Hi, anyone out there remember the City Hall dances- Sat night? c 1954. Into the Foresters Pub first for a couple of drinks for courage, looked after by the lovely Mona (who mothered we girls) and then out to try your luck in the dance. First met my husband there. Happy days.

I used to be a regular at the Saturday night dances whenever the Navy gave me shore leave. I met my wife at a Monday night dance, though I usually did Saturday Night, in 1954. I asked her to dance, and she looked at me like I was a bad smell, though she danced with me. I'd had a few in the Black Swan, and said if you didn't want to dance why bother coming.
We were married 24 years till I lost her in a car accident in Massachusetts in 1979. I remember jiving was frowned on, so we did it all the more. Bob Stanley, the rich guy with his American car was always there on a Saturday night with his entourage of gorgeous blondes in black dresses.
Good old days!

They really were good old days- nice to hear from you. The Black Swan was known locally as the 'Mucky Duck' and was a no-no place for nice girls along with a few other pubs around the city - needless to say I never entered the portals. Pure chicken!

Great old days, we used to dance to Bernard Taylor and his band, anyone remember him...Originally posted by nanrobbo
Hi, anyone out there remember the City Hall dances- Sat night? c 1954. Into the Foresters Pub first for a couple of drinks for courage, looked after by the lovely Mona (who mothered we girls) and then out to try your luck in the dance. First met my husband there. Happy days.

Great old days, we used to dance to Bernard Taylor and his band, anyone remember him...HI I danced to his band for a few years 1944 era, Cyril Ball was MC one night when I had a scrap with a GI, he was dancing the wrong way round bumping into everyone, I said to my partner if he bumps us I will smack him, he did! and sooner than lose face I did as I said, Cyril sorted us on the glass section and threw us both out we shook hands and finished drunk in the Albert , Happy days Arthur.

Hey nanrobbo, I reckon we had a dance at the City, sometime in '54. On the 'lights'. Ah well I can dream cant I?

Hey nanrobbo, I reckon we had a dance at the City, sometime in '54. On the 'lights'. Ah well I can dream cant I?


Ah, yes those square lights on the dance floor,that you always got your stilletto heel caught in. Also can you remember that if you tried to "have a snog" while dancing, a man used to come on the floor and pull you apart. Can you imagine that happening today ?

Ah, yes those square lights on the dance floor,that you always got your stilletto heel caught in. Also can you remember that if you tried to "have a snog" while dancing, a man used to come on the floor and pull you apart. Can you imagine that happening today ?
Yes and the Julip Bar? am I right in thinking it was beer and soft drinks only in there?
I think we used to go on Fridays and alternated between there and Alfred Golds...then we used to go home and pick splinters out of each others feet after the jiving....Drunk as a skunk and not a drop of alcohol:hihi:

Yes and the Julip Bar? am I right in thinking it was beer and soft drinks only in there?
I think we used to go on Fridays and alternated between there and Alfred Golds...then we used to go home and pick splinters out of each others feet after the jiving....Drunk as a skunk and not a drop of alcohol:hihi:


Dont know what the bar was called,but you were so drunk,if you ordered a gin & lime (yuk) they only gave you lime,but charged you for gin.

Dont know what the bar was called,but you were so drunk,if you ordered a gin & lime (yuk) they only gave you lime,but charged you for gin.

Oh, perhaps it was the other bar then in Alfred Golds I'm thinking of. :huh: Never mind, it was a great time.:thumbsup:

Oh, perhaps it was the other bar then in Alfred Golds I'm thinking of. :huh: Never mind, it was a great time.:thumbsup:


Never went to Alfred Golds Joan.Ive heard of it, but where was it ? It was either The City Hall or The Locarno for us gang of girls.

Never went to Alfred Golds Joan.Ive heard of it, but where was it ? It was either The City Hall or The Locarno for us gang of girls.
Can't remember the name but it ran down the side of the Peace Gardens....I think they did dance school during the day and dances on Fridays.....started there at 16 then up to City Hall then graduated to Locarno at 18(definitely had a drink there:hihi: )

(St Pauls Parade just popped into my head actually)

Can't remember the name but it ran down the side of the Peace Gardens....I think they did dance school during the day and dances on Fridays.....started there at 16 then up to City Hall then graduated to Locarno at 18(definitely had a drink there:hihi: )

(St Pauls Parade just popped into my head actually)


Yes, didnt it teach "proper dancing" Joan. ? We just held onto each other & shuffled round the floor.Except if it was a "bop" or Latin American type dance.Can you remember that tune"Its Cherry Pink & AppleBlossom White ?"

I seem to remember that the favorite female drink was Barley Wine. It only took a couple.
On a visit to Sheffield this year I was walking through town thinking how nice it would be to bump into some of the sweet young things that used to go to the City. Then I realized that they would be old enough to be grandma's. End of dream.

Can't remember the name but it ran down the side of the Peace Gardens....I think they did dance school during the day and dances on Fridays.....started there at 16 then up to City Hall then graduated to Locarno at 18(definitely had a drink there:hihi: )

(St Pauls Parade just popped into my head actually)you are right it was in st pauls parade side of hobbies

I too went to Alfred Golds on St Pauls Parade.Happy times, though if we saw it now it would probably be like a postage stamp. I was only allowed to go because it was a "proper" teaching school. Sorry mum and dad.
And the city hall. What memories. All the girls lined up between the pillows.
The time I went on my bottom bopping without shoes on the glass tiles and the anticipation of the last waltz.
The world was our oyster:)

Yes, didnt it teach "proper dancing" Joan. ? We just held onto each other & shuffled round the floor.Except if it was a "bop" or Latin American type dance.Can you remember that tune"Its Cherry Pink & AppleBlossom White ?"

Yes I do remember the tune and I have been humming it in my head all day but now it's bugging me cos I can't remember who played it......:suspect:
I remember the pillars at the City Hall, and trying to remember which one I had last seen my mate standing near when I had finished dancing....Vainly taken glasses off, blind as a bat without them, :hihi: I don't know how I survived this long.

you are right it was in st pauls parade side of hobbies

Thanks for that:thumbsup: ....my memory's not completely gone then:hihi:

Yes it was a "proper dancing school" Pattricia but we did'nt go for that although I suppose I DID learn a lot:hihi:
As for the shuffling round the floor (the creep?) only for the last one. Rest of the time it was bopping all the way.....wish I had the same energy now, I'm out of breath just thinking about it:hihi:

Yes I do remember the tune and I have been humming it in my head all day but now it's bugging me cos I can't remember who played it......:suspect:
I remember the pillars at the City Hall, and trying to remember which one I had last seen my mate standing near when I had finished dancing....Vainly taken glasses off, blind as a bat without them, :hihi: I don't know how I survived this long.
It was Eddie Calvert and his golden trumpet I think Joan.

It was Eddie Calvert and his golden trumpet I think Joan.
Thank you:thumbsup: I shall sleep tonight now......:hihi:

I too went to Alfred Golds on St Pauls Parade.Happy times, though if we saw it now it would probably be like a postage stamp. I was only allowed to go because it was a "proper" teaching school. Sorry mum and dad.
And the city hall. What memories. All the girls lined up between the pillows.
The time I went on my bottom bopping without shoes on the glass tiles and the anticipation of the last waltz.
The world was our oyster:)
Hi SHE SHE, What memories you evoke with girls and pillows, think you really meant pillars, excuse joke she she, Cheers Arthur.

I seem to remember that the favorite female drink was Barley Wine. It only took a couple.
On a visit to Sheffield this year I was walking through town thinking how nice it would be to bump into some of the sweet young things that used to go to the City. Then I realized that they would be old enough to be grandma's. End of dream.

Even Great Grandmas:hihi: still sweet young things on the inside though.:thumbsup:

I recollect going to Alfred Golds when I was about 15, for dance lessons. That would be around 1948. Stumbling around the dance floor, nervously gripping hold of some chick old enough to be my ma', was not my idea of an initiation into the world of terpsichore.
It was all my mates fault, he'd got his eye on a girl who went there regular for lessons, so he dragged me along on a support basis.
Funny thing was a number of years later, when I had a decent suit, another guy talked me into working as a doorman. I mean, I ask you, Alfred Golds, security? A couple of quid was the price of laying my life on the line. Dangerous joint was Alfred Golds, all those stairs.

I met and danced with my Wife for the first time at the City Hall in 1959....Bernard Taylor was conducting the Band, the Crooner was singing "A Foggy Day In London Town" I was full of "Tennants Beer" from the "Albert Hotel" so I was full of courage and I asked her for a dance...She jumped at the chance..Well who wouldn't???? I was very good looking in those days..She's stood behind me now while I'm typing this, and calling me Big Head (and worse)... Good now She's gone...Can any of the lads remember a dance we used to call "Belly Scrubbing"???.

Even Great Grandmas:hihi: still sweet young things on the inside though.:thumbsup:
You're absolutey right Joanl

Not so much a dance hall, more a way of life I think.
Remember when the band went into the 'Mambo' set, everybody trying to get someone to jive with?
Remember Ivor the drummer, cant recollect his second name, great guy though. He used to sing occasionally, his big number was 'Close your Eyes'.

We used to stand on the lefthand side facing the band, about two pillar's down from the band. Where did you stand?

One of my memories was the snack bar, where you could get a coffee and a sausage roll..There was a great big mirror behind the bar and the lighting was flourescent tubing type and after a few beers I remember I looked very strange in the reflection..so did everybody else......Also I remember meeting "Bert Weedon" the Famous Guitar player .. He had just finished a show upstairs in the Main Hall and he was trying to find a way out of the building, he was walking up one of the side corridors and he stopped me to ask the way out....Another occasion I went into the Dance hall early one Saturday night to meet a girl, and Frank Hyfield and Don Everly were Rehersing some Everly Bro's songs..Phil Everly had been taken ill and Frank was Standing in for him..So they were going through the program down in the empty Dance Hall before going back upstairs to perform the gig.

I have only just noticed this post has been 'revived', I had thought only Buck and myself had memories. Been really great reading your reminiscing.
JoanL you hit the nail on the head- we are still those sweet sixteens inside, in my case pity about the outside:hihi:
Timbuck I really don't remember a snack bar, too busy eyeing up the boys and wondering which one my mate would allocate to me (she always got first pick).
Did anyone else go into the Forresters, which was just up from the City Hall?
It was a great pub and always had the latest records, Mona was the landlady and made sure we girls weren't bothered by drunks.

These if I remember correctly they were Municipal run dances, surely some of you remember the the Company (employers) run dances with licensed bars on Fridays at the City hall and Cutlers hall.

nanrobbo
I remember the forresters on Division street, but I'm not sure if its still there or not.
Do you remember the Albert/ Minerva (SAM and Lil)/ Red Lyon/ Barley Corn(a little bit taboo for us this one) and the two big pubs opposite the bottom of Cambridge street at the top of Moorhead some of these were on our hit list before going to the city hall strange that we appeared to have our fill of booze and yet there did not seem to be as much trouble as the present day.

We used to stand on the lefthand side facing the band, about two pillar's down from the band. Where did you stand?

So did we:hihi: I bet we had a dance at some time.:thumbsup:

Hi SHE SHE, What memories you evoke with girls and pillows, think you really meant pillars, excuse joke she she, Cheers Arthur.

First time I've had a chance to see your comment Arthur.
Of course I meant pillars. I was a good girl;)

So did we:hihi: I bet we had a dance at some time.:thumbsup:

Ha! thats where we stood too, my sister and I would dance together around the edge of the dancefloor to see you was there, she had bad eyesite so I had to tell her who I could see and where they stood, didn't matter who 'Led' after a few Barley wines ,(Dark) ones of course .

Then running to get the last bus home, once in a while we would get a free taxi ride home with Trevor Carnell, he started out with taxies, then went onto having his own coaches.

Oh and what about "after" the dance?...can you remember dashing for the "last bus"?.....the feeling in the pit of your stomach if the whistle went before you quite made it, knowing that you were in deep trouble when you DID get home.
It went at 11.15 and the revving of the buses and then the roar as they left Pond St, then the eerie silence and diesal fumes after they'd gone. To this day I can't hear a whistle without thinking of that and yes.....I did miss the bus ....lots......:hihi:

Ha! thats where we stood too, my sister and I would dance together around the edge of the dancefloor to see you was there, she had bad eyesite so I had to tell her who I could see and where they stood, didn't matter who 'Led' after a few Barley wines ,(Dark) ones of course .

Then running to get the last bus home, once in a while we would get a free taxi ride home with Trevor Carnell, he started out with taxies, then went onto having his own coaches.

This reminds me of my friend who couldn't see without her glasses but wouldn't wear them when we were out.
Used to come back after a dance and ask what the boy was like who she'd been dancing with.:hihi:

Yes, and those damned bus drivers could see you running for it, they must have had a good laugh , they wouldn't even slow down to let you get on, I swear they waited to see someone running before leaving.:rant:

Remember our spike heels would get worn 'under' it was like walking backwards until you could get them re-heeled, the leather on my spikes was always ripped , you could see the steel. Id put on those clip on bows to make them look like new (from the front).

My "spikes usually ended up in my hands poppins when I was going for THAT bus
And yes they would see you coming and gleefully drive off.

Yes, everybody would stand more or less in the same place week after week.
When I first went to the City I'd stand on the right hand side facing the bandstand, anywhere down there. When I got out of the Military in '53, everybody I'd known before had gone to the other side, in the bottom doorway, opposite the side of the bandstand, and that's where I stayed. If I was in a predatory frame of mind (if you know what I mean), I'd move around a bit, but generally, right hand side, bottom doorway.
Remember the sort of annexe, the other ballroom on the right hand side. Like Outer Mongolia that was, and just as cold. All the proper ballroom dancers went into there to strut their stuff, awful. No offence intended. Yeah right.

