BMARC club was the hub of Grantham nightlife in the 1950s and 1960s
Arms factory BMARC opened on Grantham's Springfield Road in 1938, employing 150 people, but during World War II up to 6,000 worked there.
BMARC also had a central role to play for many years in the town when it came to night life.
BMARC Social Club became the place to be after the demise of Ruston and Hornsby, and it encouraged the town boxing club, the town band and the burgeoning rock 'n' roll music scene in the 1950s.
BMARC Social Club became the place to be after the demise of Ruston and Hornsby, and it encouraged the town boxing club, the town band and the burgeoning rock ‘n’ roll music scene in the 1950s.
In fact, Grantham’s very first rock ‘n’ roll night was staged there in February 1957.
With jiving and bopping dance styles prohibited at other venues, MARCo’s (as it was known colloquially) social club truly embraced the rebellious youth music movement.
The top photograph shows a Christmas party at the club for BMARC employees’ children in 1953.
A propeller from a Nazi Junkers Ju88 plane, shot down by factory gunners, was proudly displayed on the back wall of the club.
Below is BMARC Social Club following an £11,000 extension and refurbishment in 1963 whilst, plus a shot of Grantham’s first twist competition snapped at the club the year previous.
Looking back . . .
10 YEARS AGO
- Grantham Rescue of Cats and Kittens (ROCK) was looking to rehome a feline behemoth weighing in at 18lb after it was found in Morkery Woods, South Witham.
- A speed camera on Gonerby Hill Foot was set on fire.
- The new Grantham Rhythm and Blues Orchestra was still after more musicians, especially trumpeters and trombonists.
25 YEARS AGO
- Residents wanting a roundabout at the junction of Harrowby Lane, New Beacon Lane and Uplands Drive, were told by Lincolnshire County Council highways department that their request was unrealistic.
- Big plans were afoot in Grantham to celebrate the following year’s 50th anniversary of VE Day.
50 YEARS AGO
- A pilot crash-landed his light aircraft in a ploughed field near Stretton and then thumbed a lift to Great Ponton to call the police.
- ‘It’s great to give Bush at Christmas,’ said Westmoreland’s advert for radios and record players.
- Grantham Hospital admissions were restricted to emergencies due to Asian flu.
100 YEARS AGO
- The Chief of Air Staff’s memorandum on the future of the RAF included a Cadet College to be based at Cranwell.
- ‘Push, step on, you’re away’ said James Smith Motor Engineer’s advert for the brand new ABC Skootamota motorised scooter.
- King’s School Old Boys’ first annual dinner since the war was held at the George Hotel.
