A FAIRFIELD Halls steward who only volunteered because he wanted to watch a few free shows is celebrating his 50th anniversary at the famous venue.
Ron Morris, 84, is marking a milestone this week – but admits he didn't expect to stay for so long.
The Wallington resident said: "I never planned to stay for 50 years. I just wanted a better view for some of the concerts.
"I like the place, though, because it's always been a friendly organisation. We don't get as many big names as we might have once, but it's still a very popular place."
Although he has never been paid for his stewarding, Ron will be given the ultimate honour for reaching 50 years of service – the Number One badge.
The classical music fan has lots of anecdotes from the venue's history, including a day with a group of Scientologists.
He said: "They held a conference there but they wouldn't let anyone else in the room, not even stewards.
"It was all a bit secretive but they were also very pleasant."
A chance encounter with royalty was another highlight.
Ron, a retired engineering draughtsman for British Rail, said: "Princess Margaret was here for something quite a long time ago.
"I went in and couldn't believe it. I was telling my colleague that it was her and he walked in the room and said 'that's not her, that's a look-alike'. But I was right."
Ron, who is married to Catherine, 83, has also had to deal with bomb scares and a camera show that almost turned into riot.
He added: "Kodak were holding some event and were giving out free tickets. They invited far too many though and ended up having about 5,000 people in a room that only fits 2,000.
"It almost turned very ugly."
