Text 1: The screen that brought Friday nights back to Merefield, by Bethan Cole

An original contemporary newspaper article.

When the old railway store in Merefield became a small cinema last spring, residents no longer needed to travel by bus to the nearest town to see a film. The 48-seat room shows films twice a week, with tickets costing £3.50. On Wednesdays, the volunteer team runs a free afternoon screening for older residents who find it hard to go out in the evening.

The project began when local residents raised money to fit out the empty building. “We wanted somewhere people could meet without having to buy a meal,” said organiser Nia Lewis. After each Friday screening, some audience members stay for tea and a chat. “I know more people on my street now,” said one regular visitor.

Text 2: A new picture-house for Brackenford, by A Correspondent

An original newspaper report set in 1928; a period simulation, not an archival document.

This report describes the opening of a picture-house in a small mill town.

The Brackenford Picture-House opened its doors on Saturday evening, and every seat was occupied before the first reel had been shown. Until now, those wishing to see a moving picture have had to make the journey to the larger town, a distance which many families could not afford to travel.

The new building holds 220 people, and admission has been set at sixpence for adults and threepence for children. The manager intends to show a family programme each Saturday afternoon. A reading room beside the entrance is to remain open during the day, where local people may meet and read the newspapers. Several townspeople at the opening said they were pleased to have a place where neighbours could gather, rather than each household spending the evening alone.