Stoke on Film 1970s - A Potteries Historical Film DVD

This comprehensive overview of Stoke-on-Trent in the Seventies highlights a transformative decade for the city, marked by significant changes both socially and culturally. The reclamation projects and environmental initiatives not only enhanced the city's physical landscape but also aimed to foster a more positive national image. The narrative captures pivotal moments such as Stoke City's memorable League Cup victory in 1972 and the longstanding impact of the Sentinel newspaper as it celebrated its centenary in 1973.

The restoration of the Gladstone Pottery Works into a museum showcases the city's heritage and craftsmanship, exemplified by Ralph Whieldon's efforts representing the saggar-making tradition. The decade's focus on environmental improvement is echoed in the opening of Central Forest Park by the Queen and the various reclamation schemes that signified a commitment to revitalizing the area.

Conversely, the struggle to save Shelton Bar Iron & Steel Works encapsulates the economic challenges of the era. This shared fight brought the community together, although it ultimately culminated in the closure of the steel-making industry in 1978.

The inclusion of items like the Hollywood open-air rock festival and the last firing of a bottle oven adds cultural layers to the narrative, illustrating the diverse experiences of the city’s residents. The tribute to Wilf Bloor highlights the value of local stories and dialect, ensuring that the city’s rich oral history is preserved.

This documentary, produced by Ray Johnson MBE, offers a nuanced view of Stoke-on-Trent during a decade of both triumph and adversity, inviting viewers to reflect on the city's evolution and resilience. With a running time of 60 minutes, it serves as a fitting homage to the individuals and events that shaped this era.