Description: From the opening sweeping colour shot of a beautiful Harlech castle to the final scene – a windswept farewell from the battlements – this is a moving film made of the British Deaf Association’s (then called the British Deaf And Dumb Association) trip to Wales in 1958. It shows the group engaged in a variety of activities, often while signing to each other or the camera. The association was formed in 1890 to support the deaf community and use of British Sign Language.

Filmed by Joseph Foster and James Hudson. The title card is the emblem of the British Deaf and Dumb Association.

“For seven centuries Harlech Castle has stood proud sentinel over Cardigan Bay. Now to Harlech comes a new generation, young people, deaf people, seeking knowledge, relaxation, comradeship”.

A sweeping colour shot of Harlech castle, hills and surrounding buildings opens the film. The view changes to a steam train pulling a number of carriages under the hill before more shots of the castle and surrounding buildings. Amongst the hill pathways and gardens are the summer school attendees, waving to the camera.

“Rev. B.B. Morgan Hon Secretary of The Summer School”.

He is seen standing amongst the hill gardens signing to the camera before the camera slowly moves along the attendees and, possibly, members of their families and staff.

“Rev. T.H.Sutcliffe, M.A. Warden of The Summer School introduces the first lecturer”

Scenes of four gentlemen on the steps of a building; one man, probably Rev. Sutcliffe, is signing to the camera whilst the others look on. The scene then moves inside to a large hall and the film changes to black and white. Attendees and families are entering the room and taking their seats. Three clergymen take to the front of the hall and give a reading, which ends in a prayer, all in sign language. The scene then moves to the same hall interior, this time in colour. There are two men at the front of the hall behind a desk with a blackboard to the side. The writing on the blackboard reads “The wonder of words and language”. Both men sign to the audience. The camera pans over to the attendees listening in the hall. The scene then moves outside to five men standing on the same steps as before. The Rev. Sutcliffe is signing to the camera.

“Mr. A.B. Hayhurst lectured on out of doors”

Interior of the lecture hall and two people are behind the desk at the front with a blackboard to the side. The blackboard reads “Out of Doors”. Both men get up to sign. The audience is then shown and some are standing up and asking questions through sign.

“A visit was made to Caernarvon Castle. Mr. Hudson explains about the first Prince of Wales”

The attendees of the school are seen exploring the ruins of the castle. There are some lovely views of the castle, town and mountains behind. There is a close up of some of the group standing at the top of one of the turrets watching the lecturer explaining about the Prince of Wales.

“And then a visit to Snowdon”

A train carriage showing the driver and some of the group looking at the camera from the carriage is the first sot, the group are laughing and joking amongst themselves and the lecturer. The following view is amongst the sand dunes and a game of rounder’s is taking place. The group looks like they are having lots of fun and laughter. In the background you can see some mountains with some ominous black clouds. The film then changes back to black and white and is in a gymnasium. Some of the group jogs in and then under command from a lecturer stop. The group are then performing various yoga/gymnastic poses in pairs and then perform some back flips and jumps before jogging off at the lecturers mark. Behind the group are some of the lecturers and family members watching, applauding as they finish. Still in the gym the focus is on a game of indoor football where lots of people are taking part, some of the clergy are still wearing they’re suits but are joining in the game. Following on from this the film reverts back to colour. The group is seated back in the lecture hall and a group of females are playing a balloon game, followed by a group of males. They then do another balloon game combining the male and females groups together. Through the window you can see it is getting dark. The lecture floor then becomes a dance floor and some of the group dance in pairs whilst others watch on; everyone looks like they are having fun. This scene then changes to a daytime exterior group shot by a stonewall with the beautiful scenery behind. The shots are taken both from a distance, to get the whole group in, and also close up. It shows the group looking really happy. A shot of the sun peeping out from behind the clouds over the mountains and hills are the final shots of the film.