Retford group 1964-1969.

Playing Beat and Rhythm and Blues they were the top group in mid sixties Retford sometimes being attributed with the “Retford Sound” alongside stable mates The Vybratones. They also played alongside The Blue Jays, The Badd Lads (Scunthorpe), The Dimples (from Scunthorpe but settled in Retford), The Blue Spots/The Litter from Nottingham, The Casuals (Lincoln) and supported many famous groups of the day eg. Cat Stevens. Late in 1967 they were being billed as Retford’s “Flower Power” group.

Line up:
Keith Johnson: Vocals
Stuart Hoddy: Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Dave Hesslewood: Bass Guitar
Peter Jones: Drums, Vocals
Christopher Edson: Lead Guitar

Fan Club Secretary: Miss Sandy Hesslewood.

Formed after the break up of Karl and the Soundcasters with Dave Hesslewood, Peter Jones and Christopher Edson recruiting Keith Johnson and Stuart Hoddy to make a five piece.

Among others they played the Retford Town Hall, Sheffield Ice Rink, Ripley Miners Welfare, Northgate WMC Mexborough, Twist Club Rotherham, West Burton Hostel, Playing Field Beckingham, Mecca Ballroom Grimsby, Penny Farthing Club Doncaster and the White Hart Hotel Retford.

After winning a Beat competion in Mansfield in September 1966 in December 1966 a coach load of fans travelled to Sheffield to se them win the Search For Sound event sponsored by Fabulous magazine in conjunction with PYE records. This took them to the semi-finals in Sheffield on Jan 6th 1967. Although with the support of many fans who travelled in the fan club buses they couldn’t compete with Sheffield group “The Pityfulls” who had home support and won the heat which took them to the final at Streatham Ice Rink in London. The Pityfulls came third in London winning £50 and a PYE recording contract.

When the Debonaires came to an end in 1969 drummer Pete Jones joined The Jet Blacks and toured Europe. Stuart Hoddy would later in the 1980’s team up with ex Vybratones guitarist Keith Turner as “Connection” playing the clubs of Notts, Lincs and Yorkshire.

NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

Stuart Hoddy, Rugby player.

Stuart Hoddy also played Rugby for Retford 2nd XV, East Retford and Retford 1st team also alongside his father Ken Hoddy. Keith Turner from The Vybratones told me in 2024 “Ken lives down the lane from me he goes past on his mobility scooter most days he’s now about 97/98. He was the President of Retford Rugby Club but had to call it a day a few years ago. Last time I saw Stuart was just over 5 years ago“.