A Country Practice: episode guide

1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994

Friends for Life

Episodes 357-358

A friend of Kelly's from the city comes to stay. Cookie and Kelly think up a fundraising idea for the club and decide on a darts tournament. Shirley asks Ben to hypnotise her, but it backfires and he hypnotises Esme instead! Matron Sloan and Shirley are set to challenge each other in the darts tournament. Kelly is worried about her friend when she appears to be giving up on life.

Illusions

Episodes 359-360

Terence is surprised when his son Christopher—or "CK" as he prefers to be called—arrives earlier than expected. A young couple struggling to make a living have trouble coping when tragedy strikes their family. Simon worries that Shirley may be getting too involved in other people's problems. It appears that Kelly has a young admirer who is prone to writing her poetry. Bob wonders why Matron Sloan is being so forgetful.

The Luck of the Game

Episodes 361-362

Terence has the Valley wondering why he's making frequent visits to Burrigan. Judy plans to do some match-making—for herself when she sets her sights on the Valley's new vet, Ben Green. Bob helps coach a young footballer with a promising future. Kelly arranges for a journalist friend from Sydney to come and write a review for the club. CK mistakenly believes that Terence is going out with Kelly Shanahan.

The Time of Your Life

Episodes 363-364

Matron Sloan has the hospital staff and her friends worried when she becomes forgetful and doesn't turn up for work. Judy tries to arrange a romantic dinner for herself with Ben. Terence is concerned that CK's attitude towards life is a bit mature for his age and so decides to take him on a fishing trip. Matron Sloan has a hard time coming to terms with the changes in her life.

Good Mates

Episodes 365-366

Kelly is surprised to hear that Judy believes that she and Ben are going out together. Muldoon throws the hospital staff into turmoil when he alerts them of the impending arrival of the hospital inspectors. Simon gets depressed when he thinks that no one will miss him after he leaves Wandin Valley. A simple boy runs away when he thinks his friends are making fun of him. Simon's friends gather to farewell him.

Out of the Blue

Episodes 367-368

Kelly is shocked when her old boyfriend, Trent, arrives back on the scene and makes her an offer that's too good to refuse. Frank is suspicious of Shirley when she's never at home and he then sees her with another man. Bob and Cookie invent a mechanical scarecrow which they believe will make them a fortune. Kelly has to make a major decision on whether to stay in the Valley or go back to the city. Brendan comes up with an idea to help Frank and Shirley get their marriage back on track.

The Will to Win

Episodes 369-370

A young boy with cerebral palsy has trouble relating to his foster parents. Ben has chicken pox and is admitted to hospital, leaving Kelly to look after all his animals. Bob and Cookie are desperately trying to gather votes to be elected onto the Rotex Committee. Judy enjoys her nursing duties when the patient under her care is Ben Green. The hospital staff are thrown into disarray every time the fire alarm goes off accidentally.

Fighting Back

Episodes 371-372

Tensions between Bob and Cookie have reached a boiling point, resulting in Cookie moving out. A woman with only six months to live decides to keep the truth from her husband. Kelly is thrilled when she receives an order for fifty three litres of home-made ice cream. Cookie is furious when Bob crashes into Esme's taxi and refuses to pay for the damages. Shirley is delighted when she is accepted for Help Line duty.

Calm Before the Storm

Episodes 373-374

Ben thinks he's a failure when the farmer's of the district fall asleep during his speech. Brendan gets caught in a storm while he is out on a fishing trip with a group of hospital patients and school children. Cookie has a horrific accident and the doctors battle to save his life. Judy is worried when she receives a strange phone call and hears noises outside her flat. Everything that could go wrong, does go wrong for Brendan on his fishing trip.

Sink or Swim

Episodes 375-376

Bob thinks of a fundraising idea to help Cookie with his monetary problems. A diary farmer is persuaded that there is an easier way to make a living. It's Wandin Valley against Burrigan in the local dance competition, with Frank and Shirley desperate to win. Brendan is frustrated when Chloe reacts badly to his new friend, Sarah Anderson. It's touch and go to save a little boy's life when he almost drowns.

Covering Up

Episodes 377-378

Shirley has a nervous first night on Help Line duty when a ten-year-old boywho is afraid of being alone calls in. Bob plays nurse maid to Cookie when he is released from hospital. Sarah gives one of her pupils a book on sex education which lands her in trouble with the parents. Ben and Kelly are a bit worried when their new loo is going to look a bit outrageous. Bob plays a trick on Cookie to show him that he is not quite the fool Cookie thinks he is.

