The Archers Omnibus Collection

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What are you waiting for? 00:58 Lance your business, before it's too late. Start free from shopify.com 01:06 You're listening to The Archers Omnibus from BBC Radio 4. 01:28 You were right, Elizabeth. Having the bar out on the terrace was a fantastic idea. 01:32 Good. 01:34 Seems a shame to be stuck inside on such a perfect night. You know, what with winter just around the corner. 01:39 Is that a nice way of reminding me I'm getting older? What do you call it? A simile? 01:44 That would be a metaphor, no. I mean, you're obviously in the prime of your life. Look at you. 01:49 You're very kind. But you're right. Summer's definitely over. There's a nip in the air. 01:55 Do you know if the fire pits have been lit? 01:57 Yeah. Beth and Freddie have got that under control. Steph's looking after the band, and I left Shelley cajoling the caterers into making a chief hors d'oeuvre taster. 02:06 And Lily? 02:08 No, not here yet. At least I haven't seen her. 02:10 I hope she's OK. 02:12 I'm trying to think of anyone we've invited who might have an issue with them being seen together. 02:17 I don't really see what anyone has to be angry about. It's not like Harrison cheated on Fallon. 02:21 I know. And their decision to split up was mutual. 02:25 In fact, from what I've gathered, it was Fallon who actually ended it. But I imagine Lily is dreading having to explain herself all night. 02:33 Surely no-one's that nosy. 02:36 I'm sure everyone will be perfectly polite, all questions asked in whispers of faux concern. 02:43 But I'm also confident that someone will manage to steer the conversation round to the question of how Sergeant Harrison Burns fell into Lily's arms so quickly after his marriage ended. 02:55 Look, it is what it is. They might have a few awkward moments, get a few dirty looks from busybodies, but people are bound to find something else to get their claws into before long. 03:05 I just hope I did the right thing encouraging her to bring him. You know, there were so many times, Vince, when I went against my gut instinct to make Russ welcome. 03:14 You can tell your kids what you want, but you can't make them do it. 03:17 Yeah, yeah, I know. And if you'd refused to have Russ in the house, you'd have pushed Lily away too. Same with Harrison. 03:24 I know you're worried about his age. 03:26 Well, that and how quickly he's moved on. 03:29 He's practically got rebounds stamped on his forehead. 03:32 But what are you going to do? What could you do? 03:35 Warn Harrison that if he steps out of line, I'll have him hung, drawn and quartered. 03:39 That should do it. And I'm in the perfect line of work to dispose of the body. 03:43 Glad you could come to my party, mate, but make one wrong move and you'll be dead meat. Dead meat. 03:49 I always knew you fancied yourself a mobster. LAUGHTER 03:57 Oh, hey. Oh, do you need help with that? 04:00 No, I'm pretty sure I can unpack the dishwasher on my own. 04:03 Oh, sorry, I've been meaning to do it all afternoon, but time ran away from me. 04:06 I've gone out, you see. 04:08 The aftershave kind of gives that away. 04:10 Oh, is it too much? 04:11 Harrison, it's really not up to me to decide if you've gone over the top on your aftershave. 04:16 No, right, yeah, of course. I've been invited to Vince Casey's birthday do at Lower Loxley with Lily. Thank you. 04:24 Did you hear me, Fallon? 04:25 Yes, I heard you. I don't know what you expect me to say. 04:28 Well, I thought you might be... I don't know. Jealous? No, but upset, maybe. I was just worried you'd hear about it from someone else instead of me. Now it feels like I'm bragging off playing games. 04:41 I just want to be honest about things. 04:43 Well, we're not a couple, Harrison. So, you know, you're free to go out without telling me your plans. 04:48 No, but it feels like quite a big step. Been seen at a family party together. I imagine certain villagers will have quite a lot to say about it. 04:58 Don't you have any friends that you can talk to about this? Because I really don't need or want to be your confidant to hear every detail of your blossoming relationship with Lily Pargeter. 05:08 No, OK, of course, yeah, I'm sorry. 05:11 Have you thought about a night out too? I mean, it might do you good. 05:16 Maybe I could gatecrash the big Laura Loxley birthday since most of my friends will be there. 05:20 Even Mum has been forced to go. 05:21 Love. 05:22 Love? Don't call me love. 05:25 And don't look at me like I'm some kind of charity case. 05:29 But if we're sharing diary dates, if that's what we're doing, then I should probably announce that I'm already going out tonight. 05:36 Oh? 05:37 Yeah. 05:38 Right. Well, I hope you have a good time. 05:42 Can I ask where you're going? 05:44 No. 05:46 Right. 05:48 Well, I'd better get going. 05:50 See you. 05:52 Bye. 06:09 Hey. 06:12 Hi, Grant. How's it going? Good. 06:15 You okay? Yeah, yeah. Sorry to ring you out of the blue. 06:20 But you've got an emergency gig lined up for Dross. 06:22 No, no. The revival didn't happen in the end. 06:25 And there was me thinking I'd been rejected. 06:28 No, not at all. Your audition was great. We loved you. But we, well, we lost heart, really. 06:34 I bumped into Jasper in Borchester a few months ago. He told me about your old bandmate. 06:38 Ash. 06:38 Yeah. 06:40 I'm sorry. 06:41 Oh, thank you. Look, I was ringing to see if you fancy going out for something to eat. 06:47 Tonight? 06:48 I know it's last minute, so I totally understand if you're not free. 06:51 I'd love to. 06:52 Oh, really? 06:53 Great. Will the others be coming? Others? 06:55 Ed, Jazza... No, I meant more like, you know, just the two of us. 07:01 Okay. 07:04 Sounds good. 07:04 Yeah? 07:06 Well, great. 07:07 If you send me your address, I can come pick you up and say... Half an hour. 07:15 Fantastic party, Vince. What a crowd. 07:18 I've got Elizabeth to thank for that. She managed to get older friends I haven't seen in decades. Not sure how she persuaded him out into the sticks on a Sunday night. 07:26 Curiosity. Oh, and having a stable home on the invite. 07:30 There was me thinking it was the pull of my personality that brought him here. Wanting to raise a glass to their old mate, Vince. Hey, less of the old. And that's why I like you, Harrison. 07:40 Peter, where are your girls? I was chatting to Beth in the ballroom. She'd been trying to avoid Ben all night, but he'd spotted us. 07:47 How did that go? I doubt they've seen each other since the break-up. 07:50 Yeah, it was awkward. I didn't know if I should help them out or run away. 07:53 Was that when I wrote to it with Paul? 07:55 Yeah, and saved the day. It's impossible to get a word in edgeways with you two. 07:59 Oh, well, yeah, by the time we'd worked on magic took them out. 08:01 Oh, yeah, what about you? 08:04 Well, if I'm honest, it's about you. Hey, careful, son, I'll have you thrown out. 08:09 I was thinking we might go soon, anyway. Really? But we haven't even done the cake. We'll stay for the cake. What, has something happened? Well... 08:18 Someone said something. 08:19 You're not still worried about what Steph said, are you? What did she say? 08:22 No, no, it was nothing. She was just surprised that Harrison was still living with his wife. 08:27 Oh, go and tell Steph, it is none of her business. 08:29 No, no, Steph's not the problem, but she heard it from someone else... 08:33 All these people wishing us well to our faces and bad-mouthing us as soon as our backs are turned. 08:39 Not everyone. Look at it this way. You've done the hard part tonight, showing your faces. 08:43 Yeah, Vince is right. Next time will be easier. 08:46 And before you know it, you'll be that boring couple no-one notices. 08:50 There you go, Lily. 08:51 That's something to look forward to. 08:54 Come on, Elizabeth. Let's get this cake cut and let the lovebirds go home. 08:58 Oh, can I say, I really appreciate you both making me feel so welcome here. I'd have understood if you were a bit off with me in the circumstances. 09:05 Well, we're assuming the best, aren't we, Elizabeth? We're taking it for granted that you're going to treat Lily right. 09:11 Yeah, because if you don't, old Don Vincenzo here has plans for you. 09:20 So your new job is at your husband's girlfriend's mum's house? 09:23 Yeah, and my mum is married to his girlfriend's uncle. 09:27 And you still live together? Yeah. 09:29 It sounds worse than it is. 09:30 Does it? 09:32 Actually, no. 09:34 It's a nightmare. 09:36 A dream of jumping in a camper van and driving far away from the whole big of it. 09:39 The whole big of it. Love that. 09:43 I bet you've got nothing to run away from in your perfect bachelor life. 09:47 Oh, yeah? 09:49 And what does that life look like? 09:52 Okay, right. I think you live in a stylish apartment overlooking the river. 