A Nostalgic Journey to the Lido Cinema: Blackpool’s Golden Era of Entertainment
In the heart of Blackpool, the Lido cinema was more than just a place to watch films—it was a cultural hub, a source of joy, and a testament to the ingenuity of its patrons. For Finbar Bevan, a resident of Kilnap Place in Farranree, the Lido was the cornerstone of his childhood in the 1950s. “It was the hub of our entertainment in cinema, as we grew up in Spangle Hill (now Farranree),” Finbar reminisced.But getting into the Lido wasn’t always easy. “How to get the money to go there was the big problem, as cash was very scarce then,” he explained. Every week, the cinema featured a serial called the ‘following up one,’ where cliffhangers like a stagecoach teetering on the edge of a cliff kept audiences coming back for more. “We just had to get the money for next week, to see what happened next,” Finbar said.
To fund thier weekly trips, Finbar and his friends devised creative solutions. “If it was the right time of year, we got a bucket and went out into the countryside to gather blackberries,” he recalled. After selling their haul at Ogilvie & Moore in Parnell Place, they’d earn half a crown—enough for the fourpence entry fee and a treat at the Pantry Shop. “We had a whole six pennies left after the film was over,” Finbar shared.
The Lido also had a unique wartime tradition. “Glass was very short in the war years, and so the Lido collected jars and sold them to the fruit factory,” Finbar explained. This practical solution allowed children to trade jam jars for admission, a practice that highlights the resourcefulness of the era.
Finbar’s memories extend beyond the cinema. “Another way we collected was from dumps belonging to Harrington Paints, Sunbeam, or M. Laundries,” he said. They’d hunt for Harpic tins with aluminium tops, selling them to a scrap yard in Blackpool for extra pennies.
These stories paint a vivid picture of a bygone era, where the lido cinema was more than entertainment—it was a community lifeline.
| Key Highlights of the Lido Cinema |
|—————————————|
| Location | Blackpool, Spangle Hill (now Farranree) |
| Era | 1950s |
| Unique Features | Weekly serials, jam jar admissions |
| Creative Fundraising | Blackberry picking, scrap metal collection |
| Legacy | A symbol of community and resilience |
Finbar’s recollections remind us of the magic of the Lido cinema and the lengths people went to for a slice of entertainment.It’s a story of resourcefulness,camaraderie,and the enduring power of storytelling.
the Cinematic Legacy of Cork: From Bombardier Billy Wells to The Imperial
Cork’s rich cinematic history is a tapestry woven with tales of iconic figures, forgotten theaters, and the resilience of its people. From the legendary Bombardier Billy Wells to the charming Imperial Cinema on Oliver Plunkett Street, the city’s connection to the silver screen is as engaging as it is indeed enduring.
The cork Connection to Bombardier Billy Wells
Few symbols are as instantly recognizable as the Rank Organisation’s gong, struck by the muscular figure of Bombardier Billy Wells at the start of their films.But did you know this iconic moment has a strong Cork connection?
As reader Tim Morley points out, Bombardier Billy Wells was not just a cinematic figure but also the middleweight UK boxing champion. He famously defeated Cork’s own Packie Mahony, breaking his jaw in the process.“Packie kept fighting though,” Tim recalls, “and now you know why Ernest Shackleton opted for another Irishman on his travels towards the south Pole. We’re tough, we are!”
This story of resilience and determination is a testament to Cork’s indomitable spirit, both in and out of the ring.
The Forgotten Cinemas of Cork
Cork’s cinematic landscape was once dotted with theaters, each with its own unique charm. Tim Morley adds to the list of these historic venues: “I think there were 10. I can only add the Coliseum on MacCurtain Street, and The Lee (Cork’s smallest, with just 200 seats) between the GPO and Cash’s.”
Another gem was the Imperial Cinema on Oliver Plunkett Street, facing the rear part of The Munster Arcade.“It later became a motor-cycle shop,” Tim notes, “c’mon Jo, you must know it!”
Reader Mike English also chimed in, highlighting the omission of The Lee on Winthrop Street from a previous list of Cork cinemas. These theaters were more than just places to watch films; they were community hubs where memories were made.
