IN this edition of nostalgia, we are looking back at memories from the ABC Lonsdale or Lonsdale Theatre.

Opened as the Lonsdale Cinema on September 21 1931, it was operated by Sydney Bacon Pictures Ltd. Architect Percy L. Browne & Son of Newcastle designed a superb cinema that was equipped for films and stage show use.

Seating was provided in stalls and balcony. A feature of the foyer decoration was a stained glass window which depicted Carlisle Castle.

The small Sydney Bacon Pictures Ltd. circuit was taken over by Union Cinemas in 1935, and in October 1937, they were taken over by Associated British Cinema (ABC).

From January 15 1962, in common with most other cinemas operated by ABC, the Lonsdale was re-named ABC. It continued as a single screen cinema until it was joined and reopened as a 586 cinema in the former circle on May 25 1972. The former stalls area became an Alpha Bingo Club. 

From July 9 1978, ABC leased out the cinema to an Independent operator R.J. Towers and the former balcony screen was re-opened with seating for 410 and 230 on December 19 1978, reverting back to its original name, Lonsdale Cinema.

The bingo club in the former stalls area became a Gala Bingo Club.

In September 1997, a third screen seating 50 was added and the current operators, City Screens Ltd, were operating it.

City Screens Ltd. then opened another 2 screens in an adjacent building which had formerly been a post office. The 96 seat screen was enlarged to 116 seats in 1996. In early 2004, the Gala Bingo Club re-located to new premises and that section of the building is now un-used.

In December 2005, it was announced that plans were being put forward to demolish the Lonsdale and build housing on the site. The cinema closed on in April 2006 when the lease ran out.