Cinema was a memory-jerker (From Gazette & Herald)

Cinema was a memory-jerker

MARCH 19. Tonight, as I write this could be the eve of war. My mind goes back to that other evening, on September 2, 1939, when already mobilised we waited to see what the morrow would bring. The British ultimatum to Germany ended at 11 the following morning, Sunday and at 11.15am Chamberlain announced that war had begun. Little knowing what lay ahead, we youngsters said, "OK, lets get on with it," and I expect much the same pattern will follow once again. Hopefully, it won't drag on for years, nor involve the whole world.

A big day this week, we went to the pictures. Malton Palace to be precise. Another memory-jerker for I remember the thirties when it all started, and the excitement when it was announced that there were double-seats at the back of the circle. The world wasn't such a liberated place as it is today and actually being able to sit close to one's 'steady' without a chair-arm inbetween was heaven indeed. So, this week it was still the same old Palace we thronged to on Saturday nights (if we had the wherewithal), except that it is a super version of an old memory. The seats, although individual, are luxurious and wide and comfy, the decor is classy. Gone is the old, straight curtain to be replaced by a wide 'ruffled' version, and a screen which gives the best and brightest picture I've seen. The sound system is excellent, of the 'wrap-around' variety of course, so that you're 'in the middle of things.' Gone is the flickering beam from the projection room, struggling to punch its way through the tobacco smoke, for with no smoking being the name of the game, the image reaches the screen clean and bright. Not having been to the 'flicks' for a score of years, the Palace was a delight once again, and prompted us to say: "We'll come again". Icecream, chocs, popcorn or even a cup of tea. Yes, its all there - you should try it - you'll be delighted.

Malton's popular 'everything' store, Yates' in Railway Street, had an offer of half-price shirts last week. Couldn't miss a chance like that, as I did need a couple, so I 'lashed out' as we say in this part of the world. All very smartly packed and kept in shape with a hundred dressmakers' pins holding it together. Well, it seemed like a hundred anyway - actually it was 11. Even when I'd got those safely out I wondered if I'd got the lot, or was I going to have a sharp surprise some time later. Pins carefully gathered together, the shirts now looked pinfree, so into the washer they could go, as for pins, this is a traditional method of presentation which must have been used for 50 years or more, and I expect will continue for another 50. Would it be a good idea if the package said: "Please ensure that you have removed all 11 pins before use?" Pins or no pins I'm pleased with my purchase - I'm always quietly chuffed when I get a bargain. Yorkshire folk are like that!

Most of you will know Jean who's been receptionist in the Gazette & Herald front office for close on 12 years. In latter years, she's been working part-time, giving Linda her support on busy days, and holidays. Prior to Gazette & Herald days Jean worked at Woolies where many of you will remember her. Well, she's decided to call it a day and, in fact, she'll be leaving by the end of this month. A quiet, unassuming person, nothing was ever too much for her, and it isn't going to be the same without her, but we're all going to have to get used to it. I know all readers who know her will wish her well in her retirement, and hope that she's now going to be able to do all those things she hasn't had time for till now. Thanks Jean, for your smiling service - we'll miss you.

A couple of 'smilers' from the sales ads columns this week. The first spotted was a 'Black Ladies Bike' and the other an 'Electrolux hoover.' The last word really does confirm how it has become almost the accepted term for a vacuum cleaner, doesn't it? William Henry Hoover (1849-1932) would be delighted, despite the fact that the inventor of the electric vacuum cleaner was Hubert Booth of the UK, in 1901, seven years before William Henry. It reminds me of The Duke of Wellington, and the Earl of Sandwich, which would have been 'strange' if the latter had made boots popular instead of a 'piece of meat between two slices of bread'. We could have been wearing sandwiches instead of wellies.

Church going: "America has become so tense and nervous, it has been years since I've seen anyone asleep in church - and that is a sad situation." Dr Norman Peale (b1898), President, Protestant Council, NY.

Updated: 15:14 Wednesday, April 02, 2003