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Border Lives

Series 1

Episode 3

Duration: 28 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC Two WalesLatest broadcast: on BBC Two Wales

Border Lives follows the people who live, work and play along the curiously ambiguous and occasionally divisive Wales/England border. Sometimes a single street or opposite ends of a bridge are all that separate two countries. Where borders are blurred so too are national identities. Are they Welsh or are they English, and does it matter? Only if you are to be born, go to school, become ill or commit a crime. For many along the border, it’s a grey area as to which police force or ambulance service will come if you call. There are free prescriptions on one side but better drugs on the other, even house prices are affected. This series looks at the borderlands with a wry smile, experiencing life in a little known, and epically beautiful stretch of Wales (and England) with the compelling people who call the borderlands their home, their office or their playground. This is their story. These are their Border Lives.

In the penultimate episode, we meet the pampered cows of Abermule, who are treated to a few pints of beer at the end of a busy day in the field, as well as a nice relaxing massage – according to farmer Ifor, this is the secret to getting some of the most expensive and mouth-watering cuts of beef in the world. For enterprising husband and wife team, Ifor and Eira Humphreys, producing expensive Wagyu beef is just the tip of the iceberg - they also bury dead people at their farm near Newtown.

International athlete and outdoor enthusiast, Angela Jones, has embarked on a 5-week adventure following the beautiful river Wye from source to sea and back again. With her companion Jack the dog at her side, the intrepid pair rack up an impressive 344 miles, running, swimming and kayaking the majestic river.

Straight talking Jeff and his son in law Rich run a campsite and fishery, smack on the border between Monmouth and Coleford. The procrastinating pair are always keen to discuss new money-making opportunities and are masters of the art of producing and consuming.…cider, that is!

Scrumping apples near their home in Chepstow is Jan and Glyn. Owner of Chepstow’s backpacker’s hostel, Mick, is also busy making cider with his home-made apple scratter. Mick is the founding member of Chepstow’s border Morris dancing team, ‘The Widders,’ who are all gearing up for a performance at the town’s annual ‘Apple Day’ celebrations. Show less

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