Holding On

Based in the village of Heatherton, the entwined lives of Beth and Peter Scott and Charlotte Gardner are disrupted by changes beyond their control. When their pasts catch up with them, relationships unravel and they begin to face events they've spent a lifetime running from. For over thirty years, Beth's boxed and buried away her childhood secret; believing that by ignoring its existence it won't have any power over her. When award-winning war photographer Don Meadon returns to the area to promote his autobiography, Beth has to confront the damaging effects of her abusive past. After his Mum died in a car accident when he was a child, Peter and his Dad, Edward, have been exceptionally close, working together at the family carpentry business. When Edward retires to Spain and meets Fiona, Peter struggles to cope with his Dad leaving him. Charlotte Gardner, head teacher of Heatherton Junior School, is overworked but content with life. After her deputy leaves, Robert Armstrong is brought in as a temporary replacement and she finds herself attracted to him. When Robert tries to pursue a relationship she's reluctant.