(THEME MUSIC)
'When we look back in time, what do we remember best?
'The sweet, repeated patterns of our ordinary lives?
'Or the days that sparkled with the sheen of something different?
'News. A treat.
'An invitation.
'The answer may not matter.
'Sometimes the simple gift of memory is all.'
Good morning.
Post!
Something for everyone today.
I know you're all coming but I wanted to invite you officially.
Oh Trixie, how beautiful.
Oh, will you look at this?
The paper! It's like silk.
Raised print. Very fancy.
"The pleasure of the company of Miss Ann Corrigan
and Miss Colette Corrigan is requested".
One feared we had lost the calligraphic arts.
To see one's name rendered so.
Consider my respondez s'il vous plait to be mon plaisir.
Thank you, Sister Monica Joan.
I shall reply with a formal RSVP in due course,
but I wouldn't miss it for the world.
I have to be there. I'm chief bridesmaid.
Is formal attire required?
Yes, it is.
I assume those who have taken holy orders are excused.
Of course, Sister.
So what does that mean for the rest of us?
You'll look lovely, whatever you wear.
You could come in your uniform as long as you're there.
If you think I'm going to wear my uniform to my first society wedding,
you've got another thing coming!
It's hardly a society wedding.
Well, you may be going down the aisle as the humble
Nurse Trixie Franklin, but you'll walking back up it as Lady Aylward.
Right, I think that's enough wedding talk.
Time to start the day.
Clinical run in five minutes, please.
I'm so pleased for them. For Trixie.
Oh, the quality of the invitation was most impressive.
I believe it was between 3 to 4 sheets thickness.
Thank you. Don't thank me yet.
Yet more missives from the Health Department.
Anything interesting?
That very much depends on your definition of the term.
I appreciate the work that's being done to eradicate
communicable disease, but every time they add a condition
to the reportable list, it does generate more paperwork.
It's fascinating stuff, though.
The statistics they're collecting -
everything from food poisoning to leprosy.
Thankfully we've not had a case of that for a while.
Sadly, the same can't be said for hepatitis.
It does appear we've had a small spike of infections.
Is that something we should be worried about?
I'd certainly like us to keep on top of chasing recent contacts
of anyone infected.
I'll keep you abreast of any further cases.
(CHILD CRIES)
Good morning, Mr O'Connor.
I'm here to see your wife.
Is she ready for me?
Yeah, that's why we're heading out.
I don't think there's enough room for us all in there.
Come on.
It's the little things you miss. Like good bread.
God, yeah.
And I don't think the butter over here is up to much either.
I'm all done.
Everything seems just grand, but you've not got long to go now.
Mrs O'Connor, we need to have that talk about
where you're gonna have this baby.
I won't go to hospital again.
I've told you that.
I know you had a bad time. It was horrible.
Cold and like...
I wasn't even a person.
I'm really sorry that happened to you
but you and I know this place is not fit to bring a new baby into.
There's no running water, for a start...
We're on the housing list.
And if you get somewhere before you go into labour, that's grand.
If not, we'll need to bring you into the maternity home
when the time comes.
We can help a lot of families with all this.
And just for letting someone take a few snaps for a competition.
Yes, a very welcome contribution.
Especially for those without refrigeration.
I mean, now they can give the children a bowl of cornflakes
for breakfast without worrying about spoilt milk.
Indeed.
Over the years, I've found a little quid pro quo goes a long way.
Bentley's Dairy gets its photographs,
we get some welcome provisions.
A land flowing with milk and honey.
Well, I'm not comparing myself to Moses, Sister.
But I am rather pleased.
You can enter as many categories as you like -
Bonny Babies, Super Siblings, Fabulous Families.
And what do you win?
A year's supply of Bentley Dairy products.
Everything from your daily pint to tinned rice pudding.
An excellent source of calcium.
Good for growing bones.
What d'you say?
Are you entering, Doctor?
I'd first need to speak to Shelagh.
Well, if anyone has a bonny family...
I thought I was all done with this carry-on.
I got four teenagers.
My eldest is doing her exams next year.
I don't know where that girl got her brains from but it wasn't me.
So, this one was a bit of a surprise?
A happy one.
Me and Arthur loved the house full of babies.
All the fun of the fair, if you know what I mean.
Oh, I've an idea.
