Ep 17. Woodhall Spa, Illmington, Broughshane, and Pickmere
- January 30, 2018
Penelope Keith's Village of the Year season 1 episode 17 features four villages vying for the title of the UK's best village. The first village is Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, an idyllic Edwardian spa resort with beautiful gardens, a small museum, and a croquet club. Next up is Illmington in Warwickshire, a quintessential English village with a fascinating history, including a connection to William Shakespeare. The third contender is Broughshane in Northern Ireland, a picturesque village known for its flowers, gardens, and strong sense of community. Finally, there's Pickmere in Cheshire, a charming village with a stunning lake, a historic pub, and a strong community spirit.
Throughout the episode, Penelope visits each village and meets with locals to learn about their communities and what makes their village unique. In Woodhall Spa, she discovers the village's rich history and heritage, including its role in World War II as a base for the famous 617 "Dambusters" squadron. In Illmington, she learns about the village's connections to Shakespeare, including its mention in his play "The Comedy of Errors." She also meets with local residents, including a family that has been living in the village for generations.
In Broughshane, Penelope is impressed by the village's stunning displays of flowers and plants, which have won numerous awards over the years. She also visits a local pottery studio and meets with a community group working to preserve the village's history. Finally, in Pickmere, Penelope enjoys a stroll around the village's beautiful lake and visits the historic George and Dragon pub, which dates back to the 18th century. She meets with some of the pub's regulars and discovers the important role it plays in the village's social life.
At the end of the episode, Penelope must decide which village deserves to win the title of Village of the Year. Will it be Woodhall Spa, Illmington, Broughshane, or Pickmere? Tune in to find out!