Who remembers the 1970s Hartlepool social scene?

The summer weather is upon us and it's an ideal time for a night out.
Stock car racing in Hartlepool.Stock car racing in Hartlepool.
Stock car racing in Hartlepool.

But what was the Hartlepool social scene like 40 years ago? The answer is, it was thriving and here are some reminders.

At the Gatsby nightclub - which was described at the time as a “luxury discotheque” on The Front in Seaton Carew - the resident DJ Woolie was going down a storm.

Gatsbys in Seaton Carew.Gatsbys in Seaton Carew.
Gatsbys in Seaton Carew.
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It was free entry if you went early enough and you certainly were advised to if you wanted to “avoid disappointment”

As well as Woolie, there were live acts such as The Chevrons. And if you worked up an appetite, there was a restaurant or basket meals to keep you sustained. Who remembers those days and what were your highlights?

But Gatsby’s wasn’t the only option for a big evening of entertainment. The new Reflections discotheque had just opened at the Staincliffe Hotel, also in Seaton Carew. It was free admission on the first night and the disco there was known as Lamplite.

You got in through the Chapel Bar and it gave away free records on the opening night. Did you go and what do you remember of it?

Gatsbys in Seaton Carew.Gatsbys in Seaton Carew.
Gatsbys in Seaton Carew.
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The Carlton Club in Surtees Street was another top spot and this time 40 years ago, you could catch up with the fantastic entertainers Swift - fresh from their appearance on the Bruce Forsyth Show.

Or perhaps you could take in Madison Square, a fantastic four-piece harmony group.

And if the club scene was more your thing, how about a night at West Workmen’s Club where comedian Colin Spence and entertainer Seth Shildon were on the bill.

At Greatham Social Club, there was a Sunday lunchtime comedian called Tony Shaw while later in the day, it was the “Free and Easy.”

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For more high-octane action, why not take in the Formula 1 and Formula 2 Stox at Hartlepool Stadium in Clarence Road. There were licensed bars and refreshments as well.

Or how about a trip to the pictures where A Star Is Born, Silent Movie and How To Steal A Diamond were all on the bill at the Fairworld in Hartlepool.

The 22nd annual garden fete was being held in the grounds of Hartlepool General Hospital and was being held by the Association of Friends of the Hartlepool Group of Hospitals.

And for the younger generation, hartlepool’s Jubilee Playscheme was on that year and included a theatre pageant, special beach activities and a train trip to the Whitby Gala Sports Day.

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In the news that year, it looked like it was the end for a Hartlepool school in 1977.

Brougham County Primary School had provided a place of education for thousands of people down the years.

But 40 years ago, the site had been subject to vandalism attacks and Cleveland’s Education Committee agreed to knock down all the buildngs at the site.

Were you a pupil there and what are your memories of the school? Share your memories. Email [email protected].