This film is currently unavailable

Title of error

John Laing & Son Staff Outings 1953

The builders of some of Britain's biggest landmarks go on a jolly to celebrate the Queen's coronation year.

Amateur film 1953 67 mins Silent

Overview

Can you imagine your employer hiring a train to take you and colleagues on a trip to the seaside? John Laing & Son was Britain's biggest builder, constructing 100,000s of homes, large parts of the M1 motorway, cathedrals and aerodromes. This family firm had strong Christian principles, and made the welfare of its staff a high priority. Such staff outings were not one-off affairs, but the Coronation year seems to have made the occasion extra special.

The film compiles footage from six different trips across the UK, mostly to the seaside. The staff and their families seem relaxed, but still on their best behaviour. The men are all in suits and the kids in their Sunday best, or even school uniform, which looks a little peculiar to modern eyes. A good day out and a slap up meal are had by all, but the events are noticeably teetotal.

Genres

Amateur film

Country

United Kingdom

Location

LlandudnoBridlingtonMineheadFelixstoweSouthsea

Language

No Dialogue with English subtitles

Subjects

Watch for free

From Dyserth to Llandudno and Cardiff From Dyserth to Llandudno and Cardiff

Home movie 1958 4 mins Silent Location: Llandudno

Donald Duck comes home with the Sunday School trippers from Bethel Chapel, Dyserth!

Watch for free

Piers of the Realm Piers of the Realm

Amateur film 1992 7 mins Location: Southport

A concise and colourful history of the feature that every seaside resort should have.

Watch for free

Old Age Pensioners First Visit to Seaside Old Age Pensioners First Visit to Seaside

News 1973 5 mins Location: Llandudno

Far from their Black Country home, Edie and Mick experience their first trip to see the sea.

Watch for free

Welsh Story Welsh Story

Travelogue 1941 14 mins Silent Location: Llandudno

Romance blossoms amongst the donkeys on the beach at Llandudno and the glories of north Wales are explored, from piers, lakes, hills of sheep.

Watch for free

Welsh Magic Welsh Magic

Travelogue 1946 8 mins Silent Location: Shrewsbury

Pin-sharp post-war views of the welshest parts of Wales, from slate and coal mines to the fine cities like Aberystwyth.

Watch for free

In Happy Valley In Happy Valley

Non-Fiction 1929 1 mins Silent Location: Llandudno

Llandudno's Rose Queen looks resplendent as she receives her crown on Alexandra Rose Day in June 1929.

Watch for free

New Perspectives: Fish Tank New Perspectives: Fish Tank

Short documentary 2025 4 mins

Adam Smith of Northumbria University explains why Andrea Arnold's coming-of-age story, about a girl who uses dance to escape, is his favourite film on BFI Player.