09:58 VIP gym membership and your car is always three quarters full of petrol. 10:04 I sound like a jerk. 10:06 But I bet I'm right. 10:07 At the moment, I live with my brother, his wife Isla, and their two-year-old daughter. 10:11 Oh. 10:11 Before you ran, I was helping him insulate the loft. So not exactly the slick bachelor you've been dreaming of. 10:18 And not a VIP membership in sight. 10:19 Well, that's okay. I don't trust VIPs. 10:22 And I don't trust anyone who wears tan loafers. 10:24 What? Why? 10:26 I think Harrison has a pair of tan loafers on the shoe rack. 10:30 Okay. I'm glad you warned me. Okay. 10:34 Do you want another drink before we go? 10:36 Sounds good. Mm-hm. Though, won't most pubs stop serving food at nine on a Sunday? 10:42 That's a good point. Yeah, we're not going to make it to Borchester before nine. 10:45 That's OK. 10:46 I'd be happy with a bag of crisps if you are. 10:49 Or I could cook for us. 10:51 I would love that. 10:52 Brilliant. OK, let's do it. 10:58 I'm sorry to cut the night short. I know you'd have been happy to stay longer. 11:02 Oh... 11:03 The night doesn't have to end yet. We can go back to mine for a drink. 11:07 Isn't that out of bounds, though? With Fallon there. 11:10 She'll be all right. She's gone out. 11:12 Really? Yeah. 11:14 So what do you think? 11:15 Yeah. OK. 11:18 But I won't stay. I mean, I won't stay over. No. 11:22 No, of course. One drink and then I'll walk you home. 11:26 You could stay at mine. Mm-hm. 11:28 I could. 11:30 What? Well, I work in the morning. It's an early start. 11:34 Sorry, Sergeant Burns. I didn't realise we were already that boring couple no-one notices. Sorry? Did someone say boring? 11:43 You'd better get here right now, Lily Parcheter. Put me down! Put me down! 11:48 My shame! Harrison! 11:51 Here, let me get that. 11:56 Your glass slipper, my lady. 11:58 Thank you. 12:00 But if you ever call me my lady again, I'll turn you into a pumpkin. 12:05 Nelty. 12:14 That was, um... Nice. Oh, I was going to say something better than nice. 12:20 That was really nice. 12:21 Yeah, it was... 12:25 Do you fancy a cocktail? I make great cocktails. 12:27 I would, but if I'm driving home, then I... 12:30 But, um, what if you're not? 12:33 You mean... Yeah. 12:35 If I'm not, I'd love a cocktail. 12:38 Okay. 12:40 Great. 12:41 I should text my brother. Have you seen my phone? 12:45 No. 12:46 I think I left it in the bathroom. One second. Yeah. 12:55 Oh, looks like Father's lit the lights on again. 12:59 Hi, Lily. How was the party? 13:01 Fine. 13:03 I thought you'd gone out. 13:04 I changed my mind. 13:06 I was only coming in for a quick drink and then heading straight home. 13:09 Yeah, I said I'd make her not chocolate. It's not warm and you know, it's pretty cold out. 13:12 Well, I can do better than that. I'll make you both a spicy margarita. You don't have to do that. Don't go to any trouble for us. No trouble? Tequila, triple sec. I'm already halfway there. Grant, can you grab four short glasses for me? 13:24 Sure. Grant... 13:25 All right, mate. 13:26 You must be Harrison. 13:28 Grant auditioned for Dross when we were thinking of reforming. 13:30 Right. There you go. Four glasses. 13:33 Thanks, babe. 13:34 You're welcome. 13:36 Babe. 13:36 Take a seat, you two. Make yourselves at home. 13:44 Morning, Grandpa. 13:45 Oh, morning, Keira, love. Do you want some toast? 13:49 Oh, better not. I've got a toothy. 13:52 Oh, nothing worse. Does your mum know? 13:54 Yeah, well, she gave me two paracetamol and sent me off to catch the bus. 13:59 But you're not on the bus? 14:00 No, because I'm in agony. 14:03 Then how are you going to get to school? Your grandma doesn't start until ten today. 14:07 I can't go to school. I told you. I'm in agony. 14:13 I saw grandma in the yard. She's going to ring the dentist, see if they can fit me in. All right, Keira. 14:18 You can call me a miracle worker. I laid it on thick. And they've agreed to fit you in at ten this morning. An emergency appointment. 14:27 Oh. 14:29 But how will I get there? Mum and Dad are filling some tree or something out at Hollerton. 14:33 Oh, don't worry. I can take you. Thanks, Eddie, love. That'd be great. 14:38 Can I walk down and see the baby first? 14:41 It might help me take my mind off the pain. All right. 14:45 Can you pick her up from Williams, love? 14:47 Yeah, I'll pop into the vets first. Edward wants me to book a check-up for the textile toppies I had, you know. I'll collect you after that. 14:54 You hear that, Ciara? You need to be ready for Grandpa to collect you at 9.30 sharp. Dentist won't see you if you like. 15:01 Yeah, all right. I'll see you in a bit. 15:04 Bye, love. 15:05 Bye. Give Amber a love. Will do. 15:10 Oh, poor lamb. 15:13 Not much worse than a toothache. 15:15 Right, I'd better go and get myself ready. Can you clear up the breakfast things? 15:19 What? Oh, yeah, OK. Hey, did you hear about Harrison and Lily? 15:25 Huh? 15:26 I heard a rumour they're courting. According to our Edwards, it's official now. Oh. All out in the open. Apparently they were together at Vince Casey's birthday party last night. 15:37 I wonder how Fallon feels about that. 15:40 I bet she's livid. 15:45 So, all's well with the baby. Really? He's thriving. 15:48 He's so cute. Can I hold him now? 15:51 Is that all right, Amber? Yeah, yeah, OK. Just for a minute. 15:55 Hey, little fella. 16:01 So you're sure he's getting enough milk? Because I keep checking his fontanel to see if it's depressed and I can't tell. Sometimes he doesn't feed for very long at all. 16:09 There's no need to worry. He's obviously getting what he needs. 16:13 Well done, Mum. 16:16 Sorry. I don't know why I'm crying. 16:20 I'm just so relieved. No need to apologise. 16:23 Yesterday she started crying when my brother brought her a cup of tea and a biscuit. It's so stupid. 16:29 It's definitely not stupid. They're emotionally and physically drained. Surviving on snatches of sleep between feeds. No wonder you're on the edge of tears. When I had my daughter, I wet buckets at everything. Leaking nappies, a meal brought round by a friend. Every little thing feels huge. Yeah. 16:46 Yeah. And everything still hurts. No one warns you about that. 16:52 I dread going to the loo and I have to grit my teeth at the start of every feed. 16:57 There was blood in my milk this morning. That won't harm the baby. 17:01 But it's tough for you if feeding's still painful. 17:05 I'll have a quick look at your stitches and then we'll see if we can get a better position for feeding. I find the rugby ball position works well. It's not so easy to do in the supermarket cafe, but good for when you and the baby are nice and relaxed at home. Kira, is it? Yeah? Would you be able to go and fetch the little red book for us? Did you say it was up in the bedroom, Amber? Yeah, it's in the basket by the cot. OK. 17:29 But don't take the baby. 17:31 You've settled him so nicely, Kira. He might go down in his crib for a minute. I'll put him down. 17:38 I'll be back in a minute. Can you close the door behind you and give a little knock before you come back in? Check we're ready for you. 17:44 OK. All right. 17:48 There you go, little man. 17:50 Now, Amber, if you lie down there on the sofa, I'll pull the curtains. Just give us a bit of privacy. Mm-hm. 18:00 I thought you were going to the vets. 18:03 I'll have to ring them instead. I got carried away moving these logs. It suddenly looked like rain. I thought I should get them stacked. 18:10 I can finish these last few. You need to get off. 18:14 You can't be stuck in logs in your dinner, Lady Geeta. 18:17 Nonsense. I'll be fine. I'm more worried the traffic's going to be bad and you'll be late. We talk here at 9.30. 18:24 OK, then. 18:26 I'll let you know how it goes. 18:32 Good. I'm happy with your stitches. It might not feel like it, but you're healing well. OK. Are you all right for me to open the curtains again? Yeah. 18:41 I'll pop the kettle on in a moat, and then we can get everything written into your red book while you feed baby and have a cuppa. Thanks. 18:47 Kira, you can come in now. 18:51 Here. 18:52 Is this it? 18:53 Yeah, that's it. Thank you. 18:55 Oh. That'll be my grandpa. He's taking me to the dentist. 18:59 Oh, well, I hope it goes well. 19:00 Yeah, see you later, Kira. See ya. 19:02 You've got a great little helper there. It's so nice to have family around. 19:08 Yeah. 19:09 Right, let's get that kettle on. Oh, I can do it. And you stay where you are. 19:17 Hi, Mum. 19:19 Hello, darling. I've got a little something for the baby. Will you be in if I... 19:24 No, sorry. Oh. 19:26 I mean, I won't be in. Not at home. But I could call in to see you. 19:32 But I'll be at the car showroom all day. I thought it would be much more relaxing for you if I came to Ambridge. 