I have only just noticed this post has been 'revived', I had thought only Buck and myself had memories. Been really great reading your reminiscing.
JoanL you hit the nail on the head- we are still those sweet sixteens inside, in my case pity about the outside:hihi:
Timbuck I really don't remember a snack bar, too busy eyeing up the boys and wondering which one my mate would allocate to me (she always got first pick).
Did anyone else go into the Forresters, which was just up from the City Hall?
It was a great pub and always had the latest records, Mona was the landlady and made sure we girls weren't bothered by drunks.You and I have got to have danced witrh each other,I've probably danced with every girl in the place at some time or another and I was a regular in the Forresters. In 1954 I was lucky enough to be stationed near Manchester so could get home most weekends. I used to come on a motor bike. My cousin Ernie and I were great jivers and always being told to stop.

When I came out of the army in 55 the only glasses I had were army issue and looked like a stainless steel bycycle so I would take them off before going into the dance. I had to rely on my pal Jeff to pick likely partners and sometimes I wasn't sure how good a friend he was.
He did, however, manage to steer me to my then future wife's girl friend so things worked out OK after all.

When I came out of the army in 55 the only glasses I had were army issue and looked like a stainless steel bycycle so I would take them off before going into the dance. I had to rely on my pal Jeff to pick likely partners and sometimes I wasn't sure how good a friend he was.
He did, however, manage to steer me to my then future wife's girl friend so things worked out OK after all.


Yes, I was also shortsighted. You darent wear glasses or you would never get a partner.My sister was my "eyes".When someone walked up to me for a dance, if she coughed once ,it meant "dont bother" if she coughed twice it meant "grab him quick"

You and I have got to have danced witrh each other,I've probably danced with every girl in the place at some time or another and I was a regular in the Forresters. In 1954 I was lucky enough to be stationed near Manchester so could get home most weekends. I used to come on a motor bike. My cousin Ernie and I were great jivers and always being told to stop.
I quite probably did Buck, but only if you had a mate with you- my friend and I never 'split'- we knew all about you 'fast' lot of jivers. :) Gosh they were happy days tho' weren't they. I met my husband in the City Hall- still got the handsome old devil too.:D

These if I remember correctly they were Municipal run dances, surely some of you remember the the Company (employers) run dances with licensed bars on Fridays at the City hall and Cutlers hall.

nanrobbo
I remember the forresters on Division street, but I'm not sure if its still there or not.
Do you remember the Albert/ Minerva (SAM and Lil)/ Red Lyon/ Barley Corn(a little bit taboo for us this one) and the two big pubs opposite the bottom of Cambridge street at the top of Moorhead some of these were on our hit list before going to the city hall strange that we appeared to have our fill of booze and yet there did not seem to be as much trouble as the present day.
Yea I remember seeing those pubs but they were off-limits to us 'cos my mates older brother would check on us from time to time:hihi: I think the Forresters was the only pub we were allowed to go in- oh and a couple down Ecclesfield way on Sunday. And do you know I don't remember any real trouble just some numskulls now and then being asked to leave for being rowdy. My husband probably visited the same pubs you mentioned- he got about a bit before I got him:D

I quite probably did Buck, but only if you had a mate with you- my friend and I never 'split'- we knew all about you 'fast' lot of jivers. :) Gosh they were happy days tho' weren't they. I met my husband in the City Hall- still got the handsome old devil too.:DI knew about you ladies and your "friends". I started dating this girl I met there, and when I went back to sea, I got a letter from her saying she couldn't go out with me any more cos her friend didn't like me. Fortunately, there was another letter from her at the same time telling me what a jerk her friend was and she was sorry. We were married for 23 years.

We're all out in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States reminiscing about a beloved city that was. From what I read from other SFers its not much like that today, Pity.

Does anyone remember the buskers that used to entertain us while we queued up to go in the dance?
There was the little guy who played spoons, a guy who played the bagpipes in full highland dress, another one who played the violin. But the funniest were the Jehovah's Witnesses. I remember one of them had a speech impediment and his punch line was. "You'll all go to hell and the fiddler as well".

We're all out in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States reminiscing about a beloved city that was. From what I read from other SFers its not much like that today, Pity.
Just hitting a bad spot I think- never keep a true Sheffielder down- my brother still lives there and other relatives,

Friday nights we used to do the tour of West St pubs then down Division St and ended up at the Forresters, then into the City Hall before they closed the doors,it was suprising how many married girls were there without their husbands on a Friday night,
I once went to the tea dance that was on Saturday in the afternoon, just for a laugh, it was full of middle aged women that couldn't keep their hands to themselves, I reckon I got a better education from that one day than any other day spent in school, I wish we had had mobile phones in those days.
Great Memories.

Does anyone remember the buskers that used to entertain us while we queued up to go in the dance?
There was the little guy who played spoons, a guy who played the bagpipes in full highland dress, another one who played the violin. But the funniest were the Jehovah's Witnesses. I remember one of them had a speech impediment and his punch line was. "You'll all go to hell and the fiddler as well".The other great venue on a Sunday night was the Hippodrome cinema, after a very boring Sunday imposed on us by the godly. The buskers used to come over from the City Hall like they'd been waiting all night and all day just to entertain us. The Scotsman got the surprise of his life one night when somebody let off a banger right under his kilt. Yhe bagpipes went up three octaves.

It was Eddie Calvert and his golden trumpet I think Joan.
Could never resist dancing to "Blue Moon", even if it had to be the uglyist girl on the floor, Happy Days Arthur.

Undoubtedly the City Hall was King. I think when the Locarno opened it took a part of the crowd from the City. We tended to go to the Locarno on Friday and the City on Saturday.
But that was in the late 50's. In the earlier years, for a change, we'd occasionaly go to the Rotherham Baths, or Glossop Road. Sometime's (heaven forbid) the Cutlers, even made a few visits to the Clifton Hall at Rotherham, they'd let you Jive there. Nether Edge Hall was another. But City was King.

Undoubtedly the City Hall was King. I think when the Locarno opened it took a part of the crowd from the City. We tended to go to the Locarno on Friday and the City on Saturday.
But that was in the late 50's. In the earlier years, for a change, we'd occasionaly go to the Rotherham Baths, or Glossop Road. Sometime's (heaven forbid) the Cutlers, even made a few visits to the Clifton Hall at Rotherham, they'd let you Jive there. Nether Edge Hall was another. But City was King.
Texas I had forgotten the Rotherham Baths ( or tried to) I only went there once and was beseiged by would be suitors:D Frightened the living daylights outta me and my mate. Never went again:help: Maybe our loss???

So, you tried to forget the Rotherham Baths, who wouldn't. If you lived in Sheffield, do you remember having to catch the last train from Masboro' station back to Sheffield, full of smoke, beer fumes, and Lord knows what else. We earned our pleasures in those days.

Does anyone remember the buskers that used to entertain us while we queued up to go in the dance?
There was the little guy who played spoons, a guy who played the bagpipes in full highland dress, another one who played the violin. But the funniest were the Jehovah's Witnesses. I remember one of them had a speech impediment and his punch line was. "You'll all go to hell and the fiddler as well".


Ah, yes I can remember the religious freaks, who used to walk up & down with their placards, telling us we would "Go to Hell" . We used to giggle at them,and the lads in the queue used to use words I cant use on here. :D

So, you tried to forget the Rotherham Baths, who wouldn't. If you lived in Sheffield, do you remember having to catch the last train from Masboro' station back to Sheffield, full of smoke, beer fumes, and Lord knows what else. We earned our pleasures in those days.
Well I only went the once but I do remember that- gross! I was lucky that I always stayed at my mates house or Dad would have marmalized me- Her Dad was a BIT more flexible. Gosh I haven't thought of some of these things for decades- good to reminisce though.

Well I only went the once but I do remember that- gross! I was lucky that I always stayed at my mates house or Dad would have marmalized me- Her Dad was a BIT more flexible. Gosh I haven't thought of some of these things for decades- good to reminisce though.
I'm sorry to see the comments about Rotherham Baths.Went to City Hall dances from 1949 to 1951 but often went to Rotherham also - they had some pretty big bands now and again.Anybody know what Bob Stanley did for a living and what happened to him?

I remember that, when he danced, it was almost a majestic sail around the floor look straight ahead and keep going. Anyway, I found out that he bought all his suits at Barney Goodman's so I saved and saved and was eventually able to go down and get measured for a wonderful hounds-tooth job. Had to wait 6 months for it but finally I got it and wore it to the next City Hall dance - for some reason I wasn't mobbed by any blondes in black dresses!!

I remember that, when he danced, it was almost a majestic sail around the floor look straight ahead and keep going. Anyway, I found out that he bought all his suits at Barney Goodman's so I saved and saved and was eventually able to go down and get measured for a wonderful hounds-tooth job. Had to wait 6 months for it but finally I got it and wore it to the next City Hall dance - for some reason I wasn't mobbed by any blondes in black dresses!!Never mind Mate, some of those Georgia peaches are nice to look at. Worked in Savannah at Union Camp paper mill. One of my favorite cities.

I remember that, when he danced, it was almost a majestic sail around the floor look straight ahead and keep going. Anyway, I found out that he bought all his suits at Barney Goodman's so I saved and saved and was eventually able to go down and get measured for a wonderful hounds-tooth job. Had to wait 6 months for it but finally I got it and wore it to the next City Hall dance - for some reason I wasn't mobbed by any blondes in black dresses!!
My husband longed for a BG suit- finally bought one which he wore as his wedding suit- and I wouldn't let him be mobbed by blondes after that.:hihi:

No problem Nanrobbo, the suit didn't work and I could only just afford a bike let alone an American car - so no blondes in black dresses.
What happened to the dances at the Rotherham Baths that they became so gross. If I am not mistaken, Duke Ellington played there once and he remembered the place when I saw him in Detroit some years later. But I suppose all these events go downhill after a whle.

No problem Nanrobbo, the suit didn't work and I could only just afford a bike let alone an American car - so no blondes in black dresses.
What happened to the dances at the Rotherham Baths that they became so gross. If I am not mistaken, Duke Ellington played there once and he remembered the place when I saw him in Detroit some years later. But I suppose all these events go downhill after a whle.

We all have good memories of the City HAll dances Redneck, where abouts in GA are you ? did you get the Tornado ? My son just moved from Roswell GA to NC, thank goodness, I've never seen spiders that big in my life as in GA :hihi:

Live in Athens about 70 miles east of Roswell and ,thank god, we only had a lot of rain. For some reason, storms seem to break up over Atlanta before they get to us.
I don't know about the part of Sheffield you lived in, Poppins, but I used to shoot at great big spiders in the garden from the bedroom window with an air rifle.
I worked in Rotherham so I really had two sets of pals and went to the City Hall most Saturdays and the baths at other odd times. Missed the last bus and walked home to Sheffield many a time.Wasn't as soft in those days.

Live in Athens about 70 miles east of Roswell and ,thank god, we only had a lot of rain. For some reason, storms seem to break up over Atlanta before they get to us.
I don't know about the part of Sheffield you lived in, Poppins, but I used to shoot at great big spiders in the garden from the bedroom window with an air rifle.
I worked in Rotherham so I really had two sets of pals and went to the City Hall most Saturdays and the baths at other odd times. Missed the last bus and walked home to Sheffield many a time.Wasn't as soft in those days.

Nay, we walked home in stilletos in 2 " of snow. I was the blonde in the black dress. ;)

Yes I do remember the tune and I have been humming it in my head all day but now it's bugging me cos I can't remember who played it......:suspect:
I remember the pillars at the City Hall, and trying to remember which one I had last seen my mate standing near when I had finished dancing....Vainly taken glasses off, blind as a bat without them, :hihi: I don't know how I survived this long.

Eddie Calvert - the Man with the Golden Trumpet

Live in Athens about 70 miles east of Roswell and ,thank god, we only had a lot of rain. For some reason, storms seem to break up over Atlanta before they get to us.
I don't know about the part of Sheffield you lived in, Poppins, but I used to shoot at great big spiders in the garden from the bedroom window with an air rifle.
I worked in Rotherham so I really had two sets of pals and went to the City Hall most Saturdays and the baths at other odd times. Missed the last bus and walked home to Sheffield many a time.Wasn't as soft in those days.

I lived on Herries Rd, Later in Southy Green, then in a flat on West st , born in 1941, been in the US about 40 odd years.

Oh! yes, running for the last bus......driver would wait till we ran right up to it then take off leaving us standing there :hihi: funny now, but not then :mad:

I think the last time I went there was on VJ night, I liked Glossop road and Abbeydale road mainly because a bird I fancied went there but she would never dance with me. I met her years later and asked her why and she said her dad was there and he decided who she could dance with.

No problem Nanrobbo, the suit didn't work and I could only just afford a bike let alone an American car - so no blondes in black dresses.
What happened to the dances at the Rotherham Baths that they became so gross. If I am not mistaken, Duke Ellington played there once and he remembered the place when I saw him in Detroit some years later. But I suppose all these events go downhill after a whle.
Sorry we seem to have our wires crossed, I meant the bus ride home was gross not the Baths- as I said we went just the once and to be quite frank there were just too many 'gropers' :o :suspect:

I think the last time I went there was on VJ night, I liked Glossop road and Abbeydale road mainly because a bird I fancied went there but she would never dance with me. I met her years later and asked her why and she said her dad was there and he decided who she could dance with.Lord, what a night VJ was, almost as good as VE night. I saw an old feller climb almost to the top of a tall lampost outside the City Hall, then fall off. Neveer did find out if he survived. No ambulance came anyway. It wouldn't have got through the crowd.

Sorry we seem to have our wires crossed, I meant the bus ride home was gross not the Baths- as I said we went just the once and to be quite frank there were just too many 'gropers' :o :suspect:Sorry about that, luv. I'll behave missen next time.

Now Pattricia tells me she was the blonde in the black dress when I can't remember why I was looking.

Buck, there were so many people in that crowd that the old feller couldn't possibly have hit the ground.Can you imagine parents nowadays letting their kids out till midnight in a mob that size with fireworks flying all over the place? The social workers would be round next day.
It was an especially important night for me because VE day meant that my Mum wouldn't have to work at night anymore so I would not have to go back to the hell-hole of a boarding school I went to.Good old City Hall.

