All Gas and Gaiters

Jan 31, 1967

BBC journalist Timothy Post arrives at St Oggs to film a documentary, and someone is required to go in front of the camera. The Bishop is keen to stop the Dean from taking on the role, and fancies doing it himself.

Feb 7, 1967

The Bishop has been sought to contribute an article on the Cathedral for a local paper, and he sets to with enthusiasm. His discovery of an old tradition called 'Pedlar's Right', and its subsequent publication, lead him into an embarrassing situation.

Feb 14, 1967

With an impending visit to his alma mater to deliver a sermon for Founder's Day, the Bishop determines not to forget it – as he did the previous year. But in the end, he misplaces both his new sermon and the one Noote lends him as a replacement — is he ever to impress his old headmaster?

Feb 21, 1967

There have been several sightings of a ghost in the Cathedral and attention turns to the Bishop, who is called upon to perform an exorcism. The Bishop, however, decides to hunt out the ghost by performing an all-night vigil in the cloisters.

Feb 28, 1967

When the Dean mistakenly entrusts the Bishop to look after his man-eating plant, he little realises the chaos that it causes. If the Bishop had not arranged for a removal of junk from his home, then the key to the Deanery wouldn't be lost and the Archdeacon wouldn't have had to enlist a reformed burglar in order to retrieve it!

Mar 7, 1967

The Bishop's normal Thursday night game with Noote and the Archdeacon is thrown into chaos when the Dean arrives. Only three people are allowed to play but the Dean wants in and he sends Noote on an errand. Noote has to persuade a young lady not to park in the close but, instead, he becomes enchanted with her and it looks as though the Dean has a regular place at the game after all...

Nov 24, 1967

The Dean has promised the congregation that he is going to return St Ogg's to its primitive roots. He wishes to replace the Bishop's comfortable throne with a large stone and make life less cosy so that people will pay attention to the sermons. There's a mad frenzy from the Bishop and his cohorts as they try to squash the Dean's plans.

Dec 1, 1967

Having endured one of the Dean's parties the previous night, the Bishop and Archdeacon are not over-pleased when Noote forces them to attend another. But they're in for a surprise when the Dean's delightful sister, Hilary, charms them both and suddenly there's a contest to win her affections.

Dec 8, 1967

When the Bishop receives a letter from the Archbishop inquiring about the poor clergy in the diocese, he's adamant that all parishes in his jurisdiction are poverty free. Noote advises him of a parish in Stagmarsh that he has never even visited, so the Bishop is stung in to to taking gifts of old clothes disguised as jumble for the 'poor' curate.

Dec 15, 1967

In an effort to make his mark on the history of St Ogg's, the Bishop is encouraged to buy at auction the sermons of Bishop Gurdon, a 14th century notable. This would ensure the Bishop would get a brass plaque for his services but, as usual, nothing goes to plan.

Dec 22, 1967

The Dean has heard Noote whispering sweet nothings to a 'woman' in the old stables and complains to the Bishop. Turns out Noote has been looking after an Afghan hound and, to complicate things, it is also happens to be pregnant. The Dean's total ignorance of the situation leads to some peculiar misunderstandings.

Dec 29, 1967

After another row with the Dean, the Bishop decides he's tired of arguing and decides to play the bigger man. He is persuaded to recommend the Dean for the newly created diocese of Chelsea but then he has to find nice things to say about him – a very difficult task after ten years of bitter infighting.

Jan 8, 1969

It appears that Noote has finally found a girlfriend and the Archdeacon thinks the time is right for the Bishop to tell him the facts of life. But, in reality, Noote has been asked to perform a marriage service for the young lady in question who happens to be an old friend. Once again, the Dean causes chaos with his meddling and the misunderstandings abound.

Jan 15, 1969

The Archdeacon offers the Bishop a chance to make some money by selling him tickets for an OAP raffle. The Bishop is going to the point-to-point horse racing and is encouraged by the Archdeacon to have a bet. But the question of gambling is given a positive spin by the Archdeacon — after all, raffle tickets are technically gambling. The Bishop is now convinced that having a flutter is not real gambling and determines to 'have a bit of fun without losing control'.

Jan 22, 1969

The Dean agrees with St Paul that 'a Bishop should be given to hospitality' but he's taken by surprise at the outcome.

Jan 29, 1969

The Bishop is stung by the Dean's accusation that his visits to the diocese are out of date. In an attempt to teach the Dean a lesson, he decides to visit St Ogg's, in his official capacity, and make the Dean account for every item in the Cathedral's inventory.

Feb 5, 1969

There is evidence that the Methodists are poaching Anglican congregations so the Bishop decides to fight fire with fire.

Feb 12, 1969

There is great anticipation at St Ogg's when the final episode of a TV thriller is about to be broadcast – but the Dean does not share their enthusiasm and his presence is unwelcome.

Feb 19, 1969

Keeping a diary should be a very private affair but the Bishop is having trouble keeping his from the Dean.

Apr 15, 1970

When it comes to car shopping, the Bishop can only see one model suitable for him, but the Dean disapproves.

Apr 22, 1970

There's concern for the Archdeacon when he isn't feeling himself, and his trip to Harley Street makes the Bishop fear the worst.

Apr 29, 1970

The Dean has planned a "Good Neighbour Week" but the enthusiasm is muted because it coincides with the Test cricket.

May 6, 1970

When the Bishop receives a substantial offer for St Ogg's cloak, he sees it as an ideal way of raising funds for clergy widows. However, the Dean is opposed and the Bishop must get past the Cathedral's new security system.

May 13, 1970

The Bishop shows his ruthless streak when he looks to add a much desired piece to his art collection.

May 20, 1970

It's the Bishop's birthday and he should be happy but, as usual, the Dean has managed to rob it of its charm.

May 27, 1970

When the Bishop decides to become a bit more enterprising, he finds it more difficult than he thought...

May 13, 1971

Now that the Dean has replaced the annual hymn service with a music festival, there is a need to house the boys' choir. Due to local bylaws, it is down to the Bishop to put them up in his home but he has just had a new central heating system fitted and it makes for a sleepless night for all!

May 20, 1971

It's St Ogg's annual garden party, and the Bishop has received a letter from an old friend, Mrs Arnold. After meeting her again recently, he's keen to do what he should have done thirty years ago — propose!

May 27, 1971

The Dean's silver wedding anniversary is approaching, and he's been dropping rather a lot of hints around St Ogg's as to what he would like as a gift. However, it seems he's got something else for himself...

Jun 3, 1971

The Bishop stews in envy as the Dean announces his invitation to preach for at Windsor. When the Dean has an accident in the garden, the Bishop sees an opportunity too good to pass up.

Jun 10, 1971

When the Bishop is awoken from his afternoon rest by the sound of the cathedral bells, he's confused as they haven't rang for years. His confusion turns to anger when he hears that the Dean has had the bells restored and intends to hold bell-ringing practice every Saturday afternoon.

Jun 17, 1971

When the Bishop decides to spend his money on a new colour television instead of a typist, an overwhelmed Noote resigns. But Noote decides to stay when the Dean's precocious niece is employed to help him!