Intercut BBC news report and silent amateur film showing the opening of the King James Hospital for old people in Felling, Gateshead on the 26th February 1974 by the Duchess of Kent. When she arrives she meets local people in the crowds before going inside for the official opening and plaque unveiling. Before leaving she chats with more with local residents. BBC footage includes views of elderly people in their new home and the report shows some of the safety equipment that has been...

Intercut BBC news report and silent amateur film showing the opening of the King James Hospital for old people in Felling, Gateshead on the 26th February 1974 by the Duchess of Kent. When she arrives she meets local people in the crowds before going inside for the official opening and plaque unveiling. Before leaving she chats with more with local residents. BBC footage includes views of elderly people in their new home and the report shows some of the safety equipment that has been installed. Title: King James’s Hospital Official Opening 28th February 1974 The film takes us through a metal gate with a sign which reads ‘King James Hospital’ The view beyond the gate shows group of single storey buildings as the commentary outlines a history of previous almshouses on the site. The film and commentary cuts abruptly to views of new sheltered housing units. The film then moves on without commentary to a high angle view of a woman walking along a path at the new development, by her side a senior cleric. Another high angle view shows enthusiastic crowds watching several limousines arriving at the hospital. The Duchess of Kent arrives in the first car and gets out to be greeted by children, waving small union flags. She takes time to talk to them as the crowds press around the Duchess. Officials ensure the way is clear for her to enter the hospital, but she still has time to shake hands with others. The film continues with commentary as inside the hospital the Duchess unveils the commemorative plaque recording the days event. The plaque reads: ‘The Hospital of King James founded about 1300, refounded 1611 rebuilt 1973 opened by H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent 26th February 1974’. The commentary gives more detail on the hospital’s history. More silent film follows as TV and press cameras move closer to get pictures of the Duchess as she speaks after the unveiling. She moves through the groups of officials to talk to an elderly gentleman, who presents her with a small book. She walks past other people in the room occasionally stopping to chat. The film moves outside as the Duchess and officials carry on their tour of the new hospital. The mayor and a cleric walk alongside her, other officials follow on behind. The group enter one of the sheltered houses. The film cuts to a TV report with sound showing the facilities in the new warden-controlled homes. The film cuts to silent colour with views of the Duchess of Kent as she continues her tour outside. She walks towards a crowd of mainly women and children who wave and the Duchess waves back. She stops to chat with one or two people as she walks along. General views follow of the new hospital buildings. The Duchess appears from another door to the outside, she shakes hands with the mayor and speaks with other officials and once more with members of the crowd including children. The parade of official cars leaves the hospital and the crowds wave goodbye to the Duchess. The crowds start to disperse. The film ends with views of the unveiled commemorative plaque.