A village hall at Bayston Hill could be turned into a cinema providing regular entertainment if a pilot scheme proves a success with residents.
As part of the Parish Plan, run by Bayston Hill Parish Council, which consulted local people on what they would like improved in the village – it revealed “overwhelmingly” that residents wanted somewhere to watch movies in a local cinema.
After responding to the call from the community Bayston Hill Memorial Hall will now run a three month pilot until December where a different movie will be shown every month.
If the turnout matches the initial consultation response from villagers then the Parish Council will look at making the move permanent – with local organisation Flicks in the Sticks putting on the events.
It is the first time a cinema initiative has been trialled in Bayston Hill and council bosses as well as the Memorial Hall committee are now hoping to pack the venue out – which holds up to 180 people.
The first event will see blockbuster Avatar screened on Saturday, October 9, with tickets available for £4 from the Lyth Hill general store or Deli 5 on the high street.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo will be shown on November 13 and finally on December 11 Invictus will wow the crowds.
Allan Caswell, committee chairman, said: “This is the first time anything like this has ever been done in Bayston Hill so it’s completely unique to us and quite exciting really.
“We have been asked by many residents and now we are responding to these requests. It will depend on support whether it carries on – but we do intend to make it a regular thing – so we would urge everybody to come along.”
Proceeds made from ticket sales will be reinvested into the Memorial renovation fund, which is fundraising to improve facilities at the village hall, currently hosting a number of groups including the parish council.
Their next project is to upgrade the toilets, heating system and lighting and to expand storage capacity in a campaign drive thought to cost around £70,000.
For more information about the pilot visit www.artsalive.co.uk/venue.aspx?id=279.
By David Seadon