FROM ballroom to bingo, fond memories of the Bell Hall have come flooding back to Angela Genge after reading our article on dance halls in Warrington in our April 18 edition.

The 78-year-old, who grew up in Orford but now lives in Lymm, remembers her dad Bill Hindley working at the popular dance spot as the licensee for nearly 20 years during the 1940, 50s and into the early 60s. 

“All the bookings were made by him and he made sure all the necessary arrangements were carried out so that the dances and functions went well and invariably facilitating the door duties, usually alongside his good friend Harold Carey,” said Angela.

“Saturday night was the main dance night. Jim Brennan was the MC and he also taught ballroom dancing – the classes were very popular with youngsters as well as adults.

“These Saturday night dances were very well attended for a number of years, and very popular with the GIs from Burtonwood. Eric Pepperel and his band played at these dances. 

“Wednesday nights was for old-time dancing, once again it was very popular with Mr and Mrs Whatmough leading the dancing.  

“Friday night dances were often for special occasions with a late-night extension and licensed bar – Mrs Gatley and Mrs Pownall doing the refreshments.

“Sunday night dances were run by The Young Christian Workers. All the music was supplied by Ronnie Leather who played the up-to-date records on the gramophone, long before the term DJ was coined.

“The Saturday night dances became so popular that the police carried out an inspection and said numbers had to be restricted.

“As the dances became less popular, bingo took over and that became the in thing. As the Bell Hall was the parish hall it meant that so many people helped in so many ways and should also be acknowledged.”

Angela can recall concerts taking place at the hall on Orford Lane on a regular basis arranged by Women’s Confraternity.

Scouts and other groups also made good use of the Lesser Bell Hall, a smaller room attached to the main hall.  

The room was later used as an overflow classroom for St Benedict’s Primary School which, at the time, was in the same grounds as the Bell Hall.

Do you have a story to share about the Bell Hall? Email lauren.hirst@nqnw.co.uk.