Glimpses of Holidays

A textile baron from West Yorkshire manages to have some fun days out in the middle of the Second World War. The opening images of spring, possibly symbolising hope in dark times, run into a potpourri of idyllic scenes of a family picnic, boys climbing trees – and sporting a cowboy outfit to die for – and a garden party with ladies in colourful dresses, an impressive selection of food, some very unusual outdoor games, and a woman wearing modern looking headphones.

This is one of an extensive collection of films made by Noel Beardsell in the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s, including local Jubilee celebrations of King George V. Noel Beardsell was the Managing Director of a large worsted spinning company in Clayton West, near Scissett – about half way between Huddersfield and Barnsley. He also worked as a detective for the West Yorkshire Police as a specialist in photography. His wife, Mary, originally came from the Seniors’ brewing family in Huddersfield. The village used to manufacture clogs which were worn in the mills. The Blitz didn’t actually begin until September 7th, after the children's party; and no bombs fell anywhere in the vicinity of Clayton West.