The First Snow of Winter

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1998 British TV series or programme The First Snow of WinterWritten byGraham RalphAlan GilbeyDavid FreedmanDirected byGraham RalphStarringMiriam MargolyesDermot MorganKate SachsSorcha CusackNeil McCaulTheme music composerTolga KashifThe Music SculptorsMark Sayer-WadeCountry of originUnited KingdomOriginal languageEnglishProductionExecutive producersClaire DerryDavid HamiltonTheresa Plummer-AndrewsProducerJackie EdwardsRunning time28 minutesProduction companiesHibbert Ralph EntertainmentLink EntertainmentOriginal releaseNetworkBBCRelease25 December 1998 (1998-12-25) The First Snow of Winter is a British animated television film produced by Hibbert Ralph Entertainment and Link Entertainment and was first broadcast on BBC1 on 25 December 1998. The film features the voices of Miriam Margolyes, Dermot Morgan, Sorcha Cusack, Kate Sachs and Neil McCaul. It was released on video in 1998 by BBC Worldwide in the United Kingdom and 1999 by Columbia TriStar Home Video in the United States. It was dedicated to Dermot Morgan, who died before the film was released.

[edit] The story takes place in 20th century Ireland. Winter is approaching and ducks are starting their migration south. A young and daring white duck named Sean McDuck decides to slide down a hill and cross over to the other side of a stream, despite warnings from his young puffin friend, Puffy. When Sean reaches the other side, Puffy tells him about a red fox, which Sean narrowly escapes. When Sean and his family migrate, he gets lost trying to chase some seagulls. Later, he is hit by an airplane and becomes stranded with a broken wing. His family thinks he has been killed by the fox when Sean's mother sees her with her kits playing with white feathers. A kindly tympanic water vole named Voley is preparing for his winter hibernation but stops to help Sean get ready for the cold weather ahead. Voley also teaches Sean to play a simple blade of grass as a musical instrument and even does an Irish stepdance with Sean and a chorus line of sheep. Despite Sean's wishes for him to remain, Voley soon heads off to start his hibernation. After struggling through the first night of a snowy blizzard warning and having to take shelter in a Wellington boot, Sean discovers that Puffy was also left behind. For the rest of the winter the two friends keep each other company. When spring comes, Sean and Puffy eagerly look for their families. The two friends are then cornered by the fox and eventually end up on a boat, but are rescued by Voley while Sean manages to drive away the fox, regaining his ability to fly in the process. Shortly afterward, Sean and Puffy are happily reunited with their families as Sean stepdances with Voley.

[edit] Voley – Dermot Morgan (UK Version) Voley – Tim Curry (US Version) Mother Duck – Sorcha Cusack (UK Version) Mother Duck – Carol Kane (US Version) Sean McDuck – Miriam Margolyes (UK Version) Sean McDuck – Ashley Johnson (US Version) Father Duck – Neil McCaul (UK and US Version) Puffy – Kate Sachs (UK and US Version)

Even though it’s a one‑off TV special, "The First Snow of Winter" continues to be re‑aired each Christmas season because it hits a sweet spot for families. The 28‑minute runtime is perfect for a quick pause between the hectic rush of meals and gifts, and the gentle animation style feels nostalgic to adults who grew up with 90s BBC productions. Its cast – including the late Dermot Morgan and Miriam Margolyes – brings a recognisable British humour that resonates across generations, making it a safe choice for broadcasters looking for something home‑grown yet unobtrusive.

If you want to own a copy of the film, start by checking second‑hand shops for the original 1998 BBC Worldwide VHS; it’s a collector's item and often comes with the original cover art. For a more convenient option, look for the 1999 Columbia TriStar DVD release, which is widely available on online marketplaces. Streaming rights are occasionally picked up by niche platforms specialising in classic British TV, so a quick search for "First Snow of Winter" on services like BritBox can save you a trip to the charity shop. Be sure the region code matches your player – the DVD was released in Region 2, while US releases are Region 1.

Beyond the charming voice cast, the film quietly explores the idea of community coming together after the first snowfall – a metaphor for the way winter can soften the usual bustle of city life. The animation shows neighbours sharing hot drinks and children building a snowman, reinforcing a simple but powerful message: kindness is most needed when the world feels cold and quiet. This theme often drops unnoticed behind the festive backdrop, yet it aligns perfectly with the season’s spirit of generosity and togetherness, offering a gentle reminder to pause and reach out to those around you.