

Home Fires
The story of a group of inspirational women in a rural Cheshire community with the shadow of World War II casting a dark cloud over their lives. As the conflict takes hold and separates the women from their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, the characters find themselves under increasing and extraordinary pressures in a rapidly fragmenting world. By banding together as the Great Paxford Women’s Institute, they help maintain the nation’s fabric in its darkest hour, and discover inner resources that will change their lives forever.
Cast

Samantha Bond
Frances Barden

Ruth Gemmell
Sarah Collingborne

Claire Rushbrook
Pat Simms

Fenella Woolgar
Alison Scotlock

Clare Calbraith
Steph Farrow

Daisy Badger
Claire Hillman

Leanne Best
Teresa Fenchurch

Leila Mimmack
Laura Campbell

Claire Price
Miriam Brindsley

Frances Grey
Erica Campbell

Mark Bazeley
Bob Simms

Ed Stoppard
Will Campbell

Daniel Ryan
Bryn Brindsley

Francesca Annis
Joyce Cameron

Will Attenborough
David Brindsley
Seasons

E1Episode 1
May 3, 2015
In the face of impending war with Germany, the Great Paxford WI faces a difficult decision. When president Joyce Cameron resigns and takes most of the membership with her, Frances Barden and her supporters must come together to resurrect the Institute, and recruit new members from unexpected places. Meanwhile, local doctor Will Campbell discovers the terrible reason why he can’t rejoin the army, and Miriam Brindsley will do anything to stop her son from enlisting. Claire Hillman is attracted to young postman Spencer Wilson, but she discovers that the path of true love never did run smooth.

E2Episode 2
May 10, 2015
As Frances and Joyce battle for leadership of the new group, the others face problems of a much more personal nature. Erica and Will's relationship is tested after his cancer diagnosis, Pat is struggling with her unhappy marriage and Miriam has one last chance to stop David enlisting. Newcomer Teresa Fenchurch gets off to a bad start, but her mishap brings a dashing RAF officer to the village. Francesca Annis and Samantha Bond star, with Frances Grey, Ed Stoppard, Claire Rushbrook and Leanne Best.

E3Episode 3
May 17, 2015
The impact of the war begins to be felt in Great Paxford as the women are forced to make sacrifices for the salvage effort. But soon matters on the personal front replace their efforts on the home front as Kate and Jack's relationship intensifies, Pat's marriage deteriorates and Claire finally plucks up the courage to ask Spencer out - unaware he is hiding a secret that could ruin their relationship before it has even started. Meanwhile, Alison resorts to desperate measures to pay a bill, and soon realises her actions will cost her much more.

E4Episode 4
May 24, 2015
Miriam fears the consequences of David learning the truth, while Steph hides a secret that threatens the farm's future. Teresa's past comes back to haunt her in the shape of an unexpected visitor who could ruin her new life. Kate and Jack make plans for the future, and Laura's jealousy complicates her relationship with Richard. Erica struggles to save Bob and Pat's marriage, and Claire is caught in the crossfire between Frances and Joyce as plans get under way to build a new air raid shelter for the village.

E5Episode 5
Jun 7, 2015
Frances takes in an evacuee from Liverpool, who is not what she expected. Erica is forced to face the consequences of her actions, while Miriam writes letters to soldiers on the front line that cause more harm than good. Laura and Richard's secret affair is jeopardised when someone sees them together, Teresa receives devastating news, and Claire must decide whether or not to stand by Spencer.

E6Episode 6
Jun 14, 2015
As the war in Europe draws closer to home and the nation faces its darkest hour, the members of the WI find they have their own battles to fight. Alison looks for a way out of her desperate situation, and Frances tries to help Pat while she still can. Miriam keeps an important piece of news from Bryn, and Richard and Laura realise it may not be possible to keep their affair a secret any longer.
As the Second World War continues, the residents of Great Paxford face their own personal challenges and conflicts as reputations are tarnished, loved ones lost, and shocking secrets are discovered. However it’s through these challenges that the women in the town unite and overcome their darkest hours.

E1Episode 1
Apr 3, 2016
The WI members of Great Paxford live under a shadow as the Battle of Britain looms on the horizon. Pat befriends a Czech soldier, but finds her newfound independence less enjoyable than expected. Laura faces the consequences of her affair, while Sarah receives some shocking news. Alison strikes a bargain with the police, and tragedy strikes for Frances.

E2Episode 2
Apr 10, 2016
Laura is publicly disgraced when news of the Bowers' divorce hits the papers, with grave consequences for the surgery and her friendship with Tom. Pat is tempted by her feelings for Marek while Bob is in hospital. Steph is delighted when Stan returns home on leave, but the reunion is overshadowed by his fears of invasion. Frances discovers a secret at the reading of the will.

E3Episode 3
Apr 17, 2016
The Czech officers organise a dance to keep morale up as the Battle of Britain intensifies. Joyce has some advice for Sarah which is not well-received, while Pat realises that somebody knows about her relationship with Marek. Allison's secret work for the police leaves her forced to decide where her loyalties lie. Steph fears that Stan is becoming a bad influence on his son, and Frances finds out that Peter's affair was more complicated than she thought.

E4Episode 4
Apr 24, 2016
Pat and Marek are reconciled, but when someone sees them together, their relationship is in more danger than ever. The Brindsleys come to realise the full extent of David's injuries, and Teresa faces letting go of the past when she is asked out. Alison fears the consequences of her involvement with the Lyons, Laura is spurred into action by some happy news, and Joyce and Erica work together on a first aid meeting.

E5Episode 5
May 1, 2016
The villagers prepare for harvest time, but Steph struggles to cope with the workload and faces losing the farm if she cannot meet her quota. A newcomer to the community stirs up tension between Sarah and Frances, while Joyce and the Brindsleys also receive unexpected visitors. Teresa faces a big decision, while Sarah finds herself in a dangerous situation. Alison discovers the real reason behind the parachute accidents and makes a horrifying connection to the factory. She races to warn Frances before it is too late.

E6Episode 6
May 8, 2016
The village prepares for Nick and Teresa's wedding as the Battle of Britain draws to an end. Pat faces a big decision as Marek prepares to leave, but Bob intends to ruin her plans. Frances fights to clear her name following the closure of the factory, Alison wrestles with her conscience, and a chance encounter leaves Joyce with some unanswered questions.
Videos
Storyline
The story of a group of inspirational women in a rural Cheshire community with the shadow of World War II casting a dark cloud over their lives. As the conflict takes hold and separates the women from their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, the characters find themselves under increasing and extraordinary pressures in a rapidly fragmenting world. By banding together as the Great Paxford Women’s Institute, they help maintain the nation’s fabric in its darkest hour, and discover inner resources that will change their lives forever.
Recommended
More Like This

The Penal Battalion
2004

Fleming
2014
Na De Bevrijding
2014

Manure and Gillyflowers
1978

Devil's Due
1979

All the Rivers Run
1983

Come in Spinner
1990

Glittering Days
2006

Desejo
1990

The Tale of Nokdu
2019

Peaky Blinders
2013

The Love School
1975











