LAST week we featured the fascinating story of Eddie Grindrod's remarkable vision that led to a whole new generation of clubs in Bolton.

When he started a club for young people in a disused building at the back of his parents' pub little could he know that it would lead to a revolution in dance and music venues in the town.

Eddie moved on to open The Beachcomber Coffee Bar in Bank Street which became a hugely popular venue in the 1960s despite not one alcoholic drink changing hands over the bar.

But Eddie and his two pals, Norman Clements and Eric Eckersley, had always hoped to open a bar with a licence.

They extended the Beachcomber — moving into the dairy next door and opening up the cellars.

Then came their plan to get a licence which saw them employing a hot shot barrister who "insisted" we were given one.

"He had a real presence and when it came to getting the licence we were accepted," says Eddie.

The Beachcomber was going from strength to strength. "We were very keen on the door that all men had to wear a tie," he says.

Famous names were clambering to appear at the club. Herman's Hermits (who were discovered by a record label at the Beachcomber), Spencer Davis and Bolton band The Invictors who were formed in the summer of 1962 by a group of 16-year-old school friends from Bolton School and Chorley Old Road Methodist Church.

The band consisted of Eric Lever, Jim Lowe, Paul Shaw, Stu Whittle, Mick Whittle and Steve Butler.

They took their name from an obscure American instrumental group called the Invictas but spelled it differently to avoid being confused with a well known washing machine brand of the time.

Eddie was delighted to book the band on a regular basis which proved popular with club-goers.

Van Morrison, The Who and Lulu all took centre stage.

Eventually the club would change its name to the Cromwellian as Eddie and his partners were always keen to keep up with the times.

Every time the club changed its name it changed its interior, he says.

Rod Stewart and Elton John were just two of the acts who would appear here — before they became the household names they are today.

Many Looking Back readers will, undoubtedly, recall dancing and socialising at The Cromwellian which later had another change of name, thanks to Eddie and his partners' decision to move with the times and it became The Playmate Club and later Maxwell's Plum.

What followed was further forays into club land for Eddie including The Empress in Mealhouse Lane and later Hawthorns Piano Bar in Spa Road which was quite a change from his previous clubs.

It was, once again, Eddie's vision that helped to ensure Hawthorns became one of the most popular night spots in the area.

This club was set up with partner Dave Gill and the idea behind it was good food and and drinks in smart surroundings, explains Eddie.

It would attract the more discerning customer who wanted a little more than just a boogie and a beer on a Saturday night.

This was the 1980s — a time of shoulder pads, big hair and money. People were keen to spend on socialising and Eddie's club would prove popular.

But the partnership of Eddie and Dave Gill broke up and Dave continued running Hawthorns without Eddie, he explains.

Although clubs and music were always in Eddie's heart and soul he did, for a time, get involved in the market industry running a market in Leigh with his old pal Norman Clements.

Eddie had bought an empty carpet showroom, turned it into a club, it ran for about three years and was converted into a market hall which Eddie, Norman and Eric owned.

He has had a long and illustrious career in nightclubs in Bolton and one which has helped to ensure many happy evenings out for local folk.

Many of you will recall visiting at least one of Eddie's club and many of you will have met your future partners there.

Do get in touch with Gayle McBain if you have memories to share. Ring 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk