Tom discovers that there is no such thing as a free lunch van.

Radio Times: Brian drives a hard bargain.

Characters: Brian, David, Lilian, Pat, Ruth, Tom, Tony

• Lilian had ideas of recruiting Alice to deliver election leaflets but it is not to be; she is back at college. Brian has a few scathing comments about her ideas (or lack thereof) about what career she wants to pursue. Lilian unloads one copy of her new leaflet emphasising her local connection; is this wise, most of the electorate being blow-ins?
• Tony is not amused about the Bridge Farm menu: carrot and coriander soup and carrot cake. It’s better than feeding the carrots to the pigs. Tom has an appointment with Brian, so will eat elsewhere. Pat confides in Tony that she thinks Tom is rather smitten with Brenda.
• At Brookfield, David has still not found the opportune moment to challenge Bert about the alleged refusal of their employers to let him and Freda go on holiday to India.
• Quite what financial arrangement Tom had in mind for his new venture is not clear. What is on offer from Brian is a loan for the van he needs, repayable over three years, and he can buy the sausages from their joint business.
• As they prepare to go out for dinner to celebrate her birthday, Pat explains to Tony her idea about Bridge Farm branded carrots. He is not convinced but it is worth a try.
• Tom loses no time in calling at Brookfield with a proposition to buy Hereford beef for some quality beefburgers – he will need some samples for recipe experiments. Ruth returns with the news that she has spoken to Bert who is in complete denial: he simply refused to believe that Sid and Jolene would not give Freda the time off. The plot thickens!