This is to help my research for a new Channel 4 series about the social history of the British countryside.

I am particularly interested in stories from the 1920s and 30s of family and community life in the villages and on the farms.

In some areas it was a very basic way of life that had changed little for centuries.

How strong was the pressure on young people to marry someone suitably local? Do you have memories of the joys and hardships of working on the land in the days when almost everything was done by hand or by horse?

This was a time when there were still hiring fairs, the seasons shaped country people's lives and unemployment meant dire poverty.

I am also keen to hear stories of the advantages and disadvantages of living and working on the old country Estates, still ruled by the family in the big house.

If you have personal memories like these, or know of anyone alive who does, please write to me: Mary Parsons, Testimony Films, 12 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RS.

Mary Parsons

Researcher

Testimony Films

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