Dyffryn. A Short Film of Happy Days during 1935

From the collection of

Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive
Established in 2001, the National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive holds an unrivalled collection of films, TV and radio broadcasts, video tapes and sound recordings relating to Wales and the Welsh, from 1898 to the present day. The collection spans multiples formats and genres, both professional and amateur.

Dyffryn. A Short Film of Happy Days during 1935


Days of fishing for mackerel, sea bathing and Barmouth carnival with horse-drawn floats. Smut the dog discovers the joy of digging in the sand.

Record of a holiday taken by the Cox family and friends at Dyffryn Ardudwy, together with Smut their terrier dog who enjoys nothing better than digging in the sand. The Coxes arrive by car and celebrate with a cup of tea, days of fishing for mackerel, shooting rabbits, sea bathing and the Barmouth Carnival all to come.

According to the label on the original can, this was the first film shot by Harold Cox who, it is believed, had a music business in Birmingham but who often holidayed in Dyffryn Ardudwy where he and his brother had neighbouring bungalows built (one named ‘Bodlondeb') for their eventual retirements. Harold's parents are seen, as are Will Rogers, a friend, and local people e.g. Will Davies, also known as Will Fox because of his prowess at shooting foxes (accompanied by terrier Taff, who could balance on his bike), and Annie Gladys Davies, the Barmouth carnival queen. Harold Cox was known locally for his striking knitted garments which he created on a machine.


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