I've four of my own.
Oh, well, then I'm preaching to the converted then.
So, how are we feeling today?
If I'm honest, my back's been griping since I woke up.
I thought it was just all the usual morning aches and pains,
but it's not going away.
Do you think you're in labour?
Well, it's starting to feel that way...
Well, let me examine you and see if it is all systems go.
I see you're down to go to St Cuthbert's.
I had my other four at home,
but I wanted all the help I could get this time.
Well, when they tell you you're a geriatric mother, you take the hint.
Come on, pal. Are you sure you want to come?
They had me queuing for hours yesterday.
Well, maybe when they see me, they'll put us at the front.
I don't think it works like that at the Housing Office.
Then it needs to. We've only a week left in this place.
They need to know that.
Breathe and all will be well.
Remember?
I said that to you once before.
I do.
When you delivered my first.
A little boy with lungs like bellows.
Little girl, you mean?
He woke the street when he came into the world.
You must be thinking of someone else, Sister.
The ambulance is here. Ready?
As I'll ever be.
I don't think we've moved in the last hour.
What can they be doing in there?
Your guess is as good as mine.
Sorry, but that's it. We're not seeing anyone else today.
What do you mean? We've been waiting for hours.
Well, we can only process so many people in one day.
So, what are we supposed to do?
Come back tomorrow.
Come on.
The caravan's gone!
He said we had another week.
Maurice? What are we gonna do?
Here?
We can't stay here.
They're knocking the place down.
Not tonight. They only boarded the place up last week.
Maurice...
Look, do you think we've the money for a hotel?
No...
I'll go back to Housing first thing in the morning.
I'll tell them all about it, OK?
Just keep a look out.
Right, quick, quick...
Hello, stranger!
When did you get back? Just this afternoon.
Oh!
So how was it? Did you have nice weather?
Of course, they did! It's the West Indies!
That is what you ask someone when they've been away on holiday!
The weather was very nice, thank you.
And how was Lucille?
Lucille is still in Jamaica.
She's fine. She's, er, taken to her new job.
And it's doing her good to be with her family.
She sends her love.
But you decided to come back?
I have a good job here.
And some good friends.
This is my home.
Well, I'm not having you rattling around in that flat on your own.
You're to come to us for your tea whenever you want.
That's very kind of you but I...
No, no, no. No ifs or buts.
We don't want you sitting up there on your own, staring at four walls.
Actually, I have no intention of doing anything of the sort.
I know what I have to do.
But thank you.
(RATS SQUEAKING)
What's that smell?
The plumbing. That's why they're getting rid of these places.
It's just for tonight.
I know.
Ooh, hello.
Nurse.
(DOOR OPENS)
How can I help you?
Mr Mason? I'm here to see Rosemary.
Oh, she's upstairs.
This is Jean, our eldest.
She'll take you up. Hello, Jean.
Excuse me.
Bit of an odd question, but have you seen a caravan round here?
We're not leaving that housing office until we're all sorted.
I promise.
There you go, sweetheart. Here you go, lad.
Good boy. Eat it all up.
Are you not having any?
Maybe later. Oh!
You feeling poorly?
No. Didn't sleep a wink.
I could hear rats running about half the night.
So, it's not the baby then, no?
For the love of God, don't wish that on us.
The midwife said it could happen any day now.
This baby needs to stay right where it is until we've a place for it.
(INDISTINCT VOICES)
Operator? Yes, sir, how can I help?
Put me through to the police. Right away.
Hello, Mrs Mason.
I wasn't expecting to see you for a few days.
Thought you were going to take full advantage
of St Cuthbert's hospitality.
Well, I thought I might as well be laying in my own bed
instead of theirs.
Oh, she's beautiful.
Does she have a name yet?
Jaqueline.
I've just fed her, so she'll be asleep in a minute.
Then why don't we give you the once over first instead of disturbing her.
Have you had any bleeding?
Nothing unusual.
And how are you feeling otherwise?
Oh, Mrs Mason.
Sorry, I'm being stupid.
Not at all.
What's upsetting you?
I knew I wouldn't bounce back like I did with my other kids.
I knew I'd be tired.
I just didn't know I'd feel so ill.
Ill? How exactly do you mean?
I don't know. I've got no energy and I ache all over.
Have you a sore throat? Runny nose?
