SUNSHINE ON BILLERICAY (well… almost)

It rained when people arrived and was dry when they left – so maybe not quite Sunshine on Leith weather, but the warmth inside more than made up for it.

“I didn’t know anything about the film – but I really enjoyed it.”

That’s exactly the kind of comment community cinemas love: someone comes along on trust, not for a specific title, and still has a good time. And at just £4 a ticket – with eight homemade cakes and good company – it’s a safe gamble.

First-time visitors made our day

“Our first visit. Won’t be the last. Impressed.”
“First timer. Loved everything – will definitely come back.”

Thank you – and we loved having you!

Cake feedback was… predictable

“Cake absolutely delicious!”
“Please thank the Volunteers.”
“Sunshine Cake was to die for!”

Huge thanks to bakers Wendy, Jenny and Jo – 71 slices vanished (only 12 by Volunteers, allegedly…).

And thank you to the rest of the team: Spencer, Alison, Mark W., Sarah, Nick, Ken, David, Chris, Paul, Martin, Mark V., Jo and Adam.

Film response

“Most enjoyable film of the year – brilliant use of Proclaimers songs.”
“A wonderful and joyous film.”
“Edinburgh was one of the stars – beautiful views.”

Personally, as someone who hadn’t seen it, I found myself tapping my feet and enjoying the laughter from the front rows more than once.

We had 58 in the room (from 71 tickets) – not bad considering it was pouring when the doors opened.

Congratulations!

Congratulations – and our thanks – to Nick who has achieved the milestone of 50 Volunteering sessions. Yes, he’s sat through 50 films – but more importantly he’s been involved in the setup, running and pack-away of those 50 films, all designed to make our customers’ experience as enjoyable as possible. Thanks Nick, we couldn’t do it without you.

Fundraising update

It looks like we have raised around £178 from this screening:
Half goes to the Billericay Good Companions Club.
The remainder was audience-voted: 47% Mill Meadows and 53% Norsey Woods.

Running totals now stand at:

• Norsey Woods: £249.83

• Mill Meadows: £238.12
  with three films still to come.

P.S. Questions people asked on Sunday

Induction Loop – We use a standard system (as in banks/Post Offices). It is active once the amp is on, so you should hear background music before the film. Whether your hearing aid picks it up depends on model/settings; your audiologist can confirm how to enable the “T”/loop mode.

Children’s Sunday Cinema – These ran in the Library pre-Covid. After reopening we prioritised adult Sunday Matinees to support people who had become isolated, and they have proved hugely valued. Logistically we no longer have the bean bags or storage, and adding a third screening stream would be beyond what Volunteers can realistically sustain.