Digital Film Archive

DescriptionDate
thumbnailBangor Yacht Race

This film was shot in 1898 by Dr Robert Mitchell.
1898
thumbnailNurse v Tommy

Rather whimsical piece which shows a golf match between nurses and recuperating soldiers at a military hospital. The winning nurse holds her prize - a piglet. The location is Lucan, Co Dublin (not Co Down as identified in the newsreel).
1919
thumbnailUlster Rich and Rare

A film made and narrated by Lord Wakehurst for the opening of Ulster Television in 1959.
1959
thumbnailNew Strangford Ferry

The launch of the new 'Porta Ferry' by Mr John D Concannon MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, 13th November 1975. The ferry operated across Strangford Lough between the towns of Strangford and Portaferry.
1975
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Christmas 1973

Scenes from the Kernaghan family of a Co Down Chistmas during the 1970s with scenes of children playing in the snow and waking up to open their presents. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'The Kernaghan Family Christmas' and sections of it were also used in the Super 8 Stories Christmas Special.
1973
thumbnailHorse Jumping at Dundrum

A horse jumping competition at Dundrum.
1932
thumbnailWest Belfast Childrens' Annual Outing to Portrush and Newcastle

'West Belfast Childrens' Annual Outing to Portrush 25th and 26th July 1932. These day trips were organised by Joseph Devlin, MP for Fermanagh and Tyrone and leader of the Nationalist Party.
1932
thumbnailIrish Travelogue

A journey around Northern Ireland - from Portrush to Belfast and Bangor, featuring Richard Hayward.
1935
thumbnailWeek-End Escape

Amateur film from the 1930s shot by Wilfred Capper showing the activities of a group from the Youth Hostel Association of Northern Ireland.
1939
thumbnailPicnic From Portaferry

Amateur film of an outing from Portaferry across Strangford Lough.
1995
thumbnailAbout Britain

British travelogue in which Richard Dimbleby takes a journey around Northern Ireland.
1954
thumbnailSaul Pilgrimage

This traditional pilgrimage on St Patrick's Day has recently been re-established.
1959
thumbnailThe Day We Went To Bangor

An affectionate, nostalgic, look at the seaside town of Bangor and surroundings.
1999
thumbnailLand of Magic, Part 1

Film produced in the 1960s for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
1962
thumbnailLand of Magic, Part 2

Film produced in the 1960s for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
1962
thumbnailLove and Marriage

Attitudes towards love and marriage in 1964 Northern Ireland.
1964
thumbnailJames Boyce. Our Roving Reporter

James Boyce was a well known figure on television in the 1960s, specialising in quirky items. This programme features nine items - Fairy tree at Annacloy, a dog cemetery, Downpatrick jail, a straw wedding in Fermanagh, the Belleek Hotel, the railway station at Fivemiletown, Castlewellan Castle, Botanic loo and cycling with Sally.
1969
thumbnailNewtownards - Town Without Strife

Only ten miles from Belfast is Newtownards - an Ulster Town virtually without violence, where industry and good relations flourish. But how is this achieved?' Source: Promotional material from London Television Service. The audio in this film is missing. For the script see related documents.
1972
thumbnailNewry Canal

A news item on the decline in the Newry Canal and attempts to clean it up.
1980
thumbnailPickie Pool, Bangor

This photograph is part of the Green Collection at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Pickie Pool was a favourite swimming spot among visitors to the seaside resort town of Bangor. (© National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum)
2005
thumbnailShooting script for Newtownards - Town Without Strife

Courtesy of PRONI
2005
thumbnailSwimming at Bangor

This photo, from the Nevin Collection at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, shows enthusiastic swimmers at Bangor in the 1920s. (© National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum)
2005
thumbnailWinnowing Corn in Mournes Near Kilkeel

This photo, from the Green Collection at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, shows a farmer winnowing seeds in the Mourne Mountains. (© National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum)
2005
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Chicago Emigration

The Mallon family decide to leave Newry and 1970s strife-torn Northern Ireland behind for a new life in Chicago, USA. They find a whole new quailty of life and witness one of Elvis Presley's last concerts but finally discovering that their longing to return home to their native country is too strong to resist. Husband and wife, Eddie and Anne, share their memories along with those of their son, Paul. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 1 of Super 8 Stories.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Foster Family

Grace Foster and her mother were both teachers in the Mersey Street Primary School in East Belfast during the 1960s. They were also both keen film-makers and, as well as filming their school life, they took delight in capturing memories of their family around their home in Newtownards. Grace is joined by her daughter, Pamela Bishop, in reliving their memories through their films. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 2 of Super 8 Stories.
1970
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Irish Cup Final 1952

