Kent Archives and Local History Service presents a talk by Tim Jones, Canterbury Christ Church University.

Tim is a senior lecturer in Film Production at Christ Church, with a particular research interest in amateur film. His most recent publication (with Mark Connelly) is Commemorating the Great War on Film: Veterans, Pilgrimages and Amateur Filmmaking, Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television (2024).

Tim will preside over a screening of amateur film from the 1930s–1970s showing Maidstone and the surrounding area. The subjects of the films include the 1933 Maidstone Cricket Week procession, Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake’s zoo, Preston Hall Sanatorium, the Agricultural Show, ice skating on the frozen river Medway, hop picking, and the last trolley bus. Apart from providing a visual feast, the film offers food for thought in the continuities as well as the changes that have taken place over the past 90 years: in dress, transport, communal celebrations and festivals, rural life and the built environment.

ADMISSION: FREE

For further information and to reserve a seat, ring 03000 420673 or email archives@kent.gov.uk

Please note the location of this event has been updated from Kent History and Library Centre to the Lecture Theatre, Sessions House, County Hall, Maidstone.

For those unfamiliar with Sessions House, there are details in Our offices - Kent County Council. The building is situated in Sandling Road, opposite Maidstone East Railway Station and the 101 Arriva bus stop. For drivers, Maidstone East Station Car Park is just across Sandling Road. For those needing refreshments before or after the event, the snack bars, pubs and restaurants of Maidstone Town Centre are that bit closer.

The Sessions House lecture theatre has step free access although the seating is tiered. Anyone with a PEEP (personal emergency evacuation plan) or mobility restrictions are advised to let the Archives know by emailing archives@kent.gov.uk or phoning 03000 420673.