EFFORTS are under way to revive one of Huddersfield's foremost music venues.

David Shaw and Michael Holroyd are leading a bid to relaunch The Builders Club, which was the town's premier music spot in the 1960s and 1970s, before closing in 1974.

They are planning a meeting to gauge the likely level of support for the venture.

If there is sufficient interest, they hope to bring back the Builders Club - but at Primrose Hill Cricket Club rather than its original Wood Street venue.

The Builders' Exchange Club opened in 1889 and became an exclusive club for the town's leading industrialists and businessmen.

But in 1964, the club needed to boost funds and membership - and launched a folk club every Wednesday night.

The move proved so successful that jazz, rock, disco and blues were introduced on other nights.

Bands at the club included Lindisfarne, Wishbone Ash, Judas Priest and Thin Lizzy. Folk singer and comedian Mike Harding also put in an appearance.

Mr Holroyd's great-uncle, Joe, was a Builders Club stalwart. Joe Holroyd was part of Slaithwaite building firm Holroyd & Brook and Eagland, which was involved in founding the club.

Mr Shaw hopes regular Builders Club events will help secure the future of the Cross Lane cricket club.

Mr Shaw, who lives in Trinity Street, recently completed a year-long stint as development officer for the 128-year-old cricket club.

He helped to spearhead a project to convert the clubhouse into a centre for community use.

Other work at the club has included tree-planting, resurfacing the car park, wall repairs and rehanging the club gates.

Mr Shaw said: "Our idea is to re-form the Builders Club.

"We believe there is a great deal of interest in the idea, but we want to hold a meeting to see just how much support we can get."

"The cricket club is doing quite well on Fridays and at weekends, but we want to provide something during the week. Holding Builders Club events there would be ideal."

Mr Holroyd, of Almondbury, said: "Lots of people remember the old Builders Club. It was very popular in the 1960s and 1970s.

"There is still a following for the music of those days and a lot of the people who played in bands then are still playing in bands today."

Phone David Shaw on 01484 364806.