The cabaret club on Europe's biggest council estate

When the Golden Garter cabaret club opened its doors for the first time in October 1968, TV legend Sir Bruce Forsyth was the first name on the door.

Situated on a council estate in the Wythenshawe area of Manchester, people travelled from far and wide to enjoy shows at the 1,400-capacity venue.

From music stars Dusty Springfield, Roy Orbison and Eartha Kitt to comedians Tommy Cooper and Ronnie Corbett, there was never a shortage of acts wanting to appear.

"I think Dusty Springfield was the big highlight for me," said 79-year-old John Orchard, who was a pianist for Shep's Banjo Boys from 1969 to 1972.

"She was my favourite singer in the 1960s and all of a sudden there she is at the Golden Garter.

"This is a nightclub in Wythenshawe under the flight path of the Ringway airport (now known as Manchester Airport) in the middle of the biggest council estate in Europe.

"So it was a bit incongruous, but it was a fantastic place and Wythenshawe loved it and it loved Wythenshawe."

The Golden Garter holds many happy memories for Paul Stoloff, who was a bassist for the Golden Garter Showband from 1970 to 1982.

"It was good fun - happy times," he said.

"It was interesting because it was different music every week.

"So if you didn't like what they're doing, it'd be different for the next week."

With so many famous faces descending on the club over its 14-year life, there are plenty of tales from behind the scenes.

"I remember one night when Dusty Springfield was on, I can even remember the blue dress that she was wearing," said Margaret Giannini, who worked at the club from 1967 to 1980.

"Anyway, something happened that she wasn't too happy about and she walked off the stage and went backstage and wouldn't come out.

"The lighting man at the time came backstage and said to her 'Oi - you get back on that stage and earn your money' and what did she do? She went straight back on the stage."

The Golden Garter proved so popular that even Queen Elizabeth II's sister Princess Margaret paid a visit to the venue on Rowlands Way for a Royal Charity Gala.

Customers could treat themselves to a three-course meal for just 15 shillings (75p) while watching what was described as "uninterrupted views" of the stage.

From smoked Scottish salmon with brown bread and butter to a peach melba, a range of dishes was designed to suit all taste buds.

"Oh, it was unbelievable - it was a good night out," said Peter Andrews.

"People used to dress up in the finery and used to get chicken in the basket and stuff like that for something to eat."

The Golden Garter shut its doors on New Year's Eve in 1982, with The Fortunes bringing down the curtain.

"It's a different time now - there's nothing to indicate what it was and no-one would believe it because this is Wythenshawe," said Margaret.

Those who were there, though, definitely remember.

BBC North West Tonight has spoken to 100 people about their lives in Wythenshawe to mark 100 years since Wythenshawe Hall was donated to Manchester Corporation. You can read more here.

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