THE ABC cinema holds many precious memories for Warrington Guardian readers.

Later becoming Mr Smiths nightclub, it burned down in 2015

John Hamblett, from Latchford, recalls many Saturday mornings spent sitting in front of the silver screen.

As a youngster John was a part of the ABC Minors and was one of hundreds of young people who would flock to the cinema to catch the new film releases.

The cinema club for children was the highlight of John’s week after he joined, aged 10.

He said: “It was a good laugh and there was never any trouble.

“It was a beautiful building and it always had something special about it.”

Many decades have passed since John was a member of the ABC Minors but, in spite of this he can still remember the club’s song.

He said: “We all used to sing the song before the film came on.

Warrington Guardian:

“I think it went ‘we are the boys and girls well known as the minors of the ABC and every Saturday we line up to see the film and sing the songs with glee.”

Glennis Osborne (nee Glennis Garrity), from Howley, says the Ritz picture house became the children’s ABC on Saturday mornings hosting a regular competition for anyone who had any talent.

The 73-year-old added: “I entered and won it.

“I appeared on the Ritz stage to do my song and dance on the same day the film that was featured was ‘A Star is Born’.

“I was introduced to Brian Bevan (Warrington Wolves legend) on the opening of the film and he gave me a box of Milk Tray – it was a wonderful night.

“We spent many happy hours at the cinema and it’s hard to believe all those memories are now gone.”

Glennis, who was born on Marbury Street and lived there until 1961, was 11 years old when she picked up the prize and has Ruby Clark to thank for teaching her.

She added: “My sister and I were taught dancing with Ruby Clark school of dancing and we were with Eric Pep for singing around the time that Barbara Law and Edna Savage were on the scene.

“We were also in the Crosfields operatic society for many years before my sister Maureen emigrated to South Africa and my brother emigrated to Australia - they both live there still with their families.”