The title, 'Ruritania', refers to an imaginary kingdom of central Europe that was the setting of several novels by English novelist Anthony Hope, especially The Prisoner of Zenda (1894).
The song the children of the choir sing is a version of 'Things can Only Get Better', from the group D:ream, which the Labour Party chose as their rally main song in 1997.
This episode was dedicated to Shay Leonard. He was a greatly esteemed art director and producer within the realms of film and television. Regrettably, he peacefully departed on June 28, 2023, at the age of 54, following a six-month struggle with illness.
The Women's Institute: although their traditional values are comically sometimes summed up as "Jam and Jerusalem", the author of their anthem / hymn, William Blake, was the most eccentric, radical, visionary poet of his time. Jam (and cake) making may be less controversial, but are still ruthlessly competitive endeavours.