4 minute read
Omnex Newsletter: April 2023
Not all heroes wear a cape!
THE UK CINEMA ASSOCIATION and Searchlight Pictures jointly announced the winner of their UK Cinema Heroes competition in February. Rob Younger, the owner of the Parkway Barnsley and a veteran of the industry for more than 40 years, has been declared the winner of this prestigious award.
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Rob was chosen from a list of over 200 industry figures who collectively received more than 1,000 nominations. The judging panel, comprising colleagues from the UKCA and Searchlight as well as film-makers, had a tough job selecting the winner from an exceptional short-listed of 10.
Rob was selected as the winner, with Joyce Kane of ODEON Kilmarnock and Mark Gallagher of the Arc Hucknall as worthy runners-up. All three nominees are a true credit to the industry and deserve high praise for their dedication and service to their communities.
Speaking about the announcement, UK Cinema Association Chief Executive Phil Clapp remarked that the number and range of nominations received for the competition speaks volumes about the extent to which cinema-goers recognise and appreciate the dedication shown by those working in the sector. He also acknowledged that it was particularly pleasing to see nominations covering cinemas from across the UK and of all types and sizes.
THE PARKWAY is a community venue that regularly hosts mainstream film screenings, 35mm and 70mm film shows, event cinema, live stage shows and private hires. Rob manages and often introduces these events with undimmed energy and enthusiasm.
On winning the UK Cinema Heroes competition, Rob said that he was absolutely delighted and honoured. He expressed his surprise, especially after seeing those nominated in the top ten list. He also thanked all those who took the time to put him forward in this amazing competition. Rob won a trip for two to Hollywood (Simon: I’m available Rob!) and a pair of tickets to an upcoming red-carpet event in London. Searchlight Pictures will also provide a staff party package at Rob’s cinema to celebrate his victory with his colleagues. Joyce and Mark, the runners-up, also each won a pair of tickets to an upcoming redcarpet event in London.
Rob’s commitment to the industry and the communities he serves is second to none. He is a worthy winner of the UK Cinema Heroes competition — and well done to all the winners and nominees!
LET’S DUMB DOWN THE FORMALITIES; Rob is a cinema veteran with more than 40 years of experience! But here’s some fun facts to share about a man who has become a recognised and welcomed friend to the industry. He began his career as a projectionist at the ODEON Barnsley in the late 1970s, before returning to education to study electronics, whilst still working part-time in cinemas. He went on to install and service sound and projection kit in many cinemas in the UK, Ireland, Germany and even Malta and had a brief stint as an engineer with Cannon Cinemas.
In 2003, he became the manager of the Penistone Paramount, a venue that he had long been connected with and, in 2005, he was appointed as Head of Technical Services at Picturehouse Cinemas. During his time at Picturehouse Cinemas, Rob had the opportunity to fit out and open the Station Cinema in Richmond and also to acquire the former Odeon in Barnsley (where it all began) with the late Gerald Parkes. After renaming the site the Parkway, Rob and the Parkes family managed to purchase the freehold of the Barnsley site in October of last year.
In addition to his work in the cinema industry, Rob is also involved in restoring and refurbishing the cinema frontage of the Parkway, with funding support from the local council and Historic England. He is also often seen helping out at the other four Parkway sites and is in regular contact with other cinema owners.
As the winner of the UK Cinema Heroes competition jointly launched by the UK Cinema Association and Searchlight Pictures, Rob has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the industry.
