The Charming Village Connected to a Beloved Movie Classic: It's A Wonderful Life.

The small village of Birgham in the rural Borders region proudly claims to be "Twinned with Bedford Falls," the fictional town from the beloved film It's A Wonderful Life. This unique connection originated about a decade ago when a resident named Dai Evans started a film club in the village hall. The club regularly screened It's A Wonderful Life during the Christmas season, accompanied by mulled wine and mince pies. The idea to erect a twinning sign came up during a pub discussion, and the project gained momentum with the help of Dai and another local resident, Gordon Robb. In December 2015, the sign was unveiled at the village entry and was initially intended as a temporary measure. However, the local council never requested its removal, so the sign has remained ever since. Birgham also has a loose connection to the film through actor Henry Travers, who played the guardian angel Clarence. Travers was born in Prudhoe, Northumberland, and lived for some time in Tweedmouth, only 18 miles away from Birgham. The village's twinning with a fictional movie location is not unique in the Scottish Borders, as St Abbs proudly stood in for New Asgard in Avengers: Endgame and also boasts a twinning sign. Birgham's strong sense of community mirrors the themes of It's A Wonderful Life, with villagers taking care of one another. The village has a vibrant community spirit, making it a delightful place to live and raise a family.