ON October 22, 1936 – 11 days before the birth of BBC TV – six men met in Warrington and formed an organisation that in the years since has produced a unique collection of films and videos chronicling the town’s history.
Now, members of Warrington Cine and Video Society – originally just a cine society because video hadn’t been invented! – are preparing to celebrate the group’s 90th anniversary.
They do so with the knowledge that the society is one of the oldest amateur movie making organisations in the North West.
WCVS was founded by the original six – including George Kirkham, proprietor of a 9.5mm film hire business in Winwick Road (later in Henry Street) and Percy Hughes, both chairmen and president of the society at various times. However, George Formby agreed to be the first president
In 1938 John Langdale joined and served continuously as secretary for 55 years, as well as taking turns as president and chairman.
Another ex-president and ex-chairman was Geoff Scotson who was largely responsible for the re-birth of the society after World War 2.
From an early stage, members started filming local events, including a dramatised documentary showing Warrington’s preparations for World War 2
They filmed King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1938, when they visited Warrington just 12 months after their Coronation. And they filmed them again when they returned in 1945.
Construction of Thelwall Viaduct, the spectacular “moving” of the history Warrington Academy building and much of the development of the Warrington New Town were also preserved for posterity by society members.
Many early society films were screened on television, including celebrations to mark the Queen’s Jubilee which were much in demand by the BBC and other TV companies.
In the early days of video, there was much resistance to the new format among amateur movie makers. But Warrington was quick to embrace video and change its name, which could be one reason why it continues to thrive when many other “cine” societies have ceased o exist.
WCVS now meet on Monday evenings at St Martins Methodist Church Hall in Gig Lane, Woolston, WA14EE. Further details by emailing wcvs1936@btinternet.com
