Despite Dane having organised an International Gala in Las Vegas Lynda remains to be convinced Dane has what it takes to help with the Summer Fete. Akram however is impressed that almost every item on Lynda’s To-Do list has been ticked off by Dane, who also offers to help book the elusive Hollerton Silver Band. Dane envisions the traditional English fete he has in mind, with Grey Gables’ sponsorship covering costs for rides like a helter-skelter and carousel, items previously beyond their means. Even Lynda is impressed by the overall offer, especially when Dane offers Zainab’s services to help with the organisation, and agrees they have a deal.Stella’s taking a break from the harvest when she bumps into Jolene at the Shop. Stella can’t believe the police haven’t been more proactive in response to recent events, but Jolene says they don’t have any proof they’re connected to Markie. And Kenton is simply trying to block the whole problem out. Vince has told Jolene that Markie is out of prison on licence, so if he puts a foot wrong he’ll be straight back inside. Lynda gives Stella a lift, with Monty in the back, and they talk about Stella getting another dog. Stella asks Lynda about being called “Mum” by a stepchild. Lynda’s advice is to be honest and say no to Pip, if Stella doesn’t feel comfortable. Lynda then confides in Stella about the sponsorship deal for the fete, making it clear that Grey Gables’ role is merely supportive - they are definitely not taking it over!
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12:55
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12:55
20/07/2025
At The Bull Tracy and Jolene agree that George overstepped the mark asking for Ivy’s ring to give to Amber. Kenton wants to send Mick home from his unpaid duties as security guard, worried they’re overreacting to what happened with their cat Tortoise. But Tracy and Jolene reckon they should continue taking precautions. Kenton and Jolene look forward to providing cocktails for Tracy’s party on Wednesday, though Tracy insists she’s still not going.Pip and Stella talk about farming matters and Rosie’s birthday party before heading to The Bull for lunch. Annabelle Schrivener keeps texting Stella, while Justin is avoiding answering Stella’s emails about the renewal of Home Farm’s contract with BL. Stella’s still hoping that the BL Board will persuade Justin to change his mind over taking the Estate land out of food production. Pip surprises Stella by asking if it’s okay for Rosie to call her ‘mum’, before they’re distracted by noisy motor bikes in the car park.Jolene, Tracy and Kenton rush outside, joined by Pip and Stella, but the bikes have already roared off. Jolene discovers Kenton’s car has been badly scratched with a key, but thanks to Mick chasing the bikers off, other cars in the car park haven’t been damaged. Back inside Kenton downplays the incident, before Jolene tells him their CCTV cameras have all been smashed. Later Kenton orders some new ones, but still doesn’t want to make too much of the incident. Jolene though thinks it’s too much of a coincidence, after Kenton ID’d a member of Markie’s gang, insisting they keep Mick on as security.
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13:00
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13:00
18/07/2025
Justin and Martyn talk over their newly agreed plan for BL, on the pretext of just having a friendly cup of tea. When Martyn discloses the recent flurry between him and Helen, Justin’s surprised. Martyn claims he was the one who turned Helen down – not his type. Justin thinks it would be unwise for Martyn to accept Jazzer’s invitation to Tracy’s party on the basis that a certain distance from staff needs to be preserved, however well you get on. Martyn isn’t so sure. He’s now free to attend – his only dilemmas are whether or not to keep his arrival as a surprise, and what he should wear.Jazzer has good news and bad news for Tracy. He’s proposing a mobile sauna for her party, which she thinks is genius – but Martyn is coming along after all. Tracy’s appalled, and declares she’ll go elsewhere on the night.Neil prises from subdued Susan the story of George and the engagement ring. Neil’s furious. He can’t believe Susan gave in to George’s extortion, and quietly confronts Amber, explaining there’s been a misunderstanding. When Amber stands her ground Neil’s attitude changes. He won’t put up with George and his demands any more. Upset Amber returns the ring and vows to tell George everything Neil’s said about him. Susan’s horrified. The ring was going to be the bridge between them and George. Neil asks her if she really thought that would work. Susan feels it was worth a try – but now the little bridge is broken and she fears it can’t ever be put together again.
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13:00
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13:00
17/07/2025
Azra’s frustrated that Akram’s hosting a fete meeting. She escapes for a walk and vents to Oliver. They agree the Green’s looking a bit scrubby and not at all ready for use for the fete. Oliver thinks he can help, suggesting to Akram later that Grey Gables could sponsor the whole thing. Akram is thrilled.
Emma visits George, finding him warmer and more open than of late. He admits that he thinks about everyone often. Emma informs him they’ll be taking Bert to see Ivy’s grave on their wedding anniversary. She tells him about Clive stealing Ivy’s engagement ring – she’s surprised her mum managed to get it back. George shares that Susan showed the ring to him once. When Emma brings up Amber’s previous harsh words to Neil, George promises to speak to her. He also asks her to pass on a message to Susan.
Susan’s stunned to learn George wants to call her. Emma declares to her mum that she feels like George is changing. Later Susan’s moved when George tells her it’s nice to hear her voice. He goes on to say he’d like Ivy’s ring for Amber, and asks Susan to take it to her. It’s his right, and this way it will keep the ring in the family. After speaking to the chaplain he thinks he could learn to forgive. Susan gets the hint and reluctantly agrees to think about it. Having come to a decision she wrongfoots unwelcoming Amber by presenting her with the ring. Disarmed, Amber declares she’ll treasure it. She’s very grateful.
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13:02
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13:02
16/07/2025
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.
New Zealand