Magical cinema and a special connection
Four nights of outdoor cinema screenings return to Stubbings Estate this month, including a special event celebrating a Maidenhead hero.
Kicking off the Walled Garden Cinema is the critically acclaimed One Life, telling the true story of Sir Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton.
Known for organising the rescue of 669 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia in 1939, the film starring Anthony Hopkins is based on the biography written by Sir Nicholas’ daughter Barbara.
Sir Nicholas and his wife Grete lived in Maidenhead for much of their married life where they raised three children and a statue commemorates him at Maidenhead train station. Sir Nicholas died in 2015 aged 106.
Current owners of Stubbings
House, Dudley and Janine Good recalled when Sir Nicholas Winton visited the house and said:
“This is a very special event for us because Sir Nicholas attended two opera performances at Stubbings and had a real love for music. We were also honoured to be able to host him for dinner in the main house during his visit. He is a local hero and the family remember his visit well.
“He was a very modest man, appreciative, shy and extremely kind. We think the film depicts him perfectly.”
One Life is being screened in the Walled Garden on Thursday, April 25.
The Stubbings Estate has hosted outdoor movie screenings for many years but is doing things slightly differently this year.
Event Manager, Andrea O’Hagan said: “We have listened to our customers and understand that the inconsistent British weather can put people off booking their tickets. It is always tricky because forecasts change and we want everyone to enjoy the experience.
“We have moved the cinema inside our Walled Garden this year so that we can serve food & drink from our café. All tickets include hot food and there are snacks and drinks to buy on the night. This means we can provide a choice of refreshments chilled prosecco to steaming hot chocolates.
“We have also added a ‘rainy weather guarantee’ which means that if it is forecast to rain heavily, we will postpone the screening and allow ticket holders to change to the new date or one of the other scheduled films if there is space.
“We will use the Met Office to help us decide if it is light or sustained heavy rain but we will try not to postpone if it is looking like a little passing drizzle.”
Attendees are encouraged to make the most of the longer evenings by bringing chairs, beanbags or picnic blankets for the intimate outdoor cinema experience.
Every ticket includes a jacket potato with a choice of fillings, and the Glasshouse Café will sell a range of snacks and drinks including barista coffee, wine, beer, ice creams and popcorn.
Access to the venue is via the Nursery entrance with doors opening at 7pm and the film starting at sunset or approximately 8.40pm.
Visit stubbingsnursery.co.uk for tickets.