NEW CONTRIBUTIONS!

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Great to hear from John Moloney, April 2017 with a couple of photos from back in the Catacombs days along with one of John enjoying his new life in South Africa. Interesting email from John!

Good Day To You From Sunny Cape Town.

Your 'Marsden' site was given to me yesterday and there are a few memories in there. I went to the Catacombs for a short period of time but moved on to the Tahiti Two and Manchester's Twisted Wheel.

I have a few memories that may interest you/fellow readers. Mary Gibson (see Cavern visit) worked at Hagenbach's opposite St Georges Square, her sister was Teresa and Teresa's 'best friend' was also named Teresa. Another friend of theirs was 'blonde Ann.' There was a Manchester band who frequently played at The Catacombs called 'The Black Cat Bones,' I remember them vividly. I went to School with John McCoy (see The Drovers) I remember when John first formed the group, I went to a number of their rehearsal sessions. Graham Philpott and I were also at the same school and I remember his brother; both were keen to be musically involved. Without giving away any personal 'secrets' that may embarrass happily married local ladies there is little more for me to say only that The Catacombs was an integral part of my formative years and I always had a great time. Occasionally I went to the Boy & Barrel make over but it wasn't really my scene anymore!

I'm enclosing a couple of pictures (1967), not taken at The Catacombs but at another venue in Venn Street. They may be of interest. I'm the guy with the dark framed specs, often known as Molly (extract of my surname!!) the other guy still resides in the Huddersfield area but would deny ever going to a club!

Enjoy the musical attachment--The Undertakers; very under rated Liverpool Band from 1964/64

Keep Happy,

John D Moloney

Johnny and Joe were saddened to read in the Examiner on July 6th 2015 of the death of Musician Alex Keenan. Joe, who is much younger than Alex, remembers him as a quiet mild mannered man who always had a smile when he saw Joe when returning from school. Johnny has many fond memories of Alex and remembers him as being a big help and support to other young bands and musicians. Alex is pictured when playing with Denny and the Witchdoctors. One shows the band in the jungle attire and Johnny remembers them during a tour of France with fans on the streets of Paris asking for autographs.

The picture showing the band in ‘normal clothes’ was how they appeared when playing in the late 60’s at the Catacombs club owned by Johnny. Pictured are from top left Alex Keenan, middle Denny, bottom left Joe Smith, Lynne and Pete Whitecross on sax.

He will be missed by many.

Jean Gledhill (nee Wiggin) has sent us four terrific pictures. Jean is on the left. Who is the girl on the right?

Here is Jean, Doreen and Linda outside the Wine Bar in their Johnny’s T Shirts and hats. Looking good ladies!

Paul Mullany handed out the fizz to Jean on her birthday. She then did a `turn` on the hoola hoop!

Just to prove Jean didn’t party all the time here she is working behind the bar in the Boy and Barrel.

Thank you Jean for sharing these memories with us. Best wishes from Joe and Johnny to you, your 3 daughters and 2 grandchildren. Yes, time really does fly.

Maureen and Ann having fun in the beer garden, Maureen is still in touch with us. Ann has sadly passed away but will always be remembered. Two of the people who made Johnny’s the place to make and remember friends

Johnny and Joe need your help, this is the latest photo contribution taken in the 1970s by a friend of ours. Johnny in the middle, Stewart on his right and Dave the wrestler on his left. Can you name the others?

Have any of you out there got any photos or stories you would like adding to the site?

Please email me on joe@centrallodge.com