News on the accommodation front is mixed for the Grundys; David has sorted out the contract milking but will it meet with universal praise?

Radio Times: Joe is hunting for his lost youth, and Eddie feels pessimistic.

Characters: Clarrie, David, Eddie, Jill, Joe, William

• Clarrie tells Joe and Eddie that the Council seem hopeful of being able to find Joe emergency accommodation over the Christmas period. However, they need to run checks on his current status and eligibility. Amongst other things they will need to see Joe’s birth certificate, but where is it?
• At Brookfield, David is bemoaning his bad luck with Jill. She is baking cakes for Fallon at the café. However there is some good news. Matthew Holman, who was going to cover Pip’s role before her plans changed, is available to do the contract milking and is able to start tomorrow.
• At Greenwood Cottage, Clarrie and William find Joe’s certificate. Eddie takes a call from the letting agent. They should make urgent arrangements to view a flat in Copely. Eddie and Clarrie go almost immediately. It’s miles from Ambridge, unfurnished, and tiny. Clarrie wonders if she has the will to set up a new home at her age. Eddie offers encouragement; it’s only a temporary fix and something is sure to come along later. But for now, time is running out.
• David and Jill discuss the reopening of The Bull and the village shop on Friday. The sense of anticipation around the place is palpable. It’s as if the village is coming back to life. David has doubts about going to the pub’s re-launch: he doesn’t want Kenton to feel beholden to him, given his cash bailout. However, Jill’s quite certain that Kenton would take his absence as a snub. He just has to go.
• William tells Eddie that he had asked Roy at Grey Gables if they could do a deal on a couple of rooms, just to see the Grundys through Christmas, but there was no chance. Joe asks what the flat in Copely was like. Eddie sings its praises, good family area, clean, cosy. It’s absolutely fine, so they’ve taken it. He’s sure that Joe will be settled soon too. So all’s well then …
• At Brookfield, Jill tells David that Bert’s planning to plant Freda’s rose at The Bull this week. Eddie tells David of their new flat in Copely. It’s not good news. The moving-in fees are extortionate, furnishings will cost a fortune, their turkeys aren’t selling well and he desperately needs extra work. David offers help where he can. Christmas for the Grundys looks grim.