 |
||
 |
 |
 |
|
|
||
|
|
|
North Eastern Weekend Tour 2001Forty members and partners travelled in a convoy of cars over the two days. Apart from the spectacular scenery enjoyed in sunny autumn weather there was a good deal of camaraderie experienced. The social highlight was the group dinner at the very smart Mansfield Hotel with ad hoc entertainment provided by our very own 'resident' accomplished pianists, Kevin Adams and treasurer Barrie Wraith. Members were both surprised and delighted to hear these two very professional musicians perform in a pub setting. Over the weekend a number of very interesting halls and cinemas were inspected, a few still operating, but most sadly not. The first stop for the early risers was at the two level Healesville Cinema. Located in the 1923 Healesville Memorial Hall, the cinema features a wonderful polished wood ticket box in the entrance vestibule, and currently seats around 300 in the flat-floored stalls and another 50 or so in the small balcony. Being a multi-purpose hall, the cinema screen is on a motorized roller for easy storage when the stage is required. Member Brian Luscombe has operated the cinema since the 1980s and has a long career in the industry which began in 1956 at the Geelong Theatre (now Village 11). Next stop was Alexandra, although en route, a couple of intrepid enthusiasts sped off for a quick, unplanned inspection of the Eildon Theatre (closed 1973). Dating back to 1881, the beautiful Alexandra Shire Hall features a classical Portico of Tuscan Doric design. The single level auditorium seats 200 and is a very comfortable and relaxing space in which to enjoy a film. Sadly due to escalating trading losses and the failing health of the operator, Mrs Stella Webster and family, the local Band committee (who own the equipment) have officially closed the cinema component of the venue. The final screening took place last September with the movie 'The Patriot'. Then it was back into the cars for the dash to lovely Mansfield, where we toured the fascinating Mansfield Cinema, which opened in the late 30s as The Regent and later traded for many years as The Star. Of single level, with raked 'lounge', and of wood and fibro construction, this is a real old-time cinema which continues to be popular with the locals. Located in a nearby street is the even older RSL Pictures which despite remodeling into a Lodge, still retains many cinematic features including the projection ports, steps to the bio, bricked-in proscenium and a magnificent decorative wooden ceiling. Our thanks to Melinda and Brendan Grant, and Eddie Revell for their hospitality - and for an unplanned 'late show' in the cinema after the aforementioned dinner and entertainment! After a much needed sleep it was off to the tiny hamlet of Swanpool where the 1957 Memorial Hall is transformed each weekend into the 50s style Swanpool Cinema. With a mix of second-hand equipment and seating from closed theatres it was really a trip down 'memory lane' for everyone. A further twenty minute drive along the Midland Highway brought us to Benalla where a number of cinema venues have operated over the years. These include the RSL Pictures; an open-air show; the Starlit Drive-In Theatre, the purpose built Regal Theatre and the historic Benalla Town Hall. The Regal is now a retail outlet, the RSL Pictures became the community Library; a house now stands on the drive-in site, and the open-air (behind the Regal) is a dusty car-park. We were able to have a good inspection of the Benalla Town Hall which is now used only for live theatre and dances etc. although the bio-box still survives in its unusual location against the side wall at the rear of the balcony. The auditorium, strangely high, long and narrow, is quite pretty and features decorative ironwork supporting the curved ceiling, and classical plaster work. After lunch, it was back down the Hume Highway to the last stop of the tour - the Euroa Civic Theatre. Built in 1938 as a multi-purpose hall/cinema, it originally featured both stalls and dress-circle foyers, both of which have now been converted to office and storage space for the local council. Although plastered over, the bio box remains, sadly, unused for many years. Like the exterior, the hall itself is in a very simple art-deco moderne style and features little ornamentation except circular opaline lights and smooth surfaces broken by streamlined plaster bands. Entry is now via the side of the building as a new annexe has been constructed at the front to provide larger space for the council offices. All in all, a very enjoyable weekend was had by everyone, and our thanks go to our gracious hosts in each town and to tour organizer Brian Miller. Assistance from Eddie Revell and Don Flowers is also greatly appreciated. By Gerry Kennedy |
 Healesville Cinema. |
 Alexandra Cinema. |
 Swanpool Cinema. |
