Avion Cinema/Gala Bingo, Aldridge, February 2012

[TranKmasT]

What started off a disappointing explore, what with it being gala bingo raped and vandalised, became suddenly more interesting as we found the older parts and some rather random bits and bobs.

After getting back and searching for some history of the place I came across some video on flickr showing the last Bingo day before it closed in August 2009.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kponenut/sets/72157621794438115/





Taken from Cinema Treasures

A mid-sized suburban cinema in an area of the West Midlands, near Walsall, the Avion Super Cinema looked remarkably like an original ‘Odeon’ but was never owned by that circuit.

Finished in cream glazed faience enlivened with green bands and a black base, there is a huge window lighting the circle foyer with entrance doors underneath the central canopy.

The auditorium is a dull brick box behind the facade. Neon lighting was much in evidence at night.

There was also a small stage and several dressing rooms. Seating was divided between the stalls and single balcony. The auditorium was decorated in shades of rose-dubarry and silver with the Art Deco style plasterwork picked out in green.

Several different colors of seating was used to create diametrical patterns when viewed from the stage.

The cinema opened on 26 September 1938 with a personal appearance by George Formby followed by his latest film “I See Ice”. It then settled into an uneventful routine mainly showing films but with around six full weeks of variety shows on the stage.

No major changes were made to the design of the building and it eventually closed on December 30, 1967.

It became a bingo hall almost immediately after and continued for over 40 years.

In 2001, the faience tiles were in poor condition and were removed with the walls underneath being rendered and painted – this has considerably smartened up the facade and indicates that the Avion was scheduled to be around for some years to come. Unfortunately, due to increased Government taxes on bingo, the Gala Bingo Club was closed on 1st August 2009, and the building was put up for sale.

http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/1239

Visited with Donebythehands.
​

Found some pretty random bits and pieces.

Motoring mag from 1961

Minor Celebrity Keyrings.

Can anyone name the celebrities presenting the cheques?

Chase me!

Thanks for looking!​

 

[nelly]

This is great!!! Nice stuff

 

[alex76]

Yeap same as nelly said smashing shots and find bud

 

[fallstern]

Sir, this is awesome! The feeling, the nostalgia, the atmosphere man! Ehm... sorry.
I like this a lot, especially the detail shots. Rock on

 

[kellisurbex]

wow, really like this one. a lot of history hidden in there great pics

 

[UE-OMJ]

Cracking photos - nice one.

Harriet Rose in one photo looks very much related to the two in the next pic down. Very similar faces.

 

[flyboys90]

Great photos,loads&loads of history there.

 

[nanook]

The grafitti Boys saw the Carpet & left. Can't compete with that.

 

[TranKmasT]

Thanks for your comments, much appreciated.

The grafitti Boys saw the Carpet & left. Can't compete with that.

Haha! See what you mean, anti vandal carpet.

It's definately a pattern that induces nausea.

 

[UrbanX]

Woe what an awesome explore! Loving the light paired pics too. So much left! I done the gala bingo in Cambridge, again a former cinema, so thought this would look similar inside, by is completely different!
Great report, cheers for sharing!

 

[Ninja Kitten]

interesting place,,..and cool pics

 

[spacepunk]

Great stuff..loved those old bits'n'pieces. And is that Duncan Norvelle(?) in the frame??

 

[fascin8ed]

Amazing, thanks. I love old cinemas but always try to imagine them in their prime because I hate bingo and any other use other than what these places were built for. I know it'll never happen but I want all these sort of places to be rescued and returned to cinema use showing great films again! The areas and items you found in their original state are priceless - great progression through your explore. Keep up the good work.

 

[actualrob]

The celebrity in the 1st picture is Adam Chance from Crossroads, played by Tony Adams...

 

[TranKmasT]

Cheers for the comments everyone.

Great stuff..loved those old bits'n'pieces. And is that Duncan Norvelle(?) in the frame??

Correct.

The celebrity in the 1st picture is Adam Chance from Crossroads, played by Tony Adams...

And correct. A box of fire damaged Ferrero Rocher on it's way to each of you. Well done.

 

[Flexible]

Great explore and pics mate. You never know what you'll come across in these old cinemas do you. Love all the old stuff. I want a 'TranKmasT' minor celeb keyring!

 

[rdawoodarry]

The keyrings were priceless!!!!

 

[rdawoodarry]

Hahahaha so it is!

 

[Simonipswich]

Looks in good condition.

 

[strokesboy21]

looks amazing wish i had these in the southwest