20/07/2026

The fete committee is forging ahead with arrangements. All the usual attractions are organised, Carol’s been enthusiastically searching for clues for her scavenger hunt, and Chelsea’s horsebox is ready to launch. Lynda’s not entirely happy though; holding the fete on the Jubilee Field isn’t in keeping with tradition. Carol points out that neither is charging people for entry. Alan defends this decision. He doesn’t like charging either, but the fee’s modest and this year the money raised will help towards the church repairs. Later he confesses some concern over the decision to Carol, who tells him he needs to back himself. He supposes she’s right, and thanks her for her support. Carol confides Alan reminds Carol of her son Richard at times. Alan wonders if Carol’s considered a blessing for Richard, to give him a proper send off. Carol’s offended and closes off, telling Alan to leave.

Susan has her hands full giving Bert his induction at the shop. He cajoles her into letting him handle a transaction, and successfully uses some sales tricks to persuade Lynda into an impulse purchase. He’s confident he can double Susan’s takings in time. He draws Susan into village gossip, admitting he missed that at Clive’s. Susan probes further but Bert clams up. He’s sick of being harangued. Later Susan admits to Chris that Bert’s been good company at the shop. Chris reckons Bert doesn’t like him – Brad’s his favourite, then Chelsea. Susan protests their granddad loves them all equally, he just struggles to express how he feels.