SEEING the photo of John Barry receiving his BAFTA award took me back a year or several (February 14).

I remember it as if it were only 50 years ago (it probably would be about 1955).

I was a great "trad" band follower and I went to a concert by Chris Barber, Humph Lyttleton or one of the other trad bands at the Rialto. My pal, "Slush" Heels and I had gone to see them and, just before the interval, the band-leader announced, "I'd just like to introduce a York band who we feel are heading for great success in the future, the John Barry Seven".

On to the stage came these young blokes who then proceeded to play a selection of modern jazz pieces.

Considering the audience was made up of die-hard trad fans it was quite a brave thing to do but they were so good that everyone listened with great enthusiasm.

Whether any other York bands of the time would have been able to get on to the stage of the Rialto with one of the great bands of the day is a moot point but seeing as John Barry's dad, Mr Prendergast, was the owner of the "Ri" obviously helped iron out a few possible problems!

I don't know what happened to the other six members of the John Barry Seven but the band leader certainly did well.

I wonder if other readers remember that night?

Phil Roe,

Roman Avenue South,

Stamford Bridge,

York.

Updated: 09:36 Wednesday, February 16, 2005