North Vs South....A Country Divided??

[StarZSoundS]

Reading Deltaforces thread "Too Expensive"....


Deltaforce is from near my birthplace(I'm from Huntingdon he's from Wisbech).I now operate nr Barnsley/Wakefield.


There was a time I was considering moving back to that area to be closer to my elderly Mother.To put my toe in the water I decided to pop round and chat to a few of the Pubs and Clubs in the viscinity.I drew a total blank and decided against it.

Deltaforce has my sympathy....work is hard to find in that area....and I can only put it down to a different mentality.Talking really generally I think Northern Folk are more prone to spending thier spare time in Pubs and Clubs than Southern Folk....consequently per head there are more opportunities in
the North.Is there a chance the Southern Folk (generally) are happier mowing the lawn and cleaning the car than getting sozzled at an Establishment.:eek:

I'm not addressing the Wedding DJ's in this thread....thats a different issue.;)


So (generally) in summary....do you think there is a North/South divide in attitudes to going out??:confused:
not really addressing the Wedding DJ's in this thread.

[Corabar Steve]

Deltaforce is from near my birthplace(I'm from Huntingdon he's from Wisbech).I now operate nr Barnsley/Wakefield.


There was a time I was considering moving back to that area to be closer to my elderly Mother.To put my toe in the water I decided to pop round and chat to a few of the Pubs and Clubs in the viscinity.I drew a total blank and decided against it.

Deltaforce has my sympathy....work is hard to find in that area.....
Really, then how do you account for the fact that we regularly get gigs in Peterborough (which is only a few miles further from Wisbech than we are from central London)?


and I can only put it down to a different mentality.Talking really generally I think Northern Folk are more prone to spending thier spare time in Pubs and Clubs than Southern Folk....consequently per head there are more opportunities in
the North.Is there a chance the Southern Folk (generally) are happier mowing the lawn and cleaning the car than getting sozzled at an Establishment.:eek:

I'm not addressing the Wedding DJ's in this thread....thats a different issue.Why are you so obsessed with work in WMCs? We all know that's where you get most of your work & yet you bang on about it at every given opportunity.

It's getting a tad boring. If that's what you want to do then good luck to you. As long as you remember that you're probably in the minority on here & ther rest of us are far happier going for quality higher paying jobs.

Additional:

In answer to your question, I thought pretty much everyone knows that northerners tend to go to the likes of WMCs more than southerners. It's a cultural thing isn't it?

Perhaps the fact that there are less WMC / CUI clubs in the south might have something to do with it (although we do still seem to have our fair share of British Legion clubs & United Service Clubs)

[StarZSoundS]

Really, then how do you account for the fact that we regularly get gigs in Peterborough (which is only a few miles further from Wisbech than we are from central London)?

Why are you so obsessed with work in WMCs? We all know that's where you get most of your work & yet you bang on about it at every given opportunity.

It's getting a tad boring. If that's what you want to do then good luck to you. As long as you remember that you're probably in the minority on here & ther rest of us are far happier going for quality higher paying jobs.

I don't think there was any need for that.....:confused:

I wasn't aware the Forum was exclusive to DJ's charging over a certain figure.The thread was clearly titled Geographically not Financially.You may also be making false assumptions at what WMC and Pubs will pay for a DJ with a good reputation.;)

[Corabar Steve]

I wasn't aware the Forum was exclusive to DJ's charging over a certain figure.
It's not, neither is it aimed at DJs (please note the plural of DJ has no need of an apostrophe) solely above or below a certain latitude. Which you (although technically a southerner / midlander) seem intent on trying to push the assumption of a "Hovis ad" north & a "Dick Whittington" south. Regular readers of this forum will know there are opportunities in all price brackets in all areas, & trying to create the illusion of a false north south divide does nothing to prove them wrong.


Perhaps another answer to your question is the fact that beer seems to be cheaper as a rule in the north, so you don't have to spend as much money when you do go out.


