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This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. How to have fun anytime, anywhere. Step 1 go to chumbacasino.com chumbacasino.com Got it. Step 2, collect your welcome bonus. Come to papa. Welcome bonus. Step three, play hundreds of casino style games for free. That's a lot of games, all for free. Step four, unleash your excitement. Woo hoo. Chumba Chumba Casino has been delivering thrills for over a decade. So claim your free welcome bonus now and live the chumba life. Visit chumbacasino.com no purchase necessary vgw group void where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply. Hello, I'm Robin Inks. And I'm Brian Cox. And we would like to tell you about the new series of the Infinite Monkey Cage. We're gonna have a planet off Jupiter versus Scepter. That was very well done, that, because in the script it does say wrestling voice. After all of that, it's gonna kind of chill out a bit and talk about ice. And also in this series we're discussing history of music recording with Brian Eno and looking at nature's shapes. So listen, wherever you get your podcasts. BBC Sounds Music Radio podcasts. You're listening to the archers omnibus from BBC Radio 4. What are you thinking, Freddie? Yes, good. It's nice to see them enjoying themselves. They're certainly doing that. It's a pity there's no Rex or Chris. Oh, yes, our star turns. Still, they probably don't need as much practice as the others. You could never have too much practice. However good you might be. This could be a taxing season for us. Newly promoted, facing some stiff opposition. I do know that Linda, bad luck will not sure luck had much to do with it. Try moving your feet next time. How's your school dinners scheme coming along? Oh, yeah, pretty well, actually. This school's academy came to look round the abattoir the other day and they liked what they saw. Sounds promising. It does, yes. Yes. They've got some other places to visit before they decide, but I reckon they'll come back to. I think so anyway. Looking good for Casey Meats, then? Well, you know, fingers crossed. And that could be good for us too. Us? Ambridge Cricket. Oh, right. Success for one might well rub off on the other. As sponsors, you mean. I know Vince thinks it's important that the team does well and if they do and he's happy, well, he could possibly increase the sponsorship. Oh, I suppose so. So what's the plan? The plan? For doing well, you're the Captain, what are your aims and objectives? Oh, well, what's your recipe for success? Well, I suppose the main thing is that people enjoy themselves. Oh, not this again. Enjoy themselves? In this new league. I think that underpins everything really. I suppose if you're enjoying your game, you play better generally speaking, don't you think? Well, how can I put this? No, I don't. No, no, of course not. That's entirely the wrong way round. You play well, then you're entitled to enjoy yourself. Then and only then. You have to set standards, Freddie. You're not going to do that by having a laugh. That's not what I'm saying, Linda. Oh, I think it is. There are people in these nets right now who are clearly enjoying themselves. But they offer no kind of threat to the teams we'll be facing in a few weeks time. Not as far as I can see. What we have here is quite a bit of dead wood that needs clearing out. What you mean. Oh, yes. We need a razor sharp selection policy. Some of the players should be dropped. Well, if they're not pulling their weight, I'm not sure they have to be told. Is that really necessary though? It has to be done, Freddie. I mean, can't we just. What? We'll make the best of what we've got. Oh, Freddy, that is so feeble. You only have to think of the plays I've put on. The plays? Yes. You think I'm able to get that kind of excellence without occasionally having to crack the whip? Enjoyment doesn't come into it. No, no. What you'll have to do is think of your best team. The best team you can come up with. And anyone who isn't on that list will have to be told. Quite. In no uncertain terms. Hello, Helen. Oh, hi Susan. Clary. Hope we're not too late. Oh, don't be silly. I asked over for tea and cakes. Tea and cakes? Yes. There's nothing formal about it. I just thought, you know, be nice to chat. Well, it would, Helen. Yeah. To get together in a non work kind of way for a change. That's very kind of you. Not at all. About anything in particular? What? No, not really. Well, actually something has. Place is still in a bit of a state, isn't it? Sorry? The tea room. Well, the car park anyway. Tis a bit. Yeah. Clary and me, we were just saying if the car parks. Anything to go? I'm afraid so. Potholes the lot. And everything's so grimy. I know. It looks awful and it puts people off things. Still not so busy for the tea Room, then? Not as much as we'd like it to be. No. We've got some gravel coming to spruce the place up a bit, which should help. When are they bringing that? Today. Oh, yeah. In fact, it should be here by now. Well, we're getting there gradually, but we haven't picked up to where we were before the sewage spill. Which actually was part of why I wanted to see you today. Oh. Why? Should we go inside and get some tea? Oh, I think your gravel's just turning up. Oh, thank goodness for that. He's never going to. He is. He's going to dump it in the car park. Oh, you want to stop him before he. Yes, you're right. Hey. Hey. Excuse me. No, no, no, not there. You can't leave it there. Lily. Cow of the shops. Disappointing. I got nothing from my list. But you've come away with something. This. I'm already regretting this. I knew I shouldn't have bought it. Well, Freddy's just getting changed. Oh. Time for a coffee, then? I don't think it'll be very long. That's all right. I don't mind him. Watch me drink it. Can I get you something? No, thank you. But you might have a look at this first. A paper napkin. What is it? Freddie's list. I asked him to come up with his best for the new season and this is it. You notice anything? Well, obviously he's joking. You think so? No, Tracy, not just no Tracy. They're all men. No women at all. He's winding you up. You have to have Tracy. Even I know that. So you think this might be a perverse attempt at humor? Almost certainly. I shouldn't worry about it. Oh, but you see, Lily, it does worry me. Is he taking his role as captain seriously enough? Freddie can be a bit like that. Well, the practice was shambolic. He had no control over what they were doing. And what were they doing? Larking about? As far as I could see, no discernible discipline. Oh, here he is. Hi, Lily. Good shopping? We've been looking at your list. Ah, it's ridiculous, Freddy. Well, I said it was a joke. It is, isn't it? Well, yes. It's very far from a joking matter. I thought I'd made that clear. And it sets a bad example. People think it's all one big laugh. Oh, come on, lighten up. Did you focus on specific skills? What specific skills? For the practice. Defensive technique, bowling line and length, fielding. They don't need telling. That. Or did you just let them muck about? I wouldn't Say muck, but don't say they need to enjoy themselves. Well, why don't you take over if you're that bothered? What? Well, the captaincy, if you know so much about it. No, me. I'm not having the ambush captain resigning before a ball's been bowled. No, it sends all the wrong signals. It says we're weak and disorganised and we have to put out a clearer message than that. Although. What? I don't know. Perhaps we could find some way. Some way of what? Involving me and the team. I mean, if I can help. Any luck? Oh, no. Sorry, Ellen. I know. Me neither. I tried Neil and Christopher and I called Edward and Eddie, but no one's available. Thanks for trying. I knew they would be able to, to be honest, but I thought I'd give it a go. So now we're stuck with a mountain of gravel half blocking the car park and no one to move it. Yeah, place looks even worse now. Like a building site. I mean, people can be put off. They'll turn right round. Yeah. Oh, I don't know. Things just go from bad to worse. Don't let it get you down, Helen. It's