Verona) Cinema 124 Fleetwood Road, Thornton
In September 1929 plans were prepared by architect Alfred Duckworth, of Mercer & Duckworth, Fleetwood, for the conversion of a billiard hall at Thornton into a picture theatre to seat 400 patrons. The building was of brick, with a concrete floor. Fylde county magistrates approved the plans, subject to the provision of additional exits, a separate re-wind room and a separate exit near to the projection room.
Like the Casino Cinema at nearby Kott End, Alfred Duckworth was both the architect and the proprietor of this cinema which opened in 1930. With the dissolution of the Mercer-Duckworth partnership in January 1930 he was noted as practising as an architect on his own account at Cinema Chambers, Fleetwood Road. Thornton. In 1933 he relinquished the licence.
By 1953 the seating capacity had reduced to 330 when the Cinema was renamed the Verona Cinema. By that time it was operated by Verona Cinemas Ltd, headed by Cliff Miller, of nearby Knott End-on-Sea.
THORNTON - The conversion of the billiard hall in Fleetwood Road, Thornton, is to be carried out by direct labour. Mercer & Duckworth, F.R.I.B.A., of New Dock Chambers, Dock Street, Fleetwood, prepared the plans. [The Bioscope 20 November 1929 page 49]
LICENCE TRANSFER, THORNTON CINEMA HALL - At Fleetwood. yesterday, application to transfer the music, singing and dancing licence of the Cinema Hall, Thornton, from Alfred Duckworth to herself, was made by Mrs. Lollie Holt. The magistrates. granted the application. It was stated that Mrs. Holt's husband could not make the application personally as he was away. Mrs. Holt said that Mr. Holt had had considerable experience in the running of theatres. [Fleetwood Chronicle 25 August 1933 page 10]
THORNTON SALE DATE - Henry James and Partners. kinema and theatre specialists, of Piccadilly announce that the auction oi the Thornton Cinema, Fleetwood Road. Thornton, near Blackpool. together with a freehold bungalow, will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 1952. at 2.30 p.m., at the Chartered Accountants' Hall. 60. Spring Gardens Manchester 2. The Thornton Cinema has been run for many years by Cyril Howarth. who is now retiring from the business owing to ill-health.
Reference The Bioscope 20 November 1929 page 49
Reference Fleetwood Chronicle 25 August 1933 page 10 - licence transfer
Reference Cinema Treasures