The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
British Red Cross Society Youth at Nurses Camps, Longhoughton and Rothbury
A rich wartime Kodachrome record of young women training to be nurses with the British Red Cross in Northumberland.
From the collection of:
Overview
On the home front, plucky young novice nurses in ‘hospital blues’ train up in Northumberland for a World War Two role with the British Red Cross Society. With a straw bed and a tent, at camps in Longhoughton and the beautiful Coquetdale valley, the enthusiastic volunteers take time out from drills and medical training to paddle off Sugar Sands beach and play games in the grounds of a Red Cross hospital at Rothbury.
This rare actuality footage was recorded by a filmmaker with one of the earliest British cine clubs, the Newcastle and District Amateur Cinematographers Association, formed by James Cameron in 1927. Filmed at two different locations in Northumberland in 1944 and 1945, the young women pictured probably responded to appeals for volunteers by the Joint War Organisation, a merger of the British Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance, who provided trained people to act as reserves to the medical services of the armed forces, and offered first aid and nursing to civilians and soldiers.
Related
Watch for free
Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A) Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A)
Inside Film 2014 45 mins
Afrika Bambaataa and DJ, musician and filmmaker Don Letts discuss the development of Afrofuturism and its key artists.
Watch for free
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Watch for free
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Watch for free
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Watch for free
Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland
Inside Film 2012 27 mins
L.A. Confidential's screenwriter explains why he thinks writer's block is a myth, and reveals Clint Eastwood's unique powers of persuasion.
Watch for free
Olivier Assayas (Masterclass) Olivier Assayas (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2010 41 mins
Irma Vep writer/director Assayas moved from film journalism to filmmaking – a fascinating journey told with disarming honesty to Jonathan Romney.