I have been here since 1958 although not always in Georgia. North Carolina is nice but some snow and a hurricane now and then.
Spent my childhood in Ecclesall, Hillsborough and Handsworth when Hitler didn't interfere.

I have been here since 1958 although not always in Georgia. North Carolina is nice but some snow and a hurricane now and then.
Spent my childhood in Ecclesall, Hillsborough and Handsworth when Hitler didn't interfere.

How old were you when you went over there,Redneck ?

Sorry about that, luv. I'll behave missen next time.
Well I was a sweet innocent sixteen then--- but nowadays?:P

I have been here since 1958 although not always in Georgia. North Carolina is nice but some snow and a hurricane now and then.
Spent my childhood in Ecclesall, Hillsborough and Handsworth when Hitler didn't interfere.One of the facts of life in America is that there are many ways to die of the weather wherever you live. If its not earthquakes in California and the west, Typhoons in Hawaii, Blizzards in Maine, or Tornados in Kansas, its hurricanes anywhere on the East Coast. We have relatives living on the space coast in Florida, which is a mandatory evacuation zone for Hurricanes. So they've frequently had to up and away hoping the house hasn't disappeared into the Atlantic. And they keep asking us to move down there because they say Connecticut is too cold. I'll stay right here thank you.

You've got that right Buck - I would love to live on the ocean but too often you wind up in it with a blue canvas over your roof.

How old were you when you went over there,Redneck ?
Pattricia, I was 20 years old in the Navy when I first came to the States for 2 years training. I came back permanently in 1958 when I was 26- have been here ever since. when my Mum was alive I used to come back to Sheffield every other Xmas so she wouldn't be alone but the trip is such a hassle now that I don't do it so often.

I started off at Alfred Golds, Top Floor opposite the peace gardens, then we upgraded to the City Hall & Locarno. Met all of my former girl Friends at these 3 places. Alfie the owner of Alfred Golds was a POOFTER always trying to feel your arse if you weren't carefull, had lots of laughs and good times, the girls were just sensational oh happy times.

Derek Clayton Canberra ACT Australia.

It was Eddie Calvert and his golden trumpet I think Joan.

I saw Eddie Calvert, "The Man With The Golden Trumpet", playing in a small back room at The Skyline Hotel, Hillbrow, Johannesburg in the early 1970s.

He was found dead and alone in a Johannesburg hotel room months later.

It was such a sad end for a great artist.

I am now going to the City Hall dances after a gap of about 50 yrs.
No Bernard Taylor, no Big Band, but still the glass floor with coloured lights beneath and I think, on looking around, some of the same crowd that went in the 50's

hazel

Can anybody remember all those GREAT jivers? I first went down to the City about '49 and the best jiver down there at that time was a kid I only knew as 'Curly'. He had all the gear, hopsack suit (Barney Goodman), the 4'' brim stetson, he was the b******s. There were others, Billy Fearn, Ron Revel, all as cool as you like. Mind you the business of being 'cool' hadn't been thought of then. All great 'jivers' though, in the dancing sense of the word. It was only in later years that I learnt that the word 'jiving' meant to speak a load of crap.
They were all action, thrashing limbs, much stamping of feet, they needed a lot of space, a guy could get maimed being ten feet away. And that was just the women.
When I got out of the Army things had moved on. The jiving had become more sedate, cooler, less energetic. Some carried on being energetic but they looked a bit 'passe' (and that's French).
I never did become brilliant at jiving, but I always strutted my limited repertoire of moves when the Latin American set came up.
There was this certain girl always sought me out because I wasn't too complicated and was strong enough. Man, she was built.

I am now going to the City Hall dances after a gap of about 50 yrs.
No Bernard Taylor, no Big Band, but still the glass floor with coloured lights beneath and I think, on looking around, some of the same crowd that went in the 50's

hazel
Do you know Cliff Gault,Arnie Allott, Don Cardwell,Terry Dempsey,Josie Ashton,June Taylor,Sylvia & Jean.All from around the Upperthorpe baths area.During the 50s.They all went every Saturday night.

Might be good idea at this time to ask the question, who remembers Ron Woodin(g)? I can't remember his correct last name, but he went by the name 'Woody'. He was a bit of a phenomenon at the 'City Hall', he had a kind of 'Star Status' wherever he went. It was my understanding he was reasonably well off and lived in an upscale part of Sheffield (he might have even had his own flat), there was a mom but no visable dad at home. I may have some facts wrong, but I am just relaying a few things as I saw them and what I heard at the time. Woody always seem to travel with an entourage, he wore classy drape suits from Barney Goodman and was a trend setter, his friends male and female naturally dressed similarly. They caused quite a stir when they decided to grace a particular event, they were by no means trouble makers and as far as I could see kept to themselves. To say Woody was a good dancer was putting it mildly, he could jive up a storm and people stopped what they were doing to watch. Every once in a while people did graduate into his circle of friends, but only if they were 'minor stars' in there own right. His attire never looked ridiculous even when he decided to wear a collarless jacket, one of his friends, I think he was called 'Curly' used to wear the little rimless glasses (this was years before the rock era made both dress items popular.) When we would try and emulate their styles in the plain gaberdines that were so popular at that time, Woody would start to wear 'Tweeds and Barratheas', naturally in his own unique style. Sometimes there would be disapointment if Woody was'nt in the building on a given evening, the word might go around, 'I think they went to the Clifton to-night' I've seen Woody and entourage make many a grand entrance in the 'City' Auditorium upstaires (talk about fashionably late) where they would swirl into the best seats in the house just before the opening number. As I sit at my computer, I've never wished for anything more, than to find out the real truth on Ron Wooding or Woody as he was affectionaly called, this is the right forum/thread to find this information, are their any close associates either past or present who can tell us all a little of the history of who he was? His he still around? What was his occupation? Perhaps if more than a few poeple reply, we could piece something together. And it might prove interesting.

I don't know about Ron Wooding but the entourage, the Barney Goodman suits and the grand entrance bit sounds like Bob Stanley. Did he have an armload of blondes in black dresses with him at all times?
Texas, I think that the Curley that you and and Fleetwood are talking about had worked in a hotel in New York for sometime and had bought his gear and learned to jive there. I spoke to him several times after I learned that I was to be stationed in the States.

I remember last talking to Curly, it must've been around '58, and he was selling insurance. He didn't go down the City much then, if at all, but that's the man, with the rimless glasses. But Ron Wooding, that's a blast of a name from the past, I'd forgotten him completely, and like you say Fleetwood, he was a bit of an icon. The last time I saw him was at the Clifton in Rotherham, actually I suppose you could say I was one of the nobodys that followed him around. I tell you this though, he could get the chicks. Do you remember a guy name of 'Barney' Cummings. Got his nickname by the fact he had 'Goo goo googly eyes', like in the Barney Google comic strip,(American papers).
And Alan Angus aka 'Junior', his father was manager at the Gaumont. He went to Canada mid 50's and eventually worked in television there.
But to get back to the 'jivers', after everything had cooled out from the 'jitterbug' influence, everybody had a sedate style of 'jiving', me included. Then I remember one time seeing a couple of girls, who apparently had been in London for a while, doing a style I'd never seen before. They didn't move around a lot, not much turning around, but a lot of 'arms over the head' kind of thing. Perfect for a crowded dance floor. The MODS had arrived, and everything else was finished.
Tell you what Fleetwood, you got Wooding down perfect, born before his time I think. It's not you is it?

I don't know about Ron Wooding but the entourage, the Barney Goodman suits and the grand entrance bit sounds like Bob Stanley. Did he have an armload of blondes in black dresses with him at all times?
Texas, I think that the Curley that you and and Fleetwood are talking about had worked in a hotel in New York for sometime and had bought his gear and learned to jive there. I spoke to him several times after I learned that I was to be stationed in the States.

I use to baby sit for one of Bob Stanley's "Girls", he was that big fat pimp wasn't he, often wore a camel hair coat.....well, camel coloured anyhow.

If thats who I'm thinking of, Hazel knows who I mean.

Can anybody remember all those GREAT jivers? I first went down to the City about '49 and the best jiver down there at that time was a kid I only knew as 'Curly'. He had all the gear, hopsack suit (Barney Goodman), the 4'' brim stetson, he was the b******s. There were others, Billy Fearn, Ron Revel, all as cool as you like. Mind you the business of being 'cool' hadn't been thought of then. All great 'jivers' though, in the dancing sense of the word. It was only in later years that I learnt that the word 'jiving' meant to speak a load of crap.
They were all action, thrashing limbs, much stamping of feet, they needed a lot of space, a guy could get maimed being ten feet away. And that was just the women.
When I got out of the Army things had moved on. The jiving had become more sedate, cooler, less energetic. Some carried on being energetic but they looked a bit 'passe' (and that's French).
I never did become brilliant at jiving, but I always strutted my limited repertoire of moves when the Latin American set came up.
There was this certain girl always sought me out because I wasn't too complicated and was strong enough. Man, she was built.

Texas, how old are you ? you sound younger than remembering the 1949 s.

Thank you Nodens for reviving this thread. I've read it from the beginning and thoroughly enjoyed it :thumbsup: won't nan be surprised to see her thread as been revived again :smile:

Gob smacked now I'll read it all over again. Nanx

Hey popps you should know better than to ask a gentleman his age. It's over the three score years and ten I can tell you that. I've just got a good memory.

First of all Redneck, Woody was'nt Bob Stanley and vice versa, everything I knew about Bob Stanley, I got from my father, so that's putting him older right off the bat. By all accounts he did seem to be a bit of a 'playboy,' if what I read on the various threads are true. All I remember about 'Bob Stanley' were the immaculate fleet of pale green vehicles with the hand painted gold lettering on the doors that bore his name, I seem to recall my Dad saying 'he bloody started out wi a bloody 'orse and cart.'****************** Getting back to Ron Wooding, thanks Texas for your comments, I appreciate your kind words and input. I, like a lot of other people just stood on the sidelines and observed. My only connection, if you could call it that, one Saturday, some friends and I left from Barkers Pool around 5pm or so on a 'Chara' bound for the Leeds Locarno, probably cost no more than ten bob, if that. Anyway the trip might have been organized or chartered by Ron Wooding, he was'nt on the bus, but his man 'Curly' was, just looking after things and seeing that we all were there for the return trip back to Sheffield. Curly seemed like a real nice person all decked out in his 'Crombie Overcoat' and little 'Rimless specs', what surprised me most I suppose was, he just propped himself up against a pillar and read the 'Green 'Un' all night. In retrespect, it left me wondering if Woody's family business might have been in bus tours, everybody I knew around that time went on day trips to the Sea-side and the like, not to mention the number of buses leaving every weekend taking people fishing. But this is just a theory of course. What became of Ron 'Woody' Wooding, did he marry, if so, might there be children somewhere? Does anyone else have any stories? Texas thanks once again for the compliment, I always enjoy your 'posts' and look forward to more of them. Rest assured, I'm not Woody! But I have my memories.

Hey popps you should know better than to ask a gentleman his age. It's over the three score years and ten I can tell you that. I've just got a good memory.


:blush::cry:

Yeah, the trips. Usually they all seemed to be organized by someone in the bottom left hand corner facing the band. I think the most famous trip to my mind was the one to Dublin to see Stan Kenton. I missed it, being still in the Army, or in the throes of getting out.
Buck went I believe.
But I went on one or two to London. Got to know a girl called June B***** on one of them. (See popps, my gentlemanly side kicking in). But I lost her to Bob Stanley himself, gosh darn it!
There were a few to Nottingham, to the Astoria, they allowed jiving there, and Blackpool.

Yeah, the trips. Usually they all seemed to be organized by someone in the bottom left hand corner facing the band. I think the most famous trip to my mind was the one to Dublin to see Stan Kenton. I missed it, being still in the Army, or in the throes of getting out.
Buck went I believe.
But I went on one or two to London. Got to know a girl called June B***** on one of them. (See popps, my gentlemanly side kicking in). But I lost her to Bob Stanley himself, gosh darn it!
There were a few to Nottingham, to the Astoria, they allowed jiving there, and Blackpool.Those trips to the Astoria in Notts were a blast. We used to go Sunday nights, no dancing in Puritan Sheffield on a Sunday. The band was way better than Bernard Taylor, and there was an American air base nearby, so we used to get packs of Pall Mall king size cigs off some of the airmen there.

Hi Pattricia.Havent been on the forum for a while,then noticed your thread.We used to go to the City Hall on Monday nights,Glossop Rd on Saturday (sometimes Cutlers hall)Mecca most other nights.We were probably all there at the same time.At the City we used to stand between the pillars on the right hand side of the band on that corner.And Fleetwood We were on that bus bound for the Leeds lacarno.I won the rock and roll that night and so excited we missed the last bus and had to get the train home.I often think about those great times.we were safe walking in the streets then.Hi to all

What a lovely thread :) my grandparents net at the city hall :) my grandfather is Alan Buxton.

What a lovely thread :) my grandparents net at the city hall :) my grandfather is Alan Buxton.

I hate posts like this, makes me feel so old :hihi:

I hate posts like this, makes me feel so old :hihi:Come on Poppins, lets cut a rug, they're playing" Beat me Daddy eight to the bar " It sure is swell.

I hate posts like this, makes me feel so old :hihi:

:D oh dont!

It sounds a wonderful time and i love listening to stories like this

Anybody remember the fad for two tone knitted cardigans, worn under the suit jacket. The top button had to be undone. Winstons sold them. This would be in 1950 or so. When the Teds came on the scene it changed to a proper waistcoat.
And how about how ties changed from the loudest you could get and worn with an outsized Windsor knot, to the 'slim jims' in subdued colors.
And the style of suit, had to be Barneys or Kearney. I went to Kearney myself. And the cloths. First it was gaberdine, then hopsack, and was there one called sharkskin? Barrathea, Donegal Tweed. All had their day. And patterns, pinhead, dogtooth, big dogtooth, Italian stripe.
The styles of shirt collars, remember spearpoint? Arrow shirts did a lot of them. I had about four or five, went in the Army, when I came out it was all cutaway collars. Cost me a fortune to catch up. The best of all though was the 'roll' collar, like Billy Eckstine.
Thing is though, everybody was smart, dressed sharp, had a suit, had a little pride.
What the hell happened?

