Page 1 - Frontispiece
The 'Oh Doctor Beeching!' Companion
Page 2 - reverse side photo
Page 3 - Title Page
Page 4 - Imprint and list of contents
Page 5 - Acknowledgements - Colin Penny
Page 6 - Right Away! - A word from Richard Spendlove MBE
Page 7 - Introduction by Charles Garland
Page 8 - David Croft OBE - Mr. T.V.
Page 9 - The Main Cast Members
Page 10 - Paul Shane
Page 11 - Jack Skinner
Station Porter Jack Skinner is a simple man. He likes good down-to-earth food, a few beers, and a flutter on the horses. He's not one for exercise, and not too particular about the way he looks. He also lacks ambition, is rather lazy, and is quite happy to simply 'jog along'. Although he's been covering the Station Master vacancy on a temporary basis, he has no desire to apply for the permanent position. In contrast, he is married to a very slim and attractive woman, and one who regularly attracts male attention. Such attention makes Jack angry and jealous, but he doesn't seem to realise that, if he kept himself in better shape and became a little more refined in his ways, his wife might rebuff those advances from more cultured men. Things come to a head when the newly-appointed Station Master arrives, as he seems to be very friendly with Jack's wife. It's almost seems as if they know each other from the past.
Page 12 - Su Pollard
Page 13 - Ethel Schumann
Booking Office Clerk Ethel Schumann is a simple but scatty girl who attacks each day with great enthusiasm, hoping to find the love that has eluded her for many years. During the war she met and married an American serviceman, Earl Schumann, but he was killed in a munitions accident just after the war ended. This left her to bring up their son, Wilfred, alone. Ethel's world is one of total chaos and confusion as she tries to hold down her job, supervise and care for her son (who is not the sharpest tool in the box), whilst trying to get some favourable reaction from the local men. She thought she had found Mr. Right when she met another American serviceman, Joe, but her dreams were once again shattered when he had to return to America just one week later.
Page 14 - Jeffrey Holland
Page 15 - Cecil Parkin
Cecil Parkin had made the grade. After working his way up for sixteen years, he had finally achieved his ambition by becoming a Station Master. Arriving at Hatley Station with a cool air of authority he was determined to impose his high standards of cleanliness and efficiency on the station, and its staff. His plan was derailed somewhat when he discovered that the love of his life, and the woman he came close to marrying eighteen years ago, was in charge of the Buffet, and that she was married to the lazy and unkempt Jack Skinner. Cecil suddenly found his official task more difficult, as he could only display his authoritarian side for so long, before melting whenever May was near. He was suddenly plunged into the dangerous game of trying to arrange secret meetings with May, and making almost any excuse to gain a few precious moments alone with her. Many times, his sense of jugement was clouded by his feelings of desire, and some members of staff were starting to notice his strange behaviour.
Page 16 - Julia Deakin
Page 17 - May Skinner
The petite and stylish May Skinner lives a life filled with frustration at Hatley. With her looks and figure, she could have done anything. Instead, she married portly Jack Skinner, mainly due to 'circumstances', meaning that her personal ambitions were consigned to the waste bin. The pair are different in almost every way, and many people can't understand how they got together in the first place. As her dull way of life seems to be set, May pours her energy into ensuring that daughter Gloria completes her college education to make more of herself than May could achieve. May's life wasn't always so boring though. During the war, she was dating Jack and Cecil at the same time, and even today, she's still not quite sure which of the two fathered Gloria.
Page 18 - Barbara New
Page 19 - Vera Plumtree
Although not an official member of staff, Vera Plumtree lives at No. 1 Railway Cottages, as her late husband was employed by British Railways. As she often slips into a conversation: "he was an engine driver, you know". Vera is something of a 'busy body', always listening for spicy titbits, and passing them on. She always seems to be in the right place at the right time to hear things not intended for her ears. With this amazing gift it's not surprising that she is the one who always seems to walk in on intimate moments between Cecil and May. She is also adept at muddling her words, pronouncing them incorrectly, or even mistakingly inventing her own new words!
