Chelmsford Corn Exchange (1)(1)

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Chelmsford Corn Exchange
 
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Remembering the Corn Exchange by John Power
 
 
Remembering the Corn Exchange In the early '70s Rock journalist Chris Welch fell asleep on a train to London after attending a gig atEssex University. He was stirred from his slumbers by a station public address system announcing “This is Chelmsford; this isChelmsford.” This set his mind wandering into reverie as to what this sleepy commuter town was like. The gig he had been to wasobviously not worth writing about as when he did write in Melody Maker the following week his mental meanderings about the CountyTown of Essex, which he had never visited, filled his column. Very amusing it was too: without ever having been there he managed toprofile the commuter slumberland exactly.
What Chris did not know was that only a few years previously there had been a thriving music scene which would have the localsreminiscing beyond the Millenium. This scene, 'the Saturday Scene', took place in the old Corn Exchange building that stood facingTindal Square where the Chancellor Hall and Co-op food store stand today, and was heralded each week by dayglo silk- screenposters slapped on derelict shop fronts. Having lost it's use to the agricultural community, the Corn Exchange still remained as amassive hall that was used for anything from Flower Festivals to Wrestling Matches.
It was to a local wrestler, Bob Archer, that the venue owed it's growth in popularity to the younger generation. It had seen a few gigsafter the original 50's Rock Explosion, by the likes of Screamin' Lord Sutch and the Savages, and lesser known Beat groups like BernElliot and the Fenmen, who had done early Beatles covers. But Bob ran the Cromwellian night club in London and was well connectedwith all the happening club acts and set about bringing them to the mohair suited, fishtail parka wearing, chromed scooter ridinggeneration of the original Mods.
Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames were resident band at Wardour Street's Flamingo Club. The band and derivatives like Zoot Money'sBig Roll , Chris Farlowe and the Thunderbirds and Geno Washington and his Ram Jam Band were regulars, in between charting bandslike the Animals, Small Faces, and Spencer Davis Group with teenage prodigy Steve Winwood, all who were guaranteed to fill the halland raise the roof. The Who were also regulars and represented the Marquee Club's more electric, rather than Jazz or Soul orientatedsounds. They even played in Chelmsford when they were still called the High Numbers. All-nighter club circuit stalwarts like JohnMayall's Bluesbreakers and the Graham Bond Organisation that spawned Fleetwood Mac and Cream, who also played there, could berelied on to turn in excellent performances. Long John Baldry grew out of Blues pioneer's Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated into hisHoochie Coochie Men, and then after discovering Rod Stewart joined him and the Brian Auger Trinity and Julie Driscoll in a soulreview called Steampacket: a format Rod repeated with Beryl Marsden in Shotgun Express. Elton John was Bluesology's piano player.Pop names like the Hollies and even Herman's Hermits turned up at least once. Lulu was still belting out the Blues with her Luvverswhen she played there. Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood was with his brother Art's Artwoods and Creation for their appearances.
It wasn't just the English dialect of Rhythm and Blues that belted out from the Corn Exchange but soon Americans that had inspiredthe English explosion started to arrive. Wilson Pickett managed a three quarter of a hour version of his Top Ten success 'In theMidnight Hour', John Lee Hooker did similarly with 'Dimples'. Rolling Stone's hero Howlin Wolf honoured the town with his arrival, butsadly Bo Diddley failed to show up.
Local groups like 'The Mooche', Coltrane Union' and 'RBQ' played regular support gigs. The Southenders RBQ played Stones stylesleezy guitar blues covers of the likes of Jimmy Read, Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley, as was the case with local bluesers, the Fairies;whereas the Mooche and Union added saxes and their players went on to better known bands: The Mooche's Dave Winthrop went toblow for Supertamp and the Union's Martin Dobson for Jools Holland, Style Council and Eurythmics. Martin's dad was a local bespoketailor who managed to clad half the snappy mohair dressers who attended the gigs. One act that played the venue, no one there on thenight would ever forget was the wholly amazing Jimi Hendrix Experience. Jimi had charted with 'Hey Joe' and Purple Haze' and hadexperience near Beatlemania from the teenyboppers, but was well prepared to deal with this possibility in Chelmsford, and when hesoared into a final explosion of feedback the lights went out. When they came on again bassist and drummer were packing up theirgear and Hendrix' guitar was face down on the stage still pouring out he feedback from the strings it rested on. Jimmy was long gone!

