Pete Rosco

I have just read Paul Swarbricks account of when he was working on Whitworth St in Manchester and how he used to go to Takis at lunchtime and enjoy the music. I was really pleased to read that as I was the DJ during those lunchtime sessions. As well as the lunchtime sessions I also did Top of the Town,and Rowntrees in the evenings.

I have to admit that of the 2 venues I preferred to DJ at TOTT. The atmosphere was always great and it was full most nights. My djing began at Takis when I was asked one evening by Mr Paul if I would basically just go on stage and play some records as the then DJ Paul Pender had phoned in sick. That was me hooked then. I used to get £2 per evening (plus free drinks from the bar staff that he didnt know about. We used to call it National Health time, when I wanted a drink I would play a record with some references to nurse/doctors, the bar staff then knew what was required. Great memories.

The idea of lunchtime openings came about because I was a trainee sales rep working in Manchester selling Cash Registers and I always had freedom to come and go. So I suggested to Mr Paul we should give it a try. After a slow start, not sure even then people were used to lunchtime disco music, it really took off. Fridays was always very busy and the lunchtimes helped to promote the evenings so he was very happy. 

Does anyone recall the Miss Supertakis beauty contest that we had, I arranged that together with Mr Paul Partakis who was the Manager and part of the family that owned the group of clubs.
  
I have fantastic memories of my time in 60s Manchester.