The Archers

Susan makes an emotional gesture, and Oliver has a brainwave.

Akram’s enthusiasm for helping with the fete begins to backfire. Azra has little sympathy for his pressed schedule, and when he asks her to cover a meeting for him while he handles a plumbing emergency, she’s unimpressed. Grudgingly she capitulates and attends the meeting, and despite her insistence she’s there merely as a scribe, Lynda ropes her into contributing suggestions for a big idea. When Azra floats the idea of a traditional fete, Lynda seizes on it. Akram arrives just in time to be handed a growing list of tasks—including gauging public opinion and securing sponsorship. Tracy’s astounded to hear Neil’s invited Martyn Gibson to her birthday party, declaring it would be a disaster. Jazzer assures her Martyn declined, but reluctantly admits he himself left the door open in case Martyn found himself free. Tracy now doesn’t know where things stand. She’ll have to tidy the house, and they’ll need to spill into the garden for more room. When Jazzer protests the garden’s a tip, Tracy instructs him to do some weeding. She’s initially impressed with his idea for live music, until she realises he means Dross. For Tracy this is a step too far. Kenton considers security options at the Bull. When his first choice of staffing is unavailable, Mick volunteers his services. He can start tonight. However his over-zealous approach almost scares Jazzer away, and Kenton suggests being unobtrusive and mingling with customers might be more effective than frisking them. Mick just needs to watch and listen.

At Berrow, Jazzer and Neil talk about Tracy’s fiftieth birthday party. Jazzer wonders whether Neil and Susan might want to join them. Neil equivocates, suggesting instead that they have Bert at Ambridge View for the evening. Jazzer’s grateful. Too late, he warns against mentioning the party to Martyn. Martyn overhears and invites himself – it’s a while since he’s been to a party. Neil predicts to mortified Jazzer that Martyn will back out, claiming a double booking. He’s proved right when to Jazzer’s immense relief Martyn bows out, saying his brother’s coming over. Jazzer feigns disappointment, declaring Martyn will be very welcome if things change. George meets with the prison chaplain to discuss his plans to marry Amber. He insists on a ceremony inside the prison, unwilling to wait until his release. The chaplain questions his urgency; he can’t pull the strings George thinks he can to get things moving. George eventually admits he fears Amber will leave him. He worries she’ll realise he’s not good enough. Her mum and dad think that and he feels they’ve got a point. George opens up further. He feels misunderstood by his family and worries that he’s basically bad, and doesn’t belong. The chaplain disagrees. Amber clearly loves him and has chosen him. He’s not ‘basically bad’ but potentially good, same as everyone else. He urges George to find a way to show the world he loves Amber. George promises to give it some thought. He’ll think of something.

Susan is still reeling from Amber’s harsh words about Neil. She’s frustrated Neil didn’t tell her sooner. He declares he didn’t want her hurt, but she counters she’d rather have known and not had to depend on Clarrie to tell her. She wants to talk about it, and if Neil won’t talk, she’ll go and see Emma. Neil admits he hasn’t told Emma either. He feels he needs to put it out of his head or it won’t end in peace. He fears telling Emma could damage her fragile relationship with George. He would rather let things blow over. Susan disagrees. Emma has a right to know, and from them rather than anyone else. Neil reluctantly accepts her decision. He wonders if they’re the ones who need forgiving. Susan confesses she worries about things getting worse when George is released, feeling selfish and unkind for having such thoughts. Lynda tries to recruit Azra to help run the village fete. Azra’s adamant she doesn’t want to do it, and resists despite Lynda’s persistence. Lynda runs into Akram, who to her surprise offers his help without being asked. He feels he owes her for her previous kindness in housing his family in their time of need. Azra is stunned when she learns Akram’s become Lynda’s “trusty lieutenant.” She warns him he’s in for a demanding ride as her unpaid servant – his every waking hour will be filled with a great list of jobs. Akram’s optimism begins to waver; what has he done?

Kenton and Tracy are shaken after the poisoning of the pub cat, Tortoise. Though the police can’t act without concrete evidence, Kenton suspects Markie or one of his crew. Tracy urges him to tell Joy so she’s got the full picture. He does so, and Joy’s relieved her titbits weren’t responsible for Tortoise getting ill. Kenton recommends she and Tracy take time away from work in case things turn nasty, but Joy’s determined not to be intimidated. Both she and Tracy refuse to be driven out of The Bull, standing firm behind Kenton’s decision to report the gang. Justin and Martyn take to the golf course to discuss Justin’s plans for BL. Martyn is sceptical, calling them ludicrous, impractical and expensive. Justin’s curious to know if there’s anything going on between Martyn and Annabelle. He’s heard they’re meeting frequently. Martyn assures him there’s nothing to report, agreeing that she’s a difficult woman and he’ll be steering well clear in future. When Justin reveals new ideas – vertical farming, eco-tourism, eco-offices – Martyn warms to the concept. He confirms Borsetshire Water has released money from their community fund for the beaver enclosure. Justin’s impressed; there’s obviously common ground between the two of them. Martyn suggests adding food storage to the plan. Justin agrees it has potential, and after some persuasion Martyn promises his backing. They agree it’s wiser not to mention this to anyone else yet, especially Annabelle Schrivener.