News on Screen

Series

Series Name

Mining Review 10th Year

Issue

Issue No.

4

Date Released

Dec 1956

Stories in this Issue:

• 1. COAL MINING TODAY
• 2. BLYTH SPIRIT
• 3. AUTUMN OUTING
• 4. FORGING THE LINK

Story

Story No. within this Issue

3 / 4

Summary

BFI synopsis: Old Age Pensioners on a trip to Blackpool
NCB Commentary - 2 years ago the men of Fryston started on one of their more ambitious projects - the building of a stadium in a disused quarry. This was only one of the do-it-yourself schemes operated by this go-ahead welfare branch of Fryston Colliery.
Apart from improving the amenities of the colliery surroundings, Fryston miners keep a warm place in their hearts for the welfare of their own folk.
This autumn, for instance, colliery collections raised enough money to send some 200 old age pensioners for a long weekend in Blackpool. After a civic send-off by the Mayor of Castelford, the long coach journey began, enlivened by reminiscences, and community singing.
Many of the old folk had never before had a glimpse of the sea. Blackpool’s big tower and the packed amusement parks were for may of them the fulfilment of a long dream. In the bright autumn sun, enjoying the wide beaches, the salt tang in the air - even the chance to stroll beside the quiet sea, the old folk of Fryston sampled well-deserved leisure as the fancy took them.
There was a civic reception too, by the Mayor of Lytham. Fryston’s old folk were in the spotlight, and they revelled in it.
The lights of Blackpool by night will be long remembered. So too will the generosity and fellowship of Fryston miners - men who have not forgotten that charity begins at home.

Researcher Comments

Commentary recorded 5th November 1956.

Keywords

Entertainment and leisure; Older people; Scenery and travel

Locations

England; Lancashire; Blackpool

Written sources

British Film Institute Databases   Used for synopsis
Film User   Vol.11 No.128 June 1957, p258.
The National Archives COAL 32   /12 Scripts for Mining Review, 1956-1960

Credits:

Production Co.

Documentary Technicians Alliance

Sponsor

National Coal Board