Page 20 - Stephen Lewis
Page 21 - Harry Lambert
Harry Lambert is a rather odd and depressive character, whose wife left him some years ago. He has worked as a Signalman for many years and he is bored stiff with the job. To relieve the boredom, and to make a few quid on the side, he started a whole range of little sidelines, such as taking bets for a bookie, repairing bicycles, giving haircuts, and selling eggs, tomatoes, and apples. Most of the produce is grown in or around his signal box. Although there are not too many trains on this line each day, Harry often becomes irate when the bells signal the approach of yet 'another ruddy train', especially when he's acting as a barber or bike repair man. Despite his miserable expression and personality, he is the long-standing leader of a dance band: 'Harry Lambert and the Rythmn Rascals', and Vera often seems quite taken with him!
Page 22 - Ivor Roberts
Page 23 - Arnold Thomas
Arnold Thomas is a very experienced engine driver with a heart of gold. He still has some time to go before retirement, and he's inwardly worried about the new-fangled diesel engines that are replacing his beloved steam locomotives. His other worry is that he has been tasked by Superintendant Scott to provide engine driver tuition for his fireman, Ralph. No matter how much instruction Arnold gives him, Ralph just cannot seem to grasp the fundamentals of engine driving. On the domestic front, Arnold's wife, Jessica, is liable to do rather dangerous things when left alone, and so all these things play on his mind during the working day.
Page 24 - Perry Benson
Page 25 - Ralph
Ralph is a decent lad, but common sense is probably not in great supply here. Despite much patient tuition from Arnold, Ralph just cannot get the hang of engine driving. Sometimes he stops too short. Sometimes he overshoots. Sometimes his passengers, including Mr. Parkin, are shot across the carriages as if from ejector seats. Ralph is another who feels like his life is going nowhere on this branch line. He has a thing about Gloria Skinner, but unfortunately for him, she doesn't find him at all attractive. Ralph dreams of bettering himself, but like many others at Hatley, there is little chance of escape.
Page 26 - Terry John
Page 27 - Percy
Percy is one of the Guards on this line, and he certainly has an eye for the ladies. Most of his lust is directed at Amy Matlock, although he also fancies Glora, and even boasts of having past fun with Gloria's mother. He also keeps making advances to Ethel, until someone more exciting walks in, and then poor Ethel gets dropped like a stone. Despite his roving eye, Percy is good-hearted, and will always lend a hand to anyone who needs some help. Will he ever marry? It seems unlikely, as he enjoys playing the field too much!
Page 28 - Lindsay Grimshaw
Page 29 - Gloria Skinner
Gloria is a sweet little thing, and with her big smile and boundless energy, she certainly attracts male attention. One of those taking notice is Cecil Parkin, and he has to keep reminding himself that he is, quite possibly, her father. Gloria's best friend is Amy, who seems quite free with her favours. This worries the two 'father figures' Jack and Cecil, who wish to protect the virtue of Gloria. Sometimes, when not at college, Gloria helps her mother in the buffet.
Page 30 - Paul Aspen
Page 31 - Wilfred Schumann
It seems that poor Wilfred had a day off when the brains were handed out. He'll do anything you ask him, but not neccessarily correctly. He doesn't seem to understand the knock-on effects of his actions, or non-actions. Wifred is very good at saying the wrong thing in front of Mr. Parkin, which often gets the others into trouble. He is another who dreams of getting away, especially from his mother's apron strings, but lacks the common sense he would need to survive in the outside world without her. He seems destined to be cleaning the brasses in the gents' wotsits for the remainder of his working life.
Page 32 - Tara Daniels
Page 33 - Amy Matlock
Amy Matlock is a young, attractive girl who enjoys life and tends to attract males due to her free and easy outlook. Her short skirts also aid this process, and her friend Glora often gets into trouble with her father as she, naturally, wants to copy Amy. Ethel has only one word for her: 'tart', because whenever Ethel thinks things might be starting to happen with Percy, Amy sweeps in and whisks Percy away. This makes Ethel beside herself with anger and jealousy as Amy is much younger, has no ties, and, it must be said, is much sexier. Amy knows that she gets under Ethel's skin, and exploits the situation to the full.
