Ritz Cinema

Archie Waters (no L please ) my grandfather, built and owned the Ritz Cinema which was situated down a short access road between Woolworths and Burtons…now access to the shopping precinct. It was beautiful building, reminiscent of Art Deco, with a parking area in front. My grandfather was a skilled woodworker and did much of the crafting himself. My uncle, Harry helped to manage the cinema and I believe my aunt, Teresa Waters, an accomplished singer and stage performer gave war-time concerts there. The cimema was sadly demolished after a catastrophic fire…I can remember seeing the sky turning red over Stroud. Archie’s son Jack Waters owned and ran Smith’s Chemist at 54 High St.

Sorry,but the this was not the site of the Ritz cinema, it was always Woolworths as long as I can remember.The Ritz was down the side where the multistory is now.Isaw many films there before it burned down. The best cinema in town.Ironically the film showing that night was The Fall of the House of Usher