Day Out: Archive Films

Filmed in 1984 and broadcast in the local region in August 1985 was a charming half-hour television programme which took a look round the Forest of Dean.

Beachcombing with John Lusty

As part of the BBC West 'Day Out' series - which visited a different Gloucestershire and West Country locale every week - presenter Derek Jones is shown exploring the area.

His journey begins at Newnham where he explores the quay, the Victoria Hotel, and meets local beachcomber Lionel Lusty - probably better known by locals as "John".

Derek's journey then takes him to Littledean Hall where he speaks to owner and amateur archaeologist Donald Macer-Wright who had recently started to uncover a Roman temple in the grounds.

Littledean Hall

The subject of ghosts is also discussed - Derek talks about Littledean's reputation for being one of the most haunted houses in the country. He recounts several hauntings alleged to have happened there - including the sighting of a boy carrying a candle, two brothers killed in a duel and a monk in a black habit.

Next stop on the tour is The Forest of Dean itself. Derek Jones explains to viewers how the area was an important iron mining area and how the trees were used for ship building in England.

The Speech House Hotel

David Langford from the Forestry Commission is interviewed about managing the woodland and the importance of the Forest for recreational activities. A visit to a picnic site and Cannop Ponds follows.

The presenter then visits The Speech House Hotel in the centre of the Forest and talks about the history of the Forest's Verderers, before heading off for St. Briavels and it's picturesque castle now being used as a Youth Hostel.

Free Miner - Donald Johns

Next on the agenda is the subject of Free Mining. Derek interviews Donald Johns - who was working in one of the (then) six remaining Free Mines in the Forest. Today (in 2008) there are only three mines remaining.

Finally the film crew travel to Puzzlewood, the Cannop Valley and the Norchard Steam Centre in Lydney - home of the Dean Forest Railway.

Check out the other fascinating films from the 'Day Out' series which were filmed in Gloucestershire by clicking on the links at the top right of this page.