Laying the foundations for Dunstable’s California Ballroom

He expanded the premises to accommodate a roller skating rink, whose café is seen in the background of this photo taken in February 1958.

The picture records the moment when Mr Green began a new and exciting enterprise - ­ building an enormous ballroom on the swimming pool’s forecourt.

It was an enormous project undertaken, astonishingly, by Mr Green and his family and friends, without the use of outside contractors. Mr Green is seen on the left, supervising the work.

The result was often described as a gimcrack building, but what a legacy it left!

After its opening in March 1960 it hosted shows by Top Ten pop stars such as Kathy Kirby, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones and Ronnie Carroll.

When the rock era arrived, Mr Green was lucky enough to book newly emerging acts like the Rolling Stones, right at the start of their careers.

Later the huge hall became a famous venue for soul singers, still enthusiastically remembered in Sid Hudson’s Cali R revivals.

The swimming pool closed in 1973 and the ballroom was demolished in 1980. Royce Close is there now.

> Yesteryear is compiled by John Buckledee, chairman of Dunstable and District Local History Society.