CINEMA LAUNCH

A North Lanarkshire church has launched its own cinema, offering the local community the chance to watch films on a big screen for free.

‘Westflix’ was launched by Bellshill West Parish Church on March 13 with a short i lm, food, a presentation from the minister, the Rev Calum Stark, and live music by the church band. This was followed by the first i lm showing, The Greatest Showman.

Mr Stark explains: “We live in a town where there is no cinema, and you have to get to Hamilton or Coatbridge, and once you get there it’s so expensive. Plus we recognise going to the cinema can be quite stressful if you have got a toddler, or a child with additional support needs. Also, in our community we have got quite a number of people who feel isolated and alone, and we want to give them the opportunity to be part of something outwith their own four walls.”

The church has invested in a big screen and projector in the church hall, and has a programme of family films on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons, faith-related films on Sundays, classics such as Calamity Jane at ‘midweek matinees’ and a Star Wars night on, of course, May the Fourth.

Mr Stark is pictured (fifth from left) with church members at the launch of West flix.

For full details visit www.westchurchbellshill.org or search for Bellshill West on Facebook.