Tributes to oldest member of Bradford Movie Makers

It was the focus of acclaimed documentary A Bunch of Amateurs, which was long-listed for a Bafta this year and has been screened in cinemas around the world.

Bradford Cine Circle was founded in 1932. It was initially a group of enthusiasts making films using monochrome 9.5mm and 16mm film stock. Membership grew in the 1960s with cheaper Standard 8, then Super 8 colour film. Analogue video cameras appeared in the 1980s, then cam camcorders. Embracing new technology, the group became Bradford Cine and Video Club, then in 2010 Bradford Movie Makers.

Colin Egglestone, who recently turned 90, joined the club in 1976. He has loved film-making since he was a little boy, when his grandad gave him a projector - “a 35mm wind-up, with a candle in it,” recalls Colin.

Colin made films on Standard 8, moving on to sound: “We had family holidays in Germany, Italy, France..I was always filming,” he told the T&A. “I’ve got all my family on film; at picnics and barbecues I used to pan the camera round.”

Based in a Little Horton former stable building, the club has a studio, a green screen and meeting room, a writers’ room and a cinema. “When I joined we had a 5ft by 4ft screen that pulled down,” said Colin. “This place was full, we had 80 members here. My wife, mother-in-law and father-in-law were all members.”

Colin in Bradford in The Frame, a club film made for City of Culture bid. Pic: Andrew Cockerill (Image: Andrew Cockerill)

Here, DAVE MARSHALL and other members of Bradford Movie Makers pay tribute to Colin, the club’s oldest member. Writes Dave: “Colin was born the year the club was founded. He worked as a self-employed cabinet maker and made loudspeaker cabinets for Wharfedale’s prestige speakers and custom furniture for others.

I have known Colin for well over 20 years. He’s a prince among men, any help you require, Colin is there. It was a pleasure to do his 90th birthday buffet and commission 40 special ‘Colin mugs’ for members and guests.

Over the last year Colin has gone to I think 11 Q&A screenings of A Bunch of Amateurs - outstanding at the age of 90.

At Colin’s party we got a big surprise ‘Happy Birthday’ in Punjabi on the harmonium by Paul Chand. Colin loved it.”

Judith Mary Simpson says: “Colin’s loyalty to the club over its years of hardship is truly remarkable. As a new member he built the club’s projection box, later he served as president during the club’s heyday.

“Later, when the club was struggling with decaying and vandalised premises, Colin was always one of the first to volunteer to clean, to paint or to repair.”

Craig Sands: “It’s a photograph like this that shows how we all love film and cinema. Times have changed but the passion has not. Long live cinema!”

Colin is presented with his birthday mug, above

Gary Smith: “When I watched the documentary about Bradford Movie Makers I had yet to become a member of the club. Watching Colin climb his rock garden to the alpine music playing from his shed, I had my heart in my mouth.”

Joe Ogden: “Colin has been a strong force at the club, for 40 years plus now. He is a signpost, not a weather vane. A quiet gentleman who works hard for the club, a good member, not afraid of change when needed, doing the jobs that need to be done. He’s a link to remind us at Bradford Movie Makers of our roots in cine film. Keep reeling out the films, Colin.”

Edmund Davies: “Colin is someone we all should have in our lives as he is very kind, respectful, and very loyal to the Bradford Move Makers - or as he still calls it, the Cine Club. He is the lifeblood of the club.”

Phil Wainman: “One of my earliest memories of Colin was when I was a relatively new member and I first put my name down to become President. As you might imagine, the prospect was a little nerve-racking. Colin came up to me and said, ‘You’ll do great. We need some new thinking.’ I was, at the time, the youngest member of the club and I was really pleased to have the blessing of the oldest.

“I have now been a member for 14 years and in that time Colin has continued to faithfully attend and support the club; he has set an example, which I have endeavoured to follow.”

Gita Mistry: “Colin’s determination is inspiring, he just never gives up, overcoming many hurdles. His kindness and how he welcomes and cares about others is a valuable part of his nature.

“Being a member of the film club for many decades, he has some great stories to share. All you need to do is listen and be marvelled. Three cheers for Colin.”

Jeanette Wilson: “Colin is Bradford Movie Makers. He is such a lovely bloke. He embraces life to the full.”

Harry Nicolls: “Colin Egglestone is now BMM’s oldest member and a credit to the club. He is an inspiration to all.”

Jim Walker: “I’ve been a member of Bradford Movie Makers for 17 years and Colin has always been there. He is such a gentle, quiet man, it’s always a pleasure to speak to him. He is also a damn good wood worker.

“By the time I started making films it was all digital (I’m pleased to say) and Colin is a great link with the past, when filming meant film.”

Adds Dave: “Colin is exactly what Bradford Movie Makers represents - friendship, camaraderie, helping each other, getting by, and true Yorkshire grit. Colin is the keystone of Bradford Move Makers and a major star of A Bunch of Amateurs.

To sum up, as they say down South, he is a diamond geezer.”