The Box is a major cultural and heritage attraction and archive, which opened in Plymouth’s city centre in September 2020. Its collection, formally the South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA), is the regional film archive for the South West of England, comprising the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and Television South West (TSW). It also includes a significant number of donated film collections dating back to the early 1890s.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
St Neot's Oak Apple Day
Villagers of St Neot keep with tradition
In partnership with:
Overview
In the Cornish village of St Neot the vicar leads a procession carrying last year's oak bough. The vicar blesses the branch at the Church of St Aneitus and it is thrown off the church tower. A new branch is hauled heavenwards replacing the old one. The following morning villagers wear a sprig of oak and change it for the yellow flower of artemisia boys love and a celebration begins. The punishment for not changing the sprigs of oak is punishable by being stung by nettles.
The wearing of oak apples and oak leaves is in reference to the Battle of Worcester in 1651 when Charles II escapes Oliver Cromwell's Roundhead army by hiding under an oak tree. In 1660 parliament declares May 29 a public holiday in thanks for the restoration of the English monarchy and the restitution of King Charles II to the throne. Oak Apple Day is celebrated over the bank holiday weekend at the end of May. It is known differently depending on the region; Royal Apple Day; Shick Shack Day; Oak and Nettle Day; Arbor Tree Day.
Related
Watch for free
Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A) Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A)
Inside Film 2014 45 mins
Afrika Bambaataa and DJ, musician and filmmaker Don Letts discuss the development of Afrofuturism and its key artists.
Watch for free
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Watch for free
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Watch for free
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Watch for free
Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.
Watch for free
Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.