The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Cinema abseil will attract daredevils aged from eight to 83
Age will prove no barrier for special event as celebrations move into top gear
The age barrier will be smashed when an abseil down the outside of a Highland Perthshire cinema takes place next month.
Eight-year-old Jack Dimmock, a pupil at Breadalbane Academy and outdoor activity fan, will be joined by 83-year-old Aberfeldy resident Margaret Jarvis and a group of fundraisers when they scale the heights of the Birks Cinema in the town on April 14.
The abseil is open to anyone aged over eight and is being held to mark the cinema’s fifth anniversary and to raise funds for a refresh of the auditorium and café bar.
Support for the abseil adventure is coming from right across the community.
Jack is busy trying to persuade his sister, Beth, and mum, Claire, to join him in the feat while Mrs Jarvis said she is also looking forward to the event, having last abseiled on her honeymoon more than 50 years ago.
“I’m up for the challenge as I really want to show my support for the Birks Cinema and I am sure I can remember what to do,” she said.
The event is one highlight of a series of activities and special screenings running throughout the year to celebrate the return of big screen entertainment to Highland Perthshire.
John Freeman, chairman 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,” he added.
The cinema reopened in April 2013 as a community-owned venue after the empty, dilapidated 1930s Art Deco building on the town square was taken over and completely rebuilt inside.
Aberfeldy-born Hollywood actor Alan Cumming formally opened the cinema in November 2013.
Any fellow daredevils wishing to take part in the abseil should phone 01887 822845.
I’m up for the challenge as I really want to show my support for the Birks Cinema and I am sure I can remember what to do.
MARGARET JARVIS, 83