Press release Contact Paul O’ Connor on 07973 298359
August 18 2003

Oxfordshire Village documentary- a real history

An award winning video producer teamed up with a school teacher from Islip to produce an extraordinary 30minute documentary of Oxfordshire life. Since its release earlier this summer ‘The Village’ has sold over 200 copies with orders even pouring in from Islip in New York, as well as local residents.

Special needs teacher, Jojo Tobbit won an award from the Millennium award scheme to trace the story of how Islip grew to be the village it is today. Oxford based alternative media charity, Undercurrents supported Jojo as she scripted and presented the fascinating history.

Undercurrents co-founder, Paul O’ Connor, fresh from winning a top documentary award in Tokyo, assisted Jojo to produce a professional and unique presentation. Following a recent screening to fifty members of the Islip WI, Paul stated-
“The Village takes the audience on a journey through the ages ranging from battles of the civil war, the birth of Edward the confessor, and up to the floods and traffic chaos of the 21st century. It aims to be a humorous, informative and inspiring piece of work which will be loved by generations to come”

Highlighted in the documentary is the disappearance of Village shops due to supermarkets. Maralynn Smith, volunteer co-coordinator of the village hall shop is selling the videos like “hot cakes” from the only outlet for provisions available within the community.

Colin Tuffrey, a local painter lent his archive of film depicting a snow bound Islip from thirty years ago. Ice skaters glide across the frozen river Cherwell as steam trains pull into the beautiful wooden station.

Paul O’Connor continued-
“ This has been a true community project with many people loaning us their old photographs, cine film, artifacts and memories. Learn how land ownership protests in the 16th century were met with force.For those who can’t wait, they can watch it online for free at www.undercurrents.org/islip”
End

Notes for editors
‘The Village’ is available by mail order from 01865 203661 for £9.50
Maralynn Smith from the Islip village shop can be contacted on 01865 372345