In the late 1950's ITV Wrestling was picking up momentum. Still very early days but in 1958 wrestling was televised from the Orchid Ballroom. Don't remember this venue being mentioned in later years. I have found a newspaper bill from this occasion contrasting with John Listers index which I think the TV Times may have been the
https://www.itvwrestling.co.uk/58.html
The following year there were more TV shows there.
The advertising was used to try and get people to come to the show so that they may see themselves on TV.
https://www.itvwrestling.co.uk/59.html
I found a couple more bills which are the earliest I have ever found with "Local Boy" Bobby Barnes on.
48 years is nothing to apologise for. We should all calenarise 2023 for a Heritage celebration.
I was interested to see Dale Martin offering free tickets for the TV show. About 15 years ago I told of Morrell giving free tickets for TV shows.
My sanity was challenged. A tradition that has continued to this day.
Some great bills there.
Ha Ha,Steve if you "eard" me talk it's the last thing you would call me posh.
Working class,
The Orchid, Purley holds fond memories for me I met Mrs Hibbert there in 1973,
48 years later we are growing old together.
Sorry to get off the wrestling theme.😉
A few years later and Top of the Pops was the place to get seen on. Even George Best was caught on film on the dance floor there. I had a cousin always there and she auditioned for Pans People when they put that together.
Enjoy some of Purley 1958. Dale Martins did manage to get plenty of Northerners down to keep a fresh look t the Roster.
COME AND BE TELEVISED remained the slogan well into the seventies. The likelihood of being recognisable was 1%, unless you were a Duchess.
So much to pore over there, Ron, especially the timings.
Inca on two of the three tv bills!
A final outing for Kid Pitman? And Bill Ronson still right down the bill in 1959.
So clever how they nurtured a full tv crowd via coupons.
Thanks for these Ron. I have a few handbills from this venue.