02 January 1997

Characters: David, Jill, Joe, Phil, Ruth, Shula

• Shula’s having a bad start to the New Year, Daniel is being difficult and the holidays just weren’t long enough. She also gets a visit from Joe, who just wants to do something to help and, it seems, someone to talk to. He is questioning why they are bothering to put in the hard work if they are destined to lose everything. She’s very sympathetic and promising to keep working for them, but her first priority must be for the landlord – even if she disagrees with him.
• Phil is looking a cow’s foot and David abruptly takes over, which annoys Phil and Ruth – who takes him to task later, that although Phil is getting on he’s not over the hill, a sentiment that Phil (privately) shares!
• Phil and Jill sugggest to Shula that an alternative route could be to try and get the Grundys to change their methods if Simon’s aim is a more profitable Grange Farm.

Summarised by: Chris Harrison