The Regent Theatre Te Awamutu operations manager Linden Gomes and former owner Allan Webb.
Allan Webb was honoured at The Regent Theatre Te Awamutu – his longtime second home – last weekend.
The former owner-operator celebrated his 80th birthday with about 80 guests from the community – thanks to the Allan Webb Theatre Trust and Regent operations manager Linden Gomes.
About 80 people turned up to celebrate with Allan.
“It was very good. I’m glad Allan accepted and the community showed up to celebrate with us,” Linden said.
He told Webb: “I have many things to say and many memories to share, but there is one in particular that [my wife] Vivian and I always come back to. In March 2017, when Vivian came here to watch the live-action Beauty and the Beast, she bought a cappuccino – probably her third coffee that Wednesday morning.
“A few days later, we cam
Allan speaks at his 80th birthday celebration.
e back to see another movie. While we were waiting for Cinema 3 to open, you walked over to Vivian, gave her three dollars, and explained that on that morning the coffee machine had been broken and she had probably received a bad cappuccino. You said you wanted to refund her.
“Of course, Vivian hadn’t noticed anything wrong. She had never complained. But you remembered. You chose honesty.
“And what did she do with the refund? She went straight back to the candy bar and bought… another cappuccino.
The Regent hosted Allan Webb’s 80th birthday.
“That day we realised something very special: you saw us. You respected us. You could have ignored it – she hadn’t complained, she might never have noticed – but instead, you chose integrity. That small gesture became a story we’ve shared ever since.”
Webb said he was grateful for the “many kind words” delivered
“If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life. I have been privileged to have loved my chosen profession. How lucky can a person be?
Projectionist Rohan Dolan shared some photos of theatres Allan had worked at, plus the Regent at various stages of its development.
Then a 1971 movie, Melody, chosen by Allan, was played for all to enjoy.
from left, Lesley Egglestone, Vayle Hammond, Allan Webb, Monique Venn, Linden Gomes and Finleah McCall.
