You've seen Mike Leigh's epic Peterloo film, checked out the exhibitions and got the history. Now see Our Sam The Middleton Man, which digs the relevance of a Manc weaver and Peterloo legend for the community today.
Samuel Bamford is beyond doubt Middleton's most famous 'forgotten' son, having inspired a call for an end to poverty and the beginning of democracy; and having led a group of marchers from Middleton to St Peter's Fields in August 1819, for what was subsequently known as the Peterloo Massacre.
Community media company, REELmcr, has worked with hundreds of local people over the last two years to make a film that brings Samuel Bamford back to modern day Middleton, introducing him to a whole new generation. After a successful tour of Greater Manchester, it's being screened at 2pm at the Working Class Movement Library on 3rd August.
The film, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, saw young people develop a script, having gone on heritage trails to learn more about Sam Bamford. And the local hero's real words were used in the subsequent drama, which follows the story of teenager, Samantha, as she brings together the town's young people to represent themselves in a positive way with Sam's encouragement that 'there's strength in unity lass'.
Film production took place all over Middleton, and even Middleton North Councillor Kallum Nolan plays a role in the film as well as being the assistant project manager... "Middleton has had many famous exports, but none more important that the radical Sam Bamford" he explains.
And Chloe Killduff, 17, who stars in the film as Samantha, adds: "Sam Bamford is someone I never knew but now will never forget. I've learnt how life has changed and why it did. I've been on a rollercoaster of emotions, from the happiest laughing until my stomach hurts, to the most sad and angry I've ever felt because of how Sam got treated. My love for this man and this project will never die and I think everyone should be blessed with the knowledge of his life."
Our Sam - The Middleton Man also stars award winning actor, Tom Charnock, as Sam Bamford..."When I began this project with REELmcr I had a little knowledge about the Massacre at St Peter's Field, but had no idea about the existence of Mr Samuel Bamford or his role in this country's social history" he says
"In starting my research into this man's life to enable me to portray him in the role, not only did I discover that he was a passionate radical Parliamentary reformer, author and rhymester but that he also had a affinity with the young people, and loved to be able to pass on his knowledge wisdom and love of the written and spoken word to them" he adds "Now, using his own words and REELmcr as a conduit, he has another chance to pass these onto another younger generation and give them a grounding in their own social history."
The film is produced by REELmcr's Jacqui Carroll, who is actually from Middleton..."I set out to try to get people to love Sam Bamford as much as I do" she says "I actually put all the Bamford dialogue together for the script and sometimes felt he was there with me. For the final scene in the Old Boar's Head, we've got the brilliant Scuttlers playing live, and so many people of all ages crammed into the sessions room, everyone dancing and cheering for Sam Bamford whist our Middleton Peterloo banner was raised above us. That's my dream come true."
To find out what all the fuss is about go see this incredible film...
Our Sam The Middleton Man
Saturday 3rd August 2pm
Working Class Movement Library
51 The Crescent, M5 4WX
Free
For more details see the Facebook event page click here
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