Film-makers Ben Finlayson, Skyler McCutcheon-Bell and Cameron Park are enjoying a double celebration this week.
Not only have they each graduated from the University of Cumbria in a ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral after successfully completing their degrees in film and TV.
In the city’s Tullie, their skills and talents feature in a new exhibition celebrating 120 years of Carlisle United that opens on Saturday, July 20.
The trio are part of a creative team of students from the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Education, Arts and Society that has spent months working with film and TV lecturer and lifelong Blues fan Ed Cooper to produce video content for the Backing The Blues: 120 Years of Carlisle United exhibition.
They have helped create a series of short films, travelling around the country to interview key individuals. The team also worked with Cumbria Deaf Association to ensure the videos have sign language interpretation.
Former first team manager Mick Wadsworth and recently retired club photographer Barbara Abbott are among those to feature, sharing their own personal stories and memories.
Cameron said: “I’ve been filming fans at Brunton Park and also helped record the interview with Mick Wadsworth, editing that too.
“I’ve been very excited about being part of it and really enjoyed the experience. It has been the first time I’ve worked with Carlisle United and in a professional setting.
“This project has been important to me; it has given me the opportunity to work on my skills whilst also being able to be part of a major project for the community about something that means so much to everyone.”
Canadian-born Skyler, of Egremont, said: “It has been a wonderful three years at the University of Cumbria; one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has helped me grow in confidence, both personally but also in my film-making.
“Finishing off this course in this way, for someone like me who is a Carlisle United fan, it has been great to be involved because it is important to the area. I’m excited to see it go live.”
Interviews with fans of the club are being captured too.
Ben, 22, a former student of Carlisle’s Trinity School, has helped edit them.
He said: “I’m not a sports person at all, but for me it has been interesting working on the interviews to pick between the footage from different cameras that were set up filming the same interviews and bring the conversation together in a way that they make sense, flow, and tell a story.
“It has boosted my confidence, particularly working in a professional setting.”
Lecturer Ed, together with an alumnus of the university, has also recreated a commentary box as part of an exhibition tribute to the legendary BBC Radio Cumbria commentator and ‘voice of Carlisle’ Derek Lacey, who covered more than 500 Carlisle United matches before his death in 2009.
Ed said: “This anniversary exhibition is being created by and for the community of Carlisle United and the city and county more widely so we’re immensely proud to be part of it.
“From an academic perspective, our students are experiencing a professional and work-based learning environment, working with creatives and professionals from other organisations. Together we’re building partnerships in our community and opportunities like this enhance students’ learning and experience, helping them develop the skills and resilience they will need to succeed and progress.
“What is also heartening is that we have a range of students involved, from some who are on our Integrated Foundation Year right through across all year group cohorts and also our alumni.
“For me, has been a privilege and pleasure to have different access to a place that I call home, working alongside colleagues on this phenomenal project from a collective that has ben so passionate to do this for the community. A highlight has also been working with Tim Mills, the curator of the exhibition, seeing the planning and process that goes on.”
Backing The Blues:120 Years of Carlisle United runs until November 10. It is part of the Be Just and Fear Not community project led by Carlisle United Football Club, Tullie, Cumberland Council and University of Cumbria that is supported with £95,000 of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
In the club’s important anniversary year, the 2024 exhibition coincides with the 50th anniversary of Carlisle United making it to the top flight of English football, the First Division.
Earlier this year Carlisle United and the University of Cumbria signed a Memorandum of Understanding to allow them to work together on areas of common interest for the community.
University of Cumbria graduation ceremonies continue today and tomorrow at Carlisle Cathedral. A total of 1,299 students are to graduate.
