Film society needs help to remain alive

A DERBYSHIRE film society around for nearly 25 years is looking for help to keep it alive.

The Bakewell and Ashford Film Society (Bash) has been entertaining, inspiring and bringing the local community together for almost a quarter of a century, but ageing organisers and streaming culture threaten this dedicated group with closure, unless a new generation of film lovers can take up the baton by June.

The group needs the public’s help to save Bash, set up 24 years ago with the object of bringing the community together to watch interesting and independent British and foreign films.

A society spokesperson said: “Since it opened in 2000, with the advent of streaming services and other local film societies, not to mention the pandemic, it has seen its audiences decline.

“At the same time, its sprightly committee are now nearly all in their 70s, and five of the team of eight wish to retire in June.

“The club needs enthusiastic film lovers to take up the baton to ensure Bash continues to bring all ages together, showing great films at the Medway Centre in Bakewell.”

The hall is accessible for wheelchairs, and the club has a hearing loop, surround sound and display subtitles for most films.

The programmes run from September to June each year, showing a variety of films on the second Sunday of the month.

Each film is introduced by a member and the club also serves refreshments during an interval so members can mingle and discuss the film.

Members may borrow any film they have missed from a large library of DVDs and blu-rays.

If you would like to help BASH continue and/or have film interests or experience, contact secretary Joy Thrower on 07788192044 or joythrower@yahoo.com