Off to the movies!
So the school holidays are over, for the summer of 2023! The idea of them dominating the conversation is a new one for the wider family- Alba has just finished her first ‘summer holidays’ following the completion of Primary one, purchased new school uniform – (robbing so and so’s) – and start primary 2.
Albas mum says she has started this new stage with a new, less cuddly attitude, with the word ‘no’ figuring highly.
Hmmmm, shape of things to come?
In the last couple of months, we did share thoughts on how to keep the kids busy, interested and involved during the holidays.
The media is only interested in the English/Welsh school terms which are at different time to the Scottish holidays, so popping round to Blackpool Pleasure Beach wasn’t an option.
Everything is so expensive as families attempt to survive in a poorer world, cost of entrance fees to the games day, swimming pool, cinema, play week, gymnastics, football etc. summer schools is for middle classes alone – at a stretch when the three kids pop along.
A big treat though might be the cinema – the odd cheap entrance day, Saturday morning maybe cut out coupons, worth a wee search. Got to feel for the families who cannot raise the entrance money. Kids will get to a fair age never having been to the cinema – cinema chains should give free access nights, afternoons for under tens – or something like that.
Maybe a whole bunch of public services should try this. It’s not cunning or clever but just sensible and thoughtful.
The cinema has a thread of history for me – the mobile cinema touring the Highlands setting up its techno mini theatre – eye boggling, so exciting – the big projector in the village hall, moving the same into ‘film night’ in the school ‘Gone With the Wind’ so many times. It was long.
Moving to Edinburgh many things were ‘new’ for me and Mhairi bit I made a lot of the morning minors in ABC Broughton Street, we stayed local – and in particular when we stayed in Corstorphine, the Astoria minors, sometimes sneak into the main picture – I saw the Beatles Hard Days Night 16 times in one summer week, hiding under the seats when lights went up. For another time, a tale, the cinema brought shelter and protection, for a time at least. Long story.
So I went to a few showings, loved every one.
A big excitement was a film my dad, your great grandad took Mhairi and I.
We didn’t t do too much with Dad, he was always working but tried hard to see both of us taking part in football, concerts , dancing etc.
Anyway he took us to see The Sound Of Music, the Odeon Edinburgh. Was in our view a huge step up to a BIG movie, with a big day out with dad and sweets and ice lolly too – I think. It has stayed with me all of my life . Loved it. Every time Julie Andrews comes onto the tv, the hills are alive….
Future big movies included Dr Doolittle, Oliver – unbelievable dance sequences – and eased into Bond movies with Woodstock a big milestone for me – 15 years old. The future delivered many more, on my own or with friends – the Godfather, wow.
The cinema became a place to shelter, a place of safety. Hmmmm.
Anyhow guys you are about 4 to 6 years olds are there movies you should persuade your parents to let you see- on TV or cinema. Most are online etc but the cinema still brings a treat to us all – except Pick ’n Mix, 4 for a fiver – beware the purple ons.
Here are a few ideas, maybe younger first.
The Jungle Book ; Yellow Submarine, adults too—James and the Giant Peach ; Cinderella
Charlottes Web ; Wizard of Oz ; Babe ; Matilda ; Mary Poppins ; Frozen ; Toy Story 1-4 ; Chitty Chatty Bang Bang ; ET ; Goodnight Mr. Tom….
Growing up into, for example, Railway Children ; Mrs. Doubtfire ; Paddington ; Back to the Future
I know, you have seen some of these but in this context have a look again – Mrs Doubtfire a dozen times !!!
Anyway, I hope we will all go to the cinema soon. I’m excited and scared at the same time and not just of the Pick ’N Mix and popcorn. You lot in the cinema!!?? Aargh!