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Preston to Rawtenstall

Michael Portillo strikes out to explore the Britain of his youth, starting at Preston鈥檚 Fulwood Barracks and heading across to Bury Bolton Street station in Greater Manchester.

Michael Portillo strikes out to explore the Britain of his youth. He鈥檚 a 'boomer', born in the decade after the end of the Second World War, and he recalls the optimism and excitement of rebuilding a nation exhausted by conflict. He relives the agony and the ecstasy of British Rail and marvels at the new society and culture that emerged in postwar Britain.

At Preston鈥檚 Fulwood Barracks in Lancashire, Michael is called up for National Service but fails to impress the drill sergeant. Two veterans share their memories of postwar military action.

At the Preston Bypass, now part of the M6, he hears how the pioneering project aimed to tackle congestion and link the north of England to the south. In Blackburn, Michael investigates the town鈥檚 political heritage and its fiery red-headed MP, Barbara Castle.

At Bury Bolton Street station in Greater Manchester, Michael meets the volunteers who operate the fabulously preserved East Lancashire Heritage Railway and learns how the Beeching cuts affected rail services in the area.

28 minutes

Last on

Mon 19 Aug 2024 18:30

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Michael Portillo
Director Anthony Holland
Series Editor Alison Kreps
Executive Producer John Comerford
Production Company Fremantle

Broadcasts

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