‘Grand as owt!’ – a lovely comment made by an audience member after the movie matinee of Singing in the Rain’ – a unique event organised as part of our Social Prescribing project by L4A and Friends of Evington.
Fun and fond memories were shared by 40 delighted film lovers enjoying this ‘feel good’ classic at Evington Park House, and in all of its technicolour glory! With a mobile film unit hired from the Phoenix Theatre- a huge 10 foot screen, high definition film stock and quality ‘surround sound’ the Panel Room was transformed into a comfy cinema for the afternoon.
The idea for this special screening was inspired by Lionel Oakley, a participant on L4A’s Social Prescribing Project whose love of film he shared with his dear late wife Joyce. Lionel recalls “ ‘Whilst courting we regularly went to the pictures (or ‘the flicks’ as we sometimes called them) because back in our day that’s how we entertained ourselves. Once, after watching ‘Singing in the Rain’ at the Odeon in town we walked home up the High Street. It had been raining heavily that evening so with careless abandon we splashed in the puddles, dancing and laughing all the way at our own, funny renditions of songs from the film. It was a beautiful moment and one that I still cherish to this day.’
‘It’s been an honour to share my love of film with friends and neighbours, bringing the cinema to our doorstep for everyone in the local community to enjoy. I was pleased as punch with the turnout and I’d love to do this again. I’m sure with Anita’s help we’ll be able to make this happen. ‘What a Glorious Feeling’ that would be!’
And we will! L4A’s Social Prescribing Project hopes to work in partnership with the Downing Drive Patient Group to plan another exciting social event soon.
To find out more please contact L4A Project Coordinator Anita Barrand on 07964 091693 or email Anita.Barrand@l4a.org.