BIG screen entertainment could be coming to a village hall lunch club near you following a trial run at Staindrop’s Scarth Hall.
Instead of tucking into their usual hearty meal and simply enjoying each other’s company, day club members in Staindrop were treated to an afternoon at the cinema – complete with popcorn and an ice-cream cone.
The group is part of the Heritage Lottery funded Association of Teesdale Day Clubs which organises lunches and events to combat rural isolation. Staindrop co-ordinator Carole Vayro explained: “This is a trial. If this works we will do it for other clubs.”
The idea came about after Ms Vayro was asked if a trip could be made to Darlington Hippodrome, as had been done in the past.
She said unfortunately, some of the elderly people were not well enough to join trips out of their area, so she decided the refurbished Scarth Hall’s cinema facility would be ideal for a new experience.
She said: “It’s just trying to do something different.”
The event kicked off with a bowl of soup for everyone, after which each received a picnic box packed with sandwiches, crisps, scones, cakes and biscuits.
Everyone received a Cadbury’s Creme Egg as well.
The popcorn and ice-cream was served up at the interval of the screening of Victoria and Abdul, featuring Dame Judi Dench.
Ms Vayro extended her thanks to Morris Race for helping organise the event.
She added that the day club is always looking for new members to join and for volunteers to help out.
Tracy Taylor, of the Association of Teesdale Day Clubs, said the cinema day had been a success and there has already been a request for a film featuring Doris Day.
Anyone interest can contact Teesdale Day Clubs on 01833 695822.
