Regal Cinema

During the 1940's- 1960's the Regal Cinema ran a free Christmas show and film for the children of Portadown, it was considered a big event, the queue stretched way over the Bann Bridge, no child was refused entrance and each got a 'thrupenny bit' (3d = 1.5 pence in today's money) and a bag of sweets.
The photo above taken 1961 shows some of the local children who attended. Some names of the adults are Charlie Cooper the Mayor of Portadown. third from right is Albert Wilson and extreme right is Stephen Montgomery manager of the Regal cinema.

Same 1961 event as photo on left, this was taken outside the cinema entrance, the glass doors reflect the houses opposite the Regal in Bridge Street, between Marley and Francis Street these houses were demolished in the late sixties as were the streets.
Santa had a close connection with Johnny Rowe of Thomas Street, a well known house painter.

Late 1950's
Famous stars at the Regal Cinema for the premier of the film 'Mandy' 
From left, the lady with white stole is Carol Lesley, next is Ronald Shiner very popular in the Ealing Studio productions, then we have our local Stephen Montgomery manager of the Regal Cinema, the little boy is unknown to us. 

1965
Another film premier at the Regal Cinema.
Left is local man Jim Lester and centre Billy Moffett, most will remember Billy working with Hewitts Garage in Church Street. Extreme right is Noel Purcell, Noel appeared in many of the Ealing/ Elstree films of that period, a Dubliner he made many friends worldwide and particularly in Portadown.

1965

 

Photo supplied by Merle Edgar

1965

 

Photo supplied by Merle Edgar

1965

 

 

Photo supplied by Merle Edgar

1965

Photo supplied by Merle Edgar

 

 

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