Regal Cinema reunion

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Regal Cinema reunion

Former staff members of the historic Regal Cinema, that was located in Rochdale Town Centre, came together on Friday (20 November) for a reunion.

This was the first time that some former staff members had seen each other in over 30 years.

The reunion was the idea of Regal Moon Manager Chris Riley, who thought it would be a good idea to mark the pubs 18th birthday with the reunion.

He said: “I heard some old usherettes talking and they were discussing a reunion and I got involved and suggested doing something and it sort of snowballed from there really.”

The Regal Cinema opened on The Butts in 1938 and started out as a one-screen cinema. The cinema then turned into a three-screen cinema but closed its doors in 1992. The building then became a bingo hall, before being transformed into the Regal Moon Pub.

John Bolton worked in the building for 39 years, working in both the cinema and the bingo hall.

He said: “I was only 16 when I started and I had an interest in theatre and films. There was a job advertised and I just applied for it and then got it. It was a big part of my life and I was involved with a lot of the changes in the cinema.

“In 1953 it was the first year for 3D films and I helped them bring all of the equipment in for that. Then there was a panoramic screen that came in but it had to be taken down in its second week. That was a bit like what IMAX is now.

“It was a shock when it closed really. We knew it was in the air but it wasn’t a business decision. It was more of a money decision I think.

“It has been marvellous to see everyone. I haven’t seen some people in over 30 years.”

Pauline Graham worked at the cinema from 1984 until 1992. She worked as an usherette and worked in the cabin of the pay box.

She said: “I loved it. I absolutely loved working there and it was the best job I had. It was just such a laugh. My daughter Alison Sheldon tried to keep the cinema open and managed to get 2,000 signatures on a petition but unfortunately it didn’t work. It was a really lovely place to work and I made some good friends from it.”

Wendy Jaworska worked at the cinema between 1983 and 1991. She said: “You just loved coming to work. It was brilliant because no day was the same.”

During the reunion, former staff members recalled memories such as dancing in the foyer when Beetlejuice was released, dressing up for Christmas, taking part in the Rochdale Carnival and even sneaking out of work for a quick McDonalds.

Chris Riley added: “It has been great and it seems to have gone down well. To see everyone’s reaction to seeing each other again has been nice. It has been fantastic.”