It’s a mod, mod world

An exhibition celebrating one of the most enduring British youth cultures has opened at Millgate Museum, Newark.

Two Lambretta scooters belonging to original mods, as well as clothing and old photographs from the 1960s, are among the memorabilia on display.

The exhibition has been organised by author Mr Alan Fletcher (60) who lives in Mapperley, but grew up in Wood Street, Newark, during the 1960s.

It coincides with a special mod film season at the Palace Theatre, Newark, which starts next week, and Mod Crop — The Musical, which will premiere at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal on June 9.

The musical is based on Mr Fletcher’s novel, Brummell’s Last Riff, about Mr Fletcher and his two friends growing up as mods in Newark.

Mr Fletcher, who was story consultant on The Who’s 1979 film Quadrophenia, said: “I spent most of my mod years in and around Newark.

“We used to travel around on my friend’s scooter going across to Nottingham, Grantham and Skegness. We also spent weekends in Great Yarmouth and Blackpool.”

He said popular mod hang-outs were The Bowling Green, a club near Northgate station, Newark, and the Dungeon Club in Nottingham.

“Everyone played there. We saw The Who, Small Faces, Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton. It was a real melting pot for new music,” he said.

Renowned for their sharp suits, scooters and amphetamine-fuelled all-night dancing, the mod scene developed when British teenagers started to reject the dull and old-fashioned lifestyle of their parents.

“All my friends were mods,” said Mr Fletcher.

“It was an incredibly exciting time. It was mystical.

“There wasn’t a waking moment when I didn’t think mod.

“I think once a mod, always a mod.”

He said it was the first time he had held an exhibition and it was great to see all his old friends.

The character of Don in the musical is based on Mr Dave Hill (62) of Grantham, who grew up in Newark with Mr Fletcher.

Mr Hill said: “I’ve seen quite a lot of photographs of old friends. It brings back quite a lot of memories. My children can’t believe it.”

The exhibition is free and runs until April 19.

A group of mods from the Newark area plans to dress up and ride in to town on scooters for the showing of Quadrophenia at the Palace Theatre on Monday at 7.30pm.