Written by Nicola Bartlett

A FASCINATING window into Weston-super-Mare’s golden era has emerged through the rediscovery of a home movie filmed between 1962 and 1964 on a Kodak Standard 8 Cine Camera.

The footage, captured by my late grandfather, Gerald Bartlett, showcases the town’s iconic landmarks and cherished seaside traditions.

The movie features scenes of Weston’s beloved Grand Pier, the donkeys on the beach, and the now-faded splendour of Birnbeck Pier.

It also takes viewers through Grove Park, a thrilling horse and cart ride and crazy golf.

Locals will recognise lots of areas in and around the town.

I was most surprised by the footage of Marine Lake, focusing on the long-lost colonnades, which once graced the town’s landscape.

Beyond Weston, it takes a scenic journey around Brean Down and offers a nostalgic look at life in a nearby caravan park.

The film holds special significance as Gerald Bartlett’s passion for filmmaking was ahead of its time.

Owning a Cine Camera in the early 1960s was an extraordinary feat, given the cost and novelty of such cutting-edge equipment.

Recently converted to MP4 format, the film now offers a taste of nostalgia for modern audiences, bringing to life the spirit of British seaside holidays.

The rediscovered footage is a testament to the enduring appeal of Weston-super-Mare and the simple joys of seaside traditions.

It invites both locals and visitors to reminisce about a time when the town's attractions were the height of family entertainment and the beaches bustled with excitement.

Watching these films offers a poignant window into Weston-super-Mare’s history, a time when its beaches were bustling with families and its attractions stood as vibrant symbols of British seaside culture.

It’s a privilege to share this piece of history, which not only celebrates my family’s memories but also provides a nostalgic journey back to the charm of the 1960s.