You may also be making false assumptions at what WMC and Pubs will pay for a DJ with a good reputation.;)

You seem to want to take everything you post to how you work or where you work, so OK, I'll take the bait. How much do you earn for a night in a WMC?

[soundtracker]

Can someone please explain to me where the North/South dividing line is? Its not on my map! Or is it just in the minds of those wishing to exploit its existence?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Pete....its about Manchester way ;)

In seriousness...away from DJing, its a well known fact in the LGA workplace that the further south you go the better pay for the same job... but this isn't a Civil Servant forum so I'll leave it there....actually to balance the argument before finding this forum I was going out for a lot less and never thought I could charge what I do ;)

[Corabar Steve]

Can someone please explain to me where the North/South dividing line is? Its not on my map! Or is it just in the minds of those wishing to exploit its existence?
Now, this could be open to many interpretations. Depending on whether or not you just use England, or add in Scotland or even the islands.

Popular myth would say Watford, but I think that's stretching it a bit. If you cut England in half, I'd say it would be somewhere around Nottingham. Add mainland Scotland to the equation & I reckon it moves up to around Yorkshire / Lancashire. Add in the Scottish & Channel islands & god only knows where it would end up.


EDIT: I haven't forgotten that Northern Ireland is part of the UK, but as it sits on the same latitude as northern England & southern Scotland there seemed little point in including it in my debate.

[Cowlinn]

Can someone please explain to me where the North/South dividing line is? Its not on my map! Or is it just in the minds of those wishing to exploit its existence?

I drew a diagram :D

[soundtracker]

and now you will have to explain the rationale for the angle of the dividing line

[supersound]

According to that map Pererborough is in the South

[Corabar Steve]

& Scotland clearly hasn't been included.

[soundtracker]

and some of the prominent areas of North Wales, are also in the South - how can this be? Is it perhaps that this line purporting to be the "North South divide" is infact just the random scribblings of a mere child!

Can we also please have some clarification on what constitutes a WMC??

[STEVE HANLEY]

As Steve (Dynamic) has said there is a North/South divide in certain aspects. For instance if you work for one of the large chain multi nationals, that have branches in every town and city in the uk.

You'll find someone doing a certain job in the South East is on a lot more money than say someone doing that identical job in Leeds or Newcastle.

The reason.........The cost of living is higher than others in some parts of the UK

[supersound]

Or is that the next earthquake prediction......its the UK faultline.

[StarZSoundS]

and some of the prominent areas of North Wales, are also in the South - how can this be? Is it perhaps that this line purporting to be the "North South divide" is infact just the random scribblings of a mere child!




Matt....the lines fine thank you!!

Not going to argue about that all day....


Could be a good thread......lets deal with thoe other issues please???:beer1: :beer1:

[soundtracker]

As Steve (Dynamic) has said there is a North/South divide in certain aspects. For instance if you work for one of the large chain multi nationals, that have branches in every town and city in the uk.

You'll find someone doing a certain job in the South East is on a lot more money than say someone doing that identical job in Leeds or Newcastle.

The reason.........The cost of living is higher than others in some parts of the UK

Yes but where Steve? this is what we desperately need to know!
Just spoken to a mate of mine that does Clubs in Nottingham & Exeter - he gets paid the same for both! (Not working men's clubs though!)


Matt....the lines fine thank you!!

Not going to argue about that all day....


Could be a good thread......lets deal with thoe other issues please???:beer1: :beer1:

But you can't make sweeping statements based on hearsay and rumour, we need to firmly decide the following, before it is even possible to comment on your original assumption!
1. Where is the North/South divide?
2. What constitutes a WMC?
3. Why have Wedding DJs been singled out, and excluded from a discussion which actually came out of the pricing for a wedding?

[STEVE HANLEY]

[Yes but where Steve? this is what we desperately need to know!]

Hi Pete

I worked for City Electrical Factors and the people doing the same jobs as me in the London areas were on a lot more than me based in Gateshead. Purely because it costs more to live down there or it certainly used to

[soundtracker]

I realise that Steve, most companies have a London weighting, but my point is, do the wages suddenly drop off as you move North? Is it a gradual slide, or at some point (e.g Sheffield) do they start paying their workers less? In my bank experience everyone got paid exactly the same nationwide, except for the London Weighting!

