National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
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Branksome' - hens, hats and air raid shelter
Hens and hounds co-exist amicably in the Iles family garden at 181 Heathwood Road, Cardiff, and horses are filmed further afield.
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Overview
The Iles family's menagerie – at 'Branksome', 181 Heathwood Road, Cardiff - includes hens, hounds (seen at a dog show with the Iles girls, Monica and Gillian) and horses (the girls are probably taking part in the mounted games/show jumping seen). Hats also feature on this reel, donned by partying family and friends, possibly celebrating the end of the war as there are shots of the dismantling of the ‘Branksome' air raid shelter.
Reginald George Iles, who shot this footage, came from Bristol and worked in Imperial Tobacco's Bonus Department in Cardiff. He was a founder member of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Agricultural and Horse Shows Association and would film the area's summer shows for winter screenings. His two daughters, both animal-lovers, became horse breeders.
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