I never went to the Astoria Ballroom in Nottingham, I know in those days it was considered one of the 'In' places to be at, and like someone said being close to an American Base did'nt hurt either. As I mentioned before on the 'Jazz' thread (I had probably just gotten out of the Army) I went to Dublin to see 'Woody Herman', he and his 'Herd' were truly memorable. If my memory serves me right, there were two perfomances at the Theatre Royal in Dublin, me and couple of pals went to both shows. I'm pretty sure they were organized through the 'Melody Maker' at that time. I suppose, as the Musicians Union ban eased in later years it would have been common to go on side trips to say Manchester and London to take in a concert or two. In my quest for news on 'Ron 'Woody' Wooding', it's definitly not my intention to embarrass or hurt anyones feelings at all, as 'Texas' mentioned, he was a bit of an 'Icon' in his day, I think it would be fun and interesting at the same time to find out more.

I had a few two tone cardigans and then switched to paisley waistcoats in the States. I dion't know why young people decided they look good dressed like tramps. On Saturdays I used to come home from the match and then really spend some time getting ready for the City Hall dance, as did most of my friends. They wouldn't let you in to the place dressed like today's kids in tee-shirt and ragged jeans.
In the USA there are hardly any formal occasions any more and even in nice restuarants you are often sitting next to some guy in shorts and tank top.

I think what happened was that the next generation decided to be 'different' but they ended up all looking like peas in a pod.:hihi:

Floridablade, I went to the City Hall and the Abbeydale around your time.The bands at the Abbeydale were Collinson's and Gordon Lee do you remember? The singer with Gordon Lee's band was a very attractive girl.She eventually married the Son of the men's cloakroom attendant.

I had a few two tone cardigans and then switched to paisley waistcoats in the States. I dion't know why young people decided they look good dressed like tramps. On Saturdays I used to come home from the match and then really spend some time getting ready for the City Hall dance, as did most of my friends. They wouldn't let you in to the place dressed like today's kids in tee-shirt and ragged jeans.
In the USA there are hardly any formal occasions any more and even in nice restuarants you are often sitting next to some guy in shorts and tank top.

Redneck,yes they do dress more casual in the States, but I don't think a person wearing a sleeveless tank top would be welcome in a restuarant, even down south :D

You couldn't get in the City without a tie, if I remember right. Didn't matter so much if you had the shirt collar undone and the tie pulled down a bit if it was hot, but you had to have a tie.
Your dead right about 'peas in a pod' Nanrobbo, we seem to be going backwards. 'Chemo' head shaves, and 'Hoodies', the peasantry wore those in the Middle Ages. With the price of gas going up and all, we'll be on horseback before you know it. Not for me though, I'm going for the donkey and cart.
What did they call the singer Rhonda? Was she any good?

Texas, I can't remember the singers name it's got lost in the mists of time. But I can remember all the guy's would cluster round when she sang.You never saw anyone without a suit and tie at any of the dance halls did you. And you still got the odd uniform then didn't you because I think they let servicemen in either free or half price. If anyone went in in uniform now they would be beaten up.I remember the last waltz always used to be Fascination. I've tried for years to find Nat King Coles version.

I had a few two tone cardigans and then switched to paisley waistcoats in the States. I dion't know why young people decided they look good dressed like tramps. On Saturdays I used to come home from the match and then really spend some time getting ready for the City Hall dance, as did most of my friends. They wouldn't let you in to the place dressed like today's kids in tee-shirt and ragged jeans.
In the USA there are hardly any formal occasions any more and even in nice restuarants you are often sitting next to some guy in shorts and tank top.To be honest with you, you could have been sitting next to me if I'd been in Georgia like I was last year. Have you noticed that a tie has almost disappeared even at a wedding or in church.

Redneck,yes they do dress more casual in the States, but I don't think a person wearing a sleeveless tank top would be welcome in a restuarant, even down south :DI was in the Olive Garden last week, which is not exactly haute cuisine, but I was wearing a golf shirt, shorts and sandals like everybody else. Then again I don't live in Fairfield County.

Texas, I can't remember the singers name it's got lost in the mists of time. But I can remember all the guy's would cluster round when she sang.You never saw anyone without a suit and tie at any of the dance halls did you. And you still got the odd uniform then didn't you because I think they let servicemen in either free or half price. If anyone went in in uniform now they would be beaten up.I remember the last waltz always used to be Fascination. I've tried for years to find Nat King Coles version.
Hi Rhonda, I have a CD of NKC with Fascination on the track. The CD is Nat King Cole- Unforgettable. I would think it is still available- hope you can find it.

Thank you Nanrobbo I shall go to HMV today and see if I can find it. Isn't it wonderful to be able to be in contact like this? America, Australia ,Canada great. Going back to the days of the City Hall what a journey we have made since then. The first time I went to the City Hall I went in a borrowed dress and that was the first time I realised What a bluff life is. I was the eldest of eight and like today big families were looked down on. But in my borrowed dress and a friends Max Factor Pancake makeup I looked like everyone else, I felt a million dollars. Everybody looked so well off, particularly near to the band where all the "big hitters stood. What memories.!!

I think that we put the effort into getting dressed to go to the dances because it was something special for us in those days - something to look forward to. Today's kids have so much that they don't have that kind of experience. It's a case of " Yes , but what have you got for me today".

Yes Buck and Poppins, it is hot here in Georgia ( 102 degrees today ) but most places are air conditioned so you just leave your tie and jacket off until you get out of the car if you are going to a formal affair.

Yes Buck and Poppins, it is hot here in Georgia ( 102 degrees today ) but most places are air conditioned so you just leave your tie and jacket off until you get out of the car if you are going to a formal affair.I went into a Piggly Wiggly supermarket in Savannah in October wearing T shirt, shorts, and sandals. It was 75 degrees The cashier behind the counter asked me "Ain't you cold ?" I expalined I was from Connecticut.

Yes Buck and Poppins, it is hot here in Georgia ( 102 degrees today ) but most places are air conditioned so you just leave your tie and jacket off until you get out of the car if you are going to a formal affair.

102 :o I'll be in Georgia end of this month, hope it cools down a bit

Hey Buck, your story about the tee shirt and shorts in the Piggly Wiggley, reminds me of a guy in Boston Mass a few years ago. It was January, and bloody cold, in fact my camera wouldn't work that afternoon. My wife and myself were coming out of one of those Rock Bottom beer parlours and there was this guy, he wasn't a nutter or anything, in shorts! Where did he come from, Alaska?
And Fleetwood, I just had a thought about Ron Wooding and his circle of cohorts. Do you remember a guy called Pete Farrar? He knew Wooding. Pete lived up Darnall, he was into body building, quite good actually, up to Mr Universe standard circa 1950's, that would be pre steroid. He was a regular down the City early 50's and then he went to work for Reg Park in Leeds.

Oh yes Nan, we started at the City Hall in 1956 and alternated Sat. nights with the Lacorno. On our first date we arrived at the bottom of the stairs to the desk, I had to tell her I had forgotten my wallet !! Have been paying ever since.
We had some great nights having learned to Bop at the Roxy , Page Hall.
The blue suade shoes moved faster in those days , but we still amaze people with a touch of Rock n Roll . The kids and grandkids of course are embarrased.
Walter Chapel was one of the bands and we did notice they had WC on the front of all music stands
Those were the days

Thank you Nanrobbo I shall go to HMV today and see if I can find it. Isn't it wonderful to be able to be in contact like this? America, Australia ,Canada great. Going back to the days of the City Hall what a journey we have made since then. The first time I went to the City Hall I went in a borrowed dress and that was the first time I realised What a bluff life is. I was the eldest of eight and like today big families were looked down on. But in my borrowed dress and a friends Max Factor Pancake makeup I looked like everyone else, I felt a million dollars. Everybody looked so well off, particularly near to the band where all the "big hitters stood. What memories.!!
I also had borrowed clothes occasionally, Dad having been ill for years and we weren't well off. But what the heck we didn't care, and my mate Flo was very generous- just so long as I didn't look too glam in her clothes.:hihi:

Oh yes Nan, we started at the City Hall in 1956 and alternated Sat. nights with the Lacorno. On our first date we arrived at the bottom of the stairs to the desk, I had to tell her I had forgotten my wallet !! Have been paying ever since.
We had some great nights having learned to Bop at the Roxy , Page Hall.
The blue suade shoes moved faster in those days , but we still amaze people with a touch of Rock n Roll . The kids and grandkids of course are embarrased.
Walter Chapel was one of the bands and we did notice they had WC on the front of all music stands
Those were the days
We always paid for our entry fees oursleves- must have been a bit gormless?
But then again we could pick and choose our partners- I found my partner for life there nearly 54 years ago bless his little cotton socks;)

Hey Buck, your story about the tee shirt and shorts in the Piggly Wiggley, reminds me of a guy in Boston Mass a few years ago. It was January, and bloody cold, in fact my camera wouldn't work that afternoon. My wife and myself were coming out of one of those Rock Bottom beer parlours and there was this guy, he wasn't a nutter or anything, in shorts! Where did he come from, Alaska?
And Fleetwood, I just had a thought about Ron Wooding and his circle of cohorts. Do you remember a guy called Pete Farrar? He knew Wooding. Pete lived up Darnall, he was into body building, quite good actually, up to Mr Universe standard circa 1950's, that would be pre steroid. He was a regular down the City early 50's and then he went to work for Reg Park in Leeds.I think its all relative to what you're used to,Texas. After a spell of sub zero weather in Montreal, when it got up to a sultry 30 F, I would go to the outside rink for a bit of ice skaiting wearing just a sweater and pants.

Here's a question for everybody. When did you first set foot on a dance floor and at what age? Did anybody have formal lessons or did you just wing it.
First time for me was at Days on Barnsley Road and it was the Hoky Coky, I was about 13 I think. Talk about feeling stupid. Then I went with a kid to Alfred Golds a couple of times. He talked me into it because he fancied this chick who went for lessons there. That was an experience, older girls and that? I was ready for the City then.

First step on the dance floor would have been my sister and I dancing a slow dance together around the edge of the dance floor to see what boys were there, that was the best way to pick out the good lookers, although my sister was short sighted so I'd pick out the good ones for myself and point her into the direction of the nerdy types :hihi:

First step on the dance floor would have been my sister and I dancing a slow dance together around the edge of the dance floor to see what boys were there, that was the best way to pick out the good lookers, although my sister was short sighted so I'd pick out the good ones for myself and point her into the direction of the nerdy types :hihi:

I often wondered why you came to me for the first dance.

I often think that something as gone wrong today with something that we had in the fifties.

Lessons in dancing. you are joking. Better half did go to Constance Grants up Sheffield. Then to Birdwell Club with a 70 yr old. As for me I learned with Bill Haley on the living room floor with a dancette record player. Then it was flourescant socks and off to the Roxy at Page Hall.
By the time I graduated to the City Hall it was Rock n Roll if you dared. But the best band was at the Mecca Lacarno. Sorry to see the burned out wreck when we passed it a year ago.
One New years eve we had 12 passengers in a Vauxhall 14 that would not start. We all puhed, then jumped in. The one at the wheel was the only one without a licence. Passing West Bar nick we all ducked down.

Texas, the first dances I went to were at the Norton Hotel they had a small dance hall at the back. I just inflicted myself on anyone who asked me . Once I realised you just had to follow your partner I was away.!! Then to the Abbeydale where if you went to the two Collinsons nights you could dance with the MC who liked to strut his stuff in the Foxtrot and Tango.Then on to the bigtime at the City Hall, But I always went 4 nights to the Abbeydale 2 to the City, until I met my husband who didn't like to dance.!!!

It always amuses me to remember how packed it used to get,down the City, and then how few people got onto the dance floor at the right hand side thro' the arches. It was like some kind of parallel universe in there. I always imagined waiting for some number like 'The Creep' and then shuffling in. Never had the bottle though.

Hi Texas, that name you threw out sounds vaguely familar and sounds about right, a well dressed body builder would probably make it into Ron 'Woody' Wooding's clique. Pete Swain was another member, he left our group and has his finances allowed him, gravitated to Woody's periphery every once in a while. I wet my dancing feet at the Conservative Club on Burngreave Rd, a man and wife team ran the lessons and dances there, a lot of the members entered into competitions and the like, not that I had any desires to do so. From there, started to go to some of the smaller dance halls that were around. By that time, I was getting very interested in the music, naturally Bernard Taylor's Band at the 'City' was the only game in town for a long time. Saturday Night for a lot of guys meant spending most of the evening in the 'pub' and going into the dance for the last hour or so and i'm not putting them down for that,if that was their bag, not me though, I loved the atmosphere and the music too much to miss out on any of the action.

Fleetwood, the advantage of going to the City, was also the chance to meet some of the Stars of the day who invariably once they done their thing upstairs used to come into the dance. Ted Heath was at there one night and his vocalist was Paul Carpenter who came down for a dance with his friend Bonar Colleno (spelling not sure) he was a film star of the time. I can't remember the name of the drummer but he was fantastic. I danced with Bonar Colleno but was absolutely terrified. Dickie Valentine was another one who was there with Johnny Spitzer the manager od the Empire do you remember him?

Hi RHONDA, I remember all the names you mentioned, Bonar Colleano the actor was married to a British film actress Susan Shaw, (I think, at that time). Both him and Paul Carpenter were both Canadian by birth. Johnny Spitzer, manager of the Empire Theatre was a big jazz fan, Dickie Valentine obviously was quite well known. Forgotton the name of the house drummer at the 'City' and I suppose there might have been more than one over the years. Louis Bellson the great American drummer wrote and recorded 'Skin Deep', a few of the British bands including Ted Heath, featured that number as a show stopper around that time also. The Bernard Taylor band was no exception, I remember being there one evening when everybody just stood around the bandstand stamping and clapping as the drummer went into his 'solo', it was fantastic. RHONDA did you know or hear of Ron Wooding, or as he was affectionately called Woody?

