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ABOUT US
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We are Friends of the Broadway Prestwick, and our aim is to reopen the Broadway as an independent cinema, exciting multi-use venue, and inter-generational community hub.
The Broadway of the future will capture the spirit and soul of the cinema's golden age past, with heritage preservation at the forefront of everything we hope to achieve. By combining state-of-the-art cinema technology with a wonderfully evocative atmosphere in glorious Art Deco surroundings, we aim to transform the Broadway into one of Ayrshire's prime entertainment venues.
The cinema with a charm all its own.
MEET THE TEAM
GUY WALKER
CHAIR AND CHIEF PROJECTIONIST
Guy Walker has been a Director of the Friends of the Broadway since February 2022. He is a Professor of Human Factors and a Director of Learning and Teaching at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
In this role he has overall responsibility for the operation of undergraduate and postgraduate education involving over 5000 students and 300 staff. Guy has written 19 books and over 130 published academic papers – one or two on technical cinema topics. He brings to the project senior leadership experience, expertise in funding, civil engineering projects, and community engagement.
Most importantly, he used to be a ‘real’ cinema projectionist in a heritage venue very similar to the Broadway. He has witnessed first-hand the transformative impact reopening a cinema has on communities and is passionate about bringing these impacts to Prestwick for the benefit of all.
JOHN O'DONNELL
VICE CHAIR AND DIRECTOR OF FUNDING
John O’Donnell is the vice chairperson of Friends of the Broadway Prestwick. He has senior leadership experience having been Head of Human Resources for Kwik-Fit. John was also Head of Service for Citizens Advice Direct for 2 years, responsible for funding applications and delivery of the service through 8 paid staff and 150 Volunteers.
John retired in 2022 and relocated to Prestwick. He was co-opted as a Community Councillor in October 2022. Whilst attending the Lights Up Prestwick event in December 2022 John met some of the board of Friends of the Broadway Prestwick and the rest is history.
John brings senior leadership and Human Resource experience along with knowledge of fundraising and funding applications, all of which will be crucial in moving the Broadway project forward.
ALEXANDRA WILSON
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Alex worked for 33 years in various roles within BBC Scotland, her most recent role was Commercial and Partnerships Manager.
As Commercial Manager she was responsible for marketing the Broadcast TV and radio studios and outside broadcast facilities and technical staff. She was responsible for raising internal and external income whilst looking after BBC and external production TV and Radio shows. She managed a team of eight and the team gained an excellent reputation for client care and delivering above and beyond. She was part of BBC Scotland’s operations management team.
As Partnerships Manager Alex was responsible for managing and developing new and existing BBC partnerships ensuring joint objectives were indentified and measured working alongside the central BBC Partnerships Director. Notable partnerships included the National Library of Scotland, Royal Conservatoire Scotland and Creative Scotland/Screen Scotland to name a few. In addition Alex was also elected onto BAFTA Scotland's Committee over a 6-year period representing BBC Scotland and also the BAFTA Awards sub-committee. She would have stayed longer but members have to step down after 6 years! So she left BAFTA Scotland in 2023. Alex was also on the Board of Glasgow Citizen’s Theatre for a 6-year period across the period when the Citz was undergoing huge renovation and exciting funding and rebuilding plans.
Alex recently retired after 33 years at the BBC and moved to Prestwick at the same time in September 2023. Alex is married, her husband also works in TV as a freelance Sound Engineer, she has 2 grown-up stepchildren and a Border Collie dog called Dougal and is loving all the beach walks!
GRAHAM BARNETT
DIRECTOR AND COMPANY SECRETARY
Graham is originally from Kings Park in the South Side of Glasgow. He started his career in Insurance with General Accident holding a range of positions including Administration Manger for the Glasgow branch.
Graham moved into Facilities management working with AMEY (Scotland) on Schools projects and then with Telecoms Company THUS, most recently for the last 13 years with Scottish Fire and Rescue where he is currently Soft Services Manager covering the whole of Scotland.
