Daredevils line up to descend cinema Challengers aged eight to 80 in fundraising bid
The Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy will mark its five year anniversary next month.
The facility screened its first film in its rebuilt auditorium five years ago this Easter.
It was the end result of a massive community campaign to buy the venue, raise the money and bring back the iconic building from a sleepy games arcade to the place to go for the latest in entertainment.
To mark the milestone, the Birks cinema management has a dramatic climb down from the roof planned next month, when fundraising abseilers bounce down to street level from the cinema roof.
On Saturday, April 14 an intrepid group will take up the challenge with the support of local outdoor sports specialists Wee Adventures.
This unique opportunity - open to everyone aged eight and over will raise funds for a refresh of the auditorium and café bar.
The abseil event is one highlight of a five-star season of communityfocused activities and special screenings running throughout the year to celebrate bringing back big screen entertainment to Highland Perthshire and re-establishing The Birks Cinema as a community activity hub.
Already lined up to take part in the abseil is Breadalbane Academy primary pupil and outdoor activity fan, Jack Dimmock – who was thrilled to find his eighth birthday was in time for him to take up the challenge.
He’s now busy persuading older sister Beth and mum Claire to join him in the feat.
Also getting ready to scale The Birks Cinema is spirited local resident Margaret Jarvis - who is over 80 and last abseiled on her honeymoon over fifty years ago.
Margaret, who has also completed the London Marathon, said: “I’m up for the challenge as I really want to show my support for The Birks Cinema and I’m sure I can remember what to do.”
They will be in safe hands with the Wee Adventures team – Biscuit and Sarah Turner – who are generously donating their services and expertise along with volunteers, Dave Fowler and Dave Girling from Perth College UHI.
John Freeman, chair of The Birks Cinema Trust, said: “It’s been an incredible five years and we are so very proud of what the community has achieved in this time. We are taking the opportunity to celebrate and to spread the word about our special community venue.”
Anyone wanting to take part in the abseil event can visit https:// webcollect.org.uk/biscuiteering/ event/the-birks-cinema-abseil to find out more and book their place.
Instructor Biscuit Turner, School boy Jack Dimmock and OAP Margaret Jarvis