VHS
PDC
1025 |
AT THE COAL FACE . . . 2 b&w films .... In the 1940s the mines of Britain were poised for great changes. Generations had faced poor pay and dangerous conditions and bad management had blighted lives at the coal face. So when a new manager arrives at the Cumberland coal field he has to gain the trust of the miners and their union leaders to strike a new agreement which will pave the way for new equipment and ultimately nationalisation. With miners and management as actors:
The Cumberland Story (1948), directed by Humphrey Jennings, is a true account of the modernisation of the mines in the 1940s. It includes a dramatic reconstruction of the Ladypit disaster of 1837, when callous mine-owners neglected safety and 36 men died as workings beneath the Irish Sea were flooded.
Rhondda and Wye (1948) explores the famous Welsh valleys and contrasts the development of the Rhondda's collieries with the pastoral scenes of the farmlands and plains of the Wye Valley.
b&w only PAL VHS
| 60 | 
VHS ONLY
£11.99
DVD
PDC
2021
|
DAVID (1951) . . . 3 b&w films .... David is the true story of D.R. Griffiths, a Welsh miner turned school caretaker, also known by his bardic name Amanwy, made for the Welsh Committee of the Festival of Britain in 1951, and filmed in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, with a cast of local people. It was written and produced by Paul Dickson.
Griffiths' life story is told against the background of industrial Wales in the first half of the 20th century. The steadfastness of the miners and their love of literature shine through when a tragedy strikes the Griffiths family.
Also includes Face of Wales (1961), showing the lives of several Welshmen working in different jobs, and Miners' Weekend (1948) which visits the Neath and Dulais valleys to see miners making the most of their weekend of leisure.
DVD only
| 72 | 
DVD ONLY
£18.99
| 16188 |
ABERYSTWYTH .. a Journey in Time . . . The seaside town of Aberystwyth has charmed visitors for centuries. In this video are paintings, engravings, photographs, archive film and modern footage that show how Aberystwyth has changed over the centuries.
Topics covered include the Iron Age hillfort on Pen Dinas, the Harbour and new Marina, the Castle, the University of Wales, the National Library of Wales, the Cliff Railway and Camera Obscura, tourism and the storm of 1938 that caused such widespread damage. From the brush of Alfred Worthington, the town's most famous artist, are colourful views of Llanbadarn Fawr, fishing boats, shipwrecks and local landmarks. From the camera of Arthur Lewis are the halcyon days on the beach, a crowded promenade, bustling views of the town's streets and shipping in the harbour. Arther Cheetham owned a local cinema. His programmes at the Palladium Cinema including his own films of local activities from the 1920's such as the unveiling of the town's War Memorial, gymnastic displays and a race through the streets of the town.
Also featured are some of the town's vanishing buildings including the Town Clock, the King's Hall, Seilo Chapel and the Penparcau Tollgate. Aberystwyth is a multi-faceted town with far more to offer than most seaside towns the world over. The promenade, sloping streets, churches, chapels, cafe's, clubs, pubs and academic altars that nestle among the natural splendour of Wales create a unique magic captured in this video.
VHS PAL | 64 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16189 |
CARDIFF .. a Journey Through Time: Part 1 . . . The Welsh Capital is a lively and cosmopolitan City, which plays host to a wide spectrum of people from all walks of life, and many different countries of the World. As with most Cities, we are fortunate to have been left with an excellent photographic record of its history, and thanks to keen amateur film-makers, we can also enjoy valuable and exciting film sequences of the changing face of Cardiff's streets and inhabitants.
The recordings commence in the 1940's, as we see pictures taken during World War 2 of the populous at work and play, including the King's visit to a shell-making factory. Early scenes of the Docks are also captured, as freight is frantically loaded and unloaded in Cardiff's once bustling port.
Take the ultimate walk down Memory Lane as we re-visit the Cardiff of the 40's and 50's through the use of unique images - including colour film of the Coronation celebrations. Imagine the thrill of the occasion, as visiting Royalty and Celebrities are mobbed by fans from different eras - most remarkably, Danny Kaye's popular arrival in 1952.
The 1960's and 70's are vividly recalled, as many aspects of the City's life are touched upon - incorporating scenes from the Capital's sporting arenas.
This video offers a unique opportunity to reflect on over half a century of life in the Welsh Capital.
VHS PAL | 55 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16190 |
CARDIFF .. a Journey Through Time: Part 2 . . . Take the ultimate walk down Memory Lane as we visit the Cardiff of yesteryear. Included in this nostalgic feast is rare footage - some in colour - which has never been seen before. The recordings date from between 1937-1970 and are an invaluable reminder of earlier generations at work and at play in this vibrant city.
