Retro: Remembering the day Cliff Richard and The Shadows left Sheffield friends 'in dreamland'

Sixty years ago this month, young Sheffield friends were so excited by a celebrity encounter that they spent the following six months “in dreamland”.
By Errol Edwards
Published 22nd Apr 2020, 15:38 BST
Cliff Richard and the Shadows were spotted doing a bit of archery practice by Val Barraclough where they were lodging in Southgrove Road, Sheffield, when they were performing at the Lyceum Theatre in April 1960. Photo submitted by Val Barraclough.Cliff Richard and the Shadows were spotted doing a bit of archery practice by Val Barraclough where they were lodging in Southgrove Road, Sheffield, when they were performing at the Lyceum Theatre in April 1960. Photo submitted by Val Barraclough.
Cliff Richard and the Shadows were spotted doing a bit of archery practice by Val Barraclough where they were lodging in Southgrove Road, Sheffield, when they were performing at the Lyceum Theatre in April 1960. Photo submitted by Val Barraclough.

Val Barraclough had just left Greystone Secondary School around Easter time, 1960, and secured a position with Sheffield Twist Drill on Summerfield Road.

Like a lot of teenagers, the 15-year-old and her friends bought the teen mags of the time. Val and her pals were fans of Cliff Richard and had tickets to go see him at The Lyceum in Sheffield one particular night.

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She was flicking through one magazine when she spotted a photo of Cliff standing against a car.

Cliff Richard and the Shadows were spotted by Val Barraclough where they were lodging in Southgrove Road, Sheffield, when they were performing at the Lyceum Theatre in April 1960. Photo submitted by Val Barraclough.Cliff Richard and the Shadows were spotted by Val Barraclough where they were lodging in Southgrove Road, Sheffield, when they were performing at the Lyceum Theatre in April 1960. Photo submitted by Val Barraclough.
Cliff Richard and the Shadows were spotted by Val Barraclough where they were lodging in Southgrove Road, Sheffield, when they were performing at the Lyceum Theatre in April 1960. Photo submitted by Val Barraclough.

Val recalls that it was a SunBeam Alpine sports car and its number plate was clearly visible. One of her friend’s brothers said he had seen that very car parked on South Grove Road, just off Ecclesall Road, earlier in the day.

As they lived nearby, Val and her friends decided to investigate.

They walked up Southgrove Road and spotted the car outside a house.

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They couldn’t quite believe their luck and decided to stand, waiting outside. They were rewarded when Cliff came out to meet his young fans.

Cliff Richard and the Shadows were spotted by Val Barraclough where they were lodging in Southgrove Road, Sheffield, when they were performing at the Lyceum Theatre in April 1960 - pictured Bruce Welch with Val and her friend Judy. Photo submitted by Val Barraclough.Cliff Richard and the Shadows were spotted by Val Barraclough where they were lodging in Southgrove Road, Sheffield, when they were performing at the Lyceum Theatre in April 1960 - pictured Bruce Welch with Val and her friend Judy. Photo submitted by Val Barraclough.
Cliff Richard and the Shadows were spotted by Val Barraclough where they were lodging in Southgrove Road, Sheffield, when they were performing at the Lyceum Theatre in April 1960 - pictured Bruce Welch with Val and her friend Judy. Photo submitted by Val Barraclough.

It turned out that Cliff and The Shadows, who were also performing at The Lyceum, were all staying at the same house.

Val and her friends had a brief conversation with Cliff and enjoyed the occasion immensely

She said: “It was a great day – then we went to see them perform on the Saturday.

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“Cliff was wearing a green jumper while doing archery,as I remember. We were in dream land for about six months”

The following Sunday Val and her friends went back to the house to say their goodbyes – rounding off the perfect weekend.

Who is the most famous person you have met in Sheffield? Share your memories and photos with Retro. Email [email protected]

Related topics:SheffieldCliff RichardEcclesall Road