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Westgarth 80th

celebrations a hit

he Westgarth Theatre recently Ms Delahunty
celebrated the 80th anniversary paid tribute to the
Tof its opening with three days of Westgarth’s
free films, commencing Monday 22nd founding
October 2001. More than 7,000 patrons members and the
attended screenings during the three Yiannoudes
days. A number of these were patrons family for their
who attended multiple sessions. vision and
Manager Michael Protopapa said “We determination
are delighted with the response and the which have The capacity audience at the Westgarth Theatre for the
level of public awareness created — it enabled so many official 80th Anniversary ceremony, and preview screening of
exceeded our expectation.” patrons to enjoy The Man Who Sued God, Tuesday evening 23 October 2001.
A formal commemoration took the distinctive
place prior to the 7pm preview of The Westgarth Theatre over so many years. A number of CATHS members
Man Who Sued God on Tuesday 23rd Mr Yiannoudes thanked Ms worked closely with the Westgarth
October. A full house was in Delahunty, his family, film distributors, management to assist with their 80th
attendance. More than 300 the media, the local business Anniversary Celebration, and to
disappointed patrons were turned away. community, Darebin Council and his simultaneously promote CATHS.
Presenter David Earl hosted loyal patrons. Projects included:
proceedings during which Minister for David Earl highlighted to the • Preparation of a 16 page
the Arts and Member for Northcote, audience the presence of two commemorative magazine featuring
Mary Delahunty, presented a plaque to remarkable guests: Mernie Foley, Cameron Hall’s article on the
the Westgarth’s proprietor, Peter daughter of inaugural Westgarth Westgarth from the Autumn issue of
Yiannoudes. Theatre Manager and Secretary, Ernest CinemaRecord. Cameron also
Yeomans; and Jack Nicholls who researched and wrote an additional
commenced work at the Westgarth in article on the Yeomans Family for this
1922. Mrs Foley expressed her sincere publication. Other material included an
thanks to the Yiannoudes family for article from proprietor Peter
their custodianship of her favourite Yiannoudes; additional historical
picture palace. photos and graphics;
Theatre organist Leith Ewart acknowledgements etc from the
captured the spirit of the occasion with Westgarth management as well as an
his fine playing and humorous by-play item on future plans for the theatre
with David Earl. David prompted the [three additional screens are to be built
audience to rise and sing Happy on an adjoining property]; and an
Birthday to the Westgarth Theatre. A advertisement for CATHS.
Above: Minister for the Arts and good night was had by all! • Program details of the October 3 Day
Northcote MP The Hon. Mary
Delahunty presents a plaque to The CATHS slide (colour on a black background) screened at the Westgarth.
Westgarth Theatre proprietor Peter
Yiannoudes. The plaque presented to the
Westgarth reads…

IN RECOGNITION OF THE Congratulations to
WESTGARTH THEATRE'S The Westgarth Theatre
CONTRIBUTION TO
MELBOURNE MOTION PICTURE HISTORY On Your 80th Anniversary
OPENED
20TH OCTOBER 1921. from the
PRESENTED BY
THE HON MARY DELAHUNTY MP Cinema And Theatre
MEMBER FOR NORTHCOTE Historical Society
MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
FOR THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY 1921~2001.
OF THE OPENING NIGHT
20TH OCTOBER 2001.

8 Spring 2001 CINEMARECORD