The Cromford Club (Cromford Court, off Market Street Long lost under the magnificence that is Arndale!)

The Cromford Club was run by Paddy McGrath, an ex-boxer.

Memories

Peter Byrne, spoke of Doorman BIG George on the Manchester Cavern page ... 6'4" and 18 stone was very big then.

That was my Dad, unfortunately he died early 2009, heart attack, running a pub, behind a bar and pulling a pint for a customer ... 69 years old.

In November 1964 he was running the Cromford door (with Jimmy "Swords"..anyway, one night at home I was sick, Doctor came out, gave my (8 months pregnant) Mum a prescription, she got the bus into town where she went to the Cromford.

Dave Lee Travis (of course wearing his parker) took her in his Jeep across town to the all night chemist.

I remember a photo of Dad stood in front of Mick Jagger (Guarding him) who did a guest appearance on a tiny stage about a foot high...their heads were about the same level even though Mick was on the stage. I would sell my soul for a copy of that photo.

David Lloyd - 27/7/12

Thank you David, it is very sad to hear of your dad's passing. I will always have great memories about our time at the Cavern, and your dad, he was an important part of all our time in the sixties. Take care.

Peter Byrne - 28/8/12

Hi, My late Father 'Big George' Lloyd worked on the Cromford/Cavern door in the 60's. If anyone has memories or gossip about him while he was there please email me, all lowercase DML1D @ HOTMAIL.COM

If you're interested, in the early 70's my parents decided to try and get a pub, to do this my Dad went working at the "bottom Kings on Oldham Street (before anyone asks it was because there were 2 Kings pubs on Oldham Street, the other was at the top of the Street). Anyone remember him from there?

David LLoyd - 22/6/13

Somebody must know. My late father was Big George (Lloyd) - the doorman. Whenever he spoke about this club he called it the Cromford Club, not the Cavern. Anyone know why? I suspect the staff called it the Cromford, the punters the Cavern.
If you know please advise.

David LLoyd - 8/10/13

Hi David, I worked with your dad at the Cavern on Cromford Court from 1963-64. with Dave Hall. The manager was called Dave Sledge his wife was called Wendy she was on the till.

I know your dad didn't work at the Cromford Club - the door man was Billy Gilmore from Salford. He worked the door on his own for years. he was a good friend of mine.

Hope this helps. Cheers!

Bob - 13/10/13

This is my parents. My Mum worked a few places in town. Not sure if this place is recognisable but.....

David Lloyd - 18/2/14 

David, re your Dad, George, the Cromford Club he mentioned was in fact another club in Cromford Court - it was a Casino if I remember rightly and your Dad probably went there after his shift at the Cavern Club.

Grace Butterworth - 23/10/13

Hi Dave - Remember your dad, he worked the doors with Alan - prince to top man.

P Clarke - 15/11/13