The South West Group of Cinema for All had the sad news in August that Ralph Willett, a member of the Regional Committee for many years, had died at the age of 90. Ralph was Chair of the Yeovil Cinematheque film society for over 20 years and was also Chair of the South West Group from 2003 to 2017, becoming the Honorary President in 2018. 
Ralph had a diverse academic career, his particular knowledge of American cinema coming initially from time at universities in Alabama teaching American Literature. Returning to the UK, he taught American Studies at Hull University where he met Anthony Minghella who went on to become a very successful director (The Talented Mr Ripley, The English Patient and many others), as well as Chair of Governors at the British Film Institute.
Ralph’s good humour and enthusiastic knowledge of world cinema, particularly Film Noir, paid an important role in the Group’s support of so many film societies in the region over the years.