Pictures of the picture house

“DUNDEE CIVIC Trust is in the final stages of putting together the definitive history of cinemas and cinema going in Dundee,” emails Jack Searle.

“This, we believe, is an important part of Dundee’s heritage that needs recording.

“We have managed to access a number of pictures never before published but we are still short of pictures for some of the cinemas.

“We would be grateful if any of your readers who have photos of any of the following, and particularly of those in Lochee, would get in touch with myself at 01382 641316, or by email at: jandsearle@ greenbee.net

“The cinemas are – Noble’s Picture Palace, Anderson’s Lane, Lochee; Balgay Street Picture Palace, Balgay Street, Lochee; The Star Cinema Theatre, Balgay Street, Lochee; Arthur Henderson’s Booth in Bellfield Street; The City Picturedrome which was in Milnfield Road/Rosefield Street; Hendersons Booth, Nelson Street, The Casino Picture Hall, Lochee and The Regal ,Taylor Street, Lochee.” “THE OLYMPICS certainly seems to suggest a revival of interest in competitive rowing,” writes James Lindsay of Carmyllie.

“The post war period saw great interest in this sport and a revival of what had for long been a feature on the Tay. My association dates from the 1950s when Dundee Corinthian Boating Club, Broughty Ferry Boating Club andWormit Boating Club featured regular regattas.

“Team spirit was everything and friendly rivalry was intense. It was not unusual for ‘binocular scouts’to scan the waters of rival clubs to see who was out training.

“Broughty’s oars were easy to spot because of the white blades!

“The silver trophies and cups were beautiful. The varnished boats were clinker and like the oars of great beauty and craftsmanship.

“Categories included singles, doubles and four oar. Ladies and men’s crews featured. Race days were occasions of excitement with flags, bunting, and appreciative crowds.

“I started as a cox aged 11 and I still row with the restored G class double scull ‘Garland’, but competitive rowing has gone with many of the boats dispersed to the south of England.

Why interest in this sport waned I cannot fathom. With universities in Dundee and St Andrews, I would have thought that something could develop. Perhaps the Olympic success will bring a renaissance!

“Recently when driving to Perth, I was delighted to see two racing eights on the calm waters of that beautiful stretch of the Tay beneath Kinfauns.

“The Corinthians course following Riverside Drive was particularly popular with spectators. It would be excellent if provision for a rowing club could be made for the ongoing redevelopment of the shoreline.”