Kenton’s travel plans get an unexpected boost.

Radio Times: Kenton does some quick thinking. Meanwhile, Jill is preoccupied.

Characters: Jill, Kenton, Lynda, Matt, Ruth, Usha

• To Kenton they are just birds but to Lynda they are her peregrines and their fledglings. After disabusing him of the impression that he would be chairing tonight’s fête committee meeting, she leaves Kenton with the hope that he is as well prepared for it as she is. Of course!
• Usha provides a bit of moral support to Ruth; they are doing the right thing; they will soon hear about the trial date. Ruth admits that she is not so sure.
• Matt is a late customer at the shop and surprises Jill with the news of Kenton’s disappointment at not being able to go to New Zealand to see Meriel.
• That makes Jill late for the committee meeting in The Bull. There is general support for the idea of a Torch, though not much agreement about the details. When Kenton’s turn comes to reveal his ideas for games, he suddenly remembers his duties as host for the meeting and offers drinks – and then delegates their delivery to an incredulous Matt – yes, Matt!
• By the time Kenton returns from having been ‘called away’ the meeting has moved on to the opening ceremony and the dedication of the riverside field to Her Majesty. Finally back to the games themselves and Kenton distributes some ideas he printed off earlier – but not much earlier! It’s too late to discuss them now but Kenton does make time for a word with his mum. She asks about the proposed trip to New Zealand and he explains that it will have to wait until next year. But Jill insists that families are more important than money; she produces her cheque book and hopes that, with her help, he can do the trip this year.
• Usha confides to Ruth that there was no birthday card from Amy. Alan is worried that, if Amy moves away to a shared flat, they will never heal the rift.