No, nothing like that. And what about your appetite?
Ugh, I can't face anything.
I just...
I feel like I want to go to bed and just stay there.
I think we should get the doctor to pay you a visit.
Trixie, do you think Matthew might help me find a lost patient?
If he can. Imelda O'Connor, she's due any day.
Her and her husband have been living in a caravan
on one of the building sites, and now it's nowhere to be seen.
I thought Matthew might know who owned the site.
I can ask him.
But there's probably nothing to worry about,
the family will have just moved on.
And I might be the reason for it. I think I frightened her off.
She's scared of hospitals, and I told her she couldn't have a home birth.
I'm sure that's not the case.
What have I told you about knocking on this door?
Come back at seven o'clock. I'm sorry.
My name is Cyril Robinson.
Ah. The new volunteer? Sorry, mate, in you come.
I've been the manager here the last few years.
Officially, I work for the council.
They pay for the place, but not much.
So, we have to be realistic about what we can do.
We're not the Housing.
We're not an hospital.
We're a warm bed and a hot meal.
Understood.
So, how did you hear about us?
Er, somebody at my church.
God-botherer, are you?
I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Great. Well, next Sunday, you can say one for me.
But when you come here, you leave the Bible at home.
The last thing I need is any bleeding hearts or soft touches.
Good, because that's not me.
Right, well, we'll find out tonight. I'm putting you on the door.
Are you sure you've seen someone? Round here.
What is it? Get back inside.
Oi!
Come out, we know you're in there!
Go and have a look!
(CHILD FUSSES) Shh.
(MUFFLED CRY)
Nobody's in there, you must have imagined it.
I think they're gone, let's just give it another minute...
Imelda?
I think I'm having contractions.
Any history of problems with your gall bladder, Mrs Mason?
Gall stones?
No, Doctor. Nothing like that. Oh!
My apologies.
Yes, you're very tender over your liver.
No wonder you've been feeling under the weather.
I'm afraid you've picked up something rather nasty, Mrs Mason.
What? Hepatitis.
You might have heard it called Infective Jaundice.
Well, is it serious? Not usually.
Er, what about the baby?
She seems absolutely fine.
But I'm going to advise you to switch from breast feeding to bottle.
Cause I can give her it?
It's just a sensible precaution.
I see.
What about everyone else?
Under the circumstances, the best practice
would be for you to go back into hospital.
No! What, and leave my baby?
Cause I can't take her with me, can I?
No. Then I'm not going.
Then Mrs Turner will need to explain
how to keep the rest of the household safe.
Hepatitis can be passed on through contact with faeces.
And I'm sure you always wash hands,
but you're going to have to be extra careful.
That means no sharing towels, toothbrushes, bedding.
And I don't want you cooking for anyone.
And how long's all this gotta go on for?
Well, until the infection has passed through your system.
I'm afraid that could be several weeks.
For the love of God, Imelda.
Let me take you somewhere I can get you some help.
No! You can't have it here. Look at the state of this place.
Wherever we go, they'll ask questions.
And the first thing they'll ask us is for our address.
And when we tell them we haven't got one...
I don't care. As long as you and the baby are alright.
They won't let us keep the baby!
They'll take it away!
They'll take Paul away!
I tried my best for us, Imelda.
I know...
I'm not blaming you.
I have to do this, OK?
You have to let me.
There you go.
We run a bit of a guesthouse upstairs.
There's four of 'em, but we've another two arriving in the morning.
All using one bathroom?
I'm sorry, it won't do.
Do you think they're the reason my Rosemary's poorly?
Have they had any symptoms?
Er, not as far as I know.
Then they're the ones at risk.
It will be very difficult to prevent further infection
without removing Rosemary from your home.
They'll have to go.
(GRUNT, CRIES)
Imelda? What can I do? Do you need anything?
No!
Ah! It's there.
I can feel the head.
Good. That's good.
You're doing so well, love.
So, I spoke to the building company.
All they could tell me was that they'd finished the work
on the new high rise and the caravan had been sent on to the next job.
Would the O'Connors have gone with it?
I wouldn't have thought so.
I mean, they shouldn't really have been there in the first place.
Those things are hardly designed for families.
I don't think the O'Connors had much choice.
Er, no, I suppose not.
I'll go see what's keeping Trixie.
