Nicola Coughlan (0:00)

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk. I'm Nicola Coughlan. This is history's youngest heroes. Rebellion, risk and the radical power of youth. She thought, right, I'll just do it. She thought about others rather than herself. Twelve stories of extraordinary young people from across history. There's a real sense of urgency in them. That resistance has to be mounted. It has to be mounted. Now. Listen on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcast. BBC Sounds Music Radio podcasts. You're listening to the Archers Omnibus from BBC Radio 4. Good morning, Natasha. Hi. Excuse the overalls. Not very glamorous. You look frozen. Oh, I can't feel my fingers. I've been outside cleaning the dairy viewing window. I thought Chelsea was doing that. Oh, I got sick of her moaning about it, so I took over. Sent her inside to help Ellen. How's it been going in here? Quiet. Same as last week. Any customers at all? A couple of takeaway coffees, that's it. Oh, daro. Then we're gonna have to put our heads together and do something about it. Oh, well, I have news on that front. Pat and me started something on Friday. Oh, really? Yeah, we've been digging into Borsichire Water to find out whether this has happened before. And, well, see this chart? Let me zoom in here. This chart's from the action group that we've linked up with. Okay. They've basically found out that Ambridge storm overflow has spewed out sewage 45 times in the past year. How does this help the tea room? Well, when I finally got hold of someone from Boyswicher Water, they claimed the sewage spill weren't their fault. They just blamed it on the high rainfall. Meaning what, exactly? Well, clearly they're dodging their responsibilities. Emma, are you seriously wasting your time on this? What? When you said you'd started something, I assumed you'd found a way that we could increase footfall, not messing about with some protest movements. Yeah, right. Sorry. Look, I really need you to be focused on the tea room. I know Pat's got a bee in a bonnet, but unless we get some paying customers in soon, we will have bigger problems. Azra. Oh, hello again, Lindsay. How was your breakfast? It's lovely, thanks. Ah, no one makes French toast quite like Robert. No. Oh, sorry. I didn't realise you were coming into the village too. He's just parking out. I should have asked you if he needed anything from the shop. Oh, don't be silly. To be honest, I don't need half this stuff. It's mostly fruit and snacks. For the kids. I only pop down to see Joy. Really? Oh. Any news? Well, she's not heard from her insurance company either. What about your landlord? They're dealing with it. Joyce stuck her head in at hours when she was at Beechwood yesterday. All the mud and muck has gone, but the smell hasn't. Oh, dear. The dehumidifiers have been on constantly, but the utility room's still looking horribly damp. Oh, be so frustrating for you. Anyway, there's no chance we're going to be back in time for Ramadan? And when's that? That starts on Saturday. Oh, I see what you mean. Are you expecting your husband there? No. Akram's still busy with stuff in Pakistan. At least Khalil's back at school tomorrow. Well, half term's always a test of endurance, it seems. Yeah, he's been on at me all weekend to let him fast with me in Zainab. You won't let him? No. Not yet, anyway. Linda, I'd better get on. Very well. Bye. Oh, hi, Kirsty. Oh, morning, Linda. You're putting us all to shame with your fitness regime. Oh, it's just an excuse to get away from a funding application for half an hour. Oh, yes, I'm familiar with your pain. This feasibility study is an absolute beast. Is this for the Beaver project? Yeah. We've got to find 60 grand just for the fencing. Rex is starting with a survey of local opinions, making sure everyone in opposition gets a voice. It all just takes so long. Oh, dear. How are you getting on with the house? I got a professional company in for the cleanup. The smell's gone at last. Well, that's one up on Azra and Family. Helen mentioned your downstairs carpets are ruined. Doing a complete refit. Replacing the floors, too. Have you heard from your insurance? I can't afford to wait. I need this sale to go through. Well, yesterday I really should have exchanged by now. You see, to be honest, Linda, I feel bad hassling Tom and Natasha because they've got even more to deal with. But the tea room's open again now, isn't it? Is it? Oh, maybe I should pop over. Well, it can't hurt, surely. Emma, do we need to order more coffee? No, there's another full box underneath the counter. All right. Is it okay if I give all the surfaces another wipe? What? Would you want me to unpack that coffee first? Emma, Look, I'm sorry I was so snippy with you just now. That wasn't fair. Sometimes I just can't stop what comes out of my mouth. That's all right. No, it's not. There's no excuse for it. I don't know how I'd have coped without you. These past couple of weeks, you've been completely amazing. Well, we've all been under a lot of stress. I mean, every day there's some jokers spouting some nonsense on social media. Look at this one on my phone. Oh, sorry. Hang on, my hands are wet. What's it say? Tearoom goes byob. Bring your own biohazard suit. I mean, it should say BYOBs anyway. Yeah, see how many times it's been shared already. Not even an hour since it was posted. Why do people have to be so mean? Haven't they got nothing better to do? Oh, I have to confess, Emma, I've never been this worried. What if we don't recover from this? How do we even get people through the door, let alone sit down for something to eat? It'll just take time for people to get used to coming back once the dairy reopens. It'll get better. We're losing money hand over fist. Oh, it's all so demoralizing for everyone. I mean, look at your mum and Clary. When they're not cleaning, they're in the polytunnels. Or shoveling compost. Hi. Looks almost as good as new outside. Morning, Kirsty. What about in here? Can you smell the disinfectant? What? Be honest. Maybe just a bit, yeah. Oh, great. Though I think the rosemary on the tables is a lovely touch. Flat white, is it? Oh, no, I'm fine, thanks. Emma. Just popped by to see how you were getting on these past couple of weeks. They must have been hell. That's an understatement. How are you doing? Well, it's nice to see someone walk through that door. How are you? Oh, you know, can't complain. I hope you don't mind me bringing it up, but I'm guessing you've not had half a second to chase your solicitor. Oh, yeah. I'm sorry, Kirsty. It's all been a bit manic. Sure, I understand. I mean, the cleanup of the farmyard alone, that must have been traumatic. Absolutely. Honestly, buying your house has been on my mind. It's just I've not had a minute to discuss it with Tom. Yeah, of course. I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound pushy. I know you don't. But when do you think both of you might be able to chat with me? I mean, we really need to exchange on Beachfroud asap. We'll sit down together soon, Kirsty. I promise. Thanks. I'm sorry to be so vague. Totally understand. It's fine. Look, I'll leave you to get on. Thanks, Kirsty. Bye. Oh, you were expecting to have moved in by now, weren't you? Yeah. Practically all our stuff's in boxes. But I can't bear to think about the house until we start getting bums on seats in here. Well, then, you and me's just going to need to think of something, aren't we, Azure? You really don't have to help me with my shopping, you know. You're a guest. Sorry. Autopilot. Well, thank you for the lift. And I'm glad Robert could go and have a coffee with Jim in the ball while they tackle the cryptic crossword. And I've been learning so much more about Ramadan from you. It's fascinating. I'm not used to people being so curious. And sorry for the interrogation in the car just now. Oh, not at all. Half the time I have to simplify it as Muslim length. Well, I'll just pop your snacks in this cupboard. Is that all right? Oh, yeah. Thank you. So, to recap, the act of fasting encourages spiritual reflection. Is that right? A way of focusing the mind. Right now, that level of calm seems a long way off. I'm just so anxious all the time. What's hard is that not knowing, you know, when we can move back in, or even if preparing for Ramadan is stressful enough. And it must be very hard for you with Akram away. If I'm being honest, I don't know how I'm going to cope. Fasting will only