Episode 68: The rise and fall of Reigate’s pool and picture house on Bancroft Road, and the legacy of the husband and wife who got them built.

For Saturday 28th December 2024

This is the third part of four in our Christmas/New Year mini-series on the history of Bancroft Road in Reigate.

Part one was in episode 66 – We started the story with Harry Bancroft and Emmy meeting, marrying and running the Hippodrome cinema on Bell Street. You can hear it here: https://tinyurl.com/prp66bancroft1 (tap the link and then tap ‘play’).

Part two in episode 67 – told the story of the lido. We described where it was, what was there, the opening and the cost. https://tinyurl.com/prp67bancroft2

Now in episode 68 we conclude the actual story, with the opening of the Majestic cinema, and the decline of both ventures; Emmy’s untimely death and then, that of Harry. Join us as we discover the couple’s grave in a nearby churchyard and pay our respects.

Next week in episode 69, a special bonus edition of the mini-series. we have special limited access to the site of the pool. Listen as we go behind the scenes and underground as we record interviews in what was the actual pool. Hear what is left on the site now, including the café. And hear our chat with local historian Sean Hawkins, whose research led to this mini-series. Hear us reflect on the lives and work of Harry and Emmy Bancroft, including some new information, as we stand on the road that bears their name.

If you get value from The Planet Reigate Podcast, please give us value back in return; click here to support us with a small donation: www.buymeacoffee.com/theplanetreigatepodcast or share us with your colleagues.

A list of ‘the best of the guests’, and a link to hear each one, is on this Facebook post: https://tinyurl.com/prpbest

CREDITS:

INSPIRED - Piano 60sec Inspirational Romantic Background by Viminod ID 069490173

DARK - simple ambient - by RayMusicProductions ID 088913604

TITANIC - Paradise Waltz Classical Instrumental End - by TitanicRemembered ID 123249849 - 12 seconds

GUITAR - Frogard Item ID: 114324148

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