Photograph
Downing Street Co-op Ballroom, Ardwick Green
1977

The year is early 1977 and drummer Ronnie Oates from Edgeley, Stockport, and Pianist/Organist Tony Gay (Tony William in 2026) pose for a photo in Downing Street, Ardwick Green Co-operative. Central Co-operative Stores. Opened in January 1865, this grand venue served as the landmark headquarters for the Manchester and Salford Equitable Co-operative Society and featured a 1000 capacity dance floor upstairs. Friday night was "mature" singles night - those who wanted to Ballroom Dance. In the background is the organiser/MC.