get more difficult. But with the days getting longer and whole months seems such a long time. I fasted during Lent when I was much younger, but it was only ever for a couple of days. Zainab's never handled it very well. Hunger and thirst can make her very. How would you say? Titchy? I was putting it mildly. So, how do you manage your meal times? Well, as soon as I finish at the surgery, it's straight back home to prepare iftar, the evening meal. Gosh, Isn't cooking hard when you've not been eating or drinking all day? I usually start preparing stuff a week early. Oh, about now. Really get ahead of the game. But that must be difficult, not being in your own kitchen. Well, this year, I haven't even planned the meals yet. Honestly. It's normally a military operation. Oh, how insensitive of me. I hadn't even considered that you'd be needing a free reign in the kitchen. Thanks, Linda. Perhaps I can use it once you and Robert have finished in the evenings. No, no, Azra, you should decide your ideal timetable and Robert and I will work round you. Free croissant with your coffee. Double loyalty points. None of the promotions are working. Just not grabbing people. It all sounds a bit everyday, doesn't it? Well, maybe we're looking at this the wrong way, Natasha. Maybe we need to start thinking outside the box. What we want is to create a buzz, some genuine excitement. Like an event, Maybe A celebration. Exactly. We could announce a reopening like they did with cantering on at the stables. Yeah, I mean, that was a great PR exercise. Except do we really want to keep reminding people why we were closed in the first place? No, maybe not. But we can celebrate something else. What's coming up in the calendar? Pancake days next week. Oh, that's perfect. I know. Tracey mentioned that the Bull are already doing a souffle pancake night and we don't want to be in competition with them. Why not? What, you reckon we should announce our own pancake? David, we just need an angle, you know? What is it all about? We'll sell pancakes. Lots of fillings. What else is there? But what's the twist? What makes it fun? Oh, oh, wait. Stop the press. I think I've got it, actually. What? A competition. A pancake eating competition. What, you mean like who can eat the most pancakes? Precisely. That sounds like an endurance test. How's that fun? It brings in the punters, not just the contestants. It's a spectator sport. Americans do it all the time. They absolutely love it. Yeah, but we're not in America. I agree completely, Emma. It is so not the tea room. But we've got to do something to try and save the business. Even if it sounds a bit daft or all right, bonkers even. Well, certainly out of our comfort zone. So, what do you reckon? What have we got to lose? Oh, I've just had Joy on the phone. Oh, Mick's taking a load more stuff down to the tip tomorrow. Wanted to know if I had anything else I need chucking. I just can't face thinking about it. It's awful. Throwing out your prized possessions is heartbreaking. I wish there was more Robert and I could do to help. According to Pat, Borsicher, Water are trying to wriggle out of their responsibility. Emma knows the local mp, apparently. Maybe she can put some pressure on them. All I really want is for somebody to say, it's all right, don't worry. Now that you need our support, you can rely on us. Fat chance of that. Well, perhaps Robert could ask the other parish council members. There might be someone with links to the local authority. What about the developers, the people who built Beechwood? Justin Elliot was involved in some way. We could drop him a line. I'll take any help I can get. Linda, I. I've been thinking about your plans for Ramadan. Oh, yes? I'll make sure I don't get in your way. In the kitchen. Shall I work out a rota? Now? Well, wouldn't it make more sense if I join you and Zaynab? Join us? In fasting, I mean. So the three of us will be in the same boat, so to speak. Synchronised. Unless I'm being disrespectful. Am I? Linda, are you saying you want to fast for Ramadan? Yes, I do. Just for the first few days, until you get into the swing of things. Would you mind? I don't know what to say. Is that a yes, then? Derek Fletcher's hassling me again. I'm going as fast as I can, Tracey. Yeah, already tried that one. Yeah, sorry, Tracy. I'll say five minutes, shall I? Ten. Absolute max. Can I take these muscles and chips? More frites, like it says on the menu? Yeah, yeah, sure. And I'm still waiting on those two squash and mushroom risottos. Yep, I know. Just plating them up now. Need to speed up, Fallon. Sorry to sound like a broken record. Here you go, two risottos. Paula chose an excellent time to leave, didn't she? Yeah. Sooner we find a replacement, the better. Mum said that they've started advertising already, but who knows how long that'll be? And. Oh, Snow, for the love of. Oh, I don't believe this. Don't you dare say butterfingers. That's Derek's dinner on the floor. I'll tell him 15 minutes, shall I? What on earth is pierogi? Where's that on the menu? That's one of the starters. Third one down. Oh, yes. Polish dumplings, it says underneath. Yes, Lindy, I can read. But what is it? Looks like Fallon's introduced a few new dishes. I'm feeling adventurous, but what do I fancy? So, do you support my decision? I think you deciding to fast for Ramadan is a wonderful idea. Well, it's only for a few days, starting at the weekend. But we will need to adapt our kitchen routine to fit in with Asra's, naturally. Hmm. Do you think you can handle it? Why wouldn't I. It doesn't sound difficult. Well, I'm just concerned you'll be making breakfasts for other guests during daylight hours. So? So it's going to take a lot of willpower in those moments to abstain from eating. For whom? Well, you'll be fasting too, won't you? Me? I never said that. Oh, I think it's very important to show solidarity, Robert. It's only three or four days, Lindy. I could easily manage it if I wanted to. I just have no chance to. No, you don't want to, is that it? That's not what I said. It's just taken me. Hello, you two. Tracy. Sorry for the wait. It's a bit hectic. You ready to order? Well, I. I had thought I'd decided before we sat down, but now I've seen the menu, I'm intrigued. What would you recommend? Oh, the beef goulash. Melt in the mouth. She does it Hungarian style. Is there another kind? Oh, never mind. And it might come out a bit quicker than some other dishes, if you catch my drift. Oh, right, yes. Thanks for the insider info. Oh, and Fallon's doing special souffle pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, if you fancy coming along. Well, thanks, Tracy, but I may well be fasting. Robert might be interested. He likes pancakes, don't you? Ignore her, Tracy. Oh, here, Linda. You got any idea who's going to be replacing Harrison on the team? No, not yet. I'm still mulling it over. Cricket season's only a couple of months away, but with our promotion, we're going to need to be punching above our weight as it is. Yes, I know. Can you lean on Tom again? He's already said no, Tracey. As has Chris. As indeed, have you. Do you want me to work on Chris? Get him to change his mind? I can do that, you know. No, thank you. There's no bother. I think I'll have the beef goulash, please, Tracy. Yes, make that too. Okay? Yeah. Two goulash. Same again on the wine. Not for me, thanks. How about you, Robert? Might as well, eh? If Linda's driving. Don't let me stop you. No, I think I'll abstain. Oh, really? Shall I bring you some tap water? The goulash is quite spicy. Not for me, thanks. Me neither. Well, if you're sure. Just the two goulashes, then. Shouldn't be too long. And let me know about the captaincy, won't you? So you're not drinking any more wine? I take it from that performance that you're now on Board with Ramadan Food Security. Reducing the carbon footprint. Yeah, yeah, I get it, but what's in it for Casey Meats? You're not listening, Vince. This Academy trust runs a whole bunch of schools across Borsetshire. They usually source all their food from one national supplier, but now they want to use local farmers instead and connect kids with food that's grown near them. Yeah, but where's the profit, Freddy? Well, what if you invited the board of trustees to do a tour of the abattoir? Maybe introduce them to Bridge Farm and Brookfield while they're here? You know local farmers. The farms win out. And so do we when we process all the meat. Right. What do you think? You two