Stan celebrates his fiftieth birthday in hospital and Hilda lovingly writes out his card. She shows Archie the bright tie she's bought him. Ray and Jerry tease a surly Len about Rita. Archie doesn't think Stan will last until his sixtieth birthday with his boozy lifestyle. Annie tells Billy she's far too set in her ways to change the Rovers. Rita visits Len at the yard and he gives her tips for the housing meeting. Emily drums up support for Ernie's street band and Elsie offers Alan's talents on the guitar. Over a meal, Hilda tells Archie how she and Stan met.