A PROJECT that began with a small group of film lovers developed into a beloved community cinema that has stood proud for almost a decade in St Helens.
Back in 2013, the idea for a local film club started with Ann Shacklady Smith, who was inspired by the independent cinemas she had visited in the Lake District and New Zealand.
With no similar facilities in St Helens, Ann felt that the town was crying out for a film club or independent cinema, and began organising small screenings with 'Take 2 Films' at Cinema Bar on Duke Street, where film lovers could watch and discuss their favourite flicks.
However, as the bar did not have the capacity to regularly host screenings, the group began to look elsewhere and eventually agreed to take on the premises of a former church and offices on Corporation Street.
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The premises is now known as Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+, and has stayed true to its volunteer-led, community mantra since its launch in November 2014.
Ann, who has since emigrated to New Zealand with her partner, said: "The idea all along was to have a volunteer-led, independent cinemas that provided the films that you would not usually see elsewhere.
"There wasn't anywhere in St Helens that was offering something like this, and we wanted to provide independent, international, or classic films at affordable prices, in a welcoming environment where you could stay and discuss the film afterwards."
With a varied schedule of films screened every Friday night at Lucem House, the cinema also regularly offers private events for charities community organisations, disability groups, young families, and anyone who may struggle at mainstream cinemas.
The cinema has also focused on St Helens screenings such as 'Saints on Film' from the 1950s to 1970s and local producers such as Mike Clarke, and also offers space for performers and reading groups.
While a close bond has formed between the volunteers and customers over their love of film, Rose Davis admitted that it can be a challenge to maintain the building and attract regular custom.
Rose, one of the leading volunteers at Lucem House, said: "It can be difficult because you never really know how many people you're going to get through the door.
"Some weeks might be really busy and others really quiet, so we are constantly looking to expand our offer and provide private events to sustain the cinema.
"We are always looking to keep the ticket prices as affordable as possible, and improve our picture and sound, but this has been a challenge with the price of film licences and the building to maintain."
In spite of these challenges, Ann said she is proud of the community spirit that has persisted at Lucem House and the legacy the volunteers have created.
Ann added: "I think it is significant that we have survived for all this time and stayed open as a community resource when so many community services has been cut in recent years.
"Every volunteer has a different job and the work they do to provide a different film every week is amazing.
"I always receive a warm welcome when I come back and I think we are all really proud of the legacy that we have created."
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