Free

The C S John Sparkes project ‘A Village Apart, A Village Together’ will be visiting Cafe Burtle. Come and discover more about the project and even digitise some of the 8mm film recorded by John.

The films which have been digitised so far will be screened at the upcoming archive film screening.

The project takes its name from the book written by the late C. S. John Sparkes “Gie I Burtle - A Village Apart” published in 2001. John was an enthusiastic chronicler of life in Burtle and the surrounding Chilton Polden area from the seventies onwards through photography and 8mm film. His 300 plus collection of films was entrusted to us by his wife Valerie, with the intention of finding a way to share it with the public. Now, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we will work with the community to catalogue, digitise and celebrate the work of C. S. John Sparkes.

Thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the players.