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Otherwise Chelmsford was not ready for Psychedelia, and still hankered after the high energy R&B of Geno Washington. When PinkFloyd played the Corn Exchange it was to about two dozen people. The bouncers opened the side door to let people in for free to makeit look a bit busier than it was. When the mode of the music changed it signalled the end of the Saturday Scene and the demolitionworkers set about flattening the building that housed it along with one side of Tindal Street, including with the Spotted Dog, Dolphin,and White Hart pubs. The White Hart had itself housed a Folk Club that had hosted gigs by Paul Simon when he lived in Brentwood,Julie Felix and other names that became well known once the Folk Rock era took off.
The Chancellor Hall was no substitute as a music venue. Sunday gigs even had to be seated owing to the land being owned by theCathedral. Status Quo, Dr Feelgood, Gong and several emerging acts did manage to play there. Rock is people's music and doesn't gowell with regulation so it was left for Pub Rock to fill the gap, not always in ideal surroundings, but at least there will be a generationable to say they saw Oasis and Blur at the old Army and Navy stretch bar. The suggestion of a Free Concert in Hylands in imitation ofthose going on in London's Hyde Park at the time, goes back to 1969 to my knowledge, but was thrown out on Health and Safetygrounds. It took Richard Branston's money to make it realised. But this little money spinner only happens once per year. The nearestbig halls for more regular indoor gigs that will attract high profile acts are in Brentwood and Southend, and Brentwood's was built as aSports Centre so has rotten acoustics. Cambridge kept their Corn Exchange and still attracts international performers. Another CityStatus asset that the expanding town needs is such a hall of those kind of dimensions. Nobody wants the noise and disruption ontheir doorstep, so the 'no neighbours' town centre site of the Corn Exchange was perfect. But in the 21st Century perhaps there is afarmer out near Writtle and Hylands that would welcome the financial input of having such a venue on their land or that acquired fromthem, so that it could tie into the 'V' festivities. If anyone has another suggestion I'm sure there's an entrepreneur like Branson and histeam out there who would just love to make it happen.
 
John Power
 
WARNING copyright with this article remains with the author John Power 
  
Listed below the complete Chelmsford Corn Exchange gig listings history, compiled fromarchive local newspaper adverts and reports. Also comments and memories from peoplewho played at the Corn Exchange and who had attended gigs at the now demolishedvenue.
1963FEBRURAY 1963 - At the Corn Exchange, ‘Rock’n’Twist every Saturday. Grandopening on Saturday March 2nd with The Bachelors plus Dave Martin & theMartells. Open 7.30 admission 5/-. ENH 5TH March 1963, includes photo.
APRIL 1963 - American recording artiste Chris Montez to play at the Corn Exchangeon 13th April. Will be supported by Mark Douglas & the Prowlers.
SEPTEMBER 1963 - At the Corn Exchange, Do the’ Blues’ every Saturday. 28thSeptember with Bernard Delfont artistes ‘Alex and the Blue Strangers’. Admission4/- or 3/- with advert.
OCTOBER 1963 - At the Corn Exchange the ‘Blues’ with The ‘Classmates’, TV andrecording artistes. At the Corn Exchange ‘Twist ‘n Blues every Saturday
 
1964APRIL 1964 - The Interns, an international recording group, at the Corn Exchange.They have a TV appearance at 6.30 and play in Chelmsford at 8.30. ‘Their Saturdayspot heralds the entrance of a new session of beat night at Chelmsford CornExchange for the ‘Mods’. Anthony Archer, the organiser, is bringing artistes fromLondon and well-known groups to town – all helping to establish Chelmsford as aregular “pop” minded town with the modern trend. 'Danny Storm and the Strollers atthe Saturday Scene, supported by Chelmsford group The Roulettes.
JUNE 1964 -Chris Farlowe & the Thunderbirds at the Saturday Scene with DeanAusten also Saturday Scene to have R&B group The Cherokees supported by ThePlainsmen
JULY 1964 - The Gravediggers and Mark Shelley & the Deans at the CornExchange
SEPTEMBER 1964 - ‘It’s back the Saturday Scene re-opening on 5th ‘with yourfavourite raving R & B group The Fairies new on Decca ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’Plus ‘Record Scene DJ spot – with the most on discs. On 12th. Sept ‘He’s back Plusone Sax – Big, Big Sound Zoot Money. John Mayall and the Blues Breakers 5/-only before 8.30. Mark Four (On Mercury ‘Rock Around the Clock)

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OCTOBER 1964 - The Clique – wild R & B outfit. Also this month The Wild Ones andGeorgie Fame & the Blue Flames plus The R.B.Q and Zoot Money & the Big rollBand and on the 31st The Pickwicks
NOVEMBER 1964 - The Great John Lee Hooker and John Lee’s Groundhogs andZoot Money also the most mod group on the Scene The Who
DECEMBER 1964 - Now holding me to ransom since they took up climbing fountains =The Fairies, also From the USA Howlin Wolf also Rufus Thomas and for BoxingDay, The Fabulous Mojos.
 
