Originally transmitted: 11, 16, 18, 23 & 25 January 1978*
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 16 - Friday 20 June 1997
Episode Numbers: 1773 - 1777

* see 1977 for 2, 4 & 9 January 1978 editions

Monday (1773, 11 January 1978)
Ernie is taken to hospital. The police interview Mike and the girls from the factory. Emily comes home to find Ernie shot - she faints. Emily is rushed to Ernie's side. The hospital's top team operate on him. Mike speculates that Ernie was shot because he wouldn't hand over the money, and died a hero. Ernie dies on the operating table.

Tuesday (1774, 16 January 1978)
Everyone in The Street is shocked about Ernie. A reporter from the Gazette, whom Ernie used to work for, comes to do a feature on him. Emily has to identify the body.

Albert's chiropodist comes round - she's new, and a woman - and Albert takes a shine to her.

Wednesday (1775, 18 January 1978)
It's Ernie's funeral. The whole street turns out, and Annie keeps the Rovers closed until after the service.

Albert calls out his chiropodist again - she bumps into Ken.

Thursday (1776, 23 January 1978)
The MOT is overdue on Annie's Rover - Fred has to arrange it. The Rover fails - Annie thinks it's Fred's job to get it fixed.

Steve Fisher goes for another job (as an electrician). Suzie unwittingly lets Mike Baldwin know, and he is annoyed that it's in his time, without his knowledge. Steve is offered the job - but needs a good reference off Mike. he writes an apaulling one...

Sally Robson, Uncle Albert's chiropodist calls again. Ken meets her again, and they all have a cup of tea.

Friday (1777, 25 January 1978)
Fred has to get the Rover through its' test and ready for Annie by lunchtime. She's off to Southport with the Ladies Licenced Victullers. Bet gets Fred to dress up as a chauffeur. Annie just treats this as normal.

Steve goes to see Mike Baldwin - Mike admits it was a joke that backfired. He wants to keep Steve on and train him up as Assistant Manager. Steve agrees, and his first job is to find a new van driver.

Sally Robson is round again. It's obvious that Uncle Albert is matchmaking, and he arranges that Ken and Sally go to a film together.


Originally transmitted: 30 January, 1, 6, 8 & 13 February 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 23 - Friday 27 June 1997
Episode Numbers: 1778 - 1782

Monday (1778, 30 January 1978)
Alf sends a postcard to Renee - he's missing her.

Ken goes out with Sally - to a rugby league match at Sally's request. later in the Rovers she reveals she's divorced with a daughter.

George Livesey, a business contact of Mike Baldwin turns up. He invites Bet Lynch for a night out - leaving Mike alone at the Rovers. Mike even lends him the Jaguar.

Tuesday (1779, 1 February 1978)
George drives back, rather drunk, and whilst swerving to avoid something, causes Bet to bang her head on the windscreen. Next day Bet finds out a man has been run over. She tells George - and finds out he lost his licence 6 months ago, for drink-driving. Bet and Mike want to go to the police - but George threatens to withdraw a big contract if they do. Mike forces him to go to the police. George withdraws his contract - until Mike threatens to tell George's wife about Bet.

Uncle Albert goes off Sally after he finds out she's divorced.

Wednesday (1780, 6 February 1978)
Elsie, Gail & Suzie hear mice - or even rats - in the roof of No11 in the middle of the night. Next morning they get Eddie to have look - it's pigeons. Len has a look later on and finds they've come through a hole in Hilda's roof, which she refuses to repair or pay for. Suzie tries to move the birds - and puts her foot through Hilda's ceiling.

Emily returns from her sisters. people keep popping in - but Emily just wants to be alone - especially when Mavis comes to stay.

Thursday (1781, 8 February 1978)
Hilda sends Stan round to get Elsie and the girls to pay for the damage - he fails. Hilda goes round herself - Elsie throws her out. Hilda goes into the loft and puts Elsie's ceiling through with a brush.

Emily has to clear out Ernest's things. She explains to Mavis that she has to keep busy and get on with her life - so she goes back to work.

Friday (1782, 13 February 1978)
Elsie's ceiling will cost £25. Hilda beats her dirty bedroom carpet over Elsie's washing.

In an attempt to cause trouble, Suzie sends Stan a valentine card - but Stan & Hilda see through the plan.

Ken Barlow invites Sally Robson and her daughter round for a meal


Originally transmitted: 15, 20, 22, 27 February, & 1 March 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 30 June - Friday 4 July 1997
Episode Numbers: 1783 - 1787

Monday (1783, 15 February 1978)
The fued between Elsie and Hilda continues - with Hilda playing the radio loud. Len tries to act as a go-betweeen - but to no avail.

Phillippa Robson comes round to go to a Community Centre disco. Suprisingly, she gets on well with Uncle Albert.

Tuesday (1784, 20 February 1978)
Alf returns from London, with a present for Renee. Alf asks Renee about marriage - in a very roundabout sort of way.

Len prepares a bill for Hilda and Elsie - favouring Elsie by £5. The fued still continues, with Hilda causing interference on Elsie's TV and then emptying her dustbin in No11's back yard.

Wednesday (1785, 22 February 1978)
Hilda and Elsie are still at each others throats. After Elsie talks of sueing, Hilda finds out she can settle in the Small Claims Arbitration Court for £1 costs.

Renee says she can't marry Alf. Rita has a word with her and finds out Renee wanted a real proposal, and wants Alf to be more romantic. Len has a word with Alf. Late in the evening, Alf goes to Renee's and tells her he loves her - the wedding is ON !

Emily offers to babysit for Dierdre, who reluctantly agrees. Later, Emily opens up and thanks Ray and Dierdre for their support.

Thursday (1786, 27 February 1978)
Hilda and Elsie go to Court. To impress the court, Hilda dresses up, and Rita lends her a coat and hat; Elsie dresses down for the same reasons.

Suzie rings Roger Floriot (last summer's French student lodger) from the shop.

Alf and Renee buy an engagement ring

Friday (1787, 1 March 1978)
Suzie rings Roger again - but Steve Fisher finds out and stops her. However, she has arranged to spend summer in France.

The court decides that Hilda and Elsie each pay for their own repairs.

Alf and Renee hold an engagement party. They plan to get married at the end of the month.


Originally transmitted: 6, 8, 13, 15 & 20 March 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 7 - Friday 11 July 1997
Episode Numbers: 1788 - 1792

Monday (1788, 6 March 1978)
Suzie rings Roger again - and makes sure that Gail can't summer in France with them. Mike finds that the boutique phone bill is up £20 - Steve Fisher has to find out why. Suzie asks Steve to cover up for them - he doesn't, and Mike asks Steve to sack the culprit.

After Ernest Bishop's death, Ivy Tilsley takes round a petition in favour of hanging - Emily refuses to sign as Ernie was against capital punishment.

Alf decides that the wedding date is 20th March at the Registry Office

Tuesday (1789, 8 March 1978)
Renee asks Bet to be her bridesmaid. Alf plans to sell his house and move in with Renee over the shop. Bet isn't very happy that she is being thrown out...

Ernie's killers trial is in the Crown Court tomorrow - Hilda intends to watch. Mrs Lester, one of Ernie's killer's mothers comes to see Mike Baldwin. She pleads for some help - to no avail.

Suzie carries on ringing boyfriends - Mike asks Steve to sack her. He does, but later Mike and Steve give Suzie a second chance.

Wednesday (1790, 13 March 1978)
Ken collects for a flea market (a posh name for a jumble sale). Deirdre buys a plate for 25p, given by Betty Turpin. Later, Eddie Yeats gets it valued at £100

Emily, Mike, Len and Hilda go to the Crown Court. Mike Baldwin has to give evidence.

Alf arranges for a honeymoon in Capri

Thursday (1791, 15 March 1978)
Ray & Deirdre row over the plate. Deirdre sells it and gives half of the money to Betty.

Ernie's killers get life imprisonment. Mrs Lester is upset, Emily just feels regrets.

The lads go out on Alf's stag night, the girls on Renee's hen night. A rather drunk Len turns up at No9 under the watchful eye of a WPC. After she cautions him, Len demands that Rita identifies him ("do you realise you are talking to Councillor Fairclough") and gets her up out of bed. Rita is not amused and so partly as a joke says that she has never seen him before. Len is taken to the police station.

Friday (1792, 20 March 1978)
Len is kept in the cells overnight - and as he's best man, he's got the ring ! He turns up just in time.

