INCREDIBLE old footage of Bridport from the 1930s shows celebration throughout the town as the 1935 Silver Jubilee is marked.
The footage, which can be viewed on YouTube, shows the celebration in Bridport and surrounding villages of King George V`s Silver Jubilee.
It was captured by photographer Claud Hider and has been shared online by Neil Mattingly of Charmouth, whose passion project has been sharing Hider's work.
Mr Mattingly said: "This video really brings the postcards he took at the time to life and is an amazing survival after 90 years.
"It's such superb quality and may be the first time it has ever been shown to the public.
"On May 6 1935, local photographer, Claud Hider recorded events as the day unfolded.
"The film shows aspects of what he saw. It begins with a long procession of dignitaries and other local groups. It then shows a huge number of people in a field celebrating. Finally there is a function in the Town Hall hosted by the Mayor.
"Claud was able to show similar celebrations in neighbouring villages of Chideock, Loders, Bradpole and Burton Bradstock.
"The final images are of the Town Hall emblazoned with electric lights. The film was one of a number that have emerged recently that Claud took mainly of his family and local events. I wish to thank his grandson Peter Hider for allowing me to develop and digitise them for others to now see what a skilled and talented photographer he was."
Watch the video here:
Here is the report in the Bridport News of May 10 1935 of King George V`s Silver Jubilee celebrations.
“Gay with decorations and with hearts attuned to the spirit of the occasion, Bridport was a town of rejoicing for the King's Silver Jubilee on Monday, and nowhere was the notable anniversary more enthusiastically observed.
"Favoured by ideal weather - it was a perfect May day with the sun shining a symbol of the happy occasion from a cloudless sky – the celebrations were a great success and a striking commentary on the organising ability of those who had the arrangements in hand.
"Bridport has never known such decorations and it is certain that nowhere in the County were they more artistic and profuse. There was hardly a house, no matter how unpretentious, which failed to carry some outward evidence of its loyalty to throne and sovereign, and the main streets of the town were a veritable fairyland- a delight to old and young alike.
"The electrical illumination carried out in the national colours- red, white and blue - by the staff of the Borough Electricity Department were particularly effective, many of the shop fronts being treated in this way, the Town Hall, cupola ablaze with coloured light, being the centre of these decorations.
"With its eastern end floodlit at night, the Parish Church was an imposing spectacle. To the tradesmen especially, who had been making every effort for upwards of a week to make the town's Jubilee appearance compare favourably with that of any in the County the greatest praise is due.
"A official procession preceded by Supt. Beck and Sargeant Diment lead the towns dignitaries, a detachment from 224th Dorset Battery, RAF and members of "A” company, 4th Dorset’s and others, accompanied by the Artillery Band. In total about 400 people walked down South Street and Gundry Lane to the Playing Fields.
"Where the crowd listened to a broadcast of the Kings procession in London and the service from St. Paul's Cathedral. The procession then reassembled and returned to the Town Hall where the Mayor of Bridport, Councillor W.S. B. Northover, gave his address before entertaining his guests to refreshments in the Town Hall.
"In the afternoon children's sports were held in the Playing Fields with over 900 children given tea and a souvenir beaker. At 6 o clock The Mayor, Mayoress and Alderman Andrew Spiller planted three commemorative trees. Ivy Scantlebury was crowned the May Queen followed by maypole dances. Then there was a short pageant by members of the Bridport Amateur Operatic Society. The Artillery Band provided music throughout the day. The day ended with a firework display, followed by a dance at the Rifle Drill Hall."
You can watch the video online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMH4HoAuORQ
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