A reel-life drama (From The Northern Echo)
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A reel-life drama
4:05am Wednesday 24th October 2007 in News By Jill Neill
Projectionist Dave Speirs, centre, with owner Rob Younger, right, and technician Dave Eastwood
A CINEMA projectionist who showed the final film before the closure of a town's last picture house will return to the job after nearly 25 years.
An audience of only six people watched Dave Speirs' last screening at the former Zetland Cinema, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, in April 1983.
He has now been recruited by the owner of a new cinema, which will be part of The Station, a leisure development to be opened at the town's old railway station next month.
Mr Speirs, who lives in Richmond, had been at the Zetland for 18 years when it closed and went on to work at cinemas in Darlington.
When he heard that The Station would incorporate a two-screen auditorium, he applied for the job of projectionist.
"I really couldn't believe it. After more than 24 years without a cinema, I'd just about given up on Richmond ever having the pleasure of a picture house again," he said.
Rob Younger, from South Yorkshire, who will run the cinema, said: "I absolutely fell in love with the old station the minute I walked in the building, earlier this year."
He had been concerned that recruiting an experienced projectionist might prove difficult, but was delighted to be approached by Mr Speirs about the job.
"Out of the blue, I got an email from Dave saying he would be really keen to join my team in Richmond and that he had been showing films for more than 40 years," said Mr Younger. "When I met him, I knew he had definitely laced up a projector or two in his day, so I offered him the job. I honestly couldn't believe my luck."
Mr Speirs will celebrate his 60th birthday on November 1, the day originally pencilled in for the opening of The Station.
Although the opening has been delayed and will probably take place later in the month, Mr Speirs said: "Having a beautiful two-screen cinema in Richmond is like a birthday wish come true."
The twin screens, which will cater for about 200 filmgoers, are about to be installed at The Station, along with other technical equipment, including a popcorn machine.
