I used to frequent the Victor Sylvester dance studio that was on the first floor of the Gaumont. Very popular in the late ‘50’s , early 60’s. Pat Deeley was the leader of the pack..No alcohol but a coffee bar was an integral part of the dance floor. Open every evening of the week, with a special Saturday dance when you were supposed to bring your weekday dance partner. Very difficult if you had a different partner Monday to Friday. I lived in Shirley, near Croydon at the time. The last bus (119) left Bromley for Croydon at around 10.15 p.m. So if you wanted to see your date home, you had to walk home, around 5 miles. No cars or even scooters for 17 year olds at that time.
Re cinemas, the other two were the Odeon at the other end of the High Street and quite near to the Odeon, the Pullman, often referred to as the flea pit.
I used to frequent the Victor Sylvester dance studio that was on the first floor of the Gaumont. Very popular in the late ‘50’s , early 60’s. Pat Deeley was the leader of the pack..No alcohol but a coffee bar was an integral part of the dance floor. Open every evening of the week, with a special Saturday dance when you were supposed to bring your weekday dance partner. Very difficult if you had a different partner Monday to Friday. I lived in Shirley, near Croydon at the time. The last bus (119) left Bromley for Croydon at around 10.15 p.m. So if you wanted to see your date home, you had to walk home, around 5 miles. No cars or even scooters for 17 year olds at that time.
Re cinemas, the other two were the Odeon at the other end of the High Street and quite near to the Odeon, the Pullman, often referred to as the flea pit.