only gravel. Get sorted eventually. I don't know what that drive was thinking of. It was such a tough place to leave it. That's what I told the suppliers when I phoned. What did they say? I thought they were going to help at all. They just kept repeating, delivered according to instructions. Is the tea room actually open? Oh, yes. Sorry. Because it doesn't look as if it is. But it's okay if I park my bike here? No problem. You're Bridge Farm, aren't you? I'm Bridge Farm. I mean, I've seen you around when I was here with my son. You look part of the setup. Certainly that. Helen. Helen Archer. Oh, Henry's mum. I saw him at the protest last week. Oh, yes. I'm sorry about that. He doesn't usually skip school. Oh, no. All forgotten. Pleased to meet you. Susan and Clara. We work in the dairy. My name's Mulak. Oh, Azra's husband. The same. Akram. I seem to have walked into a bit of a crisis. No, no, you have. Gloomy lorry driver. He dumped that pile of gravel and then drove off. Oh, dear. It is all right. Doesn't look all right to me. But perhaps if I can help. No, that's so kind of you. If there's a tractor about. Well, there will be. Yes. With a front loader. Then I can move it for you. It's the sort of stuff I can do, don't worry about it. I have the experience on many a brummy building site. Oh, well, that's something. I've done all the training, believe me. So if it needs moving. And it does. Seems like perfect timing, you turning up just now. Wouldn't you say so, Helen? So split the job between us. Because we've tried that already. No, no, not again. Why not? Well, we had two captains with Freddy and Tom. That didn't work, did it, Freddie? No, but I thought after Tom walked, maybe we got it wrong. You know, the roles were too similar. Did you indeed? Ah. And countysides have a Director of Cricket. Director of Cricket. Director of Cricket. I could do that. What do you think, Freddie? It depends. On what? Well, how it's divided up. What would you actually do? Most of the admin, negotiating with our sponsor. Selection. Selection, that sort of stuff. You. You'd be responsible for selecting the team? I think that might be a good idea. Could you live with that, Freddy? Yes, I think so. You could? Yeah, absolutely. Lily, picking the team. I could live very happily with that. Oh, it looks wonderful out there now, Akram. As easy to spread the gravel as to move the pile somewhere else. Well, it's completely transformed the car park. I cannot thank you enough. Like your friend said, I came along at the right moment. You did that all right. And you must let me give you something for it. Oh, no need. I was enjoying myself. No, no, no, I insist. That was half a day's work. Yes, then if you put it like that. Thank you. And maybe you could put in a good word with family and friends. I'll be doing that anyway. Akram Malak. Capable and available. Perfect timing. You could have postcards, made a certain success. Right. Let me get you a coffee. I would, yes, but I can't. No, not till 20 past 6. Ah, yes. Ramazan. Yes. Sorry. I should have realized. In fact, this is why I came over in the first place. To the tea room. I'm. I wanted to get something for the family for when the sun sets. Well, not long now, no. As you say, your friends were very happy. I could help. Susan and Clary. Yes. Susan works in the village shop. Yes, she does indeed. But they work here on a Sunday? No, no, they were here socially. We were gonna have tea and cakes until the gravel got in the way. Nice. Not really. Not as nice as it sounds anyway. No, they had a difficult conversation ahead of us. Hence the tea and cake. Yeah, I suppose so. Still, it'll have to wait till tomorrow. Now, I Hope it's not too difficult. Thank you. Anyway, I'm sure they'll be right behind you. Yeah, you can tell they're keen to do what they can to help. Yeah, they are, aren't they? Oh yes. I think you all make a wonderful team. What we're thinking, Kirsty, is this would be something to offer people for a special Grey Gables short stay. Cultural tours. Yes. Oliver thought Felphisham Cathedral, Lower Loxley, that sort of thing. And where would rewilding come in? Well, as I said, the cultural tours would include a visit here. Oh yeah, you did. With rewilding activities. Sorry Lily, sorry. Provided by you and Rex. If we can agree terms. Yeah, of course. My mind's all over the place this morning. I can come back later. Oh no, no, this isn't a good time. No, no, I really need to pull myself together. I don't mind. Oh, it's this house business. The buying and the selling and all the endless, endless jaggedy bits between. You mean the Beechwood House? I do, yeah. All the paperwork's lined up, ready and all people have to do is make a decision. A yes or a no. But they won't do that. Won't or can't, I don't know which. I almost don't care anymore whether it's a yes or a no, as long as it's an actual decision. Maybe you're too patient with them. I sometimes wonder. Give them a cut off time, tell them decide by then. Or you go somewhere else. I could, I suppose. I mean if we don't complete before the 1st of April, we'll have to pay extra stamp duty. That's a lot. I wouldn't put up with it, Kirsty. It's not fair. No. Well anyway, Cultural tours. Yes, I've talked to Rex about it and you can tell Oliver were keen. Great. There'll be details to sort out but I'm sure we can do that. It'll be straightforward, I promise you. No dithering and good for our finances. Well, it'll help. And I'm pretty sure I can persuade Oliver to include a donations option on the brochure. Oh, we've never done that before, you know. Please give generously to this worthy cause. This worthy, everlastingly hard up cause. Great. If there's anything I can ever do in return. Well, there might be as a matter of fact. Oh? I'm sort of recruiting. Recruiting? In a way. I don't know if you've heard, but I'm now Director of Cricket for the AMBRIDGE TEAM Susan, if I could have a. I'm just finishing the sink. Could you leave that for now? Oh, it won't take a moment. Please leave it. Yes, of course. Sorry. Ellen. Is anything the matter? I just wanted a word, that's all. About tomorrow. My day off. Is there a problem with it? It's just I'm going to see George. No, no, no, it's not that. I know about that. It's only Clary going. Yes, of course I'll be here. He still won't see me. I was. Sorry, Susan. I didn't mean to say anything about the. That's all right. It's not your fault. I just thought, you know. It's not about tomorrow. It's the dairy in general. I wanted to say all this yesterday, but the gravel turning upput paid to that and I couldn't do it. What about the dairy? Well, we've not been doing well lately. I expect you've noticed. Well, yes. It's not been too good since the sewage leak. Well, we've lost contracts. Several contracts. We'll get them back, though. Will we? I'm not so sure. People are going elsewhere. Well, you can depend on us, Helen. Can't she? Absolutely. We'll come through in the end, Helen. You're serious. I'm not sure we will. I've been looking at the figures over and over trying to find a way out of this, and I'm afraid we just can't afford staffing levels just to as they are. Staffing levels, you mean? I'm afraid I do, Gary. One of you will have to go. I see. And by go, you mean be made redundant? I'm so, so sorry, both of you. If there was any other way, you know, we'd take it. But we keep going over the figures and they keep leading us to the same conclusion. Starting from now. Well, no, you need some time to talk this over. Talk it over? Well, a little time, yes. What's to talk about? Well, you might like to think about voluntary redundancy. I'm just surprised you thought of me, that's all. Well, I didn't until this morning. And then I remembered the single wicket. Oh, that. When you did so well. That was Mosley Fluke. Well, it showed. You can bat a bit and bowl a bit. You've got excellent hand eye coordination. Well, thank you very much. But I still don't think the main reason is your attitude. My attitude? Your really positive attitude. I don't feel that positive. But you are. And we're trying to build a team with the right approach. And