‘Growing up in The Bay’, a new documentary film capturing the military history of Sandown Bay, was launched at a special COVID-19 secure event to coincide with the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day.
The film, lasting just over an hour, includes rarely seen footage of the Battery guns firing, a grounded submarine and army manoeuvres at Yaverland; alongside anecdotes and eyewitness accounts of major events, as well as significant post-war sea stories that made national headlines. The film also focuses on the inter-war years, World War II experiences including VE and VJ days and major post-war local sea events.
Project co-ordinator Richard Priest said:
“As someone who grew up in the Bay in the 1960’s, it was important to try and capture the memories and moments in the life of the Bay, with thanks to all involved in making the project a reality for VJ Day”.
The COVID-safe launch was attended by High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, Caroline Peel and Sandown Mayor Cllr Gary Young.
High Sheriff Mrs Peel said:
“The film highlights the major military events across the generations, and will be a tremendous local history and heritage resource for students, residents and visitors alike – I hope that there will be further films in the future”.
The film includes contributions from Tim Wander, Derek Poole, Heather Humby, Ian Ward, Bill Wyke, Cyril Daish and Peggy Forward, with local poems read by SVYCC’s Emily Jackson, and a special performance of ‘Sittin on the Dock of the Bay’ by Katherine Ann Rashley. It is narrated by Jamie White.
Richard aadds:
“Thanks to the High Sheriff and all that helped with the launch, under COVID-19 conditions, and the IOW Film Club for making this happen on time – it’s dedicated to my late parents, without whom our family would not have been able to enjoy ‘Growing Up In The Bay’.”
‘Growing Up In The Bay’ is produced by pip! pip! and is available on Youtube at https://youtu.be/lC4Wsx4vC-o. Copies will be available to borrow in local libraries from the Autumn.
Sounds great.what a shame no one contacted Wight Aviation Museum who have local history and folk who were there and grew up in sandown .
This is awesome