Do you remember?

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

Do you remember?


Cowboys, Carnivals and Mayors on the slide appear alongside the most beserk and hilarious donkey race you'll ever see in Sussex

This hilarious compilation begins with the Dinnage family and their Irish donkeys followed by a bizarre gymkhana. There's a parade in the arena followed by children playing games on donkey-back. An extraordinary donkey race follows with children and adults joining the racers round the circuit. Next we see a new playground slide being officially inaugurated by the Lord Mayor - who takes the first slide and the film ends with some stunt riding by celebrity cowboy Buck Ryan.

A. J. Birch, who was possibly a founder member of the Haywards Heath Cine & Video Society, made this charming compilation in the early to mid-1950s. In this film, as well as numerous donkey escapades, he captured the very early years of the Beech Hurst Miniature Railway, which began operating soon after Easter Saturday 1954.


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