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Ed\u2019s 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\u2019t 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\u2019s meltdown the other week brought home to him just how precarious their existence is. Ed wants to change that, so he\u2019s 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\u2019d need won\u2019t come cheap. Ed says he\u2019ll look into it more, before heading off to get Clarrie\u2019s 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\u2019s there, before Alistair turns up with some champagne, announcing to everyone\u2019s 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\u2019s really looking forward to next year \u2013 and so is Alistair.