29 September 2007:

The Curzon Cinema in Clevedon closed its doors to the public for one night only for a private party to commemorate two significant landmarks. Firstly the retirement of long serving General Manager, Jon Webber and also the end of the cinema’s 10th birthday year as a community cinema.

The previous owners of the historic cinema went into Administration in 1995 and only through a public campaign orchestrated by Jon Webber was the cinema saved for the local community, enabling it to continue to serve local people as a community-run registered charity.

After galvanising public support to save the cinema Jon was appointed its first General Manager, a post he held through to August this year after more than 10 years at the helm.

For this local single screen cinema to reach its 10 year milestone is a magnificent achievement. Not only that, but in addition to repaying the original mortgage on the building there has over the years been significant sums invested into the improvement of the film going experience, including screen, sound system, seating, access for people with disabilities, new digital projector and a new 35mm projector. The community responded to save the cinema and they have continued with unstinting support throughout those 10 years.

Chair of Trustee Hilary Neal commented “If it had not been for Jon Webber, the story could have been so different, and the Curzon could have been lost as a cinema for ever. The local community owe him such a debt of gratitude. It just would not have been right to let this moment pass without holding a party for all the people that have worked alongside Jon over those 10 years to make The Curzon what it is today.”

Special guest at the party was David Sproxton, Cinema Patron and Director of Aardman Animations who have supported the cinema considerably over a number of years. He said, “It’s been a pleasure to be able to support Jon in his incredible work for the Curzon. May that work carry on with the same energy he has brought to it and of course our support will carry on.”

Other Patrons who were unfortunately unable to attend the party sent messages of support. International stage and screen actor Alan Rickman said, “Many congratulations and thanks for having brought the Curzon through these triumphant 10 years.” Other messages of thanks and support were sent in from Curzon Patrons Tony Robinson and Sir Charles Elton, as well as from Timothy West and Prunella Scales and local MP Dr Liam Fox.