19:37 I could pick up something for lunch on the way and spoil you a bit. 19:40 Oh, that would have been nice if I was here. But it's just easier if I come to you. 19:46 And you'll bring the baby? 19:48 Yeah, of course. 19:49 All right. Text me when you're on your way and I'll make sure I'm free for a cuddle with my lovely little grandson. 19:54 Okay, I've got to go, Mum. 19:55 Okay, bye. 19:57 Bye-bye. 19:58 Here you go. Tea and chocolate digestives. I spotted them on the side. I hope that's OK. Thank you. Was that your mum? 20:07 Yeah. Yeah, she wanted to come round. But look at the place. 20:10 It's a tip. It's not a tip. This is a very healthy home with a very new baby in it. And I'm sure your mum would only want to help. 20:18 You don't know my mum. 20:20 I swear it's much less hassle to get dressed and go into town than have her come barging in here, judging me. Sorry. Oh, you finish it too. 20:29 I can cuddle him for a minute. 20:35 Push, little baby. Don't say a word. Mummy's going to buy you a mockingbird. 20:45 You can hold on for a minute while you eat your biscuit in peace. 20:49 Thank you. That's so kind. You're going to make me cry again. 20:55 That's the milk coming in. 20:57 I'm still not used to it. It's such a weird feeling. 21:01 He cries and it rushes down and then I remember he has to latch on and it makes my toes curl up. 21:08 Biscuits, tears and crap nipples. I think that might be the name of my autobiography if I ever get round to writing it. 21:16 You should. I'd read it. 21:18 A guide to surviving on no sleep while falling in love with a whole new human. 21:29 I can't believe you were chatting to practically everyone. Waiting rooms were supposed to be silent, everyone looking miserable and pretending no one else is here. 21:37 Well, I could hardly stay quiet after I heard that bloke telling his wife Turkey's originated in Spain. Did you hear him going on? 21:45 Yeah, but I didn't feel the need to join in. 21:48 When she said she was sure they came from Central America and he shook his head, well, I nearly exploded. 21:54 You did explode. You yelled out, Mexico. Oh, that little kid beside me almost jumped out of his skin. 22:01 But the woman was right. And her stupid husband was never going to admit he knew nothing about turkeys or geography. 22:08 OK, fair. But you did have to start singing the turkey song. 22:12 Took your mind off your toothache, though, didn't it? 22:14 Yeah. Yeah. 22:16 Funny that the dentist said she could see nothing wrong. 22:19 I promised I had toothache. 22:22 Now Mum and Grandma are going to see I was making it up, aren't they? 22:26 How about I tell them the dentist diagnosed adolescent molar shifts? 22:33 What? 22:34 Like dental growing pains. 22:36 Yeah. Did you make that up just now? 22:39 Might have done, but they don't know that. 22:45 Grandpa, I don't think there's really any point me going back to school now. 22:49 Yeah, true. 22:51 And no child should be stuck in school suffering from chronic adolescent molar shifts. 22:58 Also, can I just stay with you? 22:59 Yeah, all right. 23:01 Thanks, you're the best. 23:04 I'm starving. 23:05 How about we stop off for a busty? 23:07 Yeah. 23:08 I'll get one for your brother too. We can stop off at Gordon's and surprise him at work. 23:14 Thanks, Grandpa. 23:15 What for? 23:16 For not being like everyone else. 23:21 You've done very well getting out and about with him. 23:23 Thanks. 23:25 Though some mums I follow seem to be able to get the baby fed and dressed and still look properly amazing themselves. Even more beautiful than before their babies were born. 23:34 Then it's probably AI. 23:36 Honestly, you look fine, darling. 23:39 He looks like an angel. 23:42 Have you decided on a name yet? 23:44 He can't be your baby Grundy forever. No. 23:48 Well, we've got some ideas, but we haven't actually chosen one. 23:52 As long as you don't go for Bill. 23:54 Bill Grundy sounds like someone who has a motorbike and a beard, or worse. I'll cross that one off the list then. 24:01 But seriously, darling, how are you coping? 24:05 Good. 24:06 Great. 24:07 I had a little wobble last week, but now I'm fine. Loving it. 24:13 Ah. 24:15 It's Conrad wanting to know if I can cover the forecourt while he grabs a sandwich. Will you be OK for five minutes? Yeah, of course. I need to change him anyway. Well, come with me. I'll unlock your dad's office. You can change him in there. 24:29 I like that one with the open tarp. 24:31 Consider it bought. 24:33 Here, look. 24:34 That must be the saleswoman. Hello, over here. Grandpa, no. Good afternoon, sir. I'm thinking of trading in my Porsche for something a little more practical. Something like your red one over there. Great choice. But is the design ergonomic? 24:51 Absolutely. Japanese design at its best. 24:54 Eddie, Akira, nice to see you here. 24:58 But if you're looking for George, I'm afraid he's out on a sales trip with my dad. 25:02 Shame. I'll have to eat his pasty. 25:04 You know each other? 25:05 Yeah, this is George's grandpa Eddie and his sister Keira. And this is my mum. Ah, so you're not actually interested in buying. Sorry. 25:15 We were just having a laugh. But if I'd have known you with the famous Anne-Marie, I certainly wouldn't have wasted your time. 25:22 Famous? He just means he's heard of you. Of course he has. 25:25 Got a bit carried away for a minute there, didn't I, Kira? Almost believed I was in the market for a sporty car. 25:32 No harm, Dan. You're not the first person who just wants to sit in their dream car. And who knows? One day you might win the lottery. 25:41 I tell you what, to make up for my having a bit of fun, I'd like to invite you and Bill to the Grundy Cider Wedding of the Baby's Head on Wednesday night. 25:51 Well, that's very kind of you. 25:52 Really, Mum, you don't have to go. 25:54 But we'd love to. We wouldn't miss it for the world. 26:03 Oh, morning, Anna. Doing a spot of gardening. 26:06 Oh, just tidying up the shrubs. I don't really know why. It's not like the house is mine, but it somehow makes me feel better to be out here. 26:14 Like I'm still doing something to please my mum. 26:16 Oh, I can understand that. 26:18 It doesn't seem a minute since Kirsty was showing her round rewilding. She was in her element and I was snappy and impatient. 26:27 I'd love to go back and do better. 26:29 Just to be in the moment and enjoy being with her. 26:33 Oh, Anna, I know it's tempting to keep going over the past and picking out the times you feel you were less than perfect. But, you know, it was obvious to anyone who saw you together that you and your mum loved each other. 26:44 Thank you, Ellen. That's nice to hear. 26:46 And the plans you're making for the burial and the celebration of life are just more proof of how much you care. 26:53 Rewilding feels so right for the ceremony. I'm thrilled Kirsty and Rex agreed to us having it there. And the green burial site's lovely too. I was out there yesterday with the celebrant. Oh, is that Keon? Yeah. He seems like a nice man. He is. 27:08 Well, we walked together to see Mum's plot and talked through what to expect on Friday morning. 27:13 I'd like it to be a very peaceful and quiet goodbye. 27:17 Just the birds and the wind. And then on to rewilding, where you'd like me to say a few words here? 27:23 If you would. 27:25 I never completely understood Mum's relationship with the church, but I think she'd like you to be a part of the ceremony. She had a lot of time for you. I think that's why she wanted you to do Richard's act of remembrance. 27:37 But the celebration on the whole is going to be based on pagan beliefs. 27:41 Pagan? 27:41 Wiccan? Wiccan? 27:44 Since she died, I've been reading about them all and it seems like she took a pick-and-mix approach. 27:50 Carol certainly didn't live by anyone else's rulebook. 27:52 Well, that's true. So I'm taking whatever feels right for her. 27:57 I know she spoke of the Summerlands and it's quite a lovely idea, really. It's a place of rest and restoration in between incarnations. 28:05 Ooh, I could do with a spot of rest and restoration myself. Me too. 28:10 Morning, Anna. 28:11 Alan. Hi, Harrison. 28:13 beautiful day morning harrison anna i was so sorry to hear about your mum thank you a bit of a legend was carol there yeah she's certainly going to be missed around the village well you know alan has been amazing and he was such a great support to us both when mum was alive spending time with carol was always such a pleasure honestly she'd be at the end of her tether with me the two of us snapping and sniping but as soon as alan appeared She became utterly enchanted. 28:40 Oh, well, that's our vicar for you. Bucket loads of charm. 28:43 Well, he went above and beyond. Got Mum on side when I was running out of ideas and patience. 28:48 Stop it, you two. My head won't fit through the vestry door. 28:53 Seriously, Carol was a remarkable woman. 