The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
Neville Chamberlain Opens New Railway Station
Empire News Bulletin record the Conservative Minister Neville Chamberlain at Welwyn Station's official opening ceremony.
From the collection of:
Overview
Conservative politician Neville Chamberlain, the Minister of Health that would a decade later become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, officially opens Welwyn Garden City Railway Station. The Right Honourable gentleman arrives by steam train, unlocks the station entrance and performs a speech for the crowds, including a brigade of Girl Guides, who have come to witness the momentous occasion.
Empire News Bulletin, a silent newsreel company that existed from 1926-1930, recorded the occasion, to be screened at local cinemas.
Related
Watch for free
Solutions? Solutions?
Documentary 1972 8 mins
A musical illustration of life where road traffic chaos breeds anger and frustration, but the rail network is fast, smooth and relaxing
Watch for free
Farewell to Steam Farewell to Steam
Amateur film 1966 3 mins Silent Location: Hampshire
A film maker's attempt to record the last steam-hauled passenger and freight trains running along the West of England mainline from Waterloo
Watch for free
Track Testing Track Testing
1976 8 mins Silent
Testing times as we make a journey on board British Rail's High Speed Track Recording Coach.
Watch for free
Training Diesel Drivers Training Diesel Drivers
News 1962 6 mins Location: Derby
Farewell to the faithful steam war-horse as modernisation brings diesel power to the railways of Britain.
Watch for free
Inter-city Magic Inter-city Magic
Documentary 1977 1 mins Silent
Not-so-special special effects add the magic touch to this kitsch British Rail commercial.
Watch for free
The George Bennie Railplane System of Transport The George Bennie Railplane System of Transport
1930 23 mins Silent
High-speed luxury travel up to 150mph: the future of rail travel is in the air and it's going to be great for British steel
Watch for free
The Golden Way to Health The Golden Way to Health
Advert 1935 12 mins Location: Welwyn Garden City
Welcome to Welwyn Garden City, home of the nation's breakfast
Watch for free
Irresponsibles Irresponsibles
Documentary drama 1929 39 mins Silent Location: Welwyn Garden City
This striking female-focused silent drama muses on the long-term perils of sexually transmitted diseases
Watch for free
Welwyn Garden City - The War Years Welwyn Garden City - The War Years
Amateur film 1939 15 mins Silent Location: Welwyn Garden City
A great example of ‘despite war, life continues’, Welwyn Garden City residents continue with annual traditions, festive occasions and celebrations, during wartime.
Watch for free
Laing News Review No.2 Laing News Review No.2
Cinemagazine 1954 28 mins Location: Carlisle
Maintaining, evolving and revolutionising the landscape on an industrial scale with one of Britain's biggest builders.
Watch for free
Round and About (Part One) Round and About (Part One)
Amateur film 1959 20 mins Silent Location: Welwyn Garden City
Meanderers on sunny days! Capturing scenery 'round and about' Herts and Beds during the summer of 1959; the first of two amateur films with pleasing hand-created title cards.
Watch for free
Here and There Here and There
Amateur film 1954 26 mins Silent Location: Hemel Hempstead
Amateur captured Hertfordshire town centres, public gardens, market days, river journeys by boat or barge, and Whipsnade Zoo with wild animals from each corner of the globe.
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.