Tony begins his journey down the River Wye at Glasbury in Powys where he is seen setting off in a canoe with 'Bim' Briffett. His first stop is at Hay on Wye where we see views of the town which is famous for its bookshops. Tony talks to Rose Tuthill about what life was like in Hay before the town was developed by Richard Booth. Tony also meets Audrey Fox who makes art from tree bark. He next chats to Black Mountain farmer Fred Hughes and meets local photographer Haydn Pugh and we see examples of his work in which he aims to capture the spirit of the local community. Finally in Hay Tony plays chess with the owner of the Blue Boar pub, a venue that is known locally for its chess.
Wendy Nelson interviews 84-year-old Dame Miriam Rothschild in her home at Ashton near Oundle in Northamptonshire. She is noted naturalist known for her work in conservation and being a world expert on flees. She shows Wendy around her garden and chats about some of the flowers and her family connection to the local village. We see views of Ashton village.
We then join Tony driving over the Whitney toll bridge at Whitney on Wye. The privately owned bridge which is known to be a tax haven has recently changed hands although the new owner did not wish to be interviewed. Tony chats to the woman taking the tolls and then meets former owner Chris Bryant. He also meets Peter and Pam Glover who run a nearby inn and then stops off at Clyro Court which is also known as Baskerville Hall and is said to have inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write his famous Hound of the Baskervilles story. At the hall Tony meets Graham Williams who operates trail riding on horses along the local bridleways.
Camera: Barry Gregory; Peter Mason
Sound: Terry Cobb
VT Editor: Peter Mason
Research: Alicia Updale; Jayne Stubbs
Reporter: Wendy Nelson
Producer: Tony Francis
Production number 917111.