Last picture show Saturday

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 566, 13 December 1994, Page 1

Last picture show Saturday

Saturday' s free market day film will mark the end of an era — the last picture show at Raetihi 's Royal Theatre. The building has been bought from the Thompson family by the Waimarino Youth & Fitness Trust Incorporated, to be converted to a gymnasium. The trust took possession of the property last Friday, with the proviso that two more free screenings would be held, one Saturday and one Wednesday. Trust representative Craig Ryland said the group planned to repaint the outside of the building, aiming to keep its original character. He said the small extension on top of the verandah which houses the projectors would probably be removed. Inside, the theatre will be transformed, though exact plans depend on funds still being applied for. Mr Ryland said the group was meeting with other community organisations, including the Town Hall Committee, to discuss combined efforts to provide "one big community thing". He said the group was pleased with their progress to date, having been in existence just two years. "We're really pleased we got ^ the building so cheap ," he said. They plan to move in after the new year. Firstupisthework U1 4 I to tidy up the A I I Outside of \|^ I ' t h e B B

building. He said paint has been donated by Levene's, mirrors by Winstone Glass and Smiths Glass. Theatre owner Bruce Thompson said he was pleased to see that the theatre was going to be available to the youth of the town. "I feel very sorry for the kids. They have enjoyed their movies," he said. Ironically, although movie attendances had been declining for decades, this year had been a record year for attendances at the matinee shows. "We had big audiences and the children were all well behaved." Mr Thompson said they had had plans to upgrade the 78-year-old building and bring back night time screenings, but continualvandalismhadputthem ^ off that decision. "Iwish the fitness trust all the best with their H)PEN I new venture," 7 DAYS he said.