This film is part of Free
Newton Abbot, Devon: 'An Essay in Citizenship'
An army of infants proceeds to reforest the Milber Pine Woods neat Newton Abbot.
Overview
Residents of Newton Abbot line the streets to watch a parade of schoolchildren on their way to plant trees. We first see them walking into town via Market Street, passing the Alexandra Theatre before marching on to Milber Woods. Placards held by children announce the names of the various schools present. At the woods they quickly set to task, planting out saplings and replenishing the plantation.
Once part of the Carew estate associated with Haccombe House, Milber Pine Woods were purchased by a local resident in 1924 and presented to the town of Newton Abbot as a community asset. The children's actions contribute both to this local endeavour and to a national tree-planting initiative designed to maintain a strategic timber resource in case of war - hinted at by the boys marching with spades shouldered like rifles. The event was recorded by Exeter amateur filmmaker ARL Pout, still photographs by whom also survive in the city's local studies library.
Related
The Bevs The Bevs
News 1962 4 mins Location: Newton Abbot
The delightful Beverley Sisters are interviewed on a visit to Newton Abbot.
Little Poland Little Poland
Current affairs 1964 12 mins Location: Newton Abbot
The Polish community at Ilford Park near Newton Abbot in Devon is testament to enduring relations between Poland and Britain.
Geest Bananas Geest Bananas
Current affairs 1963 3 mins Location: Newton Abbot
New processing plant in Heathfield sees careful handling of bananas destined for consumers.
The Devon County Show Post War The Devon County Show Post War
Amateur film 1949 10 mins Silent Location: Stover Country Park
This year's show sees the expansion of electrical items
A Farmer's Boy A Farmer's Boy
Documentary 1945 15 mins Location: Newton Abbot
When it comes to training the post-war generation of farmers, this agricultural college in Devon looks to reap what it sows.
Some of the Glories of Devon and Its Industries Some of the Glories of Devon and Its Industries
Travelogue 1935 10 mins Location: Totnes
Beyond the glorious views, this Devon travelogue boasts a mouth-watering focus on the sweet industry.
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.