Night of motown in memory of Alex

A NIGHT of Motown magic reliving the halcyon days of a Rotherham nightclub will be held in memory of a teenage cancer victim.

DJ Ron Stanley’s Charade reunion night in Wickersley next Friday will be in aid of the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Ron’s close friend Tim Albiston lost his son Alexander (18) to osteosarcoma in 2010. More than £103,000 has been raised in his name since for BCRT and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Charade nightclub was based at the Stag roundabout during the 1960s, 70s and 80s and the event next week at Wickersley Social Club, Morthen Road, will feature familiar Motown and soul sounds.

Ron, of Brecks, said: “Charade ran for about 16 years and people came from far and wide, from all over South Yorkshire. It was a little, hot and sweaty place but people came because they loved the music.

“I was one of the first DJs there originally. I went away from music for a while after Charade, but a few years ago, I thought I’d like to start up reunion nights.

“Since then it’s been manic. People here in the 60s and 70s have moved away since but lots have come back for the reunions. Last year we even had one couple come from Australia especially for it.”

Ron’s previous annual charity events have raised cash for Sheffield Children’s Hospital and the children’s unit at Rotherham Hospital.

He said: “It’s a great atmosphere, lots of people you might not have seen for years. I often don’t recognise people because when I saw them last they had long hair and moustaches and now they have no hair!”

Tim said: “Ron is a long-time friend of mine and has closely followed our progress in raising over £103,000 for charity.

“We passed the magical £100,000 barrier earlier this year when we hosted our fifth instalment of the Pink Party, and two friends ran the London Marathon.

“This event is an opportunity for all those who used to visit Charade to get back together, and a chance for anyone to come along and enjoy the Motown classics. These are really popular nights for Wickersley WMC and the dancefloor is always packed.”

The event, from 7pm to midnight, has free admission.

Bucket collections will raise money for the charity.