The Archers BBC Radio 4

Jazzer’s heads down in Lark Rise to Candleford, which to Tracy’s surprise he’s enjoying. Tracy wonders why Brad isn’t planning in university open days yet, like Mia. Brad’s circumspect, before admitting he thought they would be too expensive; he’s happy to research them online. Privately Jazzer and Tracy agree it would be better for Brad to go to the open days and experience the atmosphere. It’s going to be a massive step for him. Jazzer suggests they drive him to one on Wednesday. Later Jazzer and Brad are looking up the course Brad’s considering. Tracy’s a little daunted by it but puts on a game face – she’s sure they’ll have a great day.

Alan visits Rob’s flat. He stresses the need for complete honesty as Rob explains some of his symptoms. Rob emphasises the importance of Helen’s support, giving his own version of events. He asks Alan how he helps people not to be scared when facing death. Alan talks about faith, and asks whether Rob’s only reaching out now because he has nothing to lose. Baptism means him declaring his faith in public. Rob affirms he’ll do whatever’s required of him. Alan asserts he’s not trying to interrogate Rob, he's just wondering why he’s wants it here. Rob declares he needs Jack to remember him when he’s gone. Wincing in pain, he leaves the room. Later Alan says he can’t baptise Rob. He’s not even fully convinced he’s ill. Rob can’t believe Alan isn’t prepared to see the best in him. Alan declares his decision’s made; there’s nothing left to say.

Alan and Usha chat as the last of the harvest service congregation leaves. Alan’s about to close up the church when Rob arrives. He’d like to be baptised, and discloses to Alan the details of his health condition. It’s forced him to look back on all his mistakes and seek forgiveness. He’d like Alan to conduct the baptism. Alan explains he can’t – Rob doesn’t live in one of his parishes. Rob reveals he’s moved to Penny Hassett. Alan insists it’s difficult; he has the community to consider and some people could be very upset. Usha calls out to Alan, who tells Rob he must leave. Alan’s torn when Rob hands him his address in the hope of a visit. As he goes, Rob reminds Alan that he once told him that no-one’s beyond redemption.

Oliver praises Emma’s reading at last night’s harvest supper. Emma’s pleased. She was nervous, but observes people enjoy an evening of tale-telling. This gives Eddie an idea: ghost tales for Halloween. He tries some out on Emma, who’s not buying them. He’s going to have to come up with better ones than that. Eddie recounts his experience of the hound of Leader’s Wood. This one hits home and Emma thinks he might be on to something.

Flustered Adil calls on Oliver. He’s lost some paperwork for Grey Gables – has Oliver got copies? Oliver finds the relevant email and tries to pacify stressed Adil, who feels time’s getting tight for the relaunch. Oliver offers to take some of the strain, but distracted Adil heads off.

Nervous Susan has a riding lesson. With some coaxing from Lilian she gets in the saddle. She’s not at all comfortable with it at first, and particularly unimpressed with Emma taking photos. However Emma assures her she’s the bravest person she knows, and today’s about facing another challenge. As the lesson progresses Susan realises she’s actually doing it and begins to really enjoy herself. Emma whoops that her mum’s just nailed the first of her ‘six at sixty’ birthday challenges.
Josh goes cap in hand to Jim, in the hope of reinstating Jim and Kiki’s booking for the harvest supper now that the Straw Crows have cancelled. Jim had found out from Chelsea that this was the case, and enjoys the moment of karma before refusing Josh. Instead he asks Josh for a lift – he owes him a favour. Once they’re underway Josh discovers they’re heading to Kiki’s, to get her back on board. Jim explains that whilst he wanted Josh to squirm, he doesn’t want the whole village to suffer. However they’re too late, and they find out Kiki’s gone away for the weekend. The gig’s off. Jim apologises, but Josh acknowledges this is all on him. Jim invites Josh to the Lark Rise to Candleford readings, and Josh is happy to accompany him. They all settle in cosily at No.6 The Green with hot chocolate and candles, and the evening’s a success. Jim and Josh agree that their harvest supper entertainment dilemma is solved - they will recreate Lark Rise by Candlelight!

