1950s Salisbury Wiltshire Civic events | Eda Moore | WFSA |AV509/10

This amateur film, created by Eda Moore (1908-1995), offers a vivid record of civic life in Salisbury during the mid-1950s, centreing on the mayoral term of Francis James Moore (1954–1955) (Eda’s father). It opens with intimate outdoor scenes of the Mayor and Mayoress, Francis and Isabella Moore, seated in the sun, and continues with colourful footage of local fetes, country shows, and prize-giving ceremonies. The film captures formal occasions such as mayor-making ceremonies inside the council chamber, where chains of office are exchanged, and dignitaries gather in wood-panelled surroundings. Civic pageantry unfolds in processions through Guildhall Square and Cathedral Close, complemented by military parades featuring RAF uniforms and marching bands. Social highlights include garden walks, children in fancy dress, and playful moments as children enjoy a miniature railway. A striking sequence inside a circus tent shows animal displays and performers, contrasting with scenes of Salisbury’s Market Place and the iconic cathedral exterior at night. This film is held at Wessex Film and Sound Archive:  https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesand... and you can see full details of this item on our online catalogue. If you'd like to see it in full or order a copy, simply contact us on [email protected]