(CHILD CRYING, IMELDA CRYING) It's alright.
Mummy's just being a little bit noisy.
You did it.
Oh my God, you did it.
Do I cut the cord now?
You have to tie it first.
That's what they did with Paul.
Maurice... why isn't she crying?
What do I do?
I don't know.
I don't...
Come on now, come on, come on for Daddy. Come on.
I don't know... (REPEATING)
(BABY CRIES)
That's better. Yeah, go on.
The photographer just called.
His car's broken down in Hackney.
I don't think he's gonna make it.
What?
We've got half of Poplar here in their Sunday best.
Maybe we can reschedule? Absolutely not.
Keep them busy, I won't be long.
Milk, Shan?
Why don't you come with us to the photoshoot?
We could pick up Colette on the way?
Uh, yes.
That shouldn't be a problem.
Thanks. I'll not bother.
There's not really a category for me and Colette.
Well, I suppose she's hardly a bonny baby anymore.
What about Fabulous Families?
I don't really think that fits either.
Thank you anyway.
Come on then, Jonty.
Aren't you having your sandwiches, Sister?
I have no appetite for another cold (INDISTINCT).
We can keep you company until you've eaten.
No. I shall not dine tonight.
Are you ready for this? I think so.
Remember, first come, first served.
Twenty and then we're done. And they're out by 8am.
Got it? Got it.
Then wagons roll.
Alright, lads, come on in.
Good evening. Welcome.
Good evening.
Sister?
It's time for compline.
Not this night.
Sorry?
I said I will not be attending this evening.
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
Teddy! Teddy, no!
Slow down! That's enough. You'll crease your clothes.
Right, I reckon I've got enough spare film to get everyone.
So, who's first?
Look at me!
(UPBEAT MUSIC)
Turn the tin round.
Look at me!
That's good, that's good.
Yeah, get closer together.
Good evening and welcome.
Oh sorry, that's it for tonight.
Oh come on, mate. We're full.
Please, it's bloody freezing out here.
I'm so sorry.
I'll sleep on the floor. What harm can I do?
I'm sorry. Those are the rules.
Hey...
..get yourself something to eat.
I'm sorry.
Not easy, is it?
No, it's not.
By the way, if you think he's gonna spend what you gave him
on his dinner, you're dafter than you look.
Kitchen could do with an extra pair of hands.
She seems quite unwell.
I should have realised something wasn't quite right
when she refused to eat yesterday evening.
Her appetite hasn't been good for a while,
but she always manages something.
And then she missed compline.
I thought she was being provocative.
I refused to be provoked.
I didn't think for one moment.
Of course, you didn't.
Now then, what's all this?
I do not wish to be here.
Please let me leave.
Where would you go?
I want to go home.
You are home, Sister.
Sister, look at her eyes.
They're looking a bit yellow.
Let's give the doctor a call.
The way she's eating, won't be long until she's on tea and toast.
Nearly took the bottle out of me hand this morning.
Very glad to hear that.
You know, I can't wait to take her out in her pram.
Show her off to all the neighbours.
I don't blame you. So when might that be?
Mrs Mason, the doctor explained.
You're still infectious.
Oh, so you say, but I feel tonnes better.
How would you feel if you made your neighbours ill?
We're still trying to work out where your infection came from.
It's odd that no-one else in the house seems to have it.
Odd? Well, it's a good thing, isn't it?
Yes, but we need to know where the infection started.
The couple of weeks before you had the baby, did you go anywhere?
Perhaps out to eat?
Oh yeah, I was up West doing the Twist (!)
You saw me, I was like the side of a house.
Perhaps you had a friend visit?
Because, if you did, we'll need to contact them.
If you could just think.
I don't need to bloody think.
Cause I didn't go anywhere and I didn't see anyone.
Ah, perfect timing.
For me? Thank you.
The RSVPs are flying in.
All saying, "We'll be attending with bells on."
That's good. Isn't it?
Means we can make a start on the table plan.
We?
Well, I need to know about any potential diplomatic incidents.
You know, warring aunts, kissing cousins.
It's how I find out your family secrets.
Mm.
Matthew?
Sorry.
I have another meeting with the solicitor this afternoon.
Yet more decisions to be made about my father's estate.
Well, I'm sure you'll make good ones.
I hardly know anymore.
