The South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA) is the regional film archive for the South West of England. Established in 1993, SWFTA's core collection comprises of the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and TSW (Television South West). The archive also cares for a significant number of donated film collections, both amateur and professional, dating back to the early 1900s.
This film is part of Free
New Lundy Ferry at Bideford
Bideford town celebrates the new Lundy ferry.
From the collection of:
Overview
A new ferry doubles as a supply ship and is based at Bideford. The Motor Ship or MS Oldenburg can hold up to two hundred and fifty passengers and runs supplies all year round to Lundy as well as carrying visitors to the islands in the summer months. MS Oldenburg was a German vessel bought by Lundy Co Ltd to replace the transport boat the Polar Bear. The ship was refurbished at Appledore Shipyard and received new engines.
The Landmark Trust runs the ferry and since its purchase Bideford quay has been revamped, Ilfracombe has a new pier and Lundy installed a new jetty. Oldenburg takes up traditional centuries old routes around the Bristol Channel to Gloucester, Clovelly, Swansea and Porthcawl. Lundy is known as Puffin Island and offers beautiful wildlife and an interesting history. Its owner Martin Harman set up a private postal service and since 1974 the Lundy puffinage stamp is accepted for sending mail. The minted coins displaying Harman's head did not however take off as they contravened UK law and trod on Palace toes. Puffin pennies may be sold as mementos but are not legal tender.
Related
Seaside Traders at Westward Ho! Seaside Traders at Westward Ho!
News 1962 5 mins Location: Westward Ho!
Seaside traders at Westward Ho! are none too happy about the turnout.
North Devon’s Heritage Coast North Devon’s Heritage Coast
Home movie 1935 3 mins Silent Location: Bideford
A family holiday is filmed in and around Bideford.
Frankie Vaughan visits Bideford Frankie Vaughan visits Bideford
Current affairs 1976 1 mins Silent Location: Bideford
Mr. Moonlight', Frankie Vaughan on flit to Bideford.
Bideford Shipbuilding Bideford Shipbuilding
Current affairs 1978 1 mins Silent Location: Bideford
Bideford Shipbuilding
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.