Home Fires
The story of a group of inspirational women in a rural Cheshire community with the shadow of World War II casting a dark cloud over their lives. As the conflict takes hold and separates the women from their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, the characters find themselves under increasing and extraordinary pressures in a rapidly fragmenting world. By banding together as the Great Paxford Women’s Institute, they help maintain the nation’s fabric in its darkest hour, and discover inner resources that will change their lives forever.
Overview
The story of a group of inspirational women in a rural Cheshire community with the shadow of World War II casting a dark cloud over their lives. As the conflict takes hold and separates the women from their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, the characters find themselves under increasing and extraordinary pressures in a rapidly fragmenting world. By banding together as the Great Paxford Women’s Institute, they help maintain the nation’s fabric in its darkest hour, and discover inner resources that will change their lives forever.
Episodes
1. Episode 1
In the face of impending war with Germany, the Great Paxford WI faces a difficult decision. When president Joyce Cameron resigns and takes most of the membership with her, Frances Barden and her supporters must come together to resurrect the Institute, and recruit new members from unexpected places. Meanwhile, local doctor Will Campbell discovers the terrible reason why he can’t rejoin the army, and Miriam Brindsley will do anything to stop her son from enlisting. Claire Hillman is attracted to young postman Spencer Wilson, but she discovers that the path of true love never did run smooth.
2. Episode 2
As Frances and Joyce battle for leadership of the new group, the others face problems of a much more personal nature. Erica and Will's relationship is tested after his cancer diagnosis, Pat is struggling with her unhappy marriage and Miriam has one last chance to stop David enlisting. Newcomer Teresa Fenchurch gets off to a bad start, but her mishap brings a dashing RAF officer to the village. Francesca Annis and Samantha Bond star, with Frances Grey, Ed Stoppard, Claire Rushbrook and Leanne Best.
3. Episode 3
The impact of the war begins to be felt in Great Paxford as the women are forced to make sacrifices for the salvage effort. But soon matters on the personal front replace their efforts on the home front as Kate and Jack's relationship intensifies, Pat's marriage deteriorates and Claire finally plucks up the courage to ask Spencer out - unaware he is hiding a secret that could ruin their relationship before it has even started. Meanwhile, Alison resorts to desperate measures to pay a bill, and soon realises her actions will cost her much more.
Cast & Crew
Samantha Bond
Frances Barden
Ruth Gemmell
Sarah Collingborne
Claire Rushbrook
Pat Simms
Fenella Woolgar
Alison Scotlock
Clare Calbraith
Steph Farrow
Daisy Badger
Claire Hillman
