Biggin Hill to Ashdown Forest
Michael Portillo experiences a terrifying ‘victory roll’ in a World War II Spitfire, meets a biographer of AA Milne and lends a hand at the community-owned Plaw Hatch Farm.
Michael Portillo experiences a terrifying ‘victory roll’ in a World War II Spitfire, high above the most famous aerodrome of the Battle of Britain, Biggin Hill. The 80-year-old aircraft, in which so many young men risked their lives for the nation, is one of a fleet intensively maintained by a dedicated team of technicians, and Michael is privileged to be flown by an ex-Royal Navy pilot. Michael learns of the strategic importance of the sector airfield to the defence of the capital and the country.
Back on terra firma, Michael takes the train to East Grinstead on the trail of a bear with very little brain. In Ashdown Forest, he meets a biographer of AA Milne to find out about the author’s much-loved character, Winnie the Pooh. Michael plays a game of Pooh Sticks, then treats himself to a ‘little something’ at Pooh Corner.
Deeper into the forest, Michael discovers Plaw Hatch Farm, 200 acres of community-owned farmland that operates biodynamically according to principles first laid out in the 1920s. Michael helps to pick cabbages in the field and lends a hand with cheese production in the dairy.
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Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Michael Portillo |
Director | Adrienne Doyard |
Series Editor | Alison Kreps |
Executive Producer | John Comerford |
Production Company | Fremantle |
Broadcasts
- Mon 17 May 2021 18:30
- Wed 14 Jul 2021 08:00
- Tue 17 May 2022 19:00
- Wed 18 May 2022 01:30
- Boxing Day 2022 11:55
- Mon 13 May 2024 19:00
- Tue 14 May 2024 00:10
Steam railway programmes on 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer
A collection of programmes from the 91Èȱ¬ archives on the beauty of steam locomotives.