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Canal Journeys: A Love Story Beyond Dementia
2 Jul
Summary
- Samuel West unveiled a plaque honoring his late parents' TV show.
- The show documented his mother's struggle with dementia with honesty.
- The series is described as a powerful love story by his son.
Samuel West recently unveiled a memorial plaque in Braunston, Northamptonshire, honoring his late parents, actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales. The plaque is situated where they moored their boat, the setting for their popular series, "Great Canal Journeys". This event also coincided with the opening of the Historic Boat Rally, a gathering of vintage working boats.
West reflected on the profound impact of the series, particularly how it openly addressed his mother's dementia. He shared that while his father initially saw the show as being about industrial architecture, others recognized it as a "love story". The support received from viewers who found the programs helpful in understanding dementia was deeply moving for the family.
Recalling childhood holidays on narrowboats, Samuel West noted the slow pace of canal travel, a stark contrast to modern life. He shared his mother's poignant quote about dementia, "I don't always know where I'm going, but I always enjoy getting there," considering it a valuable motto for life.