Childhood Memories of the Silver Screen
For many Corkonians, the cinema was a gateway to adventure and escape.Finbar, another reader, shares nostalgic memories of his childhood: “We wanted to go back again for the ‘following-up film’ the next week, of course, but how to get the money this time, you might ask?”
Finbar and his friends would collect glass jars and bottles, washing them in the nearby river and selling them for a penny or tuppence. “That gave us the money for the Lido,” he recalls, “to see the ‘following up films’ and to see the good fella get out of an impractical situation. Gripping stuff,you could say,but he was our hero,no mistake.”
When funds were tight, they turned to selling bundles of kindling wood, chopped from timber boxes brought home by a friend’s father. “It was hard work,” Finbar admits, “but worth it for the Lido the next week!”
A Table of Cork’s Cinematic History
| Cinema | Location | Notable Feature |
|———————|————————-|———————————————-|
| The lee | Winthrop Street | Cork’s smallest, with just 200 seats |
| Imperial Cinema | Oliver Plunkett Street | later became a motor-cycle shop |
| Coliseum | MacCurtain Street | One of Cork’s historic theaters |
| lido | unknown | A favorite of Finbar and his friends |
Share Your Stories
Do you remember the Imperial Cinema or any of Cork’s other historic theaters? Perhaps you have tales of Bombardier Billy Wells or childhood adventures at the Lido. We’d love to hear from you! Share your memories and keep Cork’s cinematic legacy alive.
Cork’s connection to the silver screen is a story of resilience, community, and the magic of storytelling. From the boxing ring to the cinema seats, these tales remind us of the city’s enduring spirit.
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What’s your favorite memory of Urney Chocolates or Dantro the Planetman? Share your stories in the comments below!the Sweet Story of the Dantro Badge: A Nostalgic Chocolate Adventure
In the world of confectionery collectibles, few items evoke as much nostalgia as the Dantro badge. This coveted prize, earned by sending in wrappers from six chocolate bars, became a symbol of dedication—and perhaps a love for sweets.
The journey to acquiring the badge began with a simple yet enticing offer. “Of course, I decided I had to have one, and so began the necessary purchases,” recalls Tim, who shared his story. One of the chocolate bars that fueled this quest was Milk Tray,a confection produced by Urney. “One of the many varieties of chocolate bar Urney produced was one divided into about six segments, each one filled with a different-favoured fondant. They called this confection Milk Tray and I think they cost around twopence.”
Tim’s determination paid off. “Before too long, I had acquired (and eaten) six of such delicacies and dispatched the wrappers to Tallaght.” A few weeks later, a package arrived.Inside was the Dantro Badge, accompanied by a booklet on the history of chocolate manufacture. The badge itself was a sight to behold. “The badge bore an image of the aforementioned hero, resplendent in red astronautic battle-dress, against a pale green background, and armed with two ray-guns (not just one).”
Proudly, Tim pinned the badge to his school blazer.“I had feared the school authorities might frown on such a display, but – surprisingly enough – no such restriction was imposed. I remember being asked about it by one teacher,who was astounded to learn that I had consumed six bars of chocolate in order to gain the adornment!”
The story of the Dantro Badge is more than just a tale of chocolate and collectibles. It’s a reminder of a simpler time when small rewards brought immense joy.Who else remembers Dantro? Share your memories by emailing [email protected] or leaving a message on the Facebook page.
| Key Details |
|——————|
| Chocolate Brand | urney |
| Confection | Milk Tray |
| Cost | Twopence |
| Reward | Dantro badge |
| Badge Design | Red astronautic hero with two ray-guns |
this charming story invites us to reflect on the little things that once brought us happiness.Do you have a similar memory? let’s keep the nostalgia alive—share your stories today!
R self-defense |
Share Your Memories
Do you remember the taste of Urney’s ‘Two Plus Two’ bar or the thrill of listening to Dantro the Planetman on the radio? Perhaps you have stories of how these chocolates or the radio show shaped your childhood. We’d love to hear from you! Share your memories and keep the legacy of Urney Chocolates and Dantro alive.
Urney Chocolates and Dantro’s galactic adventures remind us of a time when creativity and storytelling brought joy to everyday life. From the factory in tallaght to the far reaches of outer space, these tales are a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the sweet memories they create.
