12/04/2026

Summary

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The Archers Omnibus: 12/04/2026

Podcast: The Archers Omnibus
Host: BBC Radio 4
Episode Date: April 11, 2026

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Overview

This episode of The Archers Omnibus covers a bustling week of life in Ambridge, centering on community efforts, personal milestones, succession at Home Farm, the challenges of unexpected gifts, deep parent-child conversations, and health anxieties. Amid the typical village bustle, tensions surface over family, transparency, and self-worth, interwoven with humour, honest confession, and the drama of rural life.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Easter Service Disrupted – The Church Ceiling Collapse

• The Palm Sunday service at St. Stephen’s is interrupted when a section of the ceiling collapses, causing alarm but injuring no one. Brian Aldridge calmly evacuates the congregation in a display of pastoral leadership.
• The community quickly rallies to adapt, with volunteers assisting in clean-up and improvised arrangements for ongoing services.
• Later, complications arise when a member of the congregation claims injury and seeks compensation, adding stress for the church leadership.

Notable Quote:

“Part of the ceiling has come down. No one's been hurt, I think. Listen, everyone, I think it's best if we all leave the church.”
— Brian Aldridge (05:16)

Timestamps: [05:16–06:19], [29:00–29:43], [33:11–33:41]

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2. Promises Tree & Community Volunteering

• Linda Snell organizes parishioners to commit to helping out—Eddie offers lifts, Leonard Berry helps with decorating, and Jim Lloyd offers readings and storytelling.
• The “Promises Tree” becomes a focal point for villagers to pledge support during the church’s moment of need, highlighting a blend of community spirit and gentle ribbing.

Notable Quote:

“Linda’s got Eddie offering lifts. Leonard Berry’s agreed to do what he calls rudimentary decorating.”
— Usha Gupta (02:29)

Timestamps: [02:29–03:13], [52:06–53:45]

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3. Succession at Home Farm

• There is intense speculation and discussion about who will take the lead at Home Farm after Brian. Adam Macy voices concerns about Rory’s preparedness for farm management.
• A major turning point occurs when Brian privately confirms that Adam will run the farm and eventually inherit it, with a majority share codified in Brian’s will.

Notable Quotes:

“You run the farm on your own.”
— Brian Aldridge (09:37)

“If I add a codicil to my will, making it clear that it’s my wish, you should have the majority share of the vote when I'm gone.”
— Brian Aldridge (10:08)

Timestamps: [03:48–11:01], [26:40–31:09]

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4. The Budgie Dilemma

• Robert Snell receives an unexpected birthday gift: an empty budgie cage, with the promise of a budgie to follow—intended as a thoughtful gesture from Khalil, who rescued the bird from poor conditions.
• Robert is conflicted. He doesn’t feel right about keeping caged birds, and he and Linda debate how to return the gift without hurting Khalil’s feelings.
• Eventually, an awkward but honest conversation occurs, Khalil apologizes, and the budgie is temporarily moved to Khalil’s own home while they search for a permanent solution—worrying over the bird’s stress due to frequent changes.

Notable Quotes:

“I cannot live with a bird in a cage... it’s a matter of principle.”
— Robert Snell (18:08)

“This budgie is staying right here.”
— Jim Lloyd, about not moving the stressed budgie to Barney’s (74:03)

Timestamps: [06:19–14:28], [16:56–18:35], [39:40–42:09], [47:39–50:07], [61:07–74:03]

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5. George’s 21st Birthday & Self-Doubt

• George Grundy’s birthday is marked by gestures from family but also by exclusion and underlying emotional struggle. He’s not invited to Kira’s party, leading to a quiet moment of introspection.
• He grapples with his self-worth and future as a father, probing Emma about whether she believes he’ll make a good dad. Emma responds honestly, stressing patience and control, particularly of anger, as essential traits.

Notable Quotes:

“Do you think I'll make a good dad, do you think?”
— George Grundy (32:49)

“One of the main things is patience. Tons of patience… Well, you have to control that, George. You really do.”
— Emma Grundy (35:21, 36:20)

Timestamps: [15:15–26:33], [34:31–36:43]

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6. Personal Confessions: Pip’s Health Scare

• Pip Archer confides in David about finding a lump in her breast and the anxiety before her appointment, debating whether to tell her mother, Ruth, given Ruth’s own cancer history.
• Eventually, after talking with David and Ruth, Pip decides it’s best to share the news, leading to a supportive and emotional parental conversation.

Notable Quotes:

“I'm in good hands. They'll deal with this, whatever it is.”
— Pip Archer (43:07)

“You found this early, whatever it is, and it might be nothing, but early is good… Don’t be afraid to lean on your family and friends.”
— Ruth Archer (65:53, 66:52)

Timestamps: [42:10–43:45], [65:03–67:18]

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7. Life Changes, Regrets, and Hopes

• Conversations between Brian and George reflect on vocation, hope, and enduring despite setbacks. Brian reveals that despite moving from a lucrative accounting job to become vicar, happiness was key.
• George expresses his own setbacks pursuing his dream of raising sheep but recognizes resilience is necessary.

Notable Quotes:

“It’s what you have to expect. I still have the dream, though. Only if it’s gonna work. I know I have to do it on my own.”
— George Grundy (61:41)

Timestamps: [59:05–62:04]

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8. Mental Health & Community Initiatives

• Linda and Jim discuss their plans for a mental health initiative at the cattle market, seeking to bring support to farmers who rarely seek help themselves. The need for personal testimony and sensitivity is stressed.

Notable Quotes:

“Farming is a stressful occupation. A lot of farmers pay more attention to the welfare of their livestock than they do to their own.”
— Jim Lloyd (44:02)

Timestamps: [43:36–45:19]

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Changing Roles & Letting Go:
  “It’s been you and Rory and now it’s just you.”
  — Brian Aldridge (10:24)
• On Unwanted Gifts:
  “I like birds in their natural environment, not as prisoners in cages. And I do not want to spend my twilight years entertaining budgies.”
  — Robert Snell (13:34)
• On Family Worries:
  “I'm dreading telling her, though, Dad. Stirring up all those memories. But you're right, she would want to be told.”
  — Pip Archer (63:52)

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Important Timestamps

• 02:29: Community promises for the church
• 05:16: Church ceiling collapses
• 09:37: Adam named future Home Farm manager and heir
• 18:08: Robert’s principles on caged animals
• 29:00: Church crisis and leadership
• 35:21, 36:20: Emma's honest parenting advice to George
• 42:10: Pip confides in David about lump
• 59:05: George and Brian’s talk about hope and vocation
• 66:52: Ruth reassures Pip about family support

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Recurring Themes & Tone

The tone weaves between gentle rural humour, honest self-questioning, and forthright emotional discussion. The episode artfully balances the mundane (cakes, cleaning), village drama (church damage, succession), and private emotional struggles. Even through disruption, Ambridge remains a community where people step up—sometimes reluctantly, sometimes clumsily, but always with feeling.

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Summary

This week’s Archers paints a rich tapestry of village life: resilience after disaster, the pulls of duty and family, generational transition, the challenge of honesty between loved ones, and the tension between doing what’s kind versus what’s right—for both budgies and people. Through birth, celebration, confession, and humour, the spirit of Ambridge endures.

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For Further Listening

To relive moments from this and other episodes, The Archers daily and omnibus are now available on BBC Sounds for five years after broadcast ([75:14]).

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Transcript

[George Grundy]

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[Brian Aldridge]

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[Adam Macy]

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[Brian Aldridge]

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[Lindy Snell]

Save on tropical flavors at Whole Foods

[Emma Grundy]

Market during the Savor the Tropics event

[Lindy Snell]

with yellow sales signs highlighting seasonal finds throughout the store.

[Emma Grundy]

The produce section is bursting with pineapples,

[Lindy Snell]

mangoes and kiwis at their juicies. Grill up fresh seafood paired with tropical fruit marinades.

[Emma Grundy]

Or grab and enjoy the spicy Hawaiian

[Lindy Snell]

pizza, huli huli chicken and more. Finish with a sweet slice of mango yuzu, Chantilly cake.

[Emma Grundy]

Savor the tropics and save at Whole Foods Market.

[Brian Aldridge]

You're listening to the Archer's omnibus from BBC Radio 4. Honestly, Usha, that was really moving.

[Usha Gupta]

Coffee.

[Brian Aldridge]

Oh, Grey Dawn, Lakey Hill, the sun just coming up.

[Usha Gupta]

It's a special place, I've always thought

[Brian Aldridge]

and you know, the simple words of the story. First day of the week, very early women come bringing spices to the tomb

[Usha Gupta]

and just time for a quick breakfast

[Brian Aldridge]

before the next service, for which much thanks.

[Usha Gupta]

Update on the promises, chief.

[Robert Snell]

Oh.

[Brian Aldridge]

Oh, yeah.

[Usha Gupta]

Apparently Linda Snell's been rounding up support. Linda's got Eddie offering lifts. Leonard Berry's agreed to do what he calls rudimentary decorating.

[Brian Aldridge]

Rudimentary?

[Usha Gupta]

Well, simple, basic, I suppose.

[Brian Aldridge]

Or botched.

[Usha Gupta]

Alan? No, no, no. Leonard always does his best.

[Brian Aldridge]

Of course he does.

[Usha Gupta]

Good old Leonard. And Jim Lloyd.

[Brian Aldridge]

Oh, Jim.

[Usha Gupta]

He's offered reading.

[Brian Aldridge]

He's offered what?

[Usha Gupta]

Reading stories or poems.

[Brian Aldridge]

Oh, that's a bit different. I might take him up on that myself.

[Usha Gupta]

Someone already has.

[Brian Aldridge]

Quick burst of Sherlock Holmes would just suit. After a meeting at the pcc, he's

[Usha Gupta]

been reading the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner to Jill Archer.

[George Grundy]

Ah.

[Brian Aldridge]

And a thousand, thousand slimy things lived on. And so did I.

[Usha Gupta]

Wonderful. And would that be from your next sermon?

[Brian Aldridge]

As if I would. As a matter of fact, this year I'm going to be thinking about the crowd.

[Lindy Snell]

The crowd?

[Brian Aldridge]

How we can all become part of a crowd. How we can cheer Jesus on a Sunday. And how we can turn on him less than a week later, calling down extreme punishment on an innocent man. And how we can still be forgiven for.

[Adam Macy]

The thing is, Brian, word's going round the village.

[Brian Aldridge]

Is it really? People are talking.

[Oliver Sterling]

People do talk.

[Adam Macy]

They're wondering about you and Miranda.

[Oliver Sterling]

I expect you're right.

[Adam Macy]

So I thought I'd ask.

[Oliver Sterling]

I expect they are.

[Adam Macy]

I thought I'd better ask because it does have a bearing on Home Farm.

[Oliver Sterling]

Does it?

[Adam Macy]

On Home Farm in particular.

[Oliver Sterling]

How awkward. Well, if they ever actually ask you, I'm sure you'll know what to tell them.

[Adam Macy]

Well, that's just it, though, Brian.

[David Archer]

I don't.

[Oliver Sterling]

Well, tell them what I'm telling you.

[Brian Aldridge]

Which is what?

[Oliver Sterling]

Mind your own business.

[Jim Lloyd]

Y.

[Oliver Sterling]

No, Adam. Mind your own business. This is nothing to do with anyone but Miranda and me. Is this all you've come for, to stick your nose in?

[Adam Macy]

What?

[Oliver Sterling]

Because if it is, you can clear off now.

[Adam Macy]

No, I also wanted to ask you about Rory.

[Oliver Sterling]

Rory?

[Adam Macy]

But you're obviously.

[Oliver Sterling]

What about Rory? Well, people are talking about him, too. Are they?

[Adam Macy]

No, I just mean. I mean about Home Farm. What's the plan?

[Oliver Sterling]

What's the plan?

[Adam Macy]

Is he helping me to run Home Farm or not? Because he's still at Barrow learning about pigs, and we don't keep pigs and never have. Unless that is the plan.

[Oliver Sterling]

No.

[Robert Snell]

Then what's Rory doing at Barrow?

