23/04/2008

Kathy has an interview on Friday at the golf club. Pat expects to be cycling round Stroud tomorrow when she goes to find out about their energy-saving efforts. She intends to come back with plenty of ideas.

Phil's 80 today. The four children are all due round for a meal but first Jill opens the doors for Phil to hear the quarter peal that Neil's arranged in his honour.

Shula remarks on how odd it feels to see all four siblings sitting round the table. Phil jokes that there was a time when they thought they'd never get rid of any of them. Apart from one awkward moment when Elizabeth asks Kenton why Kathy wants to leave work early on Friday, the evening is a fantastic family occasion. They enjoy reminiscing but it's soon clear that Phil just wants to get outside in the dark.

Phil's overjoyed with his telescope. Kenton takes a look but can only make out a vague, whitish blur - the Whirlpool galaxy, apparently. David assures Phil he doesn't need to apologise for marvelling at the stars. Phil believes there's no age limit for looking up and being amazed and remarks on the insignificance of everyone's everyday concerns in comparison to the vast universe.

Episode written by Adrian Flynn.