Ronnie's DVD memories raise charity cash

9:04am Thursday 13th November 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

HUNDREDS of Leigh Casino fans said thanks for the memory by snapping up a charity DVD made as a protest against its closure.

As a result £2,035 was last week presented to Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

Beat Boy Ronnie Carr conceived the idea for the DVD when protests to save the former Theatre Royal building in Silk Street for posterity fell on deaf ears.

He set to work filming its demise and interviewing people who had been big noises in The Casino success including owner Winnie Brierley and band leader Johnny Prior.

Ronnie, who led the first group to play in the Cas rock era, was contacted by professional editor and former Leigh man Chris Miller from his home in Norway who offered his services free.

The result “The Story of Leigh Casino” has been a great success.

Ronnie, whose best memories included playing and jiving, said: “It all started from a complaint originally but it really has been well worth all the trouble. I am thrilled that it has gone so well and for the calls I have received offering congratulations.

“A lot of people’s lives have gone through those doors and it’s nice to look back on the good times.”

Mrs Brierley said: “I am so pleased that people have bought it. I thought it was very good indeed and I am glad we gave a lot of pleasure to a lot of people.

People never forget their youth they are the best years of their lives. We live on memories and they are all here.

“It’s just a pity times have changed to the streets being filled with drunken yobs and girls and that ordinary people are frightened to go out at night.”

Wigan Hospice fund raising co-ordinator Edwin Matthews said: “We are delighted with all the work and effort Ronnie has put in to this DVD. It is a fantastic figure to raise and great that people who have bought the DVD have a history of really entertaining memories.”