Farrier competition nerves and family reflections

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Oh, sorry for disturbing you. Oh no, I've got to get moving soon anyhow. I' a shift at the bll in half an hour. Oh I won't say long then. I was just on my way back from Emmers's. all right? Yeah, fine. In fact, George was there with Kira. Remember I told you she's showing the texels at the Boolchester showh on Thursday? Yeah Well George was helping her practice. She'd done it before, of course. but he was reminding her how to walk in the judging ring so she's not blocking the judge's view. how to hold the sheep's chin up when it's been inspected That's been so long since I've seen them spending any proper time together. W wish sure I was going to the showouse so I could watch her. Do you know what time she's in the ring? I'll ask Helen if I can take a break. Oh, I'm not sure. It'd be nice if you could though, she'd love it if you were there. Yeah, yeah, of course. Oh, congratulations for yesterday by the way. The cricket. I hear the battling balls are back to their winning ways. Oh yeah. although to be honest the three runs weren't much competition. Well which pub are they from again? The three tons in Borchester Oh, of course they. They kinda lived up to their name. Who's this now? H Outside. Looks like a taxi. Mbe someone for Helen. pull up in front of the wrong house? No Look, Susan The driver is taking a walking frame out the back Now. C' B. What's she doing back here? Oh hi Pep in Iacking already, I don't have to move up for another week. Oh, I know, I'm only making a start. I'm not gonna have much time over the next few days with the show and stuff. I'm not even gonna be here overnight on Wednesday. How come? Sleeping in the horsebox, bedded down with the horses. Everyone's doing it for the show. Right I just hate to see you go though. I feel like I'm kicking you out. Oh don't be dfted. I'm sure you'd rather have Harrison back. And I always knew it was only for as long as he was away. No, I know Ah! That's where it went.' I've been finding Martha's toys everywhere. Hey, has Hazel given you a date yet for when you can move back into the flat? U Well, only that it should be ready by the end of the month, but it' better be. Last time I stayed with my folks, they almost sent me D Lally. I'm sorry. I told you it's not your fault There wasn't any point finding somewhere new to stay. No, I'm just excited that the flat might nearly be finished. When I had to leave because of the dry root, I never imagined I wasn't going to be back for an entire year. Yeah. You've got Hazel messing the first builder around to thank for that. Would you like a drink? I'm gonna have a cider. Oh, Now you're talking. Let me do it, though. You've been on your feet for hours cooking a million Sunday lunches. Yeah Not quite that many You for sure though. I'm gonna to go in the garden, flick through some recipe books, decide what I'm going to cook Harron for his homecoming dinner. Oh Oh hang on. Oh Did you want eyes? Oh, please. Okay. fine just. Give me a sec. Hannah What's up? you right? Dad, wait, just hold on a minute. What's all this? Why are there piles of clothes everywhere? Are you gonna tell us why you're here? And why is there an ironing board? What are you been doing in my room? What's it look like? Got more space in here to do the ironing. Didn't take you long to jump in my grave? Right. I've paid the taxi driver Where'd you own the suitcase? Oh just leave it there by the door, Susan So has Dad told you why he's b? Well, that's nice isn't it? It's good to see you too. Of course we're pleased to see you. We just want to know why you've suddenly turned up. Has Clive not been looking after you properly? Of course that would be the first thing you'd think of. You do look thinner, Dad. When was the last time you shaved? Clive's been grand. Treated me like a king he has I just I just can't stay with him at the moment. Why not He ain't gonna be around for a while. Oh no, donon't tell me. How long is he locked up for this time? He ain't in jail, but he started this new job working nights and that. So are you back permanently, Date? Well maybe I don't know. someone got to move these clothes so I can sit down properly. Hang on So where's everyone else? And it almost time for tea? They're all out and I'm working down the ball this evening. In fact, look at the time, Susan. I don't sorry, Trace say, me and Nelily go to a Fleetwood Mat tribute show in Felpersham. Wait, you ain't gonna leave me here on my own, are you I've thoughtready just arrived Sorry Fallen, I was gonna to do that. Don't worry, Chris is fine. What was Hannah calling about? It didn't sound like great news. No. one of the farriers has had to withdraw from the competition. he tore his hand while he was out on a job. O. Yeah I've done it myself. horse yanked its leg away while he was driving in the mail But the trouble is, he was competing in the open par is event so his partner, Emily, won't be able to take part either. It's a real shame. That is a shame. Yeah notothing much we can do about it now though. We's still got twenty eight other pairs. Well couldn't you stand in for him? Heh? The guy who's hurt his hand. I mean, couldn't you be this other Fariouss partner, then she'll still be able to take part? No, it won't be fair. I'm one of the organisers. Al so, you're not judging, are you No. Well there you go then. 