Interview with Stanley Popiolkowski by David Phillips for Age Concern North Wales Central, in which Stan traces his journey from a Stoke‑on‑Trent childhood and early trades to a varied life spanning building work, a dramatic trip to California during the 1984 Olympics, and years as a magistrate and publican. He reflects most fully on his long singing career as Marty Grice, performing across Blackpool and North Wales and celebrating the friendships and venues that shaped his life on stage.


00:00–01:10
Stanley Popiolkowski describes his childhood in Stoke‑on‑Trent, his Polish father’s mining background, and his mother’s work in the pottery industry at Royal Doulton.

01:10–02:25
He recalls playing football for Stoke Schoolboys alongside Alan Dodd, before beginning work as a sheet‑metal apprentice. Hearing damage forced a change of trade, leading him to qualify as an electrician.

02:25–04:20
Stan explains how he moved into full‑house renovation work, managing government‑grant building projects and subcontractors, though often struggling to get paid.

04:20–08:30
He recounts travelling to California during the 1984 Olympics with singer Jonathan Gold, performing country‑and‑western music in bars. Their English accents attracted attention, including from women - one encounter leading to conflict with a jealous husband who later confronted Stan violently.

08:30–11:50
Back in the UK, Stan became a magistrate for 15 years and worked in licensing. He also entered the pub trade with his friend Kenny, a well‑known local publican. After Kenny’s death, Stan provided a recording of him singing My Way for the funeral.

11:50–27:40
Talks of his singing becoming his main career. Under the stage name Marty Grice, he performed across Blackpool and North Wales, especially Llandudno hotels such as the Hydro, Four Oaks, Evans Hotel and others. He describes regular audiences, friendships with fellow performers such as Bobby Gold, and the lifestyle of performing nightly while enjoying hotel hospitality.