St. George's Hall

Today started off fair but then the poor weather resumed after lunch. This building is near my work and is right on the sea-front. Here is a bit of history about it.
St George's Hall was built in 1909, constructed from a saw-mill which was on the site previously. It was built to cater for the growing demand for roller-skating which was a popular pastime in those days. Although the entrance as seen is quite small, it opened into a vast hall, able to hold 2500 people. There were two rinks, one being for the benefit of beginners. It opened on Christmas Eve 1909, was decorated with 400 flags and had an orchestra playing to a crowded floor.
After 4 years, the hall was taken over for the duration of the 1st world war and was used for packaging cigarettes to send to the troops. Following the war skating resumed, plus dances and other functions. In 1921 King George and Queen Mary came to the island and visited the hall which was packed full of ladies and gentlemen dressed in all their finery.
In the 2nd world war the Germans made use of the hall for dances and later it was used as a storage depot for the red cross.
After 1945 the public again were again able to don their skates. The hall was also used for trade shows, roller hockey, an eisteddfod and even ice skating. The Queen visited it in 1957 as it was the largest entertainment venue at that time.
In the 1960s the Beatles and Rolling Stones played there, but the end was in sight for the building. Other entertainment venues for youngsters caused its demise and it finally closed in 1966.
Since then it has been converted into a number of business units although the original front facade remains.