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 nationβs 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
Wrexham Central to Ellesmere Line 1962
The last passengers to travel the Wrexham Central to Ellesmere Line on 8/9/1962 are recorded by a railway and film enthusiast.
From the collection of:
Overview
The Wrexham and Ellesmere Railway was opened in 1895 but the last passengers were carried on 8/9/1962 β as recorded here - and the line between Ellesmere and Pick Hill Halt was then pulled up, part of the railway restructuring of the 1960s. Freight was carried on what was left until the 1980s. The line had run from Wrexham Central to Ellesmere via Marchwiel, Bangor-on-Dee and Overton-on-Dee with halts (request stops) at Hightown, Sesswick, Pick Hill, Cloy, Trench, Elson.
Brian T Cowlishaw was born overlooking the Shrewsbury railway tracks and became a train enthusiast and a keen member of Ruthin Cine Club, uniting the two interests in a number of films recording railways that were closing during the era of sweeping cuts to mainly rural and industrial railways implemented by Dr Richard Beeching, first chair of the British Railways Board. Cowlishaw worked as a medical laboratory technician and later in lighting/stage management with Theatr Clwyd.
Related
Among the Rails of Wales Among the Rails of Wales
Amateur film 1952 12 mins Location: Welshpool/Y Trallwng
Jim Fraser of Bristol, with great affection for his subject, introduces the viewer to the βquaint little railways and tramwaysβ of Wales.
Trail of The Iron Horse Trail of The Iron Horse
Amateur film 1966 37 mins Location: Maldon
Shy and testy retired signalman Wally Trigg chats to amateur filmmaker and railway enthusiast Chib Thorp, as Micky the Collie happily ambles along the overgrown railway line.
The Rocket The Rocket
Amateur film 1929 4 mins Silent Location: Darlington
A full size replica of Robert Stephensonβs world famous locomotive, The Rocket, steams up a 1920s crowd at the North Road Works in Darlington.
Railway with a Heart of Gold Railway with a Heart of Gold
Documentary 1965 15 mins Location: Talyllyn Railway
At the heart of the Talyllyn Railway are the volunteers β e.g. schoolboys, bus drivers, actors β whose commitment ensures the lineβs continuance, despite the odd derailment.
A Special Event A Special Event
Amateur film 1958 2 mins Silent
The West Sussex Downsman railtour visits Midhurst, eminent Victorians appear in Petersfield and part of the town's railway fabric is demolished just before its centenary
Railway Vicar Railway Vicar
News 1978 7 mins Location: Royal Leamington Spa
Church bells, organs and choirs are all sounds you'd expect to hear at a church - but what about the sound of a steam locomotive at full tilt?
Young Geraint - At Home and Abroad Young Geraint - At Home and Abroad
Home movie 1966 11 mins Silent Location: Wrexham/Wrecsam
A wedding, parties, Rhyl fair rides, Harlech beach and Portofino all provide young Geraint Hughes from Wrexham with experiences to treasure.
International Association Match. England v. Wales. Played at Wrexham, March 11th, 1912 International Association Match. England v. Wales. Played at Wrexham, March 11th, 1912
Non-Fiction 1912 5 mins Silent Location: Wrexham/Wrecsam
Action shots of the great Billy Meredith, the βPrince of Wingersβ, the legendary soccer star who played for Manchester City, Manchester United and Wales.
Wrexham co-operative Society's Procession, Wednesday, July 31st 1912 Wrexham co-operative Society's Procession, Wednesday, July 31st 1912
Non-Fiction 1912 3 mins Silent Location: Wrexham/Wrecsam
βUmbrellas down!β urges the cameramanβs bowler-hatted assistant as the Co-operative Societyβs annual parade is filmed on a cold, wet day for screening at The Glynn cinema.
Wrexham Local Events Wrexham Local Events
Amateur film 1940 14 mins Silent Location: Wrexham/Wrecsam
A miscellany of events including demolition, building, and preparations for war with the distribution of gas masks in August 1939 and white line painting on roads/pavements.
Wales v Ireland at Wrexham (1906) Wales v Ireland at Wrexham (1906)
Non-Fiction 1906 3 mins Silent Location: Wrexham/Wrecsam
International football action in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Wrexham.
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.
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.
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 Archiveβs role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
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.
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.
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.