[Adam Macy]

Because I think I need to know if I should ever, God forbid, think of going on holiday. Who's going to step into cover for me? Will it be Rory, with his wealth of pig experience, but with a paucity of experience in running Home Farm? I need to know, Brian.

[Brian Aldridge]

And it was infectious, the joy that run through the crowd on that first Palm Sunday. Everyone responded to the moment they were caught up in it, shouting out, as if with one voice, it's all right. It's all right. Part of the ceiling has come down. No one's been hurt, I think. Listen, listen, everyone, listen to me. I think it's best if we all leave the church. Could you please follow the church warden's directions? Thank you, Neil and Hillary. So let's exit by the south door or through the vestry. Yes, whichever is closer, but steer clear of the west end and don't go beyond the font, just to be on the safe side. We will all gather on the path outside the south door. There's no need to rush. And I'll see you all outside.

[Robert Snell]

Lindy.

[Lindy Snell]

Happy birthday, Robert.

[Robert Snell]

What's all this?

[Lindy Snell]

The other breakfast things.

[Robert Snell]

Let me take that from you.

[Lindy Snell]

No, no, no, I can manage. It's not that heavy. Make some space.

[David Archer]

Yes.

[Robert Snell]

What on earth is it?

[Lindy Snell]

I have no idea.

[Robert Snell]

It's huge. What have you been up to? You've already given me my present.

[Lindy Snell]

But this isn't from me, Robert.

[Robert Snell]

Warwickshire County Cricket cufflinks, which I shall treasure forever.

[Lindy Snell]

No, this is from someone else. I just found it on the doorstep. No name, no label.

[Robert Snell]

And you think it's for me?

[Lindy Snell]

Acres of happy birthday wrapping paper. And today's your birthday? Of course it's for you.

[Robert Snell]

How intriguing.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, go on then, open it.

[Oliver Sterling]

Right, right.

[Robert Snell]

Yes, of course. Oh, my word. Well. Well, it. It looks like, wouldn't you say, A birdcage? An empty birdcage.

[Lindy Snell]

Ah, There's a note inside. Have a look.

[Robert Snell]

Yes, just a minute. Here we are.

[George Grundy]

It's.

[Lindy Snell]

It's from Khalil.

[Robert Snell]

Khalil.

[Lindy Snell]

Happy birthday, Robert. This is the cage for your new budgie.

[Robert Snell]

Budgie? I haven't got a budgie, have I?

[Lindy Snell]

No, of course not.

[Robert Snell]

You haven't bought me one, have you?

[Lindy Snell]

Absolutely not.

[David Archer]

No.

[Lindy Snell]

Listen. Your new budgie, which will be arriving later today.

[Robert Snell]

What?

[Lindy Snell]

How? He says Zaynab will bring it round. How sweet of him.

[Pip Archer]

Sweet?

[Robert Snell]

I don't want a budgie.

[Lindy Snell]

It's so thoughtful though, Robert. He knows you like bird watching.

[Robert Snell]

Watching budgies.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, he says so. Here. Now you can bird watch in the comfort of your own home.

[Robert Snell]

Let me see that. I am happy to do this because it's a double. Good thing. It rescues a little bird from a too small cage where it was unhappy. And it will bring joy into the life of my friend.

[Lindy Snell]

Oh, Robert, isn't that wonderful?

[Oliver Sterling]

Actually, Adam, I've been thinking this for some time.

[Adam Macy]

That Rohr is not ready.

[Oliver Sterling]

Not ready for managing anything as big as Home Farm.

[Adam Macy]

No.

[Oliver Sterling]

And that was the point of getting him placed at Barrow. It was nothing to do with pigs. It was about coping and resilience. Starting at the bottom, taking a few knocks and earning the right to call himself a farmer. I suppose so, yes.

[Adam Macy]

And you don't think he is coping, I mean.

[Oliver Sterling]

Well, this is between you and me, Adam, entirely.

[Adam Macy]

Yes, of course.

[Oliver Sterling]

Then what I think is that for all his considerable qualities, he's not nearly ready.

[Brian Aldridge]

No.

[Adam Macy]

I see.

[Oliver Sterling]

Not yet the farmer. And maybe never will be. Do you think he's ready? Well, do you? Can you manage without him?

[Adam Macy]

Frankly, yes, I can. It's actually a lot easier when he's not around.

[Oliver Sterling]

I thought as much.

[Adam Macy]

Because then I don't have to do the job and mentor Rory at the same time.

[Oliver Sterling]

And you've always been a farmer and shown resilience.

[Adam Macy]

I've had to. So, yes, I can manage very well.

[Oliver Sterling]

In fact, that's what I think.

[Adam Macy]

So what does this mean for me? For me and Home Farm? Well, if Roar is not so much part of the picture, I should have thought.

[Oliver Sterling]

That's become quite clear. You run the farm on your own.

[Adam Macy]

As manager.

[Oliver Sterling]

As manager plus.

[David Archer]

Meaning?

[Oliver Sterling]

Well, you'd inherit the land. What? It makes complete sense.

[Brian Aldridge]

Are you serious?

[Oliver Sterling]

I told you, I've been thinking this through.

[Adam Macy]

But what about the business side of things?

[Oliver Sterling]

Yes, I know.

[Adam Macy]

Because I can hardly manage properly if I'm forever being outvoted by the rest of the partnership.

[Oliver Sterling]

Well, that can be fixed.

[Adam Macy]

How?

[Oliver Sterling]

If I add a codicil to my will, making it clear that it's my wish, you should have the majority share of the vote when I'm gone. So. So what do you say?

[Adam Macy]

I. I don't know.

[Oliver Sterling]

Oh, come on, Adam.

[Adam Macy]

I'm still taking it in.

[Oliver Sterling]

Well, it's what I want to happen and it makes things well, tidier. It has been you and Rory and now it's just you.

[Adam Macy]

Yes. Yes, I see that.

[Oliver Sterling]

So.

[Adam Macy]

So. Yes, of course. Yes.

[Oliver Sterling]

Good. Good. Look, I'd rather we didn't say anything about this to the others, though. Not just yet.

[Adam Macy]

No, no.

[Oliver Sterling]

Do you mind?

[Adam Macy]

No, I'm sure you're right. And it'll give you time to talk to your solicitor about changing the will.

[Lindy Snell]

Alan?

[Robert Snell]

Alan.

[Brian Aldridge]

Hello, love. What are you doing here?

[Usha Gupta]

I was worried. Neil sent me.

[Brian Aldridge]

What about the ceiling?

[Usha Gupta]

I got the impression there'd be piles of rubble and people hurt.

[Brian Aldridge]

No, no, everyone's safe. But whole chunks of plaster did come down. Clouds of dust. Luckily, it was by the west door, where there's no seating.

[Usha Gupta]

But no one's injured?

[Brian Aldridge]

No one. Mind you. The church wardens have had a couple of people wanted to go back in.

[Jim Lloyd]

Back in? What for?

[Brian Aldridge]

Can you believe an umbrella? A pair of gloves?

[Usha Gupta]

You didn't let them?

[Brian Aldridge]

Well, Neil was suitably firm.

[Usha Gupta]

He used his formidable voice.

[Brian Aldridge]

He certainly did. In the end, they were quaking in their boots.

[Usha Gupta]

Oh, honestly, Alan, I imagine the worst.

[Brian Aldridge]

Sweetheart, there's no need. I'm fine, thank God.

[David Archer]

Thank God.

[Brian Aldridge]

Indeed we all are.

[Usha Gupta]

Yes. So, is that the end of Easter Sunday?

[Brian Aldridge]

No. No, it's not, as a matter of fact. You could lend a hand here, if you like, and help us get started together.

[Usha Gupta]

What can I do?

[Brian Aldridge]

Round up a couple of healthy looking parishioners and go over to the Bull to see if they'll lend us one of their folding tables.

[Usha Gupta]

What for?

[Brian Aldridge]

To conduct the service from.

[Usha Gupta]

Leave it to me.

[Jim Lloyd]

Neil.

[Usha Gupta]

Neil, have you got a moment?

[Brian Aldridge]

Thanks, Usha. Ladies and gentlemen, normal service is about to be resumed.

[Lindy Snell]

I understand you were rather cramped where you were before. I was so sorry to hear that. This should be a little roomier at least. Anyway, I hope you'll be very happy here. Breakfast is served from 7 o'.

[Pip Archer]

Clock.

[Lindy Snell]

But you won't need to know that, will you, Lindy?

[Robert Snell]

I've been looking at the instructions. Then I brought with the bird.

[Lindy Snell]

The guidelines, you mean?

[Robert Snell]

Well, they are effectively instructions for the sake of the budgie's well being. We have to abide by them. That's the implication. The very firm implication.

[Lindy Snell]

And where's the difficulty in that?

[Robert Snell]

For a start, it says the bird has to have two hours free flying a day.

[Lindy Snell]

Free flying?

[Robert Snell]

Out of its cage, round a room.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, not the dining room. They surely can't mean that. Not in a bed and breakfast. That's not going to work.

[Robert Snell]

Then where? The lounge, the bedrooms? This is impossible.

[Lindy Snell]

No. No, it's not, Robert. I'm sure it can be made to work. Let me see these guidelines.

[Robert Snell]

It also says we have to talk to it. I mean, talk about what? Gives no guidelines about that.

[Lindy Snell]

I don't think it matters, Robert.

[Robert Snell]

It might. We don't know. That's the trouble.

[Lindy Snell]

No, listen, all this is perfectly manageable. You're just panicking.

[Robert Snell]

What about toys?

[Lindy Snell]

Because you don't want it.

[Robert Snell]

We have to provide toys. Entertainment, Robert. No, you're right, Lindy. I don't want it. I like birds in their natural environment, not as prisoners in cages. And I do not want to spend my twilight years entertaining budgies.

[Lindy Snell]

Then what do you suggest?

[Robert Snell]

Well, it's obvious we'd give it back.

[Lindy Snell]

Back to Khalil?

[Robert Snell]

Yes.

[Lindy Snell]

Robert, we can't. We can't do that. He put so much thought into this gift and he'd be so hurt, wouldn't he?

[David Archer]

Yes.

[Robert Snell]

Yes, of course he would.

[Lindy Snell]

Khalil more or less rescued this budgie from cramped quarters and a lack of exercise and no one to talk to. So he can have a much better little life with us than he had where he was before.

[Brian Aldridge]

George.

[George Grundy]

George, you got a minute? What can I do for you? I just need somebody to hold this gate in place before I hang it. Oh, this is it, is it? Yeah, it is. Meadow Farm, garden gate. What do you think? Yeah, great. Using those old horseshoes I found in the barn. Yeah. Yeah, it's real good. Chris, do you reckon?

[Brian Aldridge]

Yes.

[George Grundy]

Sweet. Yeah, Esme says she loves it.

[Oliver Sterling]

Wow.

[George Grundy]

You know, it's kind of a welcome to Ambridge gift. Nice. Bit of a belated gift, but.

[Adam Macy]

Yeah.

[George Grundy]

Anyway, if you hold it in place a moment, just there, while I mark the hinges. Like this. Yeah, a bit lower. There, that'll do. And then there we go. Then when this is done, keep it steady.

[Usha Gupta]

Yeah.

[George Grundy]

When I finish here, I'll be shooting off to Grange Farm for Kira's birthday. Yeah, you can put it down now.

[Robert Snell]

Oh, thanks.

[Lindy Snell]

Thank you.

[George Grundy]

Do you want to sling your bike in the back of the van? I can take you. Oh, no, thanks. It's no trouble. I don't think I'll be going. No?

[Brian Aldridge]

Nope.

[George Grundy]

Not been invited. Well, they probably just assumed you'd be there. Pyramid. We haven't hardly spoken since New Year's Eve. Oh, well, it's up to you, George. But I reckon if you just showed up. I don't think so. She's not going to turn you away, is she? Why not give it a go? Because she might. She might just do that. I tell you what, you come with me and wait outside while I go in and have a word with Kira. I don't know. She probably wants you there, but doesn't like to ask you. Won't make a big thing of it. I'll just ask her. Everyone gulping on a quiet word, that's all. I've got your brother outside.

