TRIPS to the cinema in the 1960s are recalled with much amusement by writer Philip Whiteland in the latest issue of our monthly heritage supplement YesterdayToday.

“My first experience of the cinema proper was more or less by accident,” said Philip.

“My Nanna Whiteland decreed that I should accompany my youngest uncle, Ken, and his girlfriend (now his wife) to the cinema.

“Whether this was in the capacity of unwitting chaperone, to give Ken and Pauline a taste of what it was like to have a youngster dogging their heels or whether she just wanted to get rid of me for the evening, I really don't know.

“Anyway, we went to the pictures to see April Love starring Pat Boone and Shirley Jones.

“I remember sitting in the right-hand side of the stalls and being hugely impressed with the sheer size of the place.

“I was less impressed with the action of the moquette seating on the backs of my knees (a constant problem when you wore short trousers and your feet didn't touch the floor when seated).”

Read more of Philip's cinema experiences in the July issue of YesterdayToday which is out now, priced just 60p.