The Boys, the Old Mill, The Kor-Tels, Union Blues Soul Band and The Falcons are just some of the many names synonymous with the Timaru music scene. In this new series, reporter Connor Haley talks to Timaru music historian Lyall Smillie and others about the people and places that made up the golden age of Timaru live music. This week’s edition focuses on the early years of the Old Mill Discotheque.
After the closure of the Downtown Niteclub a healthy pub circuit in the early 1970s kept live local music alive and well.
Timaru was spoilt for choice with a total of 12 hotels ranging from The Terminus to the Hydro at top of the Bay Hill — all featuring some form of live music.
However, as the scene slowed with the introduction of drink-driving laws and breathalyser testing, a new venue would emerge and and grow to become a much-needed shot in the arm for local bands.
The Old Mill Discotheque was opened at 2 North St just prior to Christmas in 1978.
The idea for the new venue was birthed by Brian Carswell who was keen to create a place for young teenagers to be able to go and enjoy themselves in a safe environment.
After placing a newspaper ad in search of a suitable building, the former Belford Mill was suggested and deemed suitable.
After acquiring it in 1977, Sue Sullivan then joined Mr Carswell as a partner and the pair got to work transforming the thick walls of the brick building into a premiere venue for Timaru teens.
Ms Sullivan said while discussing her involvement on the The Old Mill Nite Club Facebook page that she was very hands-on when it came to getting ready to open.
‘‘Every day [I was] on site with builders, electricians, plumbers and finally the council. I was in my jeans down there painting, lifting and cajoling Australian suppliers to send me the right plumbing pipes on time as I was pushing for a six-week finish to open for Christmas. I was right as it took off well.
‘‘I always thought it was a magnificent old structure — the walls were about three foot thick in places. Brian Carswell was very laid-back and accepting of me wanting every fancy decor. He was a good businessman and economical as he knew when to say ‘enough’ for decor.
‘‘We never argued; he was such a good man and too cultured to argue or be nasty ever.’’
She recalled it being a frantic time trying to get everything finished.
‘‘We were tearing our hair out to get everything finished and permits ticked off so we could open for Christmas. At the last moment the council stopped us, saying one of the fire escape’s bottom steps was five inches too high. We had to run around and get a tradesman to solder another step to the bottom.
‘‘When Brian pulled out for family reasons, I ran the Mill as owner-operator until the end of 1980 when it was sold to [Brian] Conroy and Co. I remember all the great dancers who gave some high-level performances; [it was] good fun and a good time.’’
Old Mill disco queen Kera Baker had fond memories of the venues early days.
‘‘My mum Wiki Baker and step-dad Lyall Smillie would take us and they would have a few drinks in the adults bar and my brother Gary and I would go to the kids’ bar next door to sip on kiddy cocktails which was such a thrill in those days.
‘‘How lucky we were to be growing up in those fabulous times. The Saturday Night Fever days where the Bee Gees were blasting on the radio; it was the biggest hit movie with John Travolta who we all adored.
‘‘I became known as the disco queen of the Old Mill as I won the local Old Mill disco comps, then went on to become South Island disco queen.’’
After a solid year or two of disco it became a passing fad and live bands with top-of-theline sound systems and on-stage antics would take the Old Mill stage by storm and transform the future of the venue . . .
