After three years of campaigning the David Lean Cinema is showing films back in its spiritual home.
The Save the David Lean Cinema campaign began in April 2011 after cuts to the arts budget.
But after three years in the wilderness which included screenings at Fairfield Halls and the Spread Eagle pub the 68-seat cinema is to re-open in the Croydon Clocktower.
The first screening of Basically, Johnny Moped, the story of Croydon’s lost legend of punk rock, will take place on March 27.
It will be followed by a question and answer session with director of the film Fred Burns, Johnny Moped and guitarist Captain Sensible.
There are more than 900 members of the campaign, which was commended at the Croydon Guardian Champions Awards.
After negotiations with the council the campaign announced a major breakthrough which will see them hold weekly screenings staffed by volunteers.
The campaign presented over 60 films over the last three years, mainly in the Spread Eagle pub, but also at other venues such as the Fairfield Halls.
Campaign chairman Adrian Winchester said: “This represents the culmination of an enormous amount of work by our committee.
“The David Lean isn’t fully reopening yet, but our screenings will be an important step forward and we hope to expand the programme in future.”
He added: “We appreciate the council’s willingness to collaborate with us and we particularly thank facilities, Interserve and community partnerships staff for their help and enthusiasm.
“Everyone clearly wants this venture to succeed.”
For more information about the David Lean email davidlean@gmail.com or phone 02086560168.
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