all right for drinks? Fine, thanks. Tracy here. I don't suppose you could give Linda a nudge? She's just coming over now to pay the bill. She listens to you. What sort of a nudge? We need her to pick a new cricket captain, pronto. Wasn't jealous, if you ask me. Need a change of style. Someone who's not scared to play a bit dirty now and then. Shame you're not local, Vince. You'd have been perfect. Is that a compliment or not? I thought Harrison had a good approach. Focus on developing the players you have at your disposal. Build team spirit. We're going to need that if we stand any chance of surviving in Division 4. Oh, here she comes. Give me a sec, Linda, and I'll grab the card machine. Hello, Freddy. Hi, Linda. Hello, Vince. Oh, Tracy, would you mind asking Fallon to come out when she has a moment? Robert asked if he could have a quick word if she's not too busy. Oh, right you are. Oh, go get her. We've just been talking about cricket. Huh. Seems to be this evening's hot topic. We were just chatting. Oh, go on. Well, I was just saying you can only coach the players you have, right? So you try to improve them, but at the same time you do some research on the new teams we'll be up against. Well, obviously, adapt your tactics according to the strengths and weaknesses of your own personnel and your opponents. Like Unai Emery did when he took over as manager of Aston Villa. That's football, Freddy, not cricket. I think he knows that, Vince. Are you sure? Well, I'm not an expert. Not like Vince. Happy to offer my advice anytime you need, Linda. You only have to ask. Well, that's very kind of you, Vince. I'll bear that in mind. So you. You didn't think the paprika was too much? I do like to take it Right to the edge. It was absolutely divine. I usually come to the Bull for. For good, traditional pub food, but your new menu really convinced me to be a bit more adventurous and I made the right choice. Fallon. Are you all right? Yeah. I thought when Tracy said you wanted to speak to me, there was something wrong. I was worried. Sorry about that. I got a bit carried away. Felt I had to tell you straight away. Oh, I'm glad you did. Really. I've been trying out since stuff, but you never quite know how it's going to be received. Well, I'll definitely be back and I'll be recommending it to everyone. That'd be great. You know, between you and me, I. I do think the quality of the tea room has taken a nose dive since you left long before this unfortunate sewage incident. The standard has definitely dropped. They've really had a hard time of it. Knowing her, I'm sure Natasha's got something up her sleeve. Yes, yes. You could be onto something with this school's thing, Freddy. Oh, yeah, you know, getting them down to Casey meets and networking and all that. Do you want me to get the ball rolling, then? Yeah, sure. Why not? Oh, well, that's fantastic, Vince. Why don't we do it together? I'll help you. You mean, I do all the legwork and then you can hog the limelight and take all the credit? Assuming that's all right with you. I wouldn't have it any other way, boss. Good team, me and you. Great minds. Great minds indeed. Where's your car, then? Over there. I'll see you tomorrow. Hang about, Freddie. Can I ask you something? Yeah. Have you thought about putting yourself forward for cricket captain? Me? Are you being serious? We had some pretty good ideas just now. You think Linda's that desperate? Dear, she could do a lot worse. Oh, well, thanks, I think, but I'm not really captain material. I disagree. You've got it in spades. What do you mean? Insight, Freddie, insight. Sometimes you see things clearer than everyone else. You're good at getting other people to see things too. Really? You're a natural when it comes to building team morale. You should think about it. You're a talented bloke, Freddie. I mean, I already knew you were, but I have to admit, even I underestimate your abilities sometimes. Oh, Vince, I don't know what to say. I'll see you tomorrow, then, yeah? Yeah. I'm not gonna give you a hug, Freddy. Yeah, I know, Vince. I didn't think you were. I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks so much for everything. Today, Tracy? What do you mean? Oh, for being so patient, sweet talking the customers. Were you the one at the sharp end? You don't have to thank me for doing what I've been doing for donkeys. You're smashing the new job. You think so? Hey, if I hear any more modesty out of you and I'll be mopping your face next. Oh, gosh, that was an insane day. A bit more hectic than managing the tea room. Chelsea says it's empty over there. Don't look like people going back anytime soon. A couple of their regulars were in here today asking to see the lunch menu. That's sad. I don't like to see the tea room losing custom. No reason people can't come here instead. If you ask me, it serves Tom and Natasha right for the way they treated you over the lease. Taking your business away like it belonged to them. I'm not out for revenge, Tracy. Have you seen some of the stuff about them on social media? Downright nasty. But no one deserves to be trashed like that. They're still making Chelsea work silly hours, doing all sorts. Scrubbing the dairy on her hands and knees, cleaning windows up a ladder in the freezing cold. Not like she can refuse. Well, hopefully it'll be back to normal soon, though. Bridge Farm's coming through much worse. Don't know about that. Chels says the tea room customers haven't been happy for a while now. Not since you left, I'm sure. Sure that's not true. That ship is sinking, Fallon. You made the right decision, taking over from Wayne full time. See how Natasha likes that. Oh, I don't know, Tracy. It all sounds a bit cutthroat. Natasha and me were friends. All's fair in love and catering. Maybe mention it to Jolene and Kenton. Mention what? If they fancy extending restaurant hours. Sure. Lillian will. Wouldn't mind. You mean start serving food earlier? Sort of brunch time. Brunch, late breakfast, whatever you want to call it. Why not? You should go for it. Strike while the iron's hot. Yesterday, me and Mick chucked all my base units down the tip. Be lucky if I can find any that'll match with the ones above the worktop. I'm guessing the insurance won't repair. Replace the whole kitchen. Only the ones at floor level. Same. Although I'm not even waiting for the insurance. I just need to get the place back to how it was as soon as possible. I put my claim in, but it's just taking way too long. Oh. Morning, Lillian. Hi, Lillian. I don't suppose you've got any whole milk, Joy? Oh, sorry. Only got semi skimmed. Been a bit of a run on it recently. Oh, well, semi skimmed it'll have to be. So when do you think you'll be able to move back in? Dunno. I keep on cleaning down and cleaning down again. Just feels dirty, you know. Can't you get a professional company in? Just saying to Kirsty, I still don't know what the insurance will agree to pay for. Fair enough. Just tap your card when you're ready. I'm taking the gamble myself. I need to sell or I'm gonna lose Willow Farm. Brenda's hassling me again. Well, I thought that was all done and dusted. Still waiting on Tom and Natasha. They've not had any headspace. The sewage spills put everything on hold. I'd be asking for a price reduction if it was me. I mean, if there's been one spill, what's to stop it happening again? What do you mean, Lillian? Oh, sorry, darling. I mean, it's not personal. Besides, it's none of my business. Right. Well, Tom and Natasha were in and out constantly over New Year, acting like they'd already moved in. I had to remind them to give back Helen Spakey. They probably just need a wee nudge. I've tried, believe me. Anyway, thanks, Joy. Bye, Lillian. Bye, Kirsty. So how are you and Mick doing over at Bridge Farm? Oh, no, we're not there anymore. We're house sitting at the Gills while they're on holiday. The Gills? What, you're staying in my sister's old house? Well, yeah, I suppose we are. How come they asked you to house it? Mick knows them. Oh, does he? So what have they done with the place? Sorry, pet, not allowed to say. Have you seen the gates at the bottom of the drive? The girls are very particular about their privacy. Are they indeed? Oh, come on, use this lighter. Can I help? No, no, keep your eyes shut. I really need to get on the road. I told you to keep them shut, didn't I? All right, all right. My eyes are closed. Oh, this is impossible. Look, you really don't need to wish me a