The Irish Cup Final of 1952 between Ards and Glentoran with footage of the Ards fans leaving Newtownards and heading to the match, excellent footage from the match itself and the Ards team's triumphant return to Newtownards with the cup. Interviewed for the story are fan and follower, John Martin, and ex-Ards player, Tommy Walker. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 4 of Super 8 Stories.
1952
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The McKnight Family Christmas

Gordon McKnight and his daughter, Deirdre McCloy, remember family Christmases during the 1960s with shots of Belfast shops and putting up decorations around the house, as well as opening the presents on Christmas Day. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 4 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Kernaghan Family Christmas

Bill Kernaghan and his son, Mike, share their memories of Chistmas during the 1970s with scenes of children playing in the snow and waking up to open their presents. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 4 of Super 8 Stories.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Carpetbaggers

Richard Morrow began film-making as a young boy in Bangor during the 1950s. Here, he guides us on a journey from boyhood to fatherhood including footage of his band, The Carpetbaggers, heading to London to seek their fortune during the 1960s and finishing with scenes from his family life during the 1970s. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 1 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Last Milk Round

The heart rending story of the final day's work carried out by a Newtownards milkman before his retirement. We join him on his last round in his milk float with reminiscences from his two sons, George and James McMeekan, and show footage of the milk float being transported to its new home at the Ulster Transport Museum. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 2 of Super 8 Stories.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Life in Donaghadee

Local chemist, Bertie McKnight, filmed his home town of Donaghadee every year during the 50s and 60s. His son, Terrance, shares some of the memories of his father's films along with many of the locals people who featured in them. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 1 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Down win the All-Ireland in 1968

John Mageean remembers following the all-conquering Down Gaelic Football team of 1968 on their journey to All-Ireland glory. As well as match footage, the presentation of the trophy and their return to Downpatrick there are also interviewed contributions from ex-players Danny Kelly and Joe Lennon. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 2 of Super 8 Stories.
1968
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Margo and the Marvettes

Donaghadee couple, Margo and Trevor Burns, recall their days as members of 1960s band Margo and the Marvettes and show footage of concerts at Maine Road football stadium in Manchester, photo shoots in Hyde Park, London and tours to Germany. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 4 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Mourne Farm Life

Christopher Napier and his sister Sarah Creaner share their memories of summers spent in the Co Down village of Maghera and of their mother's love for recording on film the days spent helping out in the fields of local farms. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 4 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Country Scenes Around Newry

Footage taken by the Mallon family of countryside in the Newry area following their return to Northern Ireland after emigration to Chicago. Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Chicago Emigration'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Mersey Street Primary School

Playground scenes from Mersey Street Primary School in East Belfast during the 1970s featuring children painting and playing and taken by one of the teachers, Grace Foster. Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'The Foster Family'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Family Day Out in Stormont Grounds

A family day out in the grounds of Stormont Gardens beside the Parliament Buildings. Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'The O'Neill Family'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Ards v Glentoran, Irish Cup Final 1952

The Irish Cup Final of 1952 between Ards and Glentoran with footage of the Ards fans leaving Newtownards and heading to the match, excellent footage from the match itself and the Ards team's triumphant return to Newtownards with the cup. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'Irish Cup Final 1952'.
1952
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: A Child's Christmas

Short film by Gordon McKnight of a 1960s family Christmas with shots of Belfast shops and putting up decorations around the house, as well as opening the presents on Christmas Day. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'The McKnight Family at Christmas' and sections of it were also used in the Super 8 Stories Christmas Special.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: The Last Pinta

Footage shot of the final day's work carried out by a Newtownards milkman before his retirement. We join him on his last round in his milk float shot by his sons and show footage of the milk float being transported to its new home at the Ulster Transport Museum. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'The Last Milk Round'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Following the Down Team of 1968

Footage of the All-Ireland-winning Down Gaelic Football team of 1968, incorporating scenes from the semi-final, supporters travelling to watch them, match footage from the final and their return to Downpatrick with the trophy. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'Down win the All-Ireland in 1968'.
1968
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: 1960s Donaghadee Wedding

Footage of the wedding of Donaghadee couple, Margo and Trevor Burns. Edited footage of Margo and the Marvettes appeared in Series 2, Programme 4 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Mourne Country Farm in Maghera

Agricultural footage shot on farms in the County Down village of Maghera, including shots of hay cutting and machinery, mixed with scenes of family life in the 1960s. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'Mourne Farm Life'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Carney Hill to Bangor

