Page 33 - CinemaRecord #82

FAMILY AFFAIR

Sunset Drive‐In ‐ Port Pirie

In September 1957, John left Windsor As country television reception improved, the
Theatres and was appointed projectionist at drive-in reduced its screenings to Wednesday
the new Shandon Drive-In at Port Pirie for nights and weekends, so John worked on the
the Shandon Group. He also helped with the Wednesday night and the Thompson family did
installation at the drive-in whilst June was the weekends.
pregnant with their third child, Phillip.
During their time in Kadina, John and June
They stayed in Port Pirie until 1958, when also became involved with the trotting club.
Bruce Cunnew persuaded John to move to John was the judge at the race meetings and
Kadina where he was appointed to the role June organised and catered for the members
of Manager/Projectionist of the newly built and stewards on race nights. John also installed
Sunset Drive-In Theatre. Again, John the photo finish and lighting when the track
was also involved with the projection room was enlarged.
installation. Bute
Working only Wednesday nights at the drive-in,
The Sunset opened in December 1958 and John also worked five and a half days a week
June was pregnant again; Peter was on his way. for Hannan Bros. Ltd. in Kadina as an auto
In the next five years June and John had three electrician, becoming their marine specialist.
more children: Julie was born in 1960, Grant
in 1962 and finally, Debra in 1964. All up they The couple still found themselves having
had seven children in nine and a half years! spare time on weekends so they opened the
Bute Cinema in the Soldiers Memorial Hall
June also worked at the drive-in as a cook and
on Saturday nights. Diana and Bruce also
counter hand in the canteen. Bruce was starting Bute
to show an interest in the projection room and became involved at Bute; Diana worked with
following in his dad’s footsteps. her mother in the ticket box and Bruce worked
with his dad in the projection room.
In 1962 the Sunset was sold to Mr Henderson
of Shandon Drive-Ins and then sold again to Whilst travelling around the Bute and
Ken and Pam Thompson in 1965 and ultimately Snowtown area for Hannan Bros, John
renamed, the Peninsula. found that entertainment was also needed in
Snowtown, so they returned movies to that
location, rotating between the two towns
on alternate weekends. It was found that
Snowtown was a better prospect, so they Bute
stopped screening at Bute.

Snowtown

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