Eriskay is a remote Gaelic-speaking island in the Scottish Hebrides - best known from 'The Eriskay Love Lilt.' But it has more romance: here on the white-sand beach Bonnie Prince Charlie set foot on Scottish soil, and here they romped through the real-life 'Whisky Galore' story. Duncan Campbell is back living on this barren and beautiful island with his wife and eight children. Like so many Eriskay boys he had to leave, for there was no work. Now, after half a lifetime away, he has returned to a different Eriskay - still romantic, but stirring with a new prosperity from the sea. (from Scotland)
"I fly because I enjoy it; it is freedom in the sky Teaching is jun; children are infinitely variable; full of possibilities - and they matter." The two worlds of Miss Frances MacRae, aerobatic ace and London schoolmistress This film looks at a woman who is equally at home taking classes in Highgate and weaving patterns in the sky over the Surrey countryside. The first woman to join the British team in the World Aerobatic Championships, Frances MacRae started flying ten years ago. On a demonstration flight, the pilot asked her to take the controls and she was immediately hooked. In eight years, she had mastered her little yellow and red biplane and was taking part in International Championships. She became a teacher just after the war after leaving the Civil Service; she quickly realised that it was what she wanted to do and 25 years later is assistant head of the same school in Highgate. (Patterns in the sky: page 8)
At least, whatever human beings feel about Skinningrove, North Yorkshire, there's no place like it for its 3,000 racing pigeons. Every Saturday throughout the summer they're transported to the South of England, or over the sea to France. But they fly straight back -and the fastest home means money. Skinningrove's pigeon passion is seen through the eyes of the Rawson family - Cecil, Jean, Ken, Louie, George, and grandfather Charles. Written and produced by David Bean
Report on treasure hunter John Webb
"The isolation the ancientness the changing light on hills and valleys. In this Celtic-Scandinavian kingdom time does not matter." In this programme Sir John Betjeman revisits Ellan Vannin (Isle of Man) which he has known and loved since student days, and finds that the magnetism of the past is still very much present.
London's new Shaw Theatre, home of the National Youth Theatre, received a Royal opening last week. Outside the theatre in the Euston Road a sculptured 'St Joan' stands like a beacon. Keith Grant, one of Britain's busiest artists, talks about what led up to the making of his sculpture and the involvement of the community in its creation.
Not since Dick Whittington has a countryman caused such a stir in the City of London. First, a tradition of 600 years was broken to honour him; then cameras were allowed at a ceremony which, since the Middle Ages, only members have witnessed. His name is Eric Arthur Stevenson, and for 40 years he has been a village blacksmith in Wroxham, on the Norfolk Broads. He tells his story of how a country craftsman came to be honoured by the City. Contributors Presenter: Eric Arthur Stevenson Director: Sandra Wainwright Executive Producer: Bridget Winter
He gave up his job at MI5, she resigned as PRO for the Savoy, and they set off to live in a derelict cottage and earn their living growing potatoes. Derek and Jeannie Tangye describe how they survived their own wild schemes and made their home on a Cornish cliff together with a cat and two donkeys. Contributors Presenter: Derek Tangye Presenter: Jeannie Tangye Director: Sandra Wainwright Executive Producer: Bridget Winter
Bill Houston is the kind of cyclist who would abhor the Tour de France race almost as much as he abhors the motor car - he prefers exploring back roads and goat tracks. When he came out of the army in 1946 he vowed that no one was going to order him about for 20 years. Twenty-five years later he is still living for the bicycle. That is, 25 years, 34 countries and 400,000 miles later. And he can say, with modesty, that he envies no man - and few would disbelieve him. (BBC Scotland)
The ingredients for magic brews in Durham aren't bat's blood and toad's warts but farm manure and Epsom salts. They seem to work nevertheless. The prize-winning leeks they nourish make southern leeks look like shallots. Those southerners who know about the North East leek contests regard them as just a joke. But there is more to them than that. For men like Brian Shave of Lyton Leek Club, leek growing is a tie with a traditional culture that is still firmly held on to despite social change. (from Bristol)
Until last summer seven Yorke's had been Squires of Erddig. Each had added to a unique collection of treasures, begun in the 17th century when the house was built near Wrexham in north-east Wales. But for seven years the present PHILIP YORKE has lived there alone and struggled to prevent the house from collapsing. Had it collapsed, a legend would have vanished with it. In this film he describes the legend and tells how his lifelong dream is soon to be fulfilled.