29/09/2008

In Brookfield orchard Alistair's tending to a cow. Both he and David have their minds on very different meetings in Borchester that night. Alistair asks Ruth if she can make Jill's birthday cake; Shula won't have time. Ruth's not confident, but says she'll do her best. Later she reminds David they need to make decision about Ed and Emma renting Rickyard Cottage.

Chris and Alistair discuss Chris's new romance with Alice, and the subject comes up again later in the pub. Alistair enthuses about Neil's bell simulator idea, but Chris thinks his bellringing days might be numbered now he's got a long distance relationship to consider.

Alistair chairs a Gamblers Anonymous meeting and is supportive when new member Ryan tells his story. Ryan says Alistair's easy to talk to, and Alistair encourages him to keep coming to the meetings.

After his NFU meeting, David hears that the anaerobic digester plant at Loxley Norton has got all the relevant permits and an agreement with a supermarket chain to take their waste. Ruth reckons they can't compete with that. David agrees. It looks like their whole scheme's been overtaken.

Episode written by Nawal Gadalla.