Harpenden Film Society to get new screen

Harpenden Film Society, which was set up in May last year and started screening its first season of films in September has been given a cash boost to help it deliver top notch films to the Harpenden public.

The Society, which has been warmly welcomed by Harpenden townsfolk, has in the region of 200 members, who contribute to the running costs of screening films at The Public Halls. Now, County Councillor Theresa Heritage, who represents Harpenden South West has awarded £3,055 from her locality budget to them to help purchase a professional standard screen and additional speakers. At the moment, the Film Society has to rent the equipment for screenings, which isn’t commercially viable. With it’s own equipment in place, the group expects to be able to reduce membership fees, currently priced at £30 for single membership and £50 for dual membership. The Society will also be able to increase the frequency of viewings, which will benefit the local community.

The Society was formed on a non-profit-making basis to provide an alternative entertainment option for Harpenden, which has pubs and restaurants but no local cinema.   It has developed links with local schools and hopes to be able to offer screenings to interested community groups such as local day services for people with disabilities.

Councillor Heritage said: “It’s wonderful to be able to help with the funds needed to set up a viable, independent, local cinema in Harpenden, which is being run very much with the interests of local people in mind. While it may be the case that digital video equipment at home has impacted on the cinema industry, the growing membership of the Society shows that people really do want a cinema that they can go to in the town and are keen to support it.  I wish the group every success with this community-spirited project.”

Are you a member or supporter of the Harpenden Film Society, what does this news mean to you?