On a chilly and not particularly inspiring evening (weather wise), the Carousel cavalcade arrived in Colwall for a screening for Herefordshire Life Through a Lens’ latest film screening for the Colwall Village Society. There is always a slight tension in the air when putting on an event: ‘will anyone turn up?’ These things can never be predicted of course, and one is always delighted that people do make the effort. The community of Colwall didn’t let us down, and by 7.20 they were streaming in.
After a brief introduction to the film and the wider project, the projector clicked into action, and we all sat back waiting to be entertained. It’s been a few months since I last saw the film, having seen it many times before, and it was a delight to come back to it. Nostalgia is often seen as a bad word these days, but let’s reclaim it, because Carousel really is a nostalgic tour along the highways and byways of Herefordshire. And judging by the audience’s responses, laughing and gasping in all the right places, it struck a chord with many.
The film has broad appeal, even for those not from Herefordshire. Many in the audience were able to enjoy much of the historical footage and the wonderful array of Derek’s images, that, time and again, captured a moment in time perfectly. One audience member echoed the views of many others there on the evening: ‘The comments by the people you interviewed brought back memories of the atmosphere and way of life 50/60 years ago. For me, this was especially so of the sequences on the May Fair. As was said on the film, the 50s & 60s were the ‘golden years’ of such fairs and I remember them well. And I’m from the Isle of Man! Thank you for a wonderful film’.
Next screenings of this film are:
Thursday 28th November – Bridge Sollers History Group, Newbridge Community Centre, HR4 7JH – 7.30pm. lb3 on the door to non members
Saturday 14th December – Flicks in the Sticks, Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington – 7.30pm buy tickets or 01432 890720
Sunday 29th March 2020 – Flicks in the Sticks, The New Inn, Pembridge 7.30pm buy tickets or 01544 387571
We feel seeing the film with an audience is a joy, but in case you are looking for a copy to keep or to share with others the film is now newly available on DVD. Find it here.
You can see more of Derek Evans’ images at Herefordshire History. https://www.herefordshirehistory.org.uk