The effigy of Justin comes back to haunt the perpetrators; Peggy admits to feeling very down, but not out.

Radio Times: Christine cares for Peggy. Meanwhile, Jennifer lets rip.

Characters: Charlie, Christine, David, Helen, Peggy, Rob, Ruth

• Ben’s photograph in The Echo, showing him posing with the effigy which was burned on the Lakey Hill bonfire, is causing David and Ruth some heartache. Though taken and submitted by an anonymous source, it was the very last thing that the anti-route B campaign needed. Ruth feels that is was a prank that has got well out of hand. Apparently Jennifer’s article pulls no punches and should go down well.
• Christine and Peggy are playing Scrabble. Chris is quite clearly trying to brighten Peggy up generally with snatches of local gossip. She even goes as far as suggesting having another cat, but the very idea is a complete non-starter with Peggy, especially considering her age.
• Charlie turns up to give David his views on the newspaper photograph. A local bit of bad taste at a bonfire is one thing, but character assassination such as this could easily go national and have other consequences. Justin is certainly not happy with recent events. David’s meek apology is barely noted. David becomes incandescent. His views on the effect of the road on his farm, his village and his way of life have not changed one iota. They have both made their feelings crystal clear.
• Jennifer is receiving text congratulations regarding her piece in The Echo. Brian is lukewarm; he just wants the building work in the kitchen finished so that his life can be restored to normal. Jenny assures him that today is the day, and that it will be finished this evening.
• Peggy harbours suspicions that Chris let her win at Scrabble and was totally amazed that she should suggest a visit to her doctor. Why? She’s not ill. She speaks very eloquently of how she feels, of her recent losses. She looked back over her full and happy life. She always felt that she had a role and that somehow she mattered. The truth is, she now feels rudderless and of little value. Indeed would anyone really miss her if she was gone?
• Brian points out to Charlie that he had no involvement with the newspaper photograph or with Jenny’s article. Justin may well feel “disappointed” but in this case it’s not Brian’s fault. Jenny can be hears on the telephone, threatening the builders with dire consequences if they don’t finish by the given date. She sees Charlie and takes total responsibility for her article; she loves her village, her home and her community and is free to make her views known. Brian has nothing to do with it. She will be heard! It’s obviously the day for plain speaking and she could have been no plainer.