A vital slice of Windsor's musical history was celebrated on Sunday - when the man responsible for a legendary club that brought cutting edge bands to the town launched his book.

The book tells the story of the Ricky Tick Club and has been written by the man who ran it - John Mansfield.

Margaret Kirby- former senior manager Heritage and Arts at the Royal Borough - said: "We had over 350 people at the Windsor and Eton Brewery on Sunday for the book launch.

"Some were out on the pavement as it was packed inside. John Mansfield arrived about 3.30 and he signed books. He is in a wheelchair now but was thrilled to see the crowd amd his book out at last.

"Ricky Tick DJ Martin Fuggles played some 60's sounds and people shared memories of seeing Georgie Fame, the Rolling Stones and even Stevie Wonder playing when he was only 13."

Mr Mansfield, now 81, was born in Slough and after national service came to Windsor - teaming up with his ex-service pal Philip Hayward to take over the running of the Jazz Club held in an upper room at the Star and Garter in Peascod Street.

That club became the Ricky-Tick club and gave the Rolling Stones their their first gig outside London.

Its success saw other Ricky-Tick clubs spread to 27 towns including Maidenhead, Slough and Reading - bringing over legendary American performers like Bill Haley, Tina Turner and Stevie Wonder.

In April 1964, the Windsor club moved to a semi derelict mansion with 58 rooms at Clewer Mead.

John and Philip painted the walls black, begged, borrowed and scrounged for decor for the club which opened on April 25 with Georgie Fame playing. Georgie also played with his band the Blue Flames on the last night two and a half years later in September, 1966.

The club had provided a great opportunity for post war teenagers to hear rhythm and blues and soul in the mid 1960's. The emerging Mod culture loved it. Kids came from miles around on bus, train and scooters.

John's book - written with his brother Colin - is called As You Were - the True Adventures of the Ricky Tick.

It is a limited-edition hardback book with full gloss pages (all 330 of them) priced at £20. It features lots of images, photos and posters, as well as hilarious stories from John’s amazing life. Visit asyouwerebook@gmail.com to order a copy.

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