Arden Ballroom, Bedworth

Dear Readers, I am writing about Bedworth/Coventry in the years after the Second World War and I would appreciate any information/memories/recollections about the Arden Ballroom, Bedworth. It was owned and run by my father and two uncles - Frank, Harry and Horace Randle. With thanks, John Randle.

Hi John, Welcome to the forum. I can't help with your quest but hopefully someone else will. Helen

John Hi, there were scores of Randles around - my cousins were Randle but from Bell Green Road. I believe the Arden was a dance hall before the war, different name. Not sure about during the war, but certainly after, all the big bands played there. I wrote about it somewhere, no idea now. Would it have been open in 1949? - if it was then surely I went there! for I lived close. Thousands enjoyed going there, brilliant place.

Dear Kaga, Nice of you to write - yes, indeed thousands of Randles - but only spelt that way in the Midlands I think. I am pretty sure the Arden was started just after the war and closed about 1963. I think it was probably Horace Randle who came up with the name Arden referring to the local forest of bygone times. I used to go skating at the Arden - quite a place! Best wishes John

One of the main concentrations of that spelling, yes. However, using the 'Named' online surname profiler shows the highest concentration to be in the north Somerset area. Very low usage everwhere else.

Thanks very much for the information. I lived in North America for a while and the spelling Randle was unknown there. Regards

Spent many a Saturday night at the Arden in the late 50's early 60's, lived in Wyken so had to be sure not to miss the dedicated bus home!!! Mainly went to see the big bands, Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth, Ken Mackintosh, Vic Lewis, etc. It was the only place to go as, if I remember correctly, they were not permitted to play in Coventry due to a ban by the local musicians union. Happy days

We had our own resident band at the Casino Mick.

Recall all the ballrooms had their own bands remember the GEC, Rialto, Matrix, Orchid, Locarno. Spoilt for choice but went to all over time even met my wife at the Matrix 67 years ago!!! Think it was the local musicians union prevented the big bands from the City.

Hi Mick, welcome to the forum. Can't think why I missed saying hi, the first time.

Gosh! Your recollections of late teenage life in Coventry are beyond my experience and comprehension. I think that was why I was happy to leave at 18 and only recently I am trying to recall the atmosphere and events that made me happy not to have to return. I went with a girl to the Locarno only once and that was the end of my first romantic relationship! I met my wife and partner of 47 years after evensong in a cathedral some 140 miles from St Michael's Coventry. We have 3 children we are proud of. I look back and try to understand how I fit in as a result of evolution that has created a diversity of human personality that must have been necessary for us to survive as a complex society. But did I miss out on all the fun? (Answers not required!)