A NATIONAL decline in film audiences is hitting the Wharf arts centre in Tavistock. Since May, film audiences have been dropping, even for the newest movies at the venue, which relies totally on ticket sales for its income. The Wharf?s managing director Margaret Hurdwell said the old cliché summer is bad for the cinema was only too true in this case. ?Local people are simply not coming to see our films in sufficient numbers which mirrors the national decline in film audiences,? she said. ?During the current heatwave, they understandably prefer to spend time in their gardens or at the seaside. ?I am not exactly praying for rain but I am urging film lovers in the area to turn out in force to see some great movies. If people do not use it, they may lose it? Mrs Hurdwell said there was no revenue funding from West Devon Borough Council or any contribution from the town council which prevented money coming from Devon County Council and the Arts Council. The Friends of The Wharf organisation had made donations from time to time but it was not primarily a fundraising group. She said: ?The Wharf is run almost entirely by volunteers, who work in the box office, as stewards and in administrative roles. ?It costs up to £200 just to open the doors of the Wharf and that does not take into account the fees of the artists or payment for top-class new movies. ?We are all here because we have a passionate interest in the centre?s continued survival. This is our tenth year of operation and we hope to be here for a very long time to come.? To check what?s on at the box office contact 01822 611166.
