The Hopkinses consider exchanging Maggie's old furniture for Vera's mother's when Vera tells them she's paying £3 a week for storage. Granny gets Betty to put the question to Gordon. Marcus Berlin arrives at the warehouse to deal with the furore over the new retirement age. Pollard is annoyed when Marcus meets with Ken first. Emily decides that the Bishops should put themselves up to be foster parents. Ernie agrees to make enquiries. Len has a word with the chief social worker, Norah Houston, on their behalf. Gordon refuses to think about the furniture until after Christmas. Annie is delighted when Marcus patronises the Rovers for an executive lunch with Ken. Mavis is surprised when Jerry tells her that he was once a father. Ken suggests to Marcus that the company keep the women to be retired on call for emergencies. Marcus gives the idea his stamp of approval and Ken announces it to the staff, who celebrate their victory.