[Corabar Steve]

The north south divide is a myth invented by less well of folks in the north.

There are affluent & poor areas wherever you are in the whole of the UK. within a few miles from here we have Bishops Avenue, Totteridge & Hadleigh Wood on one hand & Dollis Valley, Burnt Oak & Archway on the other. Some of the most affluent areas of the Greater London region & some of the most run down within spitting distance of each other.

The only truth in it is what has already been said about pay in large companies & the cost of living.

This thread has a very strong danger of getting political without having any relevance to mobile discos & will be monitored very closely & closed if necessary

[StarZSoundS]

Yes but where Steve? this is what we desperately need to know!
Just spoken to a mate of mine that does Clubs in Nottingham & Exeter - he gets paid the same for both! (Not working men's clubs though!)



But you can't make sweeping statements based on hearsay and rumour, we need to firmly decide the following, before it is even possible to comment on your original assumption!
1. Where is the North/South divide?
2. What constitutes a WMC?
3. Why have Wedding DJs been singled out, and excluded from a discussion which actually came out of the pricing for a wedding?



1. The line is where Matt put it....not negotiable.
2.Beer about £2.00 a pint....dogs welcome....constant abuse of the no smoking regulations.....only joking.Must have WMC in the title.Some of them are better than the Hotel Wedding Venues round here....tho you may find it hard to believe.
3. Because I didn't want the Wedding DJ's to use it as an opportunity to bash the DJ's who are the bread and butter of the business....as they are SOMETIMES prone to do.

See the post following my O/P.

You asked....I answered.

Steve you are making one of my mistakes...i'm not turning it into a pricing thread....there was no mention of price in the o/p??

[STEVE HANLEY]

I realise that Steve, most companies have a London weighting, but my point is, do the wages suddenly drop off as you move North? Is it a gradual slide, or at some point (e.g Sheffield) do they start paying their workers less? In my bank experience everyone got paid exactly the same nationwide, except for the London Weighting!

It maybe is just a London thing Pete. It could turn political and it would be a shame to see the thread closed because of that.

There are however high paying mobile disco jobs in the North East I should know I've picked up a few and Martin ( Vectis) is building me another website as we speak aimed at precisely getting more of that market

[Corabar Steve]

Steve you are making one of my mistakes...i'm not turning it into a pricing thread....there was no mention of price in the o/p??

Maybe not, but you dropped a strong hint that you could get more for a WMC than a wedding. Which is why I asked the question that you have avoided answering.

[soundtracker]

1. The line is where Matt put it....not negotiable.
2.Beer about £2.00 a pint....dogs welcome....constant abuse of the no smoking regulations.....only joking.Must have WMC in the title.Some of them are better than the Hotel Wedding Venues round here....tho you may find it hard to believe.
3. Because I didn't want the Wedding DJ's to use it as an opportunity to bash the DJ's who are the bread and butter of the business....as they are SOMETIMES prone to do.

See the post following my O/P.

You asked....I answered.

Steve you are making one of my mistakes...i'm not turning it into a pricing thread....there was no mention of price in the o/p??

1. So part of Yorkshire is in the South.....bet they're pleased
2. Oh you mean :Censored: holes!
3. Bread and butter of the business???? in whose opinion?

[Corabar Steve]

I'd say there are far more wedding DJs than those that work the WMCs, wouldn't that make them the bread & butter?

[Vectis]

I'd say there are far more wedding DJs than those that work the WMCs, wouldn't that make them the bread & butter?

Interesting. I have stats from "another place" that shows more of the membership prepared to work WMCs than claim to be wedding specialists.

The "north/south divide" is a line drawn roughly from Newcastle to Carlisle through Haltwhistle. Or, as near as damn it, Hadrians Wall :D
http://www.centre-of-britain.org.uk/centre.htm

[soundtracker]

Interesting. I have stats from "another place" that shows more of the membership prepared to work WMCs than claim to be wedding specialists.

