ABC Purley
116 High Street,
Purley,
CR8 2XT
116 High Street,
Purley,
CR8 2XT
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Some further information.:- My grandfather bought the Astoria in 1935 as HJM Cinemas which was managed by my father (Harry) until its sale in 1949. I remember visiting several times as a small child and have vague memories of films, projection room, foyer, lounge and the back office. My father stayed in touch for many years with 1. the projectionist Eric Pahl (his wife Susie and pet black poodle who I met a couple of times as a teenager. He lived in Church Road, Hythe. 2. Mrs Ivy Jeeves (who lived in Church Road, Horley. I believe she later worked at a shop in Massets? Road. I have other vague memories but they are unresolved. If surviving relatives would like more details along with those requiring more information, please get in touch.
I became the second projectionist at the Astoria Purley in December 1969 after being transfered from the Embassy Cinema Tenterden. Kent. Chief Projectionist Roy Roberts and myself were a team of four operators. The other two were second (Richard (Dick) Rapley) and a third operator from the Ritz Brixton. (Mr Hunter) was the manager at the time and I remember two usherettes, (Dawn Preston), and a (Mrs Marston). Somehow, I never took a liking to this cinema, and after only twelve months, left with Chief Roy Roberts to run the State Theatre Grays, Essex.