28:57 If you need anything, if there's anything I can do at all, just let me know. 29:01 That's very kind of you, Harrison. Well, you know, you'd be very welcome at Mum's ceremony on Friday. I think Fallon and Jolene are planning to be there. 29:08 Oh, thanks. 29:09 But we'll... Oh, you're working. Of course you are. I keep forgetting that the rest of the world hasn't just ground to a stop. 29:17 Oh, it's not just that. 29:20 Me and Fallon, we're not together anymore. 29:22 Oh, sorry. I didn't realise... Oh, don't apologise. 29:26 To be honest, it's nice to know that we're not the subject of every conversation in the village. 29:33 I swear I sometimes regret selling this practice to Lovell James. Why? What have they done now? Sent me an email outlining another hike in prices. 29:40 Hmm. Funny that. Lovell James behaving exactly like the corporate business they are. Next, they'll be decreasing my wages and cutting back on my holidays. Oh, don't worry, Paul. 29:50 I'm not going to take this lying down. As soon as I get the chance, I'll phone Don James and register my annoyance. Well, good luck with that. 29:57 Is this my 10.30? 29:59 Yeah. Bob and his dog, Bobby. Right. Right. 30:03 Afternoon, Bob. If you'd like to bring Bobby through, I'm ready for you now. 30:07 Lily? 30:07 Hi, Paul. 30:10 Oh, hello, Cato. Have you come to get your teeth cleaned? Aw, there's my girl. 30:16 Do all the animals get this kind of welcome? 30:18 No, no, only the ones who share a living space with me. Did you make sure she's had nothing to eat or drink? 30:24 Yep, she's been shut in my room since last night. 30:27 Aw, good. 30:28 We'll get her settled and then do the pre-op checks. 30:31 Right, so do I have to wait here for her? 30:34 Oh, no. She'll be at least a couple of hours. I'll ring you when she's in recovery and give you a time to pick her up. 30:40 Well, can't you just keep her here and bring her home with you? 30:44 Well, keep her here till five? Absolutely not. As soon as she comes around, she'll want all her home comforts. OK. Oh, poor cat-o. 30:53 Why is Lily so mean? 30:55 I'm not mean. I just don't feel the need to put on a silly voice to talk to a cat. 30:59 But look at her cute little face. 31:01 Cats' faces are furry. Human faces are cute. 31:06 Oh, like Amber's little baby. I saw him in the shop this morning. He's absolutely gorgeous. Be careful, Lily. No, you be careful. Please don't make some inane comment about me being broody. 31:23 I just wish Mum was here, sat solidly on the sofa, complaining about the way I make coffee. 31:30 Or even better, getting excited about the glowworm release. Oh, that's happening then, is it? Yeah. I can't believe how well it's worked out. Kersey and Rex have done all the research, so when Kate suggested it for Mum's ceremony, it kicked them into action. 31:42 I think it's great. It's perfect. 31:44 Though they won't be mature enough to glow for a couple of years. Oh, the best things come to those who wait. Do they? Yes. 31:54 Are you okay? 31:56 Not really. 31:58 I still wish... 32:00 I wish Mum had waited until I got back. Oh, Anna. I'll always be grateful she wasn't on her own, but I feel so... so bereft. 32:10 I wanted to be there. 32:12 I wanted to be holding her hand so she knew she was loved. 32:15 Oh, she knew that. I promise you. 32:18 I don't know if it's any comfort to you to hear that it does happen a lot. You know, the closest relatives not being there at the moment of death, because it's hard to die while a loved one is beside you, willing you to hold on. 32:31 So, for whatever reason you leave the room, a call of nature, a phone call, grabbing a sarnie from the hospital canteen... Or a pointless visit to a care home. Yeah, it can feel like the permission they need to finally let go. 32:45 But I didn't give my permission. I wasn't ready. 32:48 I know. I'm not explaining this very well. Look, all I mean is you didn't let her down by not being there. You have to believe that. 33:01 Just so we're clear, I didn't pop in so you could make me lunch. 33:04 Oh, yeah? What did you pop in for, then? 33:07 I was thinking about you. 33:08 And however hard I tried, no amount of stolen tractor fuel or sheep worrying could distract me. 33:13 Great. Well, I'm glad to hear I'm more compelling than verbal crime. 33:17 Oh, always, yeah. But, you know, since we are being truthful, I am starving, so the sandwich would be very welcome. 33:25 It's just leftovers from Sunday. The fridge is full of them. So, how's beef, watercress and whipped feta sound? 33:33 Yeah, good. 33:34 Is that a weird combination? I realise I'm no Fallon when it comes to food. 33:40 I don't need you to be Fallon. I don't want that. Phew. 33:44 Sandwich sounds great, though, honestly. 33:47 A cake? 33:50 Lily? 33:51 What? 33:54 Have I said something I shouldn't have? 33:56 No, no, but, um... 33:58 But, um, what? 34:01 Look, you were obviously upset on Sunday night when that Grant guy walked in. 34:06 I wasn't. 34:07 Yes, you were. I saw your face. 34:10 That wasn't what you think it was. Not jealousy or love or regret. It was just a this-is-weird face, and it was weird. 34:21 So you're still happy you're with me? 34:26 Absolutely. 34:28 I mean, you know, in a perfect world, I might have waited a bit longer before falling for you. 34:34 You've fallen for me. Yeah. 34:38 Yes, I have. Hook, line and sinker. 34:47 Oh, there you are. We've got a dog coming in from Darrington with severe breathing trouble. Should be about 20 minutes. OK. We can use this room. I'm almost done. Great. Oh, and Lily's just arrived. I'll send her through. Thanks. Lily? 35:00 Thanks, Ballester. 35:02 Hello. 35:03 Where's Cato? 35:04 In recovery. I'll grab her for you in a second. 35:07 Did everything go okay? 35:09 Very straightforward. No need for extractions. And the teeth cleaning and polishing will improve the health of her gums. 35:15 Oh, good. I should probably message Shula. 35:17 It's okay. We'll send her a full report with the invoice. 35:22 £400 to clean a cat's teeth. I hope she never needs Botox. 35:28 So, did Harrison come for lunch? 35:31 He did. 35:32 And how was it? 35:33 Lovely. Lovely. 35:35 You didn't tell him that you think George's baby is absolutely gorgeous then? 35:38 No, but I did ask him why he was so bothered that Fallon was with someone on Sunday night. 35:46 And what did he say? 35:47 Oh, you know, just stuff. 35:50 What did he say, Lily? 35:53 That he's fallen for me. 35:55 Wow. 35:57 And have you fallen for him too? 35:58 I don't know. 36:00 Yes. I don't know. 36:01 You're smiling. 36:02 I think he's gorgeous. I love being with him. 36:07 But I don't know. What if everyone's right? That he's moved on too quickly and I'm the rebound girl? 36:15 Well, maybe the haters can mind their own business and let you two get on with falling for each other. 36:20 Lily, Denise has Catherine reception. 36:23 She'll go through the aftercare with you. 36:24 OK, thanks, Alistair. I'll see you later, Paul. 36:26 See you at home. I'm looking forward to some of that cold roast beef for my dinner. 36:30 Oh, sorry, it's all gone. I gave it to Harrison for lunch. But there's loads of hammers left in the fridge. 36:35 Yay! 36:39 Another satisfied customer. 36:40 Because she's not the one paying. Now that we're charging 400 to clean a cat's teeth, that's pretty steep. These price rises are crazy. I did register my objections, but I don't think they'll take much notice. Our customers complain, and so we get it in the neck. We all suffer. But like Mum said, I guess you made the choice to sell up. Denise said that. 37:01 Well, just that it comes with consequences like this. Having no control over prices. Yeah, but we still have control over the service we offer. 37:09 I mean, we're not AI vet bots. 37:12 We provide a fantastic level of care, as good if not better than independent practice. I mean, look at the updated anaesthetic monitoring system we have. Yeah, it's great. Well, we could never have afforded that level of investment when I was in charge. 37:25 No independent practice could. But what I'm saying is that eventually it doesn't matter how much fancy equipment we have if our clients can't afford to use us. 37:33 I was chatting to Tony Archer and I was quite reassured... 37:37 He was a bit annoyed at first by the increases, grumbled about rising costs in general, but that was it. By the time I left, he was saying how grateful they are at Bridge Farm to have such excellent vets right here in the village. Well, that's good. 37:51 I just hope everyone feels the same. Look at the feedback we get from head office. Consistently has us performing at the highest level. We offer an amazing service. And our customer care is top-notch too. Really, I'm not worried, Paul. We run an outstanding practice that we should be proud of. 38:13 Part of why I blew the whistle was I didn't want to lay in bed in 20 years. Having seen another million people die, I know that I could have done something when I had a chance. 