Children get behind camera for war film (From Echo)

Children get behind camera for war film

5:00am Friday 29th January 2010 in

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SCHOOL children enjoyed getting in front and behind the camera to help film a video about Essex’s Home Guard heroes.

Twelve youngsters, aged between eight and nine, from Sunnymede Junior School, in Meadow Way, Billericay, got immersed in the past.

They were involved in making part of a documentary film about the Civil Defence Corps and Home Guard in the Second World War.

They spent the morning with volunteers from Essex Media Workshop, based in Parkside, Langdon Hills, who are making the DVD about the war’s unsung heroes.

The resulting DVD will be given out free to schools across the county to help with war studies.

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the film interviews men and women, who were in the Civil Defence Corps and Home Guard, and also features input from today’s youngsters.

Nicky Hathaway, from the school, said the children really enjoyed their travels back in time with the camera.

She said: “It was a real experience for the children.

“They did all the jobs, such as working on cameras, using the sound desks and directing, as well as presenting and being on camera themselves.

“We’re all really looking forward to seeing the final DVD when it is finished.” The film is due to be completed in July, and Andy Alexander, of Essex Media Workshop, said he was still looking for interviewees.

He said: “We would love to hear from former Civil Defence Corps members.”

Anyone wishing to contact the workshop should call 01268 555771.