you think that's me? Definitely. Can I remind you of our conversation just now? Oh, that doesn't count. When I was moaning about house buying. That wasn't very positive. No, but that's different. I can't work out if you're having me on. I'm perfectly serious. Think about it at least. Well, maybe take your mind off all of those daily worries. You don't give up, do you? Tell you what, Come to Nets and see how you get on. I'm trying to fix one up. The Thursday evening. Well, it's really lovely out there now. Hi, Rex. Oh, hey, Lily. I was just fencing the coppice in that corner of the meadow. It's full of birdsong. You'll never guess what Lily's just been on about. Oh, Oliver's cultural tours? Well, yes, but after that, I've been trying to persuade Kirsty to join the team in my role as Director of Cricket. As what? Lily's Ambridge's new Director of Cricket. So you could find yourself playing alongside Kirsty this season. What do you think of that? Ah, there you are, you see. Rex doesn't like the idea. No, no, no, it's not that. What is it? I'm sorry. I've been meaning to talk to Freddie about this. About what? I don't think I can play this season. What? Sorry, I really want to, but it can't be done, I'm afraid. I thought if we came to the edible forest garden, we wouldn't be disturbed. No, not at this time of day. Anywhere else we could run into Helen or Tom or Natasha, you know, and I wouldn't want that. Not just Nev. No. You kind of want to keep your head clear, don't you? Yeah. So? So. I didn't see that coming, did you? Not really. What I said, you know, to Helen about the dairy. It's true. It does mean such a lot. I never really thought. But I never thought it might come to an end. Us being in the dairy together. All the chats we've had over the cheese and all the stages of making it. I do love all that. Oh, when you wrap them up. I know. In the waxed paper. It's always so neat and ready. You told me once you wouldn't mind being wrapped up like that yourself. I never did. You did, Susan. Wrapped in wax paper, you said. At the end of the day, when the work's done. You remember? Wrapped up and carried home. Well, I suppose I do think that sometimes. And what did you say at the time? I said it was weird, Susan. Which it is. I never told anyone else that. I should hope not. You know what I mean, though. Well, yes, I do. That feeling. And the work's done and it's all quiet. I get that. Yeah. Not the wax paper bit, though. I forgot I told you that. Oh. Know what to get you for your next birthday, then. Oh. Tell you what I like in particular. What? Coming in of a morning and putting the hat on. Oh, I hated they hats at first. Fussy little things with all that netting. But now it's nice. It's her uniform. Most of the time we're on our own. It's just you and me, the both of us. And all the stuff we find to talk about. Never at a loss. No. And there's our outside coats, side by side on their hooks. Only not anymore. It'll just be the one. Maybe just you on your own. I've been thinking about that, Clary. So have I, all morning. What Helen said about maybe one of us volunteering. Voluntary redundancy. Yes. Because I think I might do that. What? I mean, I'll still have the post office and Neil's in good work building up a pension. So I'm thinking maybe this might be a good time to hang up me at. Oh, Susan. Ah, Rex. You're still here. So I am. Can I disturb you? I haven't changed my mind. Okay. I've been thinking about what you said. I really can't help you, Lily. There must be a way we can keep you in the team. I honestly don't think there is. But you're vital to us. A vital component. But it's not that I don't want to play. I love cricket. And I'd love to turn out for Ambridge and test myself against this stronger opposition. Then let's try to make it work. But I told you, weekends I have to take the taxi out. I need the money. I can't bring in that much, though. Well, sorry, I don't mean to be. But if we could make up the difference somehow. Somehow how? Well, that's what I've been thinking. A word with our sponsor, Vince Casey. What would that achieve? Actually, it might work. Because. What if we paid you Pay to play cricket? Why not the whole team? No, not all of them. Just you. Me? Why not? What are the others gonna say about that? They needn't know. Don't tell them. It'd be a private agreement. No, hang on. In fact, say nothing to anyone. Keep it to yourself. But think about it, Rex. And whilst you're doing that. Let me have a word with Vince. I don't want you to do this, Susan. What? I couldn't bear it, thinking I'd taken what belonged to you. But, Carrie, of. I told you I'll be all right. I know what you said and I know why you said it. Yes, because I worked it all out. No, that's not why you're doing this. Bless you for it, Susan Carter. I'll never forget it. Never. But I don't want it on my conscience that I took my friend's job. You're not taking my job. Well, you wouldn't want it on your conscience either if it were t'other way round, would you? Helen will be here any moment. Look, so tell me quick, no flannel. Are you going to take redundancy because you really want to, or are you doing it to help me out? Susan, I got your message. Is everything all right? I wouldn't exactly say all right. No, of course not. I mean, have you had the chance to think things. Things through? We've been talking about it. Yes. And have you come to any conclusions? Susan? We both want to stay on, Helen. Both of you? Both of us, Yes. I see. And you do know that can't happen? We do. But really, it's for you to decide, not us. Yes, of course. And I will have to do that. When? Not yet. Why not? Well, the remaining job will effectively be a new one with slightly different duties. So you'll both have to apply for it and there'll be interviews. Interviews? Yes, there'll have to be. I'll do my best to make it as straightforward as I can, but you should be prepared. It's not gonna be easy. What happened to your lip, George? Nothing. I just knocked it in the gym. Oh, I can see. You've kind of bulked up since I saw you last. He has, hasn't he? All right, don't go on about it. I'm only saying. Yeah, well, I exercise good. There ain't much else I can do. Well, that's good. Stuck in here all that rigmarole. Getting in, though. Wappa Lava. I wouldn't know about that. No? No, I got in quite easy. George. What? Don't. Don't what? You know, Grandma don't know what it's like. No, it's okay, Emma. She's not been here before, and that's not her fault. No. Right. Sorry, Grandma. That's all right, love. Didn't mean to be sorry. You get used to talking like that in here. It's what you Pick up from your so called mates, I suppose. Not so called Mum. What then? Just mates. That'll do. I'm so pleased to see you, George. I can't tell you. And are you all right? As much as I love her. Be well. She's fine. Only Clare, she keeps us all in line. Oh, would if any of you took notice. We always know what you're thinking, Grandma, even if you don't say it. Makes me sound like a proper grouch. No, you're all right. Anyway, how's the dairy going? The dairy? Well, it's ticking over much the same, I suppose. Keeping up with the orders, aren't you? Honestly, they'd be lost without her. And I think they know that deep down. And Grandpa? Grandpa? Well, I see you're not saying anything about him. Eddie's okay as well. No, Mum, don't do this. What? Don't do what? George? I know something's wrong with him. Only you're not saying what are you? You're deliberately not talking about it. No. Clary had a letter from George. Say With a request for a visit. A bit more of the vegetarian rennet, please, Mum. Righto. Just her and Emma. Say when. Yep, that'll do for now. That must be difficult for you, Susan, not being able to go. Oh, I don't mind Clary getting to see him. After all, she's as much his grandma as I am. But it does hurt me that he won't have anything to do with me. Not ever. That's what George says himself. Oh, he'll come round, Susan. Oh, really? There's no sighing. And on top of that, we're here. We're losing our jobs. One of you. Sorry, Helen, but that's not much comfort. You know we'd keep you both if we