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This is a response to two recent posts I, too, benefitted from the cheap student tickets. There were two series- one Fridays and one Saturdays. I was in my teens and after concerts I would go round to the Green room to get my programmes signed. I still have many of them. We would often be invited in. Sir John Barbirolli usually did and talked at us - a string of hilarious anecdotes told with the timing of a professional comic. Then Lady Barbirolli came to say time to go. Some, as did JB did this as a way of winding down after the intensity of the concert. George Weldon was usually up for a chat but he talked about the music or the soloist. On the question of the lions. They were disliked by members to the backs of orchestras because it divided them. They found it harder to see and hear each other. I heard it said that Sir T Beecham said he would never conduct there again until they were moved. And then down to the pub in Norfolk Street for a swift half. I was tall for my age.

The Sharrow Cycling club used to organise "The Sharrow Sports" bicycle track racing on the track that used to be around the cricket pitch at Bramall Lane in the late 1800's Here are a few pictures from the club album.

I went there from 1956. My Uncle had intruduced me to classiucal music through records he had (bought from classics Club which you joined & they sent a record every month) . He bought us both a Saturday season ticket at City Hall & I loved it. Grdeatr memories of JB & the Halle live with me & I have a large collection of recofrdings of JB & Halle. In the 1960's I worked at ESC with 2 men in Sheffioeld Philharmonic Choir & I went with them in coaches for annual Messiah in Belle Vue. .I also recall a family visit (mum ,dad, grandma, Grandad & Uncle to the Free Trade Hall in Manchster for Verdi Requiem I think.. I left Sheffield in 1976 but went in 1985 I think with my 14 year old son & uncle to a performance of Dream Of Gerontius - very memorable. Wonderful memories !!!

Just found this picture of the Albert Hall amongst my mother-in-laws old photos - it says it was taken just after the fire