Famed amateur film-maker Gordon McKnight takes us behind the scenes of his life as an architect and also on a journey from his home in Carney Hill to nearby Bangor. Gordon shot this film at a slower frame rate on his camera so that it would appear speeded up when played back at normal speed on his projector. The result is a lively whizz along the route to Bangor from an era before the busy dual carriageways when it was all country roads with very little traffic - a moment in time captured on film which has subsequently changed beyond all recognition. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 2 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Portaferry Ferry

The ferry between Portaferry on the tip of the Ards Peninsula and Strangford provides a vital link between these two communities which sit side by side within sight of each other but are seperated by a round trip of around 100 miles by road. Some of the sailors on the ferry tell us of the opening of the ferry and of their time operating it, coupled with amateur footage of the events. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 2 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Back Garden Train Line

Local train enthusiast, Billy McCormick, tells the story of his dream to operate a train line with fully working steam engine in his back garden off the Kings Road in Belfast. With Billy's own footage of the events we follow the story as he and his friends labour to build the track and restore the engine. When Billy decided to move house he donated the train to Shane's Castle and footage of the train in operation there together with contributions from Lord O'Neill complete the story. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 1 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Self Build House

We follow the story of the Urey's, a young married couple from Ballywalter, who are given an old wreck of a house by a relative. We journey through their home movies of living in a caravan on the site and of bringing up their young family as they labour year by year to finally succeed in turning the derelict building into their family home. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 2 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Canadian Holiday

Ben Marshall was a shipyard worker from Ballybeen in East Belfast when he decided to buy a cine camera to record his young family growing up. Here, Ben and his wife Edna share their memories of the early 1970s and of their trip of a lifetime as they went on holiday to Canada. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 2 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1973
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Ballynahinch Market

Ballynahinch man, Charles Rutledge, was a very keen and able movie maker and used his skills to make several amateur films featuring his home town. Among the aspects of town life he captured was the weekly market and these images are combined with Charles' memories and those of some of the local market traders, James and Marie Murdoch, as they reminisce on the bygone days of bargain hunting in town centre markets. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 3 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Portavogie Fishermen

The fishing industry in the Irish Sea has always been important to many of the communities living along the shoreline of County Down. However, by the turn of the 20th Century into the 21st this way of life was very much in decline with huge impacts for the small towns which had been built up on fishing traditions and used it as their livelihood. Amateur footage from the 1970s, when the industry was performing well, is mingled with interviews conducted in 2005 with some of the fishermen from Portavogie who had watched its decline to make this one of the more melancholy segments of Super 8 Stories as a community comes to terms with a changing world. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 3 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: USA Road Trip

Newlyweds Geoff and Irene Hewitt bravely decided to take time out from their lives in Northern Ireland during the 1980s and tour the world on motorbike. They managed to record on film the American leg of this tour as they rode through Monument Valley, the streets of San Francisco and stopped off to admire the view of the Grand Canyon. Geoff and Irene both share their memories of this life-changing experience and of their ultimate return to Northern Ireland to begin a family. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 4 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1988
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Big Freeze

In the winter of 1963 Northern Ireland was brought to a standstill under blizzard conditions with the snow playing havoc with daily life for weeks to come. Such was the severity of the conditions that this period would always be henceforth referred to as 'The Big Freeze'. Combining amateur film from a wealth of different sources across the country and interviews with the people who shot it we are able to see how this this event affected the people of Northern Ireland. From the seriousness of the situation in Castlewellen where the whole town was cut off and needed supplies delivered by helicopter to the fun side of things with people driving a Mini across the frozen waters of Lough Erne, as well as hearing the thoughts of Dennis Tuohy who was a television weatherman of the time. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 4 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1963
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Blaney Family

Dr Roger Blaney spent many years filming his young family growing up and their footage now stands as an endearing reminder of family life in Northern Ireland during the 1960s and 70s. He is joined by his wife Brenda and daughter Ruth as they share their memories of what family life meant to them. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 4 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Donaghadee Yearly Film Magazine 1957

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Life in Donaghadee'.
1957
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: At the Bottom of Our Garden

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'The Back Garden Train Line'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Carney Hill to Bangor in Three Minutes

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Carney Hill to Bangor'.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: To Build a Church

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Carney Hill to Bangor'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: County Down Wedding

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Self Build House'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Opening of the Portaferry Ferry

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'The Portaferry Ferry'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Christmas 1974

This is additional family archive from Ben Marshall whose footage appeared in the Super 8 Story, 'Canadian Holiday'.
1974

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