possibly could. Is there really nothing else you can do, though? Nothing? No other cuts? Not a thing. Helen's been over it all with the accountant endlessly. It's just the way things are. Nobody's fault. Nobody's fault. Honestly, Helen. What? Of course it's somebody's fault. Is it? Borsit. Your water. Where we are today. Because they cut corners, which meant there was a sewage leak they were completely unprepared for. That's why our orders are down. And that, in turn, is why Susan and Clary have this sword of Damocles hanging over their heads. Borsicher Water. But what can we do about that? We can protest, Helen. At least we can make our voices heard. Well, I'd be up for that. You've already done your bit. Susan helping to set up up the radio Borsitcher thing, which never actually happened, if you remember. Yes, but it. Mum, I'm not having a go at you. You're making a fantastic effort. But if people aren't interested. Well, if they would just listen to what we have to say, though. How do we get them to do that? I don't know. Keep plugging away, make more noise, let them know we're here. Yes, but the wrong sort of noise can put people off. The wrong sort of sort of noise. What's the right sort of noise? I don't know. No, nobody does. Well, what? I'm just thinking, maybe it's a bit like an advert. Well, you know, they have a message to get across and there's a little jingle that goes with it. You hear the jingle and you think of the message. So maybe what we need is a jingle. No, honestly, George, there's nothing wrong with my Eddie as far as you know. Well, I would know. That's what I'm saying. Then it looks like I'm better informed than you two. There's nothing to know. That's not what I'm hearing. Not what you're hearing from in here. Yeah, I know. Banged up. Thanks for reminding me. I'm only saying, how can you know Eddie's not well? Have you phoned him? No, of course not. Why course not? He'd deny it, wouldn't he? To stop me worrying. That's obviously what he's doing with you lot. But I still don't get it. If he's denying it, how do you know? I had a letter from Kira and Poppy. Kira and Poppy? The well known medical experts. Mum, don't. Don't what? Get sarky. So you're saying Keira and Poppy know about this? Whatever's wrong with Eddie? Yes. And they wrote to you about it? Yes. But they didn't tell us because you already knew. Except we don't. What did they say? They couldn't say what was wrong, but they reckoned if I spoke to the family, I could find out the details. If you spoke to the family? And that's what I'm trying to do without much luck, because the family's not listening. So all you know about this, it all comes from just them two, you mean they've been having me on? I think they might have been, George. Yeah, the lying little. Careful. I was worried sick. I thought there was really something wrong with Grandpa. Susan? Susan, is anything up? No, no, Neil, calm down. I got a message. Can you call in at the dairy on your way to Barrows? That's right. Well, I sounded urgent. It's not at all urgent, Neil, honestly. Oh, I'm not so sure about that, Tom. You'll only worry him. It is important, though, Helen. Well, perhaps someone can tell me what this is all about, then. It's what you were talking about at breakfast. What? I was talking about bell ringing. Was I? Apparently you're planning a spring ring of the church bells. Oh, that. And Susan thought that could be our jingle. It suddenly struck me when the three of us were talking about it. So people will hear the bells and things jingle. Think of the cause. What jingle? I said. It's like an advert. And what cause? Like they do for selling chocolate or something. You're going into chocolate? Oh, Neil Keeper. Oh, I am trying, but it's not getting any clearer. Oh, poor Neil. We're talking about the protest group protesting about Borsetshire Water. We want to attract people's attention. I see. By using a jingle like in adverts, you say? I'm beginning to, I think. Yes. So when Susan mentioned your bell ringing, we thought that might do for us. We let it be known that the bells are ringing on behalf of the protest group against Borsetshire Water. So every time they hear the bells, they think sewage leak, they think mismanagement. Right, I get it now. We wondered if he might have a word with Alan, because presumably we'd have to get his approval. You would? Yeah. And probably the PCC would have to agree as well. Yeah, good point. But before all that, don't you think you ought to get my approval too? Well, yes, as I'd be in charge of doing the actual ringing. I suppose so. And I'm not so sure I do approve. You what? Well, that's not what the bells are about, Susan. Anyway, I. I don't entirely agree with the protest. Why on earth not? You're all so quick to run them down. Mismanagement, you say? But do you know, it was mismanagement. Isn't it just as likely to be the result of climate change? And the water company's got a programme of improvements planned. So you won't do it? If I'm being honest, I don't think I can. No, don't keep calling them that, George. They're your sisters. I know, but they got me worried. You can see why they did it, though. To get me talking to you. Yeah. And you have to admit, that bit worked. We are talking. I think it's quite sweet. Not sure I go that far. Clare. George not talking to his family, though they knew how much that was hurting. But using Grandpa like that, they didn't think too much about that bit. Well, they should have. Yeah, maybe they should. But they're kids, George, are gonna get things wrong. Yeah, we all get things wrong, even when we're not kids. And I suppose it was a proper Grundy kind of thing to do. Yeah, I could see Eddie doing that kind of thing. I don't know what he's gonna say about it when he hears. I shouldn't think Grandpa needs to know. Do you, Emma? No, I can't see it do much good. I do know what he'd say about Kira and Poppy, though. What? He'd say they were little toads. A right couple of little toads. George. No. What? No, nothing. What have I done now? Nothing. It's just. That's the first time you smiled since we've been here, that's all. Yeah, well, I know, I know. Stop making a fuss. It's all right. I won't go on about it. That's your lot, then. One smile, a visit and no more. It'll do for a start. Not too bad, though, is it? Seeing us? Yeah, I guess. Once we got the grandpa business sorted out. It's not because I didn't want to see you. You know that. I think so. I just, you know, had stuff going on. Okay. But. Yeah. I'm sorry. That must have been hard on you all. Well, we're here now. We've missed you. I missed you, too. We might try this again then, sometime. Do you think we could give it a go? Why not? I can't tell you how much that means to me. George, my love. Mum, don't cry. Oh, I'm sorry. No, I mean, it's not good for my image. You'll give my love to Grandpa and Dad and Ed. Of course we will. And Poppy and Kira. Them too. Yeah. Tell them from me they're a right pair of little toads. I really can't stop, Pat. This won't take a moment. I've got to be at Barrow by midday. I just want a quick word before you go, now that Helen and Susan have gone back to work. Well, I've said what I've got to say, but you can listen, can't you? Three minutes. Yeah. Three minutes, then. Thank you. You probably know where I stand on this matter. I think it's pretty clear, Pat. Yes. Yes. This is a commercial business cutting corners to guarantee a profit for its shareholders, right? In a nutshell, I suppose. Yes. But there's more. I just think there could be another way of looking at it. I'm sure there. Why can't we at least start by accepting the possibility that Borsicher Water is trying to serve the public? Why assume they're simply motivated by money? Well, we could look at the evidence, the record of investment for a start. And do you take into account the weather conditions? Well, of course we do. No, wait. What? This isn't what I want to say. They're valid arguments. Of course they are. And we could debate them all day and into the night. But that's not the point. Then what is? This is about Susan. Susan? Yes. Helen's business has taken a huge