Brampton is a small market town in Cumbria, near Hadrian’s Wall and services the surrounding rural district.

In the summer of 2007, volunteers at Brampton Community Centre initiated research, which identified a local community need for some kind of club or society, designed to bring movies to the town, which is some 9 miles from the nearest cinema. Brampton Parish Council generously provided £250, thus allowing a Steering Group to pursue the idea.

On 29 November 2007, an inaugural meeting was held at Brampton Community Centre, which included a screening of the comedy film Stranger Than Fiction. The audience agreed to formulate the club. More than 50 people joined that evening and voted in a committee.

A selection sub-committee now identifies a programme of six films for each half year, although other films, over and above the published programme are also shown at intervals. Pamphlets and fliers are published and circulated in Brampton and the surrounding villages, advertising the films and inviting further membership.

The evident public enthusiasm for the project, led the Brampton and District Neighbourhood Forum, to make a grant of £500 towards running costs.

By August 2008, the club had grown to more than 165 members, with people coming mainly from the Brampton area but with some from as far off as Haltwhistle, Gretna and even Keswick.

The committee endeavours to bring a variety of films to its members, who are frequently canvassed for ideas as to how their club should progress.

Generally, the club does allow the admittance of non-members, who pay a higher admittance fee. Being a member provides the opportunity to see films for less than £4.00 per seat over the year (or half year).

The club will facilitate events for other groups e.g. charities. A minimum standard fee is chargeable but profits from such events may be donated to the group involved.

The club has been most encouraged by receiving a grant of £10,000 from the National Lottery Fund, through the organisation known as Awards for All. With this money, the club has purchased its own projection equipment, which will allow it much more flexibility in programming. It is anticipated that, with the support of members, programmes and the variety of genres will be extended.

Wherever possible, club members are kept in touch with club activities and events by email and through the website but for those who do not use the Internet, a brochure is provided in the foyer at Brampton Community Centre. The brochure is constantly updated and provides useful information to members and visitors.

The club may be contacted by email, or by telephoning Brampton Community Centre on 016977 45023.

movies for local people