Does anybody remember Big Bri/Brian Woollen Burnaby Street

[EmmaD 10]

He was my Grandad and I am interested in any memories people have of him, I know he loved the clubs,beer and football.

[EmmaD 10]

Also used to be part of the Southey social club

[Sweatshopboy 11]

If it's big Brian that worked as a forger on Penistone Road (was it Pearsons?) and used the Old Blue Ball, Top Man, one of the last sweat towel wearers in Sheffield.

[hadfieldowl 10]

I remember a father/son Brian Woollen who were both regulars at Burnaby Street WMC in the early/mid 60's. The son booked the acts that appeared there.

[broncolives 10]

Well Emma it would take a long time to give you all the info on your grandad, suffice to say that he was a top bloke. I will endeaver to recall one or two memories.

it must have been around 1968 when I first met him. Burnaby Street had a new football team and Brian being a bit fed up with Wednesday decide to try and help the team.

Very quickly he became the manager and gathered around him a good set of blokes to assist. In the first season we were around 3rd in the league and runners up in the cup.After relegation in the second season Brian brought in some quality players and the team went from strength to strength winning a few trophies along the way.

 

I loved going with him and his two main side kicks when they went to look at turns (artists) as he was also the concert sec for the club. His main men were Big Joe and Dave and they were all well respected on the club scene.

When discussing fees with artists he would often say that to pay them what they wanted he would have to sell the lounge clock. One of the misteries for me was how your grandmother ever put up with everything with such good grace.

As I said this is the tip of the story when I have more time I will try to write more.

Also thanks for asking about Brian its brought so many memories flooding back.

[binmanstan 10]

my father used to go in burnaby street when i was a kid and heard his name a few times i think they were friends but my farther died years ago

[john0408 10]

i think i worked with him in 70s at roadline in the barracks langsett rd