This was the first multiplex to built by Apollo in a shopping centre. They had never done this before and were very worried that the figures would just not stack up, eventually they agreed with the landlords and I was instrumental in working on the project and campaign to open the cinema and to be it’s first General Manager with Julie Jones and David wells as my deputies. It was opened with a big fanfare and TV Presenter Nick Owen cut the ribbon.
When I left the Kings West Bromwich. I was the first Manager to be appointed for the opening following its conversion from an old factory. It was then operated by the University and Wolverhampton Council. When I left Jas Kapur took over as the Manager who ironically was the projectionist I worked with at the ABC/EMI Cinema before it closed.
The site has now been totally cleared and a new educational building will be used on the land. I saw my first Cinema film here and then started as a trainee projectionist under the Chief Dave Tambling. Such fantastic years.
I have also posted a couple more pictures, if you zoom in close on the 75th Anniversary pictures you will see the time capsule film can being placed by yours truly and Femi
I was Apollo’s first General Manager at Leamington Spa and ran the Cinema for fourteen years. Taking the concept from a single screen through to six. Witnessing first-hand the fire and the floods. I can confirm Anne Diamond visited many times and so did Adam Woodyatt from EastEnders. The time capsule was placed by TV news Presenter Femi Oke and contained a radio tape from BBC CWR, a Television script from Central TV, an admission ticket from the day and a few memorabilia bits and bobs that the staff collated at the time that went into the film can. Apollo Cinemas as a company (sadly, now ceased trading) was eventually sold to VUE
This was the first multiplex to built by Apollo in a shopping centre. They had never done this before and were very worried that the figures would just not stack up, eventually they agreed with the landlords and I was instrumental in working on the project and campaign to open the cinema and to be it’s first General Manager with Julie Jones and David wells as my deputies. It was opened with a big fanfare and TV Presenter Nick Owen cut the ribbon.
When I left the Kings West Bromwich. I was the first Manager to be appointed for the opening following its conversion from an old factory. It was then operated by the University and Wolverhampton Council. When I left Jas Kapur took over as the Manager who ironically was the projectionist I worked with at the ABC/EMI Cinema before it closed.
The site has now been totally cleared and a new educational building will be used on the land. I saw my first Cinema film here and then started as a trainee projectionist under the Chief Dave Tambling. Such fantastic years.
I have also posted a couple more pictures, if you zoom in close on the 75th Anniversary pictures you will see the time capsule film can being placed by yours truly and Femi
I was Apollo’s first General Manager at Leamington Spa and ran the Cinema for fourteen years. Taking the concept from a single screen through to six. Witnessing first-hand the fire and the floods. I can confirm Anne Diamond visited many times and so did Adam Woodyatt from EastEnders. The time capsule was placed by TV news Presenter Femi Oke and contained a radio tape from BBC CWR, a Television script from Central TV, an admission ticket from the day and a few memorabilia bits and bobs that the staff collated at the time that went into the film can. Apollo Cinemas as a company (sadly, now ceased trading) was eventually sold to VUE