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Birmingham Nightclubs of the Past - Memories

  • Thread starter Thread starter mazbeth
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Good morning Maurice - yes I did collect a few cards in those days from places I visited! Seems another lifetime now though.

Judy
 
Hello Judy,

Slightly off topic, but if you remember the jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra, who had a hit with "Morning Dance" in the 1970s, they're still going after more than two dozen albums and are playing London (Under the Bridge) on 2nd November, Manchester (Northern College of Music) on 3rd, and Birmingham Town Hall on 4th. I hope to catch them in Luxembourg on the 7th on my way back to Crete.

Maurice
 
Thanks for the information Maurice. I have heard of the group and Morning Dance, and am sure you will enjoy their concert in Luxenbourg. Don't think I will be in Brum to catch them at the Town Hall.

Judy
 
If we went to a club it was normally Millionaires, there was also one near 5 ways but i cant remember what it was called.
 
Talking of clubs and small dance halls, did any of you go to Laura Dixons in Navigation Street? I used to go about 1960. It was upstairs above Chetwyns mens shop. Lovely little place.
WendyP
 
wendyP said:
Talking of clubs and small dance halls, did any of you go to Laura Dixons in Navigation Street? I used to go about 1960. It was upstairs above Chetwyns mens shop. Lovely little place.
WendyP
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I went there with my, (then), girlfriend. The dancing teacher was trying to teach me the "Cha Cha" and other dances. I was absolutely useless !
I had my wedding suit made at Chetwyns too.
 
Back in September of last year there was some discussion about the Moat House Club in Bradford Street in the 60's. Nobody was able to come up with a full photo of the frontage. Well this photo is from 1957 and shows the front of the premises when it was for sale, it must have been before it was purchased and converted into a nightclub.
 

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:afro:the american military used the casino in the 50s corparation st opposite lewis's, 1 yank and they're off.:afro:
 
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Can anyone remember the name of the night club just of Navigation street, you went upstairs to get in, my friend and I went to Georgie Fame there.
 
I think you mean Laura Dixons which was above Chetwyns mens shop at the top of Navigation Street. We went jiving there often in the early 60's. Great times.
 
Yes and hi everyone it was the whiskey a go go. Navigation Street , up the stairs if they would let you in? George Fame was there many times. There is a blog and separate thread on this site. Icon of a club in the mid 60's.
 
Matelot

Are you sure you don't mean The Ridgway Georgian that was at the top of Park Avenue?
 
Phil ,
Yet again you are bang on it was the ridgeway you total amaze me you must have an electronic brain
Super brain, have a good evening Phil keep them coming,,, Alan,,,,,,Astonian,,,,,,
 
Phil said:
Matelot

Are you sure you don't mean The Ridgway Georgian that was at the top of Park Avenue?
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The name Ridgeway Georgian also rings a bell but I think it was Knickers before or became The Ridgeway Georgian after, but would not swear to in a Court of law as time erases but definatlty was Knickers at some stage, just to confuse matters next door to the RAF club used to be home to a club called ' The Oasis ' bar opposite what is now the FCH social club
 
matelot

At the top of Park Avenue at number 117 Soho Hill was the Ridgeway Ballroom Dancing School which became the Ridgeway Georgian Club, on the other corner was the Birmingham Flying Club & the RAF Association at number 119. A couple of doors away at number 125 was the Sahara Club for a while I think prior to this it was a sports & social club. What they became later I have no idea as by the early 70's my night club days had finished. Though I can tell you Bloomers was located at the Swan Centre Yardley.
 
Thanks for reminding me about the RAF Club on Soho Hill by Park Avenue. I didn't know the number in Soho Hill but I lived only a few minute's walk away and I can remember my Dad talking about it. He was in the Royal Flying Corps in WW1. Another memory from a long time ago ........

Judy
 
Jayell said:
Thanks for reminding me about the RAF Club on Soho Hill by Park Avenue. I didn't know the number in Soho Hill but I lived only a few minute's walk away and I can remember my Dad talking about it. He was in the Royal Flying Corps in WW1. Another memory from a long time ago ........

Judy
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My late Father in Law, John Goodall was a regular there despite been a 'Pongo' ( soldier ), he was also at one time manager of Wineways on the Soho Rd, another regular was the Vicar Father Price, of St Michaels church, he became Cannon Price on his retirement, and lived in Brosil Ave, Handswoth Wood
 
Yes thanks for correction on the Sarah Club, and I knew that it was Bloomers or Knickers at Yardley, just could not remember which way round, thanks for clarifying, and yes the RAF club became Rafters not sure what if anything it is today.
 
Matelot you are quiet correct. "Nickers" club was held in the "Ridgeway Georgian" on Sunday nights, every week. And a great night it was too! Seen a couple of live bands there as well. Do you remember the DJ, Christo? Happy day's.


matelot said:
The name Ridgeway Georgian also rings a bell but I think it was Knickers before or became The Ridgeway Georgian after, but would not swear to in a Court of law as time erases but definatlty was Knickers at some stage, just to confuse matters next door to the RAF club used to be home to a club called ' The Oasis ' bar opposite what is now the FCH social club
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Locarno to Tudor Club to The Moat House or West End ballroom to Bermuda Club. Remember the Casino dance hall back of Lewis's. The Ritz at Kings Heath and her sister club at Handsworth (can't remember name) The tower ballroom and of course dancing at Smethwick baths. Jazz at Sparkhill plus Golden Eagle, Hill street....always plenty places to go for good night out yes dont forget the Night Out. Happy memories.
 
Hi Cleetie. How nice to hear that someone used to go to the same clubs/dances as I did back in the late 50s/early60s! I used to go to all the same places and loved those days! The dance hall in Handsworth that you were trying to remember was the Plaza in Rookery Road. I went to the Bermuda/Moat House/Tudor Bar at the Locarno/Casino/Ritz/Plaza back then - maybe even at the same time as you.

Judy
 
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