My face lit up when I recognised the photo of the old Shoebury cinema - such memories it brought back.

In the late Twenties and early Thirties I lived in what was known as the village end of Shoebury, now better known for its East Beach.

The place to be for most schoolchildren (family finances permitting), was at the Saturday afternoon matinee at the cinema. For tuppence we enjoyed a full-length cowboy film, some short comedies and a few local advertisements.

There was never any behavioural problems, any boy making a nuisance of himself was brought to heel with a sharp clip round the ear, administered by Mr Eve, the owner/manager.

I never heard of any parent complaining.

At 4pm the side doors were flung open to reveal light and much needed fresh air.

We trooped out in an orderly fashion, the boys still convincing themselves they were all dead-shot cowboys facing those dastardly Red Indians.

How simple pleasures were then - not a push-button in sight!

Mrs R Allen
St Lawrence Gardens
Leigh