38:21 This week on The Interface, we're talking to Frances Haugen. 38:23 The Facebook whistleblower who leaked the documents that changed how the world saw social media. 38:28 And now she is the subject of Aaron Sorkin's latest movie, The Social Reckoning. So join me, Thomas Germain. 38:35 And me, Jess Maddox, for The Interface. 38:37 Listen on bbc.com or wherever you get your podcasts. 38:42 I founded the Ornota in 2013 and made a vestuario for cyclists. For me, the best part of Shopify is the possibility of a business even not having technical knowledge. We managed to do everything, from back-end to front-end, and to make online vendas, without complications. If Shopify was a cyclist equipment, I would say that it would be a bicycle. It's what allows us to get where we want. It's on Shopify that we manage our business. Start your evaluation at shopify.com 39:17 Oh, come to you, Grandpa, little fella. Let's have a go with you. 39:21 Great-Grandpa. 39:23 Oh, I can't get used to that. Great-Grandpa, Eddie. 39:26 And Great-Grandma Clary. 39:29 Bit of a mouthful. 39:31 Maybe you should be Gramps, and I should just be called Grape. 39:36 Oh, I'm sure he'll come up with his own names for us once he starts talking. 39:41 Oh, it's so lovely to have everyone here. 39:45 Shame Oliver couldn't make it, though. 39:49 This time last year, things were so different, counting off the days till George's release, and then his attack's still ahead. 39:58 And now we have a baby, this little man, eh? Heralding in a new generation of Grundys. 40:04 I wish I could have known back then what we know now. It all seemed so bleak. All the falling out and the fighting. 40:13 Yeah. 40:13 I'd wake up every morning feeling like I've got a stone in my stomach. 40:17 Well, we can put all that behind us now, love. Hey, let's live in the moment. 40:22 Yeah, yeah, yeah, you're right. 40:24 Come here, look at his face, eh? Those tiny eyelashes. Do you think he looks more like George or Amber? 40:31 Oh, I think he's a spitting image of Keira when she was a baby. 40:34 Who's a spitting image of me? 40:36 This little scrumptious pudding. 40:38 It sounds like you're going to eat him. 40:39 Oh, I could eat you, couldn't I? I could eat you all up. 40:44 Is your mum here yet, Keira? Yeah, she's doing a weird dance in the sitting room with Uncle Chris. Says it's from Pulp Fiction, whatever that is. Oh, come on, Eddie. 40:55 Sounds like they need a lesson from the experts. Can I hold the baby, then, if you're going through there? Yeah, all right, but be careful. 41:05 Shall we go and find your mum away from all the madness? 41:08 Remember to support his head? 41:10 I know. I've held him loads of times before. 41:18 You're still in here, Mum. Why don't you go and mingle? 41:22 Maybe later, Amber. You know, you don't have to stay if you don't want to. It wasn't my idea to invite you. You hate this kind of thing. 41:30 Might not be my kind of thing, but I think it's important to be here. To stake your claim. 41:35 I don't know what you mean. 41:37 I'm just getting some juice. Wait, who's got the baby? I thought you had him. Oh, he gave him to Grandad Neil. He wanted to teach him this little piggy. 41:45 Right, I think I'll go and get him. He might need feeding. 41:46 Oh, he was fine. Oh, come on. Come and dance with me. 41:50 I don't want to dance. I want to go home. 41:53 Okay. 41:55 I was only asking. 41:56 I just want my baby back. I haven't held him since we got here. 41:59 I can go and get him off Grandad if you like. 42:02 You look tired, Amber. You know you can see if you've had enough. 42:05 Yeah, I have. 42:07 I'd actually love to just go home. 42:08 But this party is supposed to be for you. You and the baby and George. 42:12 If Amber wants to leave, that's her choice. I'll go and find him and then drive you both home. 42:17 I'm sorry I tried to make you dance. 42:19 And I'm sorry I snapped at you. 42:21 And everything's still hurting. Yeah. 42:23 Yeah, but I'll be ready to dance soon, I promise. 42:27 I might even manage to put on some decent makeup, too. 42:30 I think you look amazing. 42:32 I look awful, but thanks. And I don't even care that much, which is really freaking me out. 42:38 I'm sorry, Ciara, but literally the only thing I want to do right now is curl up in bed and sleep. 42:48 Here, Clary, can you grab these bottles? Yeah. And I'll bring a couple of the stronger ones. 42:53 We wouldn't eat this many, do you think? 42:56 We're getting through them at a pace. Now that Bill and Jazza seems to be trying their best to drink each other under the table. 43:02 Did you say bye to Amber? 43:04 No, no, she'd gone before I realised. 43:07 Oh, maybe it was a bit soon to throw a party and expect her to join in. 43:11 I suppose traditionally the wetting of the baby's head happens without the baby there. Right, come on, let's get these bottles into the house before Bill's cup runs dry. 43:23 What were you and Tony talking about in the tea room earlier? When we went to fetch the cake from Emma? 43:29 Oh, nothing much. 43:30 What about what? Was it about Helen's front gate? 43:33 No, no, that's all settled. Brad paid for that and it's all fixed now. 43:38 Oh. 43:39 No, we were just talking about the constant struggle to keep our head above water. Turns out Lovell James are putting their prices up again. 43:47 Oh, they're not. Greedy beggars. 43:51 That lot, they price everything by thinking of a number, doubling it and then start multiplying. 43:57 Yeah, and slap another couple of hundred on top for good measure. 44:00 Does our Edward know? 44:02 I assume so. He had Alistair out today to check on the texels before topping starts. Every extra pound is just another nail in our coffin. 44:12 Can't Alistair complain? I mean, it's bad enough for pet owners, but it's a disaster for farmers. 44:19 And he might just find he don't have a business at all if he bleeds us farmers dry. 44:24 Hmm. 44:29 This is the best sandwich I've ever eaten. 44:31 I just choose what I could find in the fridge. 44:33 Well, it's great. You already look a bit better. More colour in your cheeks. Yeah, and look. 44:40 I can eat and breastfeed at the same time. Last week, even getting him to latch on needed both my hands. You're doing really well. I don't feel like I am. Everyone's going to be gutted that I took him away tonight. They say take your time, take it easy, no pressure. But there is pressure. 44:59 Firstly, I'm sure at least mums like Clary and Emma understand why you wanted to come home. 45:05 And didn't you have a good chat with Susan last week? 45:07 Yeah, she was really understanding. 45:10 Did I tell you that? Maybe Susan mentioned it to me. 45:13 But the important thing to remember is that there's no timetable for motherhood. Rest, recover, be with your baby. That's all. 45:22 And it doesn't matter if the house is a mess. 45:24 Yeah, but things still need doing. 45:28 It's stressing me out that people keep telling me to rest. Like, I still have to shower, because if I don't, I smell of sour milk and baby sick. I don't think anyone is suggesting you stop washing. 45:40 But you don't need a full face of make-up to get through the next few weeks. I do, if I'm ever going to look like myself again. And I can't stop eating, either. Oh, and then there's the baby clothes that need washing. And when I said I didn't want to go to the cider party, George offered to take the baby without me. And I started crying, Mum. Oh, Amber. And then George was all confused and worried because he thought he was being helpful, that it would give me a break. But I don't want that kind of break. 46:11 I just need some sleep. 46:14 Let me take a load of washing home with me. 46:16 I know it's not going to solve all your problems, but it's one less thing for you to think about. I can bring it back tomorrow, dry and folded. 46:22 It's fine. I can do it. 46:25 I have to learn to cope. 46:28 Amber, let me help you, please. 46:31 Okay. 46:33 Thanks, Mum. Actually, taking some washing would be great. 46:38 I don't understand how someone so tiny and beautiful can make so much mess. 46:44 You should post that on your socials. 46:46 When I was a new mum, I'd have followed someone who said that. 46:52 What'll it be, Eddie? 46:53 The fair maid of Edgley. 46:56 Join in if you know it. There once was a lady in fine Borsetshire, so pure and so free. 47:04 You could change lady to baby. 47:07 So I could. Right, we'll start again. Sing it with me, Keira. There once was a baby in fine Borsetshire, so pure and so free. 47:17 Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. 47:19 Oh. Oh, we're just having a little sing-song. Come on, join in. The more, the merrier. 