Along with the family of deceased author, Steve Chapples, I am carrying out a feasibility study to determine what demand there would be for this definitive history of Nelson’s Imperial ballroom in its heyday. The FB responses have been encouraging, but we need an even better response to secure an economic print run of this book.There are a number of hurdles to overcome yet, but the more platforms I try, the greater the potential demand and the cheaper we can eventually make it. So let me know if you would be interested. No commitment at this stage, but just register your interest.

I would definitely want one of the books, put me down please.

You’re on the list, thanks. It will be sometime in the ne year. Maybe spring time.

I’d be interested.

I've ordered on FB, this is a brilliant idea. The acts the Imperial put on, as we've discussed on here before, we're phenomenal.

I might be wrong, but I thought a book had already been written on the subject, maybe it was just an article that I've read

Nori1958 wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 21, 2023 8:33 am

I might be wrong, but I thought a book had already been written on the subject, maybe it was just an article that I've read

Can there not be more than one book written relating to the same subject?

StayingDown4Ever wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 21, 2023 8:44 am

Can there not be more than one book written relating to the same subject?

Obviously

I’m pretty sure that this will be a re-print of the original and not a new book.

OP, I would highly recommend Mixam.co.uk for your book printing.

A third revised edition would be welcome. The revised second edition published in 2009 added considerable new material to the initial publication in 2005.
The 2009 publication made reference to a lost archive of material that has not fully seen the light of day. This, along with ballroom goers / staff personal recollections would make very interesting reading, similar to the Northern Soul Wigan Casino books. Sadly these ballroom goers would now be in the 65 to 84 age group and many will no longer be with us. Those who are, as her late majesty would say "recollections may vary" given the long passage of time. Need to speedily crack on with the project to gather the new material and also verify same prior to publication.

Nori1958 wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 21, 2023 8:33 am

I might be wrong, but I thought a book had already been written on the subject, maybe it was just an article that I've read

There were two iconic books written by Steve Chapples, in 2005 and 2009. Both editions are out of print and it is the latter of these that the family wish to get back on the shelves. This is probably the most demanded book in our corner of Lancashire.

One please

Guitargeorge wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 21, 2023 1:29 pm

There were two iconic books written by Steve Chapples, in 2005 and 2009. Both editions are out of print and it is the latter of these that the family wish to get back on the shelves. This is probably the most demanded book in our corner of Lancashire.

Great idea, and glad my memory wasn't playing tricks

Rodleydave wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 21, 2023 1:55 pm

One please

I’ve got your name, thank you. Will post on here in a few months when we get sorted

I've been trying to find an original for years .Very interested in your project .Great times at the Imp..last band I saw before moving to Leeds was the Zombies.Put me down for one

Put me down for one please it's where my mum and dad first met.

And one for me please.

Please add me to the list.

Thanks to all those who have shown an interest. We are positively going forward with this project in the New Year, so watch this space!

Thank you Ggeorge will be great it if this happens, can’t wait, as the yanks say, great job!

I think you've got me down for one George.
Good to see that the demand for a reprint on here and through your Facebook campaign has gone so well.
Here's hoping it will happen in 2024.

I'm currently working on a film of the history of the Imp at the moment.
The first cut of the film was well received to an audience at Pendleside hospice just before Christmas. It needs more work but I think it'll be a hit locally!

You could probably get some great material from many posters on here

I have a copy, George, given by Chapps. A mine of information and photos including one ex.... It would benefit from an editor if it goes to a wider audience.

I helped produce the previous editions at Nayler Group in Church. Probably around 15 years ago. We printed quite a few of Steve Chapples books there.

mikeS wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 29, 2023 11:22 am

I think you've got me down for one George.
Good to see that the demand for a reprint on here and through your Facebook campaign has gone so well.
Here's hoping it will happen in 2024.

I'm currently working on a film of the history of the Imp at the moment.
The first cut of the film was well received to an audience at Pendleside hospice just before Christmas. It needs more work but I think it'll be a hit locally!

Yes Mike, got your name down, thanks. I’ll be in touch after the New Year about those interviews

Losing Eyres wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 29, 2023 3:42 pm

I helped produce the previous editions at Nayler Group in Church. Probably around 15 years ago. We printed quite a few of Steve Chapples books there.

Do you still have contacts there? Looking for printer, but Steve’s girls haven’t turned up a digital copy yet

Ah, just seen they went into administration in 2012!

I loved the original 1st edition and bought it for my father back in 2005. He cherished it and had plenty of stories about nights down there. Especially how good the stones were live.
Sadly he's no longer with us but here's an article he did back for the telegraph.
Incidentally my brother recently met Ray Davies and he remembered the Imp and the Dormobile.

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/b ... ights-imp/

Sproggy
Durham Claret
Rodleydave
Foreverly Claret
Rumplestiltskin
Upsnatem

We are close to reprinting Goin’Down Th’Imp, so, as you showed an interest in my original post, can yo email me and we can discuss how to order it.
Georgedavidgrinshaw@gmail.com
Thanks

Bit of a problem with email address, George.
My message was rejected until I used a lower case "g" and an "m" instead of " n".
Please order one for me if my email hasn't got through.
Cheers, can't wait for this.

