Illustrated Talk by David Rose on Guildford’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Years

Published on: 8 Oct, 2014
Updated on: 8 Oct, 2014

Guildford band the Stormsville Shakers.

Join noted local historian and Guildford Dragon writer David Rose for an illustrated talk all about Guildford in the 1950s and 60s – the town’s rock ‘n’ roll years.

The talk is on Thursday, October 16, at 2pm, at the Holiday Inn, Egerton Road, Guildford, and is a fund raising event for the Guildford & Godalming branch of the British Heart Foundation.

The talk will focus on events and life in Guildford over the two decades when youth culture first began and flourished. Using pictures from David’s archive collection, it will be a memorable and nostalgic trip looking at events such as Guildford’s celebrations of the coronation of Elizabeth II, shops in the town, and the Friary Meux brewery.

Following an interval for tea and cake, the talk will continue with a look at cinemas and entertainment venues. Then on to the bands that were on the local music scene at the time (from skiffle to rock ‘n’ rollers) and the places they played, along with the professional bands that appeared at venues such as the Ricky-Tick Club at the Plaza, and the now legendary artists such as Cliff Richard and the Shadows, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, all who played in Guildford as they were becoming famous.

Poster from Guildford’s Ricky-Tick club

David is also a guitarist and singer, and the organiser of the event, Shirley West, has asked him to bring his guitar to play out the afternoon with a couple of songs from the era.

If you have some pictures from the time, take them along too!

Tickets on the door at £6, or call Shirley West on 01483 563071, to reserve yours.

Posters for the Beatles’ concerts in Guildford in 1963

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