DR H E GRAHAM and Mrs Graham were interested spectators at the official opening of the new Regal cinema at Cirencester last Monday and as they sat in the front row of the balcony they must have marvelled at the complete transformation which had taken place there in the last few months.

Chester Lodge, their home during their many years residence in Cirencester, had completely disappeared and in its place stood an imposing structure, the massive dignity of whose facade gave little indication of the luxury of its interior. Perhaps ‘completely’ disappeared is scarcely true for though they sat not within the same walls, they sat within walls built of stones which had formed part of their own residence. There remained too, greatly lowered, it is true, the same wall which had bounded them from the road and there remained the flowering trees which for many springs had been a joy not only to themselves but to all users of the thoroughfare.

There remained not a thing to be done on Monday afternoon when the official opening took place. The flower beds were planted in readiness for the spring, the surrounds had been laid with tarmac and smoothly rolled and brilliant illumination was provided for the spacious car park at the rear.

The dominant note in the cinema’s furnishing is a soft and restful shade of green which had been applied to the carpets and seats and to the curtains on the stage. The deep pile of the carpets completely muffles all footsteps. While the exceedingly comfortable seats are noiseless in their automatic tip- up action. Though the tone is distinctly modern the general effect is one of tasteful dignity.

The opening ceremony was performed by Mr A J Matthews, chairman of Cirencester Urban District Council who was accompanied on the stage by Mr B J Vale, managing director and Mr H F Priddy secretary to Cirencester Memorial Hospital. In the balcony were a large company of guests of the directors amongst whom were Lady Cripps, Lady Birchall, Canon L Westmacott and Mrs Westmacott, Canon E H Ball and Miss Ball, Rev G Harvey, Rev R H Wells vicar of Ashton Keynes and Mrs Wells, Rev Leonard Jon, Brig General E Paterson and members of the Urban Distrrict Council and their wives, officials of the Urban and Rural district councils members of the profession and trading classes.

Mr Wright director of the Regal said they had done their utmost to put up a building in Cirencester which would create an atmosphere in accord with the amenities of the town. It was built in Coronation year therefore it was truly Regal. He extended a hearty welcome to everyone and hoped they would come and enjoy Regal entertainment in a Regal atmosphere of comfort.

Standard, December 4, 1937