Nine most talked about topics on the Ipswich Remembers Facebook group

The Odeon cinema in Ipswich on Tower Ramparts. (Image: Archant)

Long-standing residents, ex pats and those who like to visit the area have all been sharing their memories of their school days, shops of yesteryear and former pubs.

Here we look at the nine most popular topics on the page in recent weeks.

Cinemas - ABC, Odeon, Ritz, ABC and Central Cinema

The ABC cinema in the Buttermarket, Ipswich, when the fire brigade attended during a bomb scare in August 1968. (Image: Archant.)

Ipswich has had a string of cinemas including the landmark Odeon which has now stood empty for 12 years and now the multi-screen Cineworld which offers iMax technology. Soon we will also have an Empire cinema with the chain expected to open their new Buttermarket facility in the next few weeks.

There have been several conversations about the cinemas and commenting on pictures of the ABC, Paul Reeve said: “I remember when it was the Ritz Cinema. There was also the Picture House where Boots the Chemist is now, the Odeon in Lloyd’s Avenue and the Gaumont, now the Regent. There was also another cinema possibly in Queen’s Street but I believe it burnt down. Might have been called the Central Cinema but I’m not certain.

Former pubs and bars which have now closed down

Hollywood nightclub was packed out for it's official opening in 1988 (Image: Archant)

Reading through your comments, it is clear many enjoyed some memorable nights out at the likes of Hollywoods, Cindy’s, Brannigans and Chicagos.

While some have started conversations about these top venues, others have appealed for pictures of pubs that are now just a distant memory.

Sandra Currie said: “I’ve never been able to find any pictures of the crown Inn pub that used to be in Bridge Street (maybe St Peters Street). My grandparents used to run it in the late 1940s early 50s, anyone got any photos? They also used to run the ship launch years before then, my dad and his brothers and sisters were bought up there.”

Several members have shared memories of old sweet shops (Image: Archant)

Granny Gibbs sweet shop

Karen Curling Marcelle asked: “Does anyone remember Granny Gibbs sweet shop at the end of Britannia Road and Spring Road? It had every type of sweet imaginable and 10p went a long way. This would have been late 70’s.”

Her questioned sparked a string of responses, with Jayne McCusker replying: “Yes you could buy Park Lane cigarettes separately there...”

Young swimmers at Broomhill Pool in May 1965

Broomhill swimming pool

Always a popular topic, the now closed Broomhill Pool has been well debated by members, some remembering braving the cold waters during school swimming sessions and others spending hours there during the summer holidays.

Robert Charles Frost said: “I went regularly in the 1950s. 6d and you could stay all day.”

The Doll's Hospital was opposite Sainsbury's in Upper Brook Street

The Doll’s Hospital

This was originally opposite Sainsbury’s in Upper Brook Street but later moved. Many remember visiting the quaint store and buying shoes and accessories for their dolls.

Belinda Key said: “The doll’s hospital was there for years. My bruv (sic) sat on my doll and broke its head..it went to hospital and came back with a plastic one.”

Gail Costello, assistant manager Andy's Records in Ipswich

Record stores - Andy’s and Parrots

Darren Walsh started a debate when he questioned members about their favourite record store - asking whether they preferred Andy’s or Parrots/

Responding, Robert James Bentley said: “Thought I’d better shore up the voting for Parrot, though never really cool enough to pop in that often (plus never a Led Zep fan!). One of those record stores where the staff would decide if they were prepared to sell you that latest release you’d heard the night before on Peter Powell or Kid Jenson’s shows. Once asked James P. for a copy of the latest single from Annie Lennox’s new band ‘The Rhythmics’ - he let me off with a superior stare.... thank you sugar!”

Tower Ramparts School pupils off to Switzerland July 1970 - members have been remembering their school days

School day memories

There are some comical school photos posted in the group, some dating back to the early 1960s.

Jayne McCusker said: “I’m remembering leaving school in Ipswich 1975 when jobs were in abundance. You could start a job and if you didn’t like it get another one almost the following week. It was easy....Happy, simpler, less pressured days....”

Did you attend the Corn Exchange discos?

Discos at the Corn Exchange

Dancing to Earth, Wind and Fire and a hazy yellow smoke being pumped out are just some of the memories that readers have of these Monday night events.

Michaela Cornforth also went to the disco nights and said: “Still remember my friend’s embarrassment when her name was called by DJ to tell her her dad had arrived to take her home. The shame lol.”

The outside of the Co-op store in Carr Street, Ipswich in 1972 (Image: Archant)

Co-op

The East of England Co-op is a local institution so it is no surprise there have been a series of conversations about the stores.

Terry Reynolds said: “Who remembers the café in the co-op in Carr Street? Used to be some of the best chips in town.”

Another reader has told how they did a pensioner portion, which her mum used to order and Linda Armes recalls their Coke floats being a tasty treat.

What are your favourite memories of old Ipswich? Join our Ipswich Remembers Facebook group today and see if you can spot old school friends in class photos.