Lancing community cinema launch date set

The spirit of the 50's and 60's will be evoked at a community cinema launch which will recreate the Saturday morning pictures popular among Lancing children.

Mash Barn ward Councillor David Lambourne said the launch, which will be held on Saturday, December 10 from 10am to midday, would be a revival of the Luxor cinema, of which he has fond memories visiting as a child.

Lancing has not had a cinema since the iconic building was converted into a bingo hall in the 80s.

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Mr Lambourne said of the launch: “I think it’s going to go very well.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of people and they remember going to the Luxor and going to the Saturday morning pictures – it was quite common for children all over the country.”

A 4.8m electric screen will be installed in the 250-capacity Jubilee hall of the parish building. Original equipment salvaged from the Luxor by the councillor will be on display – including a sign board bearing the name of owners Shipman and King.

Entertainment will be provided by Max Miller look alike Bob Eaton, from the Max Miller Appreciation Society, before a children’s film is shown. Mr Lambourne hinted that a celebrity guest may also be there to open the event.

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A connected school project at The Seaside Primary School and The Globe Primary Academy is challenging pupils to design a cinema-inspired Christmas card design.

The winner will be announced at the launch and their design will feature on the council chair’s official Christmas card. All the pictures will put on display in the parish hall.

An optional homework reminiscence project is encouraging older pupils to speak with their grandparents or great grandparents about their memories of the Saturday morning pictures.

Following the launch, the community cinema will run for a trial period from January to April once a month on a Monday evening. Residents will vote for the film they want to see from a shortlist published online.

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An interval halfway through the film, will offer a chance to visit the bar and have a chat, which Mr Lambourne said will make it a real ‘community event.’

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