Renee's mum and embarrasing step-father turn up for the wedding.

On her birthday, Elsie gets a decree nisi from Alan Howard


Originally transmitted: 22, 27 & 29 March, 3 & 5 April 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 14 - Friday 18 July 1997
Episode Numbers: 1793 - 1797

Monday (1793, 22 March 1978)
Alf and Renee have their reception in the Select at the Rovers (where else ?). Renee's stepfather makes an embarrasing speech, Len's is very humble. Rita leaves early, and later at No9 she rows with Len.

After a drunken Joe Hibbert suggests Alf married Renee for her money - Alf throws him to the floor.

Tuesday (1794, 27 March 1978)
It's Easter Monday.

Elsie is still very upset about the divorce. She rings Alan, but he tells Elsie he is marrying Elaine Dennett - the girl who came down from Newcastle last year and asked Elsie for a divorce to allow her and Alan marry.

Gail and Suzie enter Ken Balow's Easter bonnet parade - Suzie gets Annie Walker to lend her a hat. Suzie returns it with a grape juice stain - Annie lets everyone know she is not happy.

Albert and his mates hold a British Legion dominoes committee meeting in the Rovers snug - much to the annoyance of Ena Sharples, who's just back from her grandson's in Hartlepool.

The evening paper announces that Councillor Len Fairclough is to appear in court on drunk and disorderly charges.

Elsie decides she need an evening out to cheer her up, but both Rita and Bet turn her down, so she goes out on the town alone. She gets picked up by businessman Dave King - who thinks she's a prostitute. "Do you think I'm some kind of professional ?" "Let's face it kid, you're too old to be an amateur". Elsie is shocked and upset, and wanders around alone in the dark and rain.

Wednesday (1795, 29 March 1978)
Elsie arrives home devastated and humiliated. Next morning Mike Baldwin comes to see why she isn't in work, and she pours her heart out to him. Later, Gail and Suzie find a note from Elsie - she's left, taking most of her clothes with her.

Rita is annoyed and upset that Len's charge has been made public.

Albert and his friends arrive at the snug early - only to find Ena already installed there. Within the day she has won and the old codgers go back to the Legion.

Councillor Chapman comes round to No9 and asks Len to resign from the council - being charged with drunk and disorderly is "conduct unbecoming to a council member".

Thursday (1796, 3 April 1978)
Alf and Renee arrive back from their honeymoon in Capri

Mrs Motterhead, secretary of the Tenants and Ratepayers Association comes round and lets Len know that they no longer support him in the forthcoming elections.

Elsie phones the factory and resigns. In the factory, speculation is rife about who will get her job. Mike announces he will hold internal interviews.

Friday (1797, 5 April 1978)
Alf and Renee start to find it a strain living with Bet.

Len convenes a meeting of independent councillors. Based on the charges and Len's past history, they refuse to back him. Len goes home nearly in tears, and blames it all on Rita, who is in tears.

Mike Baldwin intervies Ida Clough, Vera Duckworth and Ivy Tilsley. Rather than appoint a new supervisor, Steve and Mike decide that Steve will oversee the factory, and they appoint Ivy as senior machinist on an extra £5 a week - rather than the £15 she was expecting as supervisor !


Originally transmitted: 10, 12, 17, 19 & 24 April 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 21 - Friday 25 July 1997
Episode Numbers: 1798 - 1802

Monday (1798, 10 April 1978)
Alf is still fed up with Bet. Renee lets Alf tell her she's being evicted - but Bet anticipates this and makes sure she stays. Emily says she'll have a word with Bet - with no more success.

Jim Conran, a local hotel owner, comes to see Len Fairclough and asks him to tender for an annexe for his hotel. He's pleased Len isn't being distracted by the council any more ! Ray Langton has to eat humble pie as he thought Len's charge would be bad for business.

Hilda Ogden is in a bad mood - so Stan buys her chocolates. Hilda thinks Stan is covering something up and so is even more annoyed.

Mavis Riley is also in a bad mood - it's her 40th birthday tomorrow.

Tuesday (1799, 12 April 1978)
It's Mavis' 40th birthday - and she doesn't like the idea. In the afternoon she gets flowers from Derek Wilton, but after the way Derek treated her with the house, she doesn't want to know - even when he phones later.

Bet sprays scent on Stan Ogden - fuelling Hilda's imagination. When Hilda confronts her, Bet only makes things worse with a deliberately ambiguous reply.

Alf and Renee try to tell Bet to go together - she shuts them up by saying she is loooking for another flat, and hopes they dion't mind. Later Bet turns down the flat as Alf and Renee "have been so nice to her" !

Wednesday (1800, 17 April 1978)
Alf is startled and annoyed to find Cliff Motram "a friend of Bet's" in his bathroom. Bet talks her way out of it, but later Renee warns her about having men stay over. A heated arguement ensues and Renee tells Bet that Mike Baldwin is paying £2 of her rent.

Ray Langton has to do a job for an old lady who is worried that Len might turn up drunk.

Derek Wilton phones again, and then turns up at The Kabin. Mavis doesn't want to know, but Rita arranges a meeting in the Rovers. When Mavis sees Derek in the Rovers, she walks away.

Thursday (1801, 19 April 1978)
Bet and Renee's 'discussion' continues. Bet feels Mike's contribution is nothing to do with her - her rent is £6!

Derek turns up at the Kabin again - and waits for Mavis in the Rovers. She finally turns up and Derek tries to apologise. He explains his mother if trying to force him into marriage. They go back to Mavis' flat to talk further - where they are met by Beryl - Derek's fiancée !!

Len tells Alf he is going to plaed 'not guilty' in court and conduct his own defence. Alf tries to arrange a solicitor.

Renee tells Mike she's spilled the beans about Bet's arrangement - he says he doesn't mind.

Friday (1802, 24 April 1978)
It's Derek and Beryl's engagement party tonight - Beryl thinks Derek and Mavis are still 'carrying on'. Derek has got cold feet - and then Beryl calls off the engagement. Derek tells Mavis he finds her "sympathetic".

Next day, Derek has three whiskies (!!) in the Rovers and then takes some flowers round to Mavis.

Len has arranged for a solicitor to represent him. In court, WPC Rogers evidence is pretty devastating - "in the police car he said 'come on love, we can sort this out, man to woman like. You're not a bad looking bird for a copper.' "


Originally transmitted: 26 April & 1, 3, 8 & 10 May 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 28 July - Friday 1 August 1997
Episode Numbers: 1803 - 1807

Monday (1803, 26 April 1978)
It's evident from WPC Rogers statements that Len Fairclough behaved in a very politically incorrrect way in the panda car. Len's solicitor play a blinder - and he is found "not guilty". However, the evening papers make a meal of it: He Put His Hand On My Knee and Said: "How About It Love ?" Humiliated, Rita locks len out of the bedroom that night.

To celebrate the first Mayday Bank Holiday, Annie Walker decides to fly to Jersey and see Billy.

Tuesday (1804, 1 May 1978)
Len wants to go to a council dinner in the evening - Rita doesn't want to because of all the snide remarks people will make. The end up going to the Rovers.

In the Rovers, Ken Barlow arranges a Lancashire Folk Night. For the first of many, many times, Betty Turpin serves up Lancashire Hot Pot.

At No11, Suzie and Gail arrange a party. Suzie invites Steve Fisher and plans "something special" for him - but he throws them both by bringing a girlfriend, Angie. 'Batesey' gatecrashes the party, but wanders off after the drinks run out - and drives off in Annie Walker's Rover.

Wednesday (1805, 3 May 1978)
The Folk Night at the Rovers continues - the guitarist finally turns up.Albert Tatlock recited a poem 'To Sarah'. Wendy Williams turns up - "her husband's on nights". Fred goes to give her a lift home and finds the Rover missing. PC Bell arrives to investigate the theft but is more concerned about the after-hours drinking he finds.

The party at No11 continues too - Suzie gets close to Steve. Angie isn't happy and rows with Steve - she goes home alone. Suzie gets Steve to change a lightbulb in her bedroom. Tim tries to chat up Deirdre, but Ray intervenes. Later Gail catches Suzie and Steve getting dressed in her bedroom...

Thursday (1806, 8 May 1978)
Next morning Fred looks for the Rover without success - and Gail isn't talking to Suzie after she slept with Steve Fisher.