Strange that you should mention Bonar Colleano Rhonda, he had a double who frequented the City who everyone knew by the name of,oddly enough, Bonar. He looked more like Bonar Colleano than Bonar Colleano did. Hope you danced with the real deal.
And Fleetwood, you've done it again. You and me trod the same territory, obviously, and knew a lot of the same people. Pete Swain for instance. To be quite honest I couldn't get on with him at all. I could get into all kinds of put downs here, but I wont.
I remember him having a motorbike fall over in front of the 'Lion' one time and no one would help him pick it up. He wasn't strong enough himself.
Do you recall the name Dave Harlow. Another motorbike enthusiast. In fact he died in an accident with a bus at the bottom of Ecclesall Road about '58. He was a regular down the City. No helmets back then, all he was wearing on his head was a flat cap. Nice kid.
And the Conservative Club. My uncle played in a band there back in the 30's and sometimes I'd go and hang out with the musicians, I was only about 5 years old.

Here's a question for everybody. When did you first set foot on a dance floor and at what age? Did anybody have formal lessons or did you just wing it.
First time for me was at Days on Barnsley Road and it was the Hoky Coky, I was about 13 I think. Talk about feeling stupid. Then I went with a kid to Alfred Golds a couple of times. He talked me into it because he fancied this chick who went for lessons there. That was an experience, older girls and that? I was ready for the City then.

Hi Texas,

I never went to Day's but being local so to speak, I knew where it was.

Except for Connie Grant's (Much to good for me), I must have gone to just about every other one in the city. Gould's for sure, Collinson's at Hanover Square for lessons, City Hall and Cutler's Hall, Embassy at Intake, Azena on White Lane at Gleadless, Greystones. And it was all done without a car.

I even had a pair of the patent leather shoes - thats how serious it was. My wife eventually threw them out years ago, long before the kids came along, but just describing the shoes had them in hysterics.

Now. I can't remember the last time I went on a dance floor.

Regards

Great old days, we used to dance to Bernard Taylor and his band, anyone remember him...

I remember Bernard Taylor, anyone remember Bunny Harrison, all the girls seemed to go for him. I rarely went to the City, spent a lot of time in the Locarno though.

Hi Texas, Yes it was the real Bonar Colleano. I had been to see the Ted Heath Band upstairs and afterwards to the dance. I have also remembered the name of the drummer Jack Parnell. He played "Ballin The Jack" He was with Ted heath for a long time.Bernard Taylor played it the same evening. I remember Danny Kaye had a record of it at the same time. We are disturbing a lot of cobwebs with these memories.

I remember Bernard Taylor, anyone remember Bunny Harrison, all the girls seemed to go for him. I rarely went to the City, spent a lot of time in the Locarno though.

I saw Frankie Vaughan at the Locarno, he was really handsome.

I remember reading about him years later that he wasn't the "Show-man" type people thought he was, he was content with his family life and refused to go live in Hollywood after making the film with M Monroe, and refused many offers after that.

Yes,yes, yesugei, good tenor player was Bunny. Always reminded me of Zoot Sims.

Any one remember saturday night dances in the early 50s ?

I meant sat night at the Greystones

I meant sat night at the Greystones

I can't recall ever going on a Saturday night but I remember it could be a bit hazardous.

Wasn't there a row of columns up the middle of the dance floor (holding up the cinema above).

I remember one couple crashing into a column and the girl was really shaken up.

Regards

How well I remember dancing to Bernard Taylor. I learned to play trombone and it was his first trombone, Harold Coats, who taught me. After a lesson we would retire to the Alfred pub across the street for a pint. It was at those dances that I met my wife and we are still together after 56 years. I remember one time when they played a Samba. We had learned the steps but got chucked off the floor for eccentric dancing. Someone mentioned Cyril Ball. I had forgotten him but now I remember. During those years, we had the exchange between the British bands and the American. At the City Hall we saw Count Basie, JJ Johnson & Kai Winding, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, MJQ, Errol Garner, Ella Fitzgerald and others. Any of you remember those?
Peter D South Carolina

Even Great Grandmas:hihi: still sweet young things on the inside though.:thumbsup:
I remember Barley Wine being introduced. At the local pubs you were only allowed to buy two.
Peter DSouth Carolina

I remember my cousin asking for two pints and two babies (Babychame), in the Barleycorn. What do you think this is Jessops, said the barman.

I remember my cousin asking for two pints and two babies (Babychame), in the Barleycorn. What do you think this is Jessops, said the barman.

My sister and I had a Babychame one night,( I forgot the name of the place, )before going to the City Hall, plain clothes police came in..trouble , we were underaged :(.

They took all our info, and even followed us to the City Hall to see if we were going to drink again, we spotted them:suspect:.

They informed my Mother at work the very nexy day, we were in BIG trouble then.

I remember all those jazzpeople at the City, great days back then. And Barley Wine, powerfull stuff that was. There was Barley Wine's cousin too, Tennant's No1. I remember a guy who would drink a pint glass of that stuff, mentioned a few postings back.

I remember all those jazzpeople at the City, great days back then. And Barley Wine, powerfull stuff that was. There was Barley Wine's cousin too, Tennant's No1. I remember a guy who would drink a pint glass of that stuff, mentioned a few postings back.


Oh Texas, we all use to drink that awfull Barley wine :gag: light or dark ? we did the Dark!

First of all PDWSNAP I remember all the visiting American Jazz Giants you mentioned and saw them all. Cannot recall if the MJQ made more than one appearence in Sheffield, but certainly remember a Christmas Eve performance of theirs. How appropiate, they played their 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen', they played it in 'Rounds' and steadily built the theme, I get 'goose bumps' just thinking about it now. So Mr. PDWSNAP if you have read some of my earlier posts, I pose the question to you, did you know or hear of Ron Wooding a.k.a. Woody? He would have been around when you were attending different events at the City Hall. Hi TEXAS if we are talking about the same person, Pete ***** and it sounds as though we are, you have described him pretty good. I could add a few things of my own, but I won't, as i'ts certainly not my intention to offend anyone at all. This is just a light hearted romp down memory lane and I give him some good marks for his affiliation to Ron Wooding.

With regard to Tennants No 1 and Barley wine . They were brought out to celebrate either VE or VJ day i'm not sure which but my boyfriend of the time worked for Tennants and I can remember him bringing it home, straight from the brewery it was like syrup and he only allowed me a thimblefull, I doubt I could have made it to the City let alone danced, Buck I have been looking at another thread which I can't find again. Has your Son returned safe from IRAQ ?

I was talking about Pete Swine, Fleetwood.
Getting back to the No1 and Barley Wine topic, I went in a pub in Jersey many years ago, they had it on the shelves back of the bar. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity for a nostalgic taste, I had one. When I ordered another, the man wouldn't serve me, said it was too strong to have more than one. I could've had as many 'brown boilers' as I liked, and fallen in the yacht basin, but he wouldn't serve me another Barley Wine.

Some years later I did part time on security at the City Hall. Frank Gummer, the manager ran all the concerts. He booked me to bring 6 mates for a pop concert. He told me the name, never heard of them . Two weeks before the concert The Rolling Stones hit the top spot. We turned up on the night and had to fight our way in. I have never earned £10 so hard in my life. Rugby tackles to stop the girls getting on the stage to hug Mick.
Saw some great gigs.
What yea would that be 63 or 4?

With regard to Tennants No 1 and Barley wine . They were brought out to celebrate either VE or VJ day i'm not sure which but my boyfriend of the time worked for Tennants and I can remember him bringing it home, straight from the brewery it was like syrup and he only allowed me a thimblefull, I doubt I could have made it to the City let alone danced, Buck I have been looking at another thread which I can't find again. Has your Son returned safe from IRAQ ?

Are you thinking of Tennants Gold Label ? The little bottle of strong ale called No.1 (Barley Wine) was brewed by Bass. - they also did a No. 2 which was a stout version.

Tennant's Gold Label was in the Guinness Book of Records as the strongest beer on regular sale in the UK, it was later sold under the Whitbread label (and still is I think).

I can remember Bass Barley Wine being sold on draught around Christmas time in the 50s - from a pipkin behind the bar, available in a schooner or half-pint glass...but not by the pint !

I realize that this has only tenuous links with the City, but back in the 50's I bought all my records at Wilson Pecks, no doubt everyone into jazz and popular music did in those days.
I had a regular routine on Saturdays, with money burning a hole in my pocket. Find out the latest jazz releases and into Pecks.
Obviously I couldn't buy them all, but I tried to get to hear as many as possible.
The lady in the record department was really nice, tall woman with glasses, dark hair. She'd give me an old fashioned look when I tried to con her into letting me have four or more records to listen to. She had two assistants, both tall girls, I think one had ginger hair, used to see them dancing with each other ALL the time, down the City. A mate of mine refered to them as being in the 'Le's be friends' pursuasion. Anybody remember them?

Don't remember the girls TEXAS, but did'nt a lot of girls dance with one another, when the guys wer'nt being attentive and gawking somewhere else. A friend of mine bought a reel to reel recorder at Wilson Pecks, they only sold good stuff and this was no exception. The make of it was a 'Simon', this was not your run of the mill machine, it weighed a ton (well a lot anyway.) He used to strap onto the back of his motor bike to carry it around. The only reason i'm mentioning this is because i've had a lifelong love affair with r+r machines and i've had a lot over the years. Remember Wilson Pecks other branch on London Rd?

You're right Texas & Fleetwood a lot of girls did dance together but not I think because they were of that persuasion:hihi:. My mate Floss was a tall redhead and we often danced together maybe waiting while some of you lot :love:sobered up a bit?

Of course you're right Nanrobbo, and I should've known better than to imply if two girls dance together they're ??????? etc;etc. But I must point out that it wasn't me who said it, hell, I wouldn't know one even if they had a moustache and wore hobnailed boots.

Better be careful out there Texas- not all those ?????!!!! wear hobnails and have a tash- :hihi::thumbsup:

Yeah, well I've had a very sheltered life nan, so I can't comment on that. Getting back to the trips, anybody go on any to London? We always got booked into the Strand Palace Hotel because they were weekend jobs you understand. The coach would arrive early morning and it was straight down to the Wash and Brushup place on the Thames embankment. Saturday night was the jazz clubs(at least for some). I remember going to a club in Leicester Square, the band was Kenny Graham and the Afro Cubists, and that's going back a few years. I wish I could remember the name of the club. It'd been going for years, pre war I think, had a 'French' name.
Then the shennanigans back at the hotel. I cant remember what we did on the Sunday. They were great trips though. 'Barney' Cummings used to organize them.

You're right Texas & Fleetwood a lot of girls did dance together but not I think because they were of that persuasion:hihi:. My mate Floss was a tall redhead and we often danced together maybe waiting while some of you lot :love:sobered up a bit?

My sister and i would dance together to Google around, remember we would button our cardigans up in the back to make it look like a new jumper, would look a bit daft now wouldn't it ? I wouldn't be seen dead comming out of the City Hall with boots on no matter how much snow was on the ground, i'd rather freeze to death running for he last bus in high heels in deep snow.:loopy:

'A gal's got to do, what a gal's got to do.' (John Wayne).

Would that be 'Club Eleven'? Not very French sounding though.

My sister and i would dance together to Google around, remember we would button our cardigans up in the back to make it look like a new jumper, would look a bit daft now wouldn't it ? I wouldn't be seen dead comming out of the City Hall with boots on no matter how much snow was on the ground, i'd rather freeze to death running for he last bus in high heels in deep snow.:loopy:
Do you also remember those pencil slim skirts we used to totter around in? I never wore very high heels at 5'8" I figured I was tall enough. Boots! who wore boots?:D

Do you also remember those pencil slim skirts we used to totter around in? I never wore very high heels at 5'8" I figured I was tall enough. Boots! who wore boots?:D

And the girls used to wear drape jackets just like the guys, even made out of the same gaberdine and hopsack material, least they did when I was going there. Some wore a spearpoint shirt/blouse with some kind of tie, coupled with the pencil slim skirts you've mentioned. There was a real fashion revolution going on and I don't think people were aware.

I got a theory about the gaberdine drapes the girls used to wear. That's one thing I'm never short of, theories. Well my theory is that it was inspired by the 'hip' girl singers in the late 40's, Anita O'Day, June Christy, and so on. They wore suits like that. In a way they were like band uniforms but sharper. But it was a fleeting fashion revolution like you say. Look at 'Chan' Parker, 'Bird's piece of squeeze, she wore gear like that, It was 'hip', and the chicas at the City were the hippest.

You are so right TEXAS, always enjoy the TEXASMANS input. What I think was, I think the girls took it a step further and created their own unique fashion statement. I suppose this was happening in other towns to some degree also. Then in the bigger picture, was it a worldwide event with everybody having their own take on this style? But in the big picture without the aid of today's electronic media, where fashion can flash around the world in seconds, I think the Sheffield lasses were smashing.

First of all PDWSNAP I remember all the visiting American Jazz Giants you mentioned and saw them all. Cannot recall if the MJQ made more than one appearence in Sheffield, but certainly remember a Christmas Eve performance of theirs. How appropiate, they played their 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen', they played it in 'Rounds' and steadily built the theme, I get 'goose bumps' just thinking about it now. So Mr. PDWSNAP if you have read some of my earlier posts, I pose the question to you, did you know or hear of Ron Wooding a.k.a. Woody? He would have been around when you were attending different events at the City Hall. Hi TEXAS if we are talking about the same person, Pete ***** and it sounds as though we are, you have described him pretty good. I could add a few things of my own, but I won't, as i'ts certainly not my intention to offend anyone at all. This is just a light hearted romp down memory lane and I give him some good marks for his affiliation to Ron Wooding.

