Stonehouse Action and Nudge Community Builders organised a hugely successful Family Fun Day on Union Street.
Closing the road for the whole day meant that there was a fantastic atmosphere with live music, a bouncy castle, stalls and workshops all on the Street. And no traffic!
It was a great way to promote some of the activities that happen regularly in and around Union Street – Tai Chi, yoga, cooking, history walks, plus advice and displays from Plymouth Energy Community, Plymouth Council Planning Department and Plymouth Parkour.
There was also some tasty food from the Kurdish Exile Community and the Oasis Project amongst others, and two stages crammed with amazing music including a gospel group from House of Prayer Ministries who hold their meetings on Manor Street.
It was lovely to see people spill onto the pavements again. Although the Fun Day is now in its seventh year of encouraging dancing in the street, most people will remember this happening at night.
Dancing has been a way of life in this part of Plymouth
There was a time, not so long ago, when it was impossible for cars to get through the crowds of late night revellers at the many venues along Union Street. Disco, Rock, Reggae and House would have all had their aficionados. Sadly these venues have fallen into disrepair (only the Reggae club remains) despite the huge amount of money poured into them by tens of thousands of punters over the years.
Dancing has been a way of life in this part of Plymouth, the subject of a Walks With History talk and highlight of the Love Union Street Event.
Richard Fisher, who led the walk, explained that Navy towns were particularly keen on dancing events. Sailors on leave could either frequent the public house, or have a raucous informal knees up, or they could have a more refined experience with a “marrying type” at an Outdoor Tea Dance.
Richard said:
“Mr Rendle’s Botanical Gardens was originally just a nursery off Floral Street in the 1840s. But due to the Great Western Railway crossing over Union Street, Mr Rendle took the opportunity to acquire the land alongside this line which was behind what is now the Two Trees Pub.”
The grounds hosted a refined tea dance within a vast variety of plants and a large fountain all of which could be overlooked by passengers travelling by train. In one year it had 6,000 visitors and was reputed to have been opened by a Nepalese Prince!
Goodbodys of Plymouth (although a different kind of establishment nowadays!) was another company who had three tea dance cafes in Plymouth before the war in Bedford Street, Mutley Plain and George Street.
An orchestra such as the Stanton Wicks would play for over two hours to keep the party moving.
Of course the main draw in Union Street was the glorious Palace Theatre which in the 1960s was home to another Plymouth legend, Bob Tanner who was the resident DJ and ballroom dancing champion.
Union Street needs a bit of love right now, as its faded paint and crumbling facades plainly show. It is heartening to know that there are scores of local people who are determined to bring the fun and laughter back – day and night.
You can share their optimism and get involved by popping into The Clipper or Union Corner on Union Street. Visit Union Corner – Stonehouse Action or Nudge Community Builders on Facebook or pop in to the Clipper, from Thursday to Saturday between 12 noon to 6pm or visit stonehouseaction.wordpress.com/unioncorner to see all the activities they get up to there!
