After we posted a photo of the old Ritz cinema on Pier Hill earlier this week, Echo readers have been keen to have their say about the much-missed Art Deco cinema.

Our photo showed the cinema after it had just been turned into a Top Rank Bingo Club.

Echo: Norman Vaughan at the gala opening of the Ritz Bingo Club in Southend in September, 1972Norman Vaughan at the gala opening of the Ritz Bingo Club in Southend in September, 1972 (Image: Newsquest)

Well, here are some more photos of the day the Southend bingo club was opened by TV and radio star, Norman Vaughan.

Vaughan, who was known for being the host of Sunday Night at the London Palladium, as well as for being a regular on Larry Grayson’s Generation Game, was the VIP guest at the gala opening of the club in September, 1972.

Echo: Sightseeing - Norman takes in the Southend sea air on the seafrontSightseeing - Norman takes in the Southend sea air on the seafront (Image: Newsquest)

It looks as though while down in Southend the celebrity took the opportunity to explore as he is pictured on the seafront having a blast with a group of women. He even got to drive a boat in the estuary by the looks of it.

The bingo club marked a new chapter for the building, which had started out as the Ritz Cinema.

Echo: Time for fun - bingo buffs queue up to get into the new clubTime for fun - bingo buffs queue up to get into the new club (Image: Newsquest)

It had opened in February of 1935 and was known for its ornate decor and huge Conacher theatre organ which would be played before movie showings.

Southenders packed out the cinema in their droves but alas by the 1970s, the golden age of movie-going had come to an end and it was decided to give it a go as a bingo hall.

Echo: Cheers to a new chapter - Norman Vaughan and friends toast the opening of the bingo hallCheers to a new chapter - Norman Vaughan and friends toast the opening of the bingo hall (Image: Newsquest)

Echo readers have had plenty to say about the building on Facebook.

Brigette Macdonald said: “My mum used to play bingo in there.”

Echo: Thrilling ride - Norman drives a boat on the estuaryThrilling ride - Norman drives a boat on the estuary (Image: Newsquest)

Former Cliffs Pavilion general manager, Charles Mumford, added: “It was a beautiful building, it would have made a wonderful concert hall.”

Meanwhile Chris Jacobs said: “Beautiful venue, played bingo there. Nothing much to go to Southend for now.”

Echo: Party time - Norman gets into the party spirit at the openingParty time - Norman gets into the party spirit at the opening (Image: Newsquest)
Jeff Chapman stressed: “A beautiful Art Deco building, it should have been preserved.”

The bingo club only lasted until 1978 and by 1981 the death knell sounded for the building and it was demolished.