall the next day we started our lessons as usual at 9.00am – Tuesday period 1 for me, I think was Economic History A2 with Mr Charlie Welstead. That weekend on the BBC was again not really altered to tie in with Valentines – Saturday on the Light Programme would have meant, “Saturday Club” with Brian Matthew, this week’s guests Gerry & The Pacemakers, the Four Pennies, Lulu, Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and Unit 4 plus 2. Lunchtime would have given us the Jack Jacksons “Record Roundabout” Later in the day you have had “Saturday Band Stand” with Crossley’s Carpet Works Band from Lancashire, at 4.30pm “Open House” with Desmond Carrington in control of the decks. In the early evening it was “Jazz Beat” with John Mayell & his Blues Breakers and Dickie Pride and The Sideswingers. The rest of the evening had a strong leaning to “The Old Time Days” in one form or another.
Sunday on the Light would have given the listeners the opportunity to hear – 10.30 “Easy Beat” with Keith Fordyce and The Johnny Howard Band plus records, “Two Way Family Favorites” was just that, and London Cologne linkup between UK and BAOR families and Friends.[If my experiences of the forces is anything to go on, they would most certainly celebrated Valentines Night – and perhaps the whole week] In that afternoon, the usual schedule would have included Al Read, Jimmy Clitheroe, Joe Brown & The Bruveers. 4.00pm Fluf would have been along with “Pick of the Pops”, and after this Peter Haigh with “Movie Go Round”, and this week the films would have included “The Spy that Came in from the cold” Richard Burton, Claire Bloom & Oskar Werner and “10 Little Niggers” Hugh Obrien and Shirley Eaton.
BBC TV on Saturday, Grandstand with the international Rugby England v Ireland, Dr Who, Juke Box Jury, and with this week’s guests Pete Murray, Lulu, Eddy Arnold and Peter Potter with Chairman David Jacobs. To continue, – Dixon of Dock Green and then – The Saturday Western – “The Last of The Mohicans” – Randolph Scott. At 8.00pm it was the Cathy Kirby Show with Nina & Frederik and Dave Allen. On Sunday some of the high lights would have been 12.30 The Universal Force –The Puzzle of Inertia – a pre Open University Lecture on science matters. At 1.30pm we had the Percy Thrower Gardening Programme. When you look back at these schedules from the time, and lot were geared towards education or improvement rather than entertainment. Later that afternoon Pinky & Perky. The Sunday evening film was Tyrone Power – Mississippi Gambler. This would have been followed with News and Dr Finley Casebook, and discussion style programmes till closedown. How things have changed in 50 years – now from about early January you get bombard with Valentines related advertising etc so when the 14th February arrives, all you can really say is – Thank goodness for that. It just leaves me to say, keep watch the Pier NOW in 2016, things are happening and May will soon be with us. Until next week, when we look back 50 years ago, keep warm, the forecasts give low temperatures. And take care of yourselves. Andre Palfrey-Martin ©2016
Life continues very much as before, it is now Saturday 22nd January 1966, in particular with the Happy Ballroom – Hastings Pier, nothing appears, and the ballroom is empty and cold. Bingo is still a regular event, and the accumulator paid out £2850.00.0d last week. This would represent a very large amount of money 50 years ago.
Friday night’s main event Ready Steady Go has on the bill this week – Donovan “Little Tin Soldier” Nashville Teens “The Hard Way” and Dusty “Little by Little” + Cathy and Keith and some records – so the show represents a good start to the week.
The Witch Doctor this Saturday presented The Mirage “must be touched to be believed” according to the press advert for that Saturday night, and supported by The Chaquitos plus records, all for 6/- with bar and food available. Sunday afternoon and Tuesday evening it’s the usual Record sessions, and Mid-week Rave Thursday Night with The Muscles Maxted Show featuring Steve “Carnaby Street”Maxted.7.30pm – 11.00pm and only half-a-crown!! 2/6d!! For those who remember old money.
For those who regularly tuned into Radio Caroline, we had some excitement in the week, when Caroline was blown ashore along Frinton Seashore on the night of 19th January; it would be several weeks before normal transmissions would be resumed. From all accounts it was a very lucky escape for all, as the ship Mi Amego beached between 2 groynes, as the Coast Guards were able to land some of the DJs and Crew despite the conditions.
Over on the BBC, the Light Programme 10.00am Saturday Club with Fontella Bass, Georgie Fame, Paul & Barry Ryan, Billie Davis, Keith Powell and the Checkmates. In the afternoon Jazz Beat featured Manfred Mann and The Grahams Bond Organisation. Home and Away in the evening from Minden, West Germany thanks to BFBS, featured Frankie Vaughan and The V Men plus Susan Maughan. 9.45pm Saturday Star this week was Perry Como. Late Night Saturday with Pete Murray, this week the feature artiste was Jack Jones.
