More video tapes & DVDs!
After our successful efforts to copy the
Club’s VHS video tapes, Mel asked me to look at a collection of old video tapes
which had been bequeathed by Ron Bliss, but never viewed. They were a mixed bag
of Hi8 digital video tapes from the 1990s and Mini-DV digital tape cassettes
from the early 2000s. There were also a few regular VHS tapes but these turned
out to be mainly partially edited version of material transferred from the
digital tapes. Unfortunately most of these VHS recordings had degraded over
time and were un-viewable.
But, how could I view the digital tapes?
They can only be played-back from a camcorder. Ron used a Canon Handycam in the
1990s for the Hi8 recordings and a more modern JVC digital camcorder in the
early 2000s for the Mini-DV cassettes. Old technology; where did all those old
cameras go? Well most them seem to be on E-Bay: it didn’t take long to track
down a vintage Hi8 Sony Handycam and a flashy JVC camcorder for the Mini-DV
tapes. It was surprisingly easy to connect to the TV recorder and then transfer
to DVD.
Ron’s life as secret film director is
revealed in the eight Hi8 tapes covering a period 1991-96 and six Mini-DV
cassettes for 2001-2004. There are several short videos of walks in the local
countryside which focus on nature, flowers, birds and animals. His camera
technique gradually developed with close-ups, faded transitions etc., later he
starts to add commentary and narration and in some of his later productions
uses a cameraman (or woman) to film himself in action. Several Club members are
employed to play their part as stunt-actors. Many of the recordings took place
around Bull Pot Farm and RRCPC activities such as the Golden Jubilee
celebrations, fireworks, repairing the roof, building the cesspit, snow scenes,
local cave digs etc. There are also a number of specific projects which Ron
must have spent many months recording and editing. During the early 1990s he
recorded ‘Environs of Ease Gill’ – a
tour of all the cave entrances with historical narrative and music. Later he
made several trips to record his ‘Tour of the
All these tapes are now safely on DVD and in
the RRCPC Library. Ron’s tapes are just great to watch, full of nostalgia &
Red Rose history. Moments from the past, which were well worth capturing. Use
your Library.
Zig
& Zag