

The trials and tribulations of the staff at Hatley railway station, who are all wondering if Dr Beeching will close them down.
Richard Spendlove
BBC One
19
30 min

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 1, 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 8, 1996

New Stationmaster Cecil Parkin decides the announcement system needs revising; Jack becomes even more suspicious of May.
Jul 15, 1996

As Cecil Parkin prepares to move into the Stationmaster's house, Ethel discovers that May has met Parkin before.
Jul 22, 1996

A parcel arrives at Hatley in a very peculiar type of packaging.
Jul 29, 1996

A horse box arrives at Hatley station. Luckily, Wilfred is standing by with a bucket of water and a bale of hay.
Aug 5, 1996

The staff are up early to collect a new arrival—but a much less welcome one turns up later that same day.
Aug 12, 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 19, 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.
Aug 27, 1996

Cecil Parkin

Vera Plumtree

Harry Lambert

May Skinner

Arnold Thomas

Ethel Schumann

Jack Skinner

Ralph

Percy

Gloria Skinner

Wilfred Schumann