Sunday morning 10.30 Easy Beat, 12noon Two Way Family Favourites – London and Cologne. 2.30pm The Joe Brown Show with guest Dickie Valentine. 4.00pm Pick of the Pops with “fluff”
Television, likewise followed a very usual programming, this week some of the features, again depending on your choices – Saturday, Grandstand followed by Juke Box Jury with David Jacobs in the chair, on the panel this week – Pete Cook, Bryan Forbes, Dudley Moore and Nanette Newman. 8.25pm The Kathy Kirby Show with guests Kenny Ball and his Jazz Men. Sunday highlights included 11.30 Forward in Retirement!!!. 2.45pm, FA Cup Special with Kenneth Wolstenholme. The film that evening “The Millionairess’” with Sophie Loren and Peter Sellers.
ON ITV one of the regular show – “Thank Your Lucky Stars” this week the line up included – Jim Dale: Swinging Blue Jeans: Herman’s Hermits: Patti & The Bluebells : Pinkertons Assorted Colours : Sandi Shaw & Julie Rogers.
Many thanks to the readers who get in touch with me and say how much they enjoy these weekly reports, they have changed from their original “History of The Happy Ballroom-Hastings Pier” intention as we have moved on, and life does not stand still. Also for those who send me little stories, snippets etc about specific acts that have appeared in Hastings. Until next week you all take care of yourselves, and fingers crossed that we do not get what is covering the Eastern Seaboard on The US. I have been in New York several times with students when snow has started, but nothing as bad as this weekend. Also I hope for all our sakes that it does not come across to the UK, rain possible which can be bad enough but snow – no thank you! Andre Palfrey-Martin ©2016
Jim Breeds… “Tony Blackburn and the other djs and crew were cold and wet, no doubt scared but amazingly all were rescued from the Mi Amigo by breeches buoy …
October can be a great month, and we have had a really fantastic few days this year, much of which I know you will already be talking about, but it does not seem to have been the same 50 years ago. We are going to look at the 2 weeks: 9th and 16th which nowadays line up very nicely with Hastings Week, but I do not recall much celebration all those years ago, I know some will say – Yes, but do not forget that we are getting worked up to the 900th anniversary of The Norman Invasion and subsequent battle next year in 1966. Here we go then with this episode of the History of The Happy Ballroom – Hastings Pier and it is Saturday 16th October 1965. The lights are OFF and nothing has happened over the past few weeks, I know that it is a crafty way for the Management to save on the electric by not having the large DANCING illuminations that we always so very easily to see from the promenade. But the truth is nothing is happening, and all the research of that immediate period has come up with nothing.
Both of the Friday nights had started off well with the London TV transmission of Ready Steady Go on Friday 8th the show had headlined with The Everly Brothers: “Love is Strange” amongst the numbers they included, also on the programme The Supremes and Peter & Gordon. Holding it all together were the regular presenters Keith and Cathy. On the following Friday 15th October – wow a great package Lulu & The Luvvers “ Try to understand”, Ben E King, Dusty “ Some of your Lovin”, Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames “Something”, The Fortunes “Here it comes again” and The Graham Bond Organisation. Linking the show together, Keith Fordyce and Cathy McGowan.
The Witch Doctor was playing low key at this time, because of some plans for the future and the refurbishment, Tony Powell and his team had been out seeking shrunken heads for the club décor, but were not getting many, perhaps Alan Jensen should have offered some free records from the Disc Jockey as an incentive. The line up was Saturday 9th October; double bill, George Bean and The Runners plus the Disciples and records for the rest of the week. Friday October 15th – The Symbols. On Saturday 16th Felders Orioles and supporting Dave and The Strollers, on the Friday Night 22nd Sons of Fred.
Even the radio and television was undergoing changes and some new programmes were being integrated into the schedule to offer variety. Some of the stalwarts remained. Saturday Club for example, on 9th October, Brian Matthew presented a good variety – The Searchers, Manfred Mann, Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, Don Charles, The Cherokees, Sharon Tandy. The following week the show came live from Copenhagen, and included The Swinging Blue Jeans, Pretty Things, Chris Barber Jazz Band, The Defenders, Peter Belli & The Rivals, Kjeld Ingridh and the New Danish Radio Band.
There was the usual mix of “Lance a Go Go”, “Fanfayre”, “The Folk Room”, on 16th at 4.00pm, they introduced a new Film based show “ Music from the Movies” with Desmond Carrington and later that evening an outside broadcast from The Ricky Tick Club in Windsor with Tony Hall introducing a very popular act who played the venue a lot – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames.
