Memories of Malibu club in Weymouth

The Malibu and the integral Weymouth Arms were part of resort nightlife since the club opened in 1981.

The Malibu, in Upper Bond Street, burst on to the local nightlife scene when it opened in a blaze of lights in December 1981.

Its exotic tropical theme decorations included everything from palm trees to a disco on the site off Bond Street and it quickly carved itself out a reputation for innovation.

It became the town's first split-level nightclub when a ground floor disco opened a year later and the Malibu hit the headlines in April 1983 when it became the first bar in the town to sell draught milk.

The club was offered the chance to sell milk through a joint project by the Milk Marketing Board and Unigate.

Milk on sale at the Malibu Club in Weymouth. May 1983.

At the time, Unigate's Weymouth wholesale manager, Mr Ray Shepherd, said: "There is a growing demand there for milk in pubs.

"We are finding outlets in many different places, ranging from pubs and clubs to colleges and universities."

The club did a lot of charity work with the then Weymouth and District Hospital's Radio Shambles as well as holding many discos for good causes, ranging from Live Aid to the Save the Children Fund, Help the Aged and Cancer Research.

In 1996 the Malibu became the first Weymouth nightspot to join the internet system, broadcasting information worldwide by computer and even launching its own internet club about events, attractions and club offers.

Malibu Club

Sadly Malibu owner Phil Scott decided to close the club for the final time in 2001 after more than 20 years in the town.

Mr Scott said the pressure of other business commitments meant he and his wife, Shirley, had decided to sell-up and sever their links with the town.

Many of you have fond memories of the Malibu. It was know to playing disco-funk music while the second disco in the split-level club, the Malibu Beach Bar, offered different pop music.

The Malibu also hit the headlines when a Dixieland jazz club started up there.

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Formed by a group of local musicians who call themselves the Memphis Jazzmen. The members of the band were Ken Vick, Steve Peach, Tom Connor, Peter Wilson, Ken Pearce and Clive Ashley.

And singing with the jazzmen was then 18-year-old barmaid Tanya Borthwick, who proved an instant hit.

Tanya, the daughter of Dickie Borthwick, who went on to become Britain's oldest footballer, who ran the popular Weymouth dance band The Soundblenders, earned her tilt at fame with a timely, tuneful ditty.

“As a barmaid at the club I help call time,” she explained.

“The previous week I decided to do so by singing: “I’m Tired and I Want To Go Home”.

Her melodic hint was picked up by the band leader Tom Connor.

Jo Thomas used to work at Malibu. She writes: "Malibu and Milk was a popular drink back in the 80s. I worked there back in '87, it was a lot of fun. There was a great bunch that worked there. I used to work in the Weymouth bars downstairs until 10pm and then go upstairs till 2am."

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And Jo Brewer remembers Malibu as 'having lots of mirrors' and 'falling down the stairs'.

Elaine Convey tells us that Malibu has little silver keyrings for memberships.

It seems as though falling down the stairs at the club was a common occurrence. Sadie Johnson writes: "I had my 21st birthday party there. Someone ended up in the pond and there was lots of falling down the stairs."

"I worked there in the 80s with Philip as manager," Ali Elrick writes. "I remember the great times outside of work. The Sunday beach volleyball using the nets the doormen ‘borrowed’ from HMS Osprey, and the skinny dipping after the club closed. Great times!"

Barry Runyeard tells us: "I remember most people watching themselves dancing in front of the ceiling to floor mirrors!"

And Marie-Louise Harris says: "I remember the pond and hearing the door men saying 'green green' into their radios. Lots of laughter and going to see the hypnotist there."

The last word should surely go to Zoe Marshall: "I worked there. I started on New Year's Eve, 1998. The Scotts owned the place. I loved working there. They were a great bunch of people to work for and with."