The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Hartlepool Rovers' Diamond Jubilee Rugby Match with Bob Oakes
Rare footage of Rugby Union legend Bob Oakes and his International XV team in action against Hartlepool Rovers.
From the collection of:
Overview
“There is nothing quite so informal, boisterous or merry as a Hartlepool Rovers’ reunion.” So said the Northern Daily Mail of the annual tribute in Hartlepool for legendary Rugby Union player Bob Oakes and his veteran International XV team. The boozy Sunday reception pictured takes place at the mansion of the Horsleys, an elite shipping family, after the Diamond Jubilee memorial match against Hartlepool Rovers at Old Friarage Field on the Headland.
This footage was probably filmed by Neville Horsley, brother of George, who ran the important dockside cargo and timber merchants, known locally as Todd’s Yard. The family were guests at important civic events, and hosted many, such as this reunion reception for Robert “Bob” Oakes, former player with Hartlepool Rovers from 1873. He captained the team for six seasons, played for Durham and gained eight England caps. Oakes was one of the most influential figures in the history of Yorkshire Rugby Union, and Rugby Football Union President between 1933 and 34. His International XV team were known affectionately as “Bob’s Bodyguards”.
Related
Watch for free
The Disabled and Work The Disabled and Work
Documentary 1981 32 mins Location: Middlesbrough
A film which shows the desire and dedication of those with disability to become integrated into the world of work.
Watch for free
Bellamy on Beer Bellamy on Beer
Promotional 1982 9 mins Location: Hartlepool
David Bellamy puts his head into hops, then into a fermenting tank, watches it mash into wort and has a pint – all grist to our engaging presenter.
Watch for free
Hartlepool Sleeper Depot Hartlepool Sleeper Depot
Industry sponsored film 1957 13 mins Silent Location: Hartlepool
The life of a railway sleeper is not an easy one, and here they get prepared for the rain, the snow and ice, and the thousands of tons of steel hurtling over them, day in day out.
Watch for free
Todd Yard Docks Todd Yard Docks
Home movie 1937 4 mins Silent Location: Hartlepool
A memorable glimpse at the industrial docks and timber yards of West Hartlepool in the 30s.
Watch for free
Opening of West Hartlepool Airport Opening of West Hartlepool Airport
Home movie 1939 8 mins Silent Location: Hartlepool
A red letter day for Hartlepool aviation as the Secretary of State for Air opens a new civic airport at Greatham on the brink of World War Two.
Watch for free
M.V. “General Guisan” for Suisse -Atlantique Soc de Nav Maritime SA M.V. “General Guisan” for Suisse -Atlantique Soc de Nav Maritime SA
Industry sponsored film 1946 29 mins Silent Location: Hartlepool
William Grays of Hartlepool show off their shipbuilding prowess after World War Two, from the skilled craft of ship modelling to the launch and sea trial of the General Guisan.
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.