1965JANURAY 1965 - Spencer Davies also this month Georgie Fame & The BlueFlames plus The Plainsmen also at the Corn Exchange The Roulettes plus RVQ(RBQ?) . The electronic most mod group THE WHO. At the end of the month DaveBerry and the Cruisers to top the bill at the Saturday Scene.
FEBRUARY 1965 - Double attraction at the Saturday Scene The Cops ‘N’ Robbersplus Dave Davani and the D Men. The Animals at the Saturday Scene. ‘AnthonyArcher, organiser of the Saturday Scene at Chelmsford Corn Exchange, seems tohave excelled himself on this occasion. He has recently booked the Mojos, DaveBerry, Howling Wolf and many other rock and R&B artistes. Many fans bought theirtickets at last Saturday’s Corn Exchange when The Cops and Robbers appeared, butit is a fair bet that there will be a queue stretching along Tindal Street this week.Chelmsford it seems is becoming really R&B minded. Artistes such as Georgie Fameattract full capacity crowds, and even The Who, an excellent rhythm and blues group,who have not yet made the hit parade in a big way, attracted 600 people. Yet AdamFaith’s Roulettes, who have had several TV appearances, drew several hundred less.
Over 400 people crowded into the Corn Exchange which, less than a month ago, wasthe scene of a packed Georgie Fame Show. The concert was to launch AlexCampbell’s book ‘Frae Glesga Toon’. Internationally-famous Shirley Collins “FirstLady of Folk Music” at Chelmsfor Folk Club. Essex Chronicle 12th February 1965Saturday Scene the soul-digging Animals plus! plus! The Stormville Shakers. Localnewspaper report 16th February 1965 ‘They Came in Thousands’ = headline. ‘Britain’stop group, The Animals, were topping the bill’. The crowd was mainly ‘Mod’ with just asprinkling of ‘Rockers’. Organiser of the Saturday Scene, Anthony Archer, said ‘Theresponse was fantastic…It’s good to know that when I book top-line groups the fansappreciate it and readily turn out to see them’ Aslo listed TV Record Stars The RiotSquad and Mark Shelley & the Deans.
MARCH 1965 – add quote - Saturday Scene Your own fabulous, The Fairies plus theNite Beats. Also this month Zoot Money.
Zoot Money and the Big Roll Band at the Corn Exchange, ‘their reception by thefans proves once again that R&B is IN’ Fame Again Please. Georgie Fame makes acomeback at the Corn Exchange. Fame, whose latest record ‘In the Meantime’ hasreached the charts, has achieved tremendous popularity in Chelmsford and alwaysdraws a capacity audience. Anthony Archer, ‘Scene’ promoter, told me last week:‘Georgie and the Boys really dig playing Chelmsford; the reception and atmospherewhen he plays is truly something. The fans here are rhythm and blues all the way.Owen Hand at Chelmsford Folk Club Dave Cronin and Neil Hornick at White HartFolk Club . Essex Chronicle 12th March 1965 Saturday Scene - Georgie Fame & theBlue Flames 16th March 1965 All girl group Goldie & the Gingerbreads top of the billat the Saturday Scene. Their disc, ‘Can’t you hear my heart beat’ has soared into thetop charts.
APRIL 1965 - The drummer who backed Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames: Thesound of Jimmie Nicol plus The Objects atSaturday Scene on 10th = SpencerDavies on 15th April 1965 Saturday Scene = Zoot Money Essex Chonicle 23rd April1965 Saturday Scene = The Yardbirds 27th April 1965 The Yardbirds played at theSaturday Scene. Interviewed by Rodney Andrews in the saloon bar of a public houseby the Corn Exchange. Previous week Spencer Davis. (local press).
Photo (left) The Coletrane UnionMAY 1965 - The Moody Blues will play at the Saturday Scene on 1st, The MoodyBlues also at Corn Exchenge Saturday Scene. Memphis Slim, the coloured AmericanR&B artiste with The Alex Harvey Soul Band . Saturday Scene = The Night-Timerswith Coloured American Great Herbie Goins . (quotes from local nespapers)
AUGUST 1965 – After a summer break The Hollies Re-opening of Saturdaty Scene28th August.
SEPTEMBER 1965 – The return by popular demand of The Alex Harvey Soul Band.Local paper has review of what's coming up at Corn exchange Georgie Fame, TheMoody Blues, Bo Diddley. Also this month The Mark Four, Sean Buckley and theBreadcrumbs.
OCTOBER 1965 Saturday Scence - The Fortunes + The Essex 5 also Sean Buckleyand the Breadcrumbs, a group from Dagenham. They are a big success and haveturned professional. (local press quote) Also this month Goldie & the Gingerbreads.On the 19th October 1965 Interview with Georgie Fame in his dressing room at theCorn Exchange. “We are continuing doing the clubs in London and dates such as thisone. These are all right but normally in these large halls the ceilings are too high andwe cannot create the atmosphere we like”.
Also at Saturday Scene - The Nitetimers , The Objects plus The Coletrane Unionand The Cops’n’Robbers plus The Basic Five
NOVEMBER 1965 - Sir Douglas Quintet plus The Next Move also Wilson Pickettand backing group plus The Basic Five. Also The Mark Four plus The HighNumbers
DECEMBER 1965 - Chart-toppers The Who star at the Scene on Saturday.“Promoters reminded me that they were one of the first to book this group before theyachieved the much-envied position of A.1 money-earners. A sell-out is expected.Advert for ‘My Generation’ THE WHO plus The Coletrane Union. Tickets 10/- EssexChronicle 4th December 1965 Saturday Scene add has  = The Who plus TheColetrane Union, 7th December 1965 Interview with The Who. “Then they went backon stage, to give a rocking performance, the unusual dynamic sound thrilling theaudience and living up to their “wild” reputation. Next week at the Saturday Scene The

