A new book “Sadler Gate” which details how the iconic street was Derby’s answer to London’s Carnaby Street is now available in book shops and online.
Author Roger Smith reveals in the 76-page book how Sadler Gate was transformed from a quaint, sleepy street with general retailers into a magnet for young people. It began in 1965 with the opening of the town’s first boutique, Lord Jim, which changed everything.
Fashion stores, hairdressers, a record shop, cafes, clubs, bars and bistros clamoured to get in on the act as Sadler Gate belonged to the young, becoming the place to shop and socialise.
“Sadler Gate” is Roger’s third local-interest book and follows “When the Stars Came to Town” which chronicles more than 40 top-class shows that visited Derby between 1959 and 1966; and “We Danced in Derby” which looks back on all the main dance halls, clubs, discos and pubs where the young people of Derby celebrated the 1960s.
Says Roger: “There are few local-interest books about popular culture. If we don’t commit these memories to print, we’ll eventually forget about them. It’s important they’re preserved for posterity.
“We might have asked our parents what they did in the war. Now, if our grandchildren want to know what we got up to in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, this book will give them the answers – although some of the tales can’t be documented in print!”
The section on where we shopped includes such memorable names as His & Hers, Limey’s and R.E. Cords while where we socialised includes the origin of the innovative Blue Note club and the legendary Old Bell Hotel.
Roger spent years interviewing owners who set up businesses in Sadler Gate, their employees and customers. He also spoke to revellers who socialised in the street’s stylish clubs, sophisticated bars and chic restaurants.
“When I prompted them they remembered things they hadn’t thought about for years. They managed to reach into their memory banks and recall things they’d totally forgotten about.”
The book talks to those who frequented Sadler Gate at the time and in a section called “I was there!” they explain in their own words what an exciting, vibrant atmosphere there was on the street.
“Hopefully,” says Roger, “this legendary part of the city will continue to thrive and once again represent what it stood for – the part of the city where Derby’s young and fashionable made their own.”
* ‘Sadler Gate’ by Roger Smith (ISBN 978-1-914458-73-6) is available online at www.thetap-publishing.com and from Waterstones, 78-80 St Peters Street, Derby; Poyntons, Crown Walk, Derbion Centre; and Canopy, 7 Sadler Gate, Derby. Priced £16.50.