Sometimes I'm sorely tempted to flip a coin.
What's the worst that could happen?
Nothing too disastrous.
Could ruin my father's legacy, destroy our future...
Is that all? (CHUCKLES)
You know, if you wanted to postpone...
No. I just don't want to -
Absolutely not.
Matthew, you've just lost your father.
You have so much to worry about.
The one thing I'm not worried about is marrying you.
It's the only thing keeping me going.
Anyway, my father thought the world of you.
I can't think of a more filling tribute to him
than for us to start our lives together as soon as possible.
(GASPS)
She's jaundiced and her liver is enlarged.
Hepatitis.
Just the latest case in the district.
I'm minded not to move her.
For a start, I don't need to tell anyone in this house
how to prevent the spread of infection.
I should hope not.
There's nothing she needs that she can't get here.
Agreed.
She will need to be kept hydrated.
Pain killers, if you feel it's necessary.
Other than that, I'm afraid we just have to hope
she can fight the infection off.
I won't pretend her age isn't a concern.
Thank you, Doctor.
Thank you. Oh!
Hello, young man.
I heard you were back.
I was wondering when our paths would cross.
I haven't been avoiding you.
I'm just keeping myself busy.
I understand.
But there's no need to be a stranger.
You're always welcome here.
I appreciate that.
She won't take it.
Imelda, you look terrible.
I'm fine. I just, I just need her to eat.
Are you sure? You feel cold to me.
Are you still bleeding?
Yeah, but a lot more than last time.
Right, that's enough. I'm going to get help.
Go to the nuns. They'll know what to do.
Right.
You be a good boy. Look after your mummy.
Daddy'll be back soon.
Any news on Sister Monica Joan?
She's comfortable but no better.
I have to admit, she's got me very worried.
Me too.
I was sad you didn't make it to the photo session.
I was looking forward to taking a snap of you and your Colette.
I don't know why. We've no chance of winning.
Oh, the competition means nothing.
It's just that Colette grows up a little bit more
every time I see her. She'll be all grown up before you know it.
I just thought you might like to capture the fleeting moment.
I didn't come along because I didn't think it was right.
What makes you say that?
The only category we could enter is the one for families.
And we're not a family.
We don't even live together.
You're more a family than plenty of others.
You've only to look at the two of you to see the love.
And after you fought so hard to be in Colette's life?
You're a family, lass.
And I never want you to think otherwise.
You hear me?
I hear you.
So, I've a couple of shots to use up before I send the films off.
What do you say?
(HEAVY KNOCKING ON DOOR)
I need you. I mean, I, I need a nurse.
Mr O'Connor? I've been looking for you.
They, they chucked us out.
And now she's had the baby and something's not right.
It barely cries and she's cold and she's clammy.
Wait here. I'll go grab my bag and then you show me where she is.
OK.
Hey, hey?
You were at the hostel last night?
Are you alright? Get off of me!
Come on...
What are you doing?
Get off of me. I'm taking you to a doctor.
I don't need a bloody doctor.
We'll let the doctor decide that.
Oh, you poor things.
We did our best.
I promise we did.
It's going to be alright.
Tell me, when did you give birth?
Yesterday.
Has she fed?
Hardly at all.
Imelda, I'm gonna need you to listen to me.
Your baby's very cold.
The best thing for you to do is to hold her.
Nice and close to your body.
That's it.
You just hold her and let her warm up next to you.
Did the afterbirth come away? Yes. Maurice got rid of it.
Let me just have a feel...
that's it.
Imelda? I'm going to give you an injection, hmm?
It's going to be alright. I found you.
Go outside and call an ambulance. Maurice?
It's gonna be alright.
They'll look after you.
Off you go.
Leon, I think you've picked up hepatitis.
I'm afraid it's doing the rounds at the moment.
Will I live?
That is rather up to you. May I?
I take it you didn't come by these medically.
Leon, I don't know what led you down this path,
but I would like to help you get off it.
I wouldn't waste your time.
That's not how I see it.
You're a young man, you don't want
to spend the rest of your life like this.
There are hospitals that treat addiction now.
I, I, I could make some calls...
(BABY CRYING)
Why won't you let a doctor help you? Help?
By getting me to give up the only thing that makes me happy?
No thanks, mate. The only thing? That can't be true.