Neil and Jazzer talk about Chelsea’s upcoming visit to Berrow Farm off the back of her interest in Lark Rise to Candleford. When she arrives she’s keen to get stuck in, but Jazzer’s protective of the pigs and teaches Chelsea some livestock etiquette. Chelsea’s sad to think of the pigs all going off to the abattoir in a few months. Jazzer cheers her up with a promise of a trip to the Bull. Jazzer’s not looking forward to the book reading tomorrow but concedes to Chelsea that if it’s for the Prof, he supposes it’s ok. He’s horrified to find out that Neil’s been reading bits of the book too – even if it is only the pig-related sections. Neil declares it interesting; Jazzer should have a look. Jazzer retorts that’s not going to happen.
Pip and Stella watch the seed drill in action. It may have caused her some heartache to get it, but Stella’s having fun showing it off to Pip. They enjoy a picnic and some flirtation before Stella ventures that she wants to tell Rosie about their relationship. To her surprise Pip agrees; they’ll do it when they get home. Later in the pub Chelsea notices Pip has a glow about her. As they all chat about tomorrow’s book reading, Pip gets a message about an emergency family meeting – Josh’s band has pulled out of the harvest supper event on Saturday. They have no idea what they’re going to do.

Mia feels sorry for George as he packs for his move to The Green. George hates that everything has to be so complicated. Mia admits her own family arrangements took some getting used to, but she quite likes having two homes now. Later when helping Will she agrees to cut George some slack. She gives Will a photo frame, for his future adventures.

Susan tries to buoy downcast Emma about Fallon taking the Tearoom management position that she’d hoped for herself. She’ll get where she wants to be eventually. They chat about the Lark Rise reading on Friday, agreeing it will cheer Jim up, who loves the book. Emma’s keen for Susan to do something to mark her sixtieth. Susan wants people not to believe she’s sixty, and maybe do some things that challenge her. Between them they come up with the idea of six things at sixty. Emma confides she feels she’s messed up with George. Her mum counsels all you can do with your children is try to keep them on track. When George moves out, he'll still be in the village, with his dad and Poppy to keep an eye on him. And George will be there for them too. Emma hopes so, for Will’s sake. Later George promises Emma he’ll look after his dad and Emma’s declares she’ll miss George. They hug.

George worries everyone’s concern over Will is down to him. Will reassures him. He shouldn’t hang on to his recent bad behaviour. Will hopes this move is good for all of them.

Eddie buys George a drink, reminding him not to be a stranger when George moves out. When Eddie points out that Clarrie will miss having him around, George admits he’ll miss Clarrie’s dinners. George wonders if Clarrie’s worried about how his recent bad behaviour might impact on his dad when they live together. Eddie reassures him; it’s just that they don’t want Will to feel isolated. The family will be there for all of them.
Paul wants to thank Chelsea for helping out with harvest supper organisation. Chelsea asks if she can do his hair, as practice. Paul politely declines.
Josh tries to explain to Jim that he’s trying to take the harvest supper in a more modern direction. . Jim’s offended, pointing out that Josh isn’t organising Glastonbury. Is Jim to be shoved to the bottom of the bill? Josh says Jim and Kiki’s services won’t be required at all, further insulting Jim. He makes Josh call Kiki to tell her, leaving Kiki in floods of tears. Josh feels terrible and offers to buy Jim a drink, but Jim throws him out. Later Josh reports back to Paul and Chelsea. Chelsea’s indignant on Jim’s behalf, and leaves to check on him. She returns with confirmation that Jim is mortally offended. She notes he was reading Lark Rise to Candleford, like several others in the village. She wonders if they should all get together and read bits of it to each other, in the spirit of community. They’ll cheer Jim up if it’s the last thing they do.