Page 34 - A - Z of the Supporting Cast
Page 35
Joy Allen
In ODB Joy played a passenger who innocently came into the booking office to buy a 1-month return ticket as she was travelling to a nursing home. Ethel, as usual, got the wrong end of the stick by overestimating the age of the lady, and asked "Are you sure you want a return?". Insulted, the lady explains that she is visiting her mother, before storming off in disgust. (S2, episode 2: 'Father's Day').
Joy also appeared in three other David Croft productions:
Dad's Army - S5, episode 3: 'A Soldier's Farewell' (Clippie), S7, episode 3: 'Gorilla Warfare' (Lady with the Pram)
'Are You Being Served?' - S3, episode 4: 'Cold Store' (Sister), S7, episode 2: 'Strong Stuff This Insurance' (Staff Nurse)
'Allo, 'Allo - S2, episode 7: 'The Gateau from the Chateau' (Mrs Fairfax - the voice of)
Joy Allen was born in Werrington, Cambridgeshire on 10th November 1948, and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Besides the the four David Croft productions she also appeared in four episodes of the American TV series 'Archie Bunker's Place' (1982-3). Her filmography includes Death of an Expert Witness (1983), Night of the Demon (1980), and Blind Corner (1963).
Joy also appeared in three other David Croft productions:
Dad's Army - S5, episode 3: 'A Soldier's Farewell' (Clippie), S7, episode 3: 'Gorilla Warfare' (Lady with the Pram)
'Are You Being Served?' - S3, episode 4: 'Cold Store' (Sister), S7, episode 2: 'Strong Stuff This Insurance' (Staff Nurse)
'Allo, 'Allo - S2, episode 7: 'The Gateau from the Chateau' (Mrs Fairfax - the voice of)
Joy Allen was born in Werrington, Cambridgeshire on 10th November 1948, and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Besides the the four David Croft productions she also appeared in four episodes of the American TV series 'Archie Bunker's Place' (1982-3). Her filmography includes Death of an Expert Witness (1983), Night of the Demon (1980), and Blind Corner (1963).
Al Hunter Ashton (Al Ashton)
In ODB Al appeared as Tom Samways, the local coal merchant. He arrived early in the morning with his horse and cart, along with Wilfred, who had got up early to help Tom with his deliveries. (Episode 9 'Sleeping Around').
Al was born in Birmingham on 26th June 1957, but died of heart failure at his home in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire on 29th April 2007, aged just 49.
Although his size and physique resembled that of a night club bouncer, Al was a gentle, big-hearted man. He was also a very talented actor, appearing in an amazingly long list of television and film credits. One of his most well-known parts was that of fireman 'Pitbull' in the TV series 'London's Burning', a role he played for six series. Aside from his many acting parts, Al was also a prolific writer for television, film, theatre, and radio, and even hosted courses for budding script writers.
Among Al's many acting appearances were: London's Burning, Holby City, Angels, Juliet Bravo, Brookside, Crossroads, The Broker's Man, Emmerdale, Mr. Bean, The Brittas Empire, Bergerac, Birds of a Feather, Bread, Inspector Morse, Minder, A Fish Called Wanda, Casualty, Lenny Henry Tonight, White Goods, Doctors, Jekyll, Incendiary, and Sisterhood. Please note: this is not a complete list!
As for the writing side, Al penned some of the storylines for these productions: Doctors, Eastenders, Holby City, See How They Run, The Bill, Casualty, Emmerdale, Streetwise, Rumble, The Firm, Alive and Kicking, Teaching Matthew, Alison, The Wicked Snow Queen, and Tales From the Bible.
Al was born in Birmingham on 26th June 1957, but died of heart failure at his home in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire on 29th April 2007, aged just 49.
Although his size and physique resembled that of a night club bouncer, Al was a gentle, big-hearted man. He was also a very talented actor, appearing in an amazingly long list of television and film credits. One of his most well-known parts was that of fireman 'Pitbull' in the TV series 'London's Burning', a role he played for six series. Aside from his many acting parts, Al was also a prolific writer for television, film, theatre, and radio, and even hosted courses for budding script writers.
Among Al's many acting appearances were: London's Burning, Holby City, Angels, Juliet Bravo, Brookside, Crossroads, The Broker's Man, Emmerdale, Mr. Bean, The Brittas Empire, Bergerac, Birds of a Feather, Bread, Inspector Morse, Minder, A Fish Called Wanda, Casualty, Lenny Henry Tonight, White Goods, Doctors, Jekyll, Incendiary, and Sisterhood. Please note: this is not a complete list!
