The State of Cinema in Fleet

Ever fancied a night out at the pictures, but couldn't stomach the journey to Camberley or Woking? Fleet's Phyllis Tuckwell Cinema Club might just be the answer.

Screening a recent release every month, the Cinema Club is run by Phyllis Tuckwell Fleet Support, which raises money for Farnham's Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice through frequent events. 

As well as standing as an isolated bastion for local film buffs, the venture also has charitable clout, as all proceeds from screenings are donated to the Hospice.

The increased popularity of downloading over the last few years, coupled with the onslaught of the recession, has thrown down a particularly tricky gauntlet to local cinemas. 

However, according to the UK Film Industry's Statistical Yearbook for 2009, cinemas across the UK have rallied to the difficult climate, with attendance remaining largely unaffected. 

The unique combination of good taste and open mindedness often demonstrated by independent cinemas has allowed many to take the downturn in their stride, though those based in rural areas did feel the pinch more than others over the last year.

Steve Wiener, Chief Executive of national chain Cineworld, had previously commented that cinema is a largely 'recession-proof' business, and the statistics seem to agree as 2009 was recently declared the best year for bums on seats since 2002. Wiener's statement is also backed up by historical evidence suggesting that the escapism on offer at the movies is an ideal antidote to the downturn doldrums.   

For Fleet residents, the absence of a town cinema is nothing new; Hart District Council shelved plans for one in Fleet a few years back, and no new proposals have emerged since then. For as long as memory serves, the community has largely relied on neighbouring facilities.

In the local area, doubts over recent proposals for a cinema in Farnborough have thrown further shadow over the possibility of one being established in Fleet. The Chairman of Citygrove, a local development company, went as far as to suggest the area was 'overscreened'.

For movie-lovers in Fleet and the surrounding districts, it seems the Phyllis Tuckwell Cinema Club may be the only local option available for the foreseeable future.

The Cinema Club's next screening is taking place on March 9th at Fleet Methodist Church- you'll have to solve the cryptic clue to figure out which film it is. More details are available here, or from the poster above.