47:24 I'd better not. Bill didn't want to be late home. We've got an early start tomorrow. I wouldn't worry about Bill. What do you mean? 47:31 Well, he's asleep in Grandpa's chair in the sitting room. Come on, Anne-Marie. Sit down beside me and Kira. Come on. 47:38 All right, just for a minute. 47:39 Hold on while I fill up my glass. Then we'll have a right old knees up. 47:44 Anne-Marie, this is Keira, George's younger sister. 47:49 I'm not sure you've met. 47:50 We have. We met at the showroom on Monday afternoon when she came in with Eddie. Monday? 47:56 I think you must have got your days mixed up. Kira would have been at school in the afternoon on Monday. No, remember? I was at the dentist. Yes, but your grandpa was under strict instructions to bring you straight back to school. He did drop you back at school. 48:12 I don't know. I can't remember. Clary, Amber was telling me what a cook cook you are. I don't suppose there's any of your delicious pies left. 48:24 Come back any time. The cider shed is always open. Phil's taken quite a shine to you. A shine to Eddie Grundy's brown snout cider more like. 48:34 Brown snout? No wonder the poor man passed it. 48:37 Oh, he just had a little snooze, that's all. As soon as the singing really got going, he revived it. 48:42 And even Anne-Marie sang. It took some persuading. 48:46 But worth it. Scarborough Fair, my favourite. Do you know if Mum and Dad have gone home yet? 48:52 Yeah, they left just before William sang the ballad of the fat old bloke. 48:56 Grandpa, you can't say that. You'll get cancelled. 48:58 Yeah, I didn't make it up. That ballad's been sung in Borsetshire for centuries. My music teacher used to do a lovely version on his fiddle when I was at school. 49:08 And speaking of which... 49:10 What's this about letting Keira bunk off on Monday? 49:14 I didn't tell her. Anne-Marie did. 49:17 Well, that would be the slipshod gum rescission. 49:21 I couldn't send Keira into school suffering from that. 49:23 I'll give you gum rescission, Eddie. 49:27 You might find it funny putting Keira's future at risk, but I don't. 49:30 It was just one afternoon. We hardly missed anything. 49:34 Clary, you and me weren't exactly model pupils. And we've done OK. Have we? Cos I wouldn't say we're exactly thriving. If having a big family party to celebrate our great-grandson isn't thriving, I don't know what is. 49:48 And we had Mum's cake. That was nice. Yeah. 49:50 Yeah. And your pasties and boys? You're both missing the point. Oh, I don't think I am. School isn't everything. 49:59 It's GCSE year. And you're such a bright spark, Keira. 50:04 Not someone who needs to end up scrimping and saving to get to the end of the month. Struggling to keep your head above water for the rest of your life. 50:13 You mean like us? 50:15 Yes. 50:16 That's what I mean. 50:18 Like us, Eddie. Yes. 50:27 Hey, Paul. 50:28 Is Alistair here? Any chance I can have a word? 50:30 Well, he's just finished in surgery, so I might be able to grab him for you. Is it an emergency? 50:35 Not exactly, but Dad just told me that your prices are going up again. 50:40 And do you want to speak to Alistair about it? 50:41 Yes. I mean, Dad's treating it like some minor inconvenience, but he's not the one who's just increased the size of his herd. I mean, honestly, Tom and I are practically killing ourselves trying to make the farm viable, and we could really do without this. 50:53 I know it's frustrating. 50:54 It's not frustrating. It's irresponsible. 50:57 Well, I agree. Well, I'm completely on your side. And you're not the only one up in arms. Clary was in here this morning too. But Alistair's got back-to-back appointments all afternoon, so you might be better putting everything in an email. Then he can get back to you when he has a minute. 51:12 Well, if I can't speak to Alistair, then I might as well email Lovell James directly. 51:16 Afternoon, Helen. Did I hear you say you're emailing Lovell James? 51:21 Well, not if you're prepared to stand up for us to explain that their obsession with profits is ruining the very farmers they've set themselves up to serve. 51:28 Look, Helen, I'm not happy either, but to be fair, the extra income won't necessarily go to shareholder payouts. Think of the cost of equipping every surgery with the most up-to-date kit. It doesn't come cheap. 51:39 But we pay a decent price already. There's no excuse for hammering us with ever more outrageous hikes. I mean, how often are they? Quarterly? 51:48 It's ludicrous, and you know it. 51:50 Come on, Helen, I'm in a difficult position here. 51:53 Paul will tell you I got straight on the phone to register my unease. Well, try swapping unease for fury. Well, I can make my case, but I don't have any influence when it comes to what gets charged. 52:03 Look, Alistair, everyone who works here is brilliant and dedicated. We all know that. 52:08 Thank you. 52:09 You run an amazing practice. 52:11 I really appreciate you saying that. And I do understand that this is far from ideal. 52:16 If you lie down and let the shareholders crush us farmers, you will not have a practice left to run. 52:22 Alistair? 52:23 I've tried, Helen. 52:25 But my hands are tied. 52:27 The practice is their business now. 52:30 We just work here, doing our best. 52:32 Right. 52:33 Then I'll just have to take on the fight myself. 52:36 I'm going to write to Lovell James and get as many of the local farmers as I can to sign the letter. 52:41 You might have given up, Alistair, but I'm not taking this lying down. 52:46 Go, Helen. Paul, it's not very helpful. 52:51 I should be able to expect a little loyalty from you. I'm sorry, but I really think someone has to do something. 53:00 What do you think so far? 53:02 And it's really moving. 53:04 Not too long. 53:04 I don't think so. How much is left? 53:07 A few final thoughts. 53:09 About a paragraph? 53:11 We'll carry on then. 53:12 Right. And it wasn't an experience unique to me. To have a cup of tea with Carol Tregoran was to be invited into an enchanted forest where you might be meandering down a pleasant path. chatting about gathering rose hips from the autumn hedgerows or the colour of the sunset, and then out of nowhere you'd be face to face with something darker, more difficult. 53:36 She wasn't afraid to challenge us, to force us to examine our beliefs and our actions. 53:41 But then the shadow would shift and light would pour in again. 53:46 Carol had a wonderful sense of humour, unexpected and delightful. I was lucky enough to call her both a parishioner and a friend, and I will miss her dearly. 53:57 It's beautiful. 54:00 You don't think the enchanted forest metaphor is too much? 54:03 Not at all. You're going to be in the heart of rewilding, speaking about a woman who had a lifelong love of nature. 54:10 But what about changing the sunset bit to a mention of the bats she so loved, more specific to carrots? 54:16 Right, so gathering rose hips from the autumn hedgerows or looking after the bats in her loft? 54:24 Yes, perfect. 54:25 Good. 54:27 Oh, I hope Anna's OK, you know. I think I'll pop round later to see if I can help with anything in the morning. She's not going to have a lot of time between the burial and people arriving for the ceremony. 54:38 Oh, let me do that. You look tired. 54:40 I am. But you must be too. Hey, maybe we need a holiday. 54:45 That would be nice. 54:48 You know, you are one great parish priest, darling. 54:53 Oh, really? 54:54 Yes, especially when you manage to marry faith and community, when you take what you believe and make it work with the beliefs of others. 55:03 It's why you and me work so well together. 55:05 Oh, thank you. 55:10 You know, life has felt so frantic recently, juggling so many things. 55:15 It felt good to sit down this afternoon and write this for Carol to reflect for an hour or so on what's really important. 55:26 Do you want a breakfast tea or one of these herbal ones? 55:29 Chamomile, please. 55:31 It feels odd seeing post arrive still addressed to Mum. 55:36 What? 55:38 Oh, this can't be right. 55:40 Helen? 55:42 You OK? 55:43 Look at this. 55:45 Mum's bank statement. 55:48 I can't believe it. 55:50 I feel sick. Let me see. What is it? What am I looking at? There, at the bottom of the page. A payment from Mum's account. £6,000? To who? 56:02 Oh. Why on earth would Mum transfer £6,000 to Reverend Alan Franks on the day before she died? And she didn't say anything to you about it? 56:11 No, not a word. Neither did he. Where are you going? To the vicarage. No, Anna, I think we should take a minute, sit down, drink the tea first. I don't want tea. All right then, but let's just think this through. 56:22 There might be a reasonable explanation. Well, I can't think of one, can you? I can't think of any good reason why a vicar at a dying woman's bedside would let her transfer pretty much every last penny she had in the world to him and keep it secret. No, it's strange. 