Aberfeldy’s community cinema is urging the public to respond to a fundraising drive to save the venue from being forced to shut.
The Trustees of The Birks Cinema Trust launched an appeal to raise £25,000 from community donations and over 200 local people have responded to the ‘Save our Community Hub and Cinema’ campaign.
The appeal comes after it was revealed that 10 years into being a favourite town meeting place, The Birks was struggling financially.
“Our journey out of the pandemic continues to be a struggle and we now need your help,” the online appeal explained.
“As a community owned, social enterprise we must rely on the ongoing generosity of those who can afford to donate. Every donation will make a vital difference.
“Your gift will help to sustain our cultural and community activities and events. This includes relaxed and dementia friendly screenings, live broadcasts, independent films, as well as providing a place in which we can continue to create opportunities for our volunteers and help many community groups to thrive.”
Acting chair of the trustees Brett DeWoody recently described how a “perfect storm” threatened to engulf the Highland Perthshire town’s 104-seat cinema.
He begged the local community in Highland Perthshire not to take the independent film facility for granted.
“We are really facing a perfect storm of factors,” said Mr DeWoody.
“Worldwide, crowds have not returned to cinemas after Covid-19. Generally speaking, cinema custom is 25 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.
“When less people come to see films, it means we see less people in the cafe bar.
“May and June are historically slow periods and on top of this, in 2023 we had outstandingly good weather. That’s not conducive for coming to watch a film.
“Add to that the lack of obvious blockbusters to draw people in, then there is the cost of living crisis which hit us hard with the need to cover soaring costs like electricity, food prices and labour.
“The cost of living crisis has also meant people are watching their spending.”
Brett DeWoody told the PA that The Birks Cinema was watching weekly figures. “There is real potential for us to need to close the doors,” he warned.
The public campaign was launched three weeks ago. He reported that there had been “strong support” and the community was “rallying” to protect the picture house, which is considered to be a huge community asset beyond the film projection.
Three weeks in, and donations are up to £21,400 and this has helped take the immediate pressure off. Additionally £1,550 has come in from three offline donors.
Customers are also returning after staying outside in the three weeks of sunny weather in early June.
“We are grateful to the public response,” Mr DeWoody continued.
“The £21,400 raised – 85 per cent of our immediate target – from local supporters has the benefit of having no strings attached. We can deploy the money to pay bills immediately.
“I’m glad to say people are saying ‘we can’t afford to lose The Birks’.
“We had a successful meeting of the Birks Cinema Trust on June 16, an amazing 50 people including MSP John Swinney turned up and gave their time on a sunny afternoon.
“They helped enormously by filling out a feedback survey that will help us go forward effectively.
“Additionally the alarm about the cinema’s situation has seen an improvement in attendance.
“The opening of the Indiana Jones film this week is very welcome, it may save the day.
“I’m glad to report that we have gone from very concerning losses to zero.”
The Birks Cinema chief executive Giles Conisbee resigned several weeks ago and Mr DeWoody explained that the CEO’s duties had been delegated.
He also said the community cinema had “struggled with multiple tiers of management”.
He added: “We ask that as many people as possible act and become members of the Birks Cinema Trust.
“The membership costs £30 and can be higher if you wish. It gives you a right to vote at the AGM. That membership is valuable to us as it is a reoccurring revenue.”
Anyone interested in becoming a member, a link is at https://birkscinema.co.uk/the-trust/donate/subscribe/