Graham is a member of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management and brings a breadth of knowledge from his Insurance and Facilities Management roles which will be of great help to the Broadway project going forward. Graham has a passion for cinema and TV, having recently moved to Prestwick getting involved with Friends of the Broadway was a natural step for him.
KEITH GERARD
DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE
From South Bromsgrove High School in 1974, Keith was guided into a 4 year apprenticeship with West Midlands NHS where he became a Maintenance Electrician. He would then take up employment in a high-tech industrial setting with Rolls Royce in jet engine development, learning a great deal in electrics, electronics, and instrumentation, and gaining a number of promotions within the company.
Whilst attending a summer school at Stirling University, Keith met and fell in love with Anne, and thereafter moved to Prestwick in 1986. He quickly became established with Glacier Metal in Kilmarnock, initially as a Maintenance Engineer and then Research Technician, remaining with the company which became Mahle until 2008. He has since held similar roles at FMC Biopolymer in Girvan, Peacock Salt in Prestwick, and Electro Installations in Maybole, where he remains employed on a phased retirement basis.
Keith became the Broadway's official maintenance officer and caretaker last year and has already been instrumental in keeping the building's condition stable and preserving the original design and structure of our beloved cinema.
CAROLINE MITCHELL
CO-OPTED DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Born in Prestwick and raised in nearby Alloway, Caroline is a freelance marketer supporting organisations and businesses across the wide spectrum of marketing activities.
After graduating University of Glasgow with an Honours Degree in Scottish Literature and Language, Caroline 'cut her teeth' at a Glasgow-based destination marketing agency for the best part of a decade. Her role saw her working with multi-national real estate companies, crafting and implementing marketing strategies, from the projects' development stages through to launch and beyond.
The arrival of a bouncing baby boy meant that a slight change of pace was required, bringing her to discover freelance life. A keen 'Burnsian' and advocate of all things Ayrshire, Caroline followed the amazing work of the Broadway team for years before jumping at the chance to volunteer!
SCOTT HUTCHISON
CO-OPTED DIRECTOR OF CULTURE AND MEDIA
Originally from Dundee, Scott moved to Ayrshire in 2022 after 37 years working in London and Cambridgeshire.
He spent 30 years in the Metropolitan Police, first in uniform then murder investigations. He moved to New Scotland Yard in the mid 90s and spent the next 21 years in Anti-Terrorism and Intelligence roles, before moving into the project management side of counter-terrorism activities in his final 4 years with the Met.
Since then, he has worked as a project manager for several companies across a wide range of industries. Scott is passionate about architecture and cinema and spent several years as volunteer co-ordinator for the Isokon Gallery in London’s Lawn Road. These iconic modernist flats were built in the same year as the Broadway, so coming on board as client-side Project Manager is an ideal fit for our organisation.
KYLE MACFARLANE
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Kyle was appointed Project Development Officer in February 2024, and served on the board of directors for five and a half years prior, from August 2018.
As Project Development Officer Kyle's role primarily surrounds funding, including sponsorship and fundraising, to ensure that the Broadway's future becomes a reality. Originally joining to offer support with graphic design, social media marketing, and web management skills, Kyle has since pioneered key aspects of the project that have shaped the organisation today, and will continue to shape the Broadway Cinema of the future.
The Museum of Scottish Cinemas project was founded by Kyle to preserve not only the Broadway's incredible heritage but the history of cinema-going across the nation. Our current website was also designed by Kyle, together with the creation of our members' monthly magazine the Broadway Bugle, of which Kyle remains as the chief editor. Kyle is also leading our Gaelic language plan, has acted as spokesperson for the Broadway across national media, and identified our chosen Stage One architects.
MARTIN STEWART
WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE
Martin Stewart has been writing for a long time, having made his first book using Post-It notes aged eight. He went on to complete a B.A. in English as well as a master’s degree in Literary Studies, taught Creative Writing at the University of Strathclyde, and English at Kyle Academy in Ayr. A native of Glasgow, he now lives in Troon with his wife, two children, and a very big dog.
