This is the original information we had on Major Middleton

Major Rupert CG Middleton, MC (1891-1962)

The Blue Flash Music Trust takes its name from the Blue Flash Company formed by Major Rupert CG Middleton, MC, (Adjt 4th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment.)

Rupert Middleton, was born in 1891 East Preston, Sussex. He was a member of the Inner Temple by 23. He volunteered and was made 2nd Lieutenant of the 4th btn of the Royal Sussex Regiment in 1914.

After the 1st World War, to provide employment for out of work musicians, Major Middleton and other members of the Royal Sussex Regiment formed The Blue Flash Company and created the Blue Flash Cinemas. The company built a couple of Blue Flash cinemas, one of which was built in Horsham in 1923 and was known as The Capitol, the other was in Shoreham. The cinemas in those days had rear projection so there was space in front and below the screen to allow for bands to play to accompany the films. The building was demolished in 1983 against much local opposition. The site is now occupied by Marks and Spencers.

He married local girl Gladys Etheridge on September 3rd 1928. Gladys and her sister Rita had staffed the Capitol box office. In the same year he and Gladys bought and moved into Gordon House in London Road, Horsham 1928, which they renamed
The Old House as pictured here,

It must have been very satisfying for Major Middleton to look out across from The Old House to the Capitol theatre; all that can be seen now is the back of Boots and Marks and Spencers!

They lived there until 1938 when they moved out of the Horsham area. Records show that he died in 1962 in Tonbridge Kent.

Records will be updated as and when we find more details about this remarkable man.

Crest of the Royal Sussex Regiment as it appears on the front of The Drill Hall.

The Trust was formed in 2002 making music more easily available to everyone. Permission was obtained from the Royal Sussex Regiment to name the Trust the Blue Flash Music Trust and thanks to the article below, from Brian Slyfield, published in the Horsham Society Newsletter, you can find out more about the background to the Blue Flash name. Additional information can be found just click on Julian Lloyd Webber/Patron At the bottom of that page there are details of the Trench Cello played by Harry Triggs of the Royal Sussex Regiment.

1930 Major Middleton and staff of the Capitol Theatre Horsham from the 4th Battalion the Royal Sussex Regiment in camp at Arundel. The photograph is courtesy of the Royal Sussex Regiment Museum Trust

CINEMA NEWS

Another attraction

   Foremost of interest in the entertainment world of Horsham is the fact that another great theatre has been built and duly opened-with great success.

   The Capitol in London Road is a building especially adapted both for the art of cinematography and for stage plays Not only is the theatre  correct in form and tone, but it is one that combines light, warmth, ventilation, unobstructed view, and an easy entrance with safe exits. The most up-to-date machinery has been installed so that the lighting and presentation of the picture may be as perfect as possible. All that modern science can effect has been provided with a view of leaving nothing undone that could contribute to the comfort and health of the audience.

   The directors of Horsham’s latest possession-the Capitol-are determined to present photo-plays of a standard worthy of the town of Horsham and its honoured traditions. They may be trusted to present a series of ever new and ever improving pictures, culled from the best markets of the world, and to show subjects of educational value, thereby affording entrainment and instruction to every class and ever age. One special feature is the orchestra of 15 (under the direction of Mr.A.S Yarnold) with music specially adapted to deepen the impression of the various scenes depicted on the screen.

   The auditorium is designed to serve the dual purpose of a Cinema or a Theatre . A good view can be obtained from all parts of the house. Luxurious seats covered in blue velvet are fitted throughout. All are numbered, and the grand circle and back stalls can be booked in advance. There are four excellent boxes seating three persons, or two can  be combined to seat six

Question: How is the quest for a blue plaque for the old Capitol Theatre progressing?

   Answer: Our proposal has met with approval from the management and the landlord of Swan Walk. We have also learnt that the committee of the Horsham Society support our proposal.

   In the meantime we have discovered from the Royal Sussex Regiment Museum Trust some interesting facts about the men of the 4th Battalion featured in the photograph above.

   The 4th Battalion was reformed as a Territorial Force unit after hostilities had ended in 1918, historically recruited from West Sussex. The photo was taken at their annual camp which took place in Arundel Park by kind permission of the Duke of Norfolk who was an ardent Patron of the 4th Battalion. The TA was made of people from all walks of life, which was why there were a high proportion of tradesmen and artisans in their ranks. This was an ideal platform and mix for the creation and building of the Capitol.

   The photograph above dates from 1930 and shows Major Middleton MC and bandsmen of the 4th Battalion who made up the staff of the Blue Flash Cinema Company that ran the Capitol Theatre, Horsham.

   A history of the early cinema in West Sussex describes the Blue Flash Company’s Capitol Theatre as ‘the inspiration’ of Major Middleton, and a testament to his inspiration is that it was the only cinema of that period that was designed as an Italian Villa, even a Spanish Hacienda, quite something for 1923 perhaps because Major Middleton saw military service in Gallipoli!

   It has to be said that sometimes Horsham tends to scrub its history in the interests of so called ‘progress’ without realising the unique nature of that history as the background to the old Capitol shows!

   The Trust will publicise how the quest is developing as things progress.