22/03/2021

Susan’s booked some riding lessons as prep for her role in the Mystery Plays. She’s nervous as her first lesson begins. She prevaricates endlessly and tries to escape, but Shula finally gets her in the saddle. Shula encourages Susan to carry out the confidence exercises, despite Susan trying to engage her in conversation about her ordination, and Neil’s resignation as Chair of the parish council – which to Susan’s surprise Shula already knew about.

Before the parish council meeting starts, Neil updates Jim on Martha, and they speculate on when she might be allowed home. Neil reports Chris is glowing. Jim tries to persuade Neil to remain on the council until May, but Neil’s adamant. He’s resigning as a member. Jim admires Neil’s patience as Chair. He’ll be missed. Not by everyone, observes Neil wryly. As the meeting gets underway Neil deals adeptly with the antics of difficult Richard Thwaite, who seems to come out of his shell on screen. Emma resolves to resign if Richard becomes Chair. There’s a wave of apathy around nominations for interim Chair. Jim favours Emma to take over, but she’s not keen. Jim notes that she’d get things done – and who else is there? There’s bad news as Jim gets an email from Hilary Noakes. She intends to stand for council in May, and would be interested in putting herself forward for the role of Chair. Jim declares they have to find someone else to fill the role, and quickly.