We were intrigued to read about the recent endeavours of OE Martyn Forrester (2012-19) on the BBC News website. Martyn was reported on the national news in Wales because of his thoughtfulness in reuniting a family with cherished memories that had been captured on cine film and which had subsequently ended up in an antique shop.

While on holiday in West Wales, Martyn, who is a film student at the MetFilm School in Manchester, came across a box of old cine film for sale. Driven by his passion for film and a curiosity to see if he could get the film to run on his Digitiser, Martyn purchased the reels and soon discovered he was in luck!

It contained footage from a wedding though there were no names, dates or notes with the film, nor was there any sound that could provide a clue to the event. However, Martyn was able to identify a chapel name in the background and from that point his detective work led him to harness the power of social media. Martyn posted stills from the film on a local community group page and asked for its help. He was contacted by a gentleman who recognised the bride and groom and identified the wedding as having been filmed at his local chapel in October 1966. The gentleman turned out to be the bride’s younger brother.

Martyn understood that because of the passage of time, many of those in the film would have since died and this could prove to be a very bittersweet moment for any family members seeing the film. His careful approach was appreciated when he was put in contact with the bride, named Beryl, who now lives in Bristol. Beryl was both surprised and pleased to see the footage because she was unaware that it ever existed. Filming weddings in 1966 was quite rare and it seems an uncle in the family may have been the unidentified cameraman. Sadly, the groom, Griff, had passed away some years ago.

Martyn and Beryl were introduced on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, and she expressed her gratitude for his kindness in reuniting her with her wedding film. Extended family and friends have all shared their thanks to Martyn for giving them a glimpse into their own family histories.

Martyn explained, “At RGS, my interest in Drama and Film developed and became my passion. Both were nurtured during my time as a Drama Scholar, and this has progressed to me taking a Film Degree. Finding the cine film in the antique shop gave me an opportunity to explore the technical aspects of old film but I certainly had not expected to stumble across a family’s history.

I tried to imagine how I would feel at having lost memories of such a special occasion and felt compelled to reunite the footage with its rightful owner. Happily, this has been possible, and it was really special to be able to speak with Beryl on the radio show. We are planning to meet in person so that I can return the film to her family for safekeeping and future generations to enjoy”.