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| Author | DCM |
| Categories | cinemaExhibitor Focus |
Brian Harries, the manager and projectionist at the Brynamman Cinema in the Brecon Beacons has been awarded the B.E.M British Empire Medal for 50 years’ service at the cinema and to the community. Brian and his wife Gillian had the honour of meeting the Queen and Prince Philip at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party and spoke to Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall.
The Prince asked Brian what part of Wales he and Gillian come from. “I told him not too far from where his property is just across the mountain,” Brian told DCM Close Up. “He was very amused. Princess Alexandra asked if we speak Welsh to which I replied all the time at home. She told us that her parents were Greek and she regretted not being able to speak the language. So I've now got my medal!”
Brian and Gillian Harries at Buckingham Palace, where Brian received his British Empire Medal
Building work on the new Brynamman Cinema started in 1924 with seating for around 1,100 people. It was furnished throughout with tip up seats upholstered in old gold corduroy. The opening ceremony was held on 15th May 1926 and the cinema started with silent films until the 1930's, when the "talkies" came along. Today it also puts on live shows, allowing the cast from Galaxy Theatre Arts to experience the thrill of performing on stage.
The cinema has continued to thrive over the years thanks to Brian’s commitment to keeping the site up to date with all the changes that the film industry has experienced over recent years.
Please join DCM Close Up in congratulating Brian on his award.