Back Down Memory Lane To Guildford’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Years

Published on: 16 Oct, 2014
Updated on: 16 Oct, 2014

More than 100 people enjoyed an afternoon of nostalgia taking a trip back down memory lane to the 1950s and 60s – when rock ‘n’ roll came to Guildford.

And there was even some rockin’ music from the era as a special finale.

Johnny Kelly, David Rose and Mick Douglas rounded off the afternoon with some songs - Hey Good Lookin', The Wanderer, Ticket To Ride and I Saw Here Standing There.

Johnny Kelly, David Rose and Mick Douglas rounded off the afternoon with some songs – Hey Good Lookin’, The Wanderer, Ticket To Ride and I Saw Her Standing There.

The event, on Thursday, October 16, at the Holiday Inn in Guildford, was hosted by the Guildford and Godalming branch of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and a whopping £720 was raised for its funds to buy vital medical equipment.

Local historian and Dragon NEWS writer David Rose presented the afternoon with an illustrated talk on Guildford during those decades when ‘youth culture’ came to the fore.

He showed many photos of Guildford people during the town’s celebrations for the Queen’s coronation in 1953, photos of shops in the town back then as well as entertainment venues such as cinemas, and of course the places that hosted local bands.

The audience loved the live music!

His talk also featured some of those groups, starting with skiffle and the Doolahats, through to rock ‘n’ rollers such as the Tropics, the Astolats, the Switch, the Crescendos, the Bumblies and the most popular local band around here in the 1960s – the Stormsville Shakers.

There was also a look at the big names who played in Guildford back then – Cliff Richard, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, among others.

The Mayor of Guildford, David Elms, pictured in a classic American car parked out the Holiday Inn by owner Rockin’ Roy Hunt.

Many of those present added their memories as the afternoon progressed. Special guests included the Mayor of Guildford, David Elms, and his wife, Wendy.

As a special finale, David introduced Guildford music ‘legends’ Mick Douglas and Johnny Kelly, and the three of them played out with some songs from the era – of which the audience loved, clapping and singing along, and some even getting up to dance.

Shirley West just had to have a set in the car - she even got a lift him by owner Roy. He says it's available for hire for weddings, etc.

Shirley West just had to have a sit in Roy’s car – she even got a lift him by him! He says it’s available for hire for weddings, etc.

The chairman of the Guildford and Godalming branch of the BHF, Shirley West (one of those who danced) was delighted with the afternoon that also featured a raffle with lots of prizes.

Afterwards Shirley said: It was fabulous – David, you’re a star. I have had many phone calls this evening saying how much everyone loved it. Thank you again.”

Shirley also thanks the staff at the Holiday Inn whose assistance helped to make the event such a memorable afternoon.

David said: “I have to say it was a brilliant afternoon. Only the day before did I ask Mick and Johnny (who I knew were coming anyway) to come up and sing some songs with me. It was an honour to play with two guys who were at the forefront of rock ‘n’ roll when it came to Guildford.

“They have recently reformed their original band – now going under the name of the Rockin’ Crescendos. Look out for them as they are now gigging in the area.”

Rocking’ Crescendos Johnny Kelly and Mick Douglas with their guitars.

Responses to Back Down Memory Lane To Guildford’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Years

Andrew Backhurst Reply

October 17, 2014 at 10:13 pm

I believe The Clash played a gig in Guildford in their early years before they found fame. Any idea where and when they played?
Les Owen Reply

October 26, 2014 at 12:54 pm

Fantastic! What a delight to see and read (with some emotion) the rock ‘n’ roll feature.

The Doolahats Skiffle Group was my intro to those fabulous times…..together with Claud Wilkins, Mike Lampard, Stan Newman, Chris Arkle and Roger “Sammy” Searle, we enjoyed those musical interludes.

Following this was the “big one”…meeting up with an old school mate by the name of John Kelly.
enter Johnny Kelly and the Crescendos, what a great time we all had. John on lead guitar, Dave Brice on rhythm guitar, myself on double bass initially but “graduated” to bass guitar, Laurie “Charlie” Way on drums,followed by Ken Pate later on, John Moon on piano and Tony Spencer on vocals.
Gigs included playing at the TWO I’s (anticipating discovery) as well as Guildford Plaza.
Do you remember Vince Taylor? Also Sandfield Terrace (good old Sid Norris), Dorking Halls, several youth clubs as well as private dinner/dance functions. All this time of course having taken the advice from Chris Allen, the well known and respected dance band leader, to ensure our membership of the Musicians’ Union was valid.

My departure from the Crescendos followed a highlight of our performances thus far, when we were invited to perform on stage as an audition at the Guildford Odeon, following a Chris Barber concert. We were all pleasantly surprised at the turn out of our supporters who cheered us on. “We got the job” so to speak, which meant turning professional with immediate effect.

The first engagement was to be in Germany (if I remember correctly). My decision was to stay in Guildford and continue with my “proper job”. The rest for me is history, so you can imagine how I felt when seeing again after so many, many years, John sharing the stage with Mick Douglas, who in my days on the scene, played with Chris Crinnel in a “rival” group Great, great days.

Living in Spain for the last 11 years, married 50 years ago at Stoughton’s Emmanuel Church to Jenny. Yes, that same gorgeous young lady who shared those rock ‘n roll times.

Please pass on to John and all others who may wish to be remembered. I would really love to hear from all of you. What about Onslow Village Football Club with Andy Morgan our super coach?

Will stop now, before going down many other roads from my deep roots.

To you, David Rose, a big thank you for bringing back some fabulous memories.
- Paula Spencer Reply
  
  March 4, 2015 at 3:05 pm
  
  Tony Spencer was my dad, I wish I’d known about this, would have loved to have been there!