The Box is a major cultural and heritage attraction and archive, which opened in Plymouthβs city centre in September 2020. Its collection, formally the South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA), is the regional film archive for the South West of England, comprising the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and Television South West (TSW). It also includes a significant number of donated film collections dating back to the early 1890s.
This film is part of Free
Sports Day Races on Plymouth Hoe
Sports Day on Plymouth Hoe as children and parents find their feet
From the collection of:
Overview
Little Olympians have to start somewhere. These post-war baby boomers showcase talent in a series of races on the Hoe. Little girls in summery white dresses and boys in shorts run across the grassy bank competing in activities including a potato relay and an imperial 10-yard dash. A competitive mums' race is run although today's modern version would have parents and carers turning up in lycra and donning trainers which they would just happen to have in their bag!
In the 1960s sports and politics converge and by 1964 under Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson Britain has its first Minster for Sport, Denis Howell. A pioneering sportsβ policy introduces the idea of central government overseeing sport and increases state funding for sport in schools improving recreational activities and widening participation. In the modern context, politicians with the help of renowned sportsβ personalities are able to bid and win major sporting events. London 2012, formally the Games of the XXX Olympiad, make London the only city to have hosted the Olympic Games three times, in 1908, in 1948 and in 2012. London 2012 has left a countrywide legacy for sport and for regeneration.
Related
The Flaming Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary The Flaming Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary
Current affairs 1978 2 mins Silent Location: Ottery St Mary
Unique tradition of Ottery St Maryβs flaming tar barrels rolls on
Haggis Hurling Haggis Hurling
News 1980 6 mins Location: Belfast
Meet the president leading the haggis hurling revival and learn how delivering lunch became a sport for kilted gentlemen.
Pipe Smoking Contest Pipe Smoking Contest
News 1963 3 mins Silent Location: Rathfriland
A piano player, a magician or sandwiches, which would motivate you to smoke the longest?
Stuntwoman Human Cannonball Stuntwoman Human Cannonball
News 1975 3 mins Location: Knebworth Ho
Human Cannonball Mary Connors has the guts and determination of any Olympian, proving she really is a she performing at Knebworth House, 1975.
Cheese Rolling Cheese Rolling
News 1960 1 mins Silent Location: Cooper's Hill
Injuries abound as the annual cheese rolling at Cooper's Hill near Brockworth claims its usual victims.
Tug of War Tug of War
News 1975 5 mins Location: Leicester
Their training regime includes lifting a lump of concrete into a tree - meet the Leicester tug-of-war team preparing to take on the world.
Dingles of Plymouth Dingles of Plymouth
Advert 1960 1 mins Location: Plymouth
A charming regional commercial for Plymouthβs best loved department store.
Millbay Laundry Millbay Laundry
Advert 1960 0 mins Location: Plymouth
Help keep your relationship on track by outsourcing your laundry!
Comely Caviar Comely Caviar
Current affairs 1984 1 mins Location: Plymouth
Reporter tests the theory of caviar heightening libido.
Model Clipper Sailor Model Clipper Sailor
Current affairs 1965 2 mins Location: Plymouth
Former shipwright turns his talents to model-making.
Field Gun Practice at HMNB Devonport Field Gun Practice at HMNB Devonport
Current affairs 1962 2 mins Location: Plymouth
Gunboat Crews practise the Royal Navyβs field gun drill in preparation for competition.
Last Cooper Last Cooper
Current affairs 1967 5 mins Location: Plymouth
The last apprenticed cooper in the Royal Navyβs Royal William Victualling Yard undergoes a trusso, an ancient rite of passage.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of childrenβs palliative care.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.