Joe and Petunia: Country Code

Sorry about the quality of the PIF, but I couldn't find a better copy elsewhere. It's my mother's birthday and she has asked me to cover another Joe and Petunia today, so this is their other best - known one. People tend to forget about "Flags" and "Worn Tyres".

You've heard of the Country Code, haven't you? All that stuff about closing gates and not worrying sheep, whatever that's supposed to mean. Clearly it means nothing to Joe and Petunia, who have been enjoying a lovely day out in the countryside. They've trampled all over a field and let the cows out through a gate marked "Private", so it's been a laugh for all. As they sit down to have a picnic, littering up a storm, their dog is cheerfully "playing" with Shaun the Sheep. Everyone's happy, or are they? The farmer doesn't look friendly. He miserably surveys the scene of the wreckage as Joe and Petunia leave: "When folk go out to the country, why oh why won't they follow the Country Code?"

There's not a lot to say about this film other than that it is a real classic. It takes quite a light - hearted approach, in contrast to other PIFs which pointed out the horrors dogs can do to farm animals, etc. and it's better than the current Country Code campaign with the characters from Creature Comforts. Either way, there is a reason why Joe and Petunia became so popular they were killed off in their last appearance (the PIF "Worn Tyres", which I'll post about another time) and it is because they kicked arse. Long may they reign.