National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Civic Year 1976-7
A visual diary recording the events of a civic year which includes the installation of the mayor, a parade and a visit from Prince Charles.
From the collection of:
Overview
A diary of civic events includes the installation of Councillor Vernon Davies as mayor of Merthyr Tydfil in a lavish ceremony. Flags are held high above the heads of the marching band as they lead a parade through the streets in Mr Davies’ honour. And Prince Charles’ visit brightens a rainy day at the Hoover factory. Workers gather at the windows to catch a glimpse of the royal visitor who arrives by car, umbrellas at the ready to ensure signs held up to welcome him remain dry.
Related
Watch for free
Local Cinema Advertisements - Blaenau Ffestiniog and Merthyr Local Cinema Advertisements - Blaenau Ffestiniog and Merthyr
Advert 1942 7 mins Silent Location: Blaenau Ffestiniog
Who could deny these advertising claims: "Attractive hair is the ambition of every woman", and "Your family will enjoy Lincoln potatoes"?
Watch for free
Sunshine Girl Sunshine Girl
Advert 1959 12 mins Location: Merthyr Tydfil
What makes a South Wales Sunshine Girl? Well, the answer may vary depending on whether you ask a chauvinist or a feminist!
Watch for free
Tank 'Julian' in Merthyr Tank 'Julian' in Merthyr
Non-Fiction 1918 5 mins Silent Location: Merthyr Tydfil
Julian', a battle-scarred tank, is the toast of Merthyr in June 1918. Spot 3 women without hats in the crowd that greets the monster guest.
Watch for free
Owen Humberstone Prosser - Ebbw Vale Owen Humberstone Prosser - Ebbw Vale
Amateur film 1959 16 mins Silent Location: Crumlin
Owen Humberstone Prosser, an expert on railways and canals, captured the Crumlin Viaduct on film in 1959, before its demolition in 1967, a victim of the Beeching rail cuts.
Watch for free
Mayors of Merthyr Tydfil Mayors of Merthyr Tydfil
Amateur film 1950 15 mins Silent Location: Merthyr Tydfil
A collection of Installation Ceremonies introducing Merthyr Tydfil's various mayors over a period of years.
Watch for free
Presentation of the Freedom of the Borough of Merthyr Tydfil to Arthur Lewis Horner Presentation of the Freedom of the Borough of Merthyr Tydfil to Arthur Lewis Horner
Amateur film 1959 13 mins Silent Location: Merthyr Tydfil
Arthur Lewis Horner is honoured in the most prestigious way by being granted the Freedom of the Borough of Merthyr Tydfil.
Watch for free
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
Watch for free
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Watch for free
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Watch for free
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
Watch for free
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
Watch for free
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.