Telephone Cables: Work Fair, Dagenham (1956)

Dog wrestling! Miniature steam trains! Wheelbarrow jousting! There are splendid times to be had at Dagenham’s Telephone Cables work fair in the 1950s.

Fantastic and lengthy film of the fete held for staff by Dagenham’s Telephone Cables in the 1950s at their own sports ground. It begins with a Punch And Judy Show and goes on to show funfair rides, side stalls like a coconut shy, a miniature steam train, a dramatic dog display, wheelbarrow jousting and a showjumping demonstration. It all looks terrific fun. Such grand social events were a common feature for many companies until the 1970s.

Barking & Dagenham Heritage and Archives Service