Sorry to be so late in replying but somehow I missed this. No, I never knew Ron Wooding. Who and what was he? I remember that MJQ concert very well. I saw them all there with the exception of Lionel Hampton. I was in hospital at the time. I still have all the programmes.
Two things I remember specially. Louis Armstrong was one. You know how the City Hall is built, those massive stone walls. I have been outside there when the Halle Orchestra was playing and couldn't hear a thing. We had to leave Louis' concert just before it ended to catch the last bus home. He was playing an encore. When we got outside, he could be heard and people were standing listening. It wasn't the volume he made but the quality of sound.
The other was when we went to see the Dutch Swing College. They had a small band on before them, someone we had never heard of, Acker Bilk. He stole the show and look where he went afterwards.

Don't remember the girls TEXAS, but did'nt a lot of girls dance with one another, when the guys wer'nt being attentive and gawking somewhere else. A friend of mine bought a reel to reel recorder at Wilson Pecks, they only sold good stuff and this was no exception. The make of it was a 'Simon', this was not your run of the mill machine, it weighed a ton (well a lot anyway.) He used to strap onto the back of his motor bike to carry it around. The only reason i'm mentioning this is because i've had a lifelong love affair with r+r machines and i've had a lot over the years. Remember Wilson Pecks other branch on London Rd?

I remember that Wilson Pecks on London Rd. In fact I bought my first record there, a 78 but can't remember what it was. Talking about music machines? Do you remember the Pye Black box and how it revolutionised sound quality? I bought one in 1957 and still have it. My first rtor I had I built myself using a Collaro Transcription deck, the one with the massive flywheel. In later years, I designed and built my own electronics. I still have the thing but the one in use is a Dokorder though I don't actually use it anymore. The tapes heve deteriorated so much. In fact some years ago, I transferred them all to cassetes. Now I'm putting stuff on DVDs but I'll never finish the job.

Fleetwood, the advantage of going to the City, was also the chance to meet some of the Stars of the day who invariably once they done their thing upstairs used to come into the dance. Ted Heath was at there one night and his vocalist was Paul Carpenter who came down for a dance with his friend Bonar Colleno (spelling not sure) he was a film star of the time. I can't remember the name of the drummer but he was fantastic. I danced with Bonar Colleno but was absolutely terrified. Dickie Valentine was another one who was there with Johnny Spitzer the manager od the Empire do you remember him?

Rhonda, I was at that Ted Heath concert. I had never been to a live music concert so, on an impulse, I went into Wilson Peck's and bought a ticket. I still don't know why I picked that concert as I had never heard of Ted Heath. But what an experience and it really launched me into Big Band. He's still top of my list. Do you have the CDs of the Last Concert?

Rhonda, I was at that Ted Heath concert. I had never been to a live music concert so, on an impulse, I went into Wilson Peck's and bought a ticket. I still don't know why I picked that concert as I had never heard of Ted Heath. But what an experience and it really launched me into Big Band. He's still top of my list. Do you have the CDs of the Last Concert?

Rhonda, I forgot to add. The drummer was Jack Parnell.

I always try remember the song Ted Heath wrote for his wife during the war.
It's a haunting tune.

I haven't said thanks for that lovely weekend
Those two days of heaven til we meet again
so keep smiing my darling and some day we'll spend
a lifetime of ?? on that lovely weekend
you had to go -----

I love that song Hazel, I'll try Googling and get the words. 'Our song' mine and husbands from that time was Unchained Melody sung by Al Hibbler- still love that song. memories are so sweet.

I'm sure you are rght but my vague memory puts Jimmy Young as the singer
It surely can't be right ?
Whatever it is still a beautiful song

hazel.

Nanrobbo,I loved Al Hibblers version the best but I think Jimmy Youngs made the top here in England.I have still got both these somewhere. I have still got the pink record player too I guess I should have a clearout before I get any older. Like the rest at that time I used to go out with friends on Saturday afternoon to listen to and my friends used to occasionally buy the latest. (I hadn't a player then) . Then all meet up in the evening for the dance. In those days I had a nickname " Golden Earrings" embarrasing or what. !!

I always try remember the song Ted Heath wrote for his wife during the war.
It's a haunting tune.

I haven't said thanks for that lovely weekend
Those two days of heaven til we meet again
so keep smiing my darling and some day we'll spend
a lifetime of ?? on that lovely weekend
you had to go -----

First sung by Dorothy Carless in 1942.

First sung by Dorothy Carless in 1942.

Actually, Hazel, it was written by Moira Heath, Ted's wife.

I love that song Hazel, I'll try Googling and get the words. 'Our song' mine and husbands from that time was Unchained Melody sung by Al Hibbler- still love that song. memories are so sweet.

Nanrobbo, go to this for the words.
http://lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs/t/thatlovelyweekend.shtml

Thank you pdewsnap,

It still is a beautiful song talking of the longing, of all the young men and women kept apart during the war, some never to return.

hazel

Never thought I'd see Al Hibbler's name on here, great singer, unmistakable with that hiccuping delivery. As you know he was blind, and he used to go to the movies just to hear the music behind cartoons, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck et al: apparently it'd crack him up.
I eventually figured out the name of the jazz club in Leicester Square, it was the 'Florida'. The French connection was that it was on the premises of the 'Cafe Anglais'. I think it was run by Jeff Kruger. I also remembered some more musicians who were with Kenny Graham's Afro-Cubists. Terry Brown,tpt, and Terry Shannon,pno.

I would say that Vera Lynne was responsible for making this song very well known,by her radio broadcasts,and troop concerts.

Nanrobbo, go to this for the words.
http://lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs/t/thatlovelyweekend.shtml
Thanks pdewsnap, I'll bookmark that site. The words are really beautiful and nostalgic. Regards nan
I didn't have much joy with Google or Yahoo etc.

Nanrobbo,I loved Al Hibblers version the best but I think Jimmy Youngs made the top here in England.I have still got both these somewhere. I have still got the pink record player too I guess I should have a clearout before I get any older. Like the rest at that time I used to go out with friends on Saturday afternoon to listen to and my friends used to occasionally buy the latest. (I hadn't a player then) . Then all meet up in the evening for the dance. In those days I had a nickname " Golden Earrings" embarrasing or what. !!
So you and I are both right Hazel- Thanks Rhonda I loved Al Hibblers version best (which was introduced to me by my husband to be) and I might add I never really cared for the later version by the Righteous Bros. All a matter of taste I suppose.Regards Nan.

Thanks pdewsnap, I'll bookmark that site. The words are really beautiful and nostalgic. Regards nan
I didn't have much joy with Google or Yahoo etc.

I agree with you. They don't write songs like that anymore. Two of my old favourites are "Laura" and "Misty". I remember listening to Errol Garner play that at the City Hall. Wonderful.

Question for Fleetwood. You asked me if I knew Ron Wooding and I asked who and what was he. I am still waiting for a reply. Please tell me.

Question for Fleetwood. You asked me if I knew Ron Wooding and I asked who and what was he. I am still waiting for a reply. Please tell me.

Thanks for the intrest pdewsnap. I don't know much more than you really, if you read some of my recent posts (actually check back about 3wks or so) it may fill in some of the background as I knew it. The questions I am asking, how did he start? What became of him? What might have been his regular line of employment ? (if at all.) He had a loyal following, you might think someone would be able to add some more information. When the name 'stars' and 'hero Worship' were usually reserved for the movies and the like, he was the nearest thing that most people came across that they might consider 'famous.' (OK, I'm probably going over the top a little bit here.) Don't forget this was a good 20yrs before the 'rock' era and all the adulation that ensued with their loyal fans.

Thanks for the intrest pdewsnap. I don't know much more than you really, if you read some of my recent posts (actually check back about 3wks or so) it may fill in some of the background as I knew it. The questions I am asking, how did he start? What became of him? What might have been his regular line of employment ? (if at all.) He had a loyal following, you might think someone would be able to add some more information. When the name 'stars' and 'hero Worship' were usually reserved for the movies and the like, he was the nearest thing that most people came across that they might consider 'famous.' (OK, I'm probably going over the top a little bit here.) Don't forget this was a good 20yrs before the 'rock' era and all the adulation that ensued with their loyal fans.

Sorry but that still doesn't tell me who he was and what he did, but I will try to find some of your earlier postings.

I remember that Wilson Pecks on London Rd. In fact I bought my first record there, a 78 but can't remember what it was. Talking about music machines? Do you remember the Pye Black box and how it revolutionised sound quality? I bought one in 1957 and still have it. My first rtor I had I built myself using a Collaro Transcription deck, the one with the massive flywheel. In later years, I designed and built my own electronics. I still have the thing but the one in use is a Dokorder though I don't actually use it anymore. The tapes heve deteriorated so much. In fact some years ago, I transferred them all to cassetes. Now I'm putting stuff on DVDs but I'll never finish the job.Dear pdewsnap, recieved your latest reply, will address that shortly. I remember the Collaro deck, many British manufacturies used that deck in many different models of RtoR machines. The Dokorder was Japanese and was great quality, years and years ago I could have bought a Dokorder deck with a twin set of RtoR units, I suppose like an early version of a double cassette machines that became so popular, but I had other priorities at the time, I've never seen one since. Talking about 'Pye', I seem to think they made some sort of a home version of a 'record recording machine', all my efforts in finding out on this one, have drawn a blank. Getting back to Ron'Woody'Wooding, you might have to go back further on my 'posts'. I'm not the best typist with my hunt and peck method and it would save me a lot of time and effort, in trying to retrace my memory.

My recollections of Ron Wooding were that of a brilliant 'jiver', and I was led to believe he actually introduced jiving at the City. He had a lot of charisma, and could attract chicas like flies to a jampot. Being rather a reticent person back then, I didn't actually 'know' him, but I hung around with kids who had, and if anyone ever asked me if I knew him I'd just say 'Yeah.' A sharp dresser too, only the best gear for Ron. When I got out of the Army in '53 he'd kind of disapeared off the scene. His mate Curly was still around but only just, he was beginning to find other things to do.
Back then it seemed to be the thing at the City, to get the kudos yourself you had to know someone with kudos. So you're dancing with some knockout girl and she says 'Do you know X?' Well you're not going to say 'No, I actually dont know anybody, In fact I'm Mr Square from Squaresville.' No, you say 'Of course, known him for years.' Well that's what I did. You've got to take the breaks as they come. If telling a small lie gets you in good, what the hell.

My recollections of Ron Wooding were that of a brilliant 'jiver', and I was led to believe he actually introduced jiving at the City. He had a lot of charisma, and could attract chicas like flies to a jampot. Being rather a reticent person back then, I didn't actually 'know' him, but I hung around with kids who had, and if anyone ever asked me if I knew him I'd just say 'Yeah.' A sharp dresser too, only the best gear for Ron. When I got out of the Army in '53 he'd kind of disapeared off the scene. His mate Curly was still around but only just, he was beginning to find other things to do.
Back then it seemed to be the thing at the City, to get the kudos yourself you had to know someone with kudos. So you're dancing with some knockout girl and she says 'Do you know X?' Well you're not going to say 'No, I actually dont know anybody, In fact I'm Mr Square from Squaresville.' No, you say 'Of course, known him for years.' Well that's what I did. You've got to take the breaks as they come. If telling a small lie gets you in good, what the hell.




Thanks for that, Texas, it saves me a lot of searching and tells me what I wanted to know. If you were demobbed in 1953 then he must have been around since I started at the City Hall in 1948 and kept going through the 50s. But I never heard of him. I did wonder if he was a singer perhaps or one of the bandsmen but I knew them and didn't recognise the name. I assume he would be there on Saturday nights.

Thanks for that, Texas, it saves me a lot of searching and tells me what I wanted to know. If you were demobbed in 1953 then he must have been around since I started at the City Hall in 1948 and kept going through the 50s. But I never heard of him. I did wonder if he was a singer perhaps or one of the bandsmen but I knew them and didn't recognise the name. I assume he would be there on Saturday nights.

One more thing, you say he was a brilliant jiver. Do you remember the notice in the dance hall which said "No Eccentric Dancing"? I don't rmember ever seeing anyone jive and I remember when the Samba became popular. We learned the proper steps and were doinig them only to be chucked off the floor for "Eccentric Dancing". I wish I could remember the year. I would guess between 1949 and 1950.

One should'nt talk about other hobbies on this 'thread,' so I apologize and I won't do it again. TEXAS is right about getting out of the 'Forces', when you start to pick up the pieces of your life again, priorities change, even your friends change for the same reasons. Everybody starts taking different 'paths' and some of your personal contacts with people deviate along the way. Maybe 'Woody' went in the forces (although somehow I don't think so) got out and settled down and dropped right out of the scene, (but that would'nt be Woody either.) You know the most logical reason, he could have emigrated in the 50's or so, this would account for the 'trail going cold'. Anyway wherever he is' he should feel honored that we are still talking about him.

I dont remember any notices regarding Eccentric Dancing. What I do remember though, is when a Latino set was played, everybody who could, jived. And a lot of the Latino stuff was Perez Prado, mambos and stuff. I could never, in a million years, do the proper set moves to Latin, that was for the people in the parallel universe, thro' the arches, at the right hand side. You got on the lights and if they felt like stopping you jiving they had to plough thro' a hell of a lot of dancers.
Nanrobbo, I read your post on 'Unchained Malady', good song that. Do you remember a song called 'Never Let me Go' recorded by Nat Cole, beautiful. And another 'My Foolish Heart'? Who had the big hit with that one? It was sometime in the 50s. I keep thinking it was a early hit for Tony Bennet, but I'm not sure.

I dont remember any notices regarding Eccentric Dancing. What I do remember though, is when a Latino set was played, everybody who could, jived. And a lot of the Latino stuff was Perez Prado, mambos and stuff. I could never, in a million years, do the proper set moves to Latin, that was for the people in the parallel universe, thro' the arches, at the right hand side. You got on the lights and if they felt like stopping you jiving they had to plough thro' a hell of a lot of dancers.
Nanrobbo, I read your post on 'Unchained Malady', good song that. Do you remember a song called 'Never Let me Go' recorded by Nat Cole, beautiful. And another 'My Foolish Heart'? Who had the big hit with that one? It was sometime in the 50s. I keep thinking it was a early hit for Tony Bennet, but I'm not sure.

