The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
River - A Living Thing
Dick Joice introduces this documentary charting the course and the history of the river starting at Horningtoft and finishing in Norwich.
From the collection of:
Overview
The documentary describes how rivers such as the Wensum were useful in powering mills - for example, Fakenham Mill transformed the surrounding area into a thriving market town. The film focuses on seasonal changes in plants and wildlife as well as historic landmarks such as Raynham Hall, Belaugh Hall and Senowe Park. It explores the river as a resource showing the processing of sand, gravel and stone, its value to people for leisure and as a source of drinking water.
The ITV Anglia documentary starts with Dick Joice recalling childhood memories of horse and cart journeys with his grandfather at Syderstone Common. He describes the route of the river from Syderstone through to Norwich and then onto the North Sea. The film includes footage of landmarks and historic houses along the river. The film records the river in all seasons including snow scenes and footage of wildlife and wild flowers. It includes a section on fishing and children enjoying an attractive area of the river near to Norwich. The film finishes with a boat trip through Norwich where the narrator describes a range of landmarks including the cleansing plant at Heigham, Cow Tower and the Warp and Weft factory.
Related
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.