Surrey Border Film & Video Makers
Woolmer's wisdom - A video Christmas Carol in memory of Scrooge
Scrooge sat in his office frowning at the sounds of merriment coming from the factory floor. There was a
knock and his foreman Cratchet looked in. “Won’t you join us, Sir, for a festive drink before we leave?” "It's
still working time you know”, Scrooge said with a scowl, “All this slacking won’t do!” “Oh Sir! It’s Christmas.
A time of good will.” “Bah!”, said Scrooge, “Humbug!” -and he waved him out.
Cratchet retreated and
joined a colleague. “I’m sorry for the old boy, Tom.", he said. “Fancy being so rich and yet so miserable.” But
Tom laughed. “Forget him and enjoy yourself. He’s raked in so much this year. Everyone is caught up in this new
hobby. I think we must have sold all of our stock.”
Scrooge nodded over his desk and in his dream he saw
Marley, his long dead partner,
who moaned in a frightening way. “You have made all this money,.” he said, “selling my invention! But it’s
not brought happiness to you because of your meanness!!” The ghost wavered in front of him, glowing green and
luminous, then disappeared.
He awoke at the sound of a knock and Cratchet looked in again. “Please do
come over to the inn when you lock up Sir”, he said with a smile. “We will be very pleased to see you.” He
closed the door, and Scrooge heard the sound of the men and office girls clattering down the stairs, shouting
and laughing.
All was quiet again and he looked out of the office window. Snow was falling and the
Christmas lights twinkled. The windows of the inn opposite gleamed in the dusk. It looked inviting. “Bah! “, he
thought, “I suppose they would expect me to treat them
all to a drink.” He felt a chill in the air and heard the moaning voice again. “Go and bring some happiness
to your staff Scrooge, or. I will haunt you again and again.” Scrooge shivered. “Go away, go away!”, he called,
and the ghost faded.
Trembling with fright, Scrooge opened his cupboard and took out a box containing the
only item left unsold this Christmas. He. switched off the light, locked up, and went across to the inn. The
warmth and sound enveloped him as he went in. His surprised staff cheered as he joined them and Cratchet pressed a glass into his hand. "I thought I might record the
event”, Scrooge said as he opened the box and took out the camcorder. “After all”, he thought, "I can always
pack it again and sell it after Christmas.”
John Woolmer
John and his wife Joan joined Surrey Borders circa 1991, bringing a strong new talent and expertise to the club that resulted in an enthusiasm for making club films and entering competitions as never before. John was a great writer and his stories became great films, winning Gold awards for The Gold Medallion and Paula, and others. John was energetic, painting for art exhibitions, making props for the next project, writing his book and gleaning data to eventually finalise the book of his family tree, and last but not least, operating the “confounded” computer that held it all together. He was a very talented fun loving man, who will always be remembered by the club and his family.
Who are we in this film/movie/video club? We make films, videos and movies and meet on the first Friday of the month to answer members questions and to discuss ongoing club projects. Well known film makers, judges and film professionals are often our speakers for the evening. We welcome visitors and new members interested in film and video, and there is no need to own digital cameras or camcorders and no need for previous experience, as we happily provide mentors for beginners. Surrey Border meetings start at 7:45pm and end just after 10:00pm with a refreshment break at around 9:00pm. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to the monthly meetings which are on the first Friday of each month (and the first visit is free). Our meetings are held in our new contemporary hall in St Joan's Centre which is in the grounds of St Joan's church in Tilford Road, near the station in Farnham. The hall has a large car park and is within easy reach of Guildford, Farnborough, Fleet, Bordon etc. In Surrey and Hampshire. Read more about us here.
Our interests We have a good mix of interests amongst members include script writing, acting, directing, technical and artistic and all agree that ideas and skills are more important than equipment as shown by there being fewer cameras and camcorders than members. Some get more enjoyment in viewing and discussing the films produced by others and just being part of the community. There are those who wouldn't wish to ever hold a camera or camcorder while some like to help in filming but don't own their own camcorder. Of course there are always those with the latest high definition wizz bang up to date cameras, camcorders, microphones and gadgets and the lovely thing is that they are always happy to demonstrate both equipment and techniques to others. For anyone thinking of buying a camera or camcorder advice is always on hand. We have almost equal numbers of members with PC and Mac computers. We regularly put on courses, tutorials and training sessions in the light of the current interests and needs of members. Individuals with particular problems typically have one to one help.
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