MEMORY LANE: Fantasia Disco and ‘Clod-U-Pod’ hope for reunion

The founder of a well-known disco is appealing to former party goers in the hope of a reunion later this year.

Ray Hannant, 69, who said he has had a lifelong love of music, started Fantasia Discos in the early 1970s. The name was inspired after a trip to Blackpool, when Mr Hannant saw the name up in lights at the seaside town, while the mascot pictured was dubbed ‘Clod-U-Pod’.

It ran until the mid 1980s and played at events all across East Anglia and beyond, including the Diss Express patch.

The company’s first method of transport was a Morris 1000, and Mr Hannant regularly called on other discos to help them during their busiest periods, including Jeapp Disco, Road Runner Disco and Twilite Road Show.

Fantasia Discos were also at the street market in Diss in 1977 for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.

“We set up in what was then the Co-op and it was full of people,” explained Mr Hannant.

We had a good day. As time goes on the memories fade but I can remember coming to Diss

“We had a good day. As time goes on the memories fade but I can remember coming to Diss.

“We have had some terrific memories and met a lot of people.”

Mr Hannant is appealing to anyone who may have worked for or attended a Fantasia Disco, in the hope of hosting a reunion event, as well as raising money for charity in the process. Mr Hannant spent time volunteering at Emmaus, a charity aiming to end homelessness.

A representative of the British Library is also is discussions about recording an archive of the history of the disco.

If you have any pictures or memories of Fantastia Discos, or would be interested in attending a reunion event, call Mr Hannant on 01508 482715 or 07977016410

For more on Emmaus see www.emmaus.org.uk