THE UK CABARET CLUBLAND PAGE
Here is our regular look at happening nationally on the community social club scene. Gathered and collated by Mark Ritchie.
BELFAST DOCKERS STRUGGLE
A downturn in footfall in the immediate area has forced the legendary Dockers club in Belfast to fear for its future. The iconic venue was once a hot-bed of sporting activity and entertainment. Club officials are now busy attempting to secure new premises for this once thriving venue.
MANOR CLUB GONE
City road in Sheffield was once famed for its three neighbouring clubs, but now under one remains. Arundel club is still very much alive and kicking, despite the recent loss of Park and Arbourthorne club. Now it has emerged that the third of the once thriving City Road clubs, Manor Social club has been demolished after a fire ravaged the premises last month.
GEORDIE FAVOURITES
Newcastle RAOB, which is known locally at Heaton Buffs Club, has again been named in the top five of social clubs in the North-East of England. The venue is known to host some top live bands and other attractions. Newcastle Labour Club and Tyneside Irish Centre are amongst other top clubs mentioned in the list, which was compiled by a well-known leisure website operator.
BLACKPOOL H&A
The Hotels and Apartments Club has emerged as one of the favourite venues of Fylde Coast Clubland people. Known locally as the H&A Club, this venue has retained the services of a live band to back visiting cabaret acts. This is attributed by some as one of the main reasons for the club’s continued success. Clubland favourite Sheila Diamond, who was featured as a guest recently on the BBC Radio breakfast show with broadcaster Scott Mills, is set to appear again on her regular shows during summer and autumn this year.
CLUBLAND AGENTS STEP BACK FROM PERFORMING
Ashley Wheelhouse and Harry Heywood are two agents who operate heavily in the Clubland sector from their base in Yorkshire. The pair, who work under the banner of Ricky Graham Leisure, have been appearing as a guitar/vocal duo up until recently. Humorously known as The Secret Agents, the pair found considerable success, but recently they decided to step back from the gigs and focus on their successful entertainment agency business.
SUPPORT FROM THE C&IU
We are pleased to report that leading figures within the Club and Institute Union have pledged to join our growing subscriber list. We are delighted to welcome all new supporters to our publishing brand, but it goes without saying that subscribers from this prestigious umbrella organisation for community clubs across the UK are of special value to us.
We are always on the lookout for Clubland people who would like to write something of their own experiences for this page. If you have a Clubland story to tell, or if you would care to contribute a little more regularly, we want to hear from you. Please e-mail the editor at mark.ritchie@ukcabaret.com
