DVD memento of a village's characters

Published on 29th March 2007 in News

A DVD which takes a nostalgic look at life in Swinefleet is proving so popular that more than 200 copies have been sold.

'Memories of Swinefleet' is a collection of cine, video and still photographs of people, places and events in the village.

It was compiled by former resident Roy Gunson who got the idea after filming a reunion of the village youth club in 1995.

The result was so good that he sold copies of it to friends, and was asked by others to transfer cine film onto video.

He asked permission to use some of the relevant footage in a video of Swinefleet and finally gathered enough material to create 'Memories of Swinefleet'.

"In 2006 I decided that it was about time I started to put all the information together and produce what was now to be a DVD," said Mr Gunson, who moved to Pontefract in 1960.

"I originally needed to sell around 30 copies to cover any expenses incurred, but with the help of three ladies in the village the number far exceeded this and is still ongoing."

Mr Gunson decided to dedicate £1 from every £5 sale to the Swinefleet Village Hall fund in memory of Miss Elsie Laverack, a local teacher and youth club leader in the 40s and 50s in Swinefleet.

To date, at least £200 has been raised.

Featured on the DVD are village events such as galas, weddings, events on the river and an album including local people of note over a period of many years.

"All villages in years gone by had a certain number of so-called 'characters' who in my opinion should be remembered: this is my way of remembering several of these people in Swinefleet," said Mr Gunson.

"Sales of the DVDs have sold far beyond any expectations and this is due entirely to the help of the three ladies living in the village, Connie Ede, Peggy Nicholson and Val Phillipson, without whom I would not have been able to contact the hundreds of people living not just in Swinefleet and the local area, but all over the world.:

As a result of the first DVD, Mr Gunson has been 'inundated' with new material and 'Memories of Swinefleet 2' looks likely to follow.

Copies of the DVD are available by calling Mr Gunson on 01977 794563 or Val Phillipson on 01405 704422.

There is also information at www.freewebs.com/rgunson