Dear LPG,

These times have given us all a bit of an opportunity to do some of those things that we always promise to do but never actually get around to.  Like many other older members of the population I found myself going through some of that really old paperwork that has been lying around my home for ages.   While rummaging around I found something written in October 2006 by a dear relative and that was destined for LPG.  I believe that, fourteen years ago, it never made the postal journey to your offices but I think that his memories may still have some value and I hope that you will be able to print a few… 

His first comments are of all the cinemas that used to grace the streets of Lewisham and I think that what he wrote might jog a few memories for your readers in spite of the elapsed time that has gone by. He writes…

As I get older, I find myself drifting off to yesteryear and memories of things that were and are now no longer; for instance, when I think of the many Lewisham cinemas that were.

Catford had a collection of cinemas in Rushey Green such as the ‘Plaza’ which later became the A.B.C. then there were the ‘Queens Hall’ cinema and the ‘Lewisham Hippodrome’ with its variety shows during the week and films on a Sunday.

Lewisham enjoyed the ‘Prince of Wales’ and the ‘Gaumont’ cinemas plus the ‘Kings Hall’.  There was also the ‘Park Cinema’ in Hither Green Lane and another known as the ‘Fleapit’ in Lee Green, which had gas lighting as I recall.

In Bromley Road there was the ‘Splendid’ where, as a child I used to go to attend the Saturday morning matinees for 3d, before the ‘tuppenny rush’ in the Wesley Halls off Shroffold Road, Downham, where, for two old pennies, we were entertained with thrilling films such as ‘Hop-Along Cassidy (every kid’s favourite cowboy) in good old black and white and subtitled, as they were silent films.

There must have been countless other cinemas in the borough that perhaps you can remember. The ‘New Cross Empire and the ‘Odeon’ in Deptford not to mention the ‘Rivoli’ in Brockley.

I know that life must move on, and now the television entertains while there is no need for the journey to and from the cinema, but even as young adults there was something special about dressing up, getting the bus and meeting up with friends, enjoying the big screen version of the film, although screens at home are quite big these days.  It is also to be noted that many a love story started in the back rows of the movies. I also personally miss those conversations that were somehow different when you had all seen the film together and shared the immediate reactions and comments of those who were sharing the experience with you, that streaming it cannot replace in my view…

DC, Bromley.

LPG found some information explaining what TV streaming is.  It is supposed to be the simple version of how it all works but it could be thought complicated buy some…

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