Archive video of Dover and Deal

by Graham Tutthill

gtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

A video producer based in Dover has launched an
on-line archive of old films not only of people, places and events
in Kent, but all over this country and in other parts of the
world.

Phil Heath, managing director of Heathwood Studios, has been
collecting films and film clips for the last 30 years. Some he has
bought, and others have been donated by people who want their
home-made films to be preserved.

Some of it is rare footage dating back more than 90 years, and
much of it has not been seen by the public before.

“This material has come from amateur enthusiasts and
professional film makers,” said Mr Heath.

“It is an amazing range of material from harsh winters to
wartime scenes, and summer holidays to the changes in fashion. We
have rare footage inside factories and at collieries, and we are
adding to it all the time.

“This is wonderful footage but we need people to help
uncover more about it,” said Mr Heath.

“I am sure someone will recognise some of the clips and be
able to give us more details about them. I am putting the material
online so people can see it for themselves.”

The footage is available to view and to buy at www.archivefilm.co.uk

“We have already had huge interest from some locally-based
professional film researchers but we want to open it out to
others.

“I think it might take me two years to get it all online, but
more than 250 films are already there for people to look at.”

Mr Heath is currently working on film which was shot during the
Second World War by German officers

He is using the latest technology to digitalise the films,
restore the colour where necessary, and improve the quality so that
they can be seen in the best possible condition.