Bugler at a home guard parade at Aston, Birmingham (1941). Courtesy MACE
The Media Archive for Central England (MACE) based at the University of Leicester has been given a £440,000 grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund for a new project to connect people with the screen heritage of the Midlands.
Families outside Leicester Belgrave Road Station (now a Sainsbury’s) seeing off children for a charity holiday in Mablethorpe on the Lincolnshire coast (1919). Courtesy MACE
The Full Circle project will draw more than 60 communities together in a region-wide search for local film footage. MACE will use the funding to support local history societies and organisations to aid them in uncovering and presenting the film.
Bathers at the Lido in Skegness (1936). Courtesy MACE
"We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has supported this exciting project," said James Patterson, who is Director of MACE (Media Archive for Central England) and is also heading up the Full Circle project.
Children in the fancy dress parade, Shrewsbury coronation celebrations (1937). Courtesy MACE
"It will enrich people's perception of local history and bring together communities across the Midlands region. Since the invention of film in 1895, the medium has developed into the most important means of communication and film archives provide a unique record of history."
A holiday at Butlins, Skegness (1967). Courtesy MACE
Once film footage is found, MACE will process the films to make them accessible, and then they will be given back to the community to be used for film screenings, events and as a resource for local museums.
Full Circle will run for three years and aims to build interest in local history and develop a sense of belonging and place in people in the Midlands.
For more information go to the MACE website.
