Lynda’s proposal for a replacement vegetable judge doesn’t suit Bert.

Radio Times: Eddie says a little too much and Lynda sets Bert a challenge.

Characters: Bert, David, Ed, Eddie, Jill, Lynda, Ruth

• The boys are off to the Dairy Show – that’s David, Eddie and Ed – it will be Ruth’s turn tomorrow. There is a lot of shiny equipment to dream about but David and Ed are keen to gather useful information; Eddie is more intent on propping up the bar.
• Over coffee at Brookfield, Jill reports the scandal at The Echo; she confidently predicts that it won’t make the front page, even though the story is more exciting than anything that will be in the paper. Ruth extracts from Jill that she would like a small family party for her birthday, certainly not a big do at Lower Loxley.
• Lynda has called an emergency meeting of the F&P Committee but nobody has ideas for an alternative vegetable judge. Then they must turn to one of their own and she has a suggestion – Joe. Bert is flabbergasted, and outvoted.
• Eddie cannot help himself; it just slips out that he knows about Ed and Emma’s baby. He is delighted; it’s such good news. So is Ed but he will not be swayed: this is not the time to celebrate; there is work to be done.
• Bert is not minded to let the matter rest; he calls on Lynda at Grey Gables. It’s not right; there was no warning; two members were not there; Joe has no qualifications. No, but he has experience: he entered a sunflower at the age of 4 and this year he will be 89. Lynda grants him a concession: she will hold off approaching Joe until the end of the week, so Bert has until then to find another candidate.