The Balerno Village Screen is up and running – we have our community cinema in Balerno. Thank you all for coming along and making it a fantastic afternoon and evening to remember! We had a fantastic night and it went way beyond all of our expectations. So, where to start….

Thanks to the team of volunteers the hall was ready by 2pm when the first members of the community arrived. The hall filled up nicely, the popcorn went down a storm and the show began. Pete Ross, the BBC reporter covering the day, surely picked up the massive positive community vibe that was happening. Hopefully this will feature in the two minute piece this Thursday.

The film ran without a hitch and there was a great round of applause at the end with a huge positive rating of the experience endorsed by our ‘technical’ voting system and by the healthy donations made by the audience of young and old. Following some quick turn arounds, the second show played to a full house of enthusiastic and generous punters. Yet more positive feedback was received from this audience and the hall was buzzing at the end.

The third show was possibly the best. Following some technical adjustments and the darker environment caused by it being night time, there seemed an even better feel about the place. The complimentary wine seemed to go down well and the audience was extremely appreciative in their good wishes and their donations.

Thanks to everyone who came to see the film. The success of this venture is dependent on the audiences turning up. The screenings of the Artist attracted more than two hundred and fifty (250) people. I think we can safely say our community cinema is off to a great start. The team of volunteers who have given their time to make this happen should feel justifiably proud of their efforts. Salutations to them all.

Martin Gemmell, Chair of Committee

Some pics below and there are more going on Facebook over the next couple of days.