Leichhardt Parish Hall (former Avon Cinema)

The idea to build a picture theatre was conceived by Mervyn (Merv) Wratten, Roy Kucks and William (Bill) Scroxton, as Brian Wrattem understands, as a result of a dare. It appears that early in the project, Bill Scroxton pulled out of the venture, and Merv and Roy saw the project to a successful conclusion.

The building frame was constructed of steel and was the first structural steel space frame supplied by Naco Trading Pty Ltd (Naco). The application for the building was submitted to the Ipswich City Council on 26 May 1953. The estimated cost was 2000 Pounds for the building and 3000 Pounds for the furniture, fittings and equipment.

The cinema was officially opened by the Mayor of Ipswich, Alderman J. T. Finimore on Friday, 26 March 1954.

The Cinema was operated by the Wratten and Kucks families for several years. It was a real family affair. Merv and Roy were the projectionists, Merv’s wife, Jean sold the entry tickets, Roy’s wife served in the cafeteria, Merv’s father Jim Wratten (Pa) was the upstairs usher.  Brian played the music before the movies commenced, using ‘78’ records on a commercial record player.

The program consisted of a news-reel, an episode of a serial feature, some cartoons and two feature films – one before and one after interval. Initially the cinema operated on Wednesday night, Friday night, Saturday matinee and Saturday night.

After some years, Merv sold his share to Roy, who ran it on his own for some time. With the advent of television, cinema attendance declined and like many other cinemas, the Avon was forced to close. The building was sold to the neighbouring Catholic Church and now serves as a Church hall.