Eighty years ago the Cross Hands Public Hall and Cinema was the very pinnacle of the community after being established by the Miners’ Welfare Institute.
The cinema meant so much to the hard-working colliers that they funded its weekly upkeep by donating a penny a week from their meagre pay packets.
Fast-forward to 2022 and the independent cinema is now facing a desperate fight for survival.
As energy prices continue to soar, the venue is currently spending more on bills than it’s takings in ticket sales.
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“Sadly the hall hasn’t been getting enough audiences for the films and even though we’ve had some excellent evenings, it simply isn’t enough to keep going," said cinema manager Tracy Thomas.
“And the upkeep is tremendous, between heating, lighting, cleaning, maintenance, insurance, health and safety, the list goes on and on.”
As a result, the committee has now decided to seek grant aid or alternative funding to enabling the cinema to remain open.
And the community is determined to do all it can to keep the cinema’s door opens.
A GoFundMe page has been set up and in just two days, £1,200 has already been donated by locals who are keen to see the cinema's fight for survival succeed.
But sadly, this is merely a drop in the ocean.
"The reason we’ve had to make an appeal is that we’re not getting the numbers through the door and while a cash injection would be great, what we really want is to attract more people to come along,” said Geoff Dawkins, the cinema’s treasurer.
"We run the cinema for the community, and rather than people watching films on a small screen, we'd love them to come and watch them on a big screen and be a part of that wider community."
Film lovers can watch the latest movies in the art deco surroundings from only £6 per ticket for adults and £3.50.
This Friday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday the new kids blockbuster, Minions: The Rise of Gru will be screened.
Manager Tracy added: “This beautiful hall has been the hub of society for nearly 90 years, with all those amazingly energetic andenthusiastic trustee committee members and volunteers who work in the shop, ticket booth, projector and marshalling.
“And we mustn’t forget all the regulars who visit and support the hall by coming to watch a film most weeks.
"If you can give anything, no matter how small, it will help us to keep our beautiful hall going.”
To visit the Gofundmepage, click https://www.gofundme.com/f/gelp-save-cross-hands-public-hall-cinema
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