The Archers - 09/10/2007

Lower Loxley's Shire horse display is magnificent. Nigel fancies having a heavy horse at Lower Loxley and wonders how to get the idea past Elizabeth. Tending to an emergency calving, Ruth hopes it doesn't happen again when the school kids are at Brookfield. Bert thinks it would be good for them to see nature raw in tooth and claw. Jill, Christine and Shula are stuffing the straw man ready for the farm visit. Their carefree laughter stops when the conversation turns to the church pews. There are clearly mixed feelings, which continue at the PCC meeting. Shula's in favour of removing the pews, Bert and Christine are against the idea and Jill has yet to decide - her biggest worry being that it might result in the village hall being forced to close. Alan's survey and general feedback show the strength of mixed feelings from the community. When the committee learn that it might mean a new floor, and an overall cost of £50,000, Alan admits they're a long way off a vote this evening. Many issues have been raised but all Alan is proposing is that they bring St Stephen's to life, which surely can't be a bad idea?