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The Regal, Whickham
In 1914 a Concert and Picture Hall was proposed for a site at the top of Swalwell Bank but, presumably because of the outbreak of the War, it was never built.
In May 1921 a new Parish Hall for St. Mary's Church was made from the converted Coach House, Stables, Carriage Washery and Stable Yard situated in Church Chare. The hall opened in 1922. In 1923 it was leased as a picture hall by Mr John W Tate. It was used for other purposes and was said to have been a Roller-skating Ring around 1930. The floor was raked and between 1931 and 1947 it was a full time cinema run by Margaret Curry and known as The Regal.
In 1947 The Regal was taken over by George Stoddart Cinemas who owned other cinemas in the north east. At this time it seated about 240. Three changes of programme weekly with no shows on Sundays. Unlike most cinemas it had a policy of showing good class "A" films shortly after their release and very rarely showed a Second Feature.
The Regal closed on 7th November 1965 and became a Bingo Club, which it remained until August 1993 when it became a Health Club.