A BUILDING once at the heart of city nightlife was reduced to rubble over 40 years ago.
Demolished in 1985 to make way for the Maylord Orchards shopping centre, the former Odeon cinema and Cherry’s Disco in Hereford remains a source of nostalgia and regret for many.
The building, with its distinctive art-deco style, was well-loved by cinema-goers.
Posting in the We Grew Up in Hereford Facebook group, John Price said: "That was a really sad day when they started demolishing it.
"It was a beautiful old building and I have so many happy memories of it."
Others shared memories not just of the cinema, but of its time as a nightclub.
Julie Dawn Breen said: "I have many memories of the place, including meeting my second husband Ivor used to collect the glasses there for years and was known to most people that went there.
"Thursday nights was when all the girls from work would go there together to dance and drink ‘til late.
"I also remember sitting on the floor with everyone doing ‘oops upside your head’".
Cherry’s Disco operated from 1976 to 1982 but left a lasting impression on those who danced there.
The building in which the disco made its home was demolished in 1985 and redeveloped into the Maylord Orchards shopping centre, sparking outrage as the classics cinema’s unique and authentic Art Deco interior was destroyed to make way for the project.
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Resident Robert Bufton questioned whether such demolition would be permitted today, calling the building’s loss “a shame.”
"Brings back memories of seeing Star Wars, Superman, and loads of other films there," he said.
"Shame it was pulled down, would not be allowed today."
Ian Sandford said: "My Dad worked behind the bar in the seventies.
"I got to know a few of the DJs, Bryan Morris, Kevin Jones, Chris Powys, Rob Symonds, Mike Marshall."
Others remembered the building’s practical value.
Gwyneth Gill said: "Sad day.
"Loved it as Odeon, and it had a fabulous shelter you could stand under when it rained and you were waiting for the buses that stopped in High Town."
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