Joe puts his friendship with Bert under acute stress.

Radio Times: Joe brooks no criticism.

Characters: Bert, Caroline, David, Jack, Joe, Oliver, Ruth

• Oliver discovers Joe at Grange Farm, reminiscing about making hayricks; he is getting his thoughts in order for another radio broadcast this afternoon. He has no trouble getting his thoughts in order about Oliver and Caroline when she emerges unaware from the farmhouse; she could not have looked more guilty if she had tried.
• David is glad that Bert has agreed to work the Bank Holiday; he will have a day out with Freda tomorrow in lieu. David and family had planned to go out themselves on Wednesday but Pip already has an invitation out. Actually, tomorrow seems to be their only option but Bert is clearly not going to give up his day out.
• Jack observes Scott roaring off on his bike – alone; apparently he and Lilian are barely speaking. Jack still hasn’t convinced Caroline about the documentary; he thinks they will show off Grey Gables at its best while she thinks they will want blood on the carpet. She will talk to the staff, as some of them will probably not take readily to the idea.
• Ruth catches David surfing the net – another livestock sales site. Has he nothing better to do? Meanwhile Bert is playing football with the kids; David suggests that rather than disappoint them, Ruth should take them out tomorrow on her own.
• Oliver has plans for Thursday but Caroline cannot make it; she is going to talk to the domestic staff about the documentary, after which she will probably not be good company and will have an early night.
• Bert was so absorbed in the football he has forgotten the time. Quick, put the radio on. Joe’s Jottings is on Radio Borsetshire and he wants to hear the reaction to his letter, complaining about Joe’s Earth Closet piece. Joe calmly announces to the listeners that Bert is a friend whom he has known since he came to the village; Bert is an outsider and probably the sanitary arrangements were better where he came from but he knows little of Ambridge’s history. The best thing to do with the letter is tear it up, which he pointedly does, much to Bert’s chagrin.