Loftus History
Loftus District Olde Tyme Dance Club
Membership Cards
All images above kindly contributed by Marc Andrew
Notices
LOFTUS
Birthday Party
Newton Memorial New Organ Fund
--------------------
This Birthday Party is given to you:
'Tis something special , 'tis something new.
In the Town Hall made dainty and neat,
February the 3rd is the time we meet,
From seven to Eleven the party will last,
Go tell the news and spread it fast,
Accompanying this is a little sack,
Kindly send it or bring it back,
With as many ha'penny as years you are old,
We promise the number shall never be told,
Kind friends will give you something to eat,
And others will furnish a musical treat.
The Committee in charge with greetings most hearty
Feel sure you'll attend you own Birthday Party.
Loftus, January 12th 1897
Please find P.C. for reply which must not
be later than 27th inst.
No names to be written on the "sacks" which
will be deposited in a box on entering.
Jos. F. Cooke, Printer, Loftus
Kindly contributed by Jayne Kennedy.
Cimemas of Loftus
In the latter part of the nineteenth century variety turns and concert shows were held at three venues in Loftus, namely the Town Hall, Oddfellows Hall and Temperance Hall. By the turn of the century, film shows were included in the programme at these venues. But, the principle place of enjoyment was the Oddfellows Hall. This building had a stage and picture shows every Sunday. The first "talking pictures" at Loftus were actually shown at the Oddfellows about 1910. There was concern nationwide about public safety after numbers of fires and deaths at "picture halls". New regulations were introduced in 1911. The Oddfellows added the following to their bill:-
"The management wish their patrons to know that there is another exit behind the stage which could be used if necessary."
Kindly contributed by Julie Riddiough
There were ideas to erect a hall for entertainment in Loftus this came to fruition in 1911. A partnership of four was formed between Messrs George Edwards, William Richardson, Walter Richard Robinson and the Reverend Albert Gryspeert. Plans were passed by Loftus Urban District Council in May of that year. A parcel of land lying on the west side of the road leading from Loftus to Skinningrove near Mars Farm was identified as the most suitable site. The partners purchased the land from Zetlands for £140. The cost, profits and losses would be shared equally by the four investors. Mr George Edwards built the Hall at a cost of £400.
A Dutch Comedienne was given a great reception by the patrons:
"Carmen Hand is the first artist at the Empire who has been able to get the audience to join in singing the chorus of a song".
Pictures of the great tragedies of that period - the Titanic and the death of Emily Davison at the Epsom Derby - were shown on the silver screen. Shortly after the start of the first world war (1914) many of the regular faces at the Empire were missing and would remain so for many years. A number of them wouldn't take their places at the Empire again. Whilst waiting in the trenches "to go over the top" one young soldier got comfort from the nights that he spent at Loftus Empire. From the front-line in France he sent letters to Mr. Thompson the Manager.
"Dear old friend,
I now sit down to write a few lines to you, hoping you are still well, we have had a rough time of it so far with the Huns. We are back from the firing lines for a rest now. Well, I have spent many a night in the Empire, and hope to do so again after this. You might know me, but if not, ask any of the lads that sit at the right-hand side. Well I saw an English paper where we had got a good name already. I suppose you will be getting a film soon about the Yorkshire breed, but take my tip, it's like Hell on earth out here just now. Well I hope all your staff are going on well, and give them my best respect.
I remain your friend
Alf Atkinson, April 1915"
A collection of cigarettes was taken at the Empire, which was later sent to Alf Atkinson to be shared among the Loftus and Skinningrove lads in the 4th Yorkshire.
In 1920, the three reamining partners - William Richardson, George Edwards and Albert Gryspeert sold out to Thomas Thompson of Surbiton, Surrey for £4,000. Mr Thompson was already a major figure in the cinema and theatreland of the North East.
This business would later become Thompson Enterprises.
Their head office was 4 Palladium Buildings, Middlesbrough.
At this time, the Loftus Amateur Theatrical Society (LATS) staged plays at the Empire in aid of the Children's Boot Fund
A few years later LATS became Loftus Amateur Dramatic Society which also performed live shows in the same theatre.
