British Universities Film & Video Council

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Hannah Hauxwell’s Winter Tales

Synopsis
Hannah Hauxwell’s Winter Tales - Available for the first time on DVD.
The two truly extraordinary Yorkshire Television documentaries about the life of Hannah Hauxwell, the Daleswoman struggling to survive alone on her beloved Low Birk Hatt Farm.

Two television documentaries following Hannah Hauxwell in her struggle to survive the winter alone on her farm in the Yorkshire Dales. The first programme TOO LONG A WINTER (45 minutes) was broadcast in 1973. She was then 46-years-old, a spinster, toiling alone on her isolated and dilapidated 80-acre farm. She had no electricity or running water, and was struggling to survive on an income of less than £280 a year. Life was a constant battle against poverty and hardship, especially in the bleak Pennine winters where she had to work outside in temperatures of up to fifteen below zero.

The second programme A WINTER TOO MANY (55 minutes), revisiting Hannah at Low Birk Hatt Farm, was recorded twenty years later. The farm now has electricity and - thanks to the generosity of well-wishers - Hannah has a little more money - which she has invested in a few more cows. Now a pensioner, she is still fondly remembered by the public and the TV crews follow her on her first-ever trip to London as Guest of Honour at the ‘Woman of the Year’ gala. Away from the limelight however, her backbreaking daily work on the bleak farm continues. Every winter has become harder to endure...
Now, as her health and strength slowly fail her, Hannah must make the most heart-rending decision of her life. Has the time come to finally sell her family farm and the animals she adores - before the cruel deprivations of winter sweep in once again?
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Year of release
2006
Year of production
1973 2004
Notes
Broadcast on Sky Travel on 2/5/2004
Subjects
Agriculture; Social Studies
Keywords
farming; social conditions; Yorkshire

Credits

Director
Barry Cockcroft
Contributor
Hannah Hauxwell

Distribution Formats

Type
DVD
Format
Region 2 PAL
Price
£12.99
Availability
Sale
Duration/Size
97 minutes
Year
2006

Production Company

Name

Yorkshire Television

Distributor

 

Available from retail outlets

Name

Simply Media

Contact
Laura Smith
Email
info@simplymedia.tv
Web
http://www.simplymedia.tv/ External site opens in new window
Phone
0203 542 3722
Address
Highlight House
57 Margaret Street
London W1W 8SJ
Notes
Formerly known as DD Home Entertainment or DDHE

Record Stats

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