The inhabitants of Llandrindod go all out to make carnival day special, despite war-time privation. They muster floats, majorettes, a sparkling dragon and a walking blackout.
Footage of a war-time carnival, to be shown in the cameraman’s Pola Cinema in Welshpool. A ‘Complete Unit’ float carries an 'Air Raid Steel Shelter', a 'Search Lite', a 'Baloon Barace' and a 'Listening Post'. Another presents ‘Hitler’s B&B’. A man walks along dressed as ‘A Black Out’. Those oppressed by their life and times are advised to 'Drown all your Worries in Carnival Spirit', as inscribed on a sign attached to a horse and cart led by two people dressed as gypsies.
Other topical turn-outs include a float bearing a group of bowler-hatted English men and appropriately dressed fascist leaders with attached verse: 'Hitler, Mussolini, joined by a little Jap/Decided to play see-saw all over the map/Badly they started alas not on the level/Into the breach stepped Daladier, Beck & Neville/To outweigh the others they have tried in vain/Now its up to Stalin to relieve the strain'. Two men - one wearing a gas mask, the other a tin helmet – push a bicycle along advertising 'National Service’ as ‘Insurance for Peace’.
An air raid could come at any moment and Derby had to be ready to deal with the casualties. The people of Littleover were so well prepapred they filmed one of their exercises.
Whether it’s the height of the war or its aftermath makes no difference to these children enjoying themselves: at the seaside, on V E Day and around the bomb sites of Sheffield.
Amateur film193915 minsSilent
Location: Welwyn Garden City
A great example of ‘despite war, life continues’, Welwyn Garden City residents continue with annual traditions, festive occasions and celebrations, during wartime.
Life in Broadwater seems unaffected by the war in this film - especially when friends and relations drop by - though a closer look reveals that all is not quite what it seems.
A journey from Bynea to Knucklas, the sights to be seen including a sheep on the line, two viaducts (Cynghordy and Knucklas) and the Sugar Loaf Mountain.
This is thought to be footage of an Armistice Day parade in Llandrindod which includes armed forces veterans, police, Girl Guides, nurses and Air Raid Patrol [ARP] wardens.
The film-maker, in search of the peace and charm he believes belonged to life in Tudor times, seeks out places “untouched by modern times” in Radnorshire and Herefordshire.
Without Bounds to Beat is an experimental documentary that recounts a town’s revival of an ancient folk tradition, placing it in contrast to today’s digital technologies.
An upbeat drama about 14-year-old oddball Toni who is having a tough time with the bullies at school. One day, the internet and a passion for performance saves her.
A drama set in the near future where virtual reality allows a person to see life through the eyes of someone very different, which questions whether experiences become shared or commodified.
A documentary on one of Scotland’s most isolated and breathtaking islands, where all 35 residents prepare for the remarkable roll-out of fibre-optic broadband.
About the archive
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.
