‘WERE you a Dirty Stop-out in 1970s Coventry?’
That’s the question being asked by author Ruth Cherrington.
And, if so, she wants your stories, memories and memorabilia for her book, the ‘Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1970s Coventry.’
As she says, the era was ‘defined by glam rock, industrial action and the rise of punk, ska and Coventry-born 2-Tone’.
She wants to hear your stories from the period where the nightlife centred around the Locarno Ballroom, Mr George’s, The 40 Thieves, Market Tavern, Silver Sword and many other music venues and pubs.
Ruth – whose previous publication was called ‘Not Just Beer and Bingo! A Social History of Working Men’s Clubs’ – says she is returning to her own Dirty Stop-out roots.
She said: “I want this book to truly represent 1970s Coventry; to be everybody’s scrapbook of a great time in their lives. And for that, I need your input.
“It was the era of questionable fashion, go-go dancers, strikes and dancing round handbags.
“But Coventry was at the centre of much that was happening in the music world and its own successful bands put it on the map.
“The 1970s were also a time of community values, when everyone knew everyone else and looked out for each other.”
She says she is keen to include as many memories, newspaper clippings, photos and memorabilia as possible.
The book is part of a ‘Dirty Stop Out’s Guide’ series, with a previous publication about Sheffield.
Email your memories and photos to: r.cherrington@yahoo.com
Comments and photos can also be added to the ‘Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1970s Coventry’ Facebook Group.
The ‘Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1970s Coventry’ is set for publication this autumn.
