The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
John's 5th Birthday
For those who have rarely had times as pleasant as those of riding around the garden on a trike, in the pre-school age of innocence.
From the collection of:
Overview
A subject typical of many a home movie, a son’s birthday. And it’s a typical birthday party to go with it, with ice cream, cakes, biscuits and, of course, mother lighting the candles on the birthday cake. After the party the young friends chase each other around the beautifully kept garden in Sheffield in 1955. Finally, capturing that most auspicious of days, as young John heads off for his first day at school with his brand new satchel, preserved in Kodachrome by proud dad.
Kenneth Tofield was living at the time on Brooklands Crescent in the Fulwood area of Sheffield, where he had moved with his wife Joan in 1947. Kenneth worked for the Midland Bank in Sheffield and was a keen amateur filmmaker who made a number of similar films before and after the war. These were often of family and friends out in the snow and skating on ice, which he would show for local groups in his own film shows. As will be apparent from the film, he was also a keen gardener, winning the Brighter Sheffield competition five times for his gardens whilst still living at his parent’s house in the 1930s.
Related
Watch for free
Visit to Germany Visit to Germany
Home movie 1936 28 mins Silent
Lloyd George tours the sights of Nazi Germany while his chauffeurs lark about with an SS Officer in this grimly fascinating film.
Watch for free
Family and Friends Family and Friends
Home movie 1962 24 mins Silent
An intimate portrait of the family life of the Taberhams, including Ruth and Tigger Cat at Christmastime, idling in the garden, and a wedding.
Watch for free
Cwrt-yr-Ala - Twins Cwrt-yr-Ala - Twins
Home movie 1948 8 mins Silent Location: Michaelston-le-Pit
A newly-built, dream home in Michaelston-le-Pit, Cardiff, where industrialist H H Merrett’s grandchildren have ample space to play.
Watch for free
George's Party and Porthcawl Prom George's Party and Porthcawl Prom
Home movie 1957 14 mins Silent Location: Porthcawl
Socialising at home - on George’s birthday, perhaps, and at Christmas – and walking the promenade.
Watch for free
Arthur Conan Doyle Relaxes with his Family at Windlesham Arthur Conan Doyle Relaxes with his Family at Windlesham
Amateur film 1929 17 mins Silent
The creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, relaxes with his family in Windlesham and goes on tour to Egypt, Africa and Australia
Watch for free
Golden Wedding At Ellel House Golden Wedding At Ellel House
Home movie 1950 4 mins Silent Location: Galgate
50 years together - congratulations! A family celebration of a long and happy married life.
Watch for free
The Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Winston S. Churchill visits Fulwood and Preston, 27th June 1945 The Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Winston S. Churchill visits Fulwood and Preston, 27th June 1945
Non-Fiction 1945 3 mins Silent Location: Fulwood
Winston Churchill visits Lancashire, in the closing days of his premiership and the last months of the Second World War.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Watch for free
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
Watch for free
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Watch for free
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.