Well over a hundred people packed into Forest Row village hall for the inaugural screening using Forest Row Film Society’s new digital equipment. With a new twelve foot screen, sound system and projector, it was clear that Forest Row now has its own cinema.

The audience, made up of all ages and from all parts of the village, enjoyed the new Lebanese film Caramel, weaving the stories of five women and the Beirut beauty parlour they frequent or work in.

From Forest Row Film Society, Brad Scott thanked all the sponsors and donors for their support in enabling this new venture: Heart of the Community awards; Gatwick Airport Community Trust; Wealden District Council Community Fund; Screen South; and Awards for All. Brad also announced that Sonia Ashe was to be made an honorary life member of the society; Sonia joined the society soon after its beginning in 1978 and served as secretary only until recently, and this recognises the immense effort she contributed to the organisation throughout its history.