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
Coracle Men of the Teifi
Craftsman John Christmas Thomas demonstrates how to make a coracle step-by-step, and Cyril Jones and Will Jones instruct learners how to manage one on the water.
From the collection of:
Overview
John [Jack] Christmas Thomas (1904-1980), master-maker of coracles, spent most of his adult life working on the roads for the council but upon his retirement he and his wife opened a cafe in their home village, Cenarth - 'The Coracle Cafe'. In this film, Jack demonstrates how to build one of these traditional vessels from scratch. Two other coraclemen also feature - Cyril Jones and Will Jones - instructing learners in the art of paddling a coracle on the River Teifi, Cenarth.
Will Jones, a coffin and cabinet maker by trade, was one of the two sons of David Jones, the local blacksmith. He and his brother John [Jack] were the last, licensed coracle fishermen on the Teifi. Will's face became well known after being used on tourist board posters and he was a favourite in advertising films. NB: The soundtrack is of very poor quality (it has been recorded through the projector whilst the film was playing) but J. C. Thomas's wife, Myra, can be heard speaking.
Related
Canoeing on the Teifi at Cenarth Canoeing on the Teifi at Cenarth
Home movie 1972 4 mins Silent Location: Cenarth
Shooting rapids puts paid to one canoe!
Wales, Bournemouth, and Birthday Cake on the Beach Wales, Bournemouth, and Birthday Cake on the Beach
Home movie 1943 11 mins Silent Location: Cenarth
Grandpa, in smart 3-piece suit with pocket watch, celebrates his birthday on the beach, assisted by a lively grand-daughter.
Coracles, Jet Skis and the Girls' Friendly Society Coracles, Jet Skis and the Girls' Friendly Society
Home movie 1960 10 mins Silent Location: Cenarth
From the River Teifi and coracles at Cenarth to Fishguard and the sea around Pembrokeshire for jet-skiing, sailing and sandcastles.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2023 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2023 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace Ové, chaired by Samira Ahmed.