To the Saturday evening film program which would provide a full night of entertainment often including two films and a newsreel in a warm, safe, luxurious environment at a reasonable price. The cinema was often a very popular place for first dates and courting couples.

To the mid week rolling film program. Showing films from a Monday to Wednesday, with a different film on a Thursday to Saturday and a special program of a Sunday.

The Pictures were a place for families to go to be entertained, informed and find out about national and world events.

Cinemas provided a full afternoon or evening’s entertainment which was considered to be good value for money – an affordable luxury.

“I was born in 1952 – as a young girl, I was a ‘very’ proud ABC Minor and wore my badge with pride!  I was at the Regal in Litherland every Saturday morning without fail. I remember the wonderful sense of ‘belonging’. I loved singing the the song ‘We are the ABC Minors, happy girls and boys……’ – and we were!!!

In 1959 when Ben Hur was advertised I was desperate to go and see it but my Mum said I wasn’t old enough.

In the 60′s groups of us would think nothing of walking from Litherland,  to and from the Odeon in Crosby and the Gaumont in Bootle to see all the new films.

In 1968, I went out on my first ‘proper’ date, what did we do?  We went to see Oliver! I’ve still got the programme!!

My Dad was born in 1919 he used to tell me he used to collect jam jars to get into the ‘pictures’!!!!

I realise what a big part of my growing up revolved around the local cinemas!”

Jean Livingstone

“Hi Folks
I sent the 3 children to the pictures and my youngest son actually committed the cardinal sin of The Gaumont:

He went up the stairs at the side of the screen. He walked across behind the screen. An image of him came onto the screen. My eldest daughter felt soooo ashamed she kept her head down. A male assistant went on after him. The struggle was portrayed on the screen.”

Maureen Howell