Sunday 19 July saw us screen our final film before a well-earned six-week summer break for our hard-working Volunteers.

Before the film, however, we had an important milestone to celebrate – Jenny’s 50th appearance as a Volunteer. She becomes the 21st member of our team to reach that impressive total.

Jenny first came to Billericay Community Cinema as a guest, before beginning her Volunteer journey at The Ladykillers in 2022. She has since become one of our kitchen stalwarts and, vitally, one of our three wonderful cake bakers.

Jenny explained what she enjoys about volunteering:

“I enjoy baking the traditional cakes and knowing that I’ve helped make someone’s afternoon. I like the kitchen atmosphere and often get to speak to audience members – especially people I got to know when I was also in the audience.

“It’s a feel-good moment where I know I’ve helped make a difference to someone’s life. I’ve also met some great people who feel the same and turn out film after film. Love it!”

The film itself, Support Your Local Sheriff!, was one of this season’s more adventurous choices.

Some films are almost certain to appeal to a large audience and be enjoyed by most of those who attend. But we do not want to play safe all the time – and comedy is perhaps the most subjective genre of all.

The feedback scores certainly reflected that. Most were high, although one audience member awarded the film a 4 and two gave it a 5, so it clearly did not quite hit the mark for everyone. However, this is one of the key pleasures of community cinema – giving films a try that you might not otherwise have chosen. Sometimes they are not your cup of tea, but sometimes you discover a gem.

One guest summed it up rather well:

“Not my choice if it came up again, but it doesn’t matter because it was so enjoyable.”

For most of the room, however, the steady chuckling throughout the film told its own story.

Several guests were delighted to rediscover it:

“Forgot how silly and funny it is.”

Others were seeing it for the first time:

“A good fun film that I’m glad to have finally seen.”

James Garner received plenty of praise too, with one guest describing it as:

“Another of James Garner’s brilliant films.”

Naturally, the refreshments attracted their own reviews. The cowboy cupcakes were a particular success, while the gold rush cake and ginger cake also received enthusiastic approval.

So, after celebrating Jenny’s 50th appearance, enjoying a gloriously silly Western and consuming a respectable quantity of cake, we have reached our summer interval.

Thank you to everyone who has joined us during the first half of the year – and especially to our wonderful Volunteers who make every screening possible.