Beccles Regatta

A film about the Beccles Regatta in 1931.

The first few frames of the film appear to show a bonfire. A few frames show a badly faded title reading Beccles, 1929. This, and some of the scenes of the Regatta that follow show sign of decomposition. There is a shot of the River Waveney at Beccles and showing sailing scenes. There are rowing boats on the river and several spectators watch from rowing boats at the side. The camera pans along these. Three men are shown taking part in a diving competition. The last of these is re-shown as a reverse sequence.The remainder of the film shows the rescue of the 'River Queen' sailing boat at Somerleyton in 1931. This begins with scenes of Oulton Broad. These show sailing boats, rowing boats and the film makers' motor cruiser. The motor cruiser leaves the broad. There are shots from the boat as it passes along showing further craft and river houses. There are shots of the interior of the cabin and of a young boy on board. Confused shots, or shots of confusion, show the 'River Queen' sinking near the bank at White House Reach, Somerleyton. The rescue party on the bank tries to either turn the boat upright or to pull it clear of the water. They succeed in the former and the boat is baled out and seen sailing again. The sequence concludes with the camera irising out on a shot of the motor cruiser. The final scenes of this film show boys on board the motor cruiser.

Featured Events

Beccles Regatta, 1929; The rescue of the 'River Queen' at Somerleyton; August Bank Holiday, 1931

Intertitles

Beccles, 1929. The rescue of the 'River Queen'. Aug. Bank Holiday, 1931. An authentic film of the occurrence. Leaving Oulton Broad on the morning of Aug. 3rd. As we approached White House Reach, Somerleyton, we saw...The rescue party already present, included the Somerleyton Constable & crew of the 'Maid Of The Foam. The End.

Other Places

Oulton Broad; Somerleyton