The large white pipes on top of both projectors are the extractor ducts leading to the outside of the building. Before the conversion from carbon rods to xenon lamps they were at one time essential for removing the ashen like clouds of carbon dust emitted from the arcing  carbon rods. The ducts are now used to dispel the heat created by the 1600  watt 65 amp Xenon lamps confined within the lamp house. In times of sub zero temperatures we would open a vent in the ducts to allow the hot air into the projection room (a form of eco friendly central heating), and on the subject of economy before the days of the microwave oven the inside of the lamp houses was always the perfect and only place on the premises to heat up the meat pies and pasties, by the end of the saturday afternoon matinee the smell could lead anyone into thinking they had just walked into sayers the local bakery rather than into the cinemas projection room. Below¬ top left: The projection rooms last remaining box of copper coated carbons   used to create the arc light within the lamp house. The carbon rods burn away, each only lasting about forty minutes per rod, the molten copper droppings were often saved and every six months or so taken down to the scrap metal yard by the projectionists to convert to cash and top up their often low  wages. Below¬ Top right: The arguably more economical xenon lamp, if properly maintained has a average life span  of approx 2000 hours

   

Opposite lower left: The three slide dimmers switches are still in working order,they are used to control the curtains coloured foot lights. Opposite lower right: A early form of communication box containing a bell and three solenoids,this was used for instructing the projectionist to adjust the volume or to inform them of loss of sound from another control unit within the downstairs hall.   Opposite  left and right top: The hand cranked cable(still operational) runs along a series of pulleys, making its way through the roof and down to the side screen masking, when turned it alters the screen ratio from cinemascope to wide screen (all done without a electric motor in sight). Opposite Lower left: The early fire doors dated November 1927 give some indications of the buildings date of completion. Opposite lower right: The once mandatory end of performance “God Save The Queen” National anthem on vinyl record alongside the cinemas fire record played to vacate the building in the event of fire,both still hanging on the wall as a sign of days gone bye, come to think of it both of these records served the exact same purpose, emptying a packed house of patrons in just under ten seconds flat.  <<<<BACK                                  CONTINUE TOUR >>>>