I have just read of the demolition of the Carlton. I spent many happy nights there over a number of years in the early 1960's.The house band then was The Travellers, they played American R'n'B hits with great accomplishment.I had some very good Rochdale friends from those happy days, sadly I have lost touch with nearly all of them now. The building may be gone but the memories will linger on forever.

Mike of Bury

   What a sad night I have had tonight, reading on your website that the "Carlton" is being demolished. I spent my teen-age years, on a Monday & Thursday night at the "Rock & Roll" sessions at the Carlton. Even sneaking in at the lunch time sessions with a big coat hiding my Girls Technical School uniform. (Until the Headmistress caught us). I remember the formation rock & rollers, competing with other Mecca Dance Halls. They were fantastic. I emigrated to Aust in 1964, but still love Rochdale and especially the Carlton with golden memories of my youth. They were the best years. Edna Brown brownae@bigpond.com Perth Australia

   I have just read Ian Ogden's article on the passing of the Carlton.(Ian was at school with me back in the fifties) The highlight of the week at the ballroom was always the works dances, tickets for which were sometimes like goldust, and often only obtainable from some of the local pubs or by some subterfuge. I will always have happy memories of the Carlton. Ian says there was'nt a bar but I seem to remember one upstairs in the early sixties. Incidentally Ian I never bumped into you there strangly enough. PS do you remember the Golf club incident at the school sports day?