Possible former location of Dickens, Oldham Street. (c) www.dickensclub.co.uk.
This gay bar / club was was on Oldham Street in the 1970s and '80s. On the recently created website, Dickens Club is described as 74a Oldham Street, which - if the numbering system is correct - is actually this building on the left (No.72 is clearly shown on the right), a couple of doors up from the Castle (No.66).
Possible former location of Dickens, 74a Oldham Street. (c) googlemaps..
Building on the left in the 2nd picture..
ReplyDeleteThrough the door and up the stairs.
Seems like only yesterday.
x
do you have any pics from dickens i lived in rochdale and i went there with friends every weekend,my email is jayelooo@yahoo.co.uk
DeleteDickens was not just a club for “gay” people, it catered for differing people both young or old, gay or straight from the community.
ReplyDeleteThere was always to be found a strong bond of friendship between the different clientele.
You entered the establishment by a set of steep stairs and as I recall a pay booth.
Followed on your right was a pool table and kitchen, the bar, DJ, dance floor and two toilets.
Brian was the proprietor.
David was the licencee and Christine the bar manager. Margaret at one time was also bar manager.
Tinker Bell (a Liverpudlian) was at one time the DJ.
When David sadly passed away, as a cause of a fatal accident, his funeral service was held within Manchester Cathedral.
Good place, good people.
DeleteHad many a fine night in there
ReplyDeleteWhat a great club was in there every weekend with my auntie doreen and her son mark
DeleteWish it was sill thire I loved dickens in manchester xxxx daid was my best friend xxxx
DeleteAnthony albinson xxxx
DeleteUse to work in dickens club in manchester
ReplyDeleteHad some brilliant nights there with my mam and sister's oh and not forgetting my dear friend Edith.
ReplyDeletehad some great times in there my brother was a doorman there his name was Brian
DeleteUsed to be glass collector there early 80s, good club.
ReplyDeleteDave was manager there at time. Wow such a long time ago, great times.
Do you remember Mrs bridges
DeleteBrian was the owner when we used to go in the early 90s. We was on the pool team but rarely won. Always treated us all to a drink after pool night. I worked there for a couple of months mainly in the kitchen. Was gay friendly but drew in punters of all backgrounds with its cheesy music & cheap drinks. Used to have stripper Tuesday where you paid £2 & a female & male stripper did a show. Apart from Brian, the scouse drag dj, dark haired transexual on coat collection, Scottish doorman & Jay the doorman I don't remember anyone else. Anyone with pics or stories feel free to email me neilprivate1234@gmail.com , Neil Degg
ReplyDeleteDo you remember Mrs bridges in the kitchen
DeleteI used to go to dickens most weekends in the late 80's,a group of us would have a few drink's in Denton,then make our way to the club,,never saw a fight in there and had many good night's.
ReplyDeleteGladys and Glyniss ( mother and daughter) ran the cloakrrom
ReplyDeleteRemember them both well I went in 4 or 5 times a week.
ReplyDeleteGladys and her daughter.