ENTERTAINMENT today seems to be based in the home rather than at venues.

Years ago — before even televisions were common place in all homes — a trip to the theatre or the cinema was an enjoyable way to spend an evening or afternoon.

According to reader Arnold Harrison this was possible because prices at the venues were “very reasonable”.

He has spoken of his excitement when watching all the big names of the time and visiting cinemas which were dotted all over Bolton and its surrounding districts.

Multiplex cinemas had yet to be even thought of.

Small picture houses with comfortable velvet-like seats provided a cosy atmosphere for cinema-goers.

A trip to the theatre would be followed by a bag of chips or even a pastie from Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe before a journey home by bus.

Nights out did not revolve around drinking alcohol but around socialising with friends and family.

Times were very different in the 1950s and 1960s, explains Arnold, who lives in Little Hulton.

Visits to the Aspin Club, The Empress and the “Pally” were thoroughly enjoyed he tells us as well as visits to what was called The Casino Club in Crompton Way.

There were also trips to the Talk of the North.

n See page 18