A Second Chance To See Archive Films of Oxhey & Hertfordshire

Ever since Watford Filmhouse decided to erect a pop-up cinema at the Oxhey Fayre last summer to show archive footage of Oxhey and the surrounding area, they have been asked to repeat the show. ‘We know that lots of people were disappointed because they either heard about the show too late and missed it, or they couldn’t stay to see all of the films,’ said WFH chair, Jane Hopkins.  

So here’s some good news, due to popular demand, WFH are going to do it all over again! But you won’t have to wait until summer, or visit their pop-up cinema to experience this wonderful archive of film, because this time it’s going to be shown at Bushey and Oxhey Methodist Church, 77 Chalk Hill (at the corner of Chalk Hill and King Edward Road) on the 26th April at 7.30pm.  

The archive films, which WFH worked with the University of Hertfordshire to find and bring to you, contain some fascinating footage of Hertfordshire in 1916. These films show the first generation of local people ever to be captured on film and we can see them as they experience changes and growth in their surroundings that were previously unimaginable. From the First World War to the late 1940s, you will be able to experience a bygone age through these rare archive films. There are clips from John Betjeman’s famous film  Metro-Land featuring Grims Dyke hotel.  A collection of short films in 1938 from W F King,  who resided in Upper Paddock Road and also a fascinating look at the 1957 South Oxhey Carnival.  This is a rare opportunity to see some really wonderful footage of the people and scenes of bygone Oxhey and one that we think will interest you whatever your age.  

7.30pm start Free entry Refreshments will be available – why not enjoy a tea and cake with your history!