The Archers - 22/12/2008

While they wait for Mabel's train to arrive, Amy tells Usha about her midwifery course. Mabel accepts that Alan's too busy to meet her and does her best to be polite with Usha. Usha's relieved when Alan finally joins them. Mabel's surprised but pleased to learn that Usha attended the Nine Lessons and Carols service but is shocked to see the changes at the vicarage. Alan and Usha awkwardly explain that the sideboard given as a wedding present to Alan and Catherine has now been given away to charity. Mabel's determined to keep up her usual tradition of cooking the Christmas evening meal with Amy. It's all a bit much for Usha, so she's relived when Amy accepts her offer of a lift back to Manchester on Saturday. Eddie and Joe are pleased with this year's turkeys, especially as they haven't got too many like last year. Eddie claims he's been too busy to practice the cow dance. When he's finished preparing the turkeys he's off for a Christmas drink with Baggie and Fat Paul. Joe reminds him that Lynda will be expecting an improvement tomorrow, especially as the cow costume will have arrived, which should sort the men from the boys! Episode written by Keri Davies.