During the four decades in which the St Albans & Harpenden Review has been reporting news, views, entertainment and sport, one organisation has been ever present.

The Alban Arena has been at the heart of the city’s culture, music and entertainment since it opened as the City Hall  in October 1968.

When the Review met with the current manager, Frank Leclezio, and marketing manager Chris Baker, the pair discussed City Hall right up to present day as the Alban Arena.

Fond memories of promotions manager Barry Clarke, who was always on hand with a slice of pizza, roller skating discos, tea dances and a Rock n Roll edge, which saw the likes of U2, Dire Straits and Motorhead through the doors, added an insight in to what the venue was like in the earlier days.

The introduction of Roger Cramer in the 80s brought around a more professional approach and put City Hall on to the map for panto.

  Mr Leclezio said: “Roger did the ground work and brought in a more professional approach.

“He attracted acts like Jools Holland and your rhythm and blues acts.”

In 1990 the venue was spruced up with refurbishment works to the frontage, which saw a major new look, the welcoming of a cafe and a new name – The Alban Arena.

The pair reminisced and laughed about the 35mm film projector which was held together by gaffer tape, hair grips and Blue Tac, which has only been replaced a few years ago.

“I don’t know how it lasted that long, but it just did. It was great they managed to keep it going and it just shows the hard work that went in to it.

“It is hilarious really.” Mr Baker recalled.

Door man at the Arena since the very beginning Mick Choudry also told the Review about the day the Queen visited the Arena during the 80s and the pink tassle scarf he treasured from a show.

When asked what kept him at the Arena for more than 40 years, Mr Choudry laughed and said: “Show business”.

In darker times, the Alban Arena also stood when two IRA bombers detonated a bomb in the doorway of the old Barclays Bank building, near the civic centre in 1991.

The pair then spoke fondly about former manager and Paul McMullen, who they say “pushed it up a notch” and was responsible for productions like Blood Brothers coming to the Arena.

Mr McMullen died at the start of this year after a tragic accident while setting up a stage in Guildford.

Mr Baker said: “Paul brought modern music to the Arena and attracted big name bands.

“These big names would then attract promoters who would be impressed at our line ups.”

Mr McMullen left in 2008 and was replaced by Mr Leclezio, who has been at the Arena since 2000.

He first worked as the bar and catering manager, before becoming the deputy manager and then the general manager.

When asked what he has brought to the table, Mr Leclezio chuckled and said: “I have given stand up comedy a boost.

“Everyone likes it because they’ll have a laugh, it is fairly cheap and people know what they are going to get with it because they have already seen them on the TV.”

The Alban Arena celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008 with an appearance by The Nelson Riddle Orchestra and Mr Leclezio said the challenge now is to sustain this and keep acts varied for continued success.

“I started doing the job in 2008 when the recession hit, so my job was to keep it afloat.

“However, this is the best financial year we have had yet and in these times it is pretty good going.

“We are already hired out for the start of next year.

“The challenge is to sustain it, keep improving it if we can and keep the variety going.”