04/10/2011

Tom only covered his costs at the food fair but he made some good contacts. One in particular is a cheese producer who was advocating membership of HEFF (Heart of England Fine Foods). Tom thinks they should consider it. The bank has agreed that Pat and Tony can go interest only on their loans for six months. Helen and Tom agree this will give them a breathing space.

Jim discusses the latest book club novel, and suggests the apple-picking scene where the whole village join in would be wonderful to see at Grange Farm. Joe tells Jim that Clarrie's jobseeker's allowance won't be paid for weeks because she resigned from her job instead of waiting to be pushed.

Clarrie's doing an extra volunteer shift at the shop. She and Susan discuss Kenton and Jolene's relationship and compare it to the book club novel. Susan's worrying over the food for the evening.

Clarrie and Jim think Joe seems low. He loved all the fuss around his 90th birthday celebrations, but now he's lost his sense of purpose. Clarrie recalls how he was when they lost the farm, and is worried he'll slip back. Jim knows he's loath to talk about it, which doesn't surprise Clarrie.