Ed’s on a mission to buy suet for Clarrie until Jazzer persuades him to have a drink at The Bull first. Ed then mithers on about Chris buying a pony for Martha, whereas he can’t afford anything like that for Keira. Jazzer reassures him that a loving family is far more important, but really the issue for Ed is financial security. Clarrie’s meltdown the other week brought home to him just how precarious their existence is. Ed wants to change that, so he’s had an idea: to train up as a tree surgeon. Ed dreams of being truly independent and having long-term prospects, with the chance of making some real money. Jazzer points out that the training and kit he’d need won’t come cheap. Ed says he’ll look into it more, before heading off to get Clarrie’s suet.
Denise bumps into Alistair while delivering last-minute cards and he invites her to the annual divvying up of Christmas presents given to the surgery. Paul and Denise then swap banter about why she’s there, before Alistair turns up with some champagne, announcing to everyone’s delight that Lovell James want to appoint Denise as a second practice nurse in Ambridge. They raise a toast with Jakob, before choosing which gifts they want from a selection including cuddly toys, chocolate and socks. Then Alistair announces that he and Denise will be the small animals team, while Paul and Jakob will concentrate on equine. Denise declares she’s really looking forward to next year – and so is Alistair.