Archive Films on YouTube
As we start our 50th Anniversary celebrations you might be interested in our archive films showing the opening of Diamond and the early years. To view the film clips please use the links below or search for “Diamond Centre” on YouTube.
Clip 1 – “Riding Towards Freedom”
http://youtu.be/ub4i61HNl-k (1:42.80)
Made in 1973, before the opening in 1974 – it is possible to spot Helen Henn and Mike Coleman with rider, Graham Pearson. Note the Tack Room is pretty much unchanged, just more saddles!
Clip 2 – ITV Newsreel covering the opening of the Centre on May 13th 1974 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aicnG_cTaDU (2:42.12)
Shot on the opening day with Princess Anne – aged, just 24. It was a sad day for the Princess as her favourite horse had been put down that morning. The ride features riders from Edith Edwards House in Banstead (which no longer exists). In the film are Keith Webb and Michael Bridson. If you look carefully you will just spot Pam Bull’s nose in the ‘classroom in the hay barn’ shot. Do you recognise anyone else?
Clip 3 – BBC TV Programme “Nationwide”: Brian Foulks Reporting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjBywQQq4SU (6:29.00)
Quite a long piece covering the early work of Diamond – made in 1975 soon after the opening in 1974. There is mention of Vivian from Queen Mary’s Hospital, who is autistic, Alison (aged 9) with spina bifida, Simon has hardly any arms, caused by something similar to thalidomide, Brian (aged 8), who is deaf and we believe is riding “Chunky” and Roy, who is blind. The instructor on the microphone might be Ruth Clark and the clip includes interviews with Dr (now Professor) Joan Bicknell and very wise and profound words from Keith Webb, the founder of Diamond.
Clip 4 – Central Office of Information: “What’s Best in Britain Today”
YouTube http://youtu.be/m9I2Vwcw1x4 (4:32.00)
Again the early days of Diamond (probably 1975) are shown in a short film called “But I can ride a pony”. Helen Henn, the Diamond Physio can be spotted in the clip as can Keith and June Webb (June is the lady holding the dog in the Servery). The young girl with Down’s is Kim.