The Grandparent Diaries - Avril Pengilly

When a widowed elderly grandmother moves in with one of her children and grandchildren, it is usually assumed it is because she is too old and frail to continue to look after herself. But three years ago, when 78-year-old Avril Pengilly sold her bungalow to live with her youngest daughter Liz, her son-in-law Dave and her grandsons Jake and Mike, it was because they needed her help, both financially and practically, as much as she needed them. Through interview and observation, the film explores both the advantages and challenges for all three generations living under one roof. Using personal photographs and Avril's memories of the her life in a small north Devon farming community, Avril looks back at her own history and how it has informed her role as a grandmother and mother today.