Wise Cottage at Dymchurch

Eric Norman's wartime film shows his family and friends enjoying seaside fun despite the coastal defences - followed by a garden picnic

This delightful film made during WW2 starts with the Norman family and their friends walking along the sea wall at Dymchurch, dressed in swimwear and bath robes. After some comedy antics they make their way into the sea, stepping over anti-invasion barriers. Back at home, in Wise Cottage, members of the family are seen relaxing and smooching - with a man tickling a woman. Later, we see the family, now joined by friends, enjoying a picnic in the garden of their 'Moderne' home.

Eric Norman was the managing director of Norcon Ltd, which was based in Challock, Kent. He filmed a variety of subjects including family scenes either at home or on holiday, scenes showing the Norcon Works in Chichester and football scenes featuring Wolverhampton Wanderers playing at their Molineaux Stadium.