National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Miriam Conquers Pendinas
Onwards and upwards goes toddler Miriam Jones, her little legs taking her to the very top of Aberystwyth's hill fort, Pen Dinas.
From the collection of:
Overview
Charming toddler, Miriam Jones, makes a successful ascent of Pen Dinas, Aberystwyth's hill fort. She is aided by mum and dad, who provide an anorak once a certain altitude is reached. At the summit, Wellington's monument offers a welcome seat. There are excellent views of the town from the route up, showing e.g. the football club, The National Library of Wales, the newly-built Plascrug School near the railway, Bronglais Hospital, cranes at work on the university campus.
The film-maker, Gareth Hywel Vernon Jones (1918-1987) was born in Tregaron but his family moved to Aberystwyth when he was 5 and he remained there for the rest of his life. He married Joan Elizabeth Jones (1929-2017) of Lampeter in 1958 (she had also moved to live in Aberystwyth with her family, when she was 18). They had a daughter, Miriam Elisabeth (b.1967). Mr Jones, an audio-visual officer with the council's education department, was interested in recording family and community life on film and was a well-known player of the 'saw', using a cello bow to do so. He would entertain local societies with his skill and demonstrated this talent on television too.
Related
Watch for free
Aberystwyth Carnival, June 1975 Aberystwyth Carnival, June 1975
Home movie 1975 4 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Children dressed as double yellow lines indicate that parking in Aberystwyth has been an issue across the centuries!
Watch for free
Mackerel Fishing, Tanybwlch Mackerel Fishing, Tanybwlch
Home movie 1965 2 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
A shoal of mackerel has drawn hordes of fishermen and women to Tanybwlch beach, Aberystwyth, on a warm summer's evening.
Watch for free
Victor H Williams' Family - Aberystwyth 1967 Victor H Williams' Family - Aberystwyth 1967
Home movie 1967 2 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Victor Williams returns to his roots for a holiday that offers trampolines, donkey rides and dodgem-type cars for his daughters to enjoy.
Watch for free
For Those in Peril - offcuts For Those in Peril - offcuts
Documentary 1974 10 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
The men, the inflatable boat and the equipment that help keep those in peril on the sea around Aberystwyth safe.
Watch for free
Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru - trysordy'r genedl Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru - trysordy'r genedl
Amateur film 1937 15 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Behind the scenes at The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth: as readers enter by the front door, acquisitions arrive by lorry at the back.
Watch for free
Aberystwyth Post Office Aberystwyth Post Office
Non-Fiction 1960 3 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Snapshot of the postal service as it was run c.1960 at the now defunct but purpose-built Aberystwyth Post Office building (1906-2016).
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.