[Adam Macy]

Can he come in?

[George Grundy]

Okay, yeah, but only if you go in first.

[Lindy Snell]

I'm seeing Azra on Wednesday about her mental health initiative. Well, you'll know Azrah, won't you? Khalil's mum. Oh, this will interest you. The competition for the logo. We're running a competition for the children in the village to come up with a design for the pub cricket team's kit. Something that can appear on the team's shirts. Well, it won't be judged for a couple of weeks yet, but we've already had some splendid entries. All designs based on a bull. Little Maya Keeble has submitted a brilliant image. Most impressive bull with white patches. Though, between you and me and the gate post, I suspect Mummy Keeble and Daddy Keeble had a hand in it somewhere. Along the line, but I won't be judging it, so. And keeping my head down on this one.

[Robert Snell]

Sorry to interrupt, Lindy, but I. Oh. Oh, you're on your own.

[Lindy Snell]

Not quite, Robert, but I thought I

[Robert Snell]

heard you talking to someone.

[Lindy Snell]

I was the budgie.

[Robert Snell]

What?

[Lindy Snell]

Following guidelines. And do you know, he puts his head on one side sometimes, as if he's understood every word.

[Robert Snell]

What did you talk about?

[Lindy Snell]

Oh, listen, that. The cricket logo competition.

[Robert Snell]

Well, he won't understand cricket, surely.

[Lindy Snell]

Of course not.

[Robert Snell]

Half the village don't understand cricket.

[Lindy Snell]

I don't expect him to understand what I say. It's just that he needs the attention and to hear a soothing voice and sympathetic tone. Anyway, what did you want?

[Robert Snell]

Oh, yes, I've had a message from Jim.

[Lindy Snell]

Jim Lloyd? Oh, how nice.

[Robert Snell]

Yes, usually it is. Yes. And he wants to take me bird watching, which in normal circumstances would also be nice. But these aren't normal circumstances, are they?

[Lindy Snell]

Are they not?

[Robert Snell]

No, they're not. Not with the arrival of our feathered friend here.

[Lindy Snell]

There's no need to whisper, Robert. No.

[Robert Snell]

Well, on the day, Jim will come in for a coffee, as he usually does, and you see the budgie there, a bird in a cage.

[Lindy Snell]

And you think he'll disapprove? He will.

[Robert Snell]

He's bound to. And he wouldn't be wrong in this instance.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, if we move it to one of the bedrooms so he never sees it.

[Robert Snell]

No, that would be dishonest. And anyway, as I say, I think you would be right. It troubles me, genuinely troubles me. A bird in a cage. I kept waking up and thinking about it on and off all night. I know, Kenny, you meant well, but. I'm sorry, Lindy, I cannot live with a bird in a cage. I mean, you know what I mean.

[Lindy Snell]

No, no, you're right. You understand, of course, it's a matter of principle.

[Robert Snell]

I'm not saying it'd be the same for everyone.

[Lindy Snell]

No, no.

[Robert Snell]

But for me. Well, I can't do it.

[Lindy Snell]

And I respect that. The trouble is.

[Robert Snell]

Quite.

[Lindy Snell]

What are we going to do about it?

[Robert Snell]

We'll have to find the bird a

[Lindy Snell]

new home, but without hurting Khalil's feelings.

[Brian Aldridge]

Quite.

[George Grundy]

There we go. Great job.

[Lindy Snell]

Well done.

[George Grundy]

Though I say so myself. And in good time, too. Esme's gonna love it. In fact, we got time for a beer, mate. On our way to Grange Farm. Ah, no, thanks. Oh, go on, it's on me. No, you're all right. You're saving yourself for tomorrow, are ya? Not really. It's your birthday, though. Yeah. 21. Right. Right. So what's the plan tomorrow? There isn't one. Really? You're kidding me. I don't want any fuss, Chris. I just want the day to go by. Soon be the cricket season. You'll be joining us, will you? Not me, no. Oh, it's not going to be like last time. It's a pub team. We'll be playing for fun. I know. And you've got a good eye, George. You'd strengthen the middle order by a margin. Well, I won't because I won't be doing it. I'm only saying. Look, I had all this with Tom Archer and I'm telling you the same as I told him. I won't be playing. Fair enough. Anyway, how can I play for a pub team when I'm barred from the pub, eh? No. Right. But I could have a word with Fallon about that, if you'd like. No, thanks, Chris. I mean, maybe it's gone on long enough. I don't think I'm in any position to ask favors of Fallon, do you? No, perhaps not. All right, let's get your bike in the van, shall we?

[David Archer]

Yeah.

[George Grundy]

Thanks. Here, I'll give you a hand. It's all right.

[Linda Snell]

I can manage.

[George Grundy]

Hey, what's that?

[Adam Macy]

What?

[George Grundy]

On your ankle. What's that?

[Robert Snell]

We have to face it, Lindy. We've tried all reasonable contacts outside Ambridge and we failed to find a billet for the budgie.

[Lindy Snell]

Do you think we should try closer to home?

[Robert Snell]

It's too risky. Khalil might stumble across him. No, I'm afraid there's only one course of action left to us.

[Lindy Snell]

Tell him straight out that we don't want his gift.

[Robert Snell]

Thank you very much, but no, thanks.

[Lindy Snell]

Oh, it'll be painful, but it's the only way.

[Robert Snell]

Oh, Robert Snell here. Khalil, how lovely to hear from you.

[George Grundy]

It's kind of embarrassing, though. An alcohol tag. I should never have asked. I don't want the news going round the village. And I should think before I speak, you know what some of that lot are like. I'll get grief enough without them knowing about this. No. So you won't say anything? Of course not. I had to tell Esme. That was hard enough. I won't say a word, I swear. I feel bad about this. Don't know. It's natural to ask. Natural curiosity. Not just about asking, George. I mean, I should have told you. It was me. I reported you for drinking.

[Oliver Sterling]

What?

[George Grundy]

And stuff you did? When you were drinking. I reported you to probation. It weren't you, though. I so wish I'd kept my mouth shut. That's not what did it. I'm really sorry. Look, whatever you said, it wasn't that Derek Fletcher reported me and all. That's what really did it. They was going to put me away again. Only Reg, my probation officer, persuaded them to do the ankle tag thing instead. Oh, right.

[Adam Macy]

Yeah.

[Brian Aldridge]

Huh.

[George Grundy]

Can I ask, how does it work? Can it tell if you go in a pub or something? No. It sort of reads my sweat. No. And it can tell from that if I've had anything to drink. That's crazy.

[Robert Snell]

I know.

[George Grundy]

Clever.

[Brian Aldridge]

What?

[George Grundy]

I always wanted a gadget to read my sweat. Well, maybe it's a good thing, though, George. Yeah, I reckon it is. I don't drink, so it keeps me out of trouble. Only you do feel like a kid, you know, like sitting on the naughty step. And everyone knows why you're there.

[Lindy Snell]

I don't understand you sometimes, Robert. I really don't.

[Robert Snell]

I got flustered.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, that much was obvious.

[Robert Snell]

Khalil was so delighted with his budgie idea, I couldn't bring myself to disappoint him.

[Lindy Snell]

You actually said you were thrilled. Thrilled.

[Robert Snell]

He was so pleased, though, Lindy.

[Jim Lloyd]

And Fletcher.

[Lindy Snell]

You called him Fletcher?

[David Archer]

Yes.

[Lindy Snell]

I thought we agreed the budgie was to be called Elgar.

[Oliver Sterling]

I know.

[Lindy Snell]

That's stirring melancholic music.

[Robert Snell]

Elgar, yes.

[Lindy Snell]

So where did Fletcher come from?

[Robert Snell]

Porridge.

[Lindy Snell]

Porridge?

[Robert Snell]

Norman Stanley Fletcher, the prisoner in Porridge.

[Brian Aldridge]

Oh, Robert.

[Robert Snell]

Well, he asked me what I called him and my mind went blank. Clearly it was the first name that came to me, because that Fletcher was also behind bars, I suppose.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, he's stuck with the name now. And do feel free, Khalil, to drop round and see how the little chap's getting on.

[Robert Snell]

He is. I'm sorry.

[Lindy Snell]

Why couldn't you simply tell him the truth?

[George Grundy]

Come on, chris. Come on. I'm sorry, George. I did ask Kira, but she said no. This is my fault. Yeah, I told you she would. I set you up for this. Don't worry about it. I should have kept me mouth shut. Honestly, it's okay. I'm sorry. I was convinced she'd be happy to see you. Look, I tell you what, we'll go somewhere else, you and me. No, I'll be all right. Go back inside. No, wait. George. Not in the mood for parties anyway.

[Brian Aldridge]

George. George.

[Emma Grundy]

So you didn't have to do the early milking this morning, eh, George? No day off for your birthday?

[George Grundy]

Not really. Just a coincidence.

[Emma Grundy]

Still.

[Brian Aldridge]

Yeah.

[Emma Grundy]

Shame you couldn't make it to Kira's party.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, well, you know how it goes. Stuff gets in the way.

[Emma Grundy]

What sort of stuff?

[George Grundy]

Some of the CO's got out.

[Emma Grundy]

Really?

[George Grundy]

Just as I was leaving. And you can't put that off. No, you have to deal with it. Anyway, how was it?

[Emma Grundy]

Oh, she had a lovely time. Thanks. And I hope it's going to be the same for you today.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, well.

[Emma Grundy]

Yeah, well what?

[George Grundy]

You know I don't want a fuss.

[Emma Grundy]

Oh, everybody says that. They don't ever mean it though.

[George Grundy]

Well, I do.

[Emma Grundy]

What they really mean is they want balloons and tons of people.

[George Grundy]

Mum, you haven't.

[Emma Grundy]

And party games, have you? And they're always grateful afterwards that you've made the effort.

[George Grundy]

I am seriously hoping this is a wind up.

[Emma Grundy]

Of course it is. I know what you want.

[George Grundy]

For a moment there.

[Emma Grundy]

I do want you to have a nice birthday though.

[George Grundy]

It'll be good enough.

[Emma Grundy]

Grandpa sent you a bottle of whiskey. Oh, I know you can't drink it, but that's okay.

[George Grundy]

I don't mind. Dad can have it.

[Emma Grundy]

Oh, that's nice.

[George Grundy]

Anyway, I got cake. That'll do me.

[Emma Grundy]

Oh, well, you've got two cakes actually. Because me and Amber has both made you one.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, and both real bangers.

[Emma Grundy]

Yeah. Which is best though?

[Brian Aldridge]

What?

[Emma Grundy]

Which is the best one? Come on, you've got to choose. Best cake made by.

[George Grundy]

No, no.

[Emma Grundy]

Me or Amber. Are you more scared of. Come on, choose.

[George Grundy]

They're both the same.

[Emma Grundy]

You have to say I'll get a

[George Grundy]

walloping from the other one whoever I pick. I'm not doing that.

[Emma Grundy]

Wise man. Here, you better have your present then.

[George Grundy]

What's this?

[Emma Grundy]

It's from me and Ed.

[George Grundy]

The cake's my present.

[Emma Grundy]

Well, this is too. Go on, open the envelope.

[George Grundy]

What is it?

[Emma Grundy]

It's a holiday C. Long weekend for two.

[George Grundy]

Forest of Dean.

[Emma Grundy]

Yeah. Cabin in the forest.

[George Grundy]

Mum, this is amazing.

[Emma Grundy]

Do you like it?

[George Grundy]

I love it. And Amber will too.

[Emma Grundy]

We hoped you two might like a break.

[George Grundy]

Thank you.

[Emma Grundy]

Happy birthday, dear George.

[Adam Macy]

Sorry, David.

[David Archer]

That's right. It's my fault.

[Adam Macy]

Take your partners for the next dance.

[David Archer]

Well, you're full of the joys of spring this morning. Why not?

[Adam Macy]

It really is spring.

[Robert Snell]

What?

[David Archer]

We're farmers, Adam. We can usually find something to moan about.

[Adam Macy]

Well, I've got nothing to moan about at the moment, thank you.

[David Archer]

Oh yeah. Any particular reason?

[Adam Macy]

Let's just say life in general.

