Children's summer films as Shoreham's Ropetackle reopens its doors

The full programme of music and comedy remains a little way off, but the venue has confirmed it will be offering a summer programme of films for children.

Nicky Thornton, marketing manager, said: “As the country begins to open up again, Ropetackle is delighted to present a children’s programme for August to help keep the little ones entertained and inspired during the summer holidays.

“While the usually bustling centre is not able to offer any live shows for the moment, it can open as a cinema and its dedicated volunteer film committee have leapt into action to present six family-friendly films.

“From August 4-21, there will be feature films on Tuesdays for families, and toddler films on Friday mornings for the under-fives.

“In line with social distancing guidelines, there will be up to 60 tickets available for each performance and a clear system in place to keep everyone safe.

“In readiness for opening its doors, the venue will not only have had a COVID-proof deep clean, but a comprehensive set of safeguarding measures will also have been implemented, ensuring all of the relevant guidance is complied with.”

Anne Hodgson, of the Ropetackle Trust and a former deputy headteacher, has been keen to set this up so that children can return to normal life as safely as possible.

“The lockdown and subsequent missing of school will have been really hard for children, who thrive on learning and being with others,” she says.

“It is also really important for families to go out and do things together.

“Seeing a film on the big screen is a fun, shared experience.

“I am really hoping when people see that we have the proper measures in place for everyone to be safe, they will come along.”

Martin Allen, chairman of the trust, added: “We are treading carefully as a venue. Although we aren’t able to fully function with live events, the fact we can still entertain the community and give them a full cinema experience is something we are really happy about.

“It’s been a long time for families to be cooped up at home so I am sure they will welcome the opportunity to get out for an hour or two!”

The August programme is as follows:

Tuesday, August 4, 2pm – Trolls World Tour – 90 mins, Cert U. £4 per person

Friday, August 7, 11am – My First Cinema: Messy Goes to Okido – All About the Senses 30 mins, £3 per adult and child (extra adult or child £3 each)

Tuesday, August 11, 2pm – The Secret Life of Pets 2 – 86 mins, Cert U. £4 per person

Tuesday, August 18, 2pm - Abominable – 97 mins, Cert U . £4 per person

Friday, August 21, 11am – My First Cinema: Tractor Ted – Munchy Crunchy and other stories. 30 mins, £3 per adult and child (extra adult or child £3 each)

Tuesday, August 25, 2pm – The Red Turtle – £4 per person.

Tickets are available online at: www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk or can be bought at the centre on the day subject to availability.

A summary of the risk assessment guidelines will be published in full on the Ropetackle website from Monday, July 21.

Former Chichester Festival Theatre boss sums up the state of play

Negotiating the new art world post-lockdown

Loxwood Drive-In Movies - great night out and great organisation

Why running is my lockdown release

We'll Meet Again will be Virtual Festival of Chichester finale

Lockdown Laughs 4 Parents switches online for comedy in your own home

Why walking is what we all need at the moment - especially in glorious Sussex

Chichester orchestra records its own lockdown song

Coronavirus: top ten tips for boredom-busting during quarantine

Singer and pianist Joe Stilgoe live-streams daily message of hope during the coronavirus crisis

*************

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.

Gary Shipton

Editorial Director