September News
DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION 2026
The Documentary Competition this year consisted of ten entries from Surrey Border Movie Makers club members. As usual there was a very varied and interesting range of subjects entered.
The first film to be shown was submitted by Cameron Gilroy titled ‘Bluegrass Jam’,
this lively film was taken in the Brittania pub which is set beside the river Wey in Guildford. Cameron captured a group of musicians enjoying a regular get together to play Bluegrass a traditional American roots style music developed in the 1940’s.
The second film was by Colin Lewis and called ‘The Club Meeting’,
this comedy consisted of several un-suspecting members going to a club being randomly stopped and interviewed about where, what and why they were going, some of the answers being very bizarre!
Next ‘Cliff Railway’ 
was shown, an interesting documentary about the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway made by Dave Skertchly when he was on holiday.
Jonathan Hills film called ‘Shieldhall’
was next to be shown and was about the SS Shieldhall built in 1954 and the largest working steamship in Britain.
A travel film ‘Madagascar’
was entered by Peter Stratford who captured the sights and sounds of this incredible Indian Ocean island.
The sixth entry to be shown was called ‘Gliding Heritage’ by Paul Ashworth
and took the audience on a trip around the Lasham Gliding Society buildings where he held interviews with staff.
Mike Sanders entered a film about the ‘Lions Club Annual Classic Car Rally’
which is held in Alton, he interviewed several car owners who were delighted to talk to him about their pride and joy vehicles.
A second entry about ‘Shieldhall’ was entered this time by Peter Stratford
who filmed an action packed dramatic air-sea rescue exercise performed in the Solent whilst he was aboard the SS Shieldhall.
Philip Morley’s film entry was called ‘Waltham in the War Years’
and told the story of the Oppenheimer De Beers diamond connection with the area, the film comprised of an interview with Nicky Oppenheimer filmed by Philip.
The final film of the evening was called ‘Medstead Players Perform Alo Alo at Wey Valley Radio Station’, 
the film was a light-hearted capture of the players during rehearsals.
The winning film decided by a show of hands in the hall was ‘Madagascar’ by Peter Stratford, 2nd was ’Gliding Heritage’ by Paul Ashworth and third was ‘Club Meeting’ by Colin Lewis.
The next meeting is on Friday 2nd October and will show screenings of previous members films in preparation for the Club Members Competition which will be held in December.
If you are interested in any aspects of filmmaking we always welcome new members. You can find out more about us by visiting our website or email. We meet on the first Friday of each month at St Joan’s Centre, 19 Tilford Road, Farnham GU9 8DJ there is plenty of parking and your first visit is free. Find us on Facebook 
SEPT 2026