Jim Dempster
In 2010 the Roebuck Cup was awarded to BFFS Treasurer Jim Dempster, former BFFS Chair Donna Anton presented him with the award with the following dedication:
2010's recipient is someone who exemplifies the ethos of volunteerism and combines it with a genuine passion for community cinema. Most importantly, Jim Dempster has been involved with the film society movement since 1966. It's no secret that since the new BFFS board was formed over two years ago, we've had a daunting challenge in keeping the organisation financially afloat. And through it all in his position as honourable treasurer, Jim has been like a rock -- steady, responsible, logical, creative, optimistic, generous with his time and ideas. Jim's marvellous humour defuses tension, creates esprit de corps and adds to his value as the ultimate team player. What's more, his knowledge of BFFS's history is encyclopaedic and his dedication to community cinema is unparalleled.
It was as a 16mm projectionist for his local film society in Scotland back in 1966 that Jim began his life-long dedication to community cinema, later moving on to 35mm projectors. He was encouraged to become involved in the Scottish Federation and eventually became vice-chair and then chair, later representing the Scottish Group on the Executive Committee and the Management Committee (ManCom) of BFFS. As Scottish Group treasurer Jim established a 16mm distribution scheme for short films – both to encourage film makers and provide complementary programming for film societies. He also improved the Group’s finances from having no reserves, and spending plans which required ever-increasing finances, to one where income and expenditure were in balance, activities supported local societies, and a reserve was created and maintained.
After moving to London in 1992, Jim because treasurer of BFFS during a difficult time with the BFI, so he schooled himself on the BFFS Memorandum and Articles of Association as well as company and charity law. In 1998, the General Secretary, Tom Brownlie, and Jim negotiated substantial funding from the newly created Film Council, which became the UK Film Council and on the appointment of a CEO to BFFS, Jim resigned. He was persuaded to return to BFFS as treasurer in 2006, and was elected as a trustee to the new board in 2008 as a member of the London Socialist Film Co-op, and continued in the role of BFFS treasurer.
Since coming back to BFFS, Jim has redesigned the financial accounts for optimum transparency and usability. According to Jaq Chell, Jim’s patience and skill when training new members of staff is hugely appreciated – and play a part in the strong relationship the board has with its members of staff. Jaq says: “When it comes to advice and support for new and existing community cinemas, Jim is the go-to man for queries on charitable status, tax etc. He is the man with the solutions – if he can’t answer something, he’ll find someone who can. Jim is always reliable and has an invaluable eye for detail.
“Jim is a calming influence on operations – a quality prized among BFFS volunteers – and can be credited with steering this ship towards safer waters. It is volunteers like Jim that have kept the British Federation of Film Societies a vital part of the community exhibition network for over 60 years.”
In Dave Watterson’s opinion, “Jim has always been retiring, almost shy, utterly reliable and devoted to film.”
Tom Brownlie remembers Jim’s early years this way:
“From what I know Jim’s film society career began with Haldane Film Society in Dunbartonshire. I first met him when our school film society in Dunbartonshire started attending residential viewing sessions and Jim would often be there projecting the films. He will well remember the October events at Middleton Hall. Being Scots we always booked the weekend when the clocks went back so we could have an extra hour of viewing, drinking and sleeping at no extra cost. The caretaker at the venue was a kilted Mr Warmbath, who would serve in the bar to the early hours of the morning.”
We are glad at last to have the opportunity to give Jim Dempster our praise, our admiration and, most of all, our thanks – for 44 years of service to the film society movement.