happy birthday. Yes, I do. That's my phone. It can wait. Natasha. Oh, never mind then. Go on, open your eyes. Finally. Happy birthday. K. Here you go. Not the most romantic setting, is it, with Celia Sparrow's milk. Tank of a company. Well, at least we're getting rid of some of the milk. I couldn't light the candle. I tried. Sorry, that is the most over the top fairy cake. I have ever seen. Would you expect anything else? No. Well, thank you. I'll eat it on my round. I'm sorry we had to cancel dinner this evening. It doesn't matter. Oh, it's Kirsty. Wants to know what's happening about the house and are we around later? Yeah. What time? Shall say after two. Okay. Hey. It's gonna be okay, you know. I know. Morning. Oh, hi, Emma. I can't stop. Right. I'll see you later. And thanks again for the cake. Bye. K. Is everything okay? Yeah, just house stuff, but it'll be fine. Right. Tea room. We still haven't got any takers for the pancake competition. We only announced it yesterday. Well, I had an idea for some promotion for social media, Generate some excitement. Okay. How do you feel about some videos? Very short. Less than 30 seconds, say. And we post one every day as a sort of countdown to pancake day. Yeah, Worth a go. Do you think it's something Brad would be able to do for us? Oh, yeah, I'm sure he would. Any opportunity to keep George's business afloat. Oh, great. Can I leave that with you, then? Yeah, of course. Why exactly have we stopped here? Lillian? Don't you ever wonder why the gills haven't been at all sociable? Well, I'm pretty sure that's deliberate. It sounds rather nice what they've done. I tried toughing them up when they first arrived, but clearly they're not in the market for investment opportunities. Well, I've obviously got too much money. Do you know, it looks as if they've changed the front door completely. It was perfectly fine. What are you doing? Don't press that. Relax, Justin. Let me do the talking, yeah? What? Hello, Joy. Hello. Oh, hello, Lillian. Justin, I can see you very well on the camera. Hang on, Em. I'll try and open the gate. Oh, sorry to pop round unannounced. Yes. Hello. Sorry, Lillian. Oh, hello, darling. We were just passing. Oh, look at that lovely sundial. You. You don't know where the guilds might have bought it, do you? We might want to get one for the Dow house. Isn't that right, Justin? Oh, yes, yes. Well, I wouldn't know much about that. It's not really my area of expertise. Oh, dear. Well, never mind. Well, sorry to bother you. Quite all right. You wanted to look in the house, didn't you, Lillian? Well, seeing as we're here, thought so. I wasn't born yesterday. I'd love to see what they've done with Jenny's kitchen. I. I know it's A bit impromptu, darling. Lillian, I think Joy might be busy. Well, perhaps we can come back this evening and I'll bring a bottle this time. Oh, that's very thoughtful, Lillian, but the girls won't allow us to have any visitors. Oh, just a quick peek. Two minutes. Rules are rules. Sorry. Oh, well, never mind. See you in the shop, I expect. Bye. Blast. I don't want to pressure you, but Brenda's been texting me practically every day. Can you please just instruct your solicitor to push through the exchange? Oh, we can't do that yet, Kirsty. Okay, the thing is, we need to get another survey done. But you already have a survey. Well, no, this is different. We need a specialist survey of the drains. We need them to check if they're still okay. But we're not talking about excess groundwater. It's an infrastructure issue. Well, we don't know that for certain. Problem is, Kirsty, the fallout is potentially massive. There's too much at stake. Now. This sewage situation, it changes everything. We need to reconsider our options. Reconsider your options? What does that mean? Well, just that we need to think everything through again. Okay, Look, I do realize this must have been awful for the whole family to see Bridge Farm in such a horrific state, but, well, the house is more or less ready for you to move in. I don't think you need another survey of the drains. Well, we think we do. And according to our solicitor, we're not obliged to pay for it. You are. Me? If we don't complete the sale now, I'm gonna lose Willow Farm. Just give me a straight answer. Are you buying the house or not? We need to get a drain survey done and then wait for the results. Sorry, but that's our answer. Can you believe they've cut down Jenny's apple tree and replaced it with a bird bar? It's their house, Lillian. Can we go home now? I'm getting rather chilly. In a minute. Justin. You really ought to have told me what you're up to right now. Look, look, Lillian, this is the back garden. We have climbed through a fence, so this time we are very definitely trespassing. Oh, don't be silly, darling. Well, now what are you up to? Justin? Justin, can you help me up these steps? No, no, I'm not going to be an accessory to whatever it is you're doing. Oh, give it a rest, will you? Just give me a hand. What? Just let me lean on you. If I can stand on here, I should be able to see in through the window. Have you Gone stark raving mad. Just him. Are you going to help me or not? Why do you have this bizarre obsession to snoop round? Home, Farm, House? All right, I will do it myself then. Brian and Jennifer moved out years ago. Let it go. No, I just need to. No, no, don't let me cut out here. Here, I'm getting soaked. Help me. Help me. Just. Oh, you set off the blasted sprinkler. Oh, what the hell are you playing at? Shut up and help me out of this blower thing. Oh, for crying out loud, Lillian. All right, look, just grab my arm. You could have tried to stop me from falling. Oh, you must have triggered something. Lucky it wasn't a burglar around. Don't be such a drama queen. Oh, child, look at the state of my suit. Oh, well, as for me, no bones broken, I believe. Thank you for asking. I have half a mind to murder you right now. Lillian. Cannot wait till we get home, darling? I think we shall probably leave now. What a flipping mess. And the tea room has gone flat as a pancake. Well, this is not the response I was hoping for. Here you go. Cappuccino. Oh, thanks, Emma, you're a lifesaver. I'm at my wit's end, I really am. But Kirsty's agreed to the drain survey then. Yeah, but even if the report comes back, fine. What if we can't afford to buy it anymore? But your finance is all in place, innit? Yeah, in principle, sure. But the income from here has gone off a cliff. I'm racking up my credit cards, just paying the bills. So easy to start worrying about all the things you can't control. That's why this petition me and Pat are trying to set up about Boys such a water. I know it sounds daft, but it's given me something to focus on. Well, that sounds quite sensible actually. How about we take things one step at a time? Like we have pancake day to prepare for. Right. Right. So have you decided on the fancy fill ins? Not yet, but we'll need a variety of both sweet and savory appeal to all. And we'll need to make some to feature in the social media videos. Socials need juicy content, don't they? Yes, it is much harder than most people think. I'm probably guilty of that anyway. Brad knows much more about it than me. Is he available then? I've left him a message, but he knows George will want him to do it. It's so kind of Brad to keep his business going. We do have to start getting those Videos out like yesterday. But it's not just a case of waiting for Brad to turn up. We need a clear idea first of what we want. Then we should write a plan first. Yeah, it'll give him something to go on, wouldn't it? Right, I thought we could definitely do one where we have a shot of that clock like it's a countdown, and then cut to the pancake mix being poured onto the pan and it's sizzling away close up on clock, cut to pour in mix. And then we can add sound effects, like, to beef it up a bit, and some animation. Oh, he's got that drone, isn't he? How about a fly through of the army? All right, hold your horses. Like I say, one step at a time. I'm Nicola Coughlan. This is history's youngest heroes. Rebellion, risk and the radical power of youth. She thought, right, I'll just do it. She thought about others rather than herself. Twelve stories of extraordinary young people from across history. There's a real sense of urgency in them. That resistance has to be mounted. It has to be mounted now. Listen on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts. How are you getting