Cinema puts village in the picture

9:35am Friday 29th August 2008

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BIG Screen entertainment has arrived in Ashton Keynes.

Volunteers at the village hall have set up a rural cinema scheme and bought a state-of-the-art projector, sound system and screen with the help of a grant from the Wootton Bassett and Cricklade are a committee.

Now the cinema has closed in Cirencester and the nearest is in Swindon there is a real need for a rural cinema.

Dave Sheppard, chairman of Ashton Keynes Village Hall Management Committee

The £4,728 project is expected to host eight screenings in the first year attracting more than 400 people.

Dave Sheppard, chairman of the village hall management committee said: "Now the cinema has closed in Cirencester and the nearest is in Swindon there is a real need for a rural cinema.

"Many local residents cannot travel to watch a film on the big screen due to a lack of transport. We will be providing the opportunity to see films right here in the village and will be showing a variety of films with something for all ages."

The area committee contributed almost £1,950 towards the cost. Chairman Chris Wannell added: "This is a fantastic and innovative project. I wish them every success and hope that local people support their rural cinema in Ashton Keynes."

The first movie "And When Did You Last See Your Father?" starring Jim Broadbent will be screened on Wednesday. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm and tickets are priced £3.50. Information on future programmes is available online at http://akvh.org.uk.