looking for info/pics old theatre/picture house in Eldon nr Bishop Auckland

[topcat2]

Images of Eldon will be on at St Mark's Eldon, 18th 19th and 20th of October.

Tuesday 10am - 8pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 8pm

Colin
Always looking for more pictures, maps, history in and around Dene Valley.
Auckland Park, Grange Hill, Canny Hill, Coundon Grange, Close House, Gurney Valley, Eldon Lane, Eldon, Old Eldon, Close House, Bridge Place, Coronation, South Church, Middridge, Howlish.

[topcat2]

The first picture house was I believe started by a photographer, I would love to find his photographic archive - I may have some photos by him ?

Unfortunately he died less than ten years later.

A local anecdote, told to me recently at the last 'Images of Eldon' exhibition.

The hierachy of the church told Rev. Gray that they had found out that after Evening Prayer 'some' members of the congregation had been going to the Cinema. So at the following service, the vicar mentioned in his service that he had been made aware of this.
After the service he headed off to the Cinema and watched the film.

Truly a man of the people !

This vicar was the only one to die in service and he was that well loved by the locals (of any religous group) that the Lych Gate was constructed as a memorial  to him.

[topcat2]

I have a colour photo of the road to Bridge Place, with the Old Garage/Cinema on the right hand side before it was demolished.
The Roof line is unusual, probably because of its origin as a Cinema.

I will post the photo later.

Colin

[eldonlaner]

Hi, are you still posting the photo?

[topcat2]

Sorry for the delay, I've been scanning and printing in all my free time from 2 weeks before the exhibition until at least another week. Only checking my emails once a week.

Cannot find attachment method.



Colin

[eldonlaner]

Have you tried to attach the photo, because it isn't showing, it just says .

[julieriddiough]

if you want to email me the pic to brottonhistory[at][/blue]yahoo.co.uk i can post it for you(Replace [at] with @)

[Wearsider]

There is a photo and some notes regarding the old cinema/garage at Eldon in the 'Echo Memories' supplement that is included with todays 'Northern Echo'.

Wearsider.

[topcat2]

Thanks, I had not been told about the article, 4 of the photos and some of the info was supplied by me.

I have also discovered that photographer's (cinema owner?) wife was not a native of Eldon, but came from the vicinity of Whitby. Her father and the family were called Park and must have moved just after 1901 to the Eldon area.
Still looking for more info.

Regards Colin