Wigan Album
Cinemas
8 CommentsPhoto: FRANK HEALY
Item #: 3541
Great photograph. This is what the site is about... Not photos of peoples relatives on holidays etc.
What a fascinating photograph! Nice to see the two manual 7 rank Compton organ. Is that John Abbott, the organist, sitting on the organ bench?
I agree with Ron this is just the sort of photo we want to see on WW.
Hi, I am Doreen Taylors (nee Garswood) daughter. I often heard of Clare Healey but as far as i can remember we never met, unless we did when i was young. My mum used to talk about her alot, she was very fond of her.
Hi Elizabeth. It's really great to hear from Doreen's daughter; we remember your mother very well (by "we" I mean my two sisters, brother and myself). Have you any sisters (or brothers)? If you can let me know then I might be able to tell you whether you met my mother or not.
Hi Frank, thank-you!! your reply was very welcome. I am the only one unfortunately. I always wanted a brother or sister!! my e-mail address is elizabethwalmsleyuk@yahoo.co.uk if you would like to keep in touch. I would love to hear more about my mum when she was young!! my aunty cecilia says that mum used to treat her to an ice-cream when she visited the court cinema (in the interval!) she sounds like a childs dream come true!! i look forward to your reply.
The organist is in fact RONALD CURTIS, who later went into business in Darcy Lever and owned the Paramount Organ Studio. He installed three cinema organs in there - two of which still remain. He died in 1995
Thanks Alan for the information. You probably know that the Court organ pipework and console were removed and relocated in a church in Walkden. The console was destroyed by fire and a repalacement found.I believe that the church purchased an electronic organ recently and that the Compton was for sale.