Woolwich and Charlton Film Festival hosts FREE astronomy and sci-fi movie night for the public
THE FREE outdoor cinema experience was hosted in Greenwich’s
only Victorian military church ruin, St George’s Garrison Church.
Drawing out dozens of members of the community from Greenwich
and Bexley.
Locals came last weekend to support the trust, as well as to enjoy the unique cinema experience in a “beautiful and memorable venue”.
The film was projected on a huge white screen set up by local volunteers of both the Woolwich Garrison Church Trust and the Woolwich and Charlton Film Festival group.
Litter activist, Anji Petersen, 46, from Plumstead, often participates in community events and said she and her friend came to “enjoy the film and the atmosphere” but also to “support the local Woolwich Garrison Church Trust.”
She said: “It’s great to give back to the local community and all of the donations go towards the upkeep of the church, which I think is brilliant.”
The 158 year old building needed restauration, after it was bombed in World War I and World War II, when a flying bomb caused a fire that destroyed much of its interior.
Tim Barrnes, Chairman of the Woolwich Garrison Trust, who leads the up-keep of the church, spoke of restoration that has been done to be able to host community events.
He said: “The canopy was paid for a few years back by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which was the start of renovations to modernise the site enough to begin hosting events for the public”.
To make the experience that much more special, telescopes were
available for the public to gaze into the night sky, provided by
the Flamsteed Astronomy Society.
Dean Leggett, Treasurer of the Charlton and Woolwich Film Festival
said participating in the festival as a volunteer is “great way to make
new friends” and encourages others to take part.
Entertaining families this weekend was the 2021 sci-fi adventure film Dune, staring Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson.
Dune was the last film to be shown this summer, concluding
the Charlton and Woolwich film Festival 2022.
However, the festival will be back next year, if you’d like to volunteer
you can apply online via the link: get-involved
If you’d like to visit the St George’s is open every Sunday, 10.00am to 4:00pm from April to September, 10:00am to 1:00pm October to March.