As for the writing side, Al penned some of the storylines for these productions: Doctors, Eastenders, Holby City, See How They Run, The Bill, Casualty, Emmerdale, Streetwise, Rumble, The Firm, Alive and Kicking, Teaching Matthew, Alison, The Wicked Snow Queen, and Tales From the Bible.
Felix Bowness
Page 36
Felix appeared in ODB as Bernie Bleasdale, a Railway Guard. In the final episode Bernie appeared, off-duty, as the leader of the local brass band.
(Episode 9 'Sleeping Around') (Episode 11 'Father's Day') (Episode 13 'The Van') (Episode 15 'Love is a very Splendid Thing') (Episode 19 'Ton Up')
Felix Harvey Talbot-Bowness was born in Harwell, Berkshire on 3oth March 1922, and died at the age of 87 at Woodley near Reading, Berkshire on 13th September 2009.
In his younger days he took up boxing and became a bantamweight champion. Then the war intervened and he joined the Royal Berkshire Regiment. He was part of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, but his landing craft was hit by enemy fire, causing it to sink. When he awoke in a French convent, Felix couldn't remember what had happened or how he arrived at the convent. During his recovery, Felix attended a concert by Vera Lynn, after which he received a private singing lesson from her. Once back in Britain, Felix started his showbiz career as a stand-up comic, which included two summer seasons on the pier at Clacton-on-Sea in 1948-9.
He started to get into television in the 1960s, also becoming 'the best warm-up man in the business' for a whole collection of shows, including Morecambe and Wise, the Two Ronnies, and Terry Wogan's highly popular Wogan chat show, where he amassed almost 3000 warm-up sessions.
During Felix's television career he worked with Eric Sykes, Terry Scott, Hugh Lloyd, and Benny Hill, before being taken under David Croft's wing. This led to a few appearances in Dad's Army before Felix appeared in all 58 episodes of Hi-De-Hi! as ex-jockey Fred Quilley, becoming a household name in the process. He was also seen in You Rang, M'Lord? Felix was also seen in Porridge with Ronnie Barker, as well as the other David Croft productions Are You Being Served?, You Rang M'Lord?, and of course, five episodes of ODB.
(Episode 9 'Sleeping Around') (Episode 11 'Father's Day') (Episode 13 'The Van') (Episode 15 'Love is a very Splendid Thing') (Episode 19 'Ton Up')
Felix Harvey Talbot-Bowness was born in Harwell, Berkshire on 3oth March 1922, and died at the age of 87 at Woodley near Reading, Berkshire on 13th September 2009.
In his younger days he took up boxing and became a bantamweight champion. Then the war intervened and he joined the Royal Berkshire Regiment. He was part of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, but his landing craft was hit by enemy fire, causing it to sink. When he awoke in a French convent, Felix couldn't remember what had happened or how he arrived at the convent. During his recovery, Felix attended a concert by Vera Lynn, after which he received a private singing lesson from her. Once back in Britain, Felix started his showbiz career as a stand-up comic, which included two summer seasons on the pier at Clacton-on-Sea in 1948-9.
He started to get into television in the 1960s, also becoming 'the best warm-up man in the business' for a whole collection of shows, including Morecambe and Wise, the Two Ronnies, and Terry Wogan's highly popular Wogan chat show, where he amassed almost 3000 warm-up sessions.
During Felix's television career he worked with Eric Sykes, Terry Scott, Hugh Lloyd, and Benny Hill, before being taken under David Croft's wing. This led to a few appearances in Dad's Army before Felix appeared in all 58 episodes of Hi-De-Hi! as ex-jockey Fred Quilley, becoming a household name in the process. He was also seen in You Rang, M'Lord? Felix was also seen in Porridge with Ronnie Barker, as well as the other David Croft productions Are You Being Served?, You Rang M'Lord?, and of course, five episodes of ODB.
John D. Collins
JDC appeared in the first episode of ODB as Mr. Fairfax, the passenger who had seen May talking to a man on Saturday. This information made Jack's blood pressure rise, and caused him to interrogate May.
