Schoolchildren's film to be premiered in Newton Abbot

THE RED CARPET will be rolled out in Newton Abbot next week as a film produced and edited by pupils at Haytor View Community Primary School will be premiered at the town's Alexandra Cinema on Wednesday 27 March…

"Our Buckland, Our Film" captures life on the Buckland estate in Newton Abbot. It records memories of those who live and work on the estate, as well as the perceptions of their estate from the eyes of the children involved.

Shot and edited by Year 4 and 5 pupils at Haytor View Primary School which is on the estate, making "Our Buckland, Our Film" has had many benefits for the students.

"This project has really fired the imagination of our pupils, as well as supporting their growing awareness of the importance and depth of the community of which they are a part," said Scott Hampton, Deputy Head at Haytor View Primary School.

"Filming elements of life as part of the Buckland community that are close to them using tools that are current and relevant to their lives has seen them begin the journey from consumers of technology to producers and creators using technology.

"The children are thrilled at the prospect of seeing their film in a setting more accustomed to showing Hollywood blockbusters. We are convinced that everyone who shares in this cinematic experience will recognise the richness and importance of the community in which they play a part."

Rich in local history

The Buckland estate – adjacent to the Penn Inn roundabout alongside the A380 between Torquay and Exeter – is an area rich in local history, derived both from the people that live there (many of whom have lived there since the first houses were built), and from its physical development as a post-war Council housing estate.

The area was first acquired for housing in 1943. Newton Abbot's first post-war homes were occupied on Buckland in 1947. The estate grew steadily over the next 30 years, with strong resident-driven campaigns to provide local facilities. The estate has a strong sense of community, which has endured throughout the generations.

Key characters

While making the film, the schoolchildren were encouraged to talk to key characters including one of the first residents on the Buckland estate, and other local heroes of the community, including a local historian.

The film seeks to capture memories from key facilities on the estate – such as the local school which opened in 1955 and the Community Centre which opened in 1973.

"Our Buckland, Our Film" was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund through the All Our Stories Programme, with additional funding from Devon County Council and Surestart. The film is a partnership between Haytor View Primary School, Newton Abbot Community Interest Company and Surestart.

"We have enjoyed working with Haytor View Primary School on the film project," said Emily Farrell, Business Manager at Newton Abbot Community Interest Company. "We have been impressed by the way in which the film has captured the imagination and enthusiasm of the children involved in making it. The film premiere represents an exciting day both for those involved in the Project and the wider community."

Entrance to the film premiere is by invitation only.