Young Tim Cordon (Malcolm Patton) moved to the countryside and discovered an interest in the care of animals. Befriending local vet Mr Francis (James Ward) and his assistant Sheila (Rosemary Nicols), Tim was given some convalescing hamsters to look after and soon hit upon the idea of setting himself up as an animal hotel.
Cats and dogs, badgers, kestrels, buzzards, ponies, monkeys, a naughty goat and even a cheetah all passed through its doors.
Sometimes the series was played for laughs with animal high jinks all round, but sometimes there was sad news and the odd case of animal cruelty to deal with.
Tim made friends with local girl Betsy Alder (Gay Emma), and it was Betsy who would become the series lead as it progressed through various cast changes.
For the second series, Betsy travelled to Alemouth where she met Oliver (Kenneth Nash), nicknamed Ocky. Later, returning to Badger’s Bend, she was joined by local lad Dave Banks (Hugh Janes).
This series from Associated-Rediffusion Television aired between January and April 1963 and then between October 1963 and February 1964.
Betsy Alder
Gay Emma Oliver “Ocky” Crossley
Kenneth Nash Tim Cordon
Malcolm Patton Mr Francis
James Ward Aunt Madge
Margaret John Uncle Steve
Philip Stone Peggy Miller
Geraldine Moffat Mr Pym
George Roubicek Mrs Alder
Jean Alexander Mr Alder
Michael Beint Dave Banks
Hugh Janes Mrs Cordon
Pamela Pitchford Mr Cordon
Geoffrey Russell Sheila Dicken
Rosemary Nicols Irene Palmer
Margaret McCourt Mrs Brack
Amy Dalby
