What greater honour can be bestowed on the owner of a club than a heart-felt thank you from those groups in the City of Liverpool who introduced the Scouser Sound. Not only was Geoff Hogarth the first club to promote the "Big Venue" but he did it with the sensitivity, style and the admiration of all. All 90 of these groups played at the Iron Door from 1960 to 1962.

How many cities can rival the number of acts listed here that would eventually be on the the charts and savoured by musical enthusiasts around the world? None. Geoff Hogarth's contribution to the British Invasion was a special one in which he gave local groups an opportunity to demonstate their individual and collective talents along side of the professionals. Alan Stratton of the Kansas City Five has spoken to this through his recent recollections of the Iron Door.

"We had some great times there and in its way it was unique. For example it put on a major big band - Johnny Dankworth, which is something the Cavern never did, alongside a merseybeat group the KC5. Which today seems incredible, but they did it."

So congratulations Geoff, I hope this well-deserved award finds you well. We all look forward to your special plaque unveiling on April 9, 2005 and a great night of music and reminiscing by those who were first introduced to you on April 9, 1960.