“The most enjoyable film of the year. (11/10 for the script and actors)”

“Wonderful film and 11/10 for Volunteers, cream tea and lanterns !”

 

Sometimes there are film afternoon or evenings which seem particularly special, and our Sunday Matinee screening of “Downton Abbey” surely must qualify for that accolade. 

 

“Downton Abbey – A New Era” proved a very popular film choice. Tickets for the Sunday Matinee were quickly taken and we sold out a month ahead. There are always a few people who can’t attend through illness, holiday or perhaps a better offer (surely not !) so we do oversell on occasion, but knowing where to draw the line is difficult. Tickets were limited to 72 and we saw 65 turning up to see the film. We could possibly have squeezed another 3 or 4 in – but that would have been the limit and it was a very busy afternoon for our Volunteers. There were a few differing view about the film but the majority really enjoyed it giving it an average 9.5 from our feedback forms. Clearly the afternoon overall hit the spot, and thank you for the average score of 9.9. 

 

“Another brilliant afternoon with BCC. Thank you for all you do !”

 

 

 

Firstly congratulations and thanks to Volunteer Paul who, having first volunteered at “The Maltese Falcon” just over 6 years ago, notched up an incredible 75 Volunteer stints. Having contributed something like 330 hours of Volunteering effort he officially becomes the 9th member of the 75 Club. Well done Paul !!!

“Lovely film and really loved the scones, cream and jam. Such a good afternoon. “

 

 

This matinee featured a couple of little changes. We decided to have a “cream tea” featuring a scone, jam and clotted cream, something that seemed eminently suitable for Downton Abbey ! Thank you to Paula and Jackie who planned it all with military precision even spending an hour or so first thing on Sunday putting the cream and jam in individual pots. Judging by the feedback it was a huge success!

 

 

We also have to say a huge thanks to Waitrose Billericay for very kindly donating 40 scones and a pot of jam. After buying our own (from Waitrose, naturally !) we ended up with 72 plain, fruit and gluten free teas – with just a single portion left over at the end ! 

 

 

Next up, you can’t have missed the beautiful table decorations. Hand decorated glass jars by Jo, our “artist in residence” –  with lovely little lights inside that could be taken away at the end of the evening. 

 

 

“I loved the pretty glass table decorations and appreciated the smart looking men in suits.”

“Cream tea was a perfect accompaniment to the film – particularly when served by formally dressed “butlers” 🙂

 

 

Some of our Volunteers took the opportunity presented by the screening to dress up in their best “below stairs” costumes

 

 

And of course thanks to our 17 superb Volunteers: Dylan, Jamie, Paula W, Mark W, Jenny, Nick, Ken, Jackie, David, Chris, Paul, Paula H, Martin, Mark H, Mark V, Jo and Adam

 

WELCOME

 

Two Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award students joined us on Sunday. Jamie supported us at 3 Sunday Matinees earlier this year as part of his Bronze Award and we’re delighted that he has returned, bringing with him his friend Dylan. Welcome to you both. 

 

QUIZ

 

We did something a little different by having a Downton Abbey themed quiz that guests could complete as they waited. We weren’t sure just how up on Downton Factology people would be – but congratulations to the winning table who got a score of 9 out of 10. They each received vouchers for either a cuppa and slice of cake at a Sunday Matinee or a drink of their choice at a Thursday evening film. 

 

 

And here’s the rest of the feedback… 

Excellent all round on this occasion. A serviette would have been welcome. (Ed: Sorry about that, you should have been given one 🙁 )

Delightful film and afternoon. Thank you

Wonderful film + lovely cream tea. Well done again 

Excellent all round

Thank you to all the helpers.  Well done. I’m looking forward to the Xmas film. Might wear my Xmas jumper !

A very good film

Wholesome !! So enjoyable. Thank you. X

Loved the scones, the quiz and the film. Thank you

Lovely afternoon. Great film. Enjoyed tea and scones. Thank you

This was the first Sunday film we have been to. Loved the scones. Thanks to all the Volunteers who make the experience so good. 

Very good

Bought 2 friends who haven’t been beforehand they were delighted. 

Please thank the volunteers

First attendance @ Sunday Matinee. Loved the ambience. Shame the plot wasn’t as good ! 

More Maggie please (Ed: No problem – we’ve “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” in February, and then in March “The Miracle Club”. )

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