St Paul's Youth Club (Francis St, Monton Eccles)

In 1960 I became a member of St Paul's YC, Francis St, Monton Eccles, which was principally run by Ben Williams and Bob Holman. At that time Robert Powell was a member of the club, until going on to greater things.

As a means of raising revenue, the club launched a series of dances, which became ever more popular.

I would say at that time we were one of the most successful amateur operations in quite a large area, and must not be confused with Eccles YC, Chadwick Rd, Eccles. All the dances were a sell-out.

As you can see by the extensive information I have supplied, the main venue was Eccles Town Hall, and the most popular group was Johnny Martin and The Paiges. I recall a gig at the Drill Hall Clifton where Ricky and Dane Young played.

The YC was closed down, unfairly, by the then vicar, Edward Ingham, and some of the members went on to establish the Phoenix YC in premises at Egerton St, Winton, Eccles

Albert Beckett - 11/3/10