Rebuilding broken lives

HEAVEN knows what I was thinking, but as the closing titles rolled on my preview copy of tonight’s drama THE WINDERMERE CHILDREN (BBC2, 9pm), I attempted to begin a conversation.

Specifically, I wanted to tell my wife, who’d been busy elsewhere, what an extraordinarily powerful, emotionally compelling piece of television she’d missed (although if I ever actually come out with such expressions, it’s written in our marriage vows that she’s permitted to slap me).

But I couldn’t get the words out. This may sound a little corny but watching this programme had been such a moving experience that I was rendered temporarily speechless, at least in any coherent sense.

One or two noises did emerge from my mouth but only of the kind I usually make when my shirt collar is an inch too small.

Based on real events and being broadcast to mark the 75th International Holocaust Remembrance Day, this heart-rending story begins in August 1945, when Lake Windermere’s Calgarth Estate opens its doors to a group of youngsters who have survived the Nazi death camps.

The Government has agreed to give refuge to 1,000 of these children, and Jewish philanthropist Leonard Montefiore (Tim McInnerny) has secured sufficient funding to allow 300 of them a four-month stay at the estate.

The plan is to use this time to help them rebuild their lives and integrate them into British society.

Art therapist Marie Paneth, played by Romola Garai, will be encouraging them to express themselves through painting (and finding some of the results truly harrowing).

Sports coach Jock Lawrence, played by Iain Glen, will be building them up, working on their fitness and, well, generally doing what you’d expect from a sports coach who goes by the name of Jock Lawrence and is played by Iain Glen.When one youngster politely suggests he should stop shouting, Jock replies: “I wasn’t shouting. Everyone speaks like this in Scotland.”

Meanwhile, child psychologist

Oscar Friedmann (Thomas Kretschmann) will be overseeing their progress, as well as handling any sensitive issues involving the local community.

Oscar’s finest moment is when he confronts a gang of local lads who have been taunting the children with Nazi salutes. Let’s just say it’s not a mistake they’ll be repeating.

The children who arrive at Windermere are not only traumatised but deeply wary and suspicious. Having stared pure evil in the face, can they ever trust anyone again?

Four months later they’ll be far from fixed, but at least they’ll have their answer.