JUST read Messenger article about former B &Q at Stretford(Thursday June 8).

This building was actually purpose built as a bowling alley in about 1963/65 but the 'craze' didn't quite catch on. It then stood empty for years until B&Q came along .

David Jones

Chairman, Trafford and District Woodcraft Club

I READ with interest in last week's Messenger your piece on the demolition of the B&Q store situated on Great Stone Road in Stretford. 
In the article you say what was there over the years before the store was founded.
Well, I remember in the late 1960’s that it used to be a bowling alley that my cousin took me to once in a while.
Then, a few years later, I used to go there as a teenager when it was a discotheque that went under the name’s of  The Village and The Hardrock. They also had the groups of the 1970’s era play there including Slade and Bowie. None of which I saw because I couldn’t afford it at the time, but I did go to the discotheque that I think was on every Monday night if my memory serves me right. 
I can remember as you walked in the front entrance you had a café to the left and to the right you went down a dark passageway that was illuminated with ultra violet lighting that showed everything up that was white, including dandruff!  And at the end of the passage you walked into the disco area that seemed enormous at the time. Yes, happy memories. 
I’ve searched the internet high and low for any pictures of those days but can’t seem to find any.
If you could put me on track to find any pictures of the Village or Hardrock, outside or inside, I’d be very grateful. 

Stevie H Harper