County Cinema
Clapgun Street,
Castle Donington,
DE74 2JA
Clapgun Street,
Castle Donington,
DE74 2JA
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In Castle Donington, a market town in Leicestershire, in 1920, the County Cinema opened. The precise date of opening is not known, but it was a conversion of the Wesleyan chapel, which dated from 1823. Plans dated 3rd February 1922 were drawn up by T. H. Thorpe for an extension.
The County Cinema was situated at the intersection of Clapgun Street, Apiary Gate and Dovecote. It was operated by County Cinemas Enterprises, based in nearby Kegworth.
By 1935 (and presumably much earlier) a Marshall sound system had been installed (this was to be replaced by an AWH system by the mid-1940’s). According that year’s Kinematograph Year Book the seating capacity was 450.
By 1945 the proprietor was Mrs F. R. Hunt, of Anstey, near Leicester, and the seating capacity had reduced to 400.
In reminiscences, an usherette who worked at the County Cinema in the early-1950’s recalled the very popular double seats at the back of the stalls and the balcony, and that the manager’s office was a small room under the stairs at the rear of the auditorium. At that time shows were once nightly, with two shows on Saturday.
The County Cinema is thought to have closed around 1960. The building was certainly demolished in 1963, to be replaced by private garages and hard standing.
Contributed by
David Simpson
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Recent comments (view all 1 comments)
The Wesleyan church had last been used in 1907, the building dated from 1823 and was purchased by Harry J. Garnham around 1920. The first KYB entry has the Resident Manager as being R. Jeffrey. The chapel pews were still in place in the gallery, with fold up deckchairs available downstairs. The plans dated 03/02/1922 mentioned in the main text are for a new extension for a Mr H.J. Garnham comprising of Operating Box above entrance with three windows facing to the front 14’2” by 8’5”, 2 projectors with fireproof door covered in asbestos sheets. Ticket Office opposite the entrance with toilets to the right then Engine Room and Rewind Room in far right corner.
A similar extension was built at Kegworth, operated by the same company. Both cinemas were sold 27/08/1923 to Edwin Pemberton, retired baker, who’s address was given as Warwick House, Warwick Avenue, Derby.