To mark the 50th anniversary of WKPS, the Society's Council agreed to commission a new 30 minute documentary as a part of its celebrations.

 

The first public meeting held by the Society was in the autumn of 1960, at which the film “A Journey into the Weald of Kent” was screened. This was a lyrical 23 minute colour documentary narrated by John Betjeman and made for National Benzole Petroleum Ltd.

To mark the 50th anniversary of WKPS, the Society's Council agreed to commission a new 30 minute documentary as a part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, to be made by students in the area. It would show life in the Weald of Kent in the early years of the 21 st century and look at the changes that have taken place there during the 50 year life of the Society, as seen through the eyes of young people who live there. In some respects it would also highlight those things that the Society fights to protect and preserve, and the two documentaries could be seen together as two snapshots taken at different times in time of the life of the Weald.

Students at Cranbrook School were invited by the Society to make the documentary and, during the spring and summer this year, a team of young filmmakers has been touring the Weald filming material and interviewing local residents. Society Vice-President Adam Nicolson kindly agreed to narrate the new film, which will also feature music specially composed, arranged and conducted by Cranbrook School 's Head of Music, Malcolm Riley.

Following a group of young people cycling through the Weald, the new film illustrates the changing nature of farming and the pattern of settlements and community life in our area. They discover what has happened in our villages, with the closure of local shops and the gradual demise of traditional local businesses (such as blacksmiths and bakeries), the ever increasing mobility of the population, housing problems, the growing dominance of the motor car (including the construction of the M20), the High Speed Rail Link and the conversion of barns and other old commercial and agricultural buildings into dwellings. The documentary also recognises the positive influence of the WKPS in helping to keep alive and protect the unique character of this very special place.

 

A DVD containing both the original Betjeman and recent Cranbrook production is available for purchase at £10 plus £1.50 p&p per copy