On Sunday, it was the usual mix of Keith Fordyce with Easy Beat at10.31am after the Sunday Service at12 noon – Family Favourites from Cologne and London. “Movie Go Round” on 16th featured “Darling” with Lawrence Harvey, Dirk Bogarde and Julie Christie and always in the right place, that you could set your watch 4.00pm “Pick of The Pops” with dear old Fluff.
Television featured a lot more drama and variety shows than today, however the musical side included the regular” Juke Box Jury” with David Jacobs and his panel of hit/miss makers on the 9th, they were Louise Cordet, Julie Felix, Lance Percival and Leslie Phillips. The following week it was Denny Piercy, Gene Pitney, Marian Ryan and Ginette Spaniel. Not to be outdone. Over on ITV or ABC to be precise – had” Thank Your Lucky Stars” introduced by Jim Dale [Brian Matthew was taking a break] and that would have included a good lively mix of recording arties from both sides of the Atlantic, with dear old Janice “I’ll give it Five” on the show.
On Saturday 16th October, live from Brighton you had The Conservative Party Conference with political reporters, you may remember – Ian Trethowan and Robin Day, but that was only limited to a report on the final day, how things have changed.
This last Saturday in Hastings – 2015 – was the Bonfire Celebrations, and back in the 1960s, they were also celebrated, and I can recall that we would have had Battle, Hastings and Rye possibly on the same night, which was a little disappointing if you had wanted to get to more than one. I am not sure if they would have been “political” as today, but that does make them much more interesting.
The next episode of the History of the Happy Ballroom – Hastings Pier, I very much hope will include something different for a change, I would have thought that the patrons missed the venue and their friends? Time will tell. Till next week you all take care, remember the clocks go back next Sunday morning, and it will be darker getting about, so make sure that you can be seen!!
Andre Palfrey-Martin ©2015
With the August Bank Holiday behind us, we are now in September 1965, and many are looking forward to the autumn. The Happy Ballroom on Hastings Pier, still has a couple of weeks to run with the Old Time Musicals, but the regular weekly Wrestling season has ended.
Our Friday favourites – Ready Steady Go has just started its 3rd Season on Friday last – the line up included Cathy McGowan and Keith Fordyce, providing the musical entertainment: The Zombies “Whenever You’re Ready”: Honeycombs “That’s the Way” : Who “ My Generation & Dancing In the Street”: The Walker Brothers ”Make it easy on Yourself” also appearing Big Dee Irwin and The Rolling Stones.
The Witch Doctor started as busy week of live groups – Saturday It was The Ides of March plus The Group Survival. Sunday Club featured from Brighton the Shelley. Tuesday night it was a special night with Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Friday it was the return of one of the south’s most popular local groups The Confederates.
BBC Radio :Saturday-Light programme. 10.00am Saturday Club, with the Kinks, Chubby Checker, Honey Combs, Elkie Brooks, The Small Faces & The Brian Fahey Orchestra, this week Don Moss is compere for the day.12.00noon Lance A Go Go. 12.30 – Wynter in Swingtime – Mark Winter and The Big Band Sound with Tommy Watt and special guest – WOUT STEENHUIS. 1.15PM Its Murrey Kash Country Music. 2.00pm Fanfayre The New Radio Orchestra with Malcolm Lockyer, Andy Cole, The Overlanders, Rawicz & Landover and the Rita Williams Singers. 4.00pm Its Folk Room this week Donovan, the Settlers, Big Jim Sullivan
Sunday included Easy Beat [10.30] Three Way Family Favourites – London: Koln: and Malta from RAF Luqa BFPO 51. 3.00pm Move Go Round featured “ Operation CrossBow” with Sophie Loren, George Peppard, Trevor Howard, John Mills & Richard Johnson, also a special on Terry Thomas. This was followed at 4.00pm with TOTP.
BBC TV over the weekend included Saturday 5.15pm Juke Box Jury with David Jacobs, Victor Borge, Helen Cherry, Adam Faith and Sandie Shaw. 10.00pm: Oscar Brown Jnr in concert. Sunday featured Noggin the Prince of Nogs amongst the regular programmes.
On ITV Thank Your Lucky Stars – Jim Dale, Chubby Checker, Herman’s Hermits, Rolling Stones, Lulu, Unit 4+2.
That was the week that we saw the end of the summer season, well almost, the White Rock Pavilion show has a couple of weeks to run, many of us who were at college were thinking of returning, or in some instance starting new courses or even starting work. What would the future hold for us? Would we see The Happy Ballroom again being a focal of entertainments for our generation? Time will tell, until the Take Care and enjoy the autumn.
Andre Palfrey-Martin ©2015