FOLLOWING a report on music memories of the 1960s, John Crowder has been in touch with the following memories.
“I was intrigued to see Martin Ricketts’ report on his recall of his memories of music acts of the 1960s.
“Dick Delmont and the Strangers played at our evening wedding reception on April 4th 1964 at Corsham Community Centre, with the line-up of drums Mike Hyde/Dave Chave, bass guitar John Stenner, rhythm Brian Pinnock, lead Vaughn Lipscombe, vocalist Richard Crowder.
“The Four Specs from Box who regularly performed at the Bingham Hall, Box, were Geoff Bray Mel Bush, Dave Golver and Rodney Brickell. When Dave Golver left to get married, Basil Bird took his place.
“Prior to the Four Specs they were known as the Woodchucks. In 1965 the Four Specs turned professional and changed their name to The Gonks – by this time well-known Melksham drummer, Trevor Laws, had joined the band.
“Arthur Larkin, who ran Boxfields Community Centre, regularly on a Friday night had groups from the Bristol area, such as Johnny Carr and the Cadillacs, Dean Prince and the Dukes, Pete Budd and the Rebels. Pete Budd is now with the Wurzels. I also remember 3 of Clubs who performed regularly at Bromham Social Club and 4 of Hearts – I remember seeing them at Melksham Cons Club.”
“Detours who performed regularly in the Chippenham, Corsham, Melksham venues.
“As Martin Ricketts said, you were spoilt for choice with the venues locally.
“A typical week for Trish and myself would be:
Monday; Paul’s Pops Melksham when a coach from Corsham was full up every week.
Wednesday; Corsham Community Centre
Thursday; Bath Pavilion
Friday; Boxfields Community Centre
Saturday; Neeld Hall Chippenham.
“Some great times were had and very special memories
“I know there are plenty more people in Melksham who enjoyed the 60s music – perhaps you can send in your memories to the Melksham News
“A memory that does stick in my mind were the dances run by Terry Sims and Pete Growco which were held at Melksham House (The Golden Oldies). Queues started an hour before the start and from the very first record played until the last record (Save The Last Dance For Me), the dance floor was always packed.
“Great times, fantastic and fond memories.”
John and Trish Crowder
