Focus on Boston in film to teach China and world about town

John Bangay, who is based in Stamford, has been given special permission from the Chinese censors to upload a documentary he has created about the town.

Mr Bangay says he was keen to make the town one of the first to feature on his new English and Chinese websites.

He said: “I think Boston has a wonderful, colourful history, be it the story of the Pilgrim Fathers, or even ‘Old Mother Riley’, there is so much to say about this historic town.”

He is helped with his website by his chinese wife, Fengzhu, and has worked with local historians on research.

He also narrates part of the film in a Pilgrim Father’s costume.

“The Chinese are fascinated by English history and characters – although the story of Arthur Lucan (Old Mother Riley) really baffles them. I have to do quite a lot of explaining on that one,” he said.

“It was great to be able to show a longwool sheep fleece in the church and for the choir to sing for us – the singing is an eloquent reminder of the church’s rich musical history.”

The opening scene, near The Grand Sluice, was especially filmed on a day in mid June when the tide was fully up and the sun illuminated the north side of the Stump tower.

“I don’t have a head for heights so in the next scene, up on the tower balcony, it was a bit nerve-racking and I kept a firm grip on the rail – then the clock bell stuck during filming and really made me jump!”

Mr Bangay will have a stall at the Boston Christmas Lights switch on in the Market Place next Thursday and is asking for feedback.”

He is also hoping the film will help publicise the fundraising by the church.

A further project has seen him complete a film about Sibsey Windmill, with miller Ian Ansell.

For more visit www.englishheritageartist.co.uk