Press release May 2002

A bonanza of remarkable videos greeted club members of the Surrey Border Film and Video Makers at their May meeting. The evening started with short films produced by members in response to the challenge of producing something short and entertaining from a compilation of extracts from holiday movies. The films were surprisingly different, from a spoof news to a couple of shaggy dog stories. There was much amusement, and ripples of laughter repeatedly spread across the room. The variety of different ways of presenting the holiday themes was astonishing, and no doubt members will be able to make their own holiday movies much more stimulating in future.

As if the first part of the evening was not inspiring enough, members then saw two fascinating versions of a film entitled ‘A Lucky Stroke’. They had been filmed during a training exercise put on at the request of a group of new members. Surprisingly the films were completed in just one day although, of course, with the advantage of the latest computer editing equipment and the wealth of professional film expertise within the club. It was good to see that the two films were of such a high standard, partly due, no doubt, to considerable latent acting and directing talents. Once again the achievement shows the value of members helping each other, and enjoying themselves at the same time.

After a break for refreshments, the evening continued with premieres of two films produced as a result of group effort by members. Both films had taken a whole year to complete and were of a very high standard. They depicted the workings, facilities and people of the nearby steam railway of the Watercress line, and they highlighted the professionalism of the volunteers who staff the steam railway. How nice it is to see one group of volunteers helping another.

Last in the evening’s entertainment was a short film produced to introduce members to the Frensham Ponds Sailability Project which has recently received £230,000 for its work with disabled people. The project helps the disabled enjoy sailing on Frensham Ponds and is a charity still looking for extra funds to extend its success. The film was designed to whet the appetite of members and encourage them to volunteer their services in making a new Surrey Border Film & Video Makers film to help further promotion of this charity. Not that much encouragement was needed, as a group has already formed and will no doubt experience the usual comradeship and exhilaration of taking part in such projects.