Earl Shilton - Harrys

Harrys

Annually Circuses and wild beast shows were in evidence in Earl Shilton, prior to the advent of the “Movies.”

The “Picture House” in Station road, began life as a roller skating rink called the Royal Rink, and was erected in 1910. Mr. H. S. Cooper started this very much-needed enterprise that would bring the glamour of Hollywood into the village.

The cinema was forever after known to all as ‘Harrys’.

Following World War II generations grew up attending the Saturday matinees at the picture house, or sessions at the new, out door. roller skating rink built beside it. The grandeur of the old Royal Rink could never match the Danilo or Gaumont in Hinckley, but it still drew a sizeable crowd. During the 1960s the running of the cinema was taken over by Mr Coopers daughter Freda, and her husband Jack Aldridge, who had previously ran a local taxi firm.