Evenwood

[Roobarb]

My grandfather and his brothers apparently owned the Empire Theatre (a cinema) in Evenwood, I think it was in the 1920s. Does anyone have any knowledge of it?

I found this quote on a webpage which I found quite funny:
"Nelson Dunn in Evenwood sends a 1923 poster from the Empire Theatre.
It wasn't, he adds, one of the Moss Empires. This one was owned by the Etherington Brothers, also of Evenwood.
"I remember as a boy leaving the Empire and the sound of monkey nut shells being trodden on could be heard in the next county," says Nelson. "I've never been so close to paradise since."
                                 

[brenrob]

I remember the cinema. it was just this tin hut next to where the new care home is in Evenwood, I saw The Beatles movie Help there in the sixties and also Tommy the Toreador starring Tommy Steele. Think it was pulled down not long after.

[Roobarb]

Hi brenrob

Welome to Rootschat and thank you for your reply after all this time! It's over two years since I posted my question. My grandfather had left the area long before the 60s but it's good to hear from someone who remembers it. 

[Ceeoh]

I have a book "Evenwood's Heyday, A Colliery Village, 1896 - 1918", published by University of Durham.  Unfortunately it does not give an index of names or places.  My Bowes ancestors were from Evenwood.

Ceeoh

[Ceeoh]

Just had a quick look and the Empire Picture Hall is mentioned with a date of March 1912.  I would imagine there is some copyright involved so hesitate to quote from the book.

Ceeoh

[Roobarb]

Ceeoh, I have tried everywhere to get a copy of that book but haven't had any success as it's now out of print. I wonder if our ancestors were close neighbours?

[TheHopester]

My granddad was Ralph and his brother Jim. Heard many stories about the picture house then dance hall. My mam, dad and aunties used to work there too

[Roobarb]

Hello Hopester, I was a bit confused by your post as it's showing as a quote from me.

If I'm right, I think you are saying that your grandad Ralph and his brother were of the Etherington family. My great grandad was Ralph, he had a brother called James. The names seem to be have been handed down the generations in the family, I have four Ralphs and four James. Could you give me any dates so I could see if and where we're linked? 

[TheHopester]

That's right. Not sure how to use this site yet.
My grandad etherington was born Jan 13th 1910 (I think) Jim  (James) I'm not sure of at all but he was a good few years younger.
Ralph was married to Jean nee Anderson  born March 1911 ( I think)
Jims wife is Mary nee Dick