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The Dying Village of Elsing

1964 , Elsing (Norfolk)

Cat no. 381

Anglia Television's Dick Graham reports on the phenomena of rural-urban migration; taking Elsing as his case study.

Presenter Dick Graham arrives in the village of Elsing, Norfolk. Negotiating the narrow country lanes by car, he then meanders on foot through the village, pausing occasionally to take in the surroundings. Exterior shots of the village feature; its milepost, the Mermaid public house, St Mary’s Church, F. Guymer’s Post Office and Grocers and the village school. Graham comments that the image of the traditional English village attracts overseas visitors. Addressing the camera, a report is made on the population changes that are taking place in rural communities, with particular reference to Elsing. Further images of the villagers and their unhurried pace of life. Shots of routine activity; an elderly resident pegs out the washing and a bucket is filled from an outdoor water pump. Pets dose in their sunny backyards. Dick Graham then visits East Dereham. Mr Maurice Turnbull, Clerk to the Council of Mitford and Launditch Rural District is interviewed. The causes and problems of rural-urban migration are discussed, with particular reference to the mechanisation of farming and the lack of modern amenities in rural areas. Mr Turnbull outlines the council’s plans to tackle the problem of Norfolk’s “dying villages”. More images of a sleepy Elsing and its rustic charms, in particular, a variety of shots of St Mary’s church. Dick Graham leaves Elsing by car.

Featured Buildings

St Mary’s church exterior, Elsing, Norfolk The Mermaid Public House (Bullards), Church Street, Elsing Dereham town sign attached to The Lord Nelson Inn, High Street, Dereham (now Nelson Place shopping precinct) See http://www.dereham-pubs.co.uk/nelson.html

Keywords

Farming; Mechanisation; Migration; Village life

Other Places

Dereham, Norfolk

Manifestations

The Dying Village of Elsing

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