A Matter of Conscience

Episodes 379-380

Muldoon tries to blackmail Kelly into a partnership in her ice cream business. Esme, Bob, and Cookie go to a holiday resort which was recommended by Esme. Chloe is put into hospital for observation but the staff are worried when she seems too far withdrawn. A young man has to make a decision on whether he lets someone he loves live or die. Kelly's relationship with Muldoon worsens when Ben takes it upon himself to speak to him on her behalf. Esme gets a shock when she reaches the resort and discovers that it is far from what she expected.

Barriers

Episodes 381-382

Kelly writes a light-hearted article about the residents of Wandin Valley. Judy becomes disillusioned with nursing which concerns Terence and Matron Sloan. When Esme collects a box of items to sell at the hospital fete, she unwittingly handles stolen property. Brendan is upset when he hears that Sarah is leaving the Valley to take on a full-time teaching position elsewhere. Kelly gets a job offer as a reporter for the Burrigan Examiner.

One For the Road

Episodes 383-384

Judy is put in an embarrassing situation when she forgets the combination of the hospital safe. Dr. Wood and Kelly find a young boy on the side of the road who's been hit by a car. Brendan decides to go to Albury to see Sarah. Kelly's negative article on Dr. Wood causes him to resign and leaves Kelly very unpopular with the locals. Brendan and Sarah return to the Valley with some good news for their friends.

Track Record

Episodes 385-386

Judy advertises for a new flatmate and finds Mr. Perfect. Kelly is assigned to do a behind-the-scenes story on the Burrigan Cup. A blind girl is told that she will need a new guide dog but she refuses to give up her old dog. Cookie relies on Esme's dreams to pick the winner of the Cup. Terence and Ben help a blind girl adjust to her new dog. Kelly finds that her friends will not forget about the article she wrote on Dr. Wood as they continue to ignore her.

Race, Greed, & Colour

Episodes 387-388

When a horse trainer is suspended of drugging her horse, Kelly sets out to prove the woman's innocence. Bob has a visit from an English solicitor who informs him that he has inherited an estate in England. A Vietnamese woman is shocked when the husband she thought was dead arrives in the Valley. A young boy disappears when he believes he is going to be taken away from his family. Kelly receives a threatening warning.

Glue Factory

Episodes 389-390

Jo gets a job with Bob Hatfield so she can help Judy save money for the house she wants to buy. The local drunk accuses an experienced nursing sister of mistreating the men under her care at a boarding house for homeless men. Kelly uncovers some interesting facts about the boarding house which prompt Terence and Frank to investigate. Bob and Jo help save an old horse's life.

Fighting Chance

Episodes 391-392

Ben takes the law into his own hands when he discovers that missing dogs are being used for illegal dog fighting. Terence is thrilled when he finally finds a doctor to replace Simon. Ben is saddened when he says goodbye to two of his closest friends. Dr. Alex Fraser is amused by the attention she receives at the clinic when word gets out that she's a woman. Jo makes a decision to stay in Wandin Valley for good.

In Love and War

Episodes 393-394

Ben is confused by all the attention he is receiving from the town's single women. A mother who hasn't seen her children for four years arrives to take possession of her kids. Esme shows off a new cleaning product at Judy's flat, but the demonstration doesn't go quite as planned. Frank is forced to shoot a man in order to protect a mother and her children. Ben tells wealthy businessman Howard Wellbourne that his horse hasn't been getting the right treatment, which impress his sophisticated daughter Kate.

Duty Bound

Episodes 395-396

Shirley's concern for Frank grows when he refuses to talk about the shooting. Ben's relationship with the beautiful Kate Wellbourne blossoms, despite her father's obvious disapproval. Judy worries that the shooting has had a bad effect on Jo when she becomes withdrawn. Alex Fraser becomes involved with a woman who doesn't realise she suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. Frank is unsure of his future in the police service when he has to go to Police Headquarters in Sydney for an enquiry into the shooting.

Black Sheep

Episodes 397-398

Judy goes to her first parent-teacher meeting and encounters an old friend. Shirley asks Terence for advice when her relationship with Frank worsens. Jo becomes suspicious of one of her teachers when he takes an interest in one of her friends. Frank gets a visit from the police psychologist when he finally admits he needs help. New teacher Peter Manning is disgusted when he hears of a colleagues's fascination with one of his pupils.

