TWO cinema projectionists who loaded reels at Wallingford’s Corn Exchange for nearly 30 years have shown their last film.

Richard Watts, of Pound Lane, Cholsey, started at the Market Place theatre in 1980, when blockbusters included The Empire Strikes Back.

John Spencer, from Springdale, Wallingford, joined him a couple of years later.

Now, after projecting more than 1,000 films in their spare time, they have decided it is time to roll the final credits.

Both have been given lifetime Corn Exchange passes for their decades of volunteering.

Retired civil engineer Mr Watts, 68, said: “I remember showing Gandhi at the hottest part of the year and thinking about sticking some cheap vegetable curry under the air vents to give a bit of atmosphere.

“It was so hot that in the interval, everyone was outside swigging cold lager and getting them back in for the second half was pretty difficult.

“It seemed to be a good thing to do to keep the Corn Exchange open. I enjoy films and it is great to have a cinema in town.”

Anyone who would like to volunteer at the Corn Exchange should call John Warburton on 01491 825000. Picture: Kevin Harvey