‘We’re preserving Worthing’s history’

This still was taken from an amateur documentary filmed in 1938.

While pictures are an important window into what Worthing used to look like, old films are even more effective.

Whether an amateur video of a family holiday or a documentary, old movies show the town as it lived and breathed decades ago.

Now Screen Archive South East (SASE), which stores over 1,200 films, wants to raise awareness of the work it does preserving the town’s history.

“The films in our collection capture many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the 19th to the 21st centuries,” said enterprise manager Jane King. “They are a rich and invaluable resource.

“Our mission is to invest in the preservation of this unique content and ensure that these images are preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

The online archive contains many movies showing Worthing’s past, from an amateur documentary of the town in 1938 to the opening of Worthing Yacht Club 20 years later.

SASE plans to search for more undiscovered films in the South East next year with the help of volunteers in order to preserve the region’s heritage.

Those interested in helping can email screenarchive@brighton.ac.uk or call 01273 643213.