Carol takes on a part in Blithe Spirit. Tony squeezes Pat’s hand when she tells him about their Ruby Wedding.

Radio Times: Elizabeth needs her mother, while Carol steps into the breach.

Characters: Carol, Elizabeth, Helen, Jill, Jim, Lynda, Pat

• Usha has told Jim that they must pursue things for the SAVE campaign. The more noise they make, the more likely it is that the Government would call the application in. And if they don’t produce the minutes of LEP, then she’ll write an official legal letter for them. Helen then turns up in the village hall and says she has to withdraw from the production. Lynda tries to talk her out of it but Helen is firm. Jim suggests Carol as a replacement for Caroline. She is game for anything.
• Carol visits Lower Loxley to order wine for her drinks but gets a tour of Deck the Halls. Jill tells her she must come back to see more of the lights and the choir.
• Elizabeth is disappointed that the children want to celebrate their birthdays on their own this year but they are 15 now. Jill asks if Elizabeth could do Christmas Dinner but she insists their last Christmas must be at Brookfield.
• Pat is certainly feeling better after Carol’s sleeping draught. She is surprised Helen has given up the play but Helen insists it’s the right thing to do.
• Later Carol and Jill reminisce about Christmases past. Carol worries a bit about Jill being pressed into cooking at Brookfield but everyone should be there including Dan. When Carol turns on the lights, Jill thinks they are beautiful. But she turns down a glass of wine because she keeps getting indigestion. She accepts a glass of sherry instead. Then Lynda turns up and persuades Carol to take on Caroline’s part.
• Helen and Pat visit Tony with another card from Henry. He is looking a bit better with a bit more colour. Pat talks to him about their Ruby Wedding Anniversary and the bottle of champagne she bought to celebrate. Tony squeezes her hand.