The Archers - 22/05/2007

It's Neil's 50th birthday and Susan takes him to Grey Gables to celebrate. Ian makes a special dessert with a candle on it and Caroline gives him a bottle of wine on the house. Helen's pleased when Caroline tells her Oliver's decided to go ahead with his unpasteurised cheese. He couldn't have done it without Helen's expertise. Lynda's disappointed when her long and detailed letter about the churchyard restoration project isn't published in 'Borchester Life' Adam complains to Ian that Brian's so besotted with Ruairi that he's prepared to risk his marriage, which is why Jennifer's come to the conclusion that she has to accept his terms. Adam worries about his position at the farm, wondering why he's working so hard if Brian is going to end up leaving everything to Ruairi. Ian reminds Adam that Ruairi's only four, so it would be years before this would be anything like an issue. Ian talks about how he felt when his mother died when he was a boy. Ruairi must be feeling really bewildered, so if Adam ever thinks life's dealt him a lousy hand, he should think of Ruairi - he's been dealt the worst hand of all. Episode written by Caroline Harrington.