Martin’s debut YA novel, Riverkeep, was published by Penguin Random House UK and Viking Children’s Books (USA) in 2016. It was named one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2016, shortlisted for the Bookseller’s YA Book Prize and the Branford Boase Award, and longlisted for the Guardian Children’s Book Prize. Martin’s second book, The Sacrifice Box, was published by Penguin Random House UK and Viking Children’s Books US in 2018, after which he was commissioned by Puffin and The Children’s Sleep Charity to write Puffin Sleepy Tales – a collection of stories to be read aloud with the intention of creating immersive, soothing audioscapes. The Wild Huntsboys – one of Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the Year – was released by Viking Children’s Books in the US 2021. His debut middle grade series, Bridget Vanderpuff, launched in 2023. Its third title – Bridget Vanderpuff and the Great Airship Robbery – publishes in February 2024. This will be followed by his first book for adults, Double Proof, a Glasgow-set crime thriller, and a fourth Bridget novel in the summer. His work has been published all over the world, and translated into nine languages.
As a former teacher, Martin runs workshops to help learners develop their writing, and to inspire the pursuit of creative ambition. His interest in the Broadway project is multi-faceted: the conservation of a local landmark; the connection to the golden age of cinema, the Museum of Scottish Cinemas; the restoration of a public treasure; and the chance to be involved in programming a varied programme of events for the finished venue are all drivers of his involvement. He is looking forward to working on the oral history project, and in partnership with local schools.
GEMMA CROCKART
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND FILMMAKER
Gemma is a freelance photographer and videographer operating as Esther Morgan Photography.
Gemma has joined as an integral part of the project and will be documenting the Broadway's entire journey from now until grand re-opening night. She will help capture every event and major milestone with world-class photography and film. Gemma's final aim is to create a feature-length documentary, following every chapter in the Broadway's story and creating professional mini-documentaries along the way. These mini-documentaries will showcase the people behind the project, the memories of cinema across our community, and the remarkable survival that is the Broadway itself.
Gemma's work is truly incredible and will capture the soul of the Broadway being brought back to life over the years to come.
KATIE & LIAM LAMB
EXECUTIVE ADVISORS OF DESIGN AND MEDIA
With over eight years of experience working in the creative industry, Katie runs her own design and illustration business, working with some brilliant brands, creative agencies and start-ups.
Her freelance career covers a variety of industries including sports, travel, marketing, architecture, rail infrastructure and more. As well as design briefs for print, Katie also specialises in digital design - from social media graphics, website design and brochures, to strategic branding and illustration.
KIRSTY McGINN
EXECUTIVE ADVISOR OF FINANCE MANAGEMENT
Kirsty McGinn is a director of a successful local company and has extensive experience in office management, company accounts, payroll, invoicing, and company administration.
Kirsty currently designs and implements company policies, standards, and procedures to ISO9001 standards. She monitors annual budgets, schedules expenditures, and analyses variances. She has experience managing large teams and further expertise in marketing. Kirsty’s key strengths are the organisation and coordination of company affairs, and after a period on the board she has kindly agreed to remain as an Executive Advisor to the board.
Kirsty's expertise will be instrumental in the success of our organisation in the coming years.
ANNE GERARD
VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR
Before retirement, Anne held a Senior General Manager role in the NHS, with overall responsibility for 600 clinical and support services staff. During her extensive career, she had the privilege of further training in psychodynamic group therapy, Prince2 project management, community care and partnership working, and in an innovative accelerated management training programme for Senior Managers and Executives in NHS Scotland, all relevant to her demanding workload. Having been recognised as a successful and innovative leader, she was appointed Advisor with the Scottish Hospital Advisory Service, (SHAS). Working to support individuals and teams, to optimise their full potential has been a key driver throughout her career.