The "north/south divide" is a line drawn roughly from Newcastle to Carlisle through Haltwhistle. Or, as near as damn it, Hadrians Wall :D
http://www.centre-of-britain.org.uk/centre.htm

Ah so we're talking about WMCs down South then?

[Corabar Steve]

Interesting. I have stats from "another place" that shows more of the membership prepared to work WMCs than claim to be wedding specialists.Being prepared to do something & actually doing it are 2 very different things

The "north/south divide" is a line drawn roughly from Newcastle to Carlisle through Haltwhistle. Or, as near as damn it, Hadrians Wall :D
http://www.centre-of-britain.org.uk/centre.htm
Thank you. I rest my case.:sj:

[STEVE HANLEY]

[The "north/south divide" is a line drawn roughly from Newcastle to Carlisle through Haltwhistle. Or, as near as damn it, Hadrians Wall :D]
http://www.centre-of-britain.org.uk/centre.htm

What have the :Censored: Romans ever done for us?:D :D

[axeman]

Reading Deltaforces thread "Too Expensive"....




So (generally) in summary....do you think there is a North/South divide in attitudes to going out??:confused:
not really addressing the Wedding DJ's in this thread.

I think in order to answer that question accurately, you must have experience of working in both north and south areas, because we are all different and offer different services, work in different venues, and therfore charge different prices, so to compare one disco in the north, to another disco in the south would give unreliable information.

[Javlingames]

There was a programme on the BBC not so long ago about the north south divide. The way they portrayed it, there definately is a divide. Like for like houses were worth less in the north, unemployment is higher, wages were less, more companies collapse in the north etc. It was very interesting.

Information from that particular programme

''Journalist John Harris travels around England to find out why the north-south divide is still an economic reality and if anything can be done to close it.

Oasis v Blur, Manchester United v Chelsea, Old Labour v New Labour and pies v polenta - Harris wonders whether it is a light-hearted rivalry about accents, music, sport, food and politics or something deeper. Our high streets look the same, we drive the same cars, we eat at the same chains, but beneath the surface lies a more troubling story of economic inequalities that define a divide that won't go away.

The decline of industry and manufacturing still blights the north, while a house costs on average a third more in the south and southerners live longer and healthier lives. But can the north-south divide really be as stark as the gap between East and West Germany during the dark days of the Berlin Wall, as one contributor claims?''

[paulg]

As for locating the north south divide - southerners keep fruit on the sideboard when nobody is sick. That is all that you need to know.

[Mark Wild]

I do sometimes think people just don't travel far enough, we are after all mobile jocks. If you work within a three mile radius of your front door in a kak area, don't expect great things.

[Jason]

I do sometimes think people just don't travel far enough, we are after all mobile jocks. If you work within a three mile radius of your front door in a kak area, don't expect great things.

This will vary with the location of the DJ and the proximity of the type of venues they normally play.
As Steve and Angela will agree, there is a wide mix of good Wedding venues, but also small halls in our area.
Because of this, I rarely need to travel more than 30mins away.

I guess that London property prices do mean that venues need to charge more, and so need to justify this price, leading to clients that spend more on their parties.

That said, beer is £3.40/pint in my local.... and in fact most of the bars in my area.
Its been years since I worked away from home, but used to spend time in Manchester/Daresbury mid-week - so enjoyed cheaper prices.

Jason

[soundtracker]

As for locating the north south divide - southerners keep fruit on the sideboard when nobody is sick. That is all that you need to know.

What's a sideboard?

[hammy]

I do sometimes think people just don't travel far enough, we are after all mobile jocks. If you work within a three mile radius of your front door in a kak area, don't expect great things.

75 mile radius is where I travel, but am willing to travel further if required. I did a wedding in hull which is a 5 hour trip one way

[simonp]

I did a wedding in hull which is a 5 hour trip one way

whatever floats your boat :eek:

I did one gig in Reading where it took me over 10 hours to get back :lol:

[Excalibur]

Can someone please explain to me where the North/South dividing line is? Its not on my map! Or is it just in the minds of those wishing to exploit its existence?
The Humber. Then it heads North when it hits the Pennines, and East just above Harrogate.