Same as evensteadiereddie here, my message to you also rejected, I’ll resend using a small g and an m not an n.
Please could you confirm your correct email address and also if you have my reply.

My apologies, I should have been like evensteadiereddie and taken a bit more time over my typing
Email correction georgedavidgrimshaw@gmail.com

I'm interested and will email.

I’m also interested and email sent. Thanks…

We had Steve down at the Colne Muni classic soul night as a guest a few years ago, maybe to promote his book, we had a discussion about the fantastic night that the Atlantic, Stax Roadshow came to Nelson, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Arthur Conley, Booker T and the Mgs, Steve Cropper with the Markeys and staffer Al Bell compering, part of a prestigious European tour. What a night mods and soul fans,pre northern soul, from across the UK Edinburgh, Cornwall,London etc. within the year we had lost Otis Redding but will forever remember him singing My Girl sat on the edge of the stage. Sam n Dave came on stage like a whirlwind looking cool in mo hair suits , Steve and i disagreed on a memory he had of that night but that was nothing, he gave me a book he had published on General Scarlett. We later did a 50th anniversary of that night at'thImp, we played Atlantic, Stax vinyl that night, find memories of Steve

We had Steve down at the Colne Muni classic soul night as a guest a few years ago, maybe to promote his book, we had a discussion about the fantastic night that the Atlantic, Stax Roadshow came to Nelson, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Arthur Conley, Booker T and the Mgs, Steve Cropper with the Markeys and staffer Al Bell compering, part of a prestigious European tour. What a night mods and soul fans,pre northern soul, from across the UK Edinburgh, Cornwall,London etc. within the year we had lost Otis Redding but will forever remember him singing My Girl sat on the edge of the stage. Sam n Dave came on stage like a whirlwind looking cool in mo hair suits , Steve and i disagreed on a memory he had of that night but that was nothing, he gave me a book he had published on General Scarlett. We later did a 50th anniversary of that night at'thImp, we played Atlantic, Stax vinyl that night, find memories of Steve

We had Steve down at the Colne Muni classic soul night as a guest a few years ago, maybe to promote his book, we had a discussion about the fantastic night that the Atlantic, Stax Roadshow came to Nelson, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Arthur Conley, Booker T and the Mgs, Steve Cropper with the Markeys and staffer Al Bell compering, part of a prestigious European tour. What a night mods and soul fans,pre northern soul, from across the UK Edinburgh, Cornwall,London etc. within the year we had lost Otis Redding but will forever remember him singing My Girl sat on the edge of the stage. Sam n Dave came on stage like a whirlwind looking cool in mo hair suits , Steve and i disagreed on a memory he had of that night but that was nothing, he gave me a book he had published on General Scarlett. We later did a 50th anniversary of that night at'thImp, we played Atlantic, Stax vinyl that night, fond memories of Steve

You can say that again. And again.

Sorry, I hit trouble when I try and do corrections.

Hi George

I have problems with G mail...don't know why...nobody seems to be able to sort it...I can't send or receive .I really want the book .I live in west Yorkshire not far from Rodley Dave so if he was willing to help we could communicate re collection / payment via him .If you can think of an easier way to do the deal I'm all ears .sorry to mess you about .

Foreverly Claret wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 06, 2024 9:25 am

Hi George

I have problems with G mail...don't know why...nobody seems to be able to sort it...I can't send or receive .I really want the book .I live in west Yorkshire not far from Rodley Dave so if he was willing to help we could communicate re collection / payment via him .If you can think of an easier way to do the deal I'm all ears .sorry to mess you about .

I see Dave on a fairly regular basis and sit in the same stand too. If he is OK, I could supply him two and you could sort out with him.
Do you have contact with him?

Hi There


Thanks for that .I think we may have met once but I buy the books he writes so he'll have me on his database.I live in Heckmondwike ..email....clive.les@btinternet.com .

Yes, count me in for any future productions of this amazing book. Good Luck.

Slightly off tangent, but where exactly was the Imp in Nelson? I've heard folk say it was where the Arndale is now, but also I've heard it was on Carr Road somewhere?

It was on Carr Rd going down to where the stock car stadium was, just look it up.

As teenagers we used to travel from Malham (if those that had a car would do it) to the Imp on either Fri/Sat or Sunday night. I have a vague recollection that it was cheaper on a Sunday night. One evening I met a young lady called Alison at the Imp, she was local and I walked her home only to discover my so call mates had driven home and left me, I went to the local cop shop for help, they rang a taxi, when I got home I’d to wake my parents up for the taxi fare, about 30 bob, a fortune, needles to say my parents being on a low income were not happy.

An old pal from Burnley sent me a copy a few months back, a brilliant read, some of the anecdotes are hilarious Bobby Elliot lived not far from me in Pike Hill area. Just thinking that EVERY star of the generation appeared at Th'Imp is really quite amazing.

A quick update. The first print last year sold out in about four months. I am investigating the feasibility of reprinting a small quantity and am currently awaiting a reply from the printer.

The Otis Redding Show at the Imp on April 1 1967.
What a line-up!