knock because of the sewage leak. Yeah, I know. And Susan could lose her job because of it. Yes. All I'm asking is that you ring your bells for Susan and Clary and people like them so we can ask a few questions on their behalf. Well, I could accept that, I suppose, but would it be a proper use of church bells as a jingle? Well, that is what you said you were after, a jingle. Well, we could ask Alan what he thinks about that and if he's happy with the idea, would you then help us out? For Susan's sake. It is Ryan Seacrest here. There was a recent social media trend which consisted of flying on a plane with no music, no movies, no entertainment. But a better trend would be going to chumbacasino.com. it's like having a mini social casino in your pocket. Chumba Casino has over a hundred online casino style games, all absolutely free. It's the most fun you can have online and on a plane. So grab your free welcome bonus now@chumbacasino.com sponsored by Chumba Casino. No purchase necessary vgw group void where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply. Hello, I'm Robin Hincks. And I'm Brian Cox. And we would like to tell you about the new series of the Infinite Monkey Cage. We're going to have a planet off Jupiter versus Scepter. That was very well done that, because in the script it does say wrestling voice. After all of that, it's going to kind of chill out a bit and talk about ice. And also in this series we're discussing history, music recording with Brian Eno and looking at nature's shapes. So listen wherever you get your podcasts. Say that again, Lily. You're not listening. I knew you weren't listening. No, I'm listening. I'm just not used to you coming round at the crack of dawn. Freddie, it's 9:00. Yeah, as I say, the crack of dawn to talk about cricket. Well, you'd better get used to it. Now I'm Director of Cricket. Um, a made up title. I'm still captain. There are things to discuss. Yes, like paying Rex. Ah, so you were listening. Of course I was. I just couldn't believe what I was hearing. We need Rex. Okay? We have to find a way of hanging on to him. Payment, though, Lily, it's a crazy idea. It'll split the team. Not if they don't know about it. They'll find out anyway. Who's gonna do the paying? Vince. If we can persuade him. You won't. Well, we won't know until we ask, will we? I don't need to ask. I know how. Ok. When we were doing the pantomime, there was a rumour about Berrick Kayla being paid. Remember? Vince had strong objections to that. Well, as I say, we'll see. It's probably against the spirit of cricket. No, it isn't. I've checked the Borser legal rules and you can pay players. The going rate's about £50amatch. I'm still not convinced. Well, then let me do the talking. Have you run this past Linda? We will be doing that. Of course we will, in due course, but not just yet. But as I said to Pat, I've got my reservations about the idea. Of course. I always think it's best to listen to both sides before getting too worked up, Alan. Well, yes, but there is a case for doing something, I think, as a means to asking a few questions. Announced by bells, as it were. Yeah, our bells. Yes. Yeah, I did tell Pat it would be up to you, of course. Not just me, Neil. Oh, no, PCC would have to agree. Yeah. Pat does understand that. Though I'm confident that we'll find most of them will agree with me. Agree with you, you mean? Yeah, I think it's a tremendous idea. Do you? I do. But wouldn't that be seen as taking sides? Absolutely. Oh, and we'd be taking side of God's created earth. Said it yourself, Neil, there are questions to be asked. Yeah, but. But I shouldn't. About climate change, for a start. So every time folk hear the bells, these questions pop into their heads. Is that the purpose of the bells though? I mean, they are church bells. Yeah, but church bells have been used down the ages to sound the alarm and call people to arms. This will be sounding the alarm. How long were you thinking of ringing? How long? Well, I haven't thought. Just under the hour, I suppose. And you have enough ringers? Well, there's certainly ringers I can call on, but. Are you saying. I think we should go all out on this. All out? A marathon ring, say 10 hours? What? @ least if we can set up the teams. Well, it's not just setting up teams. We'd have to seek special permission for anything like that. We'd have to warn people. Let's warn them. Let's get permission. We should make this happen. Well, that was a turn up. I was pretty sure Vince would see the census it. But he was dead set against paying anyone for the panto. Well, that was different. Different how exactly? This is for cricket. It's competitive. Yeah, well, sounds like hypocrisy to me. Not to me. He has the courage to change his mind according to the way the wind blows. Yeah, hypocrisy. It gets results, Freddy. Anyway, he now wants changes to your original plan. And that also makes sense. Does it? You asked him to pay one player and now he's saying it has to be two. I mean, why? Because one paid player looks like favouritism. What? And two looks like a policy. So now we have to find another player to be paid. It should be easy enough. Will it be though, when it doubles the chance of word getting out. We'll find someone, don't worry. I do worry though, Lily. Oh, and I thought of someone else to join the team. Another who? Halatma, a girl who played for Felbisham Uni last season. She's brilliant and she'll be looking for a team to join. Yeah, I'm sure she's very good. I'm gonna message her. But do you realise that for every new recruit you bring in, someone has to be dropped? Yeah, of course. And that'll mean a difficult conversation. But a team can't stand still, Freddie. It has to evolve. And they all know that. Right? Odds are even. Makes no difference to me. Right, you do the evens, I'll do the odds. We start here at Beechwood, on past Brookfield to Glebelands and then do the green and back round via the Bull. Okay, yeah, suits me. We can stop off for a quick planning session and a pint before we do the rest. You turn these leave Rich round pretty quick Island. Well, I like to be done. We're ringing on Friday. And they serve a double purpose. They give fair warning of the noise and they let people know our reasons. I've also posted it on the village website. What about the pcc? Well, I've phoned most of them, got their support without much discussion. But we don't actually meet till tomorrow night, so officially we're slightly previous announcing the event before it's been approved. Isn't that going a bit far? Possibly. But going a bit far is what Jesus did when he drove the money changes out of the temple. Should I be getting one of those? Oh. Oh, please, take one. We want everyone to know about this. We're not actually living here at the moment. I've just come back to check on the place. Oh, so you moved out? Well, because of the sewage. It's Mr. Malik, isn't it? Akram. Ah, yeah. Susan was telling me about you turning up of the tea room on Sunday on your motorbike. Whoa. That was your bike? Was. Oh, impressive machine. How'd you do? And you're Mr. Susan? Yeah, well, Neil Carter. And what's the leaflet thing you need of Take one? See bell ringing on Friday. Yeah. Oh, I do know about this. I've seen it on the website. The anti Bossire water campaign. Well, not strictly speaking. Anti. No, no, no. We want to enter into dialogue with them. Yeah, they've got questions to answer, which they aren't answering at the moment. And how do the bells come in? Well, it's a kind of association. Call to arms. Yeah. Hear the bells, think of Borser water, Think of sewage leaks, think of ruined carpets, ruined furniture. Worst of all, photograph albums, wedding photos. Oh, no. You can replace a carpet, but a wedding? Then you'll want to support our protest completely. I'm right behind you. Good. Because this is yet another example of the human cost of failed responsibility. Absolutely. Well, we better get on. We want to deliver these to most of the village by tonight, so they know what's coming. Give us a bundle, then. And I'll do the rest of Beechwood for you. I'm doing pasta. Do you want some? Oh, no, thanks. I