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spacious foyer on the eastern side, and lounge Chairs, carpets and auditorium lighting obtained from other well
known cinemas. After a speech by one of the oldest members, Mr. Ted Fay, about one hundred guests viewed
a special nostalgia program of newsreels. film advertismenls, and a famous Australian vaudeville star, George
Wallace, in "His Royal Highness".

Progress Theatre manager and CATHS-V member, Rod How, coped valiantly with an elderly print of this Frank
Thring Senior (Efftee Productions) film made In Melbourne in the early thirties and still hilarious entertainment.
After an excellent supper all agreed that it was a most enjoyable evening. Association president George Smith
Is confidently looking forward to another eighty years.

Ararat - Stawell - Horsham Report by Wally Perkins

Saturday 17 May- Twenty CATHS-V members set forth on our annual country weekend excursion. Ararat was
the first call, and after lunch we had an inspection of the Ararat Entertainment Centre. It Is one of the few
remaining examples In Victoria of a large, late 1930's, Art-Deco cinema. Apart from the Installation of a big
screen over the proscenium, the original design Is almost Intact. It was originally called the Midland, and later
renamed the Astor.

Alter a welcome tea-break we continued on to the Stawell Town Hall. now known as the Stawell Entertainment
Centre. A rtew well planned entrance and foyer links the older main auditorium with the Shire offices. A most
Interesting venue, complete with vintage projection room, and all In excellent condition. Latest release movies
are shown on Fridays and Saturdays. with occasional matinees for a general admission of $5.00. This is oper-
ated as a co-op with volunteer staff. Profits are retained for community use, maintenance, live shows etc.

Mr. Peter Elliott. the Corporate Services Manager of the Northern Grampians Council was our host and tour
guide. Starting with the spacious foyer, stairs lead to the balcony and olher rooms. During a $1,500,000 resto-
ration a second hall was added to the main hall and magnificent polished dance fioors are a feature. The
general architecture In the main hall Is Victorian/Edwardian with Art-Deco wall panels, and plaster candelabra
chandeliers added at a later period.

Stage & Proscenium of the Stawell Entertainment Centre
Photos G. Kennedy

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