on? Yep, almost there with these masala doses. Well, people are trickling in slowly out there. You know, we should probably think of a snappier name than early bird brunch offer. Yes. Oh, thank you so much for helping out, Lillian. Oh, well, just till Tracy comes in. I'll get behind the bar as soon as it opens. Right, here we go. Two classic South Indian doses. Thank you. Those scratches on your arm look nasty. Oh. Oh, they're nothing, really. Hang on. Coconut chutney. Oh, yes, yes, of course. How did you get those in the garden? Did you get into a fight with the porcupine? No, I. I fell into a bush, actually. Sorry. There's the chutney. You all right now, though? If you must know, I was round at home. Farmhouse. Oh, I thought Joy and Mick weren't allowed visitors. Well, they're not, as it turns out. So how come you were there? Well, I was. I was having a nose round, if I'm honest. I. Oh. I wanted to see what they'd done with Jenny's garden. Oh, it's lovely, isn't it? I was there on Friday. Joy invited me over. What? Yeah. It's amazing what they've done with the place. Unrecognizable. You. You went inside? Yeah. Though I got thrown out pretty sharpish when Mick came home. Misunderstanding about the house rules. Oh, so. So what have they done inside the House. I'll fill you in later. I can't let the food get cold. Oh, morning, Natasha. Hi, Joy. Nice to see someone using the Bridge Farm shop again. I usually get a veg box, but since we've been displaced from the house, you know. Anyway, what's this I hear from Helen about a pancake eating competition? Sounds rather left field for the tea room, if you don't mind me saying. Oh, yeah. Uptake's not been great, but it's going to be a real fun event. We just need to get a few more entrants. How many contestants so far? Zero. Oh, well, I'm sure me and Mick will pop along. Although I don't think we'd be up for competing. Thanks, Joy. We need all the support we can get. I hope business picks up soon. Any word on the house? Getting a new survey done. A deep dive into the drains. Oh, well, fingers crossed. Do you think anyone on the estate will even be able to get insurance after this? Who knows? I'd be interested to know what your drain people discover. Yeah, of course. I've been trying not to think the worst, but I didn't get much sleep last night worrying about it. Oh, it's dreadful, isn't it? We were all set to move in. That's supposed to be the house Sarah and Nova will remember growing up in. Everything was falling into place so perfectly. Oh, pet. Ignore me, Joy. I'm just having one of those mornings. There's no point blaming everyone else for our mess. I just wish I could. Well, you can. It wasn't your fault. No? Yeah. I mean, I'm feeling just a bit annoyed at everyone. Our regulars, I mean. Where are they now? In time. I'm sure they'll come back. I've got so many unsold cakes every day, I. I can't help thinking, if Fallon was still here, people would be rallying around, trying to support us. You don't know that. It's not like you could have done anything differently anyway. I know, but she just has this energy. I don't know. Thanks, Joy. It's been good to talk, but I'd better get back to the tea room. I'll see you later. Bye, love. Take care. Brad. Earth calling. Brad. What? Oh, hi, Zainab. I didn't see you there. Didn't you hear me? I was shouting. Sorry. I got my earbuds in. Okay. I actually can't stop. I've got to get on. Are you all right? Yeah, fine. I was just off to uni, so. Actually, I am in a bit Of a rush. I'll walk to the bus stop with you. What time's your next lecture? Do you need to check? No, I'm going to the library first. Ah, no, wait. I've got to knit back home. I've forgotten something. I'll wait for you here then. What? Why? Brad, I'm not an alien. Eh? You're being weird. Stop it. Right, yeah. Sorry. I come in peace. See? No hidden weapons. No. No weapons. So, can we pop over to the tea room for a coffee? It's on me. Yeah, but not the tea room. Well, we don't have to sit inside. I'll go fetch some. Oh, I'm not bothered about the sewage thing, but I'd just rather not go there. Right. Hey, Lillian. We're out of the doses. Better go and rub it off the specials board. Well done, Fallon. You know, your trial brunch has gone down brilliantly. So you're happy with it? Well, like I told Tracy, it's a fabulous idea. Well done, you two. Hi, Fallon. Lillian. Hi, Joy. Morning, Joy. How can. Well, what can I get you to drink? Oh, nothing. Well, you see, I'm here. First things first, Fallon. I am sorry for the misunderstanding on Friday. So embarrassing. Don't mention it. It was fun while it lasted. Are you sure you won't have something, Joy? Tea, coffee, or something stronger? No, I only popped in to see you, Lillian. Really? Just wondering, when you stopped by yesterday, did you see anyone else hanging about? No. No, no, no. I. I don't. Don't think so. Why? I think someone might have been snooping around in the back garden. One of the flower beds looked like it had been trampled over. Really? Oh, dear. How strange. And when Mick came back, he noticed the sprinklers were on. And according to him, they weren't programmed to come on. It's a bit of a mystery. Could have been an animal. What sort of animal? Well, fox, perhaps? I don't know. Joy. Look, do you fancy lunch on the house? I feel bad just turning up yesterday out of the blue, empty handed. Oh, you don't have to do that, Lillian. Please, darling. It's the least I could do. Well, why not, then? I don't know what I've done to deserve this. But thank you. Thanks for getting the coffee, Brad. I feel so stupid. Zainab. Stupid's one thing. You're all right. You asked me out and I said no. But we can't go around avoiding each other. That would be stupid. Yeah. I didn't mean to be. So, you know, just now, you Did a very sensible thing. Did I? When? Clever move. Good idea to ask someone out early on, get it out of the way. What? Reckon Chelsea did us both a favor. Oh, what did she tell you? Oh, she kind of pushed you into it. Didn't want to see you waste time getting all worked up. Better to get it out in the open and move on. Right. Before it gets all weird. Right. Your sister's pretty cool, you know. Yeah, I know. And so are you. And you're my mate. I mean, I know we've only just met, but we are mates, aren't we? Yeah, of course. Thanks. Say no. What for? Well, just, you know, being so nice about it. You're not escaping from me that easily. Oh, no. I'd better go. What did I just say? That's Natasha coming across the green. So what? Well, I'm supposed to be making some videos for her for George, but I don't have time. Is there anyone you're not avoiding? Oh, I'd better go before she sees me. Don't worry, I won't let her hurt you. Speak to me. It's for their pancake eating competition next Tuesday. Will anyone die if people out? Well, I already said yes. I can let her down now. Well, you're laying her down by not being honest. Oh, hi. Hello, Natasha. That was good timing. Brad was literally just going to talk to you about the videos. No. No, I wasn't. Well, I'm just nipping into the ball to see Fallon, give her this cake. Emma's dealing with the videos anyway. Yeah, the thing is, he was just telling me that he can't do them anymore. Can you, Brad? Uh, no, no, not, not exactly. Well, were you or weren't you? Too much work, you said. Right. Uh, yeah, it's too much work. I, I, I'm really sorry. Oh, that's a shame. I wish you'd just said no when I asked you. I know. I'm sorry. Was that all, then? Oh, and we both want to sign up for the pancake eating competition. Oh, really? What, Reckon I could eat him under the table? I don't think so. So you're up for it? Yes or no? Yeah, all right. You're on. Well, that's fantastic news. You're our first two contestants. Oh, wait, it's Ramadan next week. What time's the competition? 