The Ark - Soul Night - Late Sixties

Chris M · 15-07-2004, 08:28

Talking with some old mates a few weeks ago.
We were all into Soul Music in the late Sixties.

One night we heard of a Soul Night at a place called the ARK
somewhere in the Netherthorpe area.

Went a few times - they played some good music.
In fact everytime I hear "I Thank You" by Sam & Dave I think
of the place.

But we turned up one Friday night and depite the posters it was
closed.

I think it was in a Church Hall , anyone else recall this venue ?

docmel · 15-07-2004, 10:30

Yep I remember The Ark.

It was located on Roebuck Road which is just off Crookesmoor Road.

I used to go most weeks as I only lived round the corner

You are right it was the church hall belonging to St. Nathanials Church next door.

If I remember it closed down cus the neighbours complained about the noise or something.

Mark

Chris M · 15-07-2004, 13:01

Thanks Mark ,
Wonder if the Church is still standing ?

Or did the Foundations weaken the foundations !!!

I'll get me coat

cheers Chris

holberry · 06-01-2005, 19:56

hi , i rember the ark very well up the road from my old school crookesmoore quite often had live bands promoted by the metcalf twins ( early versions of the stringfellows ) not quite as successful. we used go every friday on our lambretta`s listen to the first spot nip down to the ashberry pub for quick under age half of beer

docmel · 07-01-2005, 05:22

The Metcalf twins - what happened to them?

They used to live opposite the hall if I remember correctly

I went to Crookesmoor school with their younger brother, Tim.

holberry · 07-01-2005, 16:26

Quote:

Originally posted by docmel
The Metcalf twins - what happened to them?

They used to live opposite the hall if I remember correctly

I went to Crookesmoor school with their younger brother, Tim.

they got a part in tin tin i think " oh no that was the thompson twins

17-01-2005, 10:41

Must have been in the Ark about the same time as Chis M as I thank you reminds me of it too.also Revolution by the Beatles [Not very souly] and' Its getting mighty crowded' by Betty Everette

Does any remember someone called Sebastian who people used to take the P... out who used to dance on stage.

Anyone remember the Speakeasy at Darnall

Chris M · 17-01-2005, 11:23

I can recall a few dancers who fancied themselves
at the Ark. As at all venues some were good and others
thought they were.
I was a crap dancer - and I knew it - so I was a watcher !

Thev only "dancer" from the Ark I remember was a tall
blonde guy who attracted a lot of female attention.

Some good music played though.

Take me bak -great days.

17-01-2005, 12:20

Tall blonde guy at Ark was probably called Curly. I dont know his real name but I do remember him getting a good seeing to by one of 'The Darnall Mob' at the Speakeasy in Darnall

desy · 07-05-2005, 12:27

Paul lived and probably still does up Killamarsh. He managed Admiral juniors football teamabout 10 years ago.

Bushbaby · 10-05-2005, 11:02

Great days at the Ark. Lots of fun and good music. Northern Soul and Motown primarily. There was also games and competitions which kept the mood high.
I recall one occasion when the DJ offered a prize for the first pair of knickers to be brought to him up on the stage. I think Susan Atherton won it.

WesM · 11-05-2005, 09:08

Quote:

Originally posted by docmel
The Metcalf twins - what happened to them?

They used to live opposite the hall if I remember correctly

I went to Crookesmoor school with their younger brother, Tim.

I'm Peter Metcalfe's son, Just printed this thread for him, sure he'll be posting on here soon.

BTW Tim now run's a pub!

docmel · 11-05-2005, 09:25

Quote:

Originally posted by WesM
I'm Peter Metcalfe's son, Just printed this thread for him, sure he'll be posting on here soon.

BTW Tim now run's a pub!

WesM

I dont live in Sheff now - but where is the pub?

(Pm me if you don't want to give details here )

WesM · 11-05-2005, 12:14

Quote:

Originally posted by docmel
WesM

I dont live in Sheff now - but where is the pub?

(Pm me if you don't want to give details here )

The pub is at a place called Barnetby Le Wold. It's about a half hour - 45mins drive from Sheffield.

He's been there a few years now, he's married..two daughters etc etc.

I take it you're an old friend?

docmel · 11-05-2005, 14:22

Quote:

Originally posted by WesM
The pub is at a place called Barnetby Le Wold. It's about a half hour - 45mins drive from Sheffield.

He's been there a few years now, he's married..two daughters etc etc.

I take it you're an old friend?

I knew Tim when we went to Crookesmoor School and then Myers Grove. - I used to live in the corner shop just down from the school opposite the Ashberry Pub - my name is Mark

Andy M · 19-02-2011, 23:00

Hi,

I see the last post on this blog was 2005.-----

I was "Andrew" in the mid/late sixties.

A founder member of the Ark; I am now 59!

I was one of three main DJ's. Paul, Neville and me.

Paul was Mowtown, I was what was to become Northern Soul plus a bit of mad stuff including Ska. Nev was genius but died young.

Tim was but a young lad. Landlord now?

My tinkering was mainly to do with noise and lights their.

Lots to say but down to you guys to ask the questions!

Andy

Bushbaby · 02-04-2012, 07:01

Great article about "The Ark" in "Dirty Stop-Out's guide to the 60s" by Neil Anderson

Alma71 · 09-04-2012, 15:34

I used to go to the ark on fridays & saturdays in the late 60s & loved it! I still live at walkley.

geotom · 10-04-2012, 21:06

A group of us from the Grimesthorpe area used to go Friday nights, I remember a band that used to play there 'Love or Confusion' I think the lead guitarist was Phil Brody, used to do Jimmy Hendrix numbers, and play the guitar behind his neck, as Jimmy did. I pass where the Ark was quite often, certainly brings back memories.

LA Blade · 23-04-2012, 23:53

Wow, I use to go there in the late 60's. I remember they gave you a hand-stamp and then we would take off and buy some barley wines from a local beer off. Then get back and dance to soul music and Mungo Jerry? In fact I met me first girl friend there - o boy :-)