From bingo to Broadway!

Throughout this blog series we've explored how The Armstrong became a place for celebrations and unforgettable disco nights. Yet another important chapter in its story lies in the performances, traditions and weekly gatherings that have brought Thornbury residents together.

For many families, regular visits to the hall became part of everyday life. Marlyn Truckle-Wattley remembers attending bingo here; "me, my mother ... then my children, all went to the Cossham Hall on a Thursday evening for bingo - over 25 years!"

The performing arts created equally lasting memories. Karen Barber recalls years spent involved with youth theatre productions, remembering; “[I have] many memories of youth productions over the years. Dozens of excited, happy, creative young people performing incredible shows to a very responsive local community. From making up children in a portacabin in the back car park, vocal warm ups outside in the sun, rain, wind, chaperoning in cramped dressing rooms, quick changes in the tight wings to lapping up the well deserved applause and finally to after show parties in the hall while the dedicated back stage team dismantled sets. Oh and not forgetting the cast and crew awards! Such very happy times, much missed."

TMTG Juniors' (now Phoenix Youth Theatre) production of Cats (photo credit: Helen Walker-Cornes)

TMTG Juniors' (now Phoenix Youth Theatre) production of Cats (photo credit: Helen Walker-Cornes)

There were friendships formed and confidence gained. For many young performers, The Armstrong was where they discovered talents they never knew they had.

Morton WI production of Aladdin (photo credit: Thornbury & District Museum)

Looking back across all the memories shared in this blog series, a common theme emerges. Whether it was a wedding reception or anniversary celebration, a Bollywood film night, a youth disco, a bingo session or a theatre production, The Armstrong has always been about people.

Buildings matter because of what happens inside them. The memories shared by Thornbury residents show that The Armstrong has been far more than just a hall. It has been a meeting place, a stage, a dance floor, a celebration venue and, above all, a cornerstone of community life.

This venue has now been open more than 50 years, and we can only hope that the next 50 years will be full of memories for our next generations too.