Film of the Month - Return to Canvey Island (1972) - watch online only

This film by the Brandon Estate Cine Club members shows the planning and trip to Canvey Island for the residents of Brandon Estate housing estate in south-east London. The planning for these day trips (many were organised over a period of 10 years) is truly astonishing and were organised with “military precision” - not surprising as many of the volunteers had worked in the NAAFI. Some funny scenes of beach activity.  

Film archivist, Ellen Cleary, interviewed Jean and Brian Waterman, co-founders of the Brandon Estate Cine Club, in 2024. The interviews are in three parts and look at their life around Walworth in south-east London, the start of the club and the Saturday morning screenings on the estate, and filming at Canvey Island. They are fascinating interviews giving real insight into the culture of the residents of the estate during the 1960s and 70s. The interviews are available on Southwark Heritage YouTube channel. Paste the following link into your browser - 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIpnnOs787Mg1NIUo4vl-HmoI85L9Fmyj.