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Objects backed by Sean Buckley and the Breadcrumbs. Future artistes ZootMoney and the Big Roll Band and Chris Farlowe and the Thunderbirds. ZootMoney plus Grant Tracy and the Sunsets. Also Zoot Money.
 
1966JANURAY 1966 - Georgie Fame, also this month Ronnie Jones and the Blue Jaysand Chris Farlowe & the Thunderbirds .January 1966 Advert for The Shevelles andDave Anthony’s Moods at the Saturday Scene . 1966 R&Bs Fling. The ColetraneUnion played well and showed some versatility. The stand-in drummer was BrianMcAllister. Attendance was a little disappointing.
FEBRUARY 1966 - The Roulettes also Phase Five also The Statesmen. Advert forThe Action at the Saturday Scene .and Beryl Marsden and the Crew . Advert forCops ‘N’ Robbers at the Saturday Scene. Advert for The Gass plus The Essex Fiveat the Saturday Scene .
25th February 1966 Advert for David Bowie plus The Coletrane Union at theSaturday Scene. in the Essex Chronicle 4th March 1966 Advert for Goldie of thefamous Gingerbreads with Dave Anthony’s Moods at the Saturday Scene. Localnewspaper reports 8th March 1966- Singer David Bowie, making his first appearanceat Chelmsford, collapsed mid-way through his act on Saturday at the Saturday Scene.He was suffering from flu, bordering on pneumonia.
MARCH 1966 - ( local newspaper quote) Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, whohad their first taste of chart success with ‘One Way Love’, are at the Saturday Scenenext Saturday. March 19th is a big day for fans of real earthy R&B and soul when thefamous Steam Packet from London visits town. This widely praised package showincludes that fine organist Brian Auger, with his Trinity, famous for his jam sessions inthe London clubs – the massive 6ft7in Long John Baldry – young attractive femalesinger Julie Driscoll – and Rod Stewart, the subject of a recent televisiondocumentary. Essex Chronicle 11th March 1966 Advert for Cliff Bennett and theRebel Rousers at the Saturday Scene on 15th March 1966. Saturday Scene to hostthe Steam Packet plus The Coletrane Union. The last time Rodney Andrews towrite for the Chelmsford Newsman. Heading .Time to Say Our Goodbyes “Well friends,all good things must come to an end. Today is the last time that ‘Round theSoundtrack’ will appear in the Chelmsford Newsman. For some time we have beenintroducing you to stars, national personalities and local figures. We have becomeknown to a great many of you – and you have become known to us. Myself, I haveworked at providing a lively interesting page for the youngsters – and I think it endedup being read by a good many parents as well. But I am moving on to pastures new,and ‘Soundtrack’ must at last come to an end. But even in finishing we bring you apacked page of pop interest. Our last edition includes: A local LP release, folk concert,disc jockeys in town, local singers, group news. As for me, as one lady is currentlysaying “ These boots are made for walking” – and it’s just what mine are going to do’The page includes an article about Barry Peters, a printer for the Essex Chronicle,once a singer with the George Mitchell Singers and a story about Radio Caroline DJKeith Skues out on the streets in Chelmsford – say his catchphrase and you win aprize. CN 22nd March 1966 The Shevelles plus The Objects at the Saturday Scene.Add 29th March 1966 The Big Soul Band Show Train plus The Dyaks at SaturdayScence.
APRIL 1966 Saturday Scene local paper add 5th April 1966 Zoot Money and the BigRoll Band at Saturday Scene, Essex Chronicle 15th April 1966 Advert for T.Bones atthe Saturday Scene, also 22nd April 1966 Advert for Chris Farlowe and theThunderbirds plus The Essex Five at the Saturday Scene . 26th April 1966 The Whoplus The Coletrane Union. Add for 10th May 1966 The Graham Bond Organisationplus The Essex Five at Saturday Scence.
MAY 1966 – Advert 17th May 1966 Screaming!! Lord Sutch plus the Amboy DukeBig Band at the Saturday Scene.
SEPTEMBER 1966 Advert for Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames at the SaturdayScene also Advert for The Shevelles plus The Mooch at the Saturday Scene alsoSeptember 1966 Advert for Zoot Money and the Big Roll Band at the SaturdayScene also 23rd September 1966 Advert for The steaming Brian Auger Trinity withJulie Driscoll from The Steam Packet plus The Coletrane Union at the SaturdayScene 30th September.
OCTOBER 1966 Advert for Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band at theSaturday Scene 7th October 1966 Advert for The Chessmen at the Saturday Scene,14th October 1966 Advert for The Who plus The Coletrane Union at the SaturdayScene, 21st October 1966 Advert for The Move at the Saturday Scene , 28th October1966 Advert for The Carl Douglas Set at the Saturday Scene.
NOVEMBER 1966 Advert for Ronnie Jones & the Blue Jays at the Saturday Scene,18th November 1966 Advert for The Eyes of Blue at the Saturday Scene , 25thNovember add for Cream at the Saturday Scence.
DECEMBER 1966 Advert for Gino Washington and the Ram Jam Band plus TheMooch at the Saturday Scene, 9th December 1966, “The Surfin” Summerset plusThe Essex Five at the Saturday Scene , 16th December 1966. The Big Sound ‘AlanPrice Set’ at the Saturday Scene, 23rd December 1966 Advert for Zoot Moneys Bigroll Band plus The Coletrane Union at the Saturday Scene , 30th Decemberr CarlDouglas and the Big Stampede plus The Clique at the Corn Exchange SaturdayScene.
 