[David Archer]

Nothing more specific than that.

[Adam Macy]

I can't really say.

[David Archer]

Aha. So there is. Well, wait a minute, wait a minute. This is Brian related, right?

[Adam Macy]

Brian? Why should it be?

[David Archer]

It is, isn't it? He's Patched things up with Miranda and everyone's happy about it?

[Adam Macy]

No, no, not as far as I know.

[David Archer]

It is a Brian thing. You're not denying that?

[Adam Macy]

Honestly, David, I've already told you, I can't really say.

[David Archer]

Well, that confirms it. And if it's not Miranda, it must be home. Fun.

[Adam Macy]

I'm saying nothing.

[David Archer]

Succession.

[Adam Macy]

Absolutely.

[David Archer]

Home, Farm and succession. Yes. One nod for yes. No nods for no.

[Lindy Snell]

Oh, look at it.

[Oliver Sterling]

Great piles of plaster and rubble.

[Usha Gupta]

We'll need hard hats.

[Oliver Sterling]

You're right, Usha. This should definitely be a hard hat area from now on.

[Usha Gupta]

Alan was going to take the week off, but he feels he can't now. But I'm afraid he's in Borchester this morning. He said you wanted to inspect the damage.

[Robert Snell]

I did, yes.

[Usha Gupta]

He didn't actually say why.

[Oliver Sterling]

Didn't he? Oh, I'm sorry. You probably think I'm just being nosy.

[Usha Gupta]

Not at all. I was a bit puzzled, that's all.

[Oliver Sterling]

It's the promises tree.

[Brian Aldridge]

Really?

[Usha Gupta]

The promises tree?

[Oliver Sterling]

Yes. I've been pondering what I can offer, you know, meaning to sign up but not getting round to it.

[Usha Gupta]

Yeah.

[Oliver Sterling]

Then I heard about the ceiling coming down on Sunday morning and I thought, that's it. I'll offer my services.

[Usha Gupta]

As a plasterer.

[Lindy Snell]

Oh, good heavens, no.

[Oliver Sterling]

A plasterer as a liaison between the diocesan buildings team, the builders, ecclesiastical insurers, that sort of thing. And the church. Well, effectively, Alan, I see. It seems to me that vicars need promises as much as the rest of us and there's a lot of plate spinning to be managed over something like this. And if I can help with anything.

[Usha Gupta]

Well, I think the church wardens will be doing all that, but I'm sure they'd appreciate any help they can get. Oliver.

[Oliver Sterling]

I do have considerable plate spinning experience.

[Usha Gupta]

Well, thank you. On Alan's behalf.

[Oliver Sterling]

No need.

[Usha Gupta]

The two of them have already met to consider what to do about it. They were pretty shocked. Alan says they would be. Particularly because St. Stephen's has had its quinquennial, his five year institution inspection fairly recently and there was no indication that anything like this might happen.

[Oliver Sterling]

Has anyone official actually been in to have a look at it?

[Usha Gupta]

Yes. The Archdeacon dispatched his team yesterday on a bank holiday, would you believe? The architect chap had a good look, see, and reckoned there was little sign of any structural damage.

[Oliver Sterling]

Well, that's good. And at least no one was hurt, thankfully. Things would be so much more difficult other ways. And in so many ways.

[Adam Macy]

You won't say anything about this, will you? David.

[David Archer]

Not a word.

[Adam Macy]

Brian hasn't told the others yet and, well, you know how rumors get round.

[David Archer]

Yeah, of course.

[Adam Macy]

It would be awful if Kate and the rest heard about it before he had the chance to let them know. Sure.

[David Archer]

But it is actually settled. Is it? You'll be running the place and inheriting the land.

[Adam Macy]

Yeah.

[David Archer]

That must be a real weight lifted.

[Adam Macy]

Oh, it is.

[David Archer]

I mean, even with our three, it seemed like a right tangle sometimes, you know. Who was going to take over from it? Ruth and I spent hour upon hour agonizing over the pros and cons of this and that.

[Adam Macy]

They're all happy about it.

[George Grundy]

Are they?

[David Archer]

I think so, yeah.

[Adam Macy]

Because with Home Farm, there's five of us in the mix, so that makes it tricky from the start.

[David Archer]

Yeah. And all with a different take on things, I should imagine.

[Adam Macy]

Very different. Derby at one extreme, case at the other.

[George Grundy]

Yeah.

[David Archer]

Josh was the main worry for us.

[Oliver Sterling]

Really?

[David Archer]

Well, not worry exactly, but he's so hard to fathom sometimes.

[Adam Macy]

Did I hear he's in Patagonia?

[David Archer]

He is, yeah. Got a placement on a ranch out there.

[George Grundy]

Oh.

[Adam Macy]

How's it going?

[David Archer]

Who knows? I mean. All right, so I was. We can tell. He never actually says so.

[Linda Snell]

Mine.

[David Archer]

You have to read between the lines. And to be honest, there aren't all that many lines to read between with Josh.

[Adam Macy]

Well, give him my best when next you're in touch.

[David Archer]

Yeah, I'll do that. Look, Adam, I have to get on, but.

[Adam Macy]

Yep.

[David Archer]

I'm really chuffed for you, mate.

[Adam Macy]

Oh, thank you.

[David Archer]

And I'm sorry if I pushed you into spilling a secret, but I'm sure Brian's done the right thing.

[Adam Macy]

I hope so. It's actually all I ever wanted, you know.

[Brian Aldridge]

David.

[Adam Macy]

Home Farm.

[George Grundy]

This is good cake.

[Brian Aldridge]

Super good.

[Emma Grundy]

That one's Amber. Is.

[George Grundy]

I know.

[Emma Grundy]

In case you hadn't noticed.

[George Grundy]

I did. There's nothing she can't do, that girl.

[Emma Grundy]

So mine's useless, is that what you're saying?

[George Grundy]

I haven't tried yours yet. Come on, Mum. You've got to admit.

[Emma Grundy]

I'm joking, George. It's lovely.

[George Grundy]

And she's lovely.

[Emma Grundy]

She is. I have to say, pregnancy really suits her. She's what? She's radiant. She looks radiant.

[George Grundy]

Radiant, yeah, you're right. Radiant.

[Emma Grundy]

Yeah.

[George Grundy]

And you had a proper go at us when we first told you, remember?

[Emma Grundy]

That was mostly shock.

[George Grundy]

What were we thinking of?

[Emma Grundy]

I know.

[George Grundy]

Did we have any idea what we were doing and all that?

[Emma Grundy]

Well, I was worried.

[George Grundy]

No, she's radiant.

[Emma Grundy]

Such a responsibility, being a parent. Don't know if you Realized that we

[George Grundy]

did think about it.

[Emma Grundy]

I still do worry, you know.

[George Grundy]

Well, you don't have to.

[Emma Grundy]

I do a bit, George, and I can't help it.

[George Grundy]

Worry about what?

[Emma Grundy]

All sorts of things. Like will you have enough space? You're gonna be cramped in your room with a baby.

[George Grundy]

No, because Dad's room is bigger and he says we can swap.

[Emma Grundy]

Really?

[George Grundy]

He said so the other night.

[Emma Grundy]

Oh, that's good then.

[Brian Aldridge]

See?

[George Grundy]

No worries there.

[Emma Grundy]

Oh, good for Will. So thoughtful. He's a good dad to you. He really is.

[George Grundy]

Yeah. Will I make a good dad, do you think?

[Usha Gupta]

Right. No, Oliver's still with me. Or should I tell him? Okay.

[Pip Archer]

Thanks.

[Usha Gupta]

Oh, listen, don't worry. I'm sure it can be sorted. Bye then.

[Jim Lloyd]

Bye.

[Usha Gupta]

That was Alan.

[Robert Snell]

More trouble?

[Usha Gupta]

It does rather look like it. Yes. He says he's just heard from the archdeacon. Apparently someone from the congregation has complained to the bishop.

[Oliver Sterling]

About the ceiling coming down.

[Usha Gupta]

Yes.

[Lindy Snell]

What?

[Robert Snell]

And they're in a state of shock or something?

[Usha Gupta]

A bit more than shock. So the archdeacon says they claim they were injured by falling rubble. They're putting in a claim for compensation.

[Oliver Sterling]

But I thought Alan said there was no one in that part of the church when it happened.

[Usha Gupta]

He did, yes. He was sure of it.

[Oliver Sterling]

Then how could anyone have been injured?

[Usha Gupta]

A good question.

[Pip Archer]

Who is it?

[Usha Gupta]

Person or persons unknown.

[George Grundy]

Why are you doing this?

[Emma Grundy]

Doing what? I'm not doing anything.

[George Grundy]

Oh, come off it.

[Linda Snell]

You know.

[George Grundy]

You know what you're doing. I ask a simple question and you faff about and change the subject. You won't answer me and. And.

[Emma Grundy]

No, George, I did. I already answered you.

[George Grundy]

You think so? It's in your own hands. It's up to you.

[Emma Grundy]

Well, it is.

[George Grundy]

That is not answering the question.

[Emma Grundy]

Of course it's up to you.

[George Grundy]

Do you think I'll make a good dad? Do you think? And you don't, do you?

[Emma Grundy]

That's not what I'm saying.

[George Grundy]

Only you haven't got the guts to come right out and say so.

[Emma Grundy]

Well, listen to me.

[George Grundy]

Well, thanks very much.

[Emma Grundy]

Alright, George. You want to know? I will tell you. Serious answer to a serious question.

[George Grundy]

Well, I'm listening.

[Emma Grundy]

The easiest thing would be for me to say yes. Yeah. You're gonna make a great dad. No question. But I don't think that's helpful or particularly honest.

[George Grundy]

I knew it.

[Emma Grundy]

No, listen and just let me finish. I asked myself the same question almost as soon as I knew about the baby. Will George be a good dad? And I tried to be honest about it. So is that what you want to do? You Want me to be honest?

[George Grundy]

That's why I asked.

[Emma Grundy]

Do you want the truth?

[George Grundy]

You think I can't take it?

[Emma Grundy]

All right, then. There's lots of things you need if you're going to be a good dad. And you. And you can't have them all. No one can, because no one's perfect. But one of the main things is patience.

[George Grundy]

Patience.

[Emma Grundy]

Tons of patience.

[George Grundy]

I can do that. I can be patient.

[Emma Grundy]

Can you, though?

[George Grundy]

I have been. When I couldn't get a job, I was patient over that.

[Emma Grundy]

Yeah, I think you were.

[George Grundy]

I didn't give up trying. And I'm patient with Poppy and with Kira, mostly.

[Pip Archer]

Really?

[Emma Grundy]

All the time.

[George Grundy]

Well, sometimes she winds me up.

[Emma Grundy]

Well, that's what babies do, though, George. They wind you up. And sometimes it feels like they're doing it on purpose, like they know what they're about. You love them, but they still wind you up. And you're not always good when you're wound up.

[George Grundy]

Me?

[Emma Grundy]

You're not, are you?

[George Grundy]

I'm better than I used to be.

[Emma Grundy]

Yeah, I think so. Yeah, I think that is true. But every now and then.

[David Archer]

What?

[Emma Grundy]

You lash out, don't you? You know you do.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, sometimes I do.

[Adam Macy]

Yeah.

[Emma Grundy]

Well, you have to control that, George. You really do. Because you can't. You cannot let that happen. That's what I wake up in the night worrying about. Because it scares me. It really scares me.

[Jim Lloyd]

Are you really buying a car online on Autotrader right now?

[Emma Grundy]

Really? I can get super specific with dealer listings and see cars based on my budget.

[Jim Lloyd]

You can really have it delivered or pick it up? I think kid is walking up the slide. Really?

[Emma Grundy]

Autotrader, Buy your car online. Really?

[Jim Lloyd]

Are you really buying a car online on Autotrader right now?

[Emma Grundy]

Really?

[Jim Lloyd]

At a playground?

[Emma Grundy]

Yeah. Really? Look at these listings from dealers.

[Jim Lloyd]

Wow, your search can really get that specific.

[Emma Grundy]

Really?

[Jim Lloyd]

And you just put in your info and boom, car's in your budget.

