Knutsford residents share memories in thought-provoking wartime film

‘Knutsford: Tales of War’ featured interviews with four residents describing about what life was like in the town.

Enid Leigh, Edith Chadwick, Tony Leadbeater and Bill Cowburn shared their experiences on the big screen as the film was premiered at The Curzon.

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Families were invited to a special screening at The Curzon (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

Residents recalled seeing prisoners of war, the American troops on the Heath and paratroopers training over Tatton Park.

The film features archive colour footage of Knutsford from 1944 and of paratroopers training in Tatton Park.

Knutsford mayor Cllr Peter Coan said: “I was blown away by this personal recounting of life in Knutsford during the war and the incredible colour footage of the town.

“It was a delight to share the premiere with the stars and their families and I sincerely hope all viewers find this film as interesting and thought provoking as I did.”

Cllr Coan said reflected that due to the passage of time many who lived during the 1939-1945 war were no longer with us.

The mayor added: “This serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of projects like this, collecting the history stored in people’s memories, before it is too late.”

The project was delivered by Knutsford Town Council with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The documentary aimed to record the memories of those who lived through the war and create an engaging video to ensure their stories would be seen by as many as possible.

It is hoped it will be used by schools as part of teaching about the war and conflict generally.

The film was presented by Val Dawson and produced by 7Video.

The film can be watched free at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/tales-of-war As part of the project, a team of volunteers were trained in oral history recording and it is hoped that this will spur similar future projects.