London Borough of Bromley News Release
27 October 2011
For immediate release
Bromley Archives call for local assistance to help identify films
Historic films that have not been seen in decades are set to be unveiled to the public next Saturday.
Bromley archives are calling on local residents past and present to assist in identifying the people and places featured in a number of recently re-discovered historic films. The films, dating from between 1935 and 1977, contain a wealth of moving image footage from across Bromley. The films will be shown from 2-4pm at Bromley Central Library on 5th November 2011. The event is free and everyone is welcome.
"We can’t wait to share these rarely seen films with people of all ages. I'm sure the footage will bring back memories to people who remember the years gone by and will enthral those who are too young to remember. We're particularly keen to find out if people recognise the people and places featured in the films. It's possible that some of the stars of the films are around today! We would love to hear from them or their families” said Bromley Libraries archivist, Catrin Holland.
Highlights include footage of the Home Guard Association on parade, on day trips and at their headquarters in Beckenham Lane, Bromley during the 1950s and 1960s; children playing in Miss Sherman's children's home, Newlands Park, Sydenham; and street parties in Ridsdale Road, Anerley in 1945. There is also footage of St John’s School in Penge on their sports days in 1934 & 1935; Melvin Road and All Saints Schools in Penge; a children’s outing and show in Waldegrave Road, Anerley; and building of the Bromley County Court extension in 1977.
Bromley’s Reel History event is a part of the ‘Reel History London’ Festival running this Autumn, a strand of the BBC’s Hands on History project following on from the success of the recent BBC Two series “Reel History of Britain” with Melvyn Bragg. The moving images being shown have been digitised in partnership with London Screen Archives. The selection of films being shown in the event have been selected and brought together with assistance from West Wickham based film experts, Footprint Productions.
For more information this event: Catrin Holland, Bromley Archives, Central Library, Bromley. 020 8461 7170, localstudies.library@bromley.gov.uk.
Bromley Reel History Event - Sat 5 Nov
Bromley Reel History Event - Sat 5 Nov
An interesting event ...
Re: Bromley Reel History Event - Sat 5 Nov
I went to this event and it was very, very interesting.
Especially moving were the images of the little girls at Miss Sharman's House, Newlands Park. This c.1937 footage showed very young girls, looking as though they'd stepped out of a Mabel Lucie Attwell drawing, scrubbing steps and washing clothes.
Following the screening, a gentleman said that the girls went to his school, where there was very much a "keep to ourselves" divide between the home school girls and the other children. He said the girls were evacuated during the war and never returned to the school.
If anyone knows a girl who attended, they may like to view the footage.
Similarly, the 1945 Anerley street parties had very good images and I'm sure some of the children - or their descendants - could recognize family members.
Catrin Holland - the Bromley Archivist - is going to put some extracts on YouTube. When she does, we'll put a link on this site ... probably under Town Museum. So keep watching!
Especially moving were the images of the little girls at Miss Sharman's House, Newlands Park. This c.1937 footage showed very young girls, looking as though they'd stepped out of a Mabel Lucie Attwell drawing, scrubbing steps and washing clothes.
Following the screening, a gentleman said that the girls went to his school, where there was very much a "keep to ourselves" divide between the home school girls and the other children. He said the girls were evacuated during the war and never returned to the school.
If anyone knows a girl who attended, they may like to view the footage.
Similarly, the 1945 Anerley street parties had very good images and I'm sure some of the children - or their descendants - could recognize family members.
Catrin Holland - the Bromley Archivist - is going to put some extracts on YouTube. When she does, we'll put a link on this site ... probably under Town Museum. So keep watching!