ABOUT US
History
In the latter part of 1949 a group of cine photographic enthusiasts met in their homes and decided to form a society, On 12 October 1950, the Preston & District Cine Society held its first meeting at Moor Lane School. It was led by enthusiast and Ribbleton Branch Librarian, Jack Dempsey who was the scriptwriter of a number of 8mm story films including "The Three Suitors" and "Lot 16" that were made by fellow members and friends including Basil Brook. Sadly Jack became ill and died and by 1955 the Club folded.
In 1957, Mrs. Barrett was head of the photographic department at the Friargate Co-op and she fell out with the manager and decided to open her own shop - the PhotoCentre in Glovers Court. Assisted by Walter Hunnisett, Mrs. Barrett received so many cine queries that they decided to form a group that met in a room above the shop, and it was primarily for those inexperienced in cine photography that purchased equipment at her shop. However, by the early sixties, membership was eventually opened up to anyone interested in the hobby and Preston Cine Club was formed. Due to demolition of site (which is now the Avenham Car Park), the PhotoCentre moved to the Miller Arcade and a larger basement meeting room was used. Sadly Mrs. Barrett became ill and died and the business continued both there and at its final destination in Cannon Street where it closed in 1998. The Barrett Shield Film Competition is held annually in her memory.
The Club found a temporary home at St. Teresa’s Church Hall, Queensway, Penwortham for a couple of years before moving to Sacred Heart School Hall, Poulton Street, Ashton in the early Seventies. It moved in 1980 to Galloway Hall, Brackenbury Road, Fulwood where it remains into the 21st Century. As cine became replaced by video, the Club’s name changed to Preston Cine & Video Club in 1989, and to avoid confusion with video hire shops, changed its name three years’ later to Preston Cine & Camcorder Club. It was felt that cine was becoming outdated and unknown to any future members and so in 1996 the name changed to Preston Movie Makers.
Preston Movie Makers welcomes prospective new members, and meets every Thursday night between September and May at The William Wilding Galloway Hall, Brackenbury Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancs. Click here to view map.
Preston Movie Makers is 57 years old
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