I recently received an email from member Bruce Fursman telling us that the Galtymore Ballroom in Cricklewood, England has been demolished. It was bulldozed earlier this year. Although not in Ireland, the Galtymore (and many more like it) played an important role in the history of the showband scene and the lives of Irish abroad. Sad to see it go. The good news is that the sixty year old ballroom is being rebuilt. For more info, http://www.galtymore.co.uk/index.html

irish-showbands.com/images/halls/galty.jpg

Your item about the Galtymore being closed is incorrect, while the ashtons & Galty halls have been pulled down it is business as usual in the Aran Hall, the bands you quote ie The Indians are playing there this weekend, along with the Showband Show, they have their own website which is regularly updated at www.galtymore.co.uk
take care
Ray

Hi Ray,

Thanks for the correction and the update, we can't always vouch for the accuracy of the emails we receive, but I am sure it was an honest mistake. One way or another, it's good to hear the Galtymore continues to "pack 'em in and send them home sweatin'."

The Galty is DEFINITELY gone now.
There is no dance hall as such in London and I feel it's a proper disgrace.
Some pubs have bands over but it's not the same.
We are a poorer nation without our showband music.