Page 37
Thomas Connor
Thomas played the young boy in two episodes of ODB. He was the nephew of Lady Lawrence, and wanted to keep the lion that had been wrongly delivered.
Jonathan Cross
Jonathan appeared as a pleasant, mild-mannered passenger in two (?) episodes.
Windsor Davies
Windsor Davies appeared as the Mayor of Clumberfield in the final episode, when the 100th Anniversary of Hatley Station being opened was commemorated.
Page 38
Angela Easterling
Angela gave two wonderful performances as Lady Lawrence, perhaps the best of which was when she came to collect her horse, but found that the wagon contained a lion instead. Her hysterical scream is a thing of legend! In the other, she was "warmed most welcomely" by a flustered Cecil Parkin.
Donald Gee
Donald Gee played the restaurant manager of ???? station, who interviewed May for the vacancy at his station. His character, Fred Foster, was an extremely smarmy and irritating character, especially to Jack and Cecil, as he sought to whisk May away from them both. Harry mentioned that he'd had past dealings with Fred Foster, and looked forward to meeting him.
Daphne Goddard
Daphne made two appearances in ODB. In both of them, she played an upper class, elderly lady passenger, with little or no time for inefficiency or new gimmicks. Jack made the mistake of hoping she'd "Have a nice day". He reply was priceless: "Don't be American!" In the second appearance, she soon cured the 'teething troubles' with Mr. Parkin's new blind.
Page 39
Sally Grace
Sally made a single appearance, as Cecil's fiancee, Edna Taylor, causing much interest and disbelief among the staff. She also caused panic with Harry, as he made the mistake of mentioning his dodgy sidelines in front of her, not knowing she was a tax inspector. During her day at Hatley, she discovered that Cecil had been untrue to her. He'd written a note to her saying that he didn't know how to break it off. Edna certainly had her ideas on this subject, and almost did 'break it off'.
Tony Hawks
Tony appeared in a single episode as Andy Bugden, the bread man. His loud call of "Bread-O" soon had the ladies appearing at the window to state their requirements. Ethel was quite sweet on Andy, and hoped they'd meet at the upcoming dance. Andy was underwhelmed by the thought of this prospect!
Sherrie Hewson
Sherrie is included in this 'Supporting Cast' section, but really, if things had worked out differently, she could have been included among the main cast. She was originally selected to play the role of May Skinner, and actually shot the pilot episode. Shortly afterwards, the producers of Coronation Street decided to extend the life of her character, and her contract, and therefore, she left ODB. This meant that all interior scenes featuring Sherrie had to be re-shot with the 'new' May Skinner, Julia Deakin.
Page 40
Hugh Lloyd
The veteran comedy actor Hugh Lloyd appeared in one episode of ODB, as Ernie Bennett, the chauffer of Lady Lawrence. He arrived at Hatley in the Rolls with 'privileged information' about an important visitor. "Forewarned is forearmed". Ernie had previously run a taxi business, but had recently gone bust.
Mac McDonald
Mac played the 'cuddly' American serviceman, Joe, whom Ethel met when she went shopping in town. Joe surpised Ethel when he showed up in his buddy's Cadillac to take her out for a Sunday afternoon picnic in the countryside. Unfortunately, he also broke her heart when he told her he must return to the States the very next week.
Page 41
James Pertwee
James appeared in the final episode, playing the photographer from the local newspaper. James is actually the son of the late Bill Pertwee, star of Dad's Army and You Rang M'Lord?
John Rapley
John made a single appearance, as a vicar buying some train tickets. Ethel hoped he'd enjoyed her 'morning service'.
Page 42
Richard Spendlove
Richard conceived the idea for ODB and duly presented it to David Croft. The rest is entertainment history. In addition, Richard co-wrote several of the storylines, and also played an occasional but significant on-screen part in the programmes, that of District Inspector Ernest Orkindale.
Page 43
Dr. Richard Beeching - The Villain of the Piece!
Page 44
Hatley Station
Page 45
'Railway Cottages'
Page 46
Rolling Stock
Page 47
Road Vehicles
Page 48
Anecdotes from 'locals'
Page 49
ODB Trivia
Other fictitious station names mentioned in ODB., un-named extras, Vera's words