Mikey is 36 years old and lives in Oban and has written this case study in his own words.

I had recently moved to the area and learnt through my fiancée that the cinema was closed, however a small group of volunteers were in the process of buying it back. I offered my help and designed their logo and website. I later joined the community and when the cinema was purchased I gathered and peer led a team of volunteers to project manage the refurbishment.  It has become a labour of love and can take joy in the fact that Oban will once again have their cinema back and will not line the pockets of an individual; it’s a community asset now.

Key Facts

• We are a company limited by guarantee.
• We are a charity
• We bought a shut down cinema from the liquidators 
• We are refurbishing it now
• We hope to open it this year
• We are the closest cinema for 120 miles.

Awards

• Level 2 Award of £11,600 in November 2011 - active

Journey High Points

• Buying the cinema
• Starting the refurbishment 
• Giving the people something

Journey Low Points

• Asbestos through the refurbishment
• Dealing with committees
• Having to be interviewed for the managers job

The Difference Made

Through this I have befriended so many people and learnt so much. I have never project managed anything before and have enjoyed the practical as well as the theory side to buildings, third sector, community apathy, community help, board members etc. I have been part of something that will remain a local legacy for years to come.

Vital Firstport Ingredients

• The level 2 award helped immensely. Without Firstport I would have been unable to support myself. 
• Through networking I have been to several courses, events and met people from all over social enterprise which have proved so valuable in supporting this venture.

Future Prospects

The first year has been hard and a lot of physical work has been applied in order for the existing building to be ready to house the public. I have learnt so much, in an attempt to manage the cinema in a profitable way that will sustain itself for years to come. However as it is a company and has directors, not everyone sees eye to eye and as project manager I have fought for what is best. Now I have to fight again as local interviews have been announced and I put myself forward as the cinema manager. As it is in the best interests of the company, transparency must be kept. This will be a tough time given all the work I have previously done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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