Mystery of Dundee home movies find

new zealand: Films from ’70s found 11,000 miles away

A box of 8mm home movies from Dundee has been discovered more than 11,000 miles away.

The films, dating back to the early 1970s, were found in Whakatane, New Zealand, earlier this month.

They appear to have belonged to a Mr and Mrs Frain, of Fintry Road, Dundee.

It is unclear how they ended up so far away from home, or why they were left in an unused room at the back of an antique furniture store.

Allan Johnson, who made the discovery, said he hoped to reunite the 40-year-old videos with the family.

The box containing the old reels has the name ‘Mr A Frain, 3a Fintry Road, Dundee’ written on the side, while inside there is a receipt with the name ‘Mrs Elizabeth Frain’ written on it.

The receipt is dated November 5 1970 and contains a further name, which appears to be ‘LM Armstrong’, although it is difficult to read.

Mr Johnson, who found the box, said he had searched the Whakatane phone book to find anyone with the surname Frain but had been unsuccessful.

He added: “I have got no connection to Dundee. I work in a shop in Whakatane and we deal in second-hand furniture.

“The box of film was at the back of a room that used to be the delivery room, but hasn’t been used for many years, and the reels were just in there.

“I don’t really know how they turned up here. They’re someone’s history, though, so I’m not going to throw them away.”

It remains unclear how the box made its way to New Zealand, although it is thought the films contain footage of family parties or a reunion.

If you have any information about Mr or Mrs Frain, or think the films could be yours, please contact cisneddon@ thecourier.co.uk or call 01382 575955.

“I don’t really know how they turned up here.

ALLAN JOHNSON WHAKATANE NEW ZEALAND