In review of the expected closure of La Scala (the Gala Bingo), I thought readers might be interested in what happened when the cinema was opened.

I have distant memories of that day.

The first film shown was, I believe, Maytime. It think it starred Nelson Eddy and Jeanette Macdonald. When I was about five-years-old, a wonderful new cinema was built in Clydebank called La Scala.

It so happened that among the dignitaries who were invited to the opening evening was my grandfather.

Having been granted the Freedom of Glasgow for services to Queen and Country in the war against the Boers in South Africa, my grandfather was a well-known figure in the local military circles and as such was deemed worthy of his invitation.

As his companion, he chose his son-in-law, my father.

When my mother and I visited La Scala the next evening to watch the dignitaries go in, we saw my grandfather and daddy, resplendent in their Sunday suits and looking very handsome.

They were in a long queue waiting to enter the hallowed cinema, but I was thrilled and clapped my hands with glee.

Just fancy, my daddy and grandpa were film stars.

My friends were amazed at the news which I announced to them as soon as we had gathered in the street the next morning. One boy was unconvinced - 'It"s Spencer Tracy who is on, Anne is a blether', he told them. I soon silenced him - 'You don"t know anything about it. You weren"t even there.' He had no answer to that.

My daddy"s entry into the big time had apparently reached the ears of the minister, for the following Sunday as we were leaving Boquhanran Church he spoke to him.

The minister said: 'Well now Fraser I believe you"ll soon be giving Errol Flynn a run for his money.' I was surprised when my daddy laughed.

On my way home I asked my big cousin, Cathie, who was 12 and knew a lot about this Errol Flynn.

She told me that he was a famous film star.

I gasped and told Cathie that he wanted to race my daddy. She did not believe me, I could tell, but I knew I was right because God must have told the minister. How else would the minister know? I knew that my daddy would easily win the race. Another thought flashed through my mind - he may win a prize.

The reason for my elation at this idea was that the black patent ankle strap shoes, which I had dreamed about for weeks, suddenly seemed in my reach.

In fact, if my grandpa was going to be a film star as well I might even have a red velvet dress for the Sunday school Christmas party. Alas, it was not to be.

Neither my daddy nor my grandpa wanted to sail to America in one of the huge liners built in John Brown"s yard. They did not like leaving us behind, even for a short time. 'Och well', I said to myself, 'I"d rather have us all in Clydebank than have black patent ankle strap shoes or a red velvet dress to enjoy at a party.' They agreed that I was right, of course.

Anne Fielding (nee Macdonald), Bury, Lancashire