Fire

Episodes 399-400

Bob is angered by the lack of enthusiasm amongst the men of the Valley when he asks for volunteers to come forward to act as firefighters. Ben hears some disturbing news about Kate and confronts her for an explanation. The bushfire threatens Wandin Valley and Frank fears for the safety of Ben and Kate who could both be trapped by the fire. The town pulls together to save the Valley's existence.

From the Ashes

Episodes 401-402

Ben and Jo have a busy time caring for the animals that were caught in the bushfire. Shirley phones Vicky and Simon to tell them that Fatso has gone missing. Maggie Sloan finds she's on the receiving end of a young man's anger when he blames her for his father's death. The Valley regulars join forces to put on a benefit concert for the district's fire victims. Fatso finally makes his way back home.

Unsung Lullaby

Episodes 403-404

Bob is shocked to find that his young niece is pregnant. Shirley and Frank receive an unexpected visit from Vicky and the twins. Peter Manning takes a keen interest in Dr. Alex Fraser. Jealousy raises it's ugly head when Jo Loveday vies for Peter's affections. Vicky is put in a terrifying situation when baby Charlotte is abducted by a distressed young woman.

The Deep End

Episodes 405-406

Peter Manning's sister Donna applies for the vacant nursing position at the hospital. Alex impress hospital staff when she performs her first operation. Judy and Sue Daley enter a television dating competition. Jo gets some advice from Alex on contraception. Judy makes a second appearance on "Dream Date" and wins a trip to the Gold Coast.

Playing the Game

Episodes 407-408

Judy tries to impress her partner on the Gold Coast but makes a mess of things. Donna Manning shows great concern for the elderly patients at the hospital when they accuse a relief nurse of using bullying tactics. Judy returns from the Gold Coast with thoughts of travelling overseas. Ben and Peter get obsessed with playing war games. Shirley confirms Donna's doubts about the relief nurse.

Caterpillars and Butterflies

Episodes 409-410

Ben agrees to go to a rock concert with Donna, but mysterious things happen on the way. Dr. Wood has a car accident and is admitted to hospital for observation. A young boy who misses his mother uses Alex as a substitute. Jo convinces Judy that she should travel and see the world. Ben and Donna give Bob and Cookie a taste of their own medicine. Dr. Wood's tests come back and the news is all bad, but Judy cheers him up when she agrees to be his nurse as they travel the world together.

Listen to the Children

Episodes 411-412

Shirley organises a petition against an impending army base planned for Wandin Valley. Peter is very concerned about one of his pupils after he smashes up the classroom for no apparent reason. Peter's students are angry that the elders of the Valley haven't asked their opinions on the proposed army base as it is their futures that will be affected. Prime Minister Bob Hawke makes a special appearance at a rock concert to show his support to the kids of Burrigan High on their stand against nuclear bases in Wandin Valley.

Ghosts

Episodes 413-414

Peter tries to help Alex find a new house, but she misses out on a golden opportunity when she refuses to return his phone calls. Jo feels that Frank is becoming too overprotective when he questions her every move. Donna plays "Ghost Busters" to help a young patient overcome his fear of monsters. Alex gets scared when her furniture appears to move and she hears strange noises in her home. Shirley plays referee when Frank and Jo have a stand-up fight. Peter offers to stay with Alex until she gets settled.

Let the Sun Shine In

Episodes 415-416

Jo gets her wires crossed when she tells everyone that Shirley is pregnant. Terence goes on a fishing weekend and finds an abused little girl living in the bush. Frank brings a surprise visitor home to Shirley—little Chloe Jones. Friends caution Terence on his involvement with Bethany and suggest she should be placed in an institution rather than under his care. Doris fights for her life as Ben gives her round-the-clock medical attention.

Let the Sun Shine In (II)

Episodes 417-418

Terence sees his son CK while in Sydney with Bethany, but their relationship is strained. Cookie bets Bob he can't go without a drink for one week. Alex takes charge of the clinic while Terence is away. Terence's devotion to Bethany has Shirley and Matron Sloan very concerned when he considers leaving the Valley to be with her permanently. Alex agrees to have a house-warming party under the agreement that Donna organises it.

Let the Sun Shine In (III)

Episodes 419-420

Terence is in the firing line when town gossips question his motives towards Bethany. Peter is furious when Bill tells him that Alex is escorting him to the hospital ball. Bethany runs away and relives the horrors of her past. Alex considers her future in the valley. Terence comes to terms with losing Bethany by turning to the bottle. Alex is jealous when Peter arrives at the ball with an ex-girlfriend.