's not like it's a quiz you've set the questions to. You've still got to actually make the shoes and then shoe the horse. We did set the schedule, but You're right The other competitors have had it for weeks, it wouldn't be an advantage. Oh, what's the problem then? Well maybe there is one. I'll have to check with the rural Crafts Committee, but assuming they say yes, then yeah, I suppose I could Bind me, dad. A't you heard of nursing a pointint? That didn't last long? It would have lasted longer if I'd had anyone to talk to. I can't help being busy. Do want another? What do you think? And over the money then?h? I paid for the first one, and your rmond chips. Look, I get my pension on Thursday, be a treasure. You can sub me till then It's treasure now is it? Th what you said before you left. Which reminds me, if you really are moving back in, you're gonna have to start paying into the household coffers again. Oh, I see. You ain't missed me a bit. You've just missed my money. Oh, don't be so stupid. Well that's what it sounds like. We all have to pay our way, dad. Besides, I've just taken on more hours at the dairay. You've done what? Helen had been asking me for a while No, I know, but doesn't that mean you'll be home even less? Tell her you've changed your mind. No And before you ask, I like working here too. For the first time in a long time I feel like we're not just fighting to keep our heads above water. Really? Well, if you're feeling so flush, you can afford to buy me another point, can't you? And how much longer is my grub gonna be? It's come in. I assume you want another showyers. All right. Oh, sorry, Brian. No, no, no, please after you. U Is anyone sitting at this table? Can't see no one, can you? No. I for a check. Outside heaving. Do you mind if I join you? You knowoy the lucky b Well I thought you were living with Clive now Going well It's gorgeous out here. I hope you put some sun creream on. Okay, mum. I'm serious. Even if you don't burn, you're still damaging your skin. Yeah, al right, all right, I'm going inside in a minute. Just trying to choose what to make Harrison for dessert. Eat and mess or Elderflower jelly with prorossecco and gooseberries. What's there to think about? Eat and mess every time. Really? Yeah of course Yeah, you're probably right So did you get through to the guy from the committee? I did. And he thinks it's fine for me to take part in paris. A, That's great, Chris. Yeah. ye, I've just let Emily know she seems really pleased. You don't seem too happy there? He? No, I am. It's just well, it's just the competitions. Only four days away and me and Emily won't have time to practice together. Yeah, but come on now, you know what you're doing. Youre sure It's still different, though, when you're up against a load of other skilled farriers and in front of all those people watching. Right, I see. What? It's okay, Chris. I get it. I saw the sizzle Reel. Sizzle Reel. What are you in about? The one that's been doing the rounds on socials with all the sexy farriers in their sleeveless shirts. But That's not the re. G great way of drumming up business for the show. I haven't even thought about it Oh really? Yes, really? I just don't want to do badly. C in last or near the bottom. That would be embarrassing, especially as one of the organizers. All right, right. That's why I'm worried. Yeah. No, if you say so. Now I'm going inside Felon. so relax. Get some sun on those guns. Maybe you need to work on your turn You wouldn't credit it. justust because her sister's got a utility room in her fancy gff. She thought she'd take over a m room. Well, I assume Tracy's nott gonna to leave all the ironing in there though? Not on your neelly. I'm telling you they'll all be happier when I ain't a rain. Oh, I don't believe that. Don't you know? You'll find out you ain't that much younger than me. Well, it won't be long until just putting your clothes on in the morning is exhausting You try to make some breakfast, but your fingers are too seized up to get the bread open. Even when you've managed to sit down, you're scared you won't get up again. It ain't nice being made to feel like a burd. Who's made you feel like a burden? Live? No, I mean Tracy and her assist. Oh Bertt, come on, come on. Look, I know I'm not in your position. Not yet, I'm sure they don't think like that. If anything, you should be pleased to have two such loving hard wororking daughters. Oh I should, Sirot. Yes, you should Remember when, Susan was a slip of a girl serving drinks behind the bar. she's pulled herself up by her bootstraps. H she's posh now. And Tracy, I mean she's raised two great children, larly by herself. Brad's an odd one. When you think of some of the obstacles Susan and Tracy have had to contend with? Obstacles, what are you saying, Pal? Just that you ought to count yourself lucky Could have turned out a lot worse. No just you listen. Here you go, dad. Here's your shires. Oh old Tracy Tar. I've checked and the hammond chips is on its way. Everything all right? Yeah, yeah, Unky Dory. Yes, we're all good, thank you. Okay. Well, don't drink that one too fast. If you need any help get into the toilet, dad, just give me a shout