Your say / Transport
A ride on the wild side
I grew up in Redland during the 1980s, and my childhood forays extended only as far as the Clifton Down cinema, the Alma Vale Lido and my favourite hang-out – the gypsy caravan in Bristol Museum (you were allowed to sit inside it in those days).
As a teenager, my explorations took me further down Park Street – to Tony’s Records via Revolver Records where I spent most of my time (and pocket money).
Having now discovered the joys of rock ‘n’ roll vinyl shopping, it was inevitable that my next stop would be the legendary Springer pub – an unprepossessing one-storey building at the start of the M32 – now a tool hire shop. Elvis himself adorned the pub sign and rockin’ sounds blasted out all day and night.
The Springer was known throughout the UK and even Europe, bringing bands and music fans from far and wide to this unlikely music mecca.
Maybe it was the lure of hanging around a motorway slip-road but I eventually shipped out east to London and have been there ever since – when I’m not travelling the world on my motorcycle.
I still make it back home from time to time and although most of the haunts of my Bristol youth are long gone, when I roll off the M32 into town I always give a nod to the tool hire shop that will always have a place in Bristol’s music history.”
Lois Pryce is an author and adventurer whose new book Revolutionary Ride takes her on a 3,000-mile motorcycle journey across Iran, lifting the veil on a misunderstood country. She will be talking about her travels through Iran at Stanfords on Corn Street on Tuesday, January 17. Click here for more information about the event.
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