[Emma Grundy]

Mom needs a second, honey.

[Jim Lloyd]

You can really have it delivered.

[Emma Grundy]

Really? Or I can pick it up at the dealership. One sec, sweetie. Mommy's buying a car.

[Jim Lloyd]

Mommy, look. I think your kid is walking up the slide.

[Emma Grundy]

Kyle. Again? Really? Autotrader, Buy your car online. Really?

[Lindy Snell]

At Britbox, character is everything.

[Emma Grundy]

Stream the iconic characters defining British TV on BritBox, including Ludwig.

[Oliver Sterling]

I think I might just have solved a murder, Vera.

[Lindy Snell]

Now we're getting somewhere. Agatha Christie's Poirot, Bonjour. And more beloved favorites.

[Adam Macy]

I'm a policeman. I'm a professional.

[Oliver Sterling]

I'm a Time Lord.

[Pip Archer]

I'm the Duchess of York.

[Lindy Snell]

Once you Know them, you never quite forget them. I ain't being vain.

[Linda Snell]

I just am special.

[Lindy Snell]

Stream the best of British TV on BritBox.

[Emma Grundy]

Watch with a free trial [e-mail].

[David Archer]

Right, Pip, we will be moving the electric fencing about 30 paces in that direction. Greed.

[Pip Archer]

Yeah, fine.

[David Archer]

Will you look at that grass? Could anything be greener? Look at it. Rich, lush, Ambridge grass.

[Linda Snell]

I love it.

[David Archer]

And now growing faster than it can be eaten. Magic day. You. You can see why they call it that when that happens.

[Linda Snell]

Don't you think,

[Oliver Sterling]

Pip?

[Brian Aldridge]

What?

[Pip Archer]

Yes. Sorry, dad.

[David Archer]

Yeah, and almost always the 8th of April, there or thereabouts. Time to move the grazing up another strip. It quickens the pulse.

[Pip Archer]

Hasn't done much for the price of milk, though, has it?

[David Archer]

That's true. Dropped like a stone from the start of the year. My dad would have been amazed. He'd have never believed there'd be a global glut. Right. I will look after the fencing while you move the stakes, okay?

[Pip Archer]

Okay.

[David Archer]

I saw George Grundy the other evening, cycling away from Grange Farm with a face like thunder. I thought the joyous spring obviously hasn't found its way into poor old George's heart.

[Brian Aldridge]

You all right?

[Lindy Snell]

Yeah, why?

[David Archer]

I don't know. You just seem a bit. Bit unfocused this morning.

[Jim Lloyd]

Yeah.

[Pip Archer]

Give me another quarter of an hour and I'll be singing the praises of Magic Day as much as you are. You wait and see.

[Lindy Snell]

Coming.

[Usha Gupta]

Coming.

[Lindy Snell]

Oh, Khalil.

[Linda Snell]

Hi.

[George Grundy]

Linda.

[Linda Snell]

Thought I'd just pop by before I have to go to school. Ah, well, to see how Fletcher's getting on.

[Lindy Snell]

Yes. Actually, I was going to be in touch with you. We need to have a conversation.

[David Archer]

Do we?

[Lindy Snell]

About Fletcher.

[Linda Snell]

Oh. Robert said he would be all right.

[Lindy Snell]

Oh, Robert's not here at the moment.

[Linda Snell]

Yeah, but he said I could call around, though. And I brought him a little present. It's a little bell.

[Lindy Snell]

For Robert?

[Linda Snell]

No, for Fletcher.

[Lindy Snell]

Oh. Well, he seemed to have lost his other bell. That's lovely.

[Linda Snell]

So what did you want?

[Lindy Snell]

What did I.

[Linda Snell]

You said you wanted a word about Fletcher. He's all right, isn't he?

[Lindy Snell]

Oh, yes, yes, he's fine.

[Linda Snell]

He's not sick.

[Lindy Snell]

No, no. So, yes, about Fletcher. Well, Robert and I have been thinking about Fletcher. We've given quite a bit of thought to his being here.

[Oliver Sterling]

Yeah.

[Lindy Snell]

And about how appropriate it is. Is it what?

[Linda Snell]

Appropriate? Because that's good.

[David Archer]

Eh?

[Lindy Snell]

Good, Isn't it? Well, I'm. I'm not so sure.

[Linda Snell]

Yeah, but if you're saying it's appropriate,

[Lindy Snell]

him being here, then I didn't exactly say that, Khalil. No, no, I. I said we were wondering about how appropriate it was. Or. Or, in fact, how inappropriate.

[David Archer]

Well.

[George Grundy]

Well, right.

[Lindy Snell]

Yes, we. We have to be realistic about it. About him fitting in here at Ambridge Hall.

[Linda Snell]

You think he might not. He might not fit in?

[Lindy Snell]

Well, he might not kill. You'll know.

[Linda Snell]

You mean he's not happy? What, he's unhappy? Is that what you're saying?

[Lindy Snell]

No, no, not. Not necessarily.

[Robert Snell]

You sure?

[Linda Snell]

Because. Well, I'd hate to think of him.

[Lindy Snell]

No, I. I mean, yes. I mean, I'd say he was quite cheerful. Yeah. Yes, a cheerful little chap. But the thing is, Robert and I have been thinking and we can't. Well, we really can't.

[Brian Aldridge]

What?

[Lindy Snell]

Decide.

[Linda Snell]

About what?

[Lindy Snell]

About his food.

[George Grundy]

His food?

[Lindy Snell]

Yes, what he eats. We were wondering if you knew what sort of thing he especially likes.

[George Grundy]

Right.

[Lindy Snell]

To help him fit in. In fact, why don't you come in and say hello to Fletcher?

[David Archer]

Really?

[Linda Snell]

Would you mind?

[Lindy Snell]

No, of course not. You could give him the new bell yourself. Come in, Khalil.

[David Archer]

Pierre.

[Linda Snell]

Not there.

[David Archer]

Don't put it there.

[Jim Lloyd]

What?

[David Archer]

You're putting the steak out of line with the others. Here, let me.

[Pip Archer]

Oh, sorry, dad. Sorry.

[David Archer]

And the tension's all wrong.

[Pip Archer]

No, I wasn't concentrating.

[David Archer]

What's the matter, Pip? And. And don't say nothing, because something clearly is. You've been like this for days now.

[Pip Archer]

Yeah, I suppose so.

[David Archer]

We both noticed. Is it Rosie?

[Pip Archer]

No, Rosie's good. All good.

[David Archer]

Well, you and Stella, then?

[Pip Archer]

No, it's me, Dad. I found a lump in my breast. Yeah. Looking into it, there's a good chance it'll be nothing much hip. Just cyst or something.

[David Archer]

What can we do? There must be something we can do.

[Pip Archer]

I'm doing all the right things, dad. I'm having it looked into and it probably is nothing.

[Brian Aldridge]

When?

[Pip Archer]

Next Thursday.

[David Archer]

Right. Well, I'll come with you. Do you want me to come with you?

[Pip Archer]

Oh, don't worry, dad.

[David Archer]

How can I not worry?

[Pip Archer]

I'm in good hands. They'll deal with this, whatever it is.

[David Archer]

What about Mum? Will she be with you? Would that be better?

[Pip Archer]

Well, I haven't said anything to Mum yet.

[David Archer]

Why not? Because she's been through all this.

[Lindy Snell]

I know.

[Pip Archer]

Well, that's why not. I don't want to upset her. I can tell her later.

[David Archer]

Are you sure about this? Because I think she'd want to know.

[Jim Lloyd]

This is very good of you, Linda.

[Lindy Snell]

No, really, anything I can do to help.

[Jim Lloyd]

You've already been fantastically helpful with the radio Interview.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, I'm glad.

[Jim Lloyd]

In fact, we've had some really good ideas as a direct result of that.

[Lindy Snell]

A store at the cattle market being one of them.

[Jim Lloyd]

I thought. Thursdays.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, it's farmer to farmer, buying and selling livestock.

[Pip Archer]

Yes.

[Jim Lloyd]

We want mental health to be something that's visible, not just in NHS waiting rooms and the like, but, you know, in the wider community.

[Lindy Snell]

In this case, the farming community.

[Jim Lloyd]

Yes, because it can be quite vulnerable. Farming is a stressful occupation. A lot of farmers pay more attention to the welfare of their lives stock than they do to their own.

[Lindy Snell]

And the work is relentless, as far as I can see.

[Jim Lloyd]

They work all hours of the day, often alone. No time to think about how they might be feeling.

[Lindy Snell]

And not much inclination to talk about it either.

[Emma Grundy]

No.

[Lindy Snell]

So what do you actually have on this stall?

[Jim Lloyd]

Well, that's up for discussion. Leaflets, I should think. You know, with basic information, where to go for help, that sort of thing.

[Lindy Snell]

Posters?

[Jim Lloyd]

Yep.

[Lindy Snell]

Something to catch the eye, draw people in.

[Jim Lloyd]

And maybe screens with video content.

[Lindy Snell]

Yes, but you know what will have the biggest impact? People.

[Jim Lloyd]

People, of course.

[Lindy Snell]

Practitioners, nurses and so on. And possibly patients. If you can find people prepared to talk about their experience, what's helped them

[Jim Lloyd]

through strategies for coping.

[Lindy Snell]

Do you think you'll be able to find people to talk about these things and talk to passersby? To complete strangers?

[Jim Lloyd]

Oh, I'm sure I can. I can think of one or two who'd be brilliant at it.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, in confidence, might I suggest Ben Archer?

[Jim Lloyd]

Don't worry, he and I have already spoken about it.

[Lindy Snell]

You'd also offer training?

[Jim Lloyd]

Training?

[Lindy Snell]

How to approach people. How to be friendly without being overwhelming.

[Emma Grundy]

Yeah.

[Jim Lloyd]

Frightening people away. Yes.

[Lindy Snell]

That's the sort of thing I might be able to help with. Yet again, I have some ability in communicating with people.

[David Archer]

Although.

[Jim Lloyd]

Although?

[Lindy Snell]

Well, I have to admit, I failed dismally this morning talking to your Khalil.

[Jim Lloyd]

What? You've seen Khalil? This morning?

[Lindy Snell]

About the budgie. I really didn't want to hurt his feelings, so I could.

[Jim Lloyd]

Linda. Linda, wait just a second.

[Lindy Snell]

Yes, Budgie. Yes.

[Jim Lloyd]

What Budgie?

[David Archer]

I'm. I'm making a cheese sandwich here. Do you want one?

[Pip Archer]

No, thanks.

[David Archer]

Don't mind if I do, do you?

[Pip Archer]

Of course not.

[David Archer]

Right.

[Pip Archer]

There's no need to tiptoe around me, Dad.

[David Archer]

I don't know. It's such a normal thing to do, you know, make a sandwich. And part of me feels as if all normal things ought to stop.

[Pip Archer]

Well, I want them to carry on. Can we carry on doing normal things, please?

[David Archer]

Yeah, yeah. No, you're right. Okay. Two normal cheese sandwiches coming up.

[Pip Archer]

No, thank you.

[David Archer]

No? No. Sorry, sweetheart. You didn't want one?

[Pip Archer]

No.

[Brian Aldridge]

Right.

[David Archer]

Just me, then. Did you think any more about telling Mum?

[Pip Archer]

I've thought about it all morning.

[David Archer]

Right.

[Pip Archer]

In fact, I've hardly thought about anything else.

[David Archer]

She knows something's wrong.

[Pip Archer]

Does she?

[David Archer]

She can tell. She's been through the exact same thing herself.

[Pip Archer]

Well, it might not be the same thing, though.

[David Archer]

Could still be better to talk to her now rather than after your appointment.

[Pip Archer]

Would she mind if I waited till after?

[David Archer]

Honestly? Honestly, I think she might. She might feel hurt that you couldn't confide in her.

[Pip Archer]

It's not that, though, dad.

[David Archer]

No, I know it isn't.

[Pip Archer]

I just don't want to stir up bad memories for her. All those memories. And if I'm in the clear, I will have done all that for nothing.

[David Archer]

It's all so uncertain.

[Pip Archer]

I feel I'm in a limbo of not knowing. Whatever I do, it could be the wrong thing.