only pop round to sort a few cricket things out. Have you thought any more about our second paid player? I have, as a matter of fact. So have I. After three. Go on, then. One, two, three. Tracy. Tracy. Why Tracy? She's a good player. And, well, I thought it might help her out, you know, in general. You're right. But she'd blab. Well, not necessarily. No, she would. Freddie. I veto Tracey. You what? I exercise my right of veto. So let's go with Chris. He's an obvious choice. Yeah, I know, I know, but I think it would weigh on his conscience. Why were him being paid and the others Not. I think that would get to him and it might, you know, it might affect his performance. Oh, rubbish. All the same. All the same what? I veto. Chris, Come on. If you can, I can. We'll have to ask someone else. We? I can't keep putting it off, though, you know. There's something else I want to get clear. Go on, then. Don't take this wrong, but, well, the team's an important part of people's lives. I know. Sit down, then. Well, you're going to have to tell one or two they've been dropped, obviously. Well, you know, I was thinking, can you be as gentle as possible when you tell them? Gentle? Yeah. I feel team welfare is my responsibility and, you know, it's. I won't be gentle at all. What? Well, why not? Because I won't be doing it. What? You will. They're not answering. Oh, try later. I don't want to try later. I'm geared up for this. But they're not answering. They're obviously not there. Lily, you're putting me off. Putting you off? What? There's no one there. Well, there might be, you know, they might be coming from the shower or, you know, the bathroom. Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. Hi. You're there. They answered. No, no, no. I thought. I thought you might be in the bathroom, that's all. Just get onto the cricket. No, no, sorry, I was just talking to Lily. Yes. No, I just. Oh, you know, pop by to see her. Yes, Pasta, as a matter of fact. Well, anyway, about the cricket. Yes. You see, that's why I called. Yes. About the game we love. Yes, yes, yes. Well, look, I'll come to the point. We all, you know, we all want the. What's best for the team, don't you think? No, no, no, I know obviously it's a game of individual contributions, but at the end of the day, you know, we all pull together, don't we? Just say it. Let me do this my way, will you? No, no, no, no, no. Don't hang up. No. Yes. Yes. I just wanted to say, um. Look, I'm really sorry, but you've been dropped. Yes, Hello. Hello. Is that tea? Just made? It is. Good, I could do with some. Still in a mood, are you? I'm not in a mood. I thought milking the Montys might have cheered you up and I don't need cheering up. No, I have a genuine grievance. Pat, that's not the same as being in a mood. Seems the same to me. Moaning all last night after the phone call. Moaning this Morning. From before sunrise. I wasn't moaning. Probably moaning in your sleep between times I've been dropped. Am I not allowed a brief period of mourning? It's a game. Cricket's more than a game in that. Anyway, it's not so much the dropping as the way it was done. By phone, you mean? It's the abruptness that annoys me. Suddenly, out of the blue, you're dropped. Well, maybe Freddy thought that was the kindest way, like ripping off a plaster. And maybe he didn't give it a thought. You know what I think? Yes, Tony, I probably do. This is ageism. I thought so. WG Grace played cricket matches up until 1914, a year before his death at the age of 67. Not for Ambridge. What they're actually chucking out is skill and experience. I have to go. I'm the only one who can consistently turn an off break. Oh, yes, Tony. I have to go. That's what they're getting rid of. Some of the bell ringers are meeting this morning and I want to offer them my support. Yes, Ryan. Look, I am sorry they've dropped you, I really am. But he's probably thinking of the best team he can put out. Meaning what? Well, let's face it, you're not the most successful player in the side. I'm not saying that. Although I do think I'm better than some who've still been picked. Like who? You mean me? I didn't say anything, Pat. Freddie obviously thinks I'm worth my place. Can you help with packing a few veg boxes this morning, Mum? At least I don't run out members of my own family from ages ago, Mum. And not my fault. Sorry, Tom. I have to be at St. Stephen's this morning and I have to see Kirsty about the house. You've heard, I expect, have you, Tom? Heard what? Dad's been dropped. Dropped? From the cricket. Oh, you're a fair judge, Tom. Would you say that's right? I mean, if they're going to pick someone to chuck out between me and your mother, say, oh, no, I'm not getting into any of that. A simple question. And a simple answer. Which you won't be getting from me. Look, Kirsty wants to see us both, but Natasha's on her way to the nursery with the girls and I'm halfway through the veg boxes. Can you help? I've already said I'll give you an hour. Oh, thank you. Family loyalty still counts for something in some of us. This needn't take long, Tom. That's fine with me. I've just heard from Brenda. She says she can't drop the price of Willow Farm any further. It is what it is. So that means I can't lower the Beechwood price either? No. Right, well, I see that. Which means nothing's going to change. This is the deal. Take it or leave it. Yes, of course. Yes, of course. What? What? The next move has to come from you, Tom. You and Natasha. You have to make your minds up. Ah, yes. Which means calling the agent and accepting that price. If that's what you want to do. And you'll need to know by now. Here and now. Oh, I see. This very minute. Well, obviously I'd have to clear it with Natasha first, but I can call her right now. In fact, I will. I'll call her now. Oh, it's her voicemail. Hello, darling. Yeah, I'm with Kirsty. She wants to know about the house. Call me as soon as you get this, will you? Okay, bye. She will. She'll do that within five. All right, but not a minute more. No, I don't. As a matter of fact, I don't think it's at all fair. Who was that? Ridiculous, Pat. Absolutely ridiculous. He has no proper grasp of the game. Who, Freddy? Just don't. Tony, you've been dropped. How can you make decisions like that? Oh, bad luck. It's a knee jerk reaction. You reach a certain age and you're automatically written off. Still, it is only a game and I can do without your gloating. I'm not gloating. No, of course not. Why would I gloat? I think it's shocking. A shocking way to treat people. Simply to put out the best team. Tony, I thought you were going to meet your bell ringing protesters. Not till Hopos nine. Well, when you see them, you could ask if they'll ring a few bells for you. Oh, ha ha. Aging cricketers unite. What's going on? Kirsty? Let me get you a coffee. No, thanks. You've called me to the tea room, Tom. What's happening? Yes, well, I thought Natasha was going to be here, but she isn't. Why not? Well, it's bad luck really. I called her again and this time someone answered. Only it was someone else. This girl. I had no idea who she was. I asked her and I said, what are you doing with my wife's phone? And it turns out she was one of the nursery nurses. At the nursery? So Natasha had left her phone there when she was dropping off Serena Nova. And did they know where she was. That's what I said. And Sophie. That's what the girl was called. She said Natasha. Natasha happened to say she was going to the tea room next, so I phoned you to say. To say meet us here. I know what you said to me. We can sort this out, the three of us. Only she's not here. No. So. Well, I reckon we only just missed her. She's probably gone back to the nursery to pick up her phone. But you don't actually know. No. So what next? Well, I could go chasing off after her, but there's no guarantee she'll be there. And Will, Grundy's had to cry off this, so we're getting behind with the veg boxes. So, Tom, so it makes sense. Don't say put it off. Well, if we do it tomorrow, we can make sure we're all together. No, Tom, we are not putting it off any longer. All right. All right. We've been dithering