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Happenings by Brian Miller

Sunday 23 March - Over twenty members travelled to Rosebud, Sorrento, Rye, and Franks!On North for
another enjojable excursion. Early showers soon cleared to a bright sunny day, showing the Peninsula at its
best

The original cinema al the Rosebud complex has been divided into two smaller auditoriums, which are quite
narrow, reminiscent of the former Odeon in Bourke Street Melbourne. The predominant colours are red In the
first cinema, and blue In the second. A quite steep rake gives the back stalls excellent sight lines and the front
stalls continue almost to the screen edge.

A third auditorium was added for Jaws 3-D in 1983, and the screen has a special reflective coating. This larger
cinema is very tastefully fitted out in a combination or red and blue decorations.

A large area of land behind the building will be used to accommodate three new screens and a completely new
foyer, with work commencing later this year. Our thanks to Mr. lloyd Whitaker and Mr. Peter Hanson of Rose-
bud Cinemas for their hospitality.

A carnival day in Sorrento presented a few parking problems at first, and we were met by Mr. David Croad,
enthusiastic and most hospitable manager of the Sorrento Athenaeum Cinemas. The foyer retains the art-deco
fittings added in the 1940's, and the main auditorium has been beautifully redecorated to retain its Edwardian
style in dark green and burgundy tones. The Intricate plaster ceiling and lighting domes have been fully re-
stored.

Two smaller cinemas have been added behind the video shop, to the left of the main auditorium since our last
visit. These are served by one bio-box with full automation. Due to space limitations quite steep stadium seating
is used in one cinema. and the other has a more conventional raked floor. Both screens have been tilted to
avoid a keystone effect, something unusual in smaller cinemas nowdays,
David assures us that members ofCATHS-V are always welcome to inspect this first class complex at any time.
Their specially woven Coral Sea pattern carpet. used throughout the complex, is unique to Sorrento. Presented
in aqua colour with a spectacular barrier reef design, it has attracted many enquiries, but is not for sale to
anyone else. It certainly adds a dramatic touch to these cinemas.

A short journey to the home of Mr. & Mrs Ted Gray in Rye for a barbequelplcnlc lunch was followed by a
presentation, in their brand new "Barkly" theatrette, or the "Melbourne - Living City" video, currently screening
in the Rialto building theatrette. The sound and the big screen were most impressive at the Barkly.

To finish the day off nicely we were then Invited back to Fred Page's house for afternoon tea, and a look at the
newly opened Frankston "Crest" theatrette.
Sunday 13 April - Eight hardy, early rising members (who read their minutes) reported to Trevor Walters to
inspect the most interesting Waverley Gardens 6 complex, at the Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre. Built
originally to Palace Theatres specifications, this complex was taken over by Village prior to the opening date,
22/8/94. Only three cinemas were operating at the opening. The other three opened a few weeks later.

The general decor and atmosphere is a little different to other complexes. A striking use of colour co-ordination
and lighting is used in each auditorium, which range from 185 to 335 seats. Wall drapes and seats are identical
shades, which range in tone from deep blue to mushroom to red and finally a striking daffodil yellow. The
exceptionally spacious bio-box is a real showpiece for those interested in the technical side of the movies.
Cinema 1, the la.rgest , is equipped with SRD digital sound, and cinema 3, with 226 seats, Is equipped with DTS
digital scund, which actually plays the sound for the film from CD-ROM, ideal multi-lingual scundtracks.
Wednesday 14 May - Former Coburg resident Wally Perkins, Brian Miller and Editor O'Reilly attended the 80th
anniversary of the West Coburg Progress Association, courtesy of committee member Mr. Bill Robson. West
Coburg was so remote at the time of World War 1, that it was not possible to walk directly to Sydney Road until
a footbridge was built over the creek. The hall was opened in 1923, and films commenced in 1927. Despite
television, drive-ins and multiplexes, it remains Melbourne's last wooden hall still screening. Research contin-
ues to establish the exact date of the 70th anniversary of showing movies at the hall.

Members who inspected the Progress several years ago will recall the big 1993 improvements which include a

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