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FLICKS n FLEA PITS |
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Most of us have memories of going to the local cinema so
we decided it would be a good theme for an exhibition, and judging by
the good turnout we had we were right
Although it was rather a wet day,
it didn’t dampen the spirit of our
visitors.
Like most other towns Bilston had its share of Cinemas. The earliest was probably the Electric Palace, owned by Bilston Electric Theatre Ltd.
Films were later shown at the Town Hall by the Wood family who came to Bilston in 1910.
It
wasn't long before the Wood family took on the lease of the Electric Palace. This was opposite the Town Hall, where
Professor Wood also showed films. By 1921 the Alhambra Cinema on High Street had opened. Woods held had the lease until 1927.
Opposite the Alhambra was the Savoy, yes you guessed it, this was also owned by the Woods. On the 17th November Woods Palace, Lichfield Street opened its doors.
Sadly by then Joseph Wood had died and his son Thomas Reay Wood continued the business.
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The Electric Cinema, Church Street, |
This was once the Alhambra The cinema was locally known as the ‘flea pit |
The newly restored Imperial Palace This was once Wood's Palace |
The Woods family lived at Mount Pleasant, Bilston. Their home still stands and is now the Bilston Conservative Club.
The garden gate to the front of the building bears the name ‘Woodlands’ although the gate is falling into disrepair lets hope the house does not.
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| Reg Summerfield surveying his wonderful display | Alma signs in the first visitor, | Mr. Bullock Kath and Barbara eagerly await the stampede |
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| Roy and Jean Girdler talk to members about their display. Roy had plenty of stories to tell about his days as a Cinema Manager |
Members listen intently to Tom Larkin's account of ‘The Flicks’ |
Trevor Johnson read some great poetry, the audience were in fits of laughter, much to Trevor’s delight |
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| Tom get the thumbs up from a visitor | A Collection of film memorabilia | Vintage film projector |
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| Bill Pope and John Elwell selling raffle tickets |
some of the prizes on offer | Chairman Alan Bickley and Barbara Presland end the afternoon with the raffle. |
It seems a good afternoon was had by all, even the sun decided to shine.
Our thanks to all those that helped in the making of this exhibition, special guest appearance by Roy & Jean Girdler & Reg Summerfield
No biscuits were broken in the making of this production.