Video view of village
A FARMER has taken time out from looking
after his sheep to film a video encapsulating life in his
village at the turn of the century.
Willy Watson, 53, from College Farm, Helmdon,
a member of the Workers Education Association (WEA), spent
last year filming the video.
He came up with the idea as a way of preserving
village history for the future. The last time he put his
hand to filming was with a 16mm camera for the film club
at his school.
Mr. Watson was supported by members of
the local studies group of the Helmdon WEA and more than
150 residents turned up to four viewings of the finished
product last month.
He said "It was an insider looking in at
the village and that's why I think it's been so successful
because it's covered everything going on in the village
within the year. The feedback has been tremendous."
The group, who put up about £200 for the
project, was supported by a £400 grant from the South Northamptonshire
District Council's Millennium project fund.
Various village groups were filmed over
the year, including the Scouts, Tiny Tots, the Women's Institute
and chapel holiday club.
A number of events were also caught on
film, including the unveiling of Helmdon's "Village of the
Year" sign. Copies of the Helmdon video can be bought for
£12 by calling 01295 768251.
Banbury Guardian - 15th June
2000
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