Emma takes a financial decision. Jim takes a step towards a new hobby.

Radio Times: Jim is on the hunt for excitement. Meanwhile, George is very keen.

Characters: Christine, Ed, Emma, Jim, Ruth

• A hungry Ed returns from milking to find there is no bread in the house, and Emma does not seem unduly bothered. Her mind is on a letter George has brought home from school about Karate lessons. He is longing to go, but Emma knows they just haven’t got the money. Ed points out that fees can be paid in instalments if there is a financial problem, but Emma flares up; she is not prepared to discuss their finances with outsiders.
• Jim rescues Christine from being mown down by a speeding Matt. She invites Jim back for coffee and homemade biscuits, but finds some Dundee cake too, which meets with Jim’s approval. He admits that since the Flower and Produce he has been at a loose end and lacks intellectual stimulation.
• Embarrassed, Emma asks Ruth for an advance on her wages, which Ruth gladly gives her. Ed returns to find Emma much more cheerful, but he is cross when she tells him that she has used the money to pay for the Karate lessons. Ed thinks she should have discussed it with him first, but when they see George’s face as he hears the news, they know it was worthwhile. Ed’s birthday is coming up, but they agree that they will celebrate it with just a drink at The Bull. Anxiously, Emma asks Ed if they are all right. Yes, says Ed, it is just them against the world, as it always has been.
• Christine has an idea; she suggests that Jim might interview interesting local people for Borchester Life. She wonders about Ruth for a start – a pioneer in women’s farming. They see Ruth nearing the shop and stop her, but Ruth declines the offer. It may be a setback for Jim, but he will not give up.