Simon Pegg visits Headley Court MediCinema
Actor Simon Pegg has joined patients and staff at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Headley Court to see the development of a new cinema and entertainment centre for injured Service personnel before it opens in September.
From left: Captain Anna Poole, actor Simon Pegg, Corporal Matt Webb and Bombardier Paul Brent test the facilities of the new MediCinema at Headley Court, which has been funded by The Royal British Legion [Picture: Peter Luckhurst, Crown Copyright 2012]
The Royal British Legion is partnering with MediCinema to open the first ever fully digital, 3D system dedicated to Service personnel undergoing rehabilitation.
The new 50-seat complex will show Hollywood blockbusters and films on current release up to three times a week.
It will be fully wheelchair accessible, with some seats accessible by steps to help those redeveloping their mobility. DMRC hopes it will make a significant contribution to the recuperation of Service personnel by providing them with some much-needed entertainment during their rehabilitation.
The Legion has funded £410,000 towards the capital and operating costs of the centre, which MediCinema has built and will manage.
From left: Bombardier Paul Brent, Corporal Matt Webb, actor Simon Pegg and Captain Anna Poole in the grounds of Headley Court [Picture: Peter Luckhurst, Crown Copyright 2012]
Shaun of the Dead and Star Trek star Simon Pegg, a patron of MediCinema, said:
What MediCinema has provided for the residents of Headley Court is so much more than just entertainment.
It is the chance for these brave servicemen to take a break from the undoubted challenges they face on a daily basis and lose themselves in the wonder world of film. Not only that, they get to do it in real style. I’m so proud to be associated with this project.
Stephen Moore, MediCinema’s Chief Executive, said:
We are delighted to be providing a cinema of the highest quality at Headley Court. It has only been made possible by the generous support we’ve been given the Royal British Legion as well as many people in the film industry.
Sue Freeth, Director of Operations at the Royal British Legion, said:
Injured Service personnel at DMRC Headley Court already receive the best medical care and rehabilitation, and now the Royal British Legion and MediCinema have joined forces to give them the best entertainment.
Rehabilitation is not only a huge physical challenge, but involves recuperating mentally as well. This excellent new facility will assist our brave Service personnel in doing just that.
Commanding Officer of Headley Court, Group Captain Clare Walton, said:
On behalf of the patients and staff of Headley Court, I would very much like to thank all those from MediCinema, the Royal British Legion and my own Headley Court staff who have worked so hard to deliver this magnificent facility.
Our patients will be able to come here and enjoy the full 3D, HD cinema experience complete with all the latest sound effects.
It is a fabulous addition to our welfare facilities and I know it will be particularly appreciated by patients after a hard day’s work in the rehabilitation centre.