Oh, Doctor Beeching!

Jul 1, 1996

At the peaceful country railway station in Hatley, life appears uncomplicated until the day the newspaper arrives with the news that Dr Beeching, the Minister of Transport, is rumoured to be planning to close down a large proportion of the national rail network.

Jul 8, 1996

The staff are anxious to hear which stations Dr. Beeching is to close down. Meanwhile, Harry's turkey Oscar escapes and runs riot on the line.

Jul 15, 1996

New Stationmaster Cecil Parkin decides the announcement system needs revising; Jack becomes even more suspicious of May.

Jul 22, 1996

As Cecil Parkin prepares to move into the Stationmaster's house, Ethel discovers that May has met Parkin before.

Jul 29, 1996

A parcel arrives at Hatley in a very peculiar type of packaging.

Aug 5, 1996

A horse box arrives at Hatley station. Luckily, Wilfred is standing by with a bucket of water and a bale of hay.

Aug 12, 1996

The staff are up early to collect a new arrival—but a much less welcome one turns up later that same day.

Aug 19, 1996

May is asked to go for an interview for the job of buffet manageress at Loxley station, where she'd be working for Fred Foster. But Jack, Harry and Cecil know him well...

Aug 27, 1996

Gloria and Wilfred's beds are still made, so May, Ethel and Jack are anxious to find out where they are. Meanwhile, Ethel is hoping to be swept off her feet at the local dance.

Jun 29, 1997

May panics when Cecil Parkin announces that the Minister of Transport is to visit the station, because the milkman has failed to deliver the milk.

Jul 6, 1997

Jack is behaving very strangely, and Cecil makes a startling discovery.

Jul 13, 1997

Jack discovers a bag full of money; but will May allow him to keep it?

Jul 20, 1997

May's fridge is broken. So when Cecil acquires a British Railways van, he is anxious to drive her to Clumberfield to have it repaired.

Jul 27, 1997

Just when things are going well at Hatley, Ralph decides to go on strike.

Aug 17, 1997

When Ethel meets an American called Joe, Wilfred over-reacts dramatically.

Sep 14, 1997

A bowls outing provides the ideal opportunity for May and Cecil to be alone together.

Sep 17, 1997

A visit from a Rolls Royce at the station leads to the news of a much more important visit later in the day.

Sep 21, 1997

Arnold is very concerned when he has trouble driving diesel engines on a course, and May is having some sneaky suspicions...

Sep 28, 1997

The staff prepares to celebrate Hatley Station's 100th anniversary.