In Witton Park’s Village Hall on Sunday 28 January, the premier screening of Streets Of Steel was held, reports Witton Park historian, Dale Daniel.
This brilliant documentary about the history of Witton Park was written, produced and directed by sixth form student Michael Smith.
A large turnout at the village hall – they were standing in the aisles – thoroughly enjoyed the professionally produced film.
Not since the halcyon days of the Cosy Cinema – which closed 62 years ago – have scenes such as these been seen in Witton Park.
The only difference was that there was no stamping of feet as there was back in the day when the film would snap.
Other than the film’s soundtrack, there was a silent hush from the moment it started until the end.
The film began with nuggets of black gold being extracted from The Phoenix Pit – which we know was the start of the modern world – and ended with that marvellous Millenium Year day on July 22nd 2000, when people flocked from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, America, Holland, Belgium and Zambia for a village renunion.
And in between there was lots more of Witton Park’s illustrious history.
Until the screening, I had not seen a single frame of this brilliant film. At the end, I went to him gave Michael a huge hug and thanked him for what he had produced.
He said to me: “Dale, if you are satisfied with what you have seen today I will be one happy lad.” How good is that?
Of course, I am biased – it is my home village after all – but that in itself may make me more critical than most.
I would like to praise the narrator, Tony Davis, who did a brilliant job and kept the audience enthralled.
But there is no praise high enough for young Michael Smith. He has excelled at what he has done.
There have been many requests for Michael to produce a DVD of his film, so hopefully this will be available soon.
A few famous people have come from our village and I think Michael Smith will in due course be added to the list.
Last but not least, thanks go to all the helpers in the village hall for supplying tea, coffee, snacks and popcorn – well done everyone!
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
