Geoffrey will tell us about

Barbirolli's wonderful work with the Halle, which nearly didn't happen.

The talk describes the way he raised the orchestra to world-class and focuses on his warm personality, which had however a darker side to it. The presentation will be illustrated with  

some music but the focus is on the man.

Biography: I am a retired headteacher and magistrate, living in Heaton Moor, Stockport. My interests are local history, politics, cricket (I'm a life member of Lancashire) and travel. I am not a musician but I love music, especially Elgar's. I have just finished a 20 year stint as the chair of the North West Branch of the Elgar Society and am now its programme secretary. I am a member of the Governing Council of the national society. 

My main passion is publicising the amazing achievements and failures of Sir Edward Watkin.