RAF dining hall to become a 'cosy community cinema'

5 hours ago

Charis Scott-HolmEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — Tom Smith said the venue had "been through a lot" since it was last in use

West Lindsey District Council A man with short, balding hair and glasses wearing a green tweed jacket and a neutral shirt. He is sitting on a chair, but has turned to face the camera, which is behind him. There is a large screen and red cinema curtains in the background. — Tom Smith said the venue had "been through a lot" since it was last in use

A disused Lincolnshire RAF dining hall is being turned into a cinema.

Astra in the Wolds will be in Brookenby, near Market Rasen, in a room that was part of the former RAF Binbrook.

Project co-director Mike Swanning said: "When it's up and running, the facility will provide a small, very cosy community cinema where people can enjoy films on the big screen with an excellent sound system, without needing to travel to Grimsby, Cleethorpes or Lincoln."

West Lindsey District Council grants totalling £13,500 have been made to help with the upgrade of the former sergeants' dining hall.

Ward councillor Tom Smith has allocated £500 of that money from his councillor initiative fund as "seed funding".

He said: "In Brookenby, this is the hub and there is no other place for community gatherings or community events, so it's important to support community spaces like these."

He added that he had a deep personal connection to the project as his late father served in the RAF.

Grant White, from West Lindsey District Council, said: "Projects like this are so important because they give people in rural areas a welcoming space to come together and enjoy a cinema experience without the cost and inconvenience of travelling further afield."

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