[David Archer]

Well, it's your choice, Pip.

[Pip Archer]

I know. I know what she'd say. Yes, Talk to me. Tell me all your troubles. I don't know if I can do that, though.

[Usha Gupta]

Come through.

[Lindy Snell]

Come through.

[Jim Lloyd]

We won't take up too much of your time, I promise.

[Lindy Snell]

Don't be silly, Anne.

[Linda Snell]

Afternoon, Fletch.

[Lindy Snell]

You're always welcome, you know you are. You'll stop for tea, I hope?

[Jim Lloyd]

No, thanks, Linda. I think we've tested your generosity beyond reason today. Each of us in turn.

[Lindy Snell]

Oh, I doubt that very much.

[Jim Lloyd]

Anyway, Khalil has something to say to you.

[Lindy Snell]

Has he?

[Linda Snell]

Do I have to?

[Jim Lloyd]

Absolutely. You do. Go on, spit it out.

[George Grundy]

Okay.

[Linda Snell]

I'm very sorry, Linda. And Robert? Robert's not here?

[Lindy Snell]

No, he's out for the date with Jim Lloyd.

[Linda Snell]

So what do I do?

[Jim Lloyd]

Well, you have to apologise to Robert separately.

[Robert Snell]

Well, that's not fair.

[Jim Lloyd]

On another day.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, I can give Robert the gist when he gets in, if you like.

[David Archer]

Thank you.

[Jim Lloyd]

Not sure that would count.

[Lindy Snell]

I don't think you'll mind, depending on what the gist is.

[Linda Snell]

Should I just do the gist now, then?

[Jim Lloyd]

No, you will not. We want a full and heartfelt apology.

[Linda Snell]

You mean what you told me to say?

[Jim Lloyd]

I'm warning you, Khalil, don't get cute. Go on.

[Linda Snell]

I'm very sorry for the bother I've caused you, Linda. I should have made some inquiries, some fundamental, fundamental inquiries before going out and getting a budget. It turns out that you never want it.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, thank you, Khalil.

[Linda Snell]

I know you I've realized now that what I did made you worrying. Well, that's the last thing I wanted.

[Lindy Snell]

Is that it?

[Linda Snell]

Yeah.

[Brian Aldridge]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Lindy Snell]

Thank you, Khalil. Very gracious of you. I'm sure Robert will be pleased to hear what you've just told me.

[Linda Snell]

I can come around and tell him myself.

[Lindy Snell]

No, really, there's no need.

[Linda Snell]

I mean it, though. I don't mind calling around again. I only wanted to do something nice for Robert's birthday. I'm sorry I got it wrong.

[Jim Lloyd]

We're all sorry you got it wrong. I promise you, I had no idea what he was planning, Linda. Otherwise, I'd have nipped it in the bud. And don't worry. We'll be taking the bird away with us.

[Linda Snell]

Oh, he's called Fletcher.

[Jim Lloyd]

Fletcher? Why Fletcher?

[Lindy Snell]

Oh, Robert's idea. You'd have to ask him.

[Jim Lloyd]

Anyway, we'll be taking Fletcher away with us.

[Lindy Snell]

Where would he go?

[Linda Snell]

He'll be staying with us at Beechwood

[Jim Lloyd]

as a temporary measure only.

[Linda Snell]

But I've got mates who might be interested in taking him on.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, I'm sure he could stay here a little longer, if you like.

[Jim Lloyd]

No, no, Linda.

[Lindy Snell]

Did you find somewhere more settled?

[Jim Lloyd]

Absolutely not.

[Lindy Snell]

Well, if it makes things easier, it's

[Jim Lloyd]

caused quite enough disruption. The bird comes home with us and Khalil will work his socks off to find it a permanent home. Won't you, Khalil?

[Linda Snell]

I'll do my best.

[Jim Lloyd]

You'll do better than that. I don't want it in my house a minute longer than is necessary.

[Linda Snell]

Don't say they might hear it. He'll feel like he's not welcome.

[Jim Lloyd]

He's not right. Come on, let's take the cage out to the car. We're clear out of your way, Linda.

[Linda Snell]

Bye, Linda.

[Lindy Snell]

Bye, Khalil.

[Jim Lloyd]

Thank you for being so understanding.

[Linda Snell]

Oh, say stuff like that. You have to be kind to me.

[Jim Lloyd]

Don't worry.

[Linda Snell]

It's the law.

[Jim Lloyd]

I'll be kind to the budgie. To you, I'm not so sure.

[Linda Snell]

I bet you secretly love him.

[Jim Lloyd]

Bye, Linda.

[Usha Gupta]

Bye.

[Pip Archer]

Goodbye, Fletcher.

[Robert Snell]

Take care.

[Brian Aldridge]

Adam.

[Robert Snell]

What brings you to Great Gables?

[Brian Aldridge]

Impromptu lunch with Ian.

[Oliver Sterling]

Same here. Oh, not with Ian, of course. With Miranda.

[Adam Macy]

Miranda?

[Oliver Sterling]

I'm hoping I measure up. The farmhouse for the decorators. Thought it might cheer her up to have a spot of lunch first.

[Adam Macy]

And did it?

[Oliver Sterling]

Not greatly, no.

[Robert Snell]

She's in a state of some perplexity,

[Oliver Sterling]

to be honest, about Brian.

[Adam Macy]

Ah, well, I. I can't throw much light on that, I'm afraid. Brian's made it very clear it's his business and his alone.

[Oliver Sterling]

Except that's not entirely true. No, it's also Miranda's business.

[Adam Macy]

Oh, yes, yes, I see.

[Oliver Sterling]

And she doesn't know what he's up to. He had a change of heart. Without a word of explanation, out of

[Robert Snell]

the blue and without apparent reason.

[Adam Macy]

Well, I know no more than you do, Oliver.

[Lindy Snell]

But what do you think, though?

[Oliver Sterling]

I mean, it's not like him to be so irrational. And this sudden change of heart, I mean, do you think he's all right?

[Pip Archer]

Where are you going with all that gubbins?

[Usha Gupta]

These are for the church. The cleanup operation.

[Pip Archer]

Mops and brooms, Usha. Can't the church run to its own mops and brooms?

[Usha Gupta]

Of course, but Alan was worried there wouldn't be enough. He's got a small army of volunteers in today.

[Jim Lloyd]

Who?

[Usha Gupta]

Well, for a start, Susan Carter's volunteered her son and grandson.

[Pip Archer]

Grandson George, that'd be.

[Usha Gupta]

Yes.

[Pip Archer]

That's very trusting of her. And Alan, for that matter.

[Usha Gupta]

Oh, we all need a little trust from time to time, Carol.

[Pip Archer]

The ceiling coming down like that, though, Usha. People are saying it's a portent.

[Usha Gupta]

A portent? That the church is old and needs maintaining.

[Pip Archer]

Old and decrepit, like me.

[Usha Gupta]

And needs maintaining. How are the promises coming along?

[Pip Archer]

Mixed picture there, I'm afraid. Good and bad.

[Usha Gupta]

What was good?

[Pip Archer]

Jim Lloyd reading from the Iliad.

[Usha Gupta]

Oh, how lovely it was.

[Pip Archer]

And we had a nice chat afterward. Then I had Leonard Berry round painting the fence.

[Usha Gupta]

Yes, so I see. It looks lovely.

[Pip Archer]

You'll also have seen the spillage on the path, then. Where?

[Lindy Snell]

There.

[Pip Archer]

There, Usha. Right by your foot. And he was relentlessly cheerful, so I shan't be recommending him.

[Usha Gupta]

Well, you're not actually expected to recommend people, are you?

[Pip Archer]

It's helpful to others if I do. Though I would have thought.

[Usha Gupta]

Well, I don't know. The Promises Tree isn't really the place

[Pip Archer]

for critical comments, but if it helps raise standards.

[Usha Gupta]

And it's probably best left to Hilary Noakes and her team to allocate promises.

[Pip Archer]

If you say so.

[Usha Gupta]

Rather than contacting people yourself.

[Emma Grundy]

Hi, Arisha. Hi, Carol.

[Pip Archer]

Someone else heading for the church?

[Emma Grundy]

Coffee and cake for the workers.

[Usha Gupta]

Oh, that's kind of you.

[Emma Grundy]

Well, George and Chris are mucking in this afternoon, so I thought I'd do my bit soon.

[Pip Archer]

It's done. If we all do our bits.

[Usha Gupta]

True enough. I'll walk up there with you.

[Emma Grundy]

I thought I'd add my name to the Promises Tree while I'm there. Keep meaning to.

[Pip Archer]

What are you offering?

[Emma Grundy]

Oh, nothing special. A bit of cleaning. I quite like cleaning.

[Pip Archer]

Do you do windows, Emma?

[Emma Grundy]

I can do.

[Lindy Snell]

Why, these could do with a decent

[Pip Archer]

clean if you're available.

[Usha Gupta]

You want to sign up first?

[Pip Archer]

I don't think that's really necessary, is it?

[Usha Gupta]

Well, here's Emma.

[Pip Archer]

There are the windows. We needn't trouble Hilary Noakes and her gang.

[Emma Grundy]

Okay, then. I'll call by my way back.

[Pip Archer]

Good girl.

[Emma Grundy]

I'll look forward to that.

[Brian Aldridge]

You'll need hard hats, I'm afraid.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, makes sense, Ty.

[Brian Aldridge]

Now, the main thing is to get all these lumps of plaster, all this rubble, the heavy stuff, out through that door and into the skip, all right? We can't really start cleaning the church till we got this lot out.

[George Grundy]

Okay.

[Brian Aldridge]

I'm so grateful to you, volunteering like this.

[George Grundy]

We're not volunteering, Alan. We was volunteered. Mom said it would be good if we could help out.

[Brian Aldridge]

That was Susan's idea then, was it?

[George Grundy]

I wouldn't have thought of it myself. Well, we're keen now we're here, aren't we, George? Don't know about that. Do Gooden's more your line of work, Alan, not mine.

[Usha Gupta]

Windows are looking good, Emma.

[Emma Grundy]

Yeah, well, not everyone thinks so.

[Usha Gupta]

No.

[Emma Grundy]

Well, Carol keeps pointing at bits she says I've missed. I said, it's not missed, Carol. That's on the inside. So she says. You better come in and do the insides then, aren't you?

[Usha Gupta]

Oh, Daddy, you want me to have a word?

[Emma Grundy]

No, honestly, Usher, it's not worth it. I've just about finished.

[Usha Gupta]

Where is she now?

[Emma Grundy]

Making tea.

[Lindy Snell]

That's something.

[Emma Grundy]

I suppose you think so.

[Usha Gupta]

No.

[Emma Grundy]

Well, there was no mention of tea for me. I should have made yourself thirsty with all that nitpicking.

[Pip Archer]

Wash your c Te up if you want a few minutes break.

[Emma Grundy]

Oh, is that for me? You shouldn't have.

[Lindy Snell]

You want minutiae?

[Pip Archer]

I've run out of workaday biscuits, I'm afraid.

[Usha Gupta]

No, I can't stop, thank you. I just called by to see how Emma was getting on.

[Pip Archer]

Not bad, not bad. Although now the sun's moved round, you can see the streak marks there. Look. That'll need another wipe.

[Emma Grundy]

Well, you'll never get rid of them, Carol. You're just gonna have to learn to live with it.

[Usha Gupta]

They hardly show up at all.

[Emma Grundy]

These are now sparkling windows, though I say so myself.

[Usha Gupta]

I suppose they're lovely.

[Emma Grundy]

Now what?

[Pip Archer]

Well, they make the curtains look drab, but I think they need washing and ironing.

[Emma Grundy]

Not by me, they don't.

[Pip Archer]

And re Hanging.

[Emma Grundy]

I'm sorry. I can't do that.

[Usha Gupta]

It's very heavy work, Carol. Rehanging curtains.

[Pip Archer]

You could get Alan to do that bit. It's about time he pulled his weight over these promises he wants us all to make.

[Oliver Sterling]

Am I alright?

[Adam Macy]

Yes.

[Oliver Sterling]

What kind of question's that?

