Sunderland Millfield rolls out red carpet for 350th film club

The Salvation Army in Sunderland Millfield rolled out the red carpet for its 350th film showing as part of its weekly Silver Screen Film Club for older members of the community. 

The church and charity offers a movie-ing experience each Thursday morning, playing a film on a big screen in the main hall followed by lunch and as much tea and coffee as people can drink.

It is part of the church and charity’s work to help reduce isolation within the community. 

Captain Caron Doyle, who leads Sunderland Millfield church with Captain Jon, said: “Our film club has proved very popular and we’re delighted to have marked the 350th film with a showing of ‘Ice Cold Alex’. We show a mix of genres - comedy, thrillers, modern releases and musicals, which are picked by our dedicated volunteers Kevin and Ray as well as our members who bring their own suggestions. 

“The reason we do it always comes back to the Gospel - Jesus says ‘may they have life and have it to the full’. Older people can be bypassed, but this is a place where they can come and meet other people and enjoy themselves. It’s a great opportunity for socialisation. People come here and they know they are valued. It’s a community in its own right. There are no precursors to being here, just a willingness to join in.” 

Guests arrive for a hot drink followed by the film, which is free to watch. Lunch of soup and a sandwich is available for £1 with plenty of cakes on offer. Guests can also take home a free sandwich, pasty or wrap donated by Greggs. 

Captain Jon said: “It’s important that the lunch is affordable for people on lower incomes. They get to socialise, see a film and have some food with the lunch costing just £1. It’s not a lot but it’s something, especially if they’re struggling to put food on the table. For some, it will be the only meal they have with someone else that week.” 

Friends Susan and Carolyn attend each week and enjoy watching films they wouldn’t normally pick. 

Carolyn, whose favourite genre is musicals, said: “I live at home alone so I come for the company, to get out the house and to see a film – sometimes a film I’d never normally pick myself. It’s a nice treat, you get a cup of tea, bowl of soup and it just fills the morning in. It’s just a lovely couple of hours. It’s community, friendship and seeing different faces.”

Susan said: “There are some movies we’d never rent to watch ourselves, but do end up enjoying. We really liked Field of Dreams, which was about American baseball which we knew nothing about, but we enjoyed it. There was also the Dad’s Army film – a comedy which we really enjoyed.” 

The Silver Screen Film Club is supported by Sunderland City Council’s East Area Committee Community Chest*, which provided a grant to purchase films and food. The East Area Committee, through its Neighbourhood Fund, also awarded a Community Asset Grant to help refurbish The Salvation Army’s disabled toilet facilities – meaning the building is more accessible to those coming to the film club and any other activities at the church. 

Caron continued: “We wanted to ensure the building was best serving the community and ensure the space was suitable for people with disabilities. The funding helped us install handrails, a higher toilet, and extra space for motorised wheelchairs and walker access. It’s had such a positive impact and has made life a lot easier for people coming to the church who struggle with mobility or need the extra space.”  

Councillor Lindsey Leonard, Sunderland City Council Cabinet and East Area committee member, said: “Every year our committee and council help dozens of community and voluntary groups with grants and assistance.

“It’s a great privilege to help The Salvation Army and to see their building and facilities upgraded, and to hear about the success and popularity of the Silver Screen Club. Local groups are always welcome to contact their ward councillors to check what assistance could be available.”

Sunderland Millfield Salvation Army also hosts Employment Plus on a Thursday, which helps people find and stay in work, and has Stop Smoking support. Throughout the week they host a number of activities including Songsters (choir), maths and English lessons for children, ladies friendship circle, a toddler group, sports ministry, and Sunday worship. 

*Sunderland City Council’s East Area Committee is one of the five area committees across Sunderland. Made up of local councillors, these provide residents with a greater say by working closely with their communities and drawing on local knowledge to identify priorities for their area. They also create Area Plans to support the City Plan, focusing on local needs. These plans help fund and deliver projects in partnership with local voluntary and community sector organisations.