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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Lincolnshire => Topic started by: tracey2608 on Wednesday 04 May 11 14:55 BST (UK)
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Hi,
I was wondering if anyone could help me.
I have been asked by a friend to see if I could find out when The Cosy Cinema in Billinghay Lincolnshire opened and close.
Any help with this would be appreciated
Thank you
Tracey
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Found this when I googled - guess it was a Wartime Cinema
When GERALD(GERRY) YEATES passed
away recently, aged 98, Billinghay not only lost
its eldest male resident but also one of its
great characters.
Gerry spent his early life in Lincoln but as soon
as the 2nd World War began he enlisted in the
army and trained as a dispatch rider, spending
some of the war in France.
It was during the war that he met and married
his wife Betty and after living at Nottingham for
a short time they moved to the Ship Inn at
Billinghay to take over from Betty`s aunt as
licencees. This was to be their home for the
next thirty odd years. They were always very
popular with their customers.
Gerry will always be remembered for taking
his tin of Quality Street toffees around the
ladies in the room but never allowing any man
to have one.
He did take the odd job to supplement his income
such as driving a school taxi , selling
second hand cars for a friend and working as
a projectionist at the Cosy Cinema, in High
Street (now Mr. Twells showroom).
Gerry and Betty had been married for 63 years
before Betty passed away three years ago.
His funeral service took place at St. Michaels
followed by burial in Walcott Road cemetery.
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Hi,
Thank you for the information on the cosy cinema.
It's very interesting.
Tracey
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:) Hi Tracey
I believe Fred Twells along with Carl Willows & John Underwood built the cinema in c 1930.
my 2x gt grand aunt Rosa used to share playing the piano to the movies
I have been over to ask my uncle for more info but he is out golfing today ::) have left a mesage for him to get in touch .
Jo
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Hi Jo,
Thank you for your help.
I was talking to someone yesterday that thought it opened around 1932, but wasn't sure when it closed, thought it might be around the 1950's.
Look forward to hearing what you Uncle says
Thanks
Tracey
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Hi all,
I thought I'd let you know that I have the information now. I was given a copy of a couple of pages from the book Fire, Flood and Fenland Folk, the cosy cinema was built in 1920/1921 by Mr William Preston, it was later sold and closed down in 1959.
Thank you to all that helped
Tracey
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Update on Cosy at last
Joint built & owned by Will Preston, Carl Willows & Fred Twells in 1921,
Built on Mr.F Twells garden out of corrugated iron
My 1st cousin 2x rem Harold Burrows (a coal merchant) played piano with James Norman Farbon (butcher’s son)
[ Rosa helped out in later years as mentioned before ]
I believe it was Fred’s nephew Herbert Twells that was in the projection room with Bill Hunt aka Bam
Seats prices were 3d 6d or back row 9d
The building was also used as dance hall. And occasional party too.
In 1933 it was sold to Tiller Brothers Long Sutton then in 1935 Mr Artingstall took it over, modernising it, even giving smart uniforms for the staff. Changing hands again to Gaskills in 1938 who appointed Mr Mrs Len Brennen as manager & usherette.
When Mr Gaskill died his widow sold cinema to Edward Twells son of Fred. He turned it into farm machinery showroom which in turn became his son’s Car showrooms which are still trading.
I am greatful to all who managed to recall memories incl M Borrows (and hopefully a picture or two when you have recovered)
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Hi,
jb7 you can see a photo of the cosy cinema here http://billinghayhistorygroup.blogjungle.co.uk/?page_id=288
Tracey