Lark Rise to Candleford

As Lark Rise and Candleford prepare for Christmas, a beguiling stranger arrives.

A handsome stranger rides into Candleford with a look of determination about him. Along his way, he chances upon young Edmund Timmins and presents him with a silver threepence before heading on his way. His name is James Dowland.

Battling with her emotions for new arrival James Dowland, Dorcas sets out to defeat the dashing property developer in the parish council elections. In her quest to win, she finds herself caught up in a battle to prove there is a place for a woman in politics.

The residents of Lark Rise and Candleford are experiencing more and more changes, and the old ways are receding faster than some like. When an accident happens on the path joining Lark Rise with Candleford, Dorcas Lane and James Dowland clash once again.

Time rests heavy on the residents of Lark Rise and Candleford as baby Annie stirs up emotions of days gone by and loves yet to be found.

When Dorcas is suddenly taken ill, Laura finds herself with more than one problem to solve. Afraid to admit that even she has limitations, Laura decides that she will not fail Dorcas. However, she soon realises that she must accept her own weaknesses if she is to succeed.

There's joy for Robert and Emma Timmins as Robert completes his work on the stone panels for the town clock (funded by James Dowland), and pay day brings its rewards for him and his family. But sadness comes hot on the heals of joy as Robert discovers that he has lost his precious tools and, by the same token, the means to feeding his family.

Relationships are tested in Lark Rise and Candleford when relatives and friends arrive and, in some cases, all are not what they appear to be. Some have their hearts broken and others have theirs mended. But it is the true bond of the community that holds everyone together.

An attractive local milk maid, Nan (Rebecca Night - Fanny Hill, Wuthering Heights), takes a fancy to Alf. But this budding young love looks like it might be thwarted by an animosity between Lark Rise and Fordlow that has been simmering for three generations.

Patterson's wife is struck with illness, and gives him permission to seek a new wife.

A sudden storm reveals a secret romance, but also makes the address on a letter indecipherable. When Dorcas pursues the identity of the recipient of the letter, she reveals another secret. A child - secret even from his own father.

James Dowland is confined to his hospital bed when his son arrives in Candleford. Dorcas welcomes the child into the Post Office, encouraging her staff to do everything they can to make the boy feel at home in Candleford. But this turns out to cause a great deal of turmoil when James is at last released from hospital to be reunited with his son.