Watford’s young people turned out in force over the weekend to inspect the new Top Rank Watford Suite, which opened its doors to the general public for the first time on Saturday. And by most reports, they were pleased with what they found.

Over 1,500 dancers packed the lavishly equipped ballroom throughout the evening and on Sunday it was discovered 800 people had already joined the Dancing Club in order to make use of the ballroom on a night when the law forbids an open dance to be held.

All five bars did a roaring trade and the buffet bars were kept busy.

One striking observation the management made later was that, in spite of the hundreds of people who milled around the premises, litter and mess were at a minimum. There was not a single cigarette burn on the floor and in the ladies’ powder room, every tissue which had been used had been placed neatly in the bins provided at each table.

The first function for which the Rank Organisation played host was the Friday night Gala Ball run by Watford Rotary and Round Table clubs in aid of the YMCA Building Fund.

The ball was an unqualified success, due largely to the unbounded generosity of Top Rank, and it is expected that over £800 will be donated to the fund. Guests artists were Tommy Cooper, dancers Laird and Lorraine, and Janie Marden.

[From the Watford Observer of April 16, 1965]

ONLINE TOMORROW: Ricky regulars fight for their pub