THE Pater Hall Community Trustees were delighted to be supported by over 20 cinema club volunteers and to welcome almost 100 excited attendees to the the first Pater Picture House screening: the hugely popular Toy Story 5.

It was a fantastic night! People from Pembroke Dock were joined by neighbours from Neyland, Pembroke, Monkton, Lamphey, Angle and Cosheston.

Councillor Tracy George, deputy mayor of Pembroke Dock, representing Pembroke Dock Town Council who had been one of sponsors assisting the project, opened the Pater Picture House along with Woody whilst thanking The Pater Hall Committee Trust for bringing an accessible and much needed cinema back into Pembroke Dock.

Fellow sponsors of the project Milford Haven Port Authority’s Communications and Marketing Director Anna Malloy attended; also in attendance were Jess Bickerton, CEO of PAVS, and Donna Davies representing the Bluestone Foundation.

Group of councillors, trustees, outside Pater Hall with Toy Story costume character Woody for launch of Pater Picture House
(Cllr Claire Francis-Boswell)

Having the large stocked refreshment and goodies bar open at affordable prices plus the family of four entrance at only £15 permitted many families to realise the full cinema experience, at their doorstep. The pay-on-the-door policy allowed all members of community to enter without the need to book online; paying by card or cash also removed any barriers to access.

The neighbourhood police team also called in to ensure Woody and friends all had a great time with their joining in the fun for community they know so well.

The fun started with videos showing local folk band The Bufferlanders - their historical storytelling music set the scene in the beautiful, historic Pater Hall. The main event went without any Toy Story mishaps and the children and adults alike had a wonderful evening.

Chair Margaret Hart was supported by all the Trustees with the volunteer lead Claire Francis-Boswell addressing the audience with thanks and information for all.

Being based in the heart of Pembroke Dock, the venue was perfect for many to attend by foot, train, bus or car, with the railway and bus station and car park all only five-minutes’ walk away.

Being set in a fully accessible building, offering quiet space and colouring facilities, the event supported all family members.

Audience inside Pater Hall for the launch of the Pater Picture House
(Cllr Michele Wiggins)

On leaving the Picture House so many happy faces were delighted with the sharing of the next two films: Devil Wears Prada 2 (12A) is screening on November 6, while Muppets Christmas Carol (U) is timed for straight after Santa’s lighting up of the town’s Christmas Tree on December 4.

2027 will bring three or more films each month with the volunteer Cinema Club video volunteers so excited to be operating a full size cinema within their community.

Councillor Michele Wiggins thanked all the volunteers who helped with the Pater Picture House showing, as well as the Pater Hall Trustees for bringing a cinema back to the town, and everyone who came and supported it.

Cinema signs hanging on the doors of the Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock
(Cllr Claire Francis-Boswell)

The Pater Hall website, paterhalltrust.co.uk, shares information upon the cinema screenings and the first cinema showing on Friday, October 16 showed what can happen within strong communities such as Pembroke Dock.