Having practised meditation for over twenty years, upon retirement, Anne trained in compassion-based mindfulness over several years, enabling her to teach a 10-week mindfulness based living course to both professional groups and the public.
More recently, Anne has been involved in numerous roles as a volunteer, including her involvement with the Breast Cancer Care and Macmillan charities. She is a tutor for an Essential Skills programme for adults, in addition to offering mentorship support to young vulnerable people.
The significant and valuable role volunteers play in the community has been a constant feature in both Anne’s professional and personal life. Following a move to Prestwick almost 40 years ago, being involved in the restoration of the Broadway is incredibly exciting and having the opportunity to engage with and support other Broadway volunteers combines many of Anne’s long-term interests. It was while studying Social Sciences with the OU that Anne met her lifelong partner and husband, Keith, who is also a devoted volunteer with the Broadway as Director of Facilties and Maintenance.
EOIN DARROCH
ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
A recent addition to the team and our employee number two, Eoin brings several years of customer service experience and administrative know-how to his duties with Friends of the Broadway Prestwick, while also helping out wherever possible with funding, fundraising, and community engagement.
Outside of work, Eoin can be found either doting on his daughter or spending time at his local hobby shop teaching and playing Pokémon with the community he's helping to develop.
PRESTWICK ACADEMY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We are delighted to announce a new collaboration with Prestwick Academy to form an official student board of directors for Friends of the Broadway Prestwick!
The Academy's sixth year school captains alongside fellow pupils with interests in media, film, and heritage, have come together to form our first ever student board, who will be taking part in a wide range of volunteering, event hosting, and community engagement opportunities.
You can stay up-to-date with the students work and progress on our social media accounts and in our News section of the website. We plan for the Broadway to remain a vibrant community hub for decades to come, and giving our younger generations a chance to shape their own Broadway of the future will be crucial to our project's success. The current team is:
ROSS BAIN (CHAIR)
NATASHA MORRISON
FRASER McINTYRE
DYLAN DONALD
FEATURING
ADDITIONAL EXECUTIVE ADVISORS
& MEDIA CREATORS
FAYE DAVIES
as Lead Architect of Burrell Foley Fischer
CALLUM RAE
as Supporting Architect of Burrell Foley Fischer
HAODONG WU
as Supporting Architect of Burrell Foley Fischer
GEORGE JOHNSON
as Supporting Architect of Burrell Foley Fischer
CLIFF BAILLIE
as Executive Advisor of Cinema Operations
DAVID FERGUSON
as Executive Advisor of Cinema Projection
and representative of the Projected Picture Trust
JULIE TWADDELL
as Executive Advisor of Dementia-Friendly Design
and representative of Dementia Friendly Prestwick
CHRIS UPTON
as Executive Advisor of Museum Collections
KATE GRIMSHAW
as Executive Advisor of Museum Collections
CALUM UPTON
as Music Composer
and Museum Collections Assistant
MATTHEW ROONEY
as Media Producer
JOHN McEVOY
as Media Producer
FOUNDERS
LEICA MALKIN
COLIN MALKIN
LIFETIME FRIENDS OF THE BROADWAY
LORNA SINCLAIR
STUART CAIRNS
HAZEL CUTHBERT
CHLÖE CHANDLER
LOUISE McADAM
ELLA PAUL
AISLINNG CLARKE
MARTIN JURÍČEK
ANDREW FOSTER
ELISSA WILSON
STEPHEN COOPER
KIM BLACK
BOB NOBLE
KIRSTY THOMSON
CLAIRE KIMMETT
LAURA TWADDELL
ACADEMY BOARD OF DIRECTORS ALUMNI
ROSIE WALLBANKS
LEWIS DUNCAN
IVY McDONALD
BEX BEATTIE
BELLE WILSON
LEWIS HENDERSON
BENEFACTOR
COLIN BLAIR
PATRON
KELVIN MACDONALD FAcSS FRTPI CIHCM FRSA