The idea of forming a Film Club in Exminster followed a chance discussion at the Victory Hall. The Victory Hall Trust had just installed a new projector and screen (3m x 3m) providing the ideal time to maximise the use of these new facilities and the setting up of Exminster Film Club. The Directors of Exminster Long Table offered the Club the opportunity to apply for a grant and subsequently generously donated £250 to enable the Club to get started.
We have since been supported by Cllr Alan Connett through the Devon Locality Grant and Cllr Alison Foden through the Teignbridge District Council. We are very grateful for their support.
The organisation Cinema for All have also been very helpful in providing support and training. Exminster Parish Council had previously drawn up a community plan as a result of questionnaires circulated to all households. Residents highlighted the need for additional activities in the village and we hope the setting up of a Film Club will help to address this requirement. The Parish Council have subsequently allocated the Film Club a grant of £500 to help us through the difficult COVID-19 years.
We aim to extend the reach of cinema as an entertainment to the residents of Exminster and its surrounding rural areas.
Films will run from September – April with a membership fee of £28 for 8 films. Non-member entry on the door is £6. Membership application forms allow for members to list two films that they would like to be screened. Committee members will prepare a film programme based on members’ suggestions.
Screenings are scheduled to take place on the first Wednesday of each month at Exminster Victory Hall at 7:45p.m. – doors open 7.30p.m.
We plan to appeal to all ages in the community. We also aim to promote a safe and healthy environment for the elderly and lonely members of our community to enjoy what we have to offer and help address social isolation.
We are always keen for anyone who wants to help especially setting up or clearing away at the end of a screening. Please speak to a committee member on a screening night or email us at exminsterfilmclub@gmail.com.