56:37 I agree. 56:37 Feel free to let yourself out. I don't know how long I'll be. I'm not staying here. I'll come with you. 56:46 At least I seem to have done something right today. What's that? Bobby's operation. 56:52 Removing his skin mast cell tumour. 56:54 Oh yeah, of course. 56:56 Very neatly done. Yeah, and when Bob picks him up, remind him about the cone. Bobby needs rest and to wear the cone for two weeks. 57:02 What about anti-inflammatory and pain meds? 57:04 I'm just entering it all here. It'll be on his notes. Bob wasn't that thrilled about the price rise either. 57:11 Well, why don't you dash up to Bridge Farm and tell Helen that Bob and Bobby want to join her band of protesters? 57:17 Why stop at farmers when she can target hundreds of pet owners too? Whip everyone into a frenzy. If we're lucky, it might inspire her to go door to door collecting signatures for her grand email of complaint. 57:27 I thought you were pleased she's being proactive. Not just complaining to us, but going for the Lovell James jugular. Yeah, sorry. 57:34 I am. Kind of. 57:37 I'm impressed she's taking them on, but it's awkward too. 57:41 Lovell James aren't going to be impressed when they read Helen's email. 57:45 It might seem like I've been slagging them off. Well, you have. But is that my place? 57:51 I sold the practice to them. I can't now dictate how they run it. I'm just interested. Whose side are you really on? Obviously, I'm on the side of the people who rely on us. 58:01 I honestly just want to give them excellent service at a fair and affordable price. 58:05 But you're also annoyed with Helen when she's taking the time to fight this on your behalf. No! No! 58:11 You know, maybe I am a bit. Because it doesn't look good on us, does it? 58:16 Look, you either agree with the company and back their decision, or you agree with the clients and you fight Lovell James. You can't be a working-class hero and the boss of the mill. 58:32 Anna, wait. Have you thought about what you're going to say to him? 58:35 I'm going to show him the statement. I think the numbers speak for themselves, don't you? 58:41 Hi, Anna. Helen. 58:43 I was going to pop over later with some cake, but we can have it now. Come in. I'm not here for cake, Usher. I'm here to see Alan. Where is he? He's in the study. He's been putting the final touches to your mum's eulogy. Excuse me. 58:56 Alan! Sorry about this. I tried to encourage her to calm down before coming round. Is she all right? What's happened? 59:05 How dare you? What? What's happened? Sit down, Anna. Come on. What's going on? 59:10 This. 59:11 The money you took from Mum. 59:13 Eh? I don't know what you're talking about. 59:15 It's here on her bank statement. £6,000 transferred from the savings account of Carol Tregoran to Reverend Alan Franks on September the 17th. Alan, you took money from my mum the day before she died. 59:28 I didn't. I swear I didn't. Let me see. 59:31 You did! How can you deny it when it's printed here in black and white? 59:35 I had no idea. Really, I had no idea. 59:39 Look, I think it might be a good idea for us all to sit down and try to work out what happened. 59:44 Absolutely. How can you have no idea that thousands of pounds have been sitting in your bank account for three weeks? I haven't checked. I haven't looked. 59:52 You don't get notifications from your app? 59:54 I don't have an app on my phone. If I need to check anything, I use my computer, but... 59:58 Oh, Lord, I realise how this sounds, but I honestly haven't checked my balance for ages. Payments just, you know, go in and out, and as long as my card works, I assume everything's fine. 60:08 So you expect me to believe that Mum gave you this money without your knowledge? Yes. Without any explanation of what it was for? 60:15 Yes, because it's the truth. 60:17 Or it sounds to me like a lie. Or maybe I'm going crazy. This is so much worse than I thought. You had Mum's confidence and you quite literally charmed her out of her savings. 60:28 Anna, I can understand why you're so upset, but I promise we will get to the bottom of this. 60:32 How? If he continues to claim ignorance, how will we know what happened? I can't ask my mum, can I? Come on, Anna. 60:40 Anna, let's leave it for now. I think the best plan is just to focus on tomorrow and then talk to the bank on Monday. Anna, we're so sorry. 60:49 Yes. Look, you haven't got enough on your plate. 60:51 I promise we will get to the bottom of this. 60:53 I need to get out of here. 60:54 Oh, Anna. 60:55 I'll go with her. I'll make sure she's all right. Shall I come too? 60:58 Might be better if it's just the two of us. I'll let myself out. 61:01 OK, but if you get the chance, let us know how she is. Will do. Oh, Lord. 61:05 Oh, Lord. Oh, Lord. Oh, Lord. 61:09 Love, what are you doing? I'm logging into my account. I need to see if it's true. 61:13 Whatever reason Carol had, the fact the money was transferred to your account isn't in question. 61:18 Yeah, I know, I know, but what did she do it for? Why would she do that? 61:23 Oh, where is it? What? What are you looking for? My checkbook. There's one in here somewhere. I need to pay her back. Stop. 61:30 Come here. Sit down. 61:32 I haven't used a checkbook in years. Writing a check isn't the answer. You can't write it to Anna anyway. I assume it will need to go through the executor. 61:42 Oh, I don't know what to do. 61:45 Look... Anna is grieving, overwhelmed. She hasn't imagined the payment. Look, it's there, on the screen. 61:52 No, but since neither of you understand what this is about, Helen's right. The time to sort it out is after the ceremony. On Monday, when the banks are open, and Anna can speak to the executor. 62:04 Until then, I've just got to accept that Anna thinks I'm a criminal, or at best some monster who's tricked her mum. 62:11 We both know you're neither of those things. 62:14 Nothing has changed. The reality is still the same as it was 20 minutes ago. You're a good vicar and you were a good friend to Carol. 62:23 I don't know. 62:24 Well, I do. 62:26 And I think the best thing you can do is to have dinner and an early night so you can do justice to the eulogy tomorrow. 62:35 Then on Monday we'll find out how to return the money to Carol's estate as quickly as possible. 62:49 It's a beautiful day for Carol's send-off. It's gorgeous. 62:54 Is Meg still getting on okay in the kitchen? 62:56 Yeah, I think so. I left here enjoying making the food for the wake. Oh, what are they doing? Well, Anna wanted quiches made with herbs from Carol's garden. Ah, and the odd magic mushroom. 63:08 Fallon. 63:09 Well, wouldn't put it past Carol. Secret recipe. 63:14 Oh, it's nice seeing you laugh. 63:17 I've been worried about you this week. Why? Because of, you know, Vince's party. Yeah, the debutante's ball, yeah. Announcing Lillian Harrison. Breakup is difficult enough, whatever the circumstances, but with you two having to live together. Moving on so quickly. Well, yeah. 63:33 The new lovebirds of Ambridge. Oh, I'm not sure that's how most people see him. 63:39 It all looks a bit tragic from where I'm standing. But not as tragic as me. There's nothing tragic about you, Fallon. You're fantastic. Resilient. And you're actually allowing yourself the chance to be sad and, you know, more in the end of a marriage that meant something to you. 63:56 I just hope you get to have some fun soon. 64:00 What about a night out with Alice? Don't worry about me, Mum. Even on Sunday night, I found a way to get through it, to distract myself. 64:08 Well, I'm glad to hear that. 64:11 I'm not sure how long we can both live in Woodbine together. 64:15 Obviously, I'd love to be the one to stay. And can't you? 64:19 I don't think so. 64:21 I'm never going to qualify for the mortgage I'd need in order to buy Harrison out. 64:25 So either we sell, or he buys me out now. Either way, I'll have to find somewhere else to live. 64:31 Which could be exciting. 64:34 Imagine what you could do with a blank canvas. But I love woodbine. Well, then you should get some proper legal advice before giving up on it. 64:42 Oh, hi, Helen. Oh. 64:45 Can we do anything to help? I know we're a bit early. 64:47 Oh, yeah, you could take these bundles of rosemary and tie one to each chair. 64:51 Oh, what a nice idea. 64:53 Yeah, according to Carol's almanac, rosemary is a symbol of remembrance and memory. 64:57 Isn't that right, Anna? Yeah, ancient Greeks used to put it in tombs to signify that the dead would never be forgotten. 65:05 How are you, my darlings? 65:07 Oh, OK. 65:09 I'm trying not to think too much, just be here in the moment. You've chosen a beautiful place to say goodbye. Thank you. Oh, and the green burial ground this morning was like something from a picture book. The sun breaking through the mist and the celebrant reading Keats' to autumn. Season of mist's mellow fruitfulness. 