Rare Carlisle United footage to be shown at Tullie events

The footage was recorded by former Blues director Jim Monkhouse between 1961 and 1984.

It was donated to the club this year and features in the major United history exhibition which has been running at Tullie since the summer.

Now the cinefilm footage will take centre stage at two events at the museum and gallery.

Today (Tuesday, November 5), lifelong United fan Ed Cooper, senior lecturer in Film and TV at the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Education, Arts and Society, is leading Reel Memories – The Sounds and Scenes of CUFC History at 6.30pm.

Then, on Sunday, November 10 from 1.30pm, ‘Extra Time’ sees an afternoon of talks that promise to “reflect on the themes and ideas that run through the Backing the Blues exhibition, and exploring football, heritage and culture through community, identity and place.” 

Ed Cooper said: “The talks and screening surround a private collection of cine films which were recorded by long term club director Jim Monkhouse. These were donated by his daughter Liz earlier this year.

“Within this series of talks we aim to explore the cultural and social significance of artefacts of this nature and also relate these back to key development, players, staff and fans from Carlisle United history.  

“The films span from 1961 to 1984 and show some rarities, such as what I think could be the only colour images, let along moving images from Carlisle United’s rare blue and white hopped kit from the early 1960s.

“It also sees Alan Ashman with the FA Cup. It explores the club pre-season training trip to Spain and the development of the stadium over time.” 

The Blues history exhibition at Tullie has attracted thousands of visitors (Image: Stuart Walker)

The events involve University of Cumbria staff and students, who are supporting with the recording, curating and soundtrack mixing to accompany the films.

The talks will also consider archival issues and the next level of digital restoration, including the use of Artificial Intelligence. 

The ‘Backing the Blues’ history exhibition has attracted more than 5,500 visitors since opening in July. It comes to an end this Sunday, with some of the exhibits set to be taken on tour around the community, with the eventual aim to have a museum at Brunton Park.

It is part of a lottery-funded project involving the Blues, the university, Tullie and Cumberland Council.

The two talks are free but places must be pre-booked. For more on Tuesday’s event click HERE, and for Sunday’s click HERE.