History Society Old Films of Audlem

Films of old Audlem at Audlem History Society.

Last Thursday evening, the Scout and Guide Hall was packed to the rafters for Matthew and Ian Jones’ presentation of cine films, taken by Bob Bonell of the local Audlem family.

Ian Jones is a longstanding Audlem History Society Committee member and a local resident who was born in this area, and his son Matthew is greatly interested in photography. Together they have spent numerous hours editing and splicing these old films mainly from the 1950s, but going into the early 60s, Matthew doing most of the technical work in his spare time.

Ian provided an amusing commentary to the films, which mostly comprised scenes of local life

around Buerton, Audlem and Hankelow, although there were some of a day trip to Rhyl by the

Methodist Sunday School, and of a farm visit. The rest were of local people, many children,

(it was surprising how packed the Sunday Schools were in those days), family weddings, and events such as Audlem fetes, one seemingly around the Coronation in 1953. The films were mainly in black and white, but some were in colour.

There were frequent gasps from some of the audience as they recognized themselves or others, often family members and friends, on the films. For many of the audience who didn’t know anyone featured, they would indeed have recognized many of the places shown, such as Corbrook Court, and of course all the familiar old scenes of Audlem.

It was an absolutely fascinating evening, and our thanks go out to Matthew and Ian for all their hard work over many months. Apparently, less than half of the old material was shown that evening, so perhaps there will be another opportunity in the future!

Brenda Smethurst.