On a wet Wednesday afternoon in September, a large group of the Ynysfach WI travelled to the Melyncrythan area of Neath to enjoy a very different experience of a time long gone.

We arrived at a home in Pant yr Heol in Penrhiwtyn where we were taken past the house, to the top of the garden where there was a large shed like building. We climbed some very steep steps and as the door opened, we literally stepped back in time to reveal a room in the style of a 1940’s small cinema, complete with reupholstered plush cinema seating for about 25 people, a fabulous coloured lighting feature, a walled screen with red and white curtains, lots of photos and memorabilia on the walls, and two small organs in the corner. It was an unexpected surprising scene.

The owner, Mr David John gave us an introductory talk on how the retro period had inspired him and his wife to create this cinema over 30 years ago and that it was still giving them both a lot of enjoyment and happiness in these troubled times. He explained that all the items were taken from old cinemas in different parts of the country. It is surely a lasting legacy that they are justly proud of.

He said there was no charge but donations are always gratefully received for the MND Association. He explained that his wife Lynette had suffered from a rare form of Motor Neurone Disease for the past 10 years and as he was talking, his wife Lynette was watching from the wheelchair with a big smile on her face clearly enjoying the whole experience, with her daughter by her side.

Of course, later on we saw the crowning glory, the incredible Christie Organ which rose up from the floor in spectacular style, with full lighting and the special sounds that only a retro cinema organ can make.

We were treated to a 1951 black and white film of a group of factory workers visiting the sights of London, which included a river trip down the Thames, showing a very funny scene of them all singing with actions of ‘bobbing up and down like this’.

There was a short interlude and two ladies ‘the usherettes’ brought ice-creams around on a tray.

The second half was a silent film with Charlie Chaplin style humour, with Gareth, the family friend and organist accompanying on the Christie Organ.

After the film, tea and coffee and biscuits were served, again by the ‘Usherettes’.

Before leaving, we were invited to go under the building to see the workings and the pipes of the organ which was really quite astonishing.

A very different visit which was fully enjoyed by all who attended.

On behalf of the Ynysfach WI, we send a very big ‘THANK YOU’ to David and Lynnette John, their daughter and the two ladies who came to help and lastly to Gareth the talented organist.

They all gave us a flavour of a time gone by when technology was in its infancy and slap stick humour was the fashion of the day, It was a wonderfully unique retro experience.

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Jen Colley & Lorna Lewis

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