STAFF at Evesham’s Regal are flying high after raising more than £1,000 for the Royal Air Forces Association during a series of special screenings.
The Port Street venue raised the cash for the worthwhile cause during showings of the new Spitfire documentary last month. On the first night of screening, The Regal was applauded for taking the highest revenue for Spitfire of any cinema in the UK.
More than six screenings of the feature length documentary, which told the story of the plane and the people who helped win the Battle of Britain, took place and ensured The Regal team raised a fantastic £1,081.55 for RAFA.
Jeff Brereton, vice-chairman of RAFA’s Evesham branch, who actually worked on Spitfires and Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, attended each performance at The Regal and read a touching poem to the audience before the film began.
“I was honoured to say a few words about my time in the RAF and would like to thank The Regal for involving us in these special cinema events. A big thank you to everyone who made a kind donation to RAFA; it really is appreciated,” he said.
Laura Clifford, marketing manager at The Regal, said: “We’re so thrilled that Spitfire was such a success at The Regal and we’re delighted that we were able to raise more than £1,000 for the Royal Air Forces Association.
“We are very grateful to RAFA’s Evesham branch for assisting with our fund-raising and would like to thank our customers for their generosity.”
Jenny Johnson, RAFA Evesham branch, added; “RAFA provides vital support to serving and ex-RAF personnel and their families and thanks to the screenings we were also able to raise awareness of the charity.”
Steve Milne, one of the five producers of Spitfire and founder of the British Film Company, attended The Regal for the premiere, giving the guests at the sold-out show the chance to ask their questions on the making of the film.
The Regal also arranged for David Fairhead, one of the directors of Spitfire, to attend one of the three showings of the film at its sister cinema, The Unicorn, Abingdon, again giving the audience the opportunity to participate in the question and answer session after the film