Fred panics as he has to pick up Mrs Walker from the airport, and Betty worries about the after-hours drinking. In desperation, Fred borrows Len Fairclough's Transit van. Annie brags to a fellow passenger that "Frederick, my chauffeur" will collect her, and she grandly offers to give her a lift to Bramhall in the Rover. When he walks them to Len's van, Annie is apopleptic. Back at the Rovers, Annie has to run the gauntlet of silent but knowing locals - and takes her fury out on Fred.

Hilda gets a letter from her American wartime sweetheart Ralph E Curtis - he's back in Britain on a visit.

Friday (1807, 10 May 1978)
All the Rovers staff are still worried about the after-hours drinking.

Emily Bishop helps organise a Pram Race for the Friends of Weatherfield Hospital, together with Ken Barlow and the brewery.

Gail is still annoyed with the way Suzie treated Steve - but when Suzie tries to arrange a night out with him, he says he's going out with Angie.

The police find the Rover and Fred goes to pick it up. It's untouched, apart from a note - "Your tappets need adjusting".

Hilda butters up Stan with fish and chips before telling him about Ralph. It doesn't work and Stan still gets annoyed. Despite Stan's protestations, Hilda rings Ralph in his hotel in Stratford-on-Avon. Ralph says he'll come and see her.

Barry Goodwin, the Newton & Ridley rep is in the Rovers, heping organise the Pram Race. Albert thinks he's come about the after-hours drinking and lets on. To make it worse, Barry tells Annie that Newton & Ridley may be taken over. Annie speaks to Billy, but comes off the phone in tears, worried about the licence, but more worried about the future of her home - the Rovers Return.


Originally transmitted: 15, 17, 22, 24 & 29 May 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 4 - Friday 8 August 1997
Episode Numbers: 1808 - 1812

Monday (1808, 15 May 1978)
Billy Walker arrives to comfort his mother, followed shortly by his sister Joan - who stays overnight, depriving Fred Gee of his bed - he stays with Betty Turpin.

Hilda Ogden wears a new dress and has her hair done for Ralph's arrival. Stan is still hostile to him, but after a few drinks, and finding Ralph has recently been on strike, he warms to him.

Ray Langton and Len Fairclough find out that Jim Conran has awarded them the hotel contract.

Tuesday (1809, 17 May 1978)
It's Stan Ogden's birthday. Ralph organises a sight-seeing tour of central Manchester and Cheshire. He brings Stan a bottle of whisky.

Billy and Joan row over Annie's future - neither want to take responsibility for her. Joan finally offers a place in her home - but Annie turns it down. Billy confides in Len that his mother's prospects aren't good with the brewery take-over. Len suggests Billy taking over the licence as a way out.

Inspector Gorman calls at the Rovers. He gives Annie a lecture about after-hours drinking.

Wednesday (1810, 22 May 1978)
Len gets 20 cheap baths delivered for the hotel job. Ray isn't happy as they've borrowed money to finance the fittings - he would rather work 'labour only'. Len gets Dougie Clayton to store some of the stock in his warehouse, and sleeps in the yard to guard the rest.

Bet fishes with Billy Walker to see if he does intend to take over the Rovers. Billy goes to see Richard Creswell at Newton & Ridleys and asks about the proposed take-over by Morleys. He puts himself forward as a potential tenant of the Rovers.

Ken Barlow and Emily Bishop try to get entrants for their Community Centre Pram Race from the local pubs.

Thursday (1811, 24 May 1978)
Annie says it may take some adjusting to her son's name over the door - even though this assures her future at the Rovers. Later she goes to see Mr Creswell - she realises that Billy really doesn't want to take over the Rovers. Richard Creswell gives her the good news that the Morleys take-over has fallen through - her home is safe ! Annie tells Billy that she can now stay on as tenant. Billy is disappointed, but realises that his life is in Jersey. To celebrate, Annie goes on holiday to a health farm.

The residents of the street get worried when a woman from the Flying Horse trains for the Pram Race down the street.

There's a fire a Clayton's warehouse. Len and Ray have £3,000 worth of stock in there...

Friday (1812, 29 May 1978)
Clayton's Warehouse is gutted - Len's lost everything. He prepares an inventory for the insurance company. Later Doug Clayton tells Len and Ray he was insured 'buildings only' - not contents. They HAVE lost everything.

The Rovers enters three teams in the Pram Race - Gail Potter & Fred Gee, Mavis Wilton & Eddie Yeats and Suzie Birchall & Steve Fisher. Mavis gives up with the race - Eddie has to push her. The race is won by Suzie & Steve - who are immediately disqualified because Steve couldn't finish his beer and Suzie drank his last pint. A team from the Flying Horse win. Mavis & Eddie are left stranded, and she dumps the pram in a back alley.


Originally transmitted: 31 May, 5, 7, 12 & 14 June 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 11 - Friday 15 August 1997
Episode Numbers: 1813 - 1817

Monday (1813, 31 May 1978)
Steve Fisher has a hangover after the Pram Race. The prizes are handed out at the Flying Horse. £525 was raised for Weatherfield Hospital. There's a free barrel of beer for the Flying Horse. Eddie Yeats gets barred from the Rovers and so changes his allegence to the Flying Horse, with its' free beer - until he is barred from there too.

Len Fairclough and Ray Langton don't know what to do about the £3,000 they've lost. Rita and Deirdre want them to complete the contract. Ray decides to see if he can borrow £3,000 off Emily Bishop. Deirdre forbids him to ask her.

Newton & Ridley offer Fred Gee a pub - on condition he's a married man.

Tuesday (1814, 5 June 1978)
Fred has been offered The Mechanics on Commercial Road "a rabbit hutch" according to Betty Turpin. Fred moots marriage to Betty - who flatly refuses. Fred keeps looking for a wife, and targets Bet next.

Len asks Alf Roberts to lend him £3,000 - but Alf doesn't have £3,000 as he hasn't sold his house yet. As Len used The Kabin as security for the last £3,000, he tells Ray to raise the capital this time. ray decides to see the building society for a second mortgage - but Deirdre refuses, knowing Len and Rita have much more to loose if the business goes bankrupt.

Wednesday (1815, 7 June 1978)
Rita suggests that she tries Eric Summers - a rich punter from the Gatsby Club, but Len is dead against it. Len goes to the bank and asks for another loan, but the signs aren't hopeful. In the meantime, Rita speaks with Eric. Much to Len's annoyance he offers the money straight away, but at 30% interest, Len turns him down immediately. Luckily, the bank offer him the money.

Fred asks Bet if she'd like a pub of her own - and would she like to marry him (for the pub !). She gently turns Fred down.

Thursday (1816, 12 June 1978)
Fred is still looking for a wife. He invites a woman out, and waits for her in the Flying Horse. She doesn't turn up, but he gets talking to Alma, the barmaid.

Hilda is fed up cleaning at the factory - the women aren't very tidy and her cleaning equipment is old. Steve Fisher tells Hilda to make her list of her needs. Mike Baldwin agrees that she can have some polish and dusters - but not a new brush (even though there are hardly any bristles on it !). Hilda goes on strike until she gets a new brush - so Mike sacks her.

Renee Roberts is worried about her mother - she isn't getting on with Joe Hibbert.

Friday (1817, 14 June 1978)
Ivy Tilsley complains about the messy factory, but Mike tells her she'll have to put up with it. When the girls hear that Hilda has been sacked, they demand that she is reinstated. Mike refuses - so the factory goes on strike.

Renee goes to Lancaster to spend a few days with her mother. Alf looks after the shop.

Fred goes round to the Flying Horse at lunchtime to see Alma Walsh again. He takes her out in the afternoon - but the Rover gets a flat tyre.


Originally transmitted: 19, 21, 26, 28 June & 3 July 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 18 - Friday 22 August 1997
Episode Numbers: 1818 - 1822

Monday (1818, 19 June 1978)
Elsie has said she's returning - the girls have to clear up quickly. Elsie comes home to a load of unpaid bills, but as she's looking to the future, she doesn't let them get her down.

As Hilda hasn't been reinstated, the factory girls hold a union meeting - they decide to go on strike. The union won't pay strike pay as Hilda isn't a member. They draw up a picket rota.

Folk start to make jokes of Bet looking after Alf whilst Renee is away.

Tuesday (1819, 21 June 1978)
The factory is on strike - with a picket line. Mike Baldwin & Steve Fisher decide to send work down to their London factory, but the picket line stop it leaving.