You wouldn't say that if you knew anything about my life.
Then tell me.
Make me understand.
Right, my mother didn't want me when I was born.
So, she gave me away.
But it turns out, the people who took me in
didn't want me either in the end.
So, they put me in children's homes
where they made it pretty bloody clear
that no-one would ever want me.
I'm sorry.
Even then, I still didn't learn my lesson.
Decided I'd give my mother another chance.
And it went alright at first.
I thought I was finally gonna get what I wanted.
A family?
It turns out she's already got a new family.
Why would she need someone like me to screw it up?
Well, I am pleased to say, Baby is warming up nicely
in the incubator and has quite the appetite.
We'll put her on a course of antibiotics
to knock any infection on the head.
Next time, come to us.
There'll always be a bed for you here.
An abandoned building is no place for a labouring mother.
And certainly not a newborn baby.
Thank you.
Where's Paul?
He's just outside.
Can you get him? I want him to see that Mummy's getting better.
Yeah, in a minute.
What is it?
We've had to find somewhere for Paul to stay for the next few nights.
He can't stay with me?
Where's he gonna go?
Social Services has found someone to look after him.
My little girl stays with a foster family, and they're lovely.
Well, what about Maurice?
Can't he look after him?
The only place for Maurice to stay is a hostel for men.
And even if Paul could go there, you wouldn't want him to.
Can I say goodbye?
Of course.
Look...
There's my big boy.
Do you want to have a sit there, look.
There's so much, isn't there.
Are you going to be good?
Come here and give your mummy a kiss.
Alright, are you gonna say bye?
Look...
Bye. Bye bye.
I'll see you soon, sweetheart. Yeah, come on.
Is that really the best we can do?
It's not their fault they have no home.
In my experience, the fault rarely lies with the homeless.
Then who is to blame?
It's a long list.
At the top of it, I'd write 'circumstances.'
Once one thing goes wrong for a family,
it, it's hard to stop the next catastrophe
and the next and the next.
It takes on a terrible momentum all of its own.
You cannot keep me captive!
It isn't allowed.
You're not allowed.
It's alright, Sister.
Just rest.
Please, please.
I don't want to be here.
Do you not understand?
I understand.
(KNOCK ON DOOR) Come in.
I heard my friend is unwell.
I came to see her and to give you some respite.
You won't get much in the way of conversation.
She's very confused.
I'm not sure I have much to say, either.
But a great deal to think about.
Sister?
My friend has come home.
You were missed.
And I missed you.
I hope you're not using my clinical room as a tea-making facility.
This is purely medicinal.
I thought I might see if I could aid Sister Monica Joan's recovery.
In that case, carry on.
I think we'll try anything at this point.
You fear the worst?
Hepatitis in someone of her age?
I think we both know the odds.
That poor family came here to help build new homes
and they can't even find one to live in! Not even a caravan!
How can that be right?
It's difficult.
It only takes days to tear down the old buildings,
it can be months before they're replaced.
And then homes have to be allocated on a basis of need,
the bureaucracy involved in that is...
Well, hasn't that been thought about in any way?
It seems pretty simple to me.
Make sure there's enough homes for the families that need them!
You think I'm naive.
No.
Not at all.
All I know is that splitting up families
and handing their children over to complete strangers
shouldn't be the only option.
(DOOR OPENS, BELL RINGS)
Wait! Please, Leon!
I'm sorry. I know what you must be thinking...
You were going to tell 'em.
You were going to tell your husband, your family.
You changed your mind.
No, I had the baby and then I wasn't well.
I wanted to let you know but how could I?
I don't even know where you live.
Leon!
I want to tell 'em, I do!
But you haven't!
Lee...
Rosemary?
What are you doing out and about?
Let's get you inside.
It sounds like a decent place.
It is.
We've looked into it and it's safe and clean.
But only me and the kids can stay there?
I'm afraid so.
It's better than nothing.
What about you?
I'll be fine.
They've put me on that Kensal Rise job.
That's the other side of London!
Where are you gonna stay?
I'll find a doss house or something.
No!
Look, this way we can save up money,
by the time I'm done, we'll have enough for a deposit and rent.
And I'll be looking in on you and the baby.
I promise.
Thank you...for not giving up on my family.
Family are so important.
I never had one.
You don't need to tell me, but if there's anything I can do.
