The Kings Arms Weldon

A Memory of Weldon.

Back in 1968 when the Kings Arms was going strong it was my favourite pub to go to? The Landlord was a guy called Jim and his wife Carol, a youngish couple, I don’t remember their surname. They were often assisted by Carols mum and dad, her mums name was Frances but I’m afraid I’ve forgotten her dads.
It was a lively pub and I would say their local customer base were mainly Scottish and a great many were employees of Stewarts and Lloyds Steelworks. They were a very warm and friendly bunch and it was a real pleasure to be there enjoying their company on a Weekend night.
The pub had a Hammond Organ and it was played by resident organist Reg Stacey (and one or two others). Reg lived in Kettering and I befriended him and as I lived at Kettering too we would often go to Weldon together. The organ was a very popular feature and on a Saturday night at about 8.30 after Reg had been playing for a while Andy who was a self appointed MC would get up on the mike greet everybody and would then begin introducing anyone who wanted to get up and do a turn at the mike. He was very good at it and there
were no shortage of volunteers especially after an hour or two of drinking. There would be singers and some would do monologues and everyone clapped and cheered and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
There was Colin who made everyone laugh doing an impression of a toothless man eating a bag of chips, very convincingly and very funny. I cant remember many names but I remember the faces. There was Drew and Arthur just to name a couple.
Does anyone else remember those times at the Kings Arms of 50 years ago or is it just me!
I can’t believe that they pulled down such a modern and smart pub, it was a great shame!

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