Annie Walker warns Alf about the gossip people are making. Alf spend the night at his old house. Bet cautions against this as it will give the gossips something else to talk about

Elsie announces that she's reverting to the name Tanner

Wednesday (1820, 26 June 1978)
Mike turns up for work in a taxi - he doesn't want his Jaguar scratched. As they can't get stock to the Western Front, Mike says he might have to sack one of the girls. Gail & Suzie try to collect some stock from the factory - but aren't allowed across the picket line.

Bet 'innocently' stirs up gossip about her and Alf. Alf is staying at his old house - but doesn't admit it to anyone - he tells people he's working nights. Renee arrives back unexpectedly a day early. After Alf hurridley goes off to a council meeting, Renee wonders if everything is OK, especially when Ken Barlow tells her Alf was sleeping at his old house.

Hilda can't manage without her wage from the factory, and gets Stan to hand over some of his 'spending money'. Stan gets Hilda a job cleaning at the abbatoir offices.

Thursday (1821, 28 June 1978)
Renee tackles Alf - who admits he has spent some nights at his old house. Renee agrees that this just gave the gossips something to talk about. Later in the shop, Ida deliberately stirs the gossip. Alf brings Renee flowers - but she has a go at him. Renee decides to do something about the gossip, and tells Bet she has to go.

Hilda is worried that taking the abbatoir job would be betraying the strikers - but she takes it all the same.

Mike tries to farm out some work to Cottams of Bury. Ivy gets the union to black the work. Mike decides to bring in non-union labour.

Fred Gee takes out Alma Walsh again. Alma tells Fred she hates bar work, but it brings in the money. Alma works out the situation and knows their relationship is at an end. Fred is really upset.

Friday (1822, 3 July 1978)
Mike starts to recruit non-union labour. he brings it in for an evening shift when there's only one picket on duty. When the rest of the strikers find out, there's a near-riot at the factory.

Emily Bishop finds out Ena Sharples has back trouble. Eddie investigates and finds out her bed needs replacing.

It's Ray and Dierdre's wedding anniversary - but Ray is working so hard on the hotel he doesn't notice.

Hilda starts her new cleaning job at the abbatoir - but the girls ask her to man the picket line at the same time.


Originally transmitted: 5, 10, 12, 17 & 19 July 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 25 - Friday 29 August 1997
Episode Numbers: 1823 - 1827

Monday (1823, 5 July 1978)
The pickets get worse - Annie Walker calls the police. The strike-breaking girls want to go home - the police ensure they get out OK. Mike decides he will talk to Ivy as he thinks he's winning. Ivy demands Hilda gets her job back, and they all get full pay whilst on strike ! Mike only offers to reinstate Hilda. Ivy says the girls won't go accept the offer - but they do. Ida Clough tells Hilda the 'good news'. Steve Fisher suggests it may not have happened if Elsie was there - Mike offers her her old job.

In the meantime, Hilda starts work at the abbatoir, but after speaking to Ida feels she has to give it up.

Emily tells Ena that Social Security would pay for another bed, but Ena refuses any "charity". Eddie and Emily start collecting for a new bed for Ena.

Tuesday (1824, 10 July 1978)
Renee gets a phone call from her mum, in tears. Joe Hibbert has left her. Renee goes to see her. Bet finds another flat in Gas Street. When Renee gets back, she tells Alf that Joe has cleaned out all the bank accounts. renee raises the possibility of her mum staying with them now Bet is going.

The community raise £40 for Ena's bed. Ena refuses to take it. Eddie leaves the £40 on her table, but she returns it. Taking up a suggestion from Albert Tatlock, Emily Bishop (!) suggests breaking in and replacing the bed.

Elsie still hasn't made her mind up about Mike's job offer - she sees it as part of her 'Elsie Howard' baggage. She gets the offer of another sewing room job at Spencers in Salford.

Wednesday (1825, 12 July 1978)
Despite both Alf and Renee's reservations, it looks like Daisy Hibbert will come and live with them. Len suggests that Alf tries to ensure Bet stays on - which he does - and she yet again, Bet stays in the Corner Shop bedsit.

Albert invites Ena for a drink at the Rovers. Whilst she's out, Eddie and Ray (both more than qualified !) break into Ena's and install the new bed. Later, in the Rovers, Ena announces her bed - containing her life savings - has been stolen. She shocks the whole pub, before letting them know she was joking.

Elsie takes the job at Baldwins. She asks for a £5 raise - like Spencers. Mike refuses, as travelling to Salford would have cost her £5 a week !

Ray tells Len that the hotel developer has gone bust - they've lost the hotel contract - AND £3,000 !!

Thursday (1826, 17 July 1978)
Ray tries to retreive something from the situation. Dick Rawlins, a partner of Jim Conran, comes to see Ray and Len. He tells Ray they'll only get some of their money back. Len, Rita, Ray and Deirdre get together to sort something out. Rita tries to ensure the Langtons pay half, and that the Kabin isn't for sale.

At the hospital, Emily comes across a battered wife. They get talking, and Emily invites her back to No3. She buys a bottle of brandy for her from the Rovers - which gets a curious Annie Walker nosing around.

Friday (1827, 19 July 1978)
Brenda Summers, the battered wife, decides to leave her husband. She sees a sign in the Kabin for a bedsit in Victoria Street. her husband, John Summers, forces his way into No3 and searches for his wife. She isn't in. Later he comes round again and dumps their two children on Emily's doorstep.

The Faircloughs are resigned to selling the Kabin - but don't tell anyone. Ray 'casually' mentions this to Mavis when in the Kabin - so her mind starts to work overtime... When he sees Ray, Len is adamant he won't sell the Kabin, and Ray and Deirdre will have to find £30 a week to repay the loan. They clearly will struggle to afford this. Len suggests to Rita that she starts singing again at the Gatsby - much to Rita's annoyance. Unsuprising really considering his strong objections a few months ago !


Originally transmitted: 24, 26 & 31 July; 2 & 7 August 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 1 - Friday 5 September 1997
Episode Numbers: 1828 - 1832

Monday (1828, 24 July 1978)
Brenda Summers and her kids are still staying at Emily's. Emily gets Ken Barlow to give Brenda some advice - he suggests getting an injunction against her husband.

Deidre considers working at the Flying Horse to bring some money in, much to Ray's objections. As Rita won't sing at the Gatsby, Len considers working on oil rigs. Rita decides to see Ralph Lancaster after all. Ralph can't help her - he's got his new girlfriend Jilly West working at the Gatsby full-time.

After Betty was charged £40 an hour by an emergency plumber, Ray thinks of going into the emergency repair business.

Tuesday (1829, 26 July 1978)
It's Sunday. Emily takes Brenda's kids to church; Brenda can't stop thinking about her husband. He comes round later and tries to persuade her back. She decides to go home.

Len and Ray get their first emergency job. it's a pensioner, and Len doesn't have the heart to charge her more than a fiver. At the end of the day they take £25 - both of them are too soft.

Rita goes to see Ralph again - she needs to know she isn't over the hill. Ralph suggests trying the Tannery - a Working Men's Club. Rita isn't amused.

Wednesday (1830, 31 July 1978)
Hilda's away, and Stan needs some money to go to the races with Eddie Yeats. Hilda has cleaned out her tins, so Stan has to resort to working, cleaning windows. However, it's been so long since he's been out that the houses on his round have been demolished. Whilst passing a church, Eddie and Stan think they might make more money cleaning church windows. Eddie 'sweet talks' the vicar...

Builders move into the empty shop next door to the Kabin. Baker Joe dawson is opening up another outlet for his bread and cakes. he neglects to tell Rita, Mavis and Len that it's also going to be a cafe.

Rita reluctantly sings at the Tannery Club.

Thursday (1831, 2 August 1978)
It's a bad day for Rita. The Tannery Club definately wasn't her sort of venue and then Mr Healey, the local Environmental Health Officer, comes round to the Kabin. The Kabin should have toilets for both men and women - and a member of the public has complained. Later Len asks Alf, with his council contacts, to find out who reported them.

Stan and Eddie look forward to a new career cleaning church windows - they even hire a long ladder. A fter a few hours hard work, the vicar rewards them with a contact at St Chads - and praises them for donating their time free of charge !

Friday (1832, 7 August 1978)
Alf finds out that Joe Dawson put the complaint in - and his planning permission included a cafe !! Len goes to see Joe Dawson in a rage - but manages to keep his hands off him.