& Scotland clearly hasn't been included.
Quite right. What do you think that Wall's for?

1. So part of Yorkshire is in the South.....bet they're pleased
?
Well Starz insists he lives in South Yorkshire, even though it doesn't exist. :confused:


75 mile radius is where I travel, but am willing to travel further if required. I did a wedding in hull which is a 5 hour trip one way
You have my deepest sympathy. I've done some as well.:( :( :(


whatever floats your boat :eek:

I did one gig in Reading where it took me over 10 hours to get back :lol:
That'll teach you to go to Darren's for a coffee. :p


It's not, neither is it aimed at DJs (please note the plural of DJ has no need of an apostrophe) solely above or below a certain latitude. Which you (although technically a southerner / midlander) seem intent on trying to push the assumption of a "Hovis ad" north & a "Dick Whittington" south. Regular readers of this forum will know there are opportunities in all price brackets in all areas, & trying to create the illusion of a false north south divide does nothing to prove them wrong.
Errrrrr, the Hovis Ad is the South.And while DJs doesn't need an apostrophe, I believe if it is not permissiblle, then at least custom and use.

To be sensible for one fleeting moment, you can't generalise at all. There are affluent and poverty stricken areas close by each other all over the country, as Steve said. Sometimes, ten miles may be enough to make the difference.


Perhaps another answer to your question is the fact that beer seems to be cheaper as a rule in the north, so you don't have to spend as much money when you do go out.

Oh Steve, Steve, Steve!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: Surely realise that the cost of the evening is not dictated purely by the price of the beer, but the amount consumed. :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

whatever floats your boat :eek:

I did one gig in Reading where it took me over 10 hours to get back :lol:

Your fault for leaving early. :D

[Corabar Steve]

Errrrrr, the Hovis Ad is the South.
But from the voiceover (which certainly isn't a southern accent) & the colliery brass band style soundtrack the implied image is that it's somewhere ooop north.

[paulg]

What's a sideboard?

ha ha, you're joking....surely?

[Kernow]

What's a sideboard?


ha ha, you're joking....surely?

A Welsh dresser with the top bits removed ;) :D :D

[soundtracker]

ha ha, you're joking....surely?

furniture that people used to have in the 70s?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

furniture that people used to have in the 70s?

Do you mind? We have one of those. :boxer2:

[funkymook]

I think this explains it all!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9XsKu9WiVs

[Shaun]

The north south divide is a myth invented by less well of folks in the north.

There are affluent & poor areas wherever you are in the whole of the UK.

Hit nail head.

There are affluent areas potted all around the whole of the UK. I come from and live in an area that's so far in social and economic decline it's laughable, but I still manage to secure high paying jobs as there are people around that are willing to pay for a great service. In the majority of cases I have to travel further afield to get the types of bookings I want, but if that's what it takes then that's what it takes.

To say that it has anything to do with a North South divide just seems ludicrous to me. I'm not saying you're wrong Martin. I'm just saying that I personally thing you are wrong, and a long way of the mark in your thinking. Differences in opinion are good though, and gives us all something to talk about.

[Javlingames]

The decline of industry and manufacturing still blights the north, while a house costs on average a third more in the south and southerners live longer and healthier lives.

[CRAZY K]

The decline of industry and manufacturing still blights the north, while a house costs on average a third more in the south and southerners live longer and healthier lives.

But we are talking prices of Entertainment here;)

I agree with Shaun --travel to areas where people will pay your fee.

Thats why I just bought my Motorway eater:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Javlingames]

The north south divide is a myth invented by less well of folks in the north.



I was reffering to the above comment.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Having lived in the north, midlands and now south (just about) I do believe in the North/South "myth" however each DJ that is doing well is doing so because they are clearly proactive rather than just happening to be "living in a good area".

