‘Village matters’ short films puts Bristol North West on the big screen!

7th May 2024

With the help of experts from Historic England, I have created a collection of seven short films, called Village Matters, to tell stories rooted in local history to discuss issues that are pertinent to constituents today.

The films were first shared with constituents at two free cinema screenings at Scott Cinemas in Westbury Park but are now available to watch online.

Each film focuses on a different theme:

• Travel through a 'secret' listed tunnel in Henbury and explore the vast network of public footpaths connecting the villages of Bristol North West.

• Learn how Gloucester Road benefitted from a Bristol-based innovation that was the biggest advance in road construction since the Roman times.

• Discover why high streets offer a window into our local history, and what Historic England learned in its project about Shire High Street.

• Delve into how the River Trym has been enjoyed and protected by local villagers since the Bronze Age – and how Southmead might be the oldest village in Bristol!

• Hear about Sea Mills' proud history in being home to some of the first council houses in the country, with houses built for soldiers returning from war – and how social housing may have prevented a revolution.

• Uncover the fascinating story of how repurposing a shelter for WWII soldiers manning anti-aircraft guns in Purdown gave Lockleaze its first community centre.

• See how the beautiful architecture of Grace House in Westbury Park was designed to mirror the school's educational philosophy that expressive movement is therapeutic, and explore the rich history of SEND education in Bristol North West.

I’ve always had a strong interest in the history of Bristol North West, so it was a pleasure to work on this video project, and I learned a few things, too. I’m looking forward to constituents having the opportunity to see the films.