The Media Archive for Central England is the public screen archive for the East and West Midlands. An independent charity and company based at the University of Lincoln, MACE acquires, catalogues, preserves and makes widely available moving image materials that inform our understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of communities between the Lincolnshire coast and the Welsh border..
This film is part of Free
Joe Smith: Bilston, Ten Pin Bowling and Dudley Canal
Time for one final parade and celebration of civic pride as Bilston loses its borough status and is swallowed by larger neighbour Wolverhampton.
From the collection of:
Overview
This compilation film shot by Joe Smith records the final civic Sunday parade in Bilston in 1965 before the borough disappeared within its larger neighbour Wolverhampton. Times are also changing with the arrival of flashy ten-pin bowling in Wolverhampton at the Ambassador, but in contrast we see the birth of a new interest in industrial heritage with scenes showing efforts to save the historic Dudley canal tunnel.
The Inland Waterways Association had organised protest trips through the Dudley canal tunnel since 1960 but were unable to stop its closure to regular traffic in 1962. It did however re-open to canal traffic in 1973.
Related
Watch for free
Sad Day for Bilston Sad Day for Bilston
Documentary 1979 24 mins Location: Bilston
A steelworks and a workforce under the shadow of closure. Bilston faces a cold winter as it loses its traditional heavy industry.
Watch for free
Bilston Blast Furnace Bilston Blast Furnace
News 1977 6 mins Location: Bilston
The Midlands' last blast furnace makes a car production line look like an hospital operating theatre. 'Elisabeth' of Bilston is the pride of the Black Country.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.