A trip to the movies and you're drawn in by the smell of popcorn or ready to indulge in a delicious ice cream.
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Keen movie-watchers have missed getting out to see a classic or new release film with Lithgow Valley Cinema forced to shut its doors at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
"It means that we've been unable to run movies and no income but we sort of feel that the people of Lithgow, particularly the senior people have missed out.
"They haven't been able to mingle and come to the movies," Lithgow Valley Film Society treasurer Al Ritchie said.
But with easing restrictions the projector is ready to go with the cinema set to reopen on Friday, July 31.
The first movie post Covid-lockdown will be classic British movie, The Magic Box (1954) showing at 10.30am on Friday and 2pm on Sunday, August 2.
Mr Ritchie said patrons can expect to see Covid-safe measures in place.
"Patrons will bet met as they come in the door, they will have to sanitize their hands and have their temperature taken," he said.
He said after the entry protocol, people would then come through and pay their entry fees, grab snacks and sit in the designated seats.
"We have screens at the counter so any money, food etc will be passed under the screens and all our seats are marked clearly where people can sit," he said.
Mr Ritchie said pre-Covid the cinema could seat around 70 but due to social distancing guidelines, only 30 people can be seated.
"Numbers don't really matter because we are only allowing members so they can't bring visitors who might be from out of town.
"Basically we are only allowing people that are local, people who we know," he said.
Patrons will bet met as they come in the door, they will have to sanitize their hands and have their temperature taken.
- Lithgow Valley Film Society treasurer Al Ritchie.
He said people will need to book their seat before coming to the cinema.
"Members can book by phoning Ross on the usual phone number 6353 1897."
Front of house volunteer Robyn daCosta said under normal conditions there would be cake and tea served but things have slightly changed.
"Teas and coffee will be served at different stations by a person with gloves and we will also be serving packaged biscuits," she said.
Ms daCosta said it was a shame the cinema had to close but she looked forward to reopening and seeing the elderly come back.
"There's so many elderly people that enjoy coming here. We might show old movies most of the time but sometimes the old movies are better than the new ones," she said.
"I think it will be good to be reopen plus it's a fun crowd to work for."
Mr Ritchie and Ms daCosta advised anyone feeling sick to stay home and for those who do come to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
"Just keep your distance and stay home if you're sick," Mr Ritchie said.
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