Page 13 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

For more than forty years the nearest thing to a home cinema was concealed screens In pelmets, coloured
lights and home movies. In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of purchasing the 'Lion" 35mm Fred decided to
build "The Crest" which opened on 23rd November, 1996. The Crest is a steel machinery shed (i.e. enclosed on
both ends and one side, the other side being half open( measuring 22feet x12feet, and is built on the site of
what was once a small paling paneled garden shed. The old shed was carefully dismantled and more than 90%
of the material recycled In the new building. The opening In the new shed wall was filled In by a domestic sized
door (ponated by a CATHS-V member) and the remainder of the opening was filled in with palings from the old
shed. The old structural timbers were used to support the projection room floor which was made from what was
formally the floor of a caravan annex. As the building is regislered as a machinery shed, the floor is strong
reinforced concrete. The internal partitions, proscenium and projection room walls, are all new Umber and
masonite.

The Crest Bio-Box

Stage curtains are from within the residence, the carpet, in as new condition, was purchased for $10. It is ex
office carpet and was destined for the tip. The seats, ex Athenaeum, Sorrento were purchased cheaply through
CATHS·V member, Ted Gray, and the chandelier was rescued from a dump truck during the Princess Theatre
renovations. Inside the bio box there are two 16mm projectors. a Kalart Victor slot load and a Hokushin manual
thread machine with both optical and magnetic sound heads. Super 8 is catered for with a Boiex projector and
slides by a Hanimex electronic self focusing projector. Silent std 8 and 9.5mm projectors can be used if required.

Audio is provided via a National record/cassette player. Every sound source has an individual speaker. A typical
program consists of a slide presentation, about half an hour of Super 8 film (usually Including a cartoon),
Interval and a feature fllm followed by supper. The theatrette also features a Thomas electronic organ which is
used on gala occasions, or when an organist Is In the audience. The general colour scheme Is in shades of
green with the walls lined with gold hessian curtaining. Amore recently added porch (or foyer) displays program
notices.
Why 'The Crest"? Come and see the elaborate ornamental crest (looks a million dollars) which was purchased
from one of the local op-shops for the princely sum of one dollar.

For the opening, professional style tickets and programs were produced by CATHS.V member Martin Powell
who also assisted with several building and fit-out tasks. CATHS-V members are welcome at any time to
inspect the theatre -just ring to arrange it. (But first you have to guess who Fred is • Editor)

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