A bit of Hollywood for parish hall

Films would be shown at Lancing Parish Hall and could accommodate up to 250 people. Picture: Stephen Goodger

Lancing Parish Council approved a proposal to set up an evening cinema to promote community spirit and bring residents together to enjoy films as the Luxor once did.

Movies would be shown on Mondays in Lancing Parish Hall, possibly starting with a one-off morning of children’s shows on a Saturday.

Marsh Barn councillor David Lambourne is leading the project, together with councillor Robin Monk.

“I have spoken to a lot of local people who want to go to the cinema but the journey is too far”, said Mr Lambourne, a keen cinema fan.

He thinks once news of the idea spreads there will be a lot of Lancing residents who will want to come.

“The Luxor is an iconic building and hasn’t shown films for 25 years.

“Unfortunately, the auditorium was demolished a few years ago.”

Prepared to contribute much of the necessary equipment himself, Mr Lambourne brought his film projector to the parish council meeting last Wedensday to show his colleagues in person how the idea could be achieved.

He plans to sign up to Filmbank, which loans films for public screenings outside of traditional cinema. The community cinema would have access to films not yet on DVD at reasonably low cost.

The parish hall would be able to seat up to 250 people, with profits going to the council and the community.

Mr Lambourne has also applied to Southern Water for a community grant for the project.

Widewater councillor Geoff Patmore was keen to get involved with the project. suggesting that the first screening take place on a Saturday and be aimed at children and their families.

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