Emily goes for a job - as a manager at Dawsons ! She gets it.

The Street - and Elsie Tanner in particular - are plagued by bored schoolkids playing football in the school holidays. Elsie confiscates Jason Pearce's football and clips him round the ear.


Originally transmitted: 9, 14, 16, 21 & 23 August 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 8 - Friday 12 September 1997
Episode Numbers: 1833 - 1837

Monday (1833, 9 August 1978)
Emily asks Joe Dawson why she shopped the Kabin. He explains that he asked at the council whilst making his planning application why he had to have toilets when the Kabin didn't. The dispute creates bad feeling between Rita and Emily. Len realises that there's no way he can fit loos in. Mavis suggests converting the space to sell records. Later Joe Dawson comes round to make the peace - Rita isn't interested.

At No11, Gail and Suzie bemoan the fact they have no washing machine - the washing line was on the floor with all their clean clothes still on it. They suspect the kids did it. Later, Jason's mother complains to Elsie about clipping him round the ear - in the Rovers !! Getting no joy, she says she's going to the police...

Tuesday (1834, 14 August 1978)
A policeman comes round to see Elsie. They don't take the matter any further.

The Kabin opens an new records and greeting cards section - Len and Ray are fitting it out. Ray meets Janice Stubbs, the new assistant at Dawson's. Joe Dawson is turning out to be a hard-nosed businessman.

Wendy Williams comes to see 'Freddie' Gee again. She's left her husband and thinks Freddie will help her. She manages to stay overnight in the Rovers, much to Fred's worry - he doesn't want anything to do with her.

Wednesday (1835, 16 August1978)
Wendy cooks breakfast for 'Freddie' next morning, and then 'makes herself useful' for him all day. Fred frets - even more so when Wendy's ex-rugby player husband phones and says he's coming round. However, Joe Williams tries to palm his wife off onto Fred. His plan backfires and he has to walk out of the Rovers hand-in-hand with his wife - and he's furious.

Steve Fisher dines at Dawson's and takes a shine to assistant Janice Stubbs. He gives Rita and Mavis a critics review of his meal.

Deirdre gets some good news. She and Rita get a Chinese meal for Len and Ray. Conran has another developer and the hotel job is back on again !

Thursday (1836, 21 August 1978)
Uncle Albert tidies up as Ken's son Peter is coming down from Glasgow.

Elsie feels down - the girls suggest a night out. She agrees - but when she gets home neither Gail or Suzie can make it. Elsie goes to the pictures alone, and gets a taxi back. She gets chatting with the driver, and when she gets back finds that she doesn't have enough money to pay the fare. He lets her off - and she invites him in for a cup of tea.

The Rovers has been chosen to appear on the cover of the first issue of the new Newon & Ridley house magazine 'Over The Bar'. Annie and Bet dress up to the nines - Betty can't be bothered. Bet and Annie flirt in front of the camera, Betty just gets on with her job.

Friday (1837, 23 August 1978)
Peter and Albert talk at his allottment. Peter gets his exam results - just one O-level in Metalwork.

Photographer Norman Hill calls back with the photo proofs. Annie and Bet are impressed. Later the magazine arrives - Betty and Eddie Yeats are on the front cover. Annie and Bet are livid.

Taxi driver Ron Mather invites himself round to No11 for another cup of tea.


Originally transmitted: 28 & 30 August; 4, 6 & 11 September 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 15 - Friday 19 September 1997
Episode Numbers: 1838 - 1842

Monday (1838, 28 August 1978)
Peter Barlow's worried about his exam results. Edith Tatlock (Peter's gran) rings and tells Ken about Peter's results. He disappears - but turns up late at night.

Hilda and Stan Ogden get a final reminder about their water rates. After finding out that everyone pays the same, Hilda forces Stan to have a bath every night. Stan goes to sleep as the bath overflows...

The brewery is looking for its' longest customer - Albert Tatlock thinks he's the clear favorite, but Ena Sharples thinks she is.

Tuesday (1839, 30 August 1978)
The water has ruined Hilda's "muriel". She decides to replace it with a seascape. The water works its' way through to No15 as well - but Stan and Hilda say nothing.

Peter and Ken talk about Peter's future. He wants to leave school and get a job in journalism. Ken makes him stay in Weatherfield and re-take his exams. Peter rings his grandmother for some money back to Glasgow. Later she rings and says she's coming down to Weatherfield.

Albert and Ena still row about the longest customer. Ena produces Lizzie Hinchcliffe who proves Ena was in the Rovers, Christmas Eve, 1914. Ena 's name is put forward.

Wednesday (1840, 4 September 1978)
Edith Tatlock comes down from Glasgow. She and Ken 'discuss' Peter's future.

Mike takes a buyer out, and comes back very drunk. Elsie gets Ron Mather to taxi him back to his hotel - but Mike hasn't any money left.

Thursday (1841, 6 September 1978)
Ron Mather comes to the factory to pick up his money. Mike thinks he's being ripped off, but Ron handles himself well, and eventually Mike pays up.

Edith goes back to Glasgow after rowing with Ken - but Peter stays in Weatherfield.

Hilda cadges the remaining paint Renee and Alf used to re-decorate their damp patch that mysteriously appeared.

Friday (1842, 11 September 1978)
Gail isn't very well - she has a bad tummy, and takes a day off work. Steve comes round to cheer her up. Both Elsie and Albert also had bad tummies - Albert blames Annie Walker's beer. much to Annie's annoyance. Later suspicion falls on Annie's meat pies.

After work, Suzie claims she could run the Western Front on her own.

As the hotel contract is winding down, Deirdre suggests a holiday abroad. Ray goes for lunch at the cafe. He chats up Janice Stubbs and asks her out later. Ray goes, but Janice doesn't turn up.


Originally transmitted: 13, 18, 20, 25 & 27 September 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 22 - Friday 26 September 1997
Episode Numbers: 1843 - 1847

Monday (1843, 13 September 1978)
Annie Walker starts taking her delivery of meat pies from Joe Dawson - though people suspect they caused tummy trouble. Fuelled by Albert Tatlock's gossip, the Rovers pies sell very slowly. Another three girls from the factory come down with stomach trouble. Annie goes to see Joe Dawson and cancels her order. Later Joe Dawson comes round, takes the pies back and refunds Annie - just as Eddie Yeats was going to buy them cheap !

Ray Langton goes to Dawson's cafe again. Janice didn't turn up because she thought Ray wasn't serious - they arrange to meet again tonight. They go out for a drink... and a snog.

Elsie gets an invite to the Miami Modes Christmas Party. She arranges to go with Ron Mather.

Tuesday (1844, 18 September 1978)
Annie complains to Renne Roberts that she's been gossiping about her pies (it was actually Albert Tatlock). Stan Ogden and Annie Walker come down with dicky tummies. Joe Dawson comes into the Rovers to settle his account. He also loudly announces that he's submitted his pies to the Public Analyist - they passed 100%.

Albert - the major gossip - decides to get to the bottom of the dodgy pies mystery. He gets Gail and Suzie to help. They pinpoint the source to the Corner Shop, but can't work out exactly what.

Ron gets a fare that wants to go to the races, and so he can't pick Elsie up. He sends a female cabbie instead. They get chatting. Ron doesn't see his wife, keeps himself to himself, but is sometimes seen in the company of a very smart woman.

Ray goes round to the cafe as it closes to see Janice.

Wednesday (1845, 20 September 1978)
Annie ensures the Corner Shop gets the full glare of suspicion about the food poisoning: "Is it any wonder that place is teeming with germs?" Elsie gets a bad stomach again. Annie encourages community action against "this public menace". Suspicion starts to fall on Renee's salad barm cakes. Renee gets her salad supplies from Albert Tatlock...

The deputation grows with Renee, and they all see Albert at his allottment. Albert has been spraying his vegetables with a pesticide that should be left for seven days before eating ! On hearing the news, Joe Dawson goes to the Rovers. Annie buys his drinks, but doesn't apologise. However, she does reach an 'understanding' with him.

Ray goes to see Janice and they arrange to go out again. They end up at Janice's flat for coffee and ....

Ron calls round. As Elsie's tummy is still bad, they have a night in at No11.

