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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Five Holiday in Pembrokeshire - Caldey Island and Barafundle Bay
Life is not all contemplation for the Cistercian monks on Caldey Island, off Tenby. Here they are seen making hay whilst the sun shines.
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Overview
The holiday-ing party – 2 women, 1 man and 2 dogs – take a boat trip over to Caldey Island, off Tenby, home to Cistercian monks, who make a living from farming, perfumery and tourism. Perhaps by chance, the film-maker catches a shot of the back of a monk’s head as he drives past on a tractor - visitors were told (at least in the 1930s) that the monks were strictly not for filming. Then it’s on to Barafundle Bay, with its arched gateway and stone steps onto the beach.
The Cawdor family owned the mansion Stackpole Court (now demolished) and the accompanying estate (now owned by the National Trust) and the beach at Barafundle Bay was once for their private use only, the family causing the steps and arch to be built. This footage was donated to The National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales by someone who had acquired it at auction and nothing is known about those featured. Home movies without any accompanying documentation, or any connected family members who can supply information, have always the element of ‘lost souls’ about them. Who are the people appearing before the camera? Might someone viewing this film on the BFI Player know them?
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