In Britain, which orchestra of full-time musicians has been in existence the longest?

I will hazard a guess at the Halle. I seem to remember reading about it's 150th anniversary not too long ago.

Well done, Jenny. The celebration concert for the orchestra's 150th anniversary took place a the end of January in Manchester. Not too far from Hyde so you were probably there(!)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/01/07/bmelder107.xml

Wasn't there Colin, hardly ever go into Manchester even though it's only 15 mins on the train.