65:28 Oh, come here, Anna. 65:31 You cry as much as you need. 65:33 Here. 65:33 I've got tissues. Thanks. 65:38 You know, it sounds silly, but I feel like the universe is welcoming Mum home. There's even going to be a meteor shower tonight. Oh, wow. 65:49 Do you have a minute? Oh, yeah. Hi, Cian. Of course. We'll crack on with Ty and Rosemary to chair, shall we? Thanks. That'll be great. 65:58 Is everything OK? 65:59 Everything's grand. But the fellow from the university's arrived with the glow worms. 66:04 Oh, well, we need to check whether the spot we've chosen is OK for the release. Would you see if Kirsty's free to talk to him? 66:10 No problem. 66:11 And Kirsty's the woman in the green dress. That's right. 66:16 Oh, it's Alan. He's been messaging me all morning. 66:20 Maybe you should just answer, get it over with. 66:23 No. 66:24 Today is about Mum. I'm not going to let him ruin that. Of course. 66:28 You do realise he's lying, don't you? 66:31 He absolutely knew the money was in his bank account all along. 66:38 Oh, Alan, please sit down. You're making me nervous. 66:42 I tried ringing Anna again. She declined my call. She's not replying to my messages either. 66:46 I know this is her, but she's unlikely to want to speak to you right now. The poor woman buried her mother this morning. I know that. 66:53 But look, do I turn up to give my eulogy or not? Because, well, is Anna going to want me there? Did you see the way she was looking at me last night? Like I was scum? 67:02 Well, you're not scum. And you've written a really beautiful eulogy to celebrate Carol. If you don't go, you might feel like you're letting her down. But what on earth was she thinking? I don't know. We might never know. 67:15 Okay, okay, this is what I'll do. I'll go and stand at the back, ready with my eulogy. If the celebrant calls on me to speak, then all good. If not, then at least I've paid my respects and I can slip away quietly. 67:32 And I'm told that if we return in two years' time, the glowworms will be lit up like a hundred tiny meteors. 67:42 And may each of those lights spark a memory of Carol. Oh, this is too much. I'm in bits. Thank goodness we came here together. Will you now take the rosemary that's tied to your chair and spend a moment breathing in its spiritual power? Have you got yours, Mum? 68:02 Oh, I love rosemary. 68:04 Hey, look, there's Alan. 68:05 Oh. 68:07 Over here, Alan. There's a spare seat beside us. 68:09 Oh, thank you. We call on the wind and the sun and the earth and the stars to accompany Carol as she passes over from this world to the Summerlands and on to whatever the universe has in store for her next. 68:28 This is when I'm supposed to go up and say my bit about Carol. 68:31 Oh, best of luck. You'll be great. 68:35 Ah, that's wonderful. I was told you might not make it, but I'm delighted you're here. 68:41 It's a pleasure to have Reverend Alan France with us today to cheer on the spirit of our friend Carol as she embarks on her journey. 68:56 I can honestly say in all my years I've never met a woman quite as feisty and fiery as Carol Tregoran. No. 69:05 But glowworms... How dare he stand up and say anything about Mum? Anna. 69:10 How dare you? Anna, don't sit down, please. Get out of here. Go on. Get out of my silence. Anna. 69:20 What is going on? It's my fault. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come. 69:23 I cannot believe you showed your face after what you've done. 69:26 Anna, please. That was not the time. 69:28 It's all right. I'll just go. Why? What's the problem? The problem is that he took advantage of the trust a vulnerable old woman placed in him. 69:36 We don't know that. 69:37 Forcing her to transfer a fortune into his account. It's not what happened. 69:41 You have to believe me. I've been racking my brains, Anna. And all I can come up with is a church donation. The bell. The bell. I was telling her about the bell, but I didn't ask her for a donation. Oh, stop spinning stories. I'm not going to let you charm your way out of this. Please calm down. What did you say? Hang on, Mum. This is important. Do you really believe that I'd be capable of forcing your mum to do anything? 70:05 If mum had wanted to make such a massive donation to a church she rarely attended, why would she keep it a secret from me? 70:10 Maybe because you would have persuaded her not to. Oh! So now the truth comes out. What truth? I didn't know. That's the truth. How many times do I have to say it? You're unbelievable. 70:24 Look at what you've done. 70:25 Oh, Anna. 70:28 I'm sorry. I'd better go with her. 70:30 Should I tell people to start making their way to the wake? 70:33 It sounds like a good plan. We'll see you there. 70:36 Carol has been described as a force of nature. 70:41 So I'm sure her soul will be rejoicing in this magnificent setting. 70:48 But can I now ask that you make your way to the bowl where everyone is welcome to continue celebrating Carol's life and her spirit. 71:04 But what are you supposed to be guilty of? 71:06 Well, she thinks I manipulated a vulnerable dying woman and I coerced money out of her. 71:12 That's ridiculous. 71:13 Yeah, ridiculous or not, it's not looking good for me. I mean, could she go to the police with this? Or the bishop? 71:19 I don't know. 71:21 She's convinced herself I gave Carol my bank details. Thinks I hope to set this up. 71:28 You did give her your bank details. What? Remember, for the flowers, you told me she insisted on transferring the money to you. 71:35 Oh, Lord, I did, didn't I? I did. 71:39 I helped her put my account number in. And that would have been earlier in the week, the Tuesday or Wednesday. 71:45 And when did Carol transfer the 6,000? 71:47 Thursday, the day before she died. 71:50 So, it would have been easy enough for Carol to transfer the money to you without your help. 71:56 Which proves I didn't force her to do anything. 72:00 What? What? 72:03 All it proves is that you didn't enter your details purely for the purpose of the disputed transaction. 72:10 It doesn't prove that you weren't using her vulnerability and your position of power to exert undue influence on her. 72:18 Hmm. 72:19 The fact she said nothing to Anna doesn't look good. So, what are you getting at? 72:27 Just that we may need to tread carefully. 72:32 If I were you, I'd be up front and speak to the bishop before Anna puts in a formal complaint. 72:41 Oh, thank goodness. I've been so worried. 72:44 I just couldn't. I couldn't stay there. 72:46 It's okay. 72:47 Kian was amazing. I heard him say a few final words about your mum. 72:52 Called her a force of nature and then packed everyone off to the ball. 72:56 I'm so sorry. 72:57 No, it's okay. You're upset. People understand. 73:00 I'm not sorry about getting upset. I don't care what people think about that. 73:05 But I am sorry I trusted the Reverend Alan Franks. 73:09 He sat with my mum as she died. 73:11 I know, but... 73:12 I thought all that time he spent with her... 73:16 All the influence he had over her was because he truly cared. 73:20 She enjoyed spending time with him. 73:23 And I was happy about that. It took the pressure off me. 73:29 But I let him become a threat. 73:33 I enabled it. 73:56 Thank you. 74:27 Boo, how are you? It is Danny here, just dropping into your feed to let you know that something very exciting is coming your way. There is a chill in the air. The evenings are drawing in. It can only mean one thing. It is time to get ready for the spookiest night of the year. paranormal Christmas with our annual Halloween countdown every day in October we are going to be releasing a brand new tiny tale of terror a mini uncanny case sent in by you the uncanny community I'm going to be reading your emails out and sharing some truly spooky stuff that will scare the living shizzle out of you trust me There'll be hauntings, time slips, apparitions and some truly weird and wonderful real-life witness accounts of poltergeists, ghost dogs and even some phantom false teeth. 75:21 So that is the uncanny Halloween countdown, dropping every day right through to Halloween itself. Will you be there? I hope so. Until then, stay spooky. 75:39 Part of why I blew the whistle was I didn't want to lay in bed in 20 years. Having seen another million people die, I know that I could have done something when I had a chance. 75:47 This week on The Interface, we're talking to Frances Haugen. 75:50 The Facebook whistleblower who leaked the documents that changed how the world saw social media. 75:55 And now she is the subject of Aaron Sorkin's latest movie, The Social Reckoning. So join me, Thomas Germain. 76:01 And me, Jess Maddox, for The Interface. 76:04 Listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.