http://northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/151099/fright-night-at-former-conwy-chapel.aspxThoughts?
For or against?
PLANS to screen ghoulish films in a former place of worship have made the blood of ex-parishioners run cold.
TAPE - a community arts and media charity in Old Colwyn - caused upset among ex-congregation members when it revealed its plans to use Capel Tabernacle in Conwy (pictured) as a venue for horror films during a three day film festival in November.
In an announcement about the Coastline Film Festival on TAPE's facebook, the organisation promised to create a Chapel of Horror between November 13 and 15 as part of its aim to create an “exceptionally eerie venue” and “screen the finest horror movies with the chilling backdrop of the original chapel”.
Thomas Wyn Smart, aged 87, who attended the chapel for more than 50 years until its closure three years ago, said: “I don’t like the idea of screening any films at the chapel, regardless of the genre.
“If they want to show films they should change it to a cinema. I don’t want it there.”
Chris Roberts, former organist at the chapel, added: “I am saddened that they would see the chapel as somewhere spooky. I have a lot of happy memories there.”
A spokesperson for TAPE said that the group were “mindful” of the heritage of the chapel and had chosen five films accordingly.
They said: “Whilst we are not ready to reveal the programme yet, one is a children’s film, one is a 1960s classic american social commentary on race and cold war politics and one is a classic 1930s silent movie which will be screened with a live soundtrack on the chapel’s organ, which is currently unused.
“There are no slasher films, we are not showing the Exorcist or The Omen or anything which could offend the community.”
A member of St John’s Methodist Church who wished to remain anonymous commented: “It’s really good to get people to churches and how you do that can be interesting - what a brilliant way to start some conversations around things like life after death which horror films often touch on.”
Colin Le Boutillier (pictured inset) and his wife Monica - proprietors of Gwynfryn bed and breakfast and owners Tabernacl chapel, are directors of a community interest company which leases the building for a long term community development project, including the refurbishment of the chapel.
Mr Le Boutillier said: “I think the venue is suitable to the festival. I can understand why they think horror would work because it’s an old property and it had a lot of the original features in.”
For updates, follow TAPE Community Music and Film on facebook or visithttp://tapemusicandfilm.co.uk