[StarZSoundS]

To say that it has anything to do with a North South divide just seems ludicrous to me. I'm not saying you're wrong Martin. I'm just saying that I personally thing you are wrong, and a long way of the mark in your thinking. Differences in opinion are good though, and gives us all something to talk about.



Its such a huge subject it could do with breaking down a little I think Shaun.


I have live 2/3 rds of my life life Down South and 1/3 of my life up North(apart from many different countries inbetween...don't go there!!).

IMHO there is a tangible difference in ATTITUDE towards how people spend their spare time....as I alluded too in the opening post.Don't want to create a Civil War but Northern Folk are more affable and friendly...more prone to pop out for a Sherbert.... and want to be entertained when they do it.Consequently I feel there are more opportunities for the bread and butter DJ'S in the North.;) ;)

You obviously have a nice arrangement travelling a fair bit with a business centred around a Premium Wedding Service.....Hats Off to all of you who do that...its not a huge part of my business....but I can and do do it.The majority of my business is centred around people who want to go out and be entertained,have milestone birthdays,and kids who want an action packed party...we're both in the same business....just sitting in different areas of it.:) :)


So to get back to my original post....Delta is from Wisbech.Having lived in both the North and South I think there would be less opportunities for me in my particular area of business in the South than there is in the North....because of the differing attitudes (generally) that exist in the two camps.... :beer1: :beer1:

[Shaun]

You obviously have a nice arrangement travelling a fair bit with a business centred around a Premium Wedding Service.....Hats Off to all of you who do that...its not a huge part of my business....but I can and do do it.The majority of my business is centred around people who want to go out and be entertained,have milestone birthdays,and kids who want an action packed party...we're both in the same business....just sitting in different areas of it.:) :)

Eh?? Where have I ever said my business is centred around providing a wedding service?

I do just as many birthdays, family get-togethers and corporates as I do weddings. The only thing I don't do is Children's Parties.

[Corabar Steve]

So to get back to my original post....Delta is from Wisbech.Having lived in both the North and South I think there would be less opportunities for me in my particular area of business in the South than there is in the North....because of the differing attitudes (generally) that exist in the two camps.... :beer1: :beer1:
You've chnged it slightly, but we'll go with it.

Yes, there would be less opportunities for you as there are (as previously stated) less WMCs in the south.

Case solved.

Next!

[StarZSoundS]

Eh?? Where have I ever said my business is centred around providing a wedding service?

I do just as many birthdays, family get-togethers and corporates as I do weddings. The only thing I don't do is Children's Parties.


Its always hard to get a handle on everyones business on here....I apologise for guessing wrong!!;) ;)






You've chnged it slightly, but we'll go with it.

Yes, there would be less opportunities for you as there are (as previously stated) less WMCs in the south.

Case solved.

Next!


No problem Steve....but you did slightly assess the situation a bit wrongly.Whilst some of my work is in WMC's I am also just as at home in nice Hotels and Function Rooms as well.Us Gig-Pigs enjoy a good swill anywhere!!:beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

[Excalibur]

No problem Steve....but you did slightly assess the situation a bit wrongly.Whilst some of my work is in WMC's I am also just as at home in nice Hotels and Function Rooms as well.Us Gig-Pigs enjoy a good swill anywhere!!:beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

As well as back street boozers, Social Clubs, and Village Halls,some of us even work in Castles from time to time. ;) :D :D Upper crust, or what? :D :D :D :D :D

[woody2]

As well as back street boozers, Social Clubs, and Village Halls,some of us even work in Castles from time to time. ;) :D :D Upper crust, or what? :D :D :D :D :D

and 20 years ago i was getting £200 per night on a walk in (cds only) mid week;) in hull:D :zip:

[Excalibur]

and 20 years ago i was getting £200 per night on a walk in (cds only) mid week;) in hull:D :zip:

Ten years ago, I was resident in one of the Castles. This one.
http://www.cavecastlehotel.com/
Twinspin was assisting another lad in there last night.

[soundtracker]

I was in a castle last night, with a band. Played 12 songs....kerchinnnnnnng!