Veterans living in Salford’s Broughton House have been treated to a star-studded line-up of Hollywood classics in their new cinema room, thanks to local funding.
The new cinema room is kitted out with a 52-inch screen and velvet curtains, comfortable easy chairs, blackout blinds and a popcorn machine for all residents and their families.
Veterans have been able to watch The Longest Day and The Green Berets, Smokey and the Bandit, Top Gun: Maverick, and golden oldies Calamity Jane and Casablanca, so far.
Made possible through a grant of more than £4,000 from the Oldham Mayor’s Appeal Fund during the term of office of Coun Chauhan’s predecessor Coun Elaine Garry, the cinema has been named The Oldham Empire.
Coun Dr Zahid Chauhan, the Mayor of Oldham, cut the ribbon at a special ceremony to officially open the facility.
Broughton House resident Peter Belcher, 99, who served in the Parachute Regiment during the second world war, said: “I must say it’s excellent that we have a cinema room – it’s nice to sit in there and get the whole experience within the home.”
Karen Miller, chief executive of Broughton House, said: “We knew our residents have a love of the big-screen cinema experience, and we were looking to provide this.
“Now, thanks to the generosity and kindness of the Mayor and the public, we have been able to make this happen far quicker than we could have done without their support.”
Coun Garry said: “My late cousin Commander Derek Parkinson served on the HMS Herald hospital ship during the Falklands War, and my term of office coincided with the 40th anniversary of the conflict.
“During my year as Mayor, I visited Broughton House and met residents and staff. I was very impressed by the care provided to the veterans.
“When I heard that there was an empty room which they wanted to turn into a cinema, I thought funding it would be a fitting way to show support for the armed forces and pay tribute to those who have served, as well as creating something tangible which really benefits the residents, who come from all over the north west, including Oldham.”
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