Past Imperfect

Episodes 421-422

Donna sets out to save the Town Hall when she hears the council are planning to build a shopping centre. Frank has to explain to Chloe what it means to lose a friend. Alex decides to stay in the Valley and becomes Terence's partner at the clinic. Bob, Esme, Donna, and Jo put themselves in jail, much to Frank's astonishment. Peter tries to blackmail Alf Muldoon.

Day After Day

Episodes 423-424

Peter and Alex try to have a romantic dinner at the club. Jo interviews the residents of the Muldoon Wing for a school movie project. An elderly woman feels she's a nuisance while living with her daughter and son-in-law. Peter gets quite a surprise when Alex takes him on a date.

Trouble Spots

Episodes 425-426

Alex embarrasses Peter when she uses him as a medical guinea pig for training nurse. One of Peter's students threatens to jump off the top a building. Shirley tries to find out what Muldoon is being so smug about. A young boy who feels he's an outcast from his school mates tries to kill himself. Arnie Hodgekiss surprises the Valley when he takes a stand against Councillor Muldoon.

It Isn't Catching Is It?

Episodes 427-428

Shirley is furious at Frank's attitude towards her turning fifty. Peter is worried that Donna is becoming involved with a con-artist. A shy man with facial deformities is admitted to hospital. Frank can't understand Shirley's negative reaction to her surprise birthday party. Terence worries that Alex is forgetting one of her patients' feelings when she asks to do further studies on his condition. Shirley moves out.

The Price You Pay

Episodes 429-430

Shirley refuses to move back home and accepts an offer to live with Maggie Sloan. A woman unable to conceive decides to find a surrogate mother. Donna takes a horse near death as a result of starvation under her care. The practical realities of using a surrogate mother cause nightmares for the people involved. Donna is left semi-conscious with only Jo to help her after she is kicked in the head by a horse.

A Question of Warning

Episodes 431-432

Terence is lost for words when his ex-wife Rowena and son CK arrive at the clinic without warning. A drunk driver causes a car accident involving one of the hospital staff. Matron Sloan reprimands Donna for avoiding her nursing duties with one of her patients. CK tries devious means to bring Terence and Rowena together. Donna learns the hard way that when it comes to animals, you sometimes have to be cruel to be kind. Shirley decides it's time to move back home.

The Things You Learn

Episodes 433-434

When Rowena declares that she is broke, CK decides to quit school and join the work force. Peter becomes disillusioned when Alex pays no attention to his advances. Terence causes an argument with Rowena when he blames her for CK wanting to quit school. Alex and Peter help a man come to terms with being illiterate and prove it is never to late to learn to read and write. Matron Sloan devises a plan to show CK that being a member of the work force isn't as glamorous as he believes.

Playing House

Episodes 435-436

Alex worries about a young couple's ability to cope with parenthood. When Bob states that city people can't find their way in the bush, Ben decides to take up the challenge. Terence is confused by the emotions he's feeling towards Rowena. The strain of nursing a new baby takes its toll on a young mother. Romance blossoms in the Elliott household when Terence and Rowena realise the attraction for each other is still very much alive.

Early Stages

Episodes 437-438

Esme is excited about the prospect of meeting an old friend. A man has to decide whether to give up his daughter because of ailing health. The locals decide to perform a play for the benefit of the school kids. The Valley residents put on a hilarious performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as you've never seen it before. Ben assists the medical profession when he diagnoses the illness of one of the hospital's patients.

Growing Pains

Episodes 439-440

Rowena applies for a job at the local television station. A woman who lives for her daughter's success pays the price when she is admitted to hospital suffering from exhaustion and malnutrition. Bob and Cookie venture into the perfume business. Donna and Ben's curiosity gets the better of them when a mysterious parcel arrives for Peter. Terence and Rowena make a decision about their relationship.

Out of Proportion

Episodes 441-442

A student teacher, conscious of her size, becomes the recipient of some cruel jokes by Peter's pupils. Tensions surround the Elliott house when Rowena prepares to leave. Burrigan High prepares for a school debate against their arch rivals at Foxwood. Ben advises Terence to give CK some breathing space. Alex decides it's time to confront Peter, but things don't go as planned.

Hidden Extras

Episodes 443-444

A young couple move into a house on a new estate and find they are in over their heads. Bob collapses after working at the housing estate and Alex is unable to determine the cause. There is tension between Alex and Matron Sloan as they battle against time to save Bob and Alex has to make a quick decision, one that Matron Sloan doesn't agree with. The locals battle against Muldoon to save a young couple's house.