In 1926 plans were submitted for alterations to the Loftus Empire.
By 1930 permission for more alterations and additions were given.
The Empire was completley rebuilt in 1937, the premises were larger following the purchase of surrounding land from Zetlands. This new build was made necessary to compete with the other proposed Cinema (Regal) in Loftus.
Audiences were probably at their peak in the pre-war years. By 1945 the Empire had been through two world wars, but other battles were looming. Patronage was starting to ebb by the mid 1950's. This was compounded with the coming of television and closure was nigh.
The Empire cinema closed on 30 May 1959. The main feature that evening was "The Bravados" starring Gregory Peck, Joan Collins and Stephen Boyd. For a number of years it was open as a bingo hall. That same year (1959) Thompson Enterprises took control of the Regal Cinema, Loftus.
In 1971 Thompson Enterprises sold the Empire to Mr Malcolm Ross, 6, Windsor Terrace, Whitby for £2,000. After spending a considerable time and money on it the Empire Theatre opened as a cinema again on 9 December 1977. The honour of performing the opening ceremony went to Mr Frank Fitton of the Plough Inn, Whitby. The long queue that night was reminiscent of the cinema's heyday. The film that evening for the new opening was called "Carquake" starring David Carradine.
The enthusiasm of the new owner and the cinema going public meant that the Empire enjoyed several successful years. Big films of the day like "A Bridge too Far" were shown on what was claimed to be the largest cinema screen in the North East. Sadly, towards the end the management was having to show "soft porn" movies to entice patrons. Then in 1982 tragedy struck with the death of Malcolm Ross.
This sad event was the final nail in the coffin for Loftus Empire. Closure came in April 1983. The last picture shown was "Hot Bubble Gum" (X)
Today (1996) the building still stands, but it is used only for storage. But it should be recorded that this corner site in Deepdale entertained several generations of residents of Loftus and district - for the greater part of the twentieth century.
Loftus Empire 1911 - 1983.
During the 1930's the "picture going" public reached record levels making this their favourite pastime. People were demanding better facilities and soon major improvement programmes for cinemas were being planned. By the mid 1930's the idea of a new cinema in central Loftus was being mooted, a site on the south side of the Market Place was identified as the ideal location. In 1936 James Watson Rose purchased the Golden Lion, Loftus, its yard and gardens. The following year (1937) it was transferred to Mr Louis Morris, 52 Shaftesbury Avenue, London for £3,000. In February 1938, William Maxwell Race, 83 High Street, Loftus sold his property to the above mentioned Mr. L Morris for £2,150. These transactions were necessary to get the required site for the new cinema - the Regal.
Construction of the building went so well that by December of the same year Loftus could boast of a brand new cinema. The Regal opened on Thursday 22 December 1938. Councillor W T Park JP, chairman of Loftus Urban District Council performed the opening ceremony.
Skinningrove Iron and Steel Works Band, conducted by Harry De Jong, played a selection of music before the evening programme of films began.
Eugene Mollo and Michael Egan, well known cinema designers planned the interior decor:
"The decoration of the "Regal" is novel and unique - it signifies the return to the more elaborate and romantic style of decoration which is welcomed after the stresssed bareness of some cinemas. Harmonious shades of colour, beautifully designed modelling of inticate curves and conventionalised flowers, together with specially designed carpets and light fittings produce an atmosphere of intamacy and luxury. The Regal, Loftus, favourably compares with the best Theatres of London or Paris".
The projection equipment was made by British-Thompson Houston Company (BTH) Another innovation was help for people with hearing difficulties.
"The most modern "deaf aid" system had been installed for the benefit of our patrons and earphones may be obtained at the pay box free of charge."
The proprietor of the cinema was Regal (Loftus ) Limited; Mr Lou Morris was its chairman and managing director, Harry De Jong was Manager.
On 11 March 1940 the cinema was sold to Clarissa Margaret Miller, Beaumont, Saltburn for £9,000. The Miller's had a background of running cinemas - having managed several in their home town of Altringham.
