South Yorkshire Times, January 4, 1969
Elsie Tanner Will Open ‘Showboat’ Tomorrow
A “Showboat” entertainment arcade is to open in the new Wombwell High Street shopping development tomorrow (Saturday), the official ceremony being conducted by actress Miss Pat Phoenix, television’s Coronation Street’s “Elsie Tanner.”
This type of amusement arcade is the latest trend in the entertainment sphere. It is being opened by Showboat Entertainments Ltd., who during the past 12 months have established half a dozen centres in various places, including Barnsley.
The Wombwell centre is a double shop unit combined into one, and is conveniently situated in the centre of the town. The whole of the ground floor will accommodate entertainment facilities, and a downstairs room will be used as storage.
The whole place is elaborately decorated with bright and easily-cleaned tile floors, and upholstered chairs are provided for the comfort of patrons.
One of the principals of the firm, Mr. Jack Brown, of Barnsley, will be “Captain” in charge of the Wombwell “Showboat.” He told a “South Yorkshire Times” reporter that they were very proud of their reputation, and were determined that no unruly element would creep in.
He said, “There is absolutely nothing to worry about. The place, like all our others, will be run, very efficiently, and we go to all lengths to keep out ruffian types. We adhere rigidly to all regulations, and also add a few more rules of our own.”
Mr. Brown said the aim of the centre was to provide family-type entertainment, and he hoped they would attract parents and children together. He said, “We shall not allow admittance to children under 16 years of age unless they are directly supervised by an adult. It is no good a person under that age thinking they can merely ask a casual acquaintance to take them in and then continue on their own, because we would not allow it. We definitely require direct supervision.”
The centre will be open on seven days a week, but on Sundays will not start before 3 p.m. They will be open not later than ten o’clock any evening.
Bingo will be held during the day, times for the sessions depending on the demand, One-armed-bandit type machines will be operated for good prizes, and there will be Joy rides for children.
Said Mr. Brown, “This is not a gambling place. Bingo and machines will offer prizes, not cash. We want to establish it as a place of entertainment where people can spend short leisurely periods according to their convenience. In fact some machines such as shooting skills will be there is entertainment only, without prizes.”
Catering for the comfort patrons, the arcade will always cosy and warm, central heating having been installed.
Says Mr. Brown, “We have done very well with our other centres and we hope to do the same at Wombwell. We are confident that everything will go well and that no one will have cause for complaint.”