The Select

The picture of the While Lion Pub in Red Lion Street prompted a call from Sylvia Holmes. Sylia was the eldest of eight and when she was young she looked after her two youngest siblings.  She says she often walked them around in the pram and took them to the Select Cinema on the corner of Red Lion Street.  She remember the double kerb outside as can be seen in this photo and more than once tipped them out of the pram trying to negotiate it.

She also remembers that at the back down the right-hand side was a rag and bone man's yard.  Down the left side behind the gate was always a stack of empty jars and bottles.  The trick was to “borrow” one of these, take it around to the rag and bone man, and get the money for a returned empty!  This would pay to get in the cinema.

Once inside she says you had to behalve yourself as the usherette walked up and down the isle with a long stick to reach over and give a sharp tap to those who were mis-behaving.  Oh happy memories.

Click to enlarge