backwards and forwards on this for far too long and I have had enough. If we don't get this done before the end of the month, we're stuck with paying extra stamp duty. That's both of us, Tom. You and me. All because you two can't make your minds up. You keep delaying things. So let's get this clear. You decide today or the deal is off. I see. I'll be in the rewilding office till 12 midday. So that's the time it ends, one way or another. Right? Yes. Well, now we know. We've always known. Tom. Rewilding office by 12 or not? Up to you. You're taking the Harrow out. I said I would get the ground ready for the rest of the first earlies. Well, I got you a flask of coffee. Oh, thanks, love. How was your meeting? Ah, all right. Quite a bit about bells, not so much about sewage leaks. I suppose they want to get things right. Changeovers and the like. Yeah, I don't blame them. And I'm not sure doing 10 hours is going to make that much difference. Leo thinks it might alienate people. You could have a point. On the other hand, it might just drive the message home. Won't know till you try. Well, we're certainly trying. I didn't mean it. You know what I said about you being dropped. I wasn't very sympathetic to you in the first place. I'll miss the cricket. That's the thing. I know those moments in a game when. When the ball comes off the middle of the bat or you bowl the perfect ball and it bites and turns. Do we just give up on it? Per can always just go and watch Tony. Um, dad, you haven't seen Natasha, have you? Have you? We haven't done. Why? Oh, it's a long story. I'll tell you later. Give her a call if you still looking. Oh, yeah, A call. Yeah. I never thought of that. Don't get uppity, Tom. Oh, sorry. It's just she's separated from her phone. I've been chasing around trying to find her. I'm gonna go try the nursery. Oh, before you do, your mum and I have just been having a bit of a chat. Oh, yeah, We've both been dropped now from the cricket. Oh, well, sorry to hear that. So I was just thinking it might be more effective if you had a word. A word? Oh, yes, Tony. With Freddie and Lily. Good idea. On our behalf. Might sound better coming from you. What, about being dropped? Yes. Freddie's young, see, and inexperienced. No, no, I'd rather not. Why not? It's not too much to ask. You're assuming I disagree with what Freddy's doing. Well, of course. And I don't. You don't. Look, if you're in a position of authority, you have difficult decisions to make. You just have to get on and make them. That's what Freddy's done. Decisively. I admire him for it. I thought you two might have had some sympathy with that. Right, I've got to go find Natasha. 5 to 12. Tom, you're just in time. Well, you said midday. I'm impressed. Yes, well, what? I wouldn't be too impressed. Oh, Tom. I couldn't find Natasha. Couldn't. Honestly, Kirsty, I couldn't have tried any harder. I've spent the whole morning chasing after her and just missing her. I went back to the nursery and she had been there. She had? Yes. And picked up her phone. By which time she had dozens of new messages, mostly from me. But she can't have listened to them because she went off again. I mean, where. Where could she have gone? Yeah, the latest message said, stay. Stay where you are, but she couldn't have heard it. So where, Tom? Back to the tea room. The dairy. But why? Why the dairy? She came here. What, here? The rewilding office. I. Why didn't you tell me? Yeah, sorry. I thought I'd give you a moment or two of flapping about. Natasha was here not very long ago. He just missed her. In fact. We could have sorted this out. I mean, it is sorted out. What? I explained the situation. She said okay. Okay. Phoned the agent and accepted the price. But why didn't she ask me? So everything's going ahead with the house? Yes. And you can get it all sorted before April 1st? Well, there's every chance, apparently. That's brilliant, Tom. Yeah. Of course, we're now saddled with hefty mortgage repayments. But still. It surprised me a bit, though. Natasha going ahead without talking to me first. Wouldn't you have done the same? I tried to find her mum. But you couldn't. So when you went back to Kirsty, you still had to decide yes or no? I suppose so. What would you have done? Don't know. Think I'd have gone ahead? Do you think I should have done? Well, sometimes you do find yourself with difficult decisions to make. But you just have to get on and make them, Tom. Don't you? I'm still not sure about this, Lily. Rex, you think too much. I can't help it. It just doesn't feel right. I mean, being okay. Keep your voice down. Oh, and it won't just be you. Vince says he'll be paying two players. Who's the other one? Yet to be decided. Tracy? I'm not at liberty to say. Or the new girl. Kalatma. I think I should know. Oh, that's not a bad idea, Cal. Why didn't I think of that? Well, you mean it might be her? This all sounds so random. Lily. And dodgy. Absolutely not. Dodgy? Absolutely. Then why are we supposed to keep quiet about it? It's just precautionary. Don't mention it to anyone. I mean, that's shouting out dodgy to me. Believe me, there is nothing to worry about. Nothing to worry about, Tom. Sounds ominous. Ah. Morning. Whenever someone says nothing to worry about, alarm bells ring. No, no, no. I was just saying about being worried about. About. About the new season. Yes. Yeah, I. I think we'll easily hold our own, don't you? Well, fingers crossed. Going by last night's nets, I'd say Lily's right. Yes. They went quite well, didn't they? They did, yeah. That new girl looks to be a real find, Calatma. Yes. And the whole session was so much sharper than Sundays. A genuine focus on improving. Yeah, great. Not just swing and miss. Swing and miss. It cheered me up. Oh, you needed cheering up, did you? Oh, well, you know, house buying. Yeah, I heard. Pain in the neck at the best of times. All signed and sealed now, though. Oh, really? That's great, Tom. Well, not quite signed and sealed, but well on the way, I suppose. Oh, congratulations, Kirsty. Got quite ratty about it, so, well, everything just speeded up. Ratty? Well, I mean, it's been quite stressful for her. I wouldn't necessarily call that being ratty. Yes, no, wrong word, really. We've all been stressed by it. Well, this is fortunate. Rex Fairbrother. Mr. Gibson, what can I do for you? You can tell me what this is all about. It's a leaflet about the bell ringing. Exactly. You're not bell ringing, are you, Rex? No, nothing to do with me. Sorry, Mr. Gibson, afraid I can't help. Why would you think Rex was involved? Because it's all the same sort of stuff. Rewilding beavers, all that malarkey. Beavers? What have beavers got to do with bell ringing? It's all deliberately disruptive. Is it? How? The way it intrudes into our normal daily lives. For a start, this is about Mum's bell ringing protest. Exactly. About the sewage leaks. One of those stuff you protests, disrupting people's lives just to make a point. And regardless of how much chaos they cause. Well, I think they happen to be right. This is nothing to do with whether they're right or not. This is about how they choose to get their message across. The beavers, the bell ringers. Why can't they simply say what they think and then move on? I blast our ears with hours of bally bells going off when people are trying to hold meetings in Ambridge. In Ambridge? This afternoon. Spot on. So Emma did get to see George on Tuesday morning? Yes. Did it not go well, then? Oh, yeah, it was fine. Why? Because you never mentioned it. Oh, and I. I guessed it hadn't been easy. No, no. Emma was thrilled to bits when she got back. Bit of a breakthrough, in fact, I think. Oh, it is good news. I never mentioned it, Alan, because, well, George has still said nothing about me and Susan, about us seeing him. In his eyes, we're the real villains of the story. I am sorry, Neil. No, it's all right. Well, it's not, but. Oh, you know, of course we keep hoping and you never know. One day. Yes, one day, I'm sure. Oh. After all, it seems to be working out better for Emma now. But really, it's going to be up to George. Well, he might start to see things