Ep 3. The Austerity Games

Tom Chadwick continues his quest to uncover his family's history in the third episode of Family Tree's debut season, entitled "The Austerity Games." After receiving a mysterious box of belongings from his great-aunt Victoria, Tom delves deeper into the lives of his ancestors, unraveling intriguing stories that connect his family to the 1948 London Olympics.

As the episode begins, Tom conducts further research into William Chadwick, his great-great-grandfather, who competed in the Austerity Games. Eager to understand his ancestor's experience, Tom seeks out individuals who may have known William personally. Visiting an elderly woman named Mrs. Orbolt, he hopes to unveil long-hidden secrets and garner insights into William's life.

Throughout the conversation, Tom discovers mesmerizing details about his family's involvement in the 1948 Olympics. Mrs. Orbolt recounts how William had initially been a scrappy boxer, whose Olympic dreams were cut short due to an injury. Despite this setback, William's determination propelled him to become an official at the Games, organizing various events.

Inspired by this new knowledge, Tom visits the London archives to dig deeper into the story. There, he meets Felicity Kendal, a knowledgeable archivist who assists him in his search. As they comb through old newspaper clippings, Tom finds traces of his great-grandmother, Lizzie, who apparently had a more significant impact on the Austerity Games than previously believed.

Intrigued, Tom decides to reach out to Lizzie's former colleague, Chuch Logan. A retired athlete, Logan describes Lizzie as a fierce competitor and a charismatic figure in the world of sports. As Tom listens to him reminisce, he becomes even more determined to explore Lizzie's journey and unravel her connection to the 1948 Olympics.

Continuing his investigation, Tom's research leads him to a collection of photographs showcasing Lizzie's involvement in a cycling event during the Games. He marvels at the pictures, their sepia-toned imagery breathing life into his great-grandmother's past. These discoveries also stir up a desire within Tom to embrace his own athleticism, prompting him to consider joining a local cycling club.

As Tom actively embraces the activities of his ancestors, he participates in the club's cycling sessions and quickly establishes connections within the community. Through shared experiences and camaraderie, he begins to understand the joys and challenges faced by his great-grandmother as she pursued her passion for cycling.

Meanwhile, Tom's sister, Bea, finds herself caught up in her own journey of self-discovery. When not helping Tom with his family history project, she takes up puppetry, attending a workshop where she practices her new craft. The exploration of her own artistic talents mirrors Tom's process, showcasing the overarching theme of self-exploration prevalent throughout this episode.

"The Austerity Games" highlights the power of reconnecting with one's roots and the profound impact it can have on a person's present and future. As Tom delves deeper into his family's involvement in the London Olympics, he finds himself undergoing personal transformation, uncovering hidden talents, and forming important connections with both his own history and the present-day cycling community.

With each revelation and encounter, Tom discovers that his ancestors' stories have shaped not only his family's history but also his own identity. As he continues to piece together the puzzle of his genealogy, viewers are treated to an engaging exploration of family, sport, and the resilience of the human spirit. "The Austerity Games" is a captivating chapter in Tom Chadwick's journey, filled with surprising discoveries and poignant reflections on what it means to be part of a larger narrative.