New Grassington documentary to benefit YDMT

Grassington film maker Geoff Kerr of Boy Pike Productions is preparing for the launch of The Settlement, a fascinating history of Grassington and the Dale which has shaped it, spanning from before the last ice age to the present day.

With the administrative support of Grassington Hub and a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund ‘All our Stories’ scheme, Geoff, has been working on the project for 18months. Now local charity, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, is to benefit from future sales of the film, along with schools and colleges who will receive free copies.

Following the sell-out success of his previous project Down the Wharfe, the stunning Yorkshire Dales around Grassington are again the inspiration for the new film which captures the very essence of this very special corner of England. Working closely with local historian Cynthia Colley, Geoff reveals the remarkable account of the people who have settled here over the last 12000 years. From ancient history through mining and textile heritage and a dramatic eighteenth century murder portrayed by local theatre company Penny Plain, the unfolding story of this fascinating settlement is told with passion and expertise. 

Backed by hours of research and with the support of a wealth of experts in their particular fields, The Settlement reveals the unique qualities of Grassington and its setting.  From history to geology, botany to archaeology, agriculture to industry and local characters to legend, the magic of the Dales is all here.

Geoff explains “It’s been a really collaborative project for the local community with over 40 people, all volunteers, giving their time to help put together the film, which is a purely not for profit venture.”

The Settlement will be launched at Grassington Festival, with tickets at £10 selling fast for the event on 19^th June at 8pm in the Town Hall.

Any profit made from DVD sales of the film (£10) will be used to support the ongoing supply of free copies to schools and other educational organisations, with surplus proceeds going to support the work of the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and Grassington Hub, both registered charities. Copies will be available for purchase from Grassington Hub, Grassington Folk Museum, Dales Book Centre, Dales Toffee Shop, BoyPikeVideo@btinternet.com and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Sarah Brewer from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust said “We are delighted to be involved with this very worthwhile project and look forward to seeing the film soon. All the money raised will support our projects that help to care for the landscape, environment, communities and economy of the Dales.”

And next up?  Geoff and the Boy Pike Productions crew are working on the Upper Wharfedale Audio Archive, a series of interviews with fascinating residents of their dale, talking about their life histories and memories, for use at Grassington Folk Museum.