Pride of film for documentary-maker
A documentary-maker has spoken of her pride after her film looking at her grandfather's links with the chain-making industry was shown at the Black Country Festival.
Sara Tibbett's hour-long film, called Chains Dogs & CHAOS, was screened at Cradley Heath library as part of a line-up of events which were held over the month-long celebrations.
It delves into the life of her grandfather Thomas Tibbetts, who she never met, who was an important figure in Cradley Heath 100 years ago.
He was a doctor and the first president of the Cradley Heath and Old Hill District Amateur Operatic Society (CHAOS).
A century on, the society is very much at large and proudly holds the title of the longest established amateur operatic society in the Black Country.
The film also looks at the heritage of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a breed of dog which originates from the region, and which has links to Cradley Heath.
The film was made in 2014, but organisers of the festival felt it was a fitting piece to be shown at this year's event.
Sara, aged 66, said: "I am absolutely thrilled that it was shown at the Black Country Festival."
She wasn't able to attend the festival but said she was proud that her grandfather's contribution had been noted.
Among those who attended to watch the film was Harry Taylor, whose father was a chainmaker and Olwen Chilton, from Dudley Wood.
A question and answer session was held with the firm after the film was shown on July 25, alongside a former employee of chainmaking company Griffin Woodhouse - who was featured in the film.
Cradley Heath was once the world’s largest producer of industrial chain.
Sara's family originate from the Black Country. She was born in Birmingham and brought up in Worcester and spent some time living in London.
The film was created originally for company Multistory an arts organisation based in West Bromwich, which focuses on the people of the region.