Sequences include:
* Coronation celebrations of 1937: street parties and a visit from the King and Queen.
* VE Day celebrations: evocative images of people of Cardiff welcoming the end of the War.
* The Women's Land Army's Recruiting Parade of 1946.
* Princess Elizabeth's visit in 1948. Winston Churchill receiving the 'Freedom of the City' in 1948.
* Colour 'Trolley Bus' sequences recorded in the 1950's.
* A 'Corpus Christi' Parade, filmed in the '50s; the procession captured vividly as it winds its way through the city.
* A recording of the Empire Games of 1958, showing the street decorations and the Opening Ceremony.
* Scenes of flooding - filmed in the 1960s.
Just a few of the delightful archive films included in this video which chronicles some of the major events witnessed and celebrated in this, the beautiful Capital City of Wales
VHS PAL | 50 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16191 |
CARDIFF - A HISTORY . . . The history of the City of Cardiff, Capital of Wales, is traced from its Roman origins some 2,000 years ago. It has a turbulent past, during which time it has endured Saxon, Irish and Norse raids, Welsh attacks against Norman rule and English Civil War battles. In the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries the Iron, Steel and Coal Industries were instrumental in the growth of the city, and Cardiff became a successful Industrial Port.
Thousands of people were attracted here to work, and as a result the city became a cultural and ethnic melting pot. Despite Cardiff's increase in size, wealth and status, it remains in many ways a federation of villages, each which contributes to the city's friendly and hospitable character. The story of the city is told using photographs, archive film, drawings and modern-day footage.
Topics include:
* Cardiff Castle.
* Llandaff Cathedral.
* Industry & The Docks.
* The Bute Family.
* Sport and Culture.
Written by Alan Price-Talbot.
VHS PAL | 50 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16192 |
COLWYN BAY .. a Journey Through Time . . . he beautiful seaside town of Colwyn Bay is fortunate to have been the subject chosen by several local film-makers during the 20th Century. Thanks to their interest in the area, we are able to see for the first time a compilation of films which chart the ever changing face of this famous resort.
Amongst the earliest recordings - from 1914 - we see racing cars speeding along the Promenade, from Old Colwyn. Five years on, and the town commemorates its War dead. As the camera pans the procession, we see views of the Streets and the Pier - including shots of the first Pier Pavilion, three years before it was burnt down. Into the 1920's with a visit from the Prince of Wales, the opening of the new Post Office, and street scenes from both Old Colwyn and Colwyn Bay. Meanwhile, the heavy seas of 1926 brought storm damage to the Promenade.
The 1930's, and the second Pier Pavilion is razed to the ground by fire - see film taken the morning after. The summer of 1933 brought the opening of the Outdoor Swimming Pool at Rhos-on-Sea, with British Heavy-Weight Boxing Champion, Jack Peterson, enjoying the first swim. Marvel at unique never before seen film, shot in 1934 - showing many scenes of the town and its people: including the third Pier Pavilion, Show Girls dancing on the Prom as holiday-makers enjoy the sea and the beach, shots taken in Eirias Park capturing many attractions no longer in existence, and many street scenes, including some of the Trams which ran in the town until 1956.
Watch the fashions change as decade upon decade of visitors revel in the attractions of Colwyn Bay. This unique and charming collection of films will appeal to locals and visitors alike.
DVD & VHS PAL | 55 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16193 |
A HISTORY OF LLANDUDNO. . . . Llandudno is an elegant resort, it's stylish architecture and traditional seaside entertainment era a legacy of the Victorian era, during which time the town was carefully planned and laid out. The first dwellers lived here as early as the Stone Age, and the Great Orme mines date from the Bronze Age. Until the 1840's the area's fortunes rested on agriculture and copper mining, but this changed as a result of a vision to transform the village into a grand seaside resort. This dream was turned into reality by the Mostyn Family, and tourism has become Llandudno's most successful industry.
The story of the town is told using photographs, archive film and modern footage to illustrate Llandudno's development from the past to the present day.
Topics include:
The Copper Mines : The Mostyns : Transport : Schools : Chapels : Theatres : Seaside Entertainment on the Pier : The Promenade and Punch and Judy :
Written by Stuart. A. Rivers.
VHS PAL | 50 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16194 |
LLANGOLLEN ... The History of . . . The history of Llangollen is told with wonderful images of the town and the beautiful Dee Valley. The town's development is charted from its origins as a religious settlement in the 7th century to its present day role as a centre of culture and tourism.
