TVScope: 'Sawdust and Sausages" was not as might first appear about culinary skills, but was rather the first in a 10-part series profiling modern Irish family life. There was a gentle, feel-good air to this first programme, due in no small measure to the warmth of the two families featured.
While a narrator provided just enough background information, the families were allowed to do the talking themselves - a refreshing change. The sawdust referred to the travelling circus run by the Duffy family, a predominantly male affair, with the sixth, seventh and eight generations of Duffy men all taking to the ring. We met the grandfather, Tom, his son Dave the current ringmaster, and Dave's young sons, Tom and Jamie. Stephanie, the children's mother, was introduced to us as the seductive, snake draped, "Stephanie the Snake Woman".
The sausages of the title referred to the Kenmare B&B run by the predominately female household of Bill and Geraldine Topham and their three daughters. They are a solid, traditional, Church of Ireland family and Bill's family have farmed locally for four centuries. Geraldine radiated earthiness and common sense as she conjured heaped plated of sausages and bacon for her guests.
On the surface the two families, particularly the mothers, were very different. However as we eavesdropped on their musings about their lives, what was most striking was how similar both families' values were. They both loved and treasured their children, but this did not mean over indulgence or protection from the realities and responsibilities of real life.
In the Duffy family, we witnessed the discipline and sheer hard work involved in circus life. The Duffy children accepted this without protest and were happy with their predestined role in carrying on the family tradition. Closeness, loyalty and being able to rely on each other was what their father expected them to have in their relationship with each other. The reward for the boys for all their hard work was performing their juggling and acrobatic skills.
Meanwhile, the Topham girls were also learning through doing. They herded cows, changed beds, greeted guests, mixed cement and, as a side line, dug worms to sell to fishermen. Their parents worked side by side with them and believed all of this work would teach the girls the value of money. The children responded with the same good humour and common sense shown by the parents.
No, they didn't like giving up their bedrooms, but yes, they would enjoy the holiday that the extra money would provide. For both families spending real time with their children was what was important. For Bill Topham, "time was the most valuable thing you can give them" and for Dave Duffy "staying together is everything". In turn, the children from both families exuded both self-confidence and trust in their parents.
The disintegration of family life under the pressure and stresses of modern living has been well documented. This programme demonstrated that when there is a strong enough desire to create it, positive family values, which provide the structure and security children need, can flourish in a variety of settings.
Olive Travers is a clinical psychologist working in the north west.