I suspect you are talking about a time much later than I am.
Anyway, going back to what was said about the American bands at the City Hall. How many of you saw the concert withh JJ Johnson and Kai Winding? I remember that vividly and when they played "Mad About The Boy", starting with coming up the scale in quarter tones, it electrified every one. I went out and bought that LP next day. Also it turned me on to the trombone which, to me , is the greatest instrument in the hands of an expert and it made me take it up. I was taught by Harold Coates, first trombone of Bernard Taylor.
I remember once discussing the instrument with my wife and told her that Rimsky Korsakov's "Flight Of The Bumble Bee" was a test piece for the trombone. She said it is impossible. I told Harold at my next lesson and he then played it. If you don't believe me, look up Urbie Green on the net. You may find it on YouTube under the title of "Green Bee".
What kind of a world would it be without music??

Hi PDEWSNAP, you obviously had this connection to the Bernard Taylor Band through your music teacher. Did you know 'Digger' in the sax section, I met him at a jam session at a private house in Rotherham. I never did find out his real name or if I did it's long forgotten. He was a super tenor player and as I have mentioned before on earlier 'posts', at the Saturday night dance he and a small group would play strictly 'Bebop' numbers while the rest of the band took their intermission.

Hi PDEWSNAP, you obviously had this connection to the Bernard Taylor Band through your music teacher. Did you know 'Digger' in the sax section, I met him at a jam session at a private house in Rotherham. I never did find out his real name or if I did it's long forgotten. He was a super tenor player and as I have mentioned before on earlier 'posts', at the Saturday night dance he and a small group would play strictly 'Bebop' numbers while the rest of the band took their intermission.

I knew a number of the bandsmen but Harold Coates is the only name I remember. Sorry. They were all fine musicians though.

I first went to the City about '48-'50. I still can't remember any notices about 'Eccentric Dancing'. I suppose if I really concentrated I could convince myself I could remember,but that way lies madness.
Actually I feel a little self-concious talking jazz on this thread when there's a jazz thread already, but I remember the Jay and Ki concert. If I'm not mistaken there was another American band on the same bill. Now I don't know much at all about the technicalities of trombone but I do recollect what appeared to be a difference in slide technique of the two musicians. JJ seemed to play at the top end of the slide, and do a lot of tonguing the notes, and Ki Winding seemed to use the slide a lot more. Would I be correct? As you can see I'm not certain what I'm talking about.
My favorit trombonistas are Jack Teagarden and Frank Rosolino.

[QUOTE=Texas;3938186]I dont remember any notices regarding Eccentric Dancing. What I do remember though, is when a Latino set was played, everybody who could, jived. And a lot of the Latino stuff was Perez Prado, mambos and stuff. I could never, in a million years, do the proper set moves to Latin, that was for the people in the parallel universe, thro' the arches, at the right hand side. You got on the lights and if they felt like stopping you jiving they had to plough thro' a hell of a lot of dancers.
Nanrobbo, I read your post on 'Unchained Malady', good song that. Do you remember a song called 'Never Let me Go' recorded by Nat Cole, beautiful. And another 'My Foolish Heart'? Who had the big hit with that one? It was sometime in the 50s. I keep thinking it was a early hit for Tony Bennet, but I'm not sure.[/QUOTE

It was Billy Eckstine who sang My Foolish Heart among others and Al Hibblers' recording of Unchained Melody.

I first went to the City about '48-'50. I still can't remember any notices about 'Eccentric Dancing'. I suppose if I really concentrated I could convince myself I could remember,but that way lies madness.
Actually I feel a little self-concious talking jazz on this thread when there's a jazz thread already, but I remember the Jay and Ki concert. If I'm not mistaken there was another American band on the same bill. Now I don't know much at all about the technicalities of trombone but I do recollect what appeared to be a difference in slide technique of the two musicians. JJ seemed to play at the top end of the slide, and do a lot of tonguing the notes, and Ki Winding seemed to use the slide a lot more. Would I be correct? As you can see I'm not certain what I'm talking about.
My favorit trombonistas are Jack Teagarden and Frank Rosolino.

Some notes can be played in different postions but I think what you were seeing probably was them playing sequences complimentary to each other and not in unison. Teagarden and Rosolino, fantastic. I did see somewhere that Teagarden, learning as a small boy, learned to play notes in unusual positions which others could not do. This was because his arms were too short to get full slide extension. I never found out if it was true. Are you familiar with Urbie Green, Bill Watrous and Carl Fontana? Also, Roy Williams, an English lad who came up with Alex Welsh. He's on Youtube. I didn't know there is a jazz thread. Thanks, I'll check it out.

Thought of another regular at the City back in the 50's, Brian Roddis. I think that was his proper name, but he was usually known by the rather grand name 'The Baron'.

Thought of another regular at the City back in the 50's, Brian Roddis. I think that was his proper name, but he was usually known by the rather grand name 'The Baron'.

Sorry, that's another one I don't know. In 1952 I married a girl from Stocksbridge and we lived there so we stopped going to the City Hall dances in favour of our local. We also formed a group to raise money for Spastic kids. Eventually we had enough to build the centre at Oughtibridge with it's swimming bath. I was secretary and so got the job of organising the bands for the dances. Then I had an idea. Why not hire some of the known bands we hear on the radio and we did. We couldn't afford such as Ted Heath but small groups, yes. We had Mick Mulligan with George Melley, twice, Sid Phillips and Humphrey Lyttelton. They were great successes. Then the Football section of Social Services at Sammy Fox's hired Johnny Dankworth. We couldn't compete and that killed it

Can anyone remember how much did it cost to go in to the dance on a Saturday?

Sorry, Alfred. I don't remember but the return ticket on the bus to Stocksbridge was 1/-6 and I wish we still had the quality of service provided then.

Can anyone remember how much did it cost to go in to the dance on a Saturday?
( I met my wife their and its cost me a fortune since!!).

I don't really remember either, but as I recall you could get a good seat in the upstaires concert hall around that time for about 6/-, so using that as a guide, it would have been less than that, i'm saying approx 3 to 4 bob.

Right on the money there prioryx. You had me looking thro' my collection and I found it, Billy Eckstine 'Foolish Heart'. It was on an old tape compilation, 1950.

Can anyone remember how much did it cost to go in to the dance on a Saturday?

Half crown I think :huh:

Right on the money there prioryx. You had me looking thro' my collection and I found it, Billy Eckstine 'Foolish Heart'. It was on an old tape compilation, 1950.
Yes, that was a great song, but for me, I Apologize, was the song I best remember Billy Eckstine for. I have just pulled out a cheap CD I bought called No Cover No Minimum by Billy and that truly was the only good song on there.
Oh just popped back to say "No one but you" was also a great favourite , made your heart melt.

Your'e right popps, it was half a crown and good value for money too. Cost a small fortune today, something like the City.
I'm a fan of Billy Eckstine too Nan, and I agree 'I Apologize' is one of his best. That CD you mention, is it from a 'live' show he did?
Another number he did, a favorit of mine, not very well known really, was 'I Want to Talk about You'. It was an early hit for him, when he had his own band. It was his tune, that's to say he wrote it.
It was a great favorit of John Coltrane, the tenor player, he couldn't leave it alone, played it all the time. Like they say 'And that's jazz'.

Yes I would think that the CD, (the only one I could get) I have is from a show/s, lots of applause on tracks. Billy does a version of 'Never walk alone' in competition with the drummer- the drummer won-:rolleyes: the drummer's name according to the sleeve Buddy Grievey. It mentions on the sleeve on the CD a lot of the numbers were previously unissued, but some are quite good. I've not heard the track you mention "I want to talk about you." before. Regards Nan

I think you have to be careful when buying Jazz on what appears to be cheap 'no name CD's.' What seems to be surfacing now are obscure sessions and live performances that were not considered commercially acceptable at one time, perhaps, due to bad sound, choice of material and just downright awful recording techniques (maybe somebody had their own recorder.) Then on the other hand, I am sure most people have purchased CD's that have bonus tracks (usually on a well known label,) as most of these were originally intended for LP's and the limited time constraints, we all benefit with the extra and sometime better tracks (and at the worst, just differrent.) I buy very little new stuff, but am always on the prowl for what I consider 'good stuff going cheap' because of clearouts and per/cent.off for varying reasons, I've found lots over the years, it makes collecting more fun. With all the talk about records and the like, i've just realised this is the 'City Hall' thread and not the 'Jazz' one, sorry!

I think this is really the "Friends from the City Hall" thread maybe we should re-name the thread- been good hasn't it.
Regards Nan.

I think this is really the "Friends from the City Hall" thread maybe we should re-name the thread- been good hasn't it.
Regards Nan.

Ok nanrobbo we will try and get back on track here, although my question is related to the Auditorium upstaires. Does anybody remember the man that used to try and introduce the bands but got booed off most times? I think his name might have been Gerald Cohan (or something like that,) he was'nt Mr Personality and Dynamic was'nt his middle name, I think he represented the booking agency which might have been 'The Harold Davidson Organization' at that time. Anyway he used to go on and on with 'what a big favour they were doing for you' kind of thing. The audience did'nt appreciate him one bit, mostly people thought he was just cutting into the performance time.

Anybody remember a guy called Jacky Newman who was a regular down the City? He had a live in girlfriend with the nickname 'Braces'. When the Kirchin band played a dance at the City one time he got up and did a really good impression of Danny Kaye.
And another couple, Hughie and Marjorie Bell, had a handbalancing act on the halls for a time. Marjorie had a friend who went in for beauty contests. I think she eventually got interested in local politics and became Mayoress of Sheffield. (That's Marjorie's friend, not Marjorie).

Anybody remember a guy called Jacky Newman who was a regular down the City? He had a live in girlfriend with the nickname 'Braces'. When the Kirchin band played a dance at the City one time he got up and did a really good impression of Danny Kaye.
And another couple, Hughie and Marjorie Bell, had a handbalancing act on the halls for a time. Marjorie had a friend who went in for beauty contests. I think she eventually got interested in local politics and became Mayoress of Sheffield. (That's Marjorie's friend, not Marjorie).

Was Jacky Newman the guy who owned General Plumber's & Glaziers, the fireplace shops?

Don't remember the two guys you mentioned TEXAS, I would have enjoyed their originality though, they might have even known 'Woody.' The Thursday evening dance at the 'City' was OK also, used to go there after night school, we were in town anyway (it might have even been a bit cheaper,) not quite as crowded, no line ups. It was a good feeling, Friday next day and then the weekend again.

That's the man Gerry. I heard a story about the breakup of his relationship with his girlfriend. Apparently she moved out and moved in somewhere else, the bathroom of the new place needed extensive refurbishment so she went down to Jacky's shop on West Bar and chose a complete new bathroom suite plus fitting and charged it to Jacky.
Seems sometimes we were never away from the place, the City I mean. Some of us went down there to a 'Tea Dance' after a session in the Lion one afternoon. I dont know what we were thinking. Our mutual friend Jeff S' took a look around and remarked 'G** Almighty, tea and apathy.' After all these years I still have a chortle about that.

I thought that was the man Texas. A friend of mine worked in one of his shop's. In the Wicker I think. Anyway, the story was that Jacky used to make regular cash collections from all the shops and by the time he got to the Wicker he was a little worse for wear. Apperently after emptying the till all his pockets were stuffed with cash and this friend followed him out to the car picking up all the cash that was falling out of his pockets and stuffing it back in his pocket.
By the way I remember most of the guys you mention, Woodin, Curly, Swain etc. etc. What a great time we had in those days. Liked your story about tea & empathy.
Also, wasn't there a brother and sister who used to do funny things?

Oh yes indeed, but I dont think we should go there. Actually to quote Woody Allen, I'll bet it was 'the best time they ever had without laughing'.

Oh yes indeed, but I dont think we should go there. Actually to quote Woody Allen, I'll bet it was 'the best time they ever had without laughing'.

Yes I think you're right.

I thought that was the man Texas. A friend of mine worked in one of his shop's. In the Wicker I think. Anyway, the story was that Jacky used to make regular cash collections from all the shops and by the time he got to the Wicker he was a little worse for wear. Apperently after emptying the till all his pockets were stuffed with cash and this friend followed him out to the car picking up all the cash that was falling out of his pockets and stuffing it back in his pocket.
By the way I remember most of the guys you mention, Woodin, Curly, Swain etc. etc. What a great time we had in those days. Liked your story about tea & empathy.
Also, wasn't there a brother and sister who used to do funny things?
Hi Gerry. It was me that started the inquiries on Ron Woodin(g) these other names seem to have cropped up along the way. I think you have the correct spelling of his surname even. My earlier 'posts' shows my connection, if you could call it that, more like an observation really. Some of my questions have been 'where did he live?' 'what if any, was is job?' 'did he marry, legal or otherwise?' or did he just seem to settle into some sort of obscurity. Would you know if my theory 'he may have emigrated' hold any truth. I have no other reason or interest really, other that I wan't to know how the 'Story' ends, or continues whichever the case maybe.

Hi Fleetwood, I have no idea what happened to these guy's but they certainly made an impression. Calling them legends may be stretching it a bit but here we are talking about them over fifty years later. I imagine every generation thinks that their time was the best but I wouldn't trade my youth for a gold pig

A gold pig would be tempting though.
Working it out, and excluding military service, I must've spent 10 years going to the City at least once a week. It could've been construed a way of life. What a waste of youth, Jazz, Booze and 'Birds', in no particular order. That's my take of Martin Luther's 'Wine, Women and Song' quote. No, not really, wouldnt've missed it for the world.
Thinking back to an earlier post, how many ex beauty queens have been the Lady Mayoress of Sheffield? Can't be many. Actually it's possible her name was Gwen. I remember she was blonde and had a mate(another knockout chica) called Dilys, second name Humphreys. Anybody remember Enid Bearder, talk about a fox, Wooo!