It's my mess to clear up.
You were right.
I had been somewhere, seen someone, before I fell ill.
Was it that young man I saw you speaking with?
He's my son.
She'd remembered right, the Sister.
It was a boy she delivered.
My Leon, but I was young and I wasn't married.
So you couldn't keep him.
I thought I'd never see him again.
And then there he was.
He'd got my name somehow and then he tracked me down.
My parents owned this place for years.
Everyone knew 'em.
So, all he had to do was ask about.
And I was happy when I saw him,
but he's had some problems and I had my other kids to think about.
Of course. And there's Arthur.
And we always promised we wouldn't keep any secrets from each other.
So, I just didn't know how to tell him.
What are you lot up to?
We got you a treat, Mum. Your favourite.
Fresh cream cakes?
There's one for each of us.
Ah, you're good children.
But there's one missing.
I'll see myself out.
Arthur, we need to talk.
What are you doing here?
We're going to go have our photo taken.
So, maybe we should do something about that hair?
Hmm?
Come on.
I was just a kid, Arthur.
I couldn't look after him, you see.
About a year later, I met you and we were so happy.
And I know what we said about secrets.
What did I know?
I was only a lad myself.
And I just didn't know how to tell you.
Oh, come here. It's alright.
Ah, welcome to the meeting of the Housing Sub-Committee.
Any apologies?
No apologies.
Good.
Now have we all read the minutes from the last meeting?
FEMALE VOICE: Yes.
Any objections on page one?
On page two?
Excuse me. If I may?
I'm sorry, we can't hear from the floor until matters arising.
You'll have to wait for that part of the agenda.
No, I'm sorry, but I won't.
This is exactly the problem that I came here to discuss.
This stultifying bureaucracy.
It is why we have a housing crisis in Poplar.
Interminable queues at the housing office.
It's turning people in need away.
I came here to ask for some concrete action.
For this committee to recognise that they cannot simply tear down
people's houses and then refuse to offer an alternative!
With respect, haven't you done your fair share of tearing things down?
Yes, I have, but I might have reconsidered
if I'd been made aware of the total lack of urgency in this committee!
That's hardly fair.
We take the problems of the ward very seriously
and there are procedures...
And there are families being torn apart!
Children being put into foster care
whilst their parents sleep in hostels.
And you think that turning up here
and shouting the odds is going to solve anything?
No...
But I would really like to discuss some possible solutions.
And furthermore, I would like to help in any way I can.
I've got someone who wants to see you.
Hello, Mum.
Here.
Oh no, none of that. You'll scare the poor sod off again.
Who knew council sub-committees could be...
so exciting.
I loved my father, but the way he did business...
I think I need to make some changes now that he's gone.
Councillor Buckle?
I, er, hope you didn't think I was attacking you personally.
Aren't I part of the stultifying bureaucracy?
Violet...
It only hurt because you weren't wrong.
I mean, that committee moves at the speed of treacle.
It needs a good kick up the...
Well, you know what.
But what it could really do with is some fresh blood.
Me?
Hmm.
Council elections are next year.
And your bridesmaids' dresses are nearly ready for a fitting,
so I will, er, give you a call.
Thank you.
We've had a delivery.
The photos?
How have they turned out?
Rather well.
It appears we've had a winner!
Your picture of the Shahs has secured the Fabulous Families award
for the district and is being put forward for the national final.
Well...
isn't that something?
A little more?
I've brought something to show you, Sister.
I only took it to use up the roll,
but I think it turned out rather well.
Don't you?
Sister?
I'm weary.
Perhaps you could let me be?
'What matters most?
'Memory itself or the love that feeds and frames it?
'Love lasts longer, so perhaps love wins.
'Love inspires, love nurtures.
'Love can be rekindled.
'And love knows many ways of being.
'It can be captured in a kiss or a fleeting look.
'It can be made immortal in a photograph.
'Love lives within the present and the past.
'Love has a future, we must not forget that.'
Captioned by Ai-Media ai-media.tv
Is that my brother? It certainly is!
I've been in training for this for 20 years!
I want it to look like Arnold, loads of black hair,
and eyes like pennies.
Mrs Yu, it needs something English!
Nonnatus House is not going to close.
Matthew's mother sold the family tiara!
What am I supposed to secure the veil with?