Throughout the war years and into the '50's Mrs Miller was in control. Films during the weekdays and variety acts on a Sunday helped people escape - for a few hours - from the ordeal of conflict and aftermath. Looking at the frontage of the Regal entrance had a metal folding gate flanked on each side with photograph stills previewing the coming films.
On the right hand side was the Regal shop. The cantilever canopy at the front entrance had dozens of coloured electric light bulbs which were lit during performances. This provided some shelter for the queuing patrons. Inside the front doors, to the right, was the board listing the programme and its category. On going through the next set of doors you came into the foyer area so plush and luxurious. In here was the paybox, sweetshop and those lovely wicker chairs. The walls were adorned with images of the film stars Gordon Macrae and Ruth Roman are two that come to mind. The first commissionaire was William Shaw, he was followed by Mr William Husband.
In December 1951 the lease was transfered from Mrs Miller to her son Peter Thomas Miller, Rosedene, Micklow Lane, Loftus. The Regal shop was taken by Messrs Riders Cleaners Ltd., in 1957, the following year (1958) Mrs Clarissa Miller (Armatage) was once again in control. By 1959, Thompsons Enterprises, having closed the Empire, took over the running for the Regal. The one remaining cinema in the town carried on for another ten years - with varying degrees of success. The Regal closed as a cinema on 26 April 1969 with the above notice.
It looks as if there were travelling artists vsiting Loftus and needing accommodation.
Gordons Grandad had died in August 1921 and his Gran had been left with a young family to keep.
She may have only taken in Tom Garland who signed the card.
Kindly contributed by Freda & Gordon Harrison.
Travelling Artists
Bingo and Social Club
In 1970 permission was given for change of use from cinema to a Bingo and Social Club (BaSC). The Regent (BaSC) transferred from the Empire to the Regal at this time.
By the 1990's the Regal had been stood empty for a number of years its only "customers" being druggies and drinkers who would access the back door and windows. Ownership had now passed to the East Cleveland Employment and Training Group, High Street, Loftus.
The Regal once a feature of the Market Place and a star attraction for the public was now becoming an embarasing eyesore. "What can be done about the old Regal?" was often asked. Has nostalgia delayed its demise?. Within its roof and walls was held memories of past generations; of the emotions and expressions of the young who are now old, and sons and daughters who are themselves now parents and grandparents. No more Pearl & Dean; no more Pathe News. The queues had not formed outside for many a year and when the end came it was not unexpected. The demolisher's hammer confined it to history.
Today the site is occupied by a shop with a frontage to the Market Place, above are some flats and behind is the office of the clerk to Loftus Town Council. Where the auditorium used to stand is the award winning housing development - Lingberry Garth. That whole area has aquired the name "Regal site".
West End Concerts
Kindly contributed by Irene Fowle and Margaret Roberts (nee Wood)
these were the first costumes that the dancing troupe had made by parents.
Loftus Concert Party 1934
L-R Irene Wood, Dorothy Appleby and Nancy Watson
Miss Cowens dancing class 1936
Nancy Sanderson, Irene Wood, Doreen Anderson
Eileen Wrightson, Peggy Adamson, Edie May Bargewell
Peggy Adamson
Nancy Sanderson, Irene Wood, Doreen Anderson
Eileen Wrightson, Edie May Bargewell
taken about 1934
back:
Dorothy Appleby, Kenneth Westhorpe, Margery Wallace, Jack Atkinson, Joyce Legg, Frank Wright, Nancy Watson
middle:
Margery Westhorpe, Irene Wood, Betty Atkinson, Marjorie Ferrer
front:
Dennis Appleby
Loftus and District Arts
'Libertation' Performance in April 1952
L - R:
Margaret Wood - Louise
Irene Fowle - Jeanie Marson
M. Duffy - Michelle Marson
W. Shaw - Phillipe Marson
Kindly contributed by Irene Fowle and Margaret Roberts (nee Wood)
'The Holly & the Ivy'
Taken in December 1953
Left to right:
Vera Evens, Irene Fowle, Albert Alan (seated), Charlie Jefferson, Myra Dowson, Unknown and Nick Marshall
Kindly contributed by Irene Fowle and Margaret Roberts (nee Wood)
'Fools rush in' Performance in April 1950.
