Retro theatre still thrives

Pastor Fred Muys at the Tivoli Drive-In.

Claudia Baxter

THE Tivoli Drive-in was one of a number of successful drive-in theatres, providing an exciting way to enjoy movies in the great outdoors.

Known in the industry as "soft tops", as opposed to the traditional cinema, they had slowly been closing down giving way to DVDs and multi-cinema developments.

But The Tivoli Drive-in, known as the Tivoli Miracle Centre, is alive and well.

"We bought the drive-in back in 2003 and piloted our first movie in 2008. We had a lot of excitement about it re-opening but we did have some teething issues on that first night," Rivers of Life Christian Church Pastor Fred Muys recalled.

"A full car park but some projector issues that meant we had to give vouchers for people to return, they were sympathetic and supportive."

Pastor Muys said they had come a long way since those days and still draw a large crowd each week.

"Last summer has been difficult for us, it has been our lowest point since starting. It has been devastating with the wet weather and really almost forced a possible closure," he said.

Since July 1, 2011, the way the drive-in operates changed.

"The movies became an outreach of Rivers of Life Church Ipswich and that meant we made the movies free of charge to make it an affordable night out for all people. We have three aims, to provide or create employment for long-term disadvantaged, provide Ipswich families with family oriented entertainment and enable Rivers of Life Church to connect with the community and the community to connect with the church," Pastor Muys said.

"Taking the step to make the movies free was a radical step and patrons save a lot of money at the gate and we encourage people to buy food from the café, which is part of our training program, so people can have an affordable night for the whole family, help create employment and enjoy some family-friendly fun."

The year rolls into action this Saturday with the first of the Tivoli Twilight Markets starting at 4pm and goes until 8pm. The first movie screens at 7pm.

The Tivoli Drive-in has a great list of movies lined up and keep current movies coming week after week. The charm and fascination of the drive-in experience draws big crowds.

The first movie this week and next is The Smurfs, followed by the romantic comedy Midnight in Paris.

Pastor Muys is kept busy and has oversight of the Harvest Rain Christian Care program. Staffed largely by enthusiastic volunteers, over the past five years, Harvest Rain has been able to assist about 6000 Ipswich families with emergency food, clothing, help with overdue bills, or other forms of assistance.

The drive-in covers its own costs and any profits feed back into the community program.

Pastor Fred Muys and wife Christine, along with members of the church and the team of trainees, put in tremendous effort to make this project work.

"I wear the hat of a pastor and cinema operator but this reflects the moral values of the church," he said.

So set up your deck chairs, get the car comfortable and perhaps even introduce family members to this amazing experience.

Check them out online at http://www.tivolidrivein.com, connect with the Facebook page or call 0488 848 654 for more information.