4:30 for 5:00. In the daytime. I'll be fasting, so you won't be able to enter. Ah, well, could you move it a bit later? After sunset? Well, we've already put it on the website. But then you'll be excluding me. Would you mind moving it to, say, 6pm? The tea room's usually shut by then. Oh. It really wouldn't look good, though, would it? What do you mean? Well, you should be open to people of all faiths, encouraging diversity. You know, Actually, I've changed my mind. Let's do it. We'll move it. Thrilled to have you both. It's a deal. Right. See you later. Bye. Oh, thanks, Zainab. You're welcome. You're free to go now, too. My work here is done. Oh, I wasn't really in a rush just now. Yeah, I knew that. To get to uni, I mean. Yeah. Neither am I. What? Oh, yeah, yeah, I get it. I wish I did want to go. Anything to get my mum off my back. What I need is a better job. My mum says Fallon's looking for a new assistant in the kitchen over at the Ball. Probably more like a skivvy than a. No, I mean me working in a pub. Oh, yeah, maybe not. So it's me against you, then? Next Tuesday. You might as well accept defeat now. We really, really shouldn't be laughing about it. It's not funny. So worth it. Oh, I don't know. I feel a bit guilty now. Oh, my. That looks delicious. Natasha bought it for me. Is it walnut? It's only a day old, honest. But it's to share with everyone. What's tickled you to, then? What have I missed? Oh, Lillian. You wouldn't believe Fallon just now. She was amazing. She just told off a couple of customers. You should have seen their faces. They looked utterly mortified. Hold them off. What on earth for? Oh, she's exaggerated. I literally just walked through the door and they couldn't help make some snide comment about the T room, expecting me to find it funny. I'm sorry. So, Fallon comes to the rescue, saying, if I was looking for feedback, I'd ask for it. Otherwise they should keep it to themselves. Some people, they just don't know any better. I am. I don't think we should be talking to our customers like that, do you? Oh, it sounds worse than it was. I think they were more surprised than offended. Yeah, they're still here. Anyway, you cheered me up. Well, I hope you're right. We don't want to start upsetting Ponters, especially as we're getting so many new faces through the door. Actually, you do look rather busy. Yes, yes, we're getting quite a lot of interest over our restaurant opening earlier in the day. Oh, yeah. It's a trial run anyway. Excuse me, darlings. I'd better get back behind the bar. Thought I was about to get a telling off. So you're doing brunch now? Well, it's very early days. Well, day one, actually. Only just took the job permanently last Friday, after all. And those are your new early opening hours up there on the board. Yeah. Fallon, I hope the ball isn't trying to take advantage of our misfortune. It wasn't really my decision, Natasha, because it would be rather petty for you to be exploiting our situation, particularly. Particularly as an ex employee of the tea room. Wait. You don't think this is deliberate, do you? Well, I don't know what to think, Fallon, but I know what I see. I thought we had your support, Natasha. I'm sorry. I think I better go. Hope you enjoy your cake anyway. Oh, there's my Cara. How do you want us to organize the freezer? I'm just making room for the batch cooking you're doing. Oh, well, thanks, Linda. I just need a bit of space. Half a drawer. Right. I'm going to Underwoods. Anything else we need? Nearly finished the list. But check the meal calendar on the fridge. I wouldn't bother including Robert in your calculations. Oh, Lindy, please. I said I'd be fasting, didn't I? Oh, we definitely need more oats for. For morning, Suhoor. Well, let me just go. Go and check the larder. Seriously, how long do you think he'll last? Did you hear that, Robert? That's fighting talk. Linda, is it all right if I take Monty for his walk now? Oh, that would be lovely. Oh, not now, Khalil. Can you change out of your school uniform, please? What for, Khalil? Because Ammi needs help with the shopping. Why can't Zinib go? Because I've got deliveries later, that's why. Well, that's not fair, seeing as I'm the only one who's not allowed to do Ramadan. Look, it's fine. I'll go on my own. Just don't be too long walking, Monty. Why not? Because it's getting dark. Well, just stop treating me like a baby, Camille. Don't worry, Mum. You go. I'm here for a bit. Sorry about that, Linda. See you all later. Right. All right. It's like this every year. Is there something we can do? He's just feeling left out. Oh, snap. I beg your pardon? You and me both have electric cars. Oh, I see. Yes. Oh, nice to meet another convert. Yeah, finding someone to charge is a Bit of a problem. Surprised Underwoods doesn't have any points. Dr. Malik, isn't it? Azra, please. And you're. Justin. Elliot. Right. Call me Justin. Hi, Justin. Oh, you could always have one installed at the front of your house. Well, I already do, but we're not at home at the moment. I normally live on the Beechwood estate. Oh, I see. So, have you been affected by the sewage discharge? Yeah, I'm afraid so, yes. I'm so sorry to hear that. It sounded dreadful. Yeah, it certainly was. It is. We're staying at Ambridge hall while the house gets cleaned up with the snails. Right. Is there much structural damage? Well, the house doesn't actually belong to us. Robert told me he'd sent you an email about this on my behalf. Did he? Asking whether you might be able to help us. Oh, yes. I vaguely recall seeing something. So, what do you think? Remind me. We were under the impression. Well, I was. Correct me if I'm wrong, that you had something to do with developing Beechwood through your company. What's it called? Damari. Yes, we were involved. So, can you help me? It depends. What is it you're trying to achieve? I just need somebody to, well, do something. Do what? About the sewage problem. Well, isn't that the job of your insurance company? Well, it's not just theirs, is it? Somebody has to take responsibility. Azra. Forgive me. I'm afraid I'm not quite sure what it is I can do for you. Hey, there you are. What? Wait up. What do you want now? You alright? Don't I look alright? You should take a torch, you know. No, we better keep up with Monty. Yeah. Got some good news. You're emigrating to Australia. I'll meet her back from the insurance. They're replacing my laptop. And your tablet. Yeah, but they can't replace the wedding photos, though, can they? No, Obviously. Listen, Robert and Linda, they're only going to be joining in with the fasting for a couple of days. Yeah, whatever. But I can't. You do understand why they want to, don't you? Sort of. You know, I can do whatever I want at school now. Not like in Solihull. Everyone used to be so worried. I wouldn't be up to it. Chris. Cricket, football here. I might even get picked for the cricket team. Well, that's really great. Here. I'm just the same as all the other kids. Look, Mom's just looking out for you. We all are. I know, but I wish you'd all stop. I'm not a baby anymore. Oh, this is exactly the sort of attitude that drives me crazy. Everyone just passes the buck, blames the rain. Why should you lift a finger when you've made your money? As long as there's enough room around the trough, what do you care? You're right. I agree. Pardon? Borsetshire Water has a duty to its shareholders. And it appears that profit has priority over an upgrade to the Ambridge Treatment works. That's what really galls me. Someone like you sees it all so clearly. I just thought that maybe you might have some money. No compassion. Azra, really? I am not completely heartless, I promise you. But I think the reason you can't find anyone to deal with the immediate problem is because you're looking at this in the wrong way. Oh, am I, indeed? Or at the wrong people, in fact. So whose responsibility is it, Justin? It's everyone's responsibility. But don't confuse that with liability. Stop looking for someone to blame. It's a pointless exercise. What does that mean? It's up to the community, Azra, you, me, everyone in the village. The problem is containing the water volume. You identified that yourself. The unfortunate fact is, nothing will be done in the short term unless we get together and persuade Borsuch or Water to physically update the infrastructure. I wonder whether we're being insensitive by rubbing Caligul's nose in it. Are we making Azra's life harder? What do you think? Lindy? Mm. What's up? Oh, this text from Freddy. I might have got myself into something of a pickle. What's wrong? He's volunteering for captain of the cricket team. He's formally nominated himself. Seconded by his sister. Well, isn't that a good thing? It might well have been. But the thing is, I've only just this morning offered it to Tom and he accepted. After some persuasion. Under duress, you mean? I didn't torture him, Robert. But you asked him under pressure. Well, I guess it's far too late to retract the offer to Tom. Well, half of Ambridge probably knows by now. Oh, dear. I can't just turn Freddy down. It wouldn't feel right from the tone of his