NOSTALGIA: Do you remember Axminster's Plaza Cinema?
By Philip Evans 19th Aug 2020
By Dick Sturch
I've lots of memories of the Plaza Cinema in Axminster - right the way from the front seats all the way to the more intimate back seats!
Other memories are of frightening walks back to Millwey Rise in the dark after the film.
On one such journey I saw the Northern Lights. The first and only time in my life. I was only 9-10 years old, all by myself and actually quite frightened as I had no idea what it was in the sky. It could have been Space invaders for all I knew.
Apart from the cowboy and war films (always our favourites), my other memory, which will always stay with me, is watching Bill Haley in 'Rock around the Clock' and feeling very rebellious and grown up.
Here's a poem I wrote about it:
Rock 'n' Roll arrives in Axminster
When 'Blackboard Jungle' came to town
So many parents wore a frown.They'd read about its reputation,
Rioting crowds and ruination. And now at last it's at the Plaza.This evil of Americana.
A scourge upon humanity.That no true Christian eye should see.
Enveloped by this new excitement,
In my front row seat for ninepence.From the screen loud music blasts,
While older folk look on aghast. When couples jive out in the aisle.Rockin' Rollin' - Going wild.
The Plaza full of people standing,Clapping, singing, jigging, dancing
And all around the cinema,A very new phenomena.
The day Bill Haley's Comets rocked
"Rocking all around the Clock."A day I never have forgot.
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