Mike Bloom
It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Mike Bloom, aged 78 years, on July 26th, following a recent period of illness and hospitalisation. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Helen, son Frank and daughter Alice.
Mike is to be remembered for founding what is now ABCD Film Society in 1975 at the then North Berkshire College of Further Education, where he was a lecturer in German and French. In those more enlightened days, students were encouraged to take an interest in cultural activities and in October that year Mike single handedly put together his first programme of eight films, including a silent (Buster Keaton’s The General) and a double bill (Dr Strangelove and Everything You Always Wanted to Know …).
Mike remained a leading light in the Society for 45 years, taking on the lion’s share of Committee work and guiding the direction and diversity of film programming that made ABCD the unique and recognised cultural asset known so well to the citizens of Abingdon and the surrounding area. Under Mike’s stewardship, the Society won several awards from the British Federation of Film Societies, including Film Society of the Year and Best Programme of Films.
Mike’s dry wit and penetrating observations on all facets of world cinema will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him for so many years as a good friend and fellow film enthusiast.
If anyone wishes to make a donation in memory of Mike to these charities
British Heart Foundation and/or Abingdon Peace Group
or leave a message of condolence please contact
Tonks Brothers, Funeral Directors
Tel: 01235 539444 or 01865 736144