L-R:
Dora Dack, Maurice Trembath, Jim Duffy, Jim Cush, ? Mclaren, Irene Fowle, Jean Peel, Joan Dickens.
Kindly contributed by Irene Fowle and Margaret Roberts (nee Wood)
'A play for Ronnie'
L-R:
Muriel Hollis - Agnes Thornton
Lewis Snowdon - Sir Ronald Ronson
Margaret Wood - Angela (Mouse) Thornton
Margaret Duffy - Ursula (schoolgirl)
Albert Alan - Ralph Dickie
Marion Lindsey - Bertha (the maid)
Maurice Trenbath - Doctor Thornton
seated:
Derrick Ricahrds - Mike Thornton
Irene Fowle - Helen Dugsdale
Kindly contributed by Irene Fowle and Margaret Roberts (nee Wood)
Loftus Youth Club
'The Brontes' about 1948
L-R
Margaret Drew, Joan Dickens, Barbara Whitlock, Des Carter, unknown, Margaret Wood
Kindly contributed by Irene Fowle and Margaret Roberts (nee Wood)
Members of Loftus Youth Club , taken during a performance of 'Six Wives of Calais'
Names L-R
Margaret Drew, Eileen May, Barbara Whitlock, Margaret Wood, Margaret Peel, Betty Thornton and Lorna Chipchase
Loftus Youth Club's Success. (newspaper cutting)
Loftus Youth Club received many congratulations on the success of their production, 'Six Wives of Calais.' by L. du Garde Peach, which won them first place in the Cleveland Youth Drama Festival at Redcar, on Friday. Miss Diana Carroll, dramatic advisor to the Young Women's Christian Association, who adjudicated, paid tributed to the standard of the acting ability of the performers and to their sincerity.
Produced by the leader of the Youth CLub, Mr. W. Tart. "Six Wives of Calais" has meant a good deal of hard work for the enthusiastic performers who took part, and they deserve every encouragement to stage more ambitious productions in the future. In her adjudication Miss Carroll spoke of the set which gave a good impression of a medievil house. She commended the acting ability of the team, and spoke highly of the grouping and costumes. The colour scheme was very good, reflecting a love of colour which was a feature of the period.
There was a pleasing simplicity about the costumes and set, and she was impressed by the way in which ther performers had dealt with the unusual hair styles and head dresses of the period. The pace was good, there was no promting, and cues were taken quickly and efficiently, and both exits and entrances were effective.
Grangetown Boys' Club gained second place with 'Hewers of Coal' by F. Corrie. Skelton Youth Club gave extracts from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and were complimented on theri choice.
Kindly contributed by Irene Fowle and Margaret Roberts (nee Wood)
Taking a break from the Six Wives of Calais
L-R
back :
Reggie Moss, Jeff Ditchburn, Tom Andrews, Marina Ward, Marion Noble, unknown.
front:
Joan Dickens, Margaret Wood, Margaret Drew, Margaret Smallwood, Barbara Whitlcok, Moira Shepherd.
another Loftus Youth Club production
Kindly contributed by Irene Fowle and Margaret Roberts (nee Wood)
1949 - group photo
back:
Tom Andrew, Abel Roberts, Brian Yarker, Irene Fowle, Gordon Fowle
front:
Eric Yarker, Margaret Drew, Bunty Hindmarsh, Margaret Wood, unknown, Margaret Peel, Geoff Ditchburn
Kindly contributed by Irene Fowle and Margaret Roberts (nee Wood)
1947 - 1948
L-R back:
unknown, ? Coxs, Tom Andrews, Abel Roberts, Keith Sayer, Geoff Rowland
front:
Brian Webster, Maurice Dixon, unknown, Des Hodgson, Ron Scott
Kindly contributed by Irene Fowle and Margaret Roberts (nee Wood)
The lad in the loftus youth club football team top left looks like it could be one of the Purvers from Skinningrove.
information sent by Anne Purver