Dilys Humphries ran a model agency in the late 50s

I remember the girls I worked with talking about it, she was a very attractive lady probably a little older than me.
There was another beautiful lady around at the time called Joan, was alleged she was a friend of Barney Goodman

hazel

Hazel, I was a friend of Barney Goodman, I bought a suit off him once.
Anybody remember a girl called Janet Hirst,(or maybe Hurst)? She finished up in Los Angeles, as a interior designer. You know the routine, telling film stars what kind of wallpaper to use, or loo paper come to that. I think her accent must've helped, she could lay it on when she wanted to. Successful though.
And my old mate Pete Farrer, he finished up as a 'bouncer' in a club in San Francisco.

1.Three things to mention this time out. Theres been a couple of references to Barney Goodman, are we sure we're not talking about his son. His name might have been Maurice, (if I could see a list of names that were popular in that era, I probably could pick it out for sure.) Barney would have been 50 or 60'ish in those days. His son use to frequent the 'City' and was supposedly known as a 'woman chaser,' a bit of a 'layabout,' or at the least 'rich guys son with too much money.' 2. Dilys Humphries name rings a bell, did she win some major beauty event (i'm talking significant) and might she have come from Grimesthorpe? 3. This one is aimed at TEXAS, I gather that Pitsmoor might have been your 'home turf,' did you know Dennis Owen? I think he was from that neck of the woods, he was a bit of a character and he was a 'City'goer.

1.Three things to mention this time out. Theres been a couple of references to Barney Goodman, are we sure we're not talking about his son, his name might have been Maurice, (if I could see a list of names that were popular in that era, I probably could pick it out for sure.) Barney would have been 50 or 60'ish in those days, his son use to frequent the 'City' and was supposedly known as a 'woman chaser,' a bit of a 'layabout,' or at the least 'rich guys son with too much money.' 2. Dilys Humphries name rings a bell, did she win some major beauty event (i'm talking significant) and might she have come from Grimesthorpe? 3. This one is aimed at TEXAS, I gather that Pitsmoor might have been your 'home turf,' did you know Dennis Owen? I think he was from that neck of the woods, he was a bit of a character and he was a 'City'goer.

There were a few market lads went down the City mid 50's, you know dealers, 'wideheads', some on the edge of criminality, and a few pseuds and 'wannabees'. They had a certain way of standing. It was like feet together, slightly hunched shoulders, head moving this way and that, shifty looking, and most importantly the hands, palms backward, fingers slightly curled. Anybody recognise what I mean or was it just a personal observation on my part.
And fleetwood, I remember Denis Owen, he lived at the top of Hayward Road. He had a bro' called Robert. I saw him down the City from time to time, he had a mate called Jack who won a lot of money on the pools and never worked again. He had a beard when beards were rare. That's Jack I'm talking about latterly. He had another mate also name of Tony or Terry, not sure.
Don't know where the delectable Dylis lived, I never got that close, but I'm sure she won a 'Miss' title sometime or other. Not like her mate, she only became Lady Mayoress.
Come on, somebody must remember Gwen or whatever her name was.

Fleetwood, Barney Goodmans Son's name was Ralph.All these names you mention were such characters the like of which you don't see anymore.They were all larger than life and always had more money and more style and panache because of this.

Thanks RHONDA, you maybe right with the name. TEXAS it warms my heart to know that you knew Dennis or Denis, he was'nt a tall lad and he did have this mate who was taller. The mate I am thinking of was a bit of a body builder, he might have had thinning blond hair cut short, he was learning to play the trumpet and because of his build he looked great in the style of clobber that was all the rage at that time. Does this guy sound like Tony or Terry? Although I did'nt know 'him' all that well the name Terry is shouting out at me.

Dilys Humphries ran a model agency in the late 50s

I remember the girls I worked with talking about it, she was a very attractive lady probably a little older than me.
There was another beautiful lady around at the time called Joan, was alleged she was a friend of Barney Goodman

hazel

Dilys Humphries used to hang around with a gang of us on John St. She had a friend called Paulene Poole and I think Rea diskin.

Bloody hell prioryx, what are you trying to do to my memories? Dylis didn't just 'hang around', she 'sashayed' around.
Fleetwood, you could be right about Terry, but I played trumpet,and if he did, that makes about four trumpet players in that corner, that's a full section. I must say I like the word 'clobber', not heard that for a while.

1.Three things to mention this time out. Theres been a couple of references to Barney Goodman, are we sure we're not talking about his son, his name might have been Maurice, (if I could see a list of names that were popular in that era, I probably could pick it out for sure.) Barney would have been 50 or 60'ish in those days, his son use to frequent the 'City' and was supposedly known as a 'woman chaser,' a bit of a 'layabout,' or at the least 'rich guys son with too much money.' 2. Dilys Humphries name rings a bell, did she win some major beauty event (i'm talking significant) and might she have come from Grimesthorpe? 3. This one is aimed at TEXAS, I gather that Pitsmoor might have been your 'home turf,' did you know Dennis Owen? I think he was from that neck of the woods, he was a bit of a character and he was a 'City'goer.


Fleetwood
Delys Humphries liveed around Sharrow Lane area in the early 50s.

I'm using this thread because it's connected in a way. What happened to the lions that used to stand guard on the City Hall Concert Stage? Seems to me they were criticized and ridiculed for some reason or another. I think I recall they got moved to Weston Park Museum, could be wrong on that one. Were they not sculptured by some famous artist and where are they now?

http://www.sheffieldhistory.co.uk/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t7.html

There you go fleetwood, if you scroll about halfway down on this site you'll see that the lions new home is located outside the Tarmac Company Offices in Wolverhampton.

For Texas, nothing to do with the City Hall. Just hoping you are not in the path of the tornado. I hope you are safe I know it's a big State. Best wishes.

Thankyou for those kind thoughts Rhonda, although I must admit I live a long, long way from Galveston. In fact I'm located on the South coast of the U.K. The 'Texas' pseudonym refers to my nickname at Pye Bank school many years ago. Also the name is on my favorit coffee mug.
If pdewsnap reads this, I've sent you a private message.

I was playing a compilation tape a few days ago and a track came up ''Walking my Baby back Home'', Nat Cole, you remember that you City goers?
Anyhow, It reminded me of a guy that hung around the bottom corner, nickname of ''Buckets'', because every time the line came ''and snuggled her head to my chest'' he would beat his and say ''big chest''.
G** almighty, what some people remember, why do things like this stick in your memory?
He was a short stocky guy, went out with a girl who had a friend called Valerie Parker, who incidently, I went out with for a while.
Anybody remember him?

There were a few market lads went down the City mid 50's, you know dealers, 'wideheads', some on the edge of criminality, and a few pseuds and 'wannabees'. They had a certain way of standing. It was like feet together, slightly hunched shoulders, head moving this way and that, shifty looking, and most importantly the hands, palms backward, fingers slightly curled. Anybody recognise what I mean or was it just a personal observation on my part.
.

I remember the stand Texas but I think a lot of them were hod carriers for Hodkin & Jones. It used to amuse me to see the bricklayers and hod carriers climbing on the back of lorries in Fitzallan Square, all wearing their old Barney Goodman suits.

I remember the stand Texas but I think a lot of them were hod carriers for Hodkin & Jones. It used to amuse me to see the bricklayers and hod carriers climbing on the back of lorries in Fitzallan Square, all wearing their old Barney Goodman suits.

:hihi: Those Barney Goodman suits always looked like they still had the coat hangers in them, didn't they ? They were expensive to have them made too.

Thankyou for those kind thoughts Rhonda, although I must admit I live a long, long way from Galveston. In fact I'm located on the South coast of the U.K. The 'Texas' pseudonym refers to my nickname at Pye Bank school many years ago. Also the name is on my favorit coffee mug.
If pdewsnap reads this, I've sent you a private message.
Hello, Texas. Sorry, but I have only just found your message where you say you have written to me privately. Unfortunately, I did not receive it so perhaps you might try again.
Peter D

pdewsnap, I can't actually remember the details but I think it was a piece on the Musicians Union site - Local 802 - New York. It was a anecdote by a trombone player, very funny. Unfortunatly I can't get on there just now, there seems to be some fault or other.

Texas, I looked up the Local 802 site but found no clue as to what you sent me so if you remeber, please let me know.

I've just been thro' this topic again 'cause I'm a sucker for nostalgia. I was trying to remember names and faces, like you do, and I remembered a girl who used to to go down there fairly regular, her name was Pat Moratti/Moretti I think. Italian sounding,no? She had a friend called June. They were both knockout looking. Anyhow, she got married, Pat that is, to a guy called Roy Winsone and moved to London. He worked at the BBC. Do these names press any buzzers?

was there a dance at the city hall one week and at the cutlers hall the next week

Jeff, I remember those dances in the late 40s and early 50s. I met my wife there and we would be there every Saturday evening and, sometimes at the tea dance. At one time, we were chucked off the floor. We had learned the proper steps to the Samba and were dancing it when we were accused of eccentric dancing and thrown off. I remember Bernard Taylor's band too, a grand group and I became friends with several of them, especially Harold Coates, their first trombone who taught me to play the instrument.
Peter D South Carolina

I don't like too shatter all your illusions but this is a poem I wrote on going to the City Hall dance last year after a break of more than 50 yrs.

City Hall Dance c 2008

I went to the City Hall today
I’ll tell you about it if I may.
we all went to town
dressed in white, pink and brown
silver shoes in a bag by the way.

We decided to go on the bus
Our Old Age Pensioners pass was enough
to town we went free
Vera, Celia and me.
But Vera was lost in the rush

we went to a tea dance you see
The queue was as long as could be
They all pushed to get there
We hadn’t a prayer
We were new and polite, us three.

They were rushing to get the best table
It wasn’t as if we were able
To get there so quick
Vera’s knee gave her gyp
and I was almost disable.

Celia’s bunion was duly inspected
And Vera’s bandage knee was respected
And my Parkinson’s shake
Was not displayed for my sake
And I think we went undetected

Before Vera strutted her stuff
She had to pad the toes that were duff
She wrapped them in foam
Didn’t lower the tone
She knew she had used just enough.

The music then started to play
And the couples they glided our way
Celia was dancing with Vera
And the songs were our era,
but the big bands were only hearsay.

Trevor and Betty were fun
They danced round the room and were done
After all they were older
And Trevor a soldier
Who fought in the war by gum..

Celia knew who was dancing with who
Of partners there was only a few
She watched a woman in pink
Claim a spare man who I think
I remember we spoke in the queue

We met a lady dripping in gold
She was shivering as if she was cold
It wasn’t her scene
She was new and not been
To the City Hall dances of old..

As they danced the years rolled away
And their bunions and knees were OK
Their jiving was good
Celia was knew that she could .
Cos she learnt it at camp USA.

All good things come to an end
When we arrived we followed the trend
About 10 flights of stairs
We were caught unawares
We were glad of the lift to ascend

So we all went home on the bus
The driver made a fuss of us
We chattered away
what a lovely day
and all of us 70 plus

hazel

1.Three things to mention this time out. Theres been a couple of references to Barney Goodman, are we sure we're not talking about his son, his name might have been Maurice, (if I could see a list of names that were popular in that era, I probably could pick it out for sure.) Barney would have been 50 or 60'ish in those days, his son use to frequent the 'City' and was supposedly known as a 'woman chaser,' a bit of a 'layabout,' or at the least 'rich guys son with too much money.' 2. Dilys Humphries name rings a bell, did she win some major beauty event (i'm talking significant) and might she have come from Grimesthorpe? 3. This one is aimed at TEXAS, I gather that Pitsmoor might have been your 'home turf,' did you know Dennis Owen? I think he was from that neck of the woods, he was a bit of a character and he was a 'City'goer.

hiya i remember barney goodmans son his name was ralph he would play snooker in the snooker hall at the top of cambridge street, he would always play on the best table, and the snooker players would wait for him to come in they would say it was easy money playing him.in the 70/80s i heard a story of one of my workmates went in barnyes for a suit and ralph served
him my workmate asked for a cloth that was a bit different and ralph obliged him with a really nice cloth which was out of the ordinary to which he had his suit made when he went for his fitting it was barney who saw his suit and asked who had served him as the cloth he had chosen was a one off for two suits one for barney and one for barneys mate, he went crazy when he found it was ralph who had served him. how true i don't know.

I don't like too shatter all your illusions but this is a poem I wrote on going to the City Hall dance last year after a break of more than 50 yrs.

City Hall Dance c 2008

I went to the City Hall today
I’ll tell you about it if I may.
we all went to town
dressed in white, pink and brown
silver shoes in a bag by the way.

We decided to go on the bus
Our Old Age Pensioners pass was enough
to town we went free
Vera, Celia and me.
But Vera was lost in the rush

we went to a tea dance you see
The queue was as long as could be
They all pushed to get there
We hadn’t a prayer
We were new and polite, us three.

They were rushing to get the best table
It wasn’t as if we were able
To get there so quick
Vera’s knee gave her gyp
and I was almost disable.

Celia’s bunion was duly inspected
And Vera’s bandage knee was respected
And my Parkinson’s shake
Was not displayed for my sake
And I think we went undetected

Before Vera strutted her stuff
She had to pad the toes that were duff
She wrapped them in foam
Didn’t lower the tone
She knew she had used just enough.

The music then started to play
And the couples they glided our way
Celia was dancing with Vera
And the songs were our era,
but the big bands were only hearsay.

Trevor and Betty were fun
They danced round the room and were done
After all they were older
And Trevor a soldier
Who fought in the war by gum..

Celia knew who was dancing with who
Of partners there was only a few
She watched a woman in pink
Claim a spare man who I think
I remember we spoke in the queue

We met a lady dripping in gold
She was shivering as if she was cold
It wasn’t her scene
She was new and not been
To the City Hall dances of old..

As they danced the years rolled away
And their bunions and knees were OK
Their jiving was good
Celia was knew that she could .
Cos she learnt it at camp USA.

All good things come to an end
When we arrived we followed the trend
About 10 flights of stairs
We were caught unawares
We were glad of the lift to ascend

So we all went home on the bus
The driver made a fuss of us
We chattered away
what a lovely day
and all of us 70 plus

hazel
Aaaaaaaah, it's your feet that find you out in the long run.