Produced by Bryan McIvor of Film Entertainment Video Services the reunion of parishioners from the now demolished St Thomas of Canterbury church in Port Clarence taking place at the Billingham Low Grange Social Club on Monday 18th October 1993. The film begins with Father David Taylor visiting the area to learn of it and it’s parish history and to speak with a elderly gentleman from the area who recites a poem. Inside the Low Grange Social Club men and women chat and reminisce about the old...

Produced by Bryan McIvor of Film Entertainment Video Services the reunion of parishioners from the now demolished St Thomas of Canterbury church in Port Clarence taking place at the Billingham Low Grange Social Club on Monday 18th October 1993. The film begins with Father David Taylor visiting the area to learn of it and it’s parish history and to speak with a elderly gentleman from the area who recites a poem. Inside the Low Grange Social Club men and women chat and reminisce about the old parish over drinks and food. Speeches are made and several singers perform onstage. The film ends inside the new St Thomas of Canterbury church in Billingham where a parishioner singers what is described as the Port Clarence national Anthem; the hymn ‘The Love of the Sacred Heart’. Father David Taylor stands in a field at Port Clarence speaking to camera about the area and its history. Title: Father David Taylor He introduces and shakes hands with Mr Jerrett Conroy who also speaks of the area’s history as well as the school and church of St Thomas, the site on which the now demolished church once stood they are now standing. He holds a red folder in his hand containing documents relating to his research. Father Taylor speaks of some of the people who live in area including two Catholic sisters. Inside South View Nursing Home Father Taylor speaks with an elderly man; Peter Brannigan. He recites a poem about the streets of Port Clarence. The Billingham Low Grange Social Club on Low Grange Avenue in the town. Title: Parishioners of St Thomas of Canterbury Church Port Clarence “Reunion” held in the Low Grange Social Club, Billingham on Monday 18th October 1993 Inside mainly older men and women sit around tables drinking and chatting happily. Many turn and pose for the camera when they see it passing. Some pass around old photographs remembering their past. Father Taylor speaks with some of those there. Food is laid out on several tables including quiche, sandwiches, and sausage rolls. On another table several large cakes or gateau. A queue forms as people make selections from the food on offer. Sitting at a table against the wall three priests, around them people enjoying their food and chatting with those around them. On stage a singer performs accompanied by a man on a Wurlitzer organ, around him people continue to drink and chat. A second singer performs on stage changes to a series of men and women who come onto the stage to speak to the audience about this event and of the Port Clarence community. A bouquet is presented to one older woman and a cheque given to a Father Nicholson who also addresses the audience. With speeches over another man comes to the stage to sing and Irish ditty. A younger woman interviews another woman about the reunion and the hopes of future events in the future. Back on the stage two more men get up to sing accompanied by Wurlitzer music. [Silent] A younger woman is interviews speaking into the microphone. Around the room women wave handkerchiefs in the air accompanying the singer on stage performing, people dance in front of the stage singing along to the music. Inside St Thomas of Canterbury church on Grosmont Drive in Billingham, Patrick Fox stands beside the altar singing the hymn ‘The Love of the Sacred Heart’ accompanied by the church organ. Standing beside the statue of Jesus inside the church Father Keoghan speaks to camera about this film, the parish at Port Clarence and the hymn just song which is described as the national anthem of Port Clarence. He even makes mention of Bryan McIvor behind the camera and thanks him for producing this film video. Title: The closing words given by Father M. Keoghan Priest of the Holy Rosary Church, Billingham Title: When many years this day has passed, fondest memories will always last End credit: A Film Entertainment Video presentation, Tel. Stockton (0642) 553120