Paynes
was that wonderful place on Mostyn Street, where the youth
of Llandudno (and the rest of North Wales) gathered to bop
the night away to soulful sounds of the sixties and
seventies. It's really bizarre, but some of the friendships
/ relationships and even marriages which were started back
in the days of Paynes Cafe Royal (every Saturday and Wednesday, and Mondays and Friday at the
height of the summer season) are still
going strong today. It has been really good knowing that
you will be able to catch up with old friends at least twice
a year thanks to the reunions, and of course its a good
excuse to dig out those dancing shoes (that's you Mike
Smith), blow off the cobwebs and move with the groove once
more. Despite the aching legs next morning.
The reunions have been
held annually, usually at the North Wales Conference Centre
(Nov) and the Grand Hotel (March/April), and have
always been a sell out event.
This year will be the 13th
anniversary of the reunion so make sure you get those
tickets early to avoid disappointment. The night promises
to be fantastic night of dancing to all your old favourite
soul and northern tunes together with a fantastic live
act. An excellent night out and support for your local
charities, what could be better.
"Get Ready 'Cos Were
Gonna Swing, We're Goin', goin' goin' to A Happening"
Over the last twelve years we
have had some memorable reunions with most of them being
absolute sell-outs, resulting in many people panicking at
the last minute because they did not have tickets (that's
usually Jimmy). On average each event has sold 500 or so
tickets to us "people of later years" (blame that one on
Paul Rocky) and has had us groove the night away to the soul
sounds of the 60ts and 70ts, and a good time was had by all.
The November Reunions
(Conference Centre max 550 people) has seen many a fine act
appear to entertain us on the evening.
I can recall that the band for the very first reunion were
called The Informers, an eight piece band with two
vocalists, 3 brass, rhythm and bass guitar and drums. They
did a really good set and included many tunes that were
played at The Twisted Wheel. They really impressed me
because they opened their set with a version of My Elusive
Dream / Moses & Joshua Dillard, absolutely excellent.
Since then we have had
appearances from The Real Thing, The Aces, Kenny Weathers &
the Emotions, The American Four Tops Show, and of course the
absolute master visited us twice and was a very good friend
of the reunions, sadly is no longer with us, none other than
the late great Edwin Starr. Have a look at the top of the
Paynes photo page to see Edwin back in the early 70ts
standing on the stairs in Paynes.
Edwin ALWAYS gave us a great night, singing all the Motown
and Ric-Tic classics (usually at some stage with his backing
singers, Sue Jones & Co).
Have a good look around the web site, we
hope you enjoy the visit.
