05/06/2025

Ben finds Susan at the Shop struggling under a mountain of deliveries and helps her clear some space for customers. The deliveries are part of Susan’s initiative to expand the Shop’s range of products, but it looks like it’ll be a struggle to put new shelves up and fit everything in before Joy’s next shift on Saturday. Then Joy turns up, dismayed to find the stock room full and boxes all over the place. Susan tries to sell Akram some screws and is delighted she can offer him a mallet, before he starts revelling in the cornucopia of hardware items Susan has ordered. Susan’s convinced everything’s going to be fine now.

When Justin tells Lilian he’s changed his mind about going on a months-long cruise she replies that it’s too late, she’s committed to staying in Ambridge, looking out for Alice, Tony, the Stables and The Bull. Lilian wonders why Justin’s made a U-turn. He can’t exactly say why, but the meeting with Arthur has prompted thoughts about looking after one another as they get older. Justin fancies doing some good in the world, taking Arthur as his example. They go to see Kirsty at the Rewilding, wanting to talk about the art installation Peggy’s donation will be funding. They’re looking for something to attract more visitors, but not too many. While visiting the pond Lilian recalls a childhood game and pushes Justin in. Luckily he sees the funny side and ends up laughing with Lilian and Kirsty, imagining Peggy looking down and laughing too.