Llangollen is blessed with the myths and legends of St. Collen, Valle Crucis Abby, Eliseg's Pillar and Castell Dinas Bran.
The history of the Ladies of Llangollen and their home Plas Newydd is yet another remarkable story. The 17th and 18th century coaching inns demonstrate how this gateway to Wales has long been a popular stopping off point for travellers.
Today it is a favourite destination for tourists and day trippers, many of whom are drawn by the rich heritage of the town.
Llangollen's strong connections with its past are kept alive by: St. Collen's Church, the Bridge, the Railway, the Canel and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The International Musical Eisteddfod has made Llangollen a centre of culture not just for Wales or Great Britain, but for the World.
Includes music by the Llangollen Male Voice Choir.
VHS PAL | 50 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16195 |
MOLD ... A Journey Through Time . . . Where in Mold was a Bronze Gold Cape excavated in 1833? How did a small out numbered army of Christian Britons defeat an army of Picts and Saxsons in 447AD by simply shouting "Alleluia"? In what sort of housing did the towns inhabitants live during the onset of the Industrial Revolution? How have the streets and business altered since photographs first developed images of Mold in the mid 19th Century?
These questions and more are answered in this visual study which will shed new light on many aspects of the towns past and present. Mold has a long, proud and fascinating history which is explored here in this revealing video written and researched by local historian Chris Bithell. Beautifully illustrated with paintings, and archive documents, photographs and modern-day footage, we explore the town from its earliest settlements to the modern evolving town which exists today.
Topics Include: Early History, Streets and Buildings, Work, Transport, Religion, Education, War Years, Entertainment, Housing and Family Life, Famous Sons of Mold
VHS PAL | 50 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16196 |
NEWPORT .. a HISTORY . . . From the New Stone Age to the Age of the Silicon Chip, Newport has had an eventful history. The Silures kept the Roman legions at bay for thirty years. St Woolos founded his church at the top of Stow Hill. Newport Castle was attacked on several occasions and two of its owners were executed for disobeying their king. At the beginning of the last century there were just over one thousand inhabitants, but the coming of the canal meant that the town was transformed into a major port. The population increased twenty-fold in fifty years and living conditions in the first half of the century were often cramped and unsanitary, with disease common.
In 1839 thousands of Chartists marched down Stow Hill demanding democratic rights for the working man. In the latter half of the century social conditions improved and the town prospered. New docks were excavated and many fine buildings were erected. Since then the town has changed dramatically, modern buildings have replaced Victorian ones and statues have sprouted like mushrooms.
This video, written by a prominent local historian, contains new insights into Newport's history partly based on his own researches. It traces Newport's history from earliest times to the present day using archive film, old photographs, maps and prints together with some interesting modern footage. It is a must for anyone interested in Newport's past.
Topics include. * Newport Castle * The Canal * The Morgans of Tredegar * The Chartist Rising * Industry and the Docks * The Transporter Bridge
VHS PAL | 50 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16197 |
NEWPORT .. a Journey Through Time . . . Take the ultimate walk down Memory Lane as we visit the Newport of yesteryear. Included in this nostalgic feast are rare archive films - some of which have never been seen before.
On 8th May 1945 a huge party began across the country as the war in Europe officially ended. Our journey begins with evocative images recorded during V.E. Day celebrations in the town. A victory parade is featured as the various Armed Services march through the town centre to the cheers of the local populous who line the streets. Meanwhile the local children prepare the Hitler 'guy' for ceremonial burning. This rare and important film has only recently been discovered.
Moving on a decade to our main feature of this video, we offer a unique colour film recalling the celebrations in Newport to mark the Coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953. The recording highlights the many events which took place between June 30th - July 6th of that year. Enchanting sequences vividly recall this momentous occasion in history as Newport bedecks its streets with red, white and blue, to begin the festivities.
Delightful images from the colourful procession of the Coronation Parade as it winds its way through the streets to the delight of the crowds. Meanwhile Newport's beautiful people parade themselves in beauty and brawn contents. Other events include : Boxing, Football, Archery, Gymnastics and even an Angling competition. This rare recording will bring the memories flooding back of this historic moment.
These and other films in this video offer the viewer a nostalgic and informative Journey Through Time.
VHS PAL | 45 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16198 |
NEWTOWN .. a Journey Through Time . . . The town of Newport has been reborn and reinvented several times through its long and eventful history. This video, researched and written by local historian David Pugh, examines the story that winds its way through history like the river that gave it life and almost destroyed it.