1967January 1967 Advert for The Shotgun Express with Beryl Marsden, Rod Stewart andthe Peter B’s plus Staceys Circle at the Saturday Scene , 13th January Ronnie Jonesand the Blue Jays, Essex Chronicle add 20th January 1967, The Small Faces plusDave Anthonys Moods at the , 27th January 1967 Advert for Jimmy Jones and theVagabonds. 3rd February 1967 Advert for Zoot Money and the Big Roll Band , 10thFebruary 1967, Cotton with American Star Lucas, 17th February 1967 Advert forPsychedelic Freak Out with the Soft Machine plus The Mooche at the Saturday Scene

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February 1967 – Essex Chronicle - E24th February 1967 Advert for “Hey Joe” The JimiHendrix Experience plus The Soul Trinity at the Saturday Scene.
March 1967 3rd rd March 1967 Advert for The Eyes of Blue plus The Good TimeLosers at the Saturday Scene, 10th March The Summerset at the Saturday Scene.Essex Chronicel 17th March 1967 Advert for The Shevelles at the Corn Exchangealso on 23rd March 1967 Advert for Geno Washingtons Ram Jam Band plus TheColetrane Union at the Saturday Scene and on 31st March 1967 Advert for ZootMoneys Big Roll Band plus The Feel for Soul at the Corn Exchange SaturdayScene.
April 1967 Advert for Sonny Childe and The TNT at the Saturday Scene. EssexChronicle 14th April 1967 Advert for King George & the Harlem Kiddies at the SS21st April 1967 Advert for Bo Diddley at the Saturday Scene and 28th April 1967Advert for Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band at the Saturday Scene.
May 1967 Prince Buster and the Bees plus The Mooche at the Saturday Scene
August 1967 After a summer break A Flower Power Light Show with Zoot MoneysDantalians Chariot plus The Coletrane Union at the Corn Exchange Saturday Scene
 