[Adam Macy]

Well, I should have thought it was obvious. A polite inquiry about your general health and well being.

[Oliver Sterling]

You come round specially to find out?

[Adam Macy]

No, I just thought, well, after the stress of.

[Robert Snell]

Stress of what?

[Adam Macy]

Breaking up.

[Oliver Sterling]

Believe you me, stress of breaking up, as you call, is nothing to the stress of people sticking their nose in and asking how I am.

[Adam Macy]

Fair enough.

[Oliver Sterling]

Which I think I may have mentioned before.

[George Grundy]

You have?

[Adam Macy]

Yes. I just wanted to know you were alright. I don't like to think of you cooped up here and brooding about. Well, brooding about whatever it is and getting down.

[Oliver Sterling]

Well, you've got nothing to worry about, Adam. I can assure you of that.

[Adam Macy]

Right. I didn't mean to intrude.

[Oliver Sterling]

Let's forget about it, shall we?

[Adam Macy]

Yeah. Good idea. I was thinking something I saw online. Yeah? Kiwi berries.

[Oliver Sterling]

Sorry?

[Adam Macy]

Yeah. Different sort of crop. Might they be worth trying to grow? Yes.

[David Archer]

No.

[Adam Macy]

If we started now, we could be harvesting in about three years.

[Oliver Sterling]

That's three years treading water, Adam, for a few.

[Adam Macy]

Fad way of diversifying.

[Oliver Sterling]

Sounds daft to me.

[Adam Macy]

It's not a definite plan.

[Oliver Sterling]

Thank goodness for that.

[Adam Macy]

Just an idea to play with.

[Oliver Sterling]

And a risk too far. But it's up to you. Of course, you'd have to take the consequences, the very considerable consequences. But as I say, I mean, you'd be running the show.

[Adam Macy]

Yes.

[Oliver Sterling]

So it'd be entirely your decision.

[Adam Macy]

Yes, I suppose it would.

[Oliver Sterling]

I won't interfere.

[Adam Macy]

Thank you. And talking of which.

[Oliver Sterling]

Yes?

[Adam Macy]

Have you been in touch with the selection? Felicity?

[Oliver Sterling]

Ah, about the will. No, not yet. But I'll definitely be going sometime next week.

[George Grundy]

So he kept him in the freezer overnight? He never.

[Brian Aldridge]

He did. He put him on in the morning

[George Grundy]

and off he goes to work. That's crazy.

[Brian Aldridge]

It says it improved his golf swing. Hey. I'm interrupting your coffee and cake break. Alan.

[George Grundy]

We didn't know he was there.

[Brian Aldridge]

But you've nearly finished.

[Pip Archer]

Finished?

[George Grundy]

Half an hour to mop up and then you're ready for the off.

[Brian Aldridge]

Well, I am impressed.

[George Grundy]

All you have to do now is get the scaffolding up. Then they can start when they like.

[Brian Aldridge]

I wish.

[George Grundy]

Well, what's to stop you?

[Brian Aldridge]

Basically, paperwork.

[George Grundy]

Want to patch up a ceiling? Just do it. They can't stop you.

[Brian Aldridge]

Oh, they can, George. We are a medieval church. There are eyes on us and hoops to jump through. Everything's got to be signed off. Plus the little matter of a claim for any injury to be dealt with. Who'd be a vicar, eh? No.

[Adam Macy]

I'm glad I've caught you, Oliver.

[George Grundy]

You've seen Brown just come from the cottage?

[Adam Macy]

Yes. And he's fine.

[Oliver Sterling]

Is that what he says?

[Adam Macy]

No. Well, yes, he says he's fine. But it's obvious he is. He knows what's what and he's making perfectly rational decisions.

[Oliver Sterling]

What sort of decisions?

[Adam Macy]

About the future, obviously. I can't go into detail.

[Oliver Sterling]

Miranda thought she was part of that.

[Adam Macy]

Well, I can't work out what's going on there, but I can promise you that Brian is absolutely okay.

[George Grundy]

Where do you want the bucket?

[Brian Aldridge]

Or just leave it there by the font, will you, George? Brushes as well. I'll sort them out tomorrow.

[Linda Snell]

Right.

[Brian Aldridge]

You know, I can still picture you sitting in that pew over there, singing a little heart out.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, when I was a kid.

[Brian Aldridge]

Face all bright, full of hope.

[George Grundy]

Where'd that go then, eh?

[Brian Aldridge]

The hope? It's not all gone, George.

[George Grundy]

So you say. Don't you think it's sometimes a bit thin, Alan? To be honest with you.

[Brian Aldridge]

But still there.

[George Grundy]

I remember praying over Meg back then.

[David Archer]

Meg?

[George Grundy]

Dad's old dog. When she was ill?

[Brian Aldridge]

Yes.

[George Grundy]

Yes, just before she died.

[Brian Aldridge]

Well, that doesn't mean you have to give up on prayer, does it, George?

[George Grundy]

Who'd be a vicar? Eh?

[Brian Aldridge]

What?

[George Grundy]

What you said about getting the church repaired. Who'd be a vicar?

[Brian Aldridge]

Ah, well. Well, it's true. That side of it. I don't exactly relish all the admin.

[George Grundy]

So why do it? The money can't be good.

[Brian Aldridge]

Oh, I've been in a job that was well paid when I was an accountant.

[George Grundy]

But you chucked it in.

[Brian Aldridge]

I wasn't happy. I kept feeling I was being called away to Ambridge, as it turned out.

[Adam Macy]

Yeah.

[George Grundy]

So this was like voices calling you?

[Brian Aldridge]

In a way.

[George Grundy]

But not actual voices.

[Brian Aldridge]

Not exactly. More of a feeling when you feel it's what you've been put on this earth to do.

[George Grundy]

Right.

[Brian Aldridge]

And I'd say God was calling me

[George Grundy]

to be a vicar.

[Brian Aldridge]

Yeah, and vicars work with people, which is what I do. Like about the job, the people.

[George Grundy]

What you call your flock.

[Brian Aldridge]

Oh, a whole range of folk. The so called good and the so called bad. All their different stories.

[George Grundy]

As long as they come to church.

[Brian Aldridge]

No, everyone, regardless. I'm here for everyone. Look, there's an old lady in the village, for instance, and I'm trying to help her, but she's not a regular churchgoer anymore. A bit lonely, I suspect. Though she'll say she isn't. And she can come over as bad tempered, but.

[George Grundy]

Come over as bad tempered. You mean she isn't really?

[Brian Aldridge]

Well, no, you're right. She is bad tempered and intolerant and sometimes manipulative. But she needs help as well. So I provide that where I can. And I pray for her. As I do for you.

[George Grundy]

Me?

[Brian Aldridge]

Of course.

[George Grundy]

That's me sorted then.

[Brian Aldridge]

I hope so, George. Yes.

[George Grundy]

Well, if it is, maybe I'll come back and let you know.

[Brian Aldridge]

I'd like that.

[George Grundy]

Don't hold your breath.

[Brian Aldridge]

Right. I have to look up now.

[George Grundy]

I know what you mean, though, about being called.

[Brian Aldridge]

You do?

[George Grundy]

It's kind of like a dream.

[Brian Aldridge]

Yeah, in a way, I suppose.

[George Grundy]

Well, my dream is to have my own flock of sheep. That is not bad tempered old women. Feels like that's what I'm meant to do.

[Brian Aldridge]

And can you see it happening?

[George Grundy]

It nearly did. Someone was gonna help me out with a bit of cash. Said they'd get me stuck, started, like, Then backed out of it.

[Brian Aldridge]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

[George Grundy]

George broke their word. Which puts me back to square one. But that's how it goes. I know that now. It's what you have to expect. I still have the dream, though. Only if it's gonna work. I know I have to do it on my own.

[David Archer]

Left.

[Linda Snell]

Fletcher. You alright, mate? Is it the music? Don't you like the music? That's all right. We can do something about that, can't we? How's that? Is it any better?

[Jim Lloyd]

Hey, I was listening to that, Khalil.

[Linda Snell]

I was stressing Fletcher.

[Jim Lloyd]

Radio ball sitcher.

[Linda Snell]

Yeah, exactly.

[Jim Lloyd]

You come in from school and you start switching things off without a please and. Excuse me.

[Linda Snell]

Like I said, it was stressing Fletcher

[Jim Lloyd]

and Fletcher is beginning to stress me. Just remind me, when is it being rehoused?

[David Archer]

Soon.

[Jim Lloyd]

Soon. Yesterday.

[Emma Grundy]

How soon?

[Linda Snell]

I've got four or five mates who are definitely interested and I'm gonna go and see them later.

[Jim Lloyd]

Soon has now become later.

[Linda Snell]

Okay? We should definitely hear something by tonight.

[Usha Gupta]

Good.

[Jim Lloyd]

Well, I hope we do. Meanwhile, you're spoiling that bird. Don't pay it so much attention, Khalil. It can't be good for it. Or for you, for that matter.

[Emma Grundy]

Hi, dad.

[Linda Snell]

Oh, hi, Pip.

[Pip Archer]

Is that the magnesium powder?

[David Archer]

Yeah, it is. Just doing the last of the water troughs.

[Pip Archer]

We definitely do not want staggers.

[David Archer]

It's a horrible thing, Pip.

[Lindy Snell]

I know.

[David Archer]

If you've ever seen one of Your cows convulsing?

[Pip Archer]

All clear so far this year.

[David Archer]

Thank goodness. You can't be too careful with something like that, though. And if we keep magnesium levels up.

[Pip Archer]

No, no, you're right. I've been thinking about what you said about telling Mom.

[David Archer]

Yeah?

[Pip Archer]

And I've decided. Well. Well, I think I will.

[David Archer]

Oh, good. Oh, I'm glad. And you'll ask her if she'll go with you, will you? To the appointment?

[Pip Archer]

I won't ask her, no.

[David Archer]

No.

[Pip Archer]

But if she offers, if she wants to come with me, I will say yes.

[David Archer]

Well, I think she probably will want to.

[Pip Archer]

And really, I do want her to be there.

[Linda Snell]

Of course you do.

[Pip Archer]

I just don't want to put any pressure on her.

[David Archer]

Well, for what it's worth, I think you've come to the right decision.

[Pip Archer]

I'm dreading telling her, though, dad. Stirring up all those memories. But you're right, she would want to be told.

[Linda Snell]

I'm just off, Mum.

[Jim Lloyd]

Hang on a minute.

[Usha Gupta]

What?

[Jim Lloyd]

Where are you off to?

[Linda Snell]

Like I said, to see my mates.

[Jim Lloyd]

Where exactly?

[Linda Snell]

Round Barney's.

[Jim Lloyd]

I thought we were going to do dinner together, you and me.

[Linda Snell]

I know, but it can't be helped.

[Jim Lloyd]

We had a plan.

[Linda Snell]

These are the mates interested in Fletcher. And you did say that was a priority, Chucking Fletcher out?

[Jim Lloyd]

I did not say say chucking him out. I said finding him alternative accommodation.

[Linda Snell]

Well, that, then.

[Emma Grundy]

All right, you can go.

[Linda Snell]

Thanks, Mom.

[Jim Lloyd]

Just don't be late back by seven. You've still got homework to do, you can see.

[Linda Snell]

Knock that off.

[Jim Lloyd]

I don't want it knocked off. I want it done properly.

[Linda Snell]

Better get moving, then. Oh, and then could you feed Fletcher for me?

[Jim Lloyd]

What?

[Emma Grundy]

You haven't fed him?

[Linda Snell]

I forgot. Not too heavy on the seeds, okay? That's not good for him. And make sure you talk to him.

[Jim Lloyd]

Talk to him?

[Linda Snell]

Yeah, he likes people talking to him.

[Jim Lloyd]

Oh, honestly, Khalil, you can't possibly know he likes it. He does.

[Linda Snell]

He has a knack for conversation. You can tell how he puts his head on one side. Like he's really listening, like he understands.

[Jim Lloyd]

Don't kid yourself.

[George Grundy]

He does.

[Linda Snell]

He even got Linda talking to him.

[Jim Lloyd]

Rubbish.