Drawing on vivid images from the past, we view the growth and decline of the woollen industry, the entrepreneurial skills of the local characters like Pryce Jones and the thoughts and ideas of Newtown born Robert Owen which are still practiced far and wide. The floods from the early 1960s which very nearly finished the town, were captured on colour film and is seen here for the first time. Colour footage also recalls the developments soon after which brought new people to the declining area.
The rich history is evocatively recalled through interviews, film and photographs and is a special keepsake for anyone who knows and loves Newtown
VHS PAL | 60 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16199 |
RHOS MALE VOICE CHOIR . . . Rhosllanerchrugog, a village of about 9000 inhabitants, sits on a hill-top near Wrexham in North East Wales. Though only a few miles from the English border, Rhos, as it is more commonly known, has retained its strong Welsh identity with a vigorous community life, the most prominent aspect of which is music.
The Rhos Male Voice Choir has been in existence for over a hundred years, performed in many of the Worlds great opera houses and achieved numerous successes in major competitions. Here on video for the first time, we take a look at the history of the choir and see them perform firstly before the people of Rhos at Capel Penuel and then at their 1998 Annual Concert at the William Aston Hall in Wrexham.
Using interviews with current choir members and featuring photographs, personal mementos and modern day footage, we give an insight into the workings of the choir, see them at rehearsal and gain an understanding into what has made the Rhos Male Voice Choir so successful.
VHS PAL | 60 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16200 |
RHYL .. a Journey Through Time . . . The popular seaside town of Rhyl is fortunate to have been the subject chosen by several local film-makers over the past 100 years. Thanks to their interest in the area we are able to see for the first time a compilation of films which chart the ever-changing face of this famous resort.
Amongst the earliest recordings - from 1899 - we can enjoy an enchanting scene of a group of Victorian children playing in the sands. Meanwhile, the street minstrels 'The Merrie Men' entertain the summer tourists. In 1903, the crowds gathered to see the Wildest Showman 'Buffalo Bill' arrive at Rhyl, as he brought the spectacle of his traveling Rodeo to town.
Pleasure flights were offered during the 1920s, taking off from Rhyl beach, and circling over the coast. Marvel at the earliest known aerial views of the resort as the plane passes over the beach to capture the focal points of the Pier, and the charming period Bathing Machines.
Watch the fashions change as decade upon decade of visitors enjoy Rhyl's attractions. Take a walk down memory lane as Rhyl swings into the '60s and welcomes a different type of tourist as the era of Day-Tripping begins.
The story of Rhyl will appeal to both locals and visitors alike. It is a unique opportunity to reflect on the history and the changing face of one of the country's most famous and best-loved seaside towns.
VHS PAL | 50 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16201 |
SWANSEA - a history . . . is traced from its distant Viking origins to the modern city of today. From turbulent beginnings, Swansea grew into a successful port and centre of industry.
During the second World War, the Blitz destroyed much of the town centre, and as a result there have been major alterations to Swansea within living memory. Changes have also come about due to the decline of industry, and Swansea has developed a new identity as a city of culture, sport and leisure. This video will revive memories of the way Swansea used to be, and give an insight into its long history.
The video uses photographs, drawings and modern footage to illustrate the city of the past, through to the present day.
Topics include: the Castle § the Docks § the Vivien family § the Hafod Copper works and town § Swansea China § St. Marys Church § the Guildhalls § Theatres and Cinemas § Sport § Swansea Jack § the Blitz § the Marina. Written by Nigel Robins.
VHS PAL | 50 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
| | 16202 |
WREXHAM .. a Journey Through Time . . . Wrexham, the largest town in Wales north of the Brecon Beacons, has had a chequered history - having been an ecclesiastical centre, an agricultural market town, a centre for heavy industry and today, a centre for commerce and light industry. In this video presentation, many aspects of the town's recorded past are shown through the medium of rare archive film, modern film, still photographs and paintings. It presents a rare insight into the story of the town from the Middle Ages to present day.
Included among the archive footage are rare films of the old Town Hall (which stood at the top of Town Hill), the Leather Industry and the oldest known moving film of Wrexham which shows the 1912 Co-Op Carnival Parade.
The topics covered by this video production also include:
The Parish Church.
From Town Hall to Guildhall.
Education.
Garrison Town.
The Leather Industry.
Brewing.
Coal Mining.
Sport and Recreation.
Wartime Wrexham.
The Railways.
VHS PAL | 55 | 
VHS only
12.99
11.99
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VHS PAL | ?? |
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