This film is part of Free
East End Cripples Enjoy a Happy Days Outing in Epping Forest
Disabled East End ‘ragged’ children go on a trip to the country - but not everyone seems happy
Overview
Ostensibly a happy day’s outing and treat, the disgruntled looks on the young disabled girls’ faces in this newsreel story from 1911 tell a different story. Is it resentment at being photographed, or simply discomfort from the primitive crutches that causes the pained expressions, or both? Or a more deep-seated reason?
The elderly woman shown at the beginning of the film is Lady Elizabeth Kirk, the wife of Sir John Kirk, (1847-1922) a Christian philanthropist known for his charitable work with poor and disadvantaged children and the disabled through the Ragged School Union and Shaftesbury Society. Diminutive in stature, though not in energy, Lady Kirk was the first woman to be elected to the governing body of The Ragged School Union.
Related
Another World by Sean Connery Another World by Sean Connery
Charity appeal 1962 4 mins
In the same year as James Bond made him famous, Sean Connery puts in an awkward plea to help blind people live an independent life.
Zero Hour Zero Hour
Charity appeal 1928 8 mins Silent
"In the kingdom of the blind, the St Dunstan's man is king": how blinded WWI soldiers set up their own businesses.
Disabled Fundraiser Disabled Fundraiser
News 1974 4 mins Location: Tamworth
Disabled ex-miner Derek Sewell lets his chair do the talking in his quest to help people with mobility issues.
Lest We Forget Lest We Forget
Charity appeal 1937 8 mins Silent Location: Andover
Charles Laughton stars in this appeal film for Enham Village Centre, where WWI servicemen with disabilities are cared for.
Lanlivery Special School Lanlivery Special School
News 1976 2 mins Silent Location: Lanlivery
Special School receives a special visit.
It's Like Getting Wings It's Like Getting Wings
Short documentary 1970 13 mins
Thanks to the Winged Fellowship Trust disabled guests at Crabhill House enjoy a fortnight’s holiday that can make a real difference
Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion
Short documentary 2026 22 mins
Filmmaker Andrea Luka Zimmerman and curator Matthew Barrington discuss Frederick Wiseman’s High School with Sandra Hebron.
A Last Resort A Last Resort
Comedy 2022 17 mins
Rose is desperate to celebrate her 60th birthday in style, but her daughter Genevieve is struggling to ignore some recent tragic news about her mum.
Hard, Cracked the Wind Hard, Cracked the Wind
Horror 2019 17 mins
A haunting with words is the lure between life and death for a young Cornish poet.
The Walk The Walk
Drama 2023 12 mins
Adeel Akhtar portrays a man on a weekly trek to his nearest JobCentre, entering a state of purgatory through barriers put in place by the system.
Seagull Seagull
Horror 2022 6 mins
Seagull is a recovering drug addict who is about to have a very strange night on The English Riviera.
Octopus Octopus
2021 13 mins
Upon returning to her home town for a funeral, a young woman reconnects with the friends she left behind.