Some history on the county of Kent
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"Coming round to "the local" tonight to see the talkies? Sounds too good to be true, but it's a fact. Thanks to the
enterprise and initiative of Messrs, Tomson and Wotton, the Ramsgate brewers, talking picture performances are to be given free at the most suitable of their
houses. This latest step is part of Messrs. Tomson and Wotton's policy of finding entertainment and comfort for patrons of their licensed houses. Only a week
or two back a prominent expressed the opinion that the licensed house could become a valuable centre of local social life. He hit the nail on the head. Just
consider for a few moments the many attractions which are offered to everybody in Messrs. Tomson and Wotton's houses. There are dart clubs, Christmas clubs,
table-tennis clubs, bar-billiards tables, skittles, and a host of other games and diversions many of which are beyond the reach of the average family
owing to limitations of space in the home, and means, and in addition orchestral entertainment is frequently provided. And now, to crown it all, we have talking
picture shows all in the warm friendly atmosphere of the licensed house. At present in Ramsgate you can see talkies at the Duke of Kent, King Street, the Windmill,
Newington Road, and the Racing Greyhound, Hereson Road, At Broadstairs the programmes are shown at the Rose Inn, Albion Street and at Westgate-on-Sea at
the Bridge Hotel, and it is probable that this will be extended, Full programmes are presented, lasting between an hour and an hour-and-a-half. The
films themselves are 16mm, non-inflammable talkies and the equipment is some of the most modern in production. Safety is one of the greatest points about all
film entertainments but with non-inflammable films there can be no danger whatever of fire. In order to gauge public response, the free shows are at present
being presented once a month at the houses, with a complete change of programme. The films themselves are not of the purely educational or publicity variety.
They are really interesting features and those to be presented include comedies, travelogues, and cartoons, as well as already well-known to the public. The
first show given in Ramsgate was at the Duke of Kent on Wednesday. On Tuesday the programme was presented at the Rose Inn, Broadstairs, on Thursday at the Windmill,
and tonight's performance is at the Racing Greyhound. An Advertiser & Echo reporter who saw Thursday's performance thoroughly enjoyed himself
and saw a long programme which would do justice to any recognised cinema. The programme opened with a one-reel Walt Disney sound cartoon showing the amusing
adventures of Alice and her animal friends. The big feature was a four-reel picture "Wings Over Africa" - the story of the trail blazed by
Imperial Airways across Europe and Africa to the Cape. Finally, Alice entertained again in another comedy cartoon. The entertainments are given in the warm and
comfortable lounges of where music and dancing licenses are held. As is well known, at Ramsgate stringent regulations are to be complied with before such licenses
are granted and each room as been examined and certified "A.1" the Borough Engineer, Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade, and Sanitary Inspector. Look out
for talkie nights and make a real social evening of it. Your friends won't want to miss these delightful film shows either."
"Pictures In Pubs"
Thanet Advertiser : November 4th 1938 Page 4