Thursday (1846, 25 September 1978)
Dawn Sampson calls round at No11 - she's got a "special relationship" with Ron. It turns out she's Ron's dancing partner and she is frightened Elsie is a rival dancer. Ron is a championship ballroom dancer !

The cracks are showing in Ray's excuses - so he calls round at her flat at lunchtime. Things get worse when Joe Dawson tells Emily (who has just got back off holiday) that Janice is "knocking around" with Ray Langton. Len warns Ray that he's realised Ray is having an affair, and that he should stop it.

Friday (1847, 27 September 1978)
Ray leaves home early - he "has to be on site early for a delivery". In reality he goes and sees Janice. Janice is consequently late into work again. Emily seeks clarification about Janice and Ray from Joe Dawson. He can't confirm anything, but later Ray arranges to meet Janice for lunch, and Emily sees her climbing into Ray's van.

In the afternoon Janice tries to convince Emily it's innocent. She doesn't succeed.

In the evening, Deirdre cooks Ray a special meal "as he's been working so hard in the evenings" this week. Janice phones Ray and he goes to see her. Janice realises Emily knows what's going on. Ray suggests cooling things for a few days.


Originally transmitted: 2, 4, 9, 11 & 16 October 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 29 September - Friday 3 October 1997
Episode Numbers: 1848 - 1852

Monday (1848, 2 October 1978)
Ray's stayed in for five whole nights ! Janice goes into the Rovers at lunchtime to look for Ray - he isn't there. Relations between Janice and Emily become strained. Janice rings the Yard and asks to speak to Ray. he isn't in, so she asks Len to tell Ray to phone her. Len isn't very pleased, and so when he meets up with Ray he tears a strip off him - he NEVER wants to be involved again.

Mavis' back goes whilst bending down in the Kabin. A Mr Garfield, who works at Weatherfield General happens to call in and a bit of his massage soon puts her right.

Tuesday (1849, 4 October 1978)
Mavis tells of her cured back. Amazingly enough, Annie Walker suffers from the same complaint ! Mr Garfield comes back to the Kabin to check that Mavis is OK and give her a bit more massage. Annie asks Mavis to mention her complaints to him. Ena mentions she knows a Mr Garfield at Weatherfield General - but he's a porter !

Fred gets caught giving Ena her free drink a week early

Despite Len giving Ray a warning again, he goes to see Janice and they go out for a drink, and then back to her flat. Ray uses the firm's van - and Len suddenly needs it to run Rita to an engagement in Warrington. Rita rings the Weatherfield Legion, where Ray is supposed to be playing in a snooker match - but Ray isn't there !

Wednesday (1850, 9 October 1978)
Deirdre has a go at Ray about the 'snooker match'. She wonders if Ray is having an affair. Deirdre asks Rita, but she doesn't know anything. Deirdre asks Ray if he goes into the cafe often. Emily finds it hard to lie and tells her that Janice and Ray are friendly. Deirdre calls in the cafe and sees Janice - she says nothing, but Deirdre knows. Ken tries to interest Bet in the Community Centre yoga classes.

Mr Garfield calls into the Kabin again. Rita persuades Mavis to take Mr Garfield to the Rovers for lunch. he's inroduced to Annie. She tells him her tales of woe and he manipulates her back.

Thursday (1851, 11 October 1978)
At No5, Deirdre tells Ray she's leaving. Ray says the affair's over - and sleeps on the sofa.

Annie's back is cured. Mr Garfield returns to check up and manipulate again. Emily bumps into "Philip Garfield" on his way out of the Rovers. Annie is shocked that Emily addresses a senior consultant in such a casual way. Emily explains he is just a porter. "He handled me !" exclaims a distraught Mrs Walker.

Ken gets some mail explaining that his son wants to join the Navy.

Friday (1852, 16 October 1978)
Ken and Peter row about joining the Navy. Ken gets Albert to talk to Peter out of the Navy, but Albert thinks it's a good idea.

Hilda puts Stan's watch forward to make him work earlier. it just encourages him to take an early lunch. Eddie comes round - he's got a mate who will pay £3 for the loan of a handcart. Tiny Hargreaves returns it late in the evening - but gives Stan £5, and a further £10 if he can borrow it the following day.

Steve Fisher take Suzie and Gail to an all-night party in Didsbury. Ron Mather gets beaten up by a fare who doesn't want to pay. he turns to Elsie for help, and as the girls are away, he stay the night at No11.


Originally transmitted: 18, 23, 25 & 30 October; 1 November 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 6 - Friday 10 October 1997
Episode Numbers: 1853 - 1857

Monday (1853, 18 October 1978)
Steve drops Gail and Suzie home after the all-night party. Hilda gossips as Ron's taxi has been outside No11 all night.

Ken arranges for a Navy recruitment officer to come round to talk to Peter. He impresses on Peter it's no easy ride and he needs some O-levels.

Stan and Eddie lend the handcart to Tiny Hargreaves - and spend the day at the Races on the proceeds. Hilda sees Tiny with Stan's handcart. Not knowing he's borrowed it, she takes it back whilst Tiny is in a pub. A PC gives Hilda a hand - until he becomes suspicious about the weight and looks under the tarpaulin. It's loaded with roofing lead !

Tuesday (1854, 23 October 1978)
Stan has to go the police station for his handcart. He tells them his alibi - he was at the Races - alone. Stan feels it better the police don't know of his association with known criminal Eddie Yeats. The police want to keep the cart for further investigations - Eddie thinks he's heading for prison. Tiny Hargreaves comes round and admits that the cart has been 'stolen'. Tiny gives him £25 in compensation - and to keep their mouths shut.

In the Rovers, Steve says Peter Baldwin could do a lot worse than going into the Navy - upsetting Bet whose son was killed on active service in Belfast.

The air is still tense at No5 - and Ray is still sleeping on the sofa.

Wednesday (1855, 25 October 1978)
Stan and Eddie have to work without a cart. They go to No13 for lunch, when DC Thronton calls round. they've found Eddie's fingerprints on the cart - he's now the prime suspect. He asks Stan if he has seen Eddie (hiding in Hilda's kitchen) recently - he says not for years. Thornton goes to the Rovers and lets Hilda know that Stan was at the Races. Hilda is furious.

Peter Barlow moves back to Glasgow to finish school before joining the Navy.

Ray and Deirdre are still walking on hot coals. Ray persuades Mavis to babysit for them. Deirdre doesn't want to go out, and can't easily forgive Ray. She doesn't know what to do about their marriage

Thursday (1856, 30 October 1978)
At No 11, Gail pampers Ron after he's been out with the cab all night. She says she used to do the same for her dad when he was on nights (!). Ron calls round with a winter holiday brochure, saying he's already got the tickets! Elsie is annoyed about this - but of course, she agrees to go.

Eddie sleeps rough to avoid the police. he goes round to No13 in the morning - and the police call round. Stan and Eddie try to explain they were at the Races together. They decide to re-imburse Tiny for the loan of the handcart. He thanks them, gives Stan £10 for his honesty, and says it's good that he always knows where to hire a handcart from....

Later the police question Eddie again. The lead was stolen on the Monday - Eddie and Stan were at the races on the Wednesday. They were cleaning windows down Farraday Street on Monday - and the lead was stolen from... Farraday Street !

Ray forgets to put in a£3,000 council tender. Len and Ray realise they need a secretary whilst Deirdre is staying away from the Yard. Len's eyes turn to another of his employees - Mavis, who can't cope. However, Ray's mind isn't on the job - he's worried about Deirdre. Len suggests a holiday; Deirdre says she does want to go away - but for good !

Friday (1857, 1 November 1978)
Elsie finds her passport - it's out of date. She gets a temporary one from the Post Office, and they leave for Majorca.

Mavis is proving to be a great annoyance to Len and Ray.

DC Thornton comes round again - and threatens to arrest Eddie and Stan. Hilda tells Eddie that he's got to tell the police the true story. Eddie has to shop Tiny Hargreaves, who seeems to be the Weatherfield equivalent of the Mafia...

Deirdre wants to make a new start. Ray tells Len he's breaking up the partnership. When he gets back home Deirdre tells Ray she hasn't decided yet - Australia or Canada.


Originally transmitted: 6, 8, 13, 15 & 20 November 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 13 - Friday 17 October 1997
Episode Numbers: 1858 - 1862

Monday (1858, 6 November 1978)
Emily finds out the Langtons are leaving - she's shocked. Ray is still sleeping on the couch. They have decided on either Australia or New Zealand. Blanche Hunt turns up and tries to dissuade them. For the sake of appearances, Deirdre lets Ray sleep with her.