Image title would go here.September 1967 Advert for The Soul Trinity at the Saturday Scene Essex Chronicle8th September 1967 Advert for ‘Excerpt from a Teenage Opera Keith West and theTomorrow , also The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Pink Floyd. At the SaturdayScene 29th September 1967 Advert for The Shevelles plus Alan sword .
October 1967 – Essex Chronicle 6th Advert for The Fleetwood Mac with Peter Greenplus Alan Sword at the Saturday Scene also Advert for The Webb with John LWatson plus Alan Sword at the and Back by popular demand Fleetwood Mac withPeter Green also Advert for Carl Douglas and the New Stampede .
November 1967 - Advert for TV Stars The Spectrum also ‘Mr Blues’ John Mayall andthe Blues Breakers and Advert for JJ Jackson plus The Urchins at the SaturdayScene
December 1967 Advert for Glen Oakley Ruby James and the Stax also The Feel forSoul plus The Coletrane Union .Advert for Ace Blues Guitarist Peter Green’sFleetwood Mac plus ex-Radio London DJ Ian (Wombat) Damon and Advert for XmasParty Night The Pretty Things . December 1967 Advert for American R&B starRonnie Jones and the Q Set
 
1968 - 1969January 1968 ‘Mr Blues’ John Mayall and the Blues Breakers plus The Mooche,The Yardbirds add ‘Back from big success in the States’ also Champion JackDupree with Black Cat Bones and Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames .
February 1968 - Savoy Brown Blues Band,The Webb with John L Watson, GinoWashington and the Ram Jam Band and Simon K and the Meantimers.
March - 1968 Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac , The Mike Quinn Show plus TheReaction , Cliff Bennett and his Band featuring ‘A Rock ‘N Roll Revival Show plusThe Precious Few at the Saturday Scene 22nd March 1968 Ten Years After at theSaturday Scene 29th March 1968 John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers (local adds)
May - 1968 Article about redevelopment and demolition of the Corn Exchange. Quotefrom Cllr Tony Carpenter ‘We have scrapped one plan for a hall to replace the CornExchange because it wasn’t right for Bingo and wrestling. But don’t let’s fool ourselves– a new hall, for activities like these, is included in the plan’
October 1968 - Saturday Scene Chelmsford Corn Exchange ‘Opening with a BANG!Saturday 26. Don’t miss the unequalled EQUALS fantastic stage act plus The Artists(local add)
November 1968 - The Fantastic Freddy Mack Show plus Apricot Brandi at TheTroggs unable to appear because of illness. 15th November 1968 Sweet Soul Musicfrom that great coloured artist direct from the USA The Conley Soul-Show plus TheDistrict Line at the SS 22nd November 1968 Geno Washington and the Ram JamBand plus Apricot Brand (local newspaper)
January 1969, Boulevard Soult supported by The Haze 7/6 Corn Exchange on 18thStephan Sobell. 24th January 1969 At the Corn Exchange .
February 1969 Corn Exchange under new management Blues and Souls Night TheJoyce Bond Show plus the exciting new Peter Croft’s Blues Band Please disregardany’ cancelled’ slips on any posters.
March 1969 -THE END
May 1969 - Demolition of the Exchange
 
Peter Springett Memories (photo taken at Corn Exchange , KeithMoon)I was heavily into the music scene, especially during the 60s and 70s and attendedmost of the gigs at the Chelmsford Corn Exchange. I read through your list of acts thatappeared at the CCE and note that several of the major ones appear to be missing.For example: Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, Geno Washington (what a hugefollowing he had), The Steam Packet, which included - Long John Baldry, JulieDriscol (This wheels on fire was her new release ie now the Ab Fab theme), BrianAuger and the Trinity and a very young Rod 'the mod' Stewart (he was dreadful!).Not sure if you know, Long John Baldry discovered Rod Stewart on Chelmsfordrailway station. Other acts included Chris Farlow and the Thunderbirds, I seem toremember Emerson, Lake and Palmer (Rondo and Fanfare for the Common Man)and Roy Wood and Wizard playing there, but can't guarantee that, as I would had hadabout 10 pints of light and bitter down the Spotted Dog, the Fleece (Golden Fleece) orthe Animals (Lion & Lamb) by then. Without doubt, the star of them all, for me, was the

