Rob’s plans for the new farm shop receive a setback; his views on child rearing unfortunately don’t.

Radio Times: Rob gets into training, and Christine takes on a new challenge.

Characters: Christine, Helen, Pat, Peggy, Rob, Tom, Tony

• At Bridge Farm, Helen gives Rob an insight into Borsetshire Blue cheese making. He claims that he wants to be able to “help out” if necessary. He’s also decided to stay away from tonight’s family party, along with Henry, in order to retain some semblance of routine in Henry’s life. Hmm!
• Peggy complains to Christine that she can do nothing more about Hazel’s plans for the village shop. Perhaps she’ll see her solicitor to canvass his opinion on the situation. They both agree that Christine’s ginger cakes are not an unalloyed success. Far from it!
• At Bridge Farm, Pat and Tony agree that a wholesale rebuilding of the village hall might be out of kilter with public and planning approval. Helen arrives without her two men; Tony is disappointed at not seeing Henry. Helen offers the rather hollow excuses given to her by Rob. Pat believes that Helen looks pale. Later, over dinner, conversation rumbles along nicely though Helen refuses wine as she is somewhat tired.
• Over sherry, Christine learns from Peggy that Hazel is not in the mood to listen. Peggy will see her solicitor on Thursday. Chris’s revamped ginger cakes are an improvement on the first batch but hardly taste of ginger. Peggy believes that her ground ginger may well be a few years past its “use by” date. Oops!
• Back at Bridge Farm, conversation centres on the farm shop’s opening date and stocking policy. Tom and Tony are horrified to hear Rob’s views about taking more national brands. It defeats their values and the shop’s vision. After some discussion, Helen agrees to tell Rob that he’s been outvoted. One wonders where he acquired voting rights in the first place.