Series Synopsis:

This short series of three programmes charts events in the life of the village of Churchill in the 20th century. As the century started, Churchill was a small village, 14 miles south of Bristol and nestling into the slopes of the Mendip Hills. The village was predominantly rural with its own Squire. As the century drew to its close, Churchill like so many other villages had become a dormitory for Bristol. Using unique film footage and personal testimonies, this series tells a fascinating story.

Programme One

In 1920, Sydney Hill, owner of Langford House, now Bristol University's internationally famous Veterinary College, bought a film camera. He was to spend the next thirty years recording extraordinary footage of life in the village of Churchill. This programme explores village life up to the start of the Second World War. Residents past and present reminisce about what village life was like in the twenties and thirties. Thurle Harris, the only surviving child of Sidney Hill talks about life 'in the big house'.

Programme Three

After the 2nd world war the village tried to settle down to life as before, but that was to prove impossible. Life had changed for the residents of Churchill. Sidney Hill had died in 1943 and the big house had been sold, machinery did away with the need for farm labourers. The motor car was born and with it came a new sense of mobility, a new breed of people grew. The commuter had arrived in Churchill.

Programme Two

The War changed the world, and the village of Churchill was no exception. The face of village life was changing, evacuees had brought a new perspective, women were working and agriculture has changed forever with the introduction of intensified farming. Village life was never to be the same. Sam Warren one of the oldest residents of the village reminisces about farming, and about his war days.