Mike Baldwin is in a bad mood. He wants to give Steve more responsibility. Carole Gordon, the attractive new buyer from Bradleys calls round. The 'more responsible' Steve takes her in hand. Mike tries to muscle in - but Steve ensures he takes Carole to the Western Front - and he lands an order.

As Mavis is working at the Yard, Len has to do the Kabin papers. Len and Ray 'discuss' their partnership - Len can't believe Ray really is going.

Tuesday (1859, 8 November 1978)
Blanche continues to try to persuade Deirdre to stay - and realises that something else has been going on. She quizes Emily, Rita and Len - but gets nowhere. Blanche confronts Deirdre and she ventually cracks and tells her about Ray's affair. Blanche goes round to the Yard and lets Ray know what she thinks of him - even slapping him round the face.

After receiving a bigger order than expected, Mike invites Carole Gordon out for lunch. After lunch he offers her a job as Sales Rep at Baldwins Casuals.

Jim Douglas, an old pal of Ray's turns up. After working on building sites in Germany, he has become a site agent in Amsterdam, and is currently doing a small contract in Manchester. He offers Ray a plumbing contract, and tells him he should look to Holland, not New Zealand to seek his fortune. Ray announces they are off to Holland.

Wednesday (1860, 13 November 1978)
There's already a "Sold" sign outside No5. Inside, Deirdre, Blanche and Ray are packing. The regulars hold a farewell party for them in the Rovers. They get a carriage clock as a present. As they prepare to leave, Deirdre gets cold feet and refuses to go.

Ken's looking for volunteers for a pensioners supper.

Carole Gordon turns down Mike's job offer - but she agrees to go out with him.

Thursday (1861, 15 November 1978)
At No5 Deirdre refuses to go. The taxi arrives - but she digs her heels in. She doesn't think her marriage will work. She could never trust Ray again. She decides the marriage is finished, and confesses to Blanche that Ray's affair brought back all the memories of when she was assaulted under the viaduct. She feels empty inside... Next morning, Ray ponders over what to do. he decides to go to Holland alone. Len gives a lift to the bus station.

Mike takes Carole Gordon out. Next day she calls on Mike and tells him she won't do any favours, mixing business with pleasure. Mike quickly cools to her - but she still tells Mike that Bradleys are opening a boutique - bigger and better than the Western Front.

Friday (1862, 20 November 1978)
Mike sees Suzie and Gail leaving No11, late for work again. He rings up a mate, letting him know that the Western Front is for sale. Steve Fisher quietly warns Suzie to toe the line. Suzie encourages Gail to close the shop early. they go to the Rovers - where Mike catches them. After looking at the books, Mike decides he has to sell.

Elsie comes back from Majorca. Ron comes round with some photos - with 'Harry from Oldham' in many of them.

Mavis agrees to do the catering for the Pensioner's Supper.


Originally transmitted: 22, 27 & 29 November; 4 & 6 December 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 20 - Friday 24 October 1997
Episode Numbers: 1863 - 1867

Monday (1863, 22 November 1978)
Mike tells Steve he intends to sack Gail and Suzie (for bad timekeeping and taking stock), so he won't have to pay any redundancy when he closes the Western Front. Steve tells Elsie to tell the girls to pull their socks up - or they'll be sacked ! Suzie isn't bothered - she thinks she's indispensible, and can wrap Mike around her finger. Mike goes to the Western Front and finds takings are down. Gail and Suzie leave early again - Mike rings up and gets no reply. He finds them at No11 before the shop should have closed. He sacks them both.

Emily offers to lend some money to Deirdre if she needs it. Emily sees Len and asks if Deirdre would be welcome back at the Yard - she needs the money. len agrees, but Deirdre goes to stay with Blanche for a while.

Mavis muses over what to cook for the pensioners.

Tuesday (1864, 27 November 1978)
Steve has a word with a friend at the Department of Employment - Mike should have given written warnings to Gail and Suzie before sacking them. They could claim wrongful dismissal. Mike puts Elsie in charge of the Western Front until it closes. Steve tips off the girls. They see Mike, threatening wrongful dismissal.

Mavis decides on coq au vin and chocolate mousse for the pensioners. Ena thinks pensioners won't eat "fancy food". She orders 6 frozen chickens from the Corner Shop.

Harry Payne calls at No11 to see Elsie - they met in Majorca. They meet up in the Rovers. Ron joins them, but he obviously doesn't like Harry. Harry invites them out. Ron is working - but Elsie agrees - much to Ron's annoyance.

Wednesday (1865, 29 November 1978)
Gail wants her job back, Suzie wants the compensation. They go to see Mike again - and decide they want compensation (well, at least Suzie says so). Mike lets slip he's selling the shop - and Suzie works out that he was trying to avoid paying redundancy. Mike realises he needs to keep them quiet so he can still get a good price for the shop - they agree on £100 each.

Eddie helps Mavis with the coqau vin. Eddie manages to burn it all. He then knocks on neighbour's doors and gets spaghetti and tinned mince to make spaghetti bolognese. Most of the pensioners eat it - and even seem to like it. They even give three cheers for the chef at the end of the evening.

Ron gives Elsie a lift home. he apologises for the way he talked about Harry Payne - but still doesn't like him. Elsie retorts that she'll go out with who she wants to. Harry calls round again with flowers. Ron calls round again and finds Harry there. He isn't happy...

Thursday (1866, 4 December 1978)
It's Hilda and Stan's 35th wedding anniversary. Stan goes to the Rovers to celebrate.

Eddie turns down a job at the Job Centre. They reduce his benefit from £13.05 to £8.45. Eddie has to consider... working !! Later he turns up at No13 with a one-armed bandit. He's "looking after it for a friend".

Ken gets some 'thank you' letters over the pensioners' meal, and he praises Mavis.

Steve encourages the girls to look for a job. They decide to go to London.

Friday (1867, 6 December 1978)
The girls decide to go tomorrow. Most Street residents advise against it. Gail has second thoughts, and Suzie goes on her own.

Sten's got the fruit machine working in No13. He puts £1 in when Eddie wants to take it back - Hilda stops him until Stan has got his money back. The only way Stan can think of getting it back is to put in Hilda's savings - so all the gas and electric money goes in. They put nearly £7 in. Bet Lynch comes round and has a go - she wins the jackpot ! Hilda thinks it should rightfully be hers. Later, the electric meter runs out. They don't have any coins to put into it...


Originally transmitted: 11, 13, 18, 20 & 27 December 1978
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 27 - Friday 31 October 1997
Episode Numbers: 1868 - 1872

Monday (1868, 11 December 1978)
Hilda Ogden moans about Bet Lynch in the corner shop because Bet won all her money from the one-armed bandit. She accuses Bet of being a two-armed bandit!

Eddie Yates has had his benefit cut to £8.45 per week. He asks Ken to find out about appealing.

Hilda visits Elsie Tanner in the pretense of borrowing a safety pin (!) but really to find out how Suzie Birchall is getting on in London. Elsie and Gail tell her that they haven't heard from Suzie, and Hilda then launches into a rant about how dangerous London is. "They invite you into their house, and the next thing you know it's a quick needle and you wake up on a boat!"

Karen Barnes appears in Ken's office and says that she wants to learn how to read and write. Ken suggest an evening class but she doesn't want anyone to find out she is learning, and begs Ken to teach her himself. He reluctantly agrees.

Eddie Yates is in the Rovers and has enough money for a pint of Mild, but not Bitter which is what he really wants. He asks Betty Turpin to pour him less than a pint so that he can the afford Bitter, but she says that they have strict orders to pour not less than a full Imperial measure. "Imperial measure! The Empire's gone!". "Yes, but Mrs Walker hasn't!"

Betty persuades Ron Mather to go and visit Elsie, which he does armed with a box of chocolates (but the box wasn't purple!). Elsie is out but Gail makes him wait for her. Later while they are out together, Harry Payne visits and is met on the doorstep by Hilda who tells him where Elsie is and who with!

Albert Tatlock gives his Christmas list to Renee Roberts who pokes fun at the rare and exotic things on the list. He takes the list back and threatens to take his custom elsewhere but Renee snatches it back again! Enter Gail with a face "as miserable as a tripe shop window" who is still out of work. Albert tells her she doesn't know how lucky she is. Renee offers Gail a temporary job in the shop over Christmas.

