Gail Whyte
COMMUNITY
Then love the recently rescued Regal Community Theatre in Bathgate. Pete Sneddon has leased the theatre complex, renamed it “Reconnect Regal Theatre” and is pouring his considerable energies into making it once again the Hub of local artistic activities. Rooms and even the main Theatre itself are available for hire and upcoming are concerts and plays (facebook.com/ bathgateregaltheatre).
In the fold snuggles the Bathgate Regal Film Society, formed in 1999. Gail Whyte, the secretary, has been integral from day one. A former teacher and bookkeeper, Gail boasts a passion for film that started when she was toddling, with “Casablanca” her all-time favourite. She tells me that the society owns all its own modern equipment; membership costs £25 for the season or £5 per night.
As can be gleaned from the programme below, the seven-strong Committee favours Classics including foreign, Independents and Contemporary films. To cover costs, a minimum £200 take is vital. So the average attendance of 40 just about covers it while a rare maximum 80 provides a welcome surplus. Refreshments are available from the centre’s bar facility. This season opens with a deliberately selected light but topical film “Battle of the Sexes” about the tennis challenge between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. (Guess who won!)
There’s a truism - we only get the politicians we deserve but we also only get the community facilities we support. @KonectMagazines
Roger that! Play it again Sam. PROGRAMME:
Sept 5th - Battle of the Sexes Oct 3rd - The Death of Stalin Oct 31st - The Exorcist (Hallowe’en special) Nov 7th - Journey’s End Nov 21st - The Shape of Water Jan 9th - A Fantastic Woman Feb 6th - Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool Mar 6th - A Matter of Life and Death Apr 3rd - I, Tonya
All showings are at 7.30, all Wednesdays
Membership £25 including entry to all 8 films in the season. Guest tickets and Hallowe’en special £5. Enquiries and details from Gail Whyte (email: gail_whyte@hotmail.com)
A few miles across our breathtaking local countryside stands its architectural cousin, the Hippodrome cinema in Bo’ness. It shows a varied programme, from the current Blockbuster through live Opera and RSC Productions to Black and White classics. The feature is contributed by David Levin. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer. BATHGATE | 33
