Shula is finding Alistair frustrating. She meets Richard Locke and issues an invitation.

Radio Times: Shula meets a friend, while Helen is torn.

Characters: Alistair, Helen, Pat, Richard, Shula, Tom, Tony

• As usual Alistair is in a rush. Shula would like to have told him that she is meeting Richard Locke this afternoon – but he is gone. Frustrating!
• At Bridge Farm Pat and Tony are having a meeting with Helen and Tom, who put forward the proposal to re-open the farm shop once the village shop has gone back to The Green. With fewer overheads, they would not need to sell ancillary items – just local organic produce. It’s music to their parents’ ears. What will Susan and the volunteers think? There wouldn’t be any rivalry but they will have to be careful how they explain it.
• Shula and Richard have a lot to catch up on: Alistair’s flood troubles, Dan’s recent commission, Nigel’s death. He is impressed with Daniel’s achievement – or Dan, as he is now called – particularly in the light of his early health problems. Richard was instrumental in getting him through those issues; he admits that his efforts were not entirely selfless. Richard would love to see Dan again, so Shula invites him for lunch, on a date to be arranged. It will be just him: he separated from Chloe a few years back.
• At nets, Johnny is impressive and Harrison is also acquitting himself well. When Alistair has made an early exit, Tom declares himself keen to get the younger people involved. Back home, Shula manages to tell Alistair of her meeting with Richard and the lunch invitation but when it comes to fixing a suitable date – he is gone again. He’ll be sorry!