The New Forest Rustlers

Southern Television’s The New Forest Rustlers is a charming slice of 1960s children’s drama that blends youthful sleuthing and international crime into a briskly paced serial set against the evocative backdrop of Hampshire’s New Forest. Adapted by Stephen Mogridge from his own novels A New Forest Adventure and The New Forest Smugglers, the series captures the spirit of mid-century British children’s fiction—where ponies gallop, crooks lurk, and the grown-ups never quite believe the kids.

Mogridge, who sometimes wrote under the pseudonym Jill Stevens (for stories aimed more at girls), published over thirty children's books in the 1950s and early 1960s. His best-known works include all eleven New Forest adventures, though he also authored a science fiction series for younger readers, beginning with Peter and the Flying Saucers (1954) and ending with Peter’s Denmark Adventure (1958). His books were a staple of British public libraries, known for their consistent tone, accessible plotting, and reliable cast of recurring characters.

The characters in The New Forest Rustlers—as in Mogridge’s original books—are sharply drawn, with clearly defined personalities and interests that contribute directly to the unfolding of the story. Aimed at readers and viewers just a little younger than the protagonists themselves (who are around twelve to fourteen), the narrative cleverly balances contrasting traits and hobbies to appeal to both boys and girls.

Patricia Deverill is the emotional heart of the group. Tall and striking, with reddish-blonde hair, she’s utterly devoted to her New Forest pony, Star—a bond that can sometimes cloud her judgement. Her obsession with Star adds a layer of vulnerability to the plot, especially when the high-strung animal is put at risk.

Her younger brother Bill offers a more practical counterpoint. Independent and down-to-earth, he prefers cycling to riding and has little interest in ponies. Instead, he’s drawn to detective work and photography—an observant, red-haired amateur sleuth who’s always ready to dive into a mystery.

Freddy Guise, nicknamed “Freddy the Freckled,” is a small, bespectacled figure with an aptitude for all things mechanical. A would-be electrical engineer, he’s often seen fixing gadgets, rigging up makeshift alarms, or solving technical problems. He also has a good instinct for reading people and is usually the first to understand what someone might be hiding.

His sister Fiona provides a calm, level-headed presence. Like Patricia, she’s an experienced horse rider, but she’s far more measured in temperament. Her dark hair and warm, steady personality make her a reliable figure within the group—someone who often acts as the voice of reason when emotions run high.

These distinct character profiles not only reflect the structure of Mogridge’s storytelling but also help drive the drama, as the children's differing strengths play off one another throughout their adventures.

The television story follows the two sibling pairs Bill and Pat (played by Paul Guess and Daphne Foreman), and Freddy and Fiona (Michael Sarson and Gina Clow)—as they holiday near Lymington and stumble upon a gang of international criminals hiding in the derelict Ridgeway House. The gang, led by the enigmatic ‘Chief’ (Ronan O’Casey), is plotting to steal a priceless painting. The children’s efforts to thwart the crime are met, of course, with scepticism by Inspector Foster (Reginald Marsh), adding a layer of tension and frustration familiar to young viewers.

Anita Harris made her debut as an actress in the role of a mysterious ice-skater who arrives in the forest with the crooks.

Produced by John Braybon and directed by Ian Curteis, The New Forest Rustlers is a modest but engaging production typical of Southern Television’s output—an ITV contractor known for carving a niche in children’s programming despite limited network opportunities. While none of the child actors went on to lasting TV careers, the series remains a nostalgic gem for those who grew up with its blend of countryside charm and youthful daring.

Though not widely remembered today, The New Forest Rustlers stands as a testament to a time when children’s television embraced literary roots, regional settings, and character-driven storytelling. It’s a gentle adventure with just enough peril to keep young viewers hooked, and a reminder of the enduring appeal of ponies, puzzles, and plucky kids who refuse to be ignored.

^{Laurence Marcus}