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great Zoot Money's Big Roll Band. The best showman of all. There are many othersmissing..
Another quick memory that I have of the CCE, was when The Who first played there.For some reason, I had to go into the room where the Who were getting ready for theset. The room had old church pews around the edge, for the artists to sit on and getchanged etc. I met Keith Moon, who was sitting on one of the pews and was hackingat it with a small tomahawk. He was so nervous. Needless to say it was a sensationalshow, Keith smashed up his drum kit and Pete Townsend kept ramming his guitarinto the amps and speakers etc and eventually smashed his guitar up on stage. Thestage was covered in smoke and the place went black. No one was sure what hadhappened!! Needless to say, that was the start of them becoming an all time supergroup.
As the CCE was a council building, everyone had to be out of the building and thedoors locked by mid night. After the CCE closed, we would then go to either the Studioin Southend or the Famingo or Marquee in Wardour Street, in London's west end. Asyou would be much younger than me, to give you an idea of what the music scene waslike in the 60s and 70s, a typical night at the Studio, you would 2/6 (two shillings andsix pence ie half a crown) for the all nighter and would see The Animals (House of therising Sun etc), Yardbirds (with a young Eric Clapton) and The Paramounts (I thinkthey were), who became Procol Harum. At the Marquee and Flamingo you wouldsee more of Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames, Zoot Money & the Big Roll Band,Jethro Tull (Ian Anderson would hand out ciggies and the end of a session, to keepthe audience there), John Mayall's Blusbreakers (with Eric Clapton), Alexis Korner'sBlues Inc, Graham Bond Organisation, Chris Farlow, Tony Knights Chessman,plus many more. I am sure that most of the above acts also performed at the CCE.
Roger Daltry Photo taken at Corn ExchangeQ My broother in Law David Freeman who used to attend gigs at the Corn Exchangesaid there were many fights outside
You are right about there often being fights outside the CCE. This was right in themiddle of the mods and rockers era and the CCE was mainly frequented by mods, as itwas mainly 'mod' bands that played there. Sometimes the rockers would come up fromthe 'greasy spoon' cafe and cause trouble, but not that often, as they were heavilyoutnumbered. The trouble was more often than not caused by the same five or sixguys, who were neither mods or rockers, but just liked a fight. I knew them all verywell. There was also a big gang of mods that used to come down from Basildon. Theirleader was a guy called S--- T----, who was a really nice guy really. Personally, I didn'tget involved in all of that crap, as I was there purely for the music, a few beers with mymates and a lady for the night, if you were lucky. If you did manage to 'pull' a lady, youwould normally take then down to where the market stalls were, at the back of the cornexchange, near the park. There were loads of scooters about, which were owned bythe mods. They would usually have either chrome or bronze bubbles and looked quitespectactular. If you can still get it, check out a movie (DVD or video) by The Who,called Quadrophenia. That will give you an idea of what the 'mods' were all about. Therockers were the greasy haired guys who rode motorbikes and liked rock and roll ieElvis, Jerry Lee Lewis etc. Personally, I never owned a scooter, as I always had anice car from as soon as I was old enough to drive. There was only two of us that hadcars at the time, the other was a guy called Roger Wicks, who had an old mark 10Jag. Roger was about three years older than me and became one of the local lawyers.I think he still lives in the Chelmsford area, but would have retired by now. At the time(about 1968)
Q Do you remember the Two Eys’s Club
I hadn't heard of the Two Eyes Club, must have been after my time. We did used to goover to the US air force base at Wethersfield (out near Braintree). They would often getblack American acts over there, which didn't usually come to Chelmsford. We used togo to a cafe which was downstairs in London Road, near the river. That was where allthe mods used to hang out and there were always loads of scooters outside. The cafewas later taken over by another mate of mine called Martin Havalin, who turned it intothe 'Pop In' record store. He used to get my imported records in eg Sca and blue beatmusic, I was also heavily into black R&B and spiritualist music and acts like CurtisMayfield, Chuck Berry, Tamla Motown (only some were released in the UK), RayCharles, Little Stevie Wonder, Sonny Terry, Brownie Magee, Big Bill Brunsey,Jimmy Smith, Booker T and the MGs, Sam & Dave, Arthur Connolly etc. You justcouldn't buy this stuff over the shelf or 'on the net'.
As I mentioned, I used to knock about with Bernard Doherty, who is still heavilyinvolved in the UK music scene. We used to go to loads of gigs around the Essex andLondon areas. There was a very good club in the back of the White Heart inBrentwood High Street, called Bluesville. I saw Cream do one of their firstperformances there. They had to carry Ginger Baker (the drummer) onto his stool atthe start of the set and carry him off afterwards. They were the very first 'Super Group'with Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. They also had most of the 'Londonbased' bands that used to play at the Flamingo and Marquee, in Wardour Street,London. We used to go out to a hall in Sawbridgeworth to see Roy Wood and Wizard,Emerson Lake & Palmer etc. There were many, many other clubs around at the time.It was just a sensational time to be young.
Memories from DickPowell and Dick Wiffen. (photo is PeteTownsend taken at Corn Exchange)
As an exiled Chelmsfordian of 30 years in Cornwall (which incidentally had its ownFlamingo Club in Penzance) the memories of the Corn Exchange you provided weremarvellous. Do you remember the ultra-violet marks that the doormen placed on yourhand so you could go in and out? We worked out that because white shirts were soluminescent under the lamp they used to check the sign, that if you used a washingpowder solution to put the mark on, you could get in free of charge. I carried a smallbottle of the solution, asked a friendly spirit who had been in what the mark was, andme and friends put it on at the bar of the Saracens Head. We sometimes got bouncedout when we got the sign wrong, but most Saturdays we had free entry to the greatestbands the world has ever seen.Fond memories.
Regards DickPowell
Bob Wiffen Memories - What a great site! Love all the 60's stuff as that was when Iwas playing drums with the Exchequers then with Ray Ford and the Statesmen.When The Statesmen were playing in the Essex/Suffolk area in the 60's we supportedmany of the big names at the Corn Exchange including The Who, Chris Farlowe,

