Oklahoma! is the first film being shown at the Old Well Theatre in Moffat as part of a project being organised by the theatre in conjunction with St Andrews Church. The two organisations have come together in a bid to combat loneliness and isolation locally.
A grant has been received from the Church of Scotland GO FOR IT Fund to run both Moffat Matinee Movies and Moffat Movie Memories, two strands of the one project.
On a Wednesday afternoon each month Moffat Matinee Movies will screen old favourites, classic and Scottish films, with all in the community welcome to buy a ticket and attend.
Angela Brydson, who is the Annandale and Eskdale Presbytery deacon and one of the organisers, said “People enjoy seeing the films of their youth. There is an atmosphere in a theatre setting which encourages collective participation in an activity which leads to a sense of well-being and belonging among people who may have no other common bond except living in Moffat or being of a particular age.”
The Moffat Movie Memories sessions will be held monthly, the first one being held on Wednesday, 26th September, at 2pm in the theatre. These sessions will be led by volunteers from Alzheimer Scotland Dumfries branch.
They are open to anyone who feels they are having problems with their memory, or anyone who feels isolated at home and would like to come and have a chat, as well as Alzheimer sufferers and their carers. Movie memorabilia, quizzes and short film clips will be used to encourage conversation.
Norma Fears, a volunteer at the Old Well Theatre, said “A lot of groups have come together to co-operate on making these entertaining and worthwhile projects for the town. The Monday Well Being Club and the Friday Club at the Town Hall have been very supportive.”
There will be free transport using the Annandale Community Transport Services minibus for those who find it difficult to get out and about and the theatre bar will be open for refreshments and an opportunity to sit and have a chat.
Oklahoma! is being shown on Wednesday, 12th September, and a film of The Steamie from 1988 will be on screen on Wednesday, October 10th.
Tickets are available from Moffat TIC (01683 221210) or on the door. For more information contact Angela on 07543 796820 or Norma on 01683
220367 or 07804 656167. www.oldwelltheatre.co.uk
