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Owner of Skipton cinema recognised in King's New Year Honours

Friday, 2 January 2026 08:31

Charles Morris

The proprietor of Skipton’s Plaza Cinema has been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours.

Charles Morris has been awarded an MBE for services to cinema in the north of England.

He is also the proprietor of the Picture House in Keighley and managing director of Northern Morris Associated Cinemas Ltd.

Mr Morris reopened the Picture House in Keighley in 1996 and went on to take over the Plaza Cinema on Sackville Street in Skipton two years later.

Alongside the cinemas in Skipton and Keighley, he also runs the Rex in Elland, the Cottage Road Cinema in Leeds and the Roxy in Ulverston.

Having worked in the MoD as an electronic engineer, Charles returned to his first love of cinema with the acquisition of his first site, the Victoria Hall in Settle, North Yorkshire in 1986.

All are much-loved local cinemas in communities that without Charles’ dedication would undoubtedly not enjoy local opportunities for cinema-going. Even now, in his mid-seventies, Charles is very much ‘hands-on’, booking films for each site and leading on the necessary maintenance and aspects of all aspects of each site.

Until around 18 months ago, he also operated the Royalty Cinema in Bowness-on-Windermere, which he ran for more than three decades.

Mr Morris said it was a great privilege to receive the award but added that it was bittersweet, as his late wife Judy, who he said was equally deserving, passed away just three months before the announcement.

He also highlighted the importance of continued public support for independent cinemas, noting that ongoing patronage is vital to keeping them operating.

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