message. Freddy seems very keen while Tom was anything but. Well, sounds like you'll need to go back to Tom and ask him to pull out gracefully, won't you? Perhaps I ought to sleep on it. What good will that do? Sorry, what were you saying just now about Carlyle? Oh, I was saying I hope we're not driving a wedge between him and his mother. Well, if she doesn't Want him to fast? It's her choice. I know, but seeing as he's so desperate and that we're joining in. Yes, well, yes. It can't be easy for him to watch us behaving like some sort of cultural tourists. Well, Azra will be back soon. I do hope that's not what Carlisle thinks. Robert. Maybe you should ask her if she still thinks us fasting is a good idea. Oh, Ezra, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize you were still up. Yeah, I'm just catching up on some paperwork. It's usually back to back patients at the surgery. I'm not your way, am I? No, no, no, no. I'm making myself a herbal tea before bed. Would you like one? Oh, I've got one, thanks. I was sorry to hear about your encounter with Justin. It can be rather evasive. People like that just annoy me. They waste time just dancing around your questions, and then they've got the gall to give you a lecture. Yes. It reminds me a bit of the flood 10 years ago. We felt all on our own, too. Robert told me you were badly affected. Yes. Yes, I lost my dog, Scruff. He ran off somewhere. I thought I'd never see him again. Linda, I'm so sorry. I was too busy moving all the furniture upstairs. It must be so hard not being in your own space, being displaced. And it seems Ramadan will be a particularly difficult time for Khalil, given that he won't be fasting and you will. Yeah. The three of us will stay, eat together, but he'll be feeling excluded. Robert and I were thinking. Would it make things easier if we stepped back if we don't take part. No. No. Linda, I absolutely would love you and Robert to join in. It's such a beautiful gesture. We do very much want to participate, But I'm worried that Khalil might feel that we're not respecting his feelings. No, no, no, Linda. It wouldn't make any difference. It's me he's angry with. Last year, I discovered he'd been secretly fasting. Oh, no. I mean, he'd only skipped his lunch at school a couple of times. He was just practicing. Really? But I completely flipped out. Please say if I shouldn't ask Asra. But I do wonder why he's excluded at his age. By rights, he should have started fasting. All his friends in Solihull were already doing the whole month. Zainab's been doing it since she was 11. But for Khalil, it's just different. Why so Khalil had leukemia when he was younger. Twice. Oh, Asra. He spent a lot of time having chemotherapy. I'm so sorry. I had no idea. That must have been so frightening for you. He doesn't like people to know because when they find out, he says they treat him differently. Yes, I can understand that. It's been five years now, but I can't shake the memory of how fragile he was that second time. I honestly believed he wouldn't get through it. I promised myself I'd never let him become that weak again. Of course you did. You'd do anything in your power. I mean, he looks completely fine now. He is. He's completely fine. But just the thought of him running on empty for 10 hours a day without so much as a sip of water. I still carry a thermometer in my bag. And I take Zaynab off to school to check up on him. Just can't stop myself. I mean, he seems just as healthy as any other boy his age, so why can't I just let it go? He's not that fragile little boy anymore. I've always had an affinity with young people his age. So creative, so much fun on their way to adulthood, but still so vulnerable. Yeah. Yeah, that's just right. The thing is, Linda, the longer I try to protect him, the longer I'm denying him his right to practice, his faith, his independence. But you're protecting him. I know that every year he'll get more and more resentful, but I just can't help it. If you'd seen him, Linda, watch him get weaker and weaker, thinner and thinner, and there was nothing I could do. Nothing. Except sit by his bedside and just pray that. Well, just pray. Oh, there you are, love. Have you got your wallet with you? Yeah, why? Can you pay the nursery? My credit card's not working. Busy. Pay of the veg boxes. Can't you use one of your other cards? I've already tried. They're all maxed out. What does that mean? Well, I can't afford to pay the bill, Tom. What do you think it means, really? Well, cash flow's been a bit tight lately, for obvious reasons. And we did say we'd pay for it out of our joint account, only someone never got around to opening. Tom. Hello? Are you in there? Yeah, back here. Here, my cards are in there. Oh, thanks. Oh, morning, Natasha. Oh, hi, Linda. Linda. Are you here for the shop or tea room? Actually, I was after a quick word with Tom. I'll leave you to it. I'll see you later, love. Nice to see You, Linda? Yeah. I'll catch you later. Bye. So, what can I do for you? Well, it's. It's rather delicate. Sorry, Linda. As you can see, I'm up to my eyeballs. So if you could get to the point. Yes, yes, well, I. I need you to step down as captain. What? There's been a mix up. A mix up how? You only offered it to me yesterday. Practically strong arm me into it. Yes, well, I. I hadn't fully appreciated how busy you are, what with the recent disaster and it's such a struggle trying to pull a team together. After all, cricket season is only a couple of months away now. I thought that was the whole point. But I should never have put so much pressure on you, Tom. It was insensitive of me. Considering you'd already refused once. You must have felt that you couldn't really say no. I know I can be a little over persuasive sometimes, but if I pull out now, that would still leave you captainless, wouldn't it? Well, yes, it would temporarily, but someone's got to do it. But it shouldn't feel like a burden. I should find someone who actually wants to do it. Linda, you've got someone else, haven't you? Pardon? Oh, come on. Not daft. You were desperate yesterday. What's going on? Nothing is going on. You've offered it to someone else. Well, you're double booked now. Really? Who? Freddy. Ha. I knew it. And he's accepted? Actually, I haven't confirmed yet. He's. He's volunteered. I came to ask you to withdraw first. But he wants to do it. I'm really sorry, Tom. You are a wily old so and so. No offense. Well, I. Fair. I suppose. Well, I have been very busy with other things. You see, we're preparing for the start of Ramadan tomorrow. Ramadan? Robert and I are going to participate for a few days anyway. Oh, right. And we've been trying to find various ways to make life a little easier for her and the family. We've been so busy, you see, and I somehow got my wires crossed. So you see my position. Yeah. You're snookered. Quite. Can't have two captains. Well, there's a solution. What? We could be joint captains. No, no, no, no. I hardly think that's a good idea. Share the burden. Now I think of it, that makes a lot of sense. Tom, this is not a sensible option. Shall I leave it with you then? Oh. Oh, Fallon, you don't have to do the kitchen waste. I was going to do that right after these Bottles. No, I don't mind. Especially since we're short staffed. Oh, well, hopefully not for much longer. Jolene was saying they've had some interest. Oh, well, that's a relief. And what about your dad? How's he getting on? Oh, he's loving it. Playing gigs every night and chilling on the beach in the day. It's his dream job. Oh, Jammy so and so. Yeah. Mind you talking to Jammy so and so's. Me and Susan have booked a table at Milo's with that dosh we got from a mystery friend, you know, at the Panto. Oh, yeah, you just got given an envelope, didn't you? Yeah, telling us to treat ourselves because sisters are important. Oh, how lovely. But we're taking Jazza and Neil, obviously. Oh, well, you both deserve it. Of course we do. I'm dead excited. How's Harrison? I haven't spoken for a couple of days. You okay about that? It's a good thing. Yeah, it sounds like his work up north is much more interesting than usual response work in Borsicher. Well, it's probably good we're getting busier then. Tracy, do you think that this earlier opening will work out? What? Yeah, 100? Yeah, I suppose. Yeah. Come on, then. What's really going on in there? I can't stop thinking about what Natasha said. That we're stealing her customers. Right. Well, stealing's a