The night was organised by the Opal and Fossil Committee and the Lightning Ridge Historical Society.

The films were an opportunity to view old mining techniques and also provided a great insight into the way the early miners lived.

Before the films Opal and Fossil Centre Project co-ordinator Jenni Brammell presented a brief outline of the new centre planned for the area which will hopefully attract many tourists to the Ridge.

A silent six-minute black and white film was then presented which showed how the old-time miners lived and worked.

The second film was made in the 1960s and was presented by Roger Climpson.

The film was more a documentary of the area, showing some old characters of the Ridge and the reasons why people made their home here.

It may have been old but the same spirit of independence, freedom and adventure that existed then still lives on in the Ridge today.

There was also a wonderful book on fossils that went up for grabs as the lucky door prize.

The Bowling Club generously donated supper for the night.

The Opal and Fossil Centre Committee plans to hold more film nights in the future and raise enthusiasm for the proposed centre.

Members are also after feedback on what types of mining machinery people would like preserved in the centre.