Emily Bishop tells Betty that Mr Dawson hardly ever shows his face in the cafe these days, leaving her to run it on her own. They arrange to spend Christmas together.

Eddie bumps into Karen coming out of Ken's office, and recognises her. She pretends not to know him, but he insists - he knows her husband Dave. She tells Eddie that he is on remand and that she doesn't want anyone to know.

Mike

Tuesday (1869, 13 December 1978)
Gail receives a letter from Suzie, and later reluctantly accepts the job in the corner shop.

Hilda has a shouting match in the street with Elsie, but Elsie wins, calling Hilda's house "an imitation of a pigsty".

Eddie asks Ken about his chances of appealing against his benefit cut. Ken tells that they he has no chance because he turned down a job, and advises him not to appeal. Just as Eddie leaves, Karen arrives. She and Ken are interrupted first by Emily checking the date of a jumble sale, and then - shock - a phone call! An office like this which is as busy as the stock exchanges is obviously no place for learning, and Karen has little trouble persuading Ken to hold the lessons in his house. Uh-oh!

Hilda and Elsie clash again in the Rovers. "You've got more pairs of pants in your house than a Burtons shop!", says Hilda triumphantly.

Ken arrives home with Karen and boots Albert out, who advises Karen that she would be better off not learning to read because the newspapers are full of rubbish.

Harry Payne turns up at Elsie's house, but Ron is there alone having been given a key by Elsie. He leaves a bottle of champagne and bumps into Hilda outside. "That was short!" she says. "Why don't you just SHUT UP!" Harry shouts back, to her displeasure :-). Later, Elsie asks Ron what Harry wanted, but he lies and tells her that Harry said he was going away for a very long time. With a bit of coaxing she "finds" the champagne and Ron makes out it was from him.

Eddie arrives at Ken's house and is shocked to see Karen there. In private he tries to warn Ken to keep well away. "It's a little bit delicate", he says. "Well, be un-delicate!", snaps Ken. Eddie tells Ken that Karen's husband is on remand and that he's playing a dangerous game.

Mike

Wednesday (1870, 18 December 1978)
Stan Ogden asks Len Fairclough if he'll give Eddie a job, but he refuses. Then he asks Albert if he could influences Ken, as Ken "helps young people out".

Ken is giving Karen a lesson at home. He asks her if he could meet her husband, but she declines!

A bizarre scene in Mike Baldwin's factory. Eileen Tibson, the treasurer of the Christmas Club, goes off to the bank to collect everyone's savings (£300). Mike offers to send Steve Fisher with her, but she declines and leaves. Vera Duckworth says that Eileen has been quiet all morning. Then everyone joins in singing "The Holly and the Ivy" whilst dancing around putting up decorations! (OK, I made up the dancing bit but the rest is true!)

In the Rovers, Albert quizzes Stan on his earlier comment about Ken helping people. It transpires that Eddie has told Stan all about Karen Barnes. Albert promises not to breath a word of what Stan tells him but when he turns around he had his fingers crossed!

Ena Sharples visits Deirdre Langton who is back from staying with her mother. There is a phone call from Ray in Holland, who tells Deirdre that there is a letter in the post for her but he won't reveal what is in it. Later, Len Fairclough visits and offers Deirdre her old job back. She says she'll think about it and let him know.

Albert bursts in on Ken and Karen, and confronts them. Karen admits that her husband Dave is on remand, and Ken tells her that he knew. She is all ready to leave but Ken says that now that he knows why she wanted to read and write (to send and receive letters to her husband Dave who might go to prison) there is all the more reason to carry on. They agree that Albert will act as a chaperone to stop people gossiping.

Hilda and Stan are in the corner shop arguing about what to buy for Christmas. Hilda wants a duck because she saw them cook one on television, but Stan doesn't like the idea because he's never had one before and "they go quack". Hilda reminds him that "chickens go cluck and cows go moo" (!).

It's almost 6pm at the factory and Eileen hasn't returned from the bank. Everyone is worried that she might have been mugged. Ivy Tilsley returns and tells everyone that Eileen was spotted by her neighbour at 3pm with her children and some suitcases. Looks like she's done a bunk with all the money!

Mike

Thursday (1871, 20 December 1978)
Mrs Walker is in the corner shop talking to Renee about how "some people" wouldn't have the "training in life" to know how to spend money wisely if they were rich, and jokes about the Ogdens winning the pools. At that moment Hilda walks in, and tells Renee not to make up any of the Christmas Club orders.

In the factory, Elsie Tanner argues that the police shouldn't be involved unless they are certain that Eileen did steal their money. Ivy asks Mike what sort of Christmas bonus they'll have; he asks Steve Fisher to calculate it. Hilda says that she paid in £1 per week since June and will go to the police on her own!

Later while they're in the Rovers for lunch, Eileen turns up in the factory. Steve phones Elsie who drags Ivy back with her. Eileen is very upset and says she was in debt; they are sympathetic. She asks Mike Baldwin to dock her wages and bonus to pay everyone back. Mike says it won't be worth it when it's split into 10. He offers to pay the loss himself (£240). Eileen can pay him £1 per week for 2 years (!) and he'll forget the rest of the money (£140). As Eileen, Else and Ivy leave the office, Mike asks Steve to re-calculate everyone's Christmas bonuses to save... £140 :-). "You can't do that!" exclaims Steve, looking very shocked. Mike just laughs, "Can't I?! Grow up, sunshine!".

Len arrives at Deirdre's with a typewriter so that she can do some work from home. Ray's letter has arrived but she says she'll read it later. When she does read it, it contains an ultimatum. Ray can't afford to live in Holland and pay Deirdre's mortgage as well, so she either has to join him or he'll stop paying. Len tries to persuade her to go, but she says no.

Albert takes his Christmas cards into the Rovers and asks Annie Walker to give them out to people for him to save the postage. She says it's a good idea and she will recommend it to the brewery.

Karen asks Ken how he thinks she's getting on. She gives him a letter she has received from her husband Dave, for Ken to read for her. It threatens to "sort him out" if he doesn't stay away from her! Ken says he's joking but Karen says he isn't, and looks worried.

Mike

Friday (1872, 27 December 1978)
Albert is ill in bed and makes a fuss about wearing a shawl. Eddie Yates visits him and hints about being remembered in Albert's will. Later Albert is asleep, Eddie thinks he's dead and shakes him awake, much to his annoyance.

Len visits Deirdre and asks whether Ray is selling the house (no mention of splitting the proceeds!). Ena Sharples is there and says it would be "awful" if Deirdre claimed benefits. "In my day they stuck with their husbands", she thunders.

Ron wants a party because he's been driving people around in his taxi all over Christmas, and hasn't been able to drink. He invites Bet, Betty, Emily, Len and Elsie, who arrives just in time to hear her house has been commandeered for the purpose. But she's happy enough about it.

Karen visits Ken and says that her husband Dave is out on bail from Risley prison. Ken, still too thick to work out what's going to happen, says he is pleased but Karen warns him about Dave's temper.

At the party, Eddie's wine is home-made Rhubarb wine. This is apparently made by his landlord's wife's auntie, who lives north of the Macclesfield canal :-). They are gate crashed by Tim Gibbs and Brian Tilsley (first appearance?). Tim seems to be a friend of Suzie's. He introduces Brian to Gail, then sets about chatting up Deirdre as soon as he realises she is separated. Brian invites Gail to go out on the back of his motorbike. She isn't very keen but agrees to go to the cinema with him on Sunday night.

Meanwhile Deirdre wants to go home and agrees to let Tim walk her back. "I've cracked it!" he sleazes excitedly to Brian. But at Deirdre house, Tracey is mentioned, Ena Sharples walks down the stair and his face is a picture :-). Deirdre tells Ena that it's rare these days for a boy to offer to walk a lady home, and so Tim is cornered into walking Ena Sharples home there and then!

In the Rovers, Karen's husband Dave Barnes is on the lookout for Ken Barlow. His mate Jack (credited as "Jack Rowe", played by William Tarmey) points Ken out. Ken tells Dave he's only teaching Karen to read and write. "Just as long as you know", Dave says. Ken thinks that everything is now in the open and cleared up. Dave says to Jack "If he goes near Karen again, he knows what he'll get!".

Mike



Written by Mike Henry & Graham Allsopp; tapes kindly supplied by Di Fishman