HOW IT ALL BEGAN

About Me

I was born in 1961 in a town called Ormskirk, which lies 12 miles to the West of Wigan. I guess soul music was in my blood, my father who was a merchant seaman sailing out of Liverpool, used to travel to the USA in the 1950's and as a child growing up he would regail us with his stories of the nightlife in New York and seeing his own idol, Nat King Cole, live on stage on Broadway.

Living in a town in the North West of England the soul scene in my local area had really took off, Manchester and The Twisted Wheel was less than an hour away and Blackpool a little further.

It was in the early 1970's that my older sister and future brother in law, were taking coach trips to Blackpool Mecca every Saturday evening, and it was they who bought me my first soul record at Christmas in 1969, Motown Chartbusters Vol 3 and then a year later the box set of The Motown Story. And so my love of soul music began.

Fast forward 5 or so years, and The Civic Hall in Ormskirk, was starting it's Northern Soul nights (which allowed under 18's in as there was no alcohol being served), with the local DJ's called The International Road Show. On a Friday and Saturday 'The Civic' drew crowds from miles around with the highlight being in 1976 when they had The Exciters play live on stage at a Sunday all-dayer!

Next came my first visit to the cathedral of Northern Soul, The Wigan Casino. I went with a mate of mine called Mark Hinchliffe. He even lent me a pair of his three button waistband bags to wear. I told my mum I was staying at his house after going to a party, instead we caught the last bus to Wigan and my soul journey had well and truly started!

I can still remember that night as I pushed and shoved my way into The Casino, crapping myself as a short, young looking 16 year old that I wouldn't get in! However, once in, I was immediately intoxicated by the smells, the heat, the sweat, the magical rhythm of the music and the most amazing dancers. I was well and truly hooked.

And that's what brought me here to the creation of this website, and the founding of the Thames Valley Soul Club. I want to share this culture with as many people as I can, and through our Soul Club, hold joyous events where people come, listen to the music, dance their socks off and go home thinking how great a time they have had!

Keep The Faith!

Pete Longden Founder - Thames Valley Soul Club