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Rufus Thomas and many more. In fact the memory listed on the site of Keith Moon inthe 'dressing room' with the pews was the night we supported them. I too rememberhim offering pills to all and sundry. Wish I had kept the posters.
Of all the great acts at the Corno, my favs were Zoot Money (still going!) and GeorgieFame (still going!). Chris Farlowe is still great but Cliff Bennett not so. I rememberGeorgie Fame strolling along the queue in his trade mark sports jacket as we allwaited to get in to see him. We played and also saw loads of good bands at the Odeontoo. Anyone remember Jobsworth who was a real pain at the end of the night wantingto close up!
The big names are well represented on the site but what about the other good localbands like The Roulettes, the Fairies, the Mooche all great with a big following.Where is John Gandy (bass player with the Fairies) Where is Dave Winthrop(?) whoplayed sax in the Mooche and Albert the singer. Mike Clarke who played bass withThe Mooche is still playing with 60s band fat Old Dad. Steve Marriot and theMoments were almost local before Steve went onto join Rod Stewart and Co. Whereis Ted Speakman drummer of The Roulettes now?
Trevor White who played dums before me then keyboards with The Statesmen is inOz and played with Sounds Incorporated after The Statesmen packed up then playedthe lead in Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney in the 70's. I could go on....
Keep it up. Bob Wiffen (now in Lincolnshire)
Q Were was the Corn Exchange
A Take a look at this photo below from pre 1945 taken from outside the Shire Hall. TheCannon is now at Oakland’s Park but you can see Judge Tindals statue in front of theCorn Exchange. So its about were the Fusion night club and Ristorante on the Square(formally known as Gerrardos) is. Club Fusion is now hosting bands on the formerCorn Exchang site.
The Two Eyes Club
Ref some comments The Two Eyes Club locally known as just "Eyes" was in a scouthut behind the swimming pool in what is now the car park. It was nearly opposite theCountryman Pub (which also used to put on bands)and also now gone.
Colin T Comments: Ref some comments The Two Eyes Club locally known as just"Eyes" was in a scout hut behind the swimming pool in what is now the car park. It wasnearly opposite the Countryman Pub (which also used to put on bands)and also nowgone.
Name: Ray Nicholls Comments: Came From Maldon in the 60S to Chelmsford to see --The Who --- Had to stand on the radiator in the hall at the back it was that packed,Chelmsford was a Mod town and so was I, came over sunday afternoons the High stwas full of Scooters GREAT DAYS HAD BY ALL-- Cheers great Site.
Name: Kelvin Bullen JIMI HENDIX CHELMSFORD CORN EXCHANGE Just fantasticwhat a buzz I was there 17 years old with my brother Hugh Bullen .as guitarist of TheSoul Trinity the Reading based band,that was 43 years ago .What has stayed with mewas backstage with Gentleman Jimi Hendrix coming to me and telling me he enjoyedmy playing.what kindness humility encouragment and love.That evening Jimi won aspecial place in my heart forever.
Name: Patrick Vinet Comments: I like a lot your web site about chelmsford scene Isearch info about Screaming Lord Sutch and the Savages A friend of us, guitaristIvor Tomlin told us that his band The Big T Show had backed Screaming Lord Sutchand Wee Willie Harris at Chelmsford Corn Exchange in summer 65. Do you knowabout it? In your web site, I have read that Screaming Lord Sutch played there withthe Amboy Duke Big Band, in May 1966. Wasn’t Sutch backed by his Savages thatnight? Have you got the ad, a poster or flyer of this gig? Do you know who were theAmboy Duke Big Band? Were they connected with the Amboy Dukes?
Albie Morhall Comments: To answer the question from my old mate Bob Wiffen.Albert Morhall is now living in France (since 2004) As lead singer with The Mooche,remember the gigs at the Corn Exchange and it's demise. Just before close down Iremember we supported "the Soft Machine" who were at the start of the Physocodelicscene but were not received well on this night so we had to fill in for the rest of thesession. Went down very well
 
 
 
 
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