Peter Davies was employed in Chester cinemas since the age of fifteen, starting as a trainee projectionist at the ABC. A career that spanned 52 years of projecting film and digital presentation. Having worked in all three of the final remaining city centre cinemas ~ ABC, Tatler/Classic, and Odeon for most of those years. Although always associated with the large cinema circuits, he would quickly state that the Tatler was the cinema he most preferred. During his time at the ABC, he was involved with the staging of the BIG named pop groups of the 60s. In 1971 he joined the Odeon, which was then operated by the mighty Rank Organisation, becoming technical manager in 1977. He was actively involved in the changes when the cinema was made into a three screen Film Centre in 1976, and then when it became a five screen venue in 1991.
He was also involved with Odeons at Crewe, Warrington, Sale, Oldham, Bury, and the original Wrexham Odeon. As branch secretary for the entertainment union, N.A.T.T.K.E., he covered cinemas, theatres and bingo halls in the North West and North Wales during the 1970s.
Turning away from suggestions that he should move into general cinema management, along with being lined up as regional engineer and technical training officer, he had no regrets as he preferred, along with his family, to remain in Chester and district. He headed the technical operation at the opening of three local multiplexes- Bromborough and two in Wrexham. Later managing the projection departments at both Wrexham and Chester Odeons. He completed over twenty three years at Chester, being the final technical manager as Odeon left the building.
Following a road accident, Peter left the business.
Together with other cinema enthusiasts, Peter is pleased to be actively associated with chestercinemas.co.uk