Athlone Film Club’s successful season continues with the news that the club has been awarded Shannonside Radio’s Arts and Entertainment Award for January 2010. This has been awarded in recognition of the club’s contribution to the arts in the Midlands.
The club were delighted to receive this award, which gave a positive undertone to the club’s first AGM, which was held in the Dean Crowe last week.
At the AGM, the chairman of Athlone Film Club, Alan Shaw, pointed out how the club has grown from strength to strength since it was first mooted by a sub-committee of the Dean Crowe Trust in April 2008 under the chairmanship of Ciaran Temple.
Athlone Film Club is one of the most successful in the country according to Access Cinema, with audiences that are exceeding the averages for similar clubs throughout the country.
Mr Shaw placed the reason for the success of the club as being a combination of support from the Dean Crowe Trust, its management and staff, the very committed Film Club committee and a loyal audience of members and friends who turn up week after week. He also acknowledged the invaluable support of the local press, both radio and newspapers.
Mr Shaw added that although the Film Club has established itself as a vital part of the arts scene in the Midlands, the committee will continue to work hard to develop the club further and to consistently look at ways at improving the club and continue to offer an excellent service to members.
The Film Club has been active in the community over the last 15-16 months and participated in the St Patrick’s Day parade, screened seasonal Christmas and children’s films, and facilitated the Lion’s Club in screening a film for their Christmas hamper appeal.
Mr Shaw thanked in particular Paschal, Anne, and Mick in the theatre for helping and assisting the club in so many different ways since it was started. He also expressed gratitude to Moira, Ciaran, and Catherine from the theatre board for their support.
Mr Shaw stressed the need for new committee members and new ideas to ensure that the club continues to grow and remain relevant in the entertainment scene in Athlone.
He concluded with a hope that working alongside the staff and board of the Dean Crowe Theatre, that Film Club will continue with success in the next 12 months.
The Film Club committee elected for 2010 is Alan Shaw (chairperson ), Julie Drew (secretary ), Aisling Kelly (PRO ), John Lally (Treasurer ), Adelle Salmon, John McGee, and James O’Riordan.
For more information email [email protected] or check out www.athlonefilmclub.com
