Classic Catterick

Catterick Garrison is a major garrison and military town three miles south of Richmond, North Yorkshire. It is the largest British Army garrison in the world and, as befits its status, it was home to a suitably impressive Ritz Cinema, which opened on 21st December 1940. It was designed by Joshua Clayton & Deas, and had 1,036 seats. It was equipped with a Western Electric(WE) sound system. There was also a café attached.

The operating company, Ritz Cinema (Catterick) Ltd., sold the Ritz Cinema to the Newcastle based Essoldo Circuit in October 1948. It was renamed Essoldo around 1951; also around this time, the seating capacity reduced slightly, 1,010.

The Essoldo Cinema was sold to the London based Classic Cinemas, and renamed, on 2nd April 1972. It was twinned, but I have no further information about this.

The Classic Cinema closed on 2nd July 1977.

Sadly, this very imposing building has been demolished. Most of its site is an open grass area, while part of the site is occupied by a new building, home to Barber Shop and Sizzlin Sarah’s hair and beauty salon.

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