I was around the Liverpool & Manchester scene back then. Early 80's until 2005. I remember hearing about the bar ban ?2002, I can't remember if it was announced at the arena but we had a local needs when we got back. Our Hotel had a fire alarm Sat night & we arrived back to our hotel (The Renaissance) at 3am to find our elders and families in the street in dressing gowns thanks to some plonker JW cooking in their room. That night getting caught red handed ...and our worldly nights out had us having a finger wag and a local needs and a letter from the CO, though we weren't responsible for the bar ban. At one time I remember vaguely who was involved but don't have a scooby now!
We used to love the Manchester weekend. Have a dance, have a drink, meet some new people. I still miss the pals from back then, from Liverpool and Manchester, we were from N.Wales. I used to love Deansgate for the clubs/bars...and the Jazz bar (open space painted red) and Edwards's was a classy spot....then there was the Warehouse 😝
I was asked to do an assembly item on Video Games once, talking about Street Fighter and Mortal Combat.... so embarrassed by this b.s. now ....but was famous for a day in the NYNEX arena lol.
I was in Bethel and knew Mat if you know him?) from Manchester amongst others. He used to work on the sign language section in the MEN arena. He'd stand behind the deaf JW's and whistle, to get them hearing aid twitching for a laugh ha ha.
Oh I also painted most of the Northendon ceiling Gold..... and in the old kitchen room upstairs, wrote my name in big letters on the ceiling (corner without windows) in the first coat of gold paint. I was the first person to use the gold paint and thought it would be the highlight of my life. The RBC were pissed because you could clearly see it despite several layers.... 😬
I havent been in that hall or arena in near 15 years now. I would never have guessed how things would turn out......