differently. Anyway, how many. How many rings are we expecting? Oh, we're doing quite well, as a matter of fact. We'll have three teams and we'll be ringing quarters. So each team should do four shifts. And allowing for a bit of time to swap over Ships. We should be all right for a shade over nine hours. Which will be enough, I suspect. Oh, enough to make a point, I reckon. Yeah. So we can muster three lots of bell ringers in Umbridge, can we? Well, we've got a lot of help from other towers. Good for them. Have you had any more objections? Three. And they all think Borsetshire Water are doing their best in difficult circumstances. They might have a point. Yes. They might also have a few shares in the company. Well, maybe, but we probably won't ever know that, will we? Oh, here come your ringers. Oh, these aren't all ringers. There's too many of them. Hi, Alan. Hi, dad. Emma. What is all this? We've come for the ring along. The what? The ring along. It's Mr. Malik's idea. Yeah, he's organized it all. We've all got bells. Little bells, like Indian bells, cow bells and bells on people's phones. Gosh. Where did they all come from? I don't know, really. Akram came by most of them somehow. Oh, amazing. I got this one off Poppy's bike. Look. So the plan is, you lot will be in here getting the big bells going and the rest of us are going to be marching round the village ringing our bells. And this is Akram's idea? Yeah, the ring along. He reckons he's got the Borchester Echo to turn up to and radio Borsetshire. It's good, isn't it? Oh, and you're happy to be involved in all this, are you, Emma? Oh, yeah. Up to my eyebrows. Only I thought you had your doubts. I did. Your place on the parish council in the balance and everything. I did, yeah, I did think it might influence the appeal, but now I've decided I don't care. Especially now with what's happening over Mum and Clary's jobs. All the misery the sewage has caused. What's right is right. And what's wrong, wrong is wrong. And in my book, what boy Sicher Water have been doing is definitely wrong. Here. Here. If saying so means I lose my place on the council, well, so be it. I thought I'd give a team talk. A team talk? Who to? The team, Rex. Oh, I thought you meant now to Tom and me. No. Although that's not such a bad idea. Oh, well, the main objective is to address the whole scheme Squad as Director of Cricket. I'm not sure that's an accurate title. Forget it, mate. But it makes more sense to try it out on you two first. Actually, if you don't Mind? Oh, no, please, to help. Good idea. But you will be honest with me? Absolutely, yes. Because I want to learn from this. Right, yes. Okay. So I've been reading up on the subject. See Mike Brealey on captaincy. Oh, yes, brilliant. So it's about knowing the people you're dealing with, knowing how they tick. Is this it? What? Have you actually started? No, no, I was. You're going to start with Mike Brilly, are you? No, I'm just giving you the outline. Broad aims. So it'll be a sort of inspirational speech. Exactly. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. I'm sisters, more or less, yes. So how. You all have Ambridge in your hearts and talent. You have talent and you're all capable of great things. What do you think? Yeah, really great. Okay. But then I'll go on to say there must be changes if we're going to achieve these great things. We won't get anywhere with the sloppiness we had when Harrison was captain. All this playing for fun and let's all have a good time. No, no, that's not going to get us anywhere. Those attitudes have to be replaced by a will to win, by a new ruthlessness and, of course, practice, practice and more practice. So far, so good. Good stuff. And then I thought I'd set out a few basic rules, like. So, from now on, all net practices are compulsory. Missing two in a row will lead to automatic dropping from the team. It's good that we'll all know where we stand, obviously. Yeah, definitely. Yep. We'll start ringing the church bells once you've all marched out, Emma. All right. Right, I'll get everyone lined up behind the banners, then. What a great turnout for a working Friday. And the banners are wonderful, by the way. A real sign of community spirit. Ed, can you give us a hand with lining this? Be quiet. Stop this row. Stop it now. I said be quiet. Mr. Gibson, what can we do for you? What do you think you're doing? I'm sorry? What on earth do you think you're doing, you fools? Has Lily actually gone? She has. Lily has indeed left the building. Right. So what did you think about her speech? Yes. Well, yeah. Yes. Yeah, by and large. What about you? Yes, no, I'm with you. It mostly works. It does, yeah. As you say, by and large, more or less. Certainly going to be stirring stuff. I like that about it. Mind you, yes, did have a tiny question mark over what she said about Harrison. Harrison's captaincy. Yes, I agree. A bit strong, that was. I mean, you don't do that, do you? You shouldn't know. You don't criticise the previous captain. You keep your thoughts to yourself. Absolutely. And I don't agree with those thoughts. Anyway. About Harrison. Yeah, Nor do I. Playing for fun. That's why we do it. Most of us. We take that away. Obviously, you like to win. Obviously. But not at any cost. I like that bit about being ruthless. I'm not happy with being ruthless. And this rule about missing net practice. Two in a row and you're out. I can't see it working, Tom. She hasn't thought it through. No. Our jobs simply burn up time. Not much idea of farming. And if you've got young children and you happen to be moving house. Nope. It's unworkable. I don't know how I can make that sort of commitment. It's not possible. Two nets this week. Which adds to the pressure I couldn't make last Sunday. So what does that mean? I'm on a warning, basically. She doesn't understand. No. No. I have a meeting here in Ambridge this afternoon and that meeting is going to be disrupted by this infantile protest. We gave you fair warning. You mean the leaflet? This sanctimonious, self satisfied pile of rubbish. You call this fair warning? You're at liberty to reschedule. I don't want to reschedule or relocate. Why should I? Why should I relocate just because a bunch of selfish clowns was to play silly beggars? It's pathetic. You are pathetic. The whole lot of you. Stop this now before I bring in the police. Martin, people are allowed to protest. I know that, Neil. I'm well aware of that. But anyone with a grain of sense can see that this is a complete waste of time. Any point you have to make is cancelled out by the spiteful way you go about it. There are questions that have to be answered. Don't dictate to me, Neil Carter. In fact, if I were you, I'd think twice about what you're doing here. What about how it might have some bearing on a person's career prospects? I'd give that some thought. Now, I suggest you all abandon this nonsense, go back to your homes and let Ambridge go about its legitimate business. One question first, Mr. Gibson. What? Can you make it clear what you just said? I believe it was clear enough for the benefit of everyone here. Just to be crystal clear, were you threatening my father with the sack? I didn't actually say that. Is that what you meant, though? That he'd lose his job? For being part of a lawful protest. So you're asking us to pack up and go home, is that right? I think maybe we all know the right answer to that question. For Clary Grundy and for my mum and everyone who suffered because of the sewage leaks. For all of them. And the bells are sent. Stevens, Neil, let's hear the big bells. Treble's going, Treble's gone. From BBC Radio 4. They remind me of the beauty of the everyday. Illuminated is the home for creative one of a kind documentaries that shed light on hidden worlds. You could hear the plants photosynthesizing. A place of audio beauty and joy with emotion and human experience at its very heart. You can see the people walking bewildered, absolutely bewildered. Nobody really knew what to think. The programs you'll find here explore the reality of contemporary Britain and the world. 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