All Creatures Great & Small

Looks like a good turnout for the Darrowby fair.

Oh, it does.

Which is why it's the perfect time to open the surgery

up to the public.

Show ourselves off at our professional best.

Yes. So you said.

I'm sure we'll still get to see some of the fun.

Ah, James, all set?

I think so.

Nice badge.

Now, don't forget, you're representing the practice.

I won't, Siegfried. I'm honoured.

COW MOOS

Come on, Clive.

Mr Herriot.

Right on time, I'm pleased to see.

Of course, Mr Foyle.

Looking forward to it.

Good. Good.

Well, we've a lot to get through.

"Tempus fergit" as they say.

Two bob says he won't last past lunchtime.

Honestly, Tristan.

Remember when Grier did it? Drunk by midday.

Threatened to punch Foyle in the mouth.

Two bob. 3:30.

What do you say, Mrs Hall?

Think he'll make it to the family pets?

I most certainly do.

And I don't approve of gambling.

Two bob. Six o'clock.

Not a minute sooner.

These are for you.

A map of the show.

You'll see that each area is numbered.

Two for the bull enclosure, four for the goats and so forth.

The key is at the bottom.

All seems clear enough.

And here's a full timetable of events.

I've marked up your particular responsibilities.

The pony measuring will commence at 1.30 sharp in area ten.

That's the yard at Skeldale House?

It is.

And then at 5pm, you'll be required to judge the pet show

in area nine.

Also Skeldale House?

Yes.

At all other times, as attending vet, you must remain here,

in area one.

So you can be located immediately.

Now, my watch is synchronised with the village clock.

I would suggest that you do the same.

Right.

BELL RINGS

Skeldale House is now open!

That's Skeldale House is now open to the public!

Right, time for our first tour, I think, Mrs Hall.

How many are we?

Three.

Well, I'm sure things will pick up as the day goes on.

Lady and gentlemen, welcome.

Today, we shall be lifting the curtain on the fascinating world

of veterinary science.

If I could ask you to step this way,

that's it.

And please, do refrain from touching the equipment.

Now this is...

You don't mind if I pop out, do you?

Might see how old James is getting on.

Don't think I don't know what you're up to.

You leave him be.

Mrs Hall, I'm offended.

A gentleman never interferes in a wager.

He's in fine form, Mrs Burton.

I'd be surprised if you don't take home a ribbon this year.

Watch what you're doing, will you?

I'm so sorry, Mr Dinsdale.

Bloody menace.

James.

- Sorry. - Mind yourself, lad.

There you are. Thank, God.

Will you have a look at Jenny's ferret?

I was trying to trim his nails, but he wouldn't stay still.

- OK. - And now he's bleeding.

Let's take a look, shall we? Does he bite?

Not much.

Ow!

Oh, God.

No, Leopold. Let go!

Stop pulling your hand.

If you jump around, he'll just bite harder.

And I thought vets were supposed to have a way with animals.

And now you're bleeding and all.

Sorry.

The next tour will be starting shortly.

Please do help yourself to tea.

Thank you.

Thanks very much.

Any chance of anything stronger?

Dorothy, what are you doing here?

I was hoping to whisk you off for a spot of lunch,

but I seem to have walked in on some kind of extravaganza.

It's the Darrowby Show.

You stuck in here all day?

Afraid so.

Well, that's no fun.

Perhaps I can lend a hand?

You'd be bored rigid.

Nonsense, it'll be just like the old days.

The two of us running the show.

But without the zeppelins

or the rationing.

Ferret emergency.

Great.

The powder will stop Leopold's paw bleeding in no time.

He won't even need a bandage.

Shame we can't say the same for you.

Oh, you know James.

Happy to risk life and limb for a damsel in distress.

It's looking better already.

We'll make a vet of you yet.

There you are, good as new.

There we are.

Are you showing Clive today?

We are. Dad's desperate to sell him.

Really?

I thought he was a good earner?

Oh, he is, but he won't be forever.

There's a top breeder coming today, woman called Southwick,

says she might be interested.

If Clive takes first prize, we could get a really good price.

Good luck.

In fact, I was hoping I could ask you to vouch for him,

you know, give him a clean bill of health, if the deal goes ahead.

Of course, I'd be happy to.

Wonderful.

I'd best go and find my dad.

Wasn't old Clive a little bit slow off the mark with Dobson's cows?

Nothing a shot of testosterone didn't sort out.

If that bull wins first prize, could go for a fortune.

God knows they need it.

So long as you're confident there's no problem.

After the testosterone was administered

Clive did start doing his business.

No, I know, I know.

Just the moment there's even the slightest hint that Clive's no good

for breeding, he'd be practically worthless,

off to the knacker's yard for pennies.

Maybe I should give him another once over?

Well, you've already told Helen you'll vouch for him.

Now, come on, enough of this,

you've been neglecting your real duties for far too long already.

That's more like it.

You're starting early.

My good friend here needs fortification for the day ahead.

So, we'll be wanting two more when you're ready.

Steady on.

You know I'm on duty.

That's why you need to get them in while you have the chance.

So, have you had your invitation yet?

Ah? What invitation?

Tea with the parents.

Now you're sticking around,

she'll be expecting things to get a little more serious.

What? Maggie?

I don't think so.

Mr Herriot, could you spare a minute?

It's a veterinary matter, I'd value your opinion.

Can't it wait?

Sorry, Tris, vet business.

My, she's a little beauty, isn't she?

A dark roan shorthorn.

Nice wide pelvis.

Level udder.

She's a lovely pedigree specimen.

You know, a cow like this doesn't come cheap, Mr Rudd.

That she doesn't.

But with your say so and recommendation...

We've been putting some by.

And I would like to make the investment in a good breeder.

You know, five year from now, we could have a pedigree herd.

So, would you buy her?

I would.

Was that Dick Rudd I saw you talking to out there?

He asked me to look over a pedigree cow he was thinking of buying.

A testament to his high regard for your professional opinion.

Can I ask you something?

Mm-hm.

Just because you have to administer testosterone to a bull

to get it serving the cows,

doesn't necessarily mean there's got to be an underlying problem?

Oh, no, not necessarily.

He might just need a bit of a lift,

must be exhausting moving from herd to herd like they do.

Of course, it could also be lameness.

The only thing that really matters is

whether the cows are in calf or not.

Right.

Mr Dobson.

Hello, there.