Line-up

Bob Hoath writes:

Based in the Clayton–Droylesden area, the Olympics were a showband style group, performing Presley type production numbers.

As the band’s style and repertoire changed, Jackie Fordell retired and the band carried on as a four piece, with Bob Hoath replacing Ted Lee on bass.

The Olympics were originally managed by Ric Dixon, who ran  the Oasis, where the Olympics had a lunchtime residency with resident dj’s Dave Lee Travis and Mac Lacy.

When Ric joined Kennedy Street Enterprises he took the Olympics with him. KSE people at the time included Danny Betesh, Geoffrey Cantor, Rice and band managers Roy Williams and Geoff Baker.

KSE had an interest in the Guys and Dolls club close to their offices in Kennedy Street (hence the name) and the Three Coins. Consequently we often used these places for rehearsal.

At one time, Geoff Baker put together an enormous group that he called ‘Group North’. It included Pete Bocking, Richard Harding and, I think, Trevor Morais amongst its members.

In late 1963, the band’s management renamed the group the ‘Chaperones’ and they became the backing band for Rochdale based singer Lorraine Gray.

Lorraine Gray and the Chaperones toured for a couple of years. Lorraine released two singles on Fontana and eventually emigrated to Australia.

Keith Gresty and Ted Lee became members of Sunshine Cake, the resident band at Tiffany’s after the Nocturnes.

Ted Lee comments:

Most of the above information is incorrect - take it from me I was in the band from its concept until 1964 when by then most of the Olympic events were over.

We were never a showband style group and performed very few Presley numbers. David Bowker remembers it well when he said we were a typical Shadows type band.

We were initially managed by Bill Fearniough who owned the Klub Koquette in Stockport and later Ric Dixon became our manager.

I have an Oasis Beat Scene that puts us together in July 1963 and I can well remember doing a couple of early gigs with Lorraine Gray but in 1964 I decided it was time to move on to greener pastures. So at the tail end of it all Bob Hoath took over on Bass til its end soon after. Much much more to add and will do this at a later date. Many stories to add.

Memories

They were a very popular group - they were in the Manchester  Evening News lists damned near every night. I remember how they would put the name of the band  several times  in the ad with the name on top of each other "Tonight,  Bodega " Olympics! Olympics!Olympics! This had to be early 60s.

I think they based their stuff on Shadows instrumentals , and Jackie was  Cliff Richard .. but maybe they modernised a bit later. They gigged probably more than any of us! 

David Bowker

Memories

I'm originally from Dukinfield, and I saw Jackie Fordell & The Olympics at The Jubilee Hall several times in 1962, (part of Dukinfield town hall).
At the time I was a 16 year old aspiring guitar player who was totally knocked out by the bespectacled lead guitar player I know now to be Keith Gresty.

Thanks Keith!

Kevin Parrott
12/8/10

I used to work as a police dog handler with Alan Mcknight and loved the stories of my old mates gigging days.  Sadly Alan passed away some years ago as did his brother John who had kept reel to reel recordings of every rehearsal session The Olympics did.

Rest in peace Alan and John  - thanks for the memories.

Dave Hughes
18/3/11