pretty strong word for a star. All right, she might have taken it the wrong way, but maybe that is what she thinks. What if she really believes that we're taking advantage of her while she's struggling? People say stuff sometimes in the heat of the moment, they regret it straight after. I've not heard from her since. Maybe she still thinks that we're friends, me and Natasha. I mean, not like best mates, but I hate the thought of her going through a tough time and, well, me being the cause. You're not the cause of it. Yeah, but I've not made things any easier, have I? Do you think I should try and clear the air? So, do you see my conundrum, Freddy? Your what? My conundrum. No, you're going to have to speak up, Linda. Meat packing is a very noisy business. The cricket captaincy. Yes. Yes, I'd love to take it on. What do you think? No, no, listen, as I've just said, Tom has already accepted. Tom? He won't back down. Oh, all right. I didn't realize. But I couldn't bring myself to say no to you, Freddy. So would you consider retracting your sorry I didn't catch that. Tom seems to think you could share it as joint captains. Oh, he thinks we should share the captaincy. Interesting. Yes, but I don't think that's going to work. The podium point is he won't withdraw. No. Sorry, say that again. He won't withdraw. No. Well, I'm okay with that. Sharing the responsibility with such an experienced player like Tom. I'm flattered, really. If anything, it makes me feel more confident. And having him there means I won't feel quite so out of my depth. Yeah. Yeah, I like it. It's a good idea. Freddie. What I meant. So when do you want us to sit down together? Pretty soon, I imagine. Linda, can you hear me? Okay. Natasha. Hi. Oh, hi, Fallon. Were you heading over to the shop? No, I was looking for you, actually. Oh, okay. I just popped my head into the tea room. Bit different to when you were there last, I bet. Yeah, didn't expect it to look like that. Not quiet you mean? Just take away coffee? Well, we were usually rushed off our feet around 11. It doesn't help having that biohazard mat at the entrance. Dairy still shut, waiting for another test to come back from the lab. Oh, so you're free now? Well, it depends what you mean by free. Sorry, no, I didn't mean. That came out wrong. Because I have to speak to the bank and then go and wipe down all the tables with a mixture of vinegar and water and then help Emma and Chelsea shoot some marketing videos. But there's no queue of customers waiting to be served if that's what you meant. Look, Natasha, I feel really awful about Wednesday. That was really kind of you to come over to the ball. I just didn't want to leave it like we did. Honestly, fallen, it doesn't matter. I completely understand. I'm sorry too. Oh, you are? Really? Yeah. Oh, I'm so relieved. I realize how hard it is for you to have your dreams shattered like that. My dreams? You know, losing the unit at the charging station and having to leave your job working here only to end up taking a backward step. Must be demoralizing. A backward step? Working in your parents kitchen. I understand why you might feel some bitterness towards me, some resentments. But I know it's not personal. I don't feel bitter or resentful. I'm the permanent head chef at the Bull. I decide the menu. Well, you certainly have the right attitude. I'm glad you can be so positive about it. Are you? Yeah. And I do appreciate you popping by, Fallon, but I'm sorry. I really have to get on, if you don't mind. Oh, thanks, Linda. This is really kind of you. Certainly beats a sandwich in a flask in the poly. That's the least I could do. Will you be bringing us here for all army team? Steady on now. Well, I can't wait. Fallon's goulash sounds irresistible. I'm starting to wish I'd ordered that now. I do get food envy. Well, you're welcome to try some of mine. Thanks, Freddy. Likewise. So how come you decided to throw your hat in? Well, actually, it was Vince who convinced me I might be a good candidate. Could you just move the drinks so I can pop my folder on the table? Thanks. Now, Freddie, you had some interesting ideas around our general tactical approach, didn't you? Oh, yeah. Yes, well, Division 4's a massive step up. Survival is the big issue. Well, I think we need to advertise for some new blood, don't you? Raise the overall standard. We're not playing for fun anymore. Well, some people are, though, aren't they? But we can't keep putting out a makeshift team of friends and family. We have to create some genuine competition for places. Yeah, but won't that mean some players will drop out? You know, if they're not guaranteed to play? Half of them aren't very good, Freddie, let's face it. It does seem to me that tactical decisions are fluid and still very much open for creative discussion. So perhaps we could begin instead by allocating some of the administrative responsibilities. Now, I've taken the liberty of drawing up a bullet point point list. Here's a copy each. Well, how about we split the role so that I'd be team captain and you'd be club captain. I can focus on coaching and tactics. So that means that my role would be more administrative. Oh, you're definitely better at all this sort of thing, Freddie. I'm more hands on. Perhaps you might consider sharing the workload. We can worry about official titles later. Unless, Tom, you're now concerned whether you do indeed have sufficient capacity to be captain. No, no, no, no, no, you're absolutely right, Linda. My bad. Well, how about I take care of, let's see, booking a net practice and making sure everyone turns up, obviously. Jolly good. Thank you, Tom. Well, yeah, thanks. There are. There are quite a few more items on the list. Player selection, scheduling fixtures, health and safety, budget management. Yes, health and safety. Very important. What would that involve? Here we are. A copy of a typical risk assessment which Harrison produced for each fixture. Assessing the playing conditions, a weighting facilities, injury management plan. This is like 20 pages long. Yeah. Have we got to do a risk assessment for every match? Oh, naturally. Tell you what, While we wait for our food, I am just going to the bar to have a chat with Tracy, tell her the good news. Perhaps you two can go through the list and divide up the tasks between you. Okay. There's more on the other side of the page. Oh, right, so there is. She was unbelievable. She's got a right cheek. How dare she say that? I'm taking a backward step. Thinks everyone else is beneath her. I mean, she's so entitled. Pass me the meat cleaver, will you? Oh, talk about pot and kettle. Accusing you of stealing her customers when her and Tom didn't think nothing about stealing yours. Yeah, you know, there was something she said at my leaving do. I didn't think much of it at the time, but she made me feel guilty about handing in my notice. Disappointed, that's what she said. As if I still owed her something after I went through all that trouble to consider her feelings. So why should I give a damn now? Why should I care if their business is on the ropes? They got too used to taking advantage of you, Fallon. Well, I don't work there anymore. If we succeed and they fail, that's just the way it goes, isn't it? Nothing wrong with Tom and Natasha being brought down to Peg Alto. And you know what? I'm taking the shackles off. What do you say? It's entirely up to you. I'm staying out of it. Yeah, you're right, Tracy. It is up to me. From now on, it's time to look after number one. This is Danny Robbins here, host of Uncanny, with some exciting news to share. The Uncannyverse is getting even bigger with a brand new Uncanny TV series on BBC2 and iPlayer, featuring some frankly terrifying cases that will make your hair stand on end. But then we will be taking an even deeper dive into these stories with Uncanny Post Mortem, a new visualized podcast straight afterwards on BBC Two iPlayer. And right here as audio on BBC Sounds. Expect spine tingling new twists and some chilling revelations. That is Uncanny Post Mortem. Join me if you dare. Foreign this is history's youngest heroes. Rebellion, risk and the radical power of youth. She thought, right, I'll just do it. She thought about others rather than herself. Twelve stories of extraordinary young people from across history. There's a real sense of urgency in them. That resistance has to be mounted. It has to be mounted. Now. Listen on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.