Right: Jodie Chillery interviews Jim Bowskill
for the documentary
reflecting the materials used in the War Memorial
itself. I enjoy filming with children as they have
a tendency towards honesty and once the initial
excitement of the camera’s presence has faded,
they often are candid and take the task in their
stride. I found their interest and knowledge of
both the First World War and their understanding
of the concept of remembrance and memorials
astounding.
I’ve also interviewed 96-year-old Olive who as
far as we know is the only surviving direct relation
of one of the 87. Her father, John Bowskill fought
and returned injured from war, he subsequently
died of his injuries and is remembered on the
War Memorial and buried in the graveyard of St
Peters. She showed me pictures of her father in
Addenbrookes Hospital in 1923 shortly before he
died and she recalled stories of her childhood in
Arlesey nearly 100 years ago.
Her cousin Jim told me after, that she spoke
during the interview more than she has spoken in
a while and she clearly enjoyed the opportunity to share her stories with new
people that showed genuine interest.
The children from Gothic Mede were so excited about the project that the
school have had a deluge of questions and interest from parents and one
little girl showed me a copy of a letter about a relative of hers in Wales who
lost his life in WW1.
So while a completed film will be a tangible outcome for all of us to
watch, the interest and enthusiasm for the project in general that the
production of the film generates is almost worth it alone. The film is for you,
the community, it acts as a driving force for the project, galvanizing those
trying to make it happen and providing a memorable experience for those
community members that take part. I hope that has helped explain why
we’re doing it!
Jodie Chillery
Image: Chris Gravett – ww
w.LeFlic17images.com
Table Top Sale
Organised by Sandra Sarll the Table Top Sale at the Scout Hut on
12th April raised a total of £250.00 for the Arlesey Remembers You
fund. Thank you to all who were involved in the afternoon sale, both in
preparation and on the day.
Image: Steve Maddox
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