[Emma Grundy]

He did.

[Jim Lloyd]

You're talking rubbish. This is what worried me, having the bird here starting to take over.

[Linda Snell]

You're not taking over.

[Jim Lloyd]

Well, I'm telling you now, I won't be talking to it.

[Linda Snell]

Oh, by the way, could you have a look at his feathers? I think there's something wrong with them.

[Adam Macy]

Bye.

[Jim Lloyd]

Don't look at me like that. I am not talking to you.

[Pip Archer]

You thought it might bring it all back to me. Yeah, well, that was sweet of you, Pip, but you have to be sensible about things like this. I'm glad you've told me. Oh, so am I.

[Usha Gupta]

And I'm glad you've been checking.

[Pip Archer]

Yes, and I'm always telling you to, aren't I? You are nagging on. Not nagging, no. Hey, it'll be all right.

[Emma Grundy]

You know.

[Pip Archer]

You found this early, whatever it is,

[Jim Lloyd]

and it might be nothing, but early is good.

[Pip Archer]

I know. It's always good. You've talked this over with Stella? We've talked for ages.

[Lindy Snell]

Yeah.

[Pip Archer]

And we've agreed not to worry about it. Not until we know we've got something to worry about. How's that going?

[Jim Lloyd]

Not very well.

[Pip Archer]

No. You worry. Anyway, would it help if I told you what it was like for me? I can do that if you like. I don't know, Mum. No. It was a long time ago now. Nearly 26 years. And things have improved since then? My experience is probably not so relevant today, but I can tell you this. If it comes to it, there'll be so many people who want to help you through the nurses and doctors at the Breast Unit.

[Jim Lloyd]

Your family, your friends. Lean on them.

[Pip Archer]

Don't be afraid to do that, Pip, because they love you and they'll want to help. We were only kids, but we wanted to. To help you and Josh. I remember I bought you a baseball cap. Still got it when you were losing your hair with the chemo. To keep me head warm. Oh, I'm ashamed to think of that now. No, P. Why I was such a hopeless response.

[Lindy Snell]

Don't say that.

[Pip Archer]

A baseball cap, though. It wasn't even a good one.

[Jim Lloyd]

Oh, and you're never going to see me wearing it.

[Pip Archer]

Not now.

[Jim Lloyd]

Not for any money.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, don't blame you.

[Pip Archer]

But I swear to you, that daft hat helped me think through.

[Jim Lloyd]

Best present anyone gave me ever. So, any of your mates prepared to take Fletcher?

[Linda Snell]

Yeah, Barney is.

[Jim Lloyd]

Oh, wonderful.

[Linda Snell]

Yeah, he just has to clear it with his parents.

[Pip Archer]

Of course.

[Linda Snell]

You don't have to worry. They're nice people. They won't see a budgie go homeless.

[Jim Lloyd]

Oh, good for them.

[Linda Snell]

So it'll be okay, Barney, you said? He just called me later to confirm.

[Jim Lloyd]

I look forward to that.

[Linda Snell]

It's a done deal.

[Jim Lloyd]

Aren't you going to ask me?

[Linda Snell]

Ask you what?

[Jim Lloyd]

How I got on with the bird minding.

[Linda Snell]

Oh, yeah, yeah. How was it?

[Jim Lloyd]

Well, I'm glad you asked me that, Khalil, because it was a bit of a nightmare.

[Usha Gupta]

What?

[George Grundy]

Why?

[Jim Lloyd]

It was like casualty around here while you were away with your mates.

[Linda Snell]

Is Fletch all right?

[Jim Lloyd]

We've had Alistair Lloyd around here.

[Linda Snell]

Mom.

[Usha Gupta]

Don't worry.

[Jim Lloyd]

The budgie's all right.

[Linda Snell]

You sure?

[Jim Lloyd]

Yeah, I think so.

[Linda Snell]

You think so?

[Jim Lloyd]

Well, I had a look at his feathers and I thought you were right. They did look a bit scruffy. And he was pecking away at them as if they were irritating him.

[David Archer]

What did you do?

[Jim Lloyd]

What could I do if I'm the vet?

[Linda Snell]

Does he know about budgies?

[Jim Lloyd]

He's a vet, isn't he?

[Linda Snell]

Yeah, but he's used to horses and pigs and stuff, and they're very different.

[Jim Lloyd]

I'm sure he has transferable skills.

[Linda Snell]

From horses to budgies.

[Jim Lloyd]

Look, he convinced me. Khalil, if you want a second opinion.

[Linda Snell]

No, no, just tell me what he said.

[Jim Lloyd]

Well, I was lucky because he was just about to leave work when I called and I told him what I could see. And he very kindly said he'd call in on his way home and take a look, which is what he did.

[Linda Snell]

And what did he say?

[Jim Lloyd]

He thinks it's stress.

[Linda Snell]

Stress?

[Jim Lloyd]

It's quite common in budgies, apparently.

[Linda Snell]

See, I told you he was stressed, didn't I? That music. That must have been stressing him out.

[Jim Lloyd]

Alistair didn't say anything about music. He thinks the most likely cause is the change to the bird's environment. And there has been a change.

[Linda Snell]

What can we do?

[Jim Lloyd]

A couple of changes, in fact. And there'll probably be another one if Barney comes up trumps.

[Linda Snell]

Yeah, okay, but what can we do? Like, can we give him pills or something?

[Jim Lloyd]

No, no, no. He didn't say anything about medication. He just said it's best to avoid too many changes to his routine. He needs to be settled. You'll have to make sure Barney knows all this, if that's where he's going next.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, it is.

[Linda Snell]

I told you.

[Jim Lloyd]

How are you?

[Linda Snell]

80, 85%.

[Jim Lloyd]

That's what worries me. Oh, and you were right about the talking. Alastair said it might help if we talk to him soothingly.

[Brian Aldridge]

Soothingly?

[Jim Lloyd]

Yeah, talk soothingly. So that's what you can do now. You can talk soothingly to your little mate, Fletcher.

[Linda Snell]

I can't.

[Brian Aldridge]

Not now.

[Jim Lloyd]

Why not?

[Linda Snell]

Well, I've got homework to do, remember? Can you do it, Mum? Poor little Fletcher, all stressed and bothered. Gotta talk to him. Will ya?

[Pip Archer]

I tried not to show it, of course, for Pip's sake.

[Usha Gupta]

But.

[Pip Archer]

I don't know, it wasn't easy.

[David Archer]

Took a lot of courage.

[Pip Archer]

I don't know about that.

[Brian Aldridge]

I do.

[Jim Lloyd]

Anyway, I hope she didn't notice.

[David Archer]

She told me you were remembering that old baseball cap.

[Pip Archer]

Oh, yeah. I love that old thing, David.

[David Archer]

Me too. Oh, I'm so glad that you two were able to talk. And I'm glad that she's got Stella to support her.

[Pip Archer]

Yeah, she'll be strong for Pip and Rosie.

[David Archer]

She'll be. Well, Rosie will be Rosie.

[Pip Archer]

That would be a tonic.

[David Archer]

Oh, I remember this feeling. Desperately wanting to do something. Something physical, if possible, but basically anything to make things better. Not knowing what to say. And that horrible, horrible realization that I couldn't do anything that was gonna make any difference.

[Pip Archer]

You were there all the time you could be. And you held me hand. Sometimes that was the only thing I wanted.

[David Archer]

Then that's what we can do for Pip. Let her know that we'll be there.

[Pip Archer]

And hold her hand.

[Oliver Sterling]

Yes. And hope.

[Jim Lloyd]

Fletch? Fletch? You all right in there? You don't mind me calling you Fletch, do you? Giliel does. I noticed.

[Lindy Snell]

No.

[Jim Lloyd]

Good. We'll give you a fly around a bit later if you feel up to it. I believe you did that at the Snells, Linda. Well, of course, you know Linda, don't you? Well, Linda has been really helpful with my mental health initiative. A lot of sound practical advice. She's good like that heart of gold.

[Emma Grundy]

She was telling me about the cricket.

[Jim Lloyd]

How they've had lots of entries for the logo design, all based on the Bull. Well, you won't know that. That's the pub in the village. Is Khalil looking after you? He's a good boy, though. Don't say I told you so. No, to be honest, I worry more about Zeynep. Problem is, she lacks ambition. She says she's happy enough, but can you really be happy if you're not fulfilling your potential? Or am I too much? The pushy mum?

[Linda Snell]

He says yes.

[Pip Archer]

What?

[Jim Lloyd]

Who says yes?

[Linda Snell]

Barney. Yeah, he says he can take Fletcher.

[Usha Gupta]

What?

[Linda Snell]

Yeah, his parents have given him the nod, but.

[Jim Lloyd]

Well, I thought they'd say no. No, I thought it wasn't going to happen.

[Linda Snell]

I told you, didn't I? I said it was a done deal.

[Jim Lloyd]

Yeah, I know.

[David Archer]

So?

[Jim Lloyd]

Well, you also said you were 80% sure, which is 20% doubtful, which is enough to make me think it wasn't gonna happen.

[Linda Snell]

Well, it has happened. So problem solved. Fletcher has a new home.

[Pip Archer]

But.

[David Archer]

What?

[Emma Grundy]

Well, that's.

[Jim Lloyd]

That's another disruption. This poor thing is just about getting used to living with us and we're about to cart him off again. What are you saying maybe we should rethink?

[Linda Snell]

But you're the one who wanted to get rid of him in the first place.

[Jim Lloyd]

No, no, Khalil, to be fair, I said I was happy to offer temporary accommodation.

[Linda Snell]

You didn't say happy.

[Jim Lloyd]

And after all, a good deed done for a pet is the equivalent of a good deed done for a human being.

[Linda Snell]

What about Barney?

[Jim Lloyd]

Or what about him?

[Linda Snell]

I promised him he could have Fletcher.

[Jim Lloyd]

Well, that can't be helped. We're doing this on the advice of an experienced vet. We can't keep moving poor Fletch from pillar to post. From the Snells to us to Barney. No wonder he's stressed. And we have no idea what sort of care Barney can provide.

[Linda Snell]

Barney's right.

[Jim Lloyd]

No, Valil, I think we have to face up to our responsibilities. This budgie is staying right here.

[Pip Archer]

Sam.

[Brian Aldridge]

Hello.

[George Grundy]

I'm Jeremy Howe and I'm the editor of the Archers.

[Adam Macy]

Ambridge is celebrating 75 years of storytelling this year.

[George Grundy]

And as part of this, the Archers

[Adam Macy]

daily and omnibus episodes are will be

[George Grundy]

available on BBC Sounds for not one,

[Adam Macy]

not two, but for five years after broadcast.

[George Grundy]

So you'll be able to relive moments like this again.

[Brian Aldridge]

Your mum has told us the truth.

[Robert Snell]

We know, George. The police are on their way.

[George Grundy]

Don't answer it. We've got to.

[Oliver Sterling]

Don't let them take me, doggelie.

[Lindy Snell]

I don't know you.

[Oliver Sterling]

Oh, I'm sure you do. My name's Marky. But I reckon you know that, don't you?

[George Grundy]

We hope you continue to enjoy the Archers Listen on BBC Sounds.

[Emma Grundy]

When you manage procurement for multiple facilities, every order matters. But when it's for a hospital system,

[Lindy Snell]

they matter even more.

[Emma Grundy]

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[Lindy Snell]

keep your facility stocked, safe and running smoothly.

[Emma Grundy]

Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done at Britbox.

[Lindy Snell]

Character is everything.

[Emma Grundy]

Stream the iconic characters defining British TV on Britbox, including Ludwig.

[Oliver Sterling]

I think I might just have solved a murder, Vera.

[Lindy Snell]

Now we're getting some Agatha Christie's Poirot, I'm sure. And more beloved favorites.

[Oliver Sterling]

I'm a Policeman, I'm a Professional, I'm

[Pip Archer]

a Time Lord, I'm the Duchess of York.

[Lindy Snell]

Once you know them, you never quite forget them.

[Linda Snell]

I ain't being vain, I just am special.

[Lindy Snell]

Stream the best of British TV on Britbox. Watch with a free trial [e-mail].