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Young people from schools in Bexhill and Robertsbridge are creating films designed as news reports to trace the development of their towns from 'Saxon Times' through to the present day.

 
The Rother Special News Report project has been organised by Sound Architect (Music & Film) Ltd and made possible thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and funding from Rother District Council.

 
Students from Bexhill High School and Robertsbridge Community College have undertaken research including visits to local historical sites, such as Bodiam Castle and Battle, as well as local museums.  They are creating filmed 'news reports' which will be shown, along with a special exhibition, at Bodiam Castle and the De La Warr Pavilion in July 2008. The films will also feature in the East Sussex Young People's Film Festival, due to take place at the De La Warr Pavilion in October 2008.

 
The Eras
Bexhill High School

Thomas Sackville (& descendants) – Dramatist, Poet and Politician.

‘The Tragedie of Ferrex & Porrex’ performed before Elizabeth I, 1565.
  Bexhill Manor presented to him by Queen Elizabeth I.
  Filming in school ‘Studio’ and Battle Abbey School.
        

·     

Sidley Green Incident -

 3rd January 1828: Blockade Officers catch Smugglers, Galley Hill.  
 Blockade Officer died and smugglers tried in court.
 Filming in school ‘Studio’ and Bexhill seafront  

First World War – Rudyard F Kipling and his son John’s death during the Battle of Loos filming in school ‘Studio’, Bexhill seafront and  Bateman’s, Kent (National Trust)Robertsbridge Community College 

 
1086

Concentrating on the aftermath of Harold’s death

Filming in school ‘Studio’, field behind school, Bodiam Castle (National Trust)

             

Tudors & Henry VIII

 Filming in school ‘Studio’, field behind school, Bodiam Castle (National Trust), 
·Battle Abbey School
     

 

WWII Bombers Alley 

 
 Evacuation of children       
 
Areas hit by bombs. How people coped      
Filming in school ‘Studio’, Bodiam Steam Trains (Kent & Sussex Railway Company  Ltd),       Bodiam Castle (National Trust), possibly use WWII Tanks (family and friends).


 

Up to a dozen students from each of the two schools will be trained in film making skills and a further 50 will be involved in research, design and performance.
 
The project has won the support of the National Trust and Rother District Council’s museums service. 

Commenting for Sound Architect, project manager Rachel Lewis said: “This is a really exciting project and we are delighted to be working with such enthusiastic pupils and staff from the two schools. The project really will bring history to life and to the big screen.”

For the Heritage Lottery Fund, South East England Manager Sheena Vick said: “This project will inform and inspire young people to find out about their town’s history and so feel more involved in its development. It will also help introduce a larger audience to local heritage.”