Sue welcomed everyone to the Meeting.

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 1.    Matters from previous Meeting:

• Rota Central

There are 85 ‘cinema’ volunteers on RC. 

• Promotion of Film programme through Whatsapp Groups.

Trudy K said that she could promote ActOne on the Cobbold Rd whatsapp.

•  Sustainability/popcorn

Jacky F had done some research on re-usable Popcorn holders but they are sold in such large batches that it would not work at ActOne.We could have some labels to brand our containers. Amanda and Jacky will research. Possibly 5thAnniversary Label? Sponsorship?

• Ambience

There was a suggestion to have rechargeable table lamps (for events) to improve ambience. Amanda will look into it.

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2. Volunteer issues

 2.1 Gap/turnaround between films. There have been some situations where there has not been enough time between films to check auditoria then check tickets.  Eliza said that a new programmer from ICO (Heather) will ensure a minimum of 15 mins between screenings, starting April 3rd.

2.2 Checking for popcorn etc at the back of screen two. Martina has a headtorch which we can trial to help with this. We can then get one if it is useful.

2.3 Getting help from FOH staff when it is very busy and a lot of tidying up is needed. There was a recent incident when help was not forthcoming but it has been made clear that if the Volunteers ask for help from FOH and staff are available, that they help.

2.4 Two volunteers to be scheduled into rota when it is likely to be busy. This would be helpful for Opera, NT screenings and busy films. The special screenings tend to have an older demographic and people need more help to find their seats. Particularly if they are late and the screening has started. Eliza will mention it to Ross who does the rota.

2.5 Hearing Impairment Equipment; The equipment in Sc 2 is not working at the moment. WIP.

2.6 Anyone is interested in the ‘Naming of a seat’, please take their details and give to FOH, as there is likely to be another opportunity soon.

2.7 Not much enthusiasm for the ‘new promo film’ of ActOne. This was noted.

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3. Weeding around Cinema

Amanda will advertise a time on RC to do weeding .

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4. Financial Position 

David Thaddeus (DT) reported that it was ‘ok,’ but for the last two years ActOne has been hit by unexpected expenses, problems with the projector the year before last and dry rot last year. The 100 Club is a new initiative to raise money for the Cinema. It’s a lottery draw, paying in £10 per month for a year, with 1st 2nd and 3rd prizes. (Please encourage people to sign up.)

DT reminded us about the Easyfundraising campaign. Please sign up to make a contribution to the cinema when you do your shopping.

www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/actonartsproject

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4. ‘Communications’

Trudy said that she hadn’t been able to find information about Volunteering on the website. It is under FAQ’S  www.actonecinema.co.uk/faqs  Eliza will check this out.

Could we have pictures of the Directors in the Volunteer info on the desk? Martina will include.

• For enquiries about potential performers please email;

venuemanager@actonecinema.co.uk

• For questions about films (inc. requests) and technical stuff :

manager@actonecinema.co.uk

• For maintenance issues, put a message on Rapid Response.

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ActOne 5 (year) Celebrations

Thank you to those who have offered support. We have had one meeting to discuss what we might do with another one shortly. It will be a mix of things starting on October 8th and going on through the 9/10/11 October.

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Could everyone please sign up in advance if at all possible! FOH are always asking for Volunteers as we ‘go along’.

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Thanks to everyone for their attendance, regular input and, of course their continued support of ActOne. The next meeting will be in September 2026. 

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Sue