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Episode Summaries > 1986 > Episode 252
Written by Roger Moulton, Directed by Chris Langman, Produced by John Holmes

At the Ramsay house, Madge is busy cooking the meat pies for Daphne's Coffee Shop before getting ready to go to her job interview. Tom tells Danny and Shane they'll have to get their own breakfast this morning. Shane is sceptical about whether Madge is really up to date with all the technology changes that have happened since the last time she worked. Madge replies '' How different can it be!''

At number 22, Clive explains he won't be able to help her move into the new Lassiters premises as he has clients to see for 'Gift of the Gab'. Mike then comments he hoped they would both watch him swim at the Swimming Carnival but is clearly disappointed when they explain they are too busy to attend.

Clive's friend Bev Black shows Madge around her office and leads her to an empty desk and computer. Madge nervously explains she has never used a computer before but Beverly assures her she'll learn quickly. Madge presses a button on the keyboard and panics when the computer starts bleep.

At the bank, Eileen arrives to see whether Des has made any moves to see Daphne yet. Des explains there is no point as he and Daphne will only ever be friends. Over hearing the conversation, Danny asks what is going on. Eileen tells him to mind his own business - Des tells his mother the same thing and escorts her to the door.

Outside the Coffee Shop, Zoe is collecting her lunch when Paul clearly in a bad mood, arrives demanding she go back to the office. Zoe questions Paul why he is in such a bad mood and learns Jack Lassiter has not decided not to sell the complex the Daniels Corp. Zoe discloses she knows that Andrea revealed to Jack about Paul's development plans for Lassiters. Paul becomes even angrier that Andrea double-crossed him.

Inside the Coffee Shop Tom is handing over Madge's pies and also apologises to Daphne for him over reacting the other night. Nell arrives and at seeing Tom groans before over reacting when learning Tom has brought the pies to the shop in his plumbers van. Nell leaves vowing to return with the Health Inspector.
Clive enters the shop and Daphne tells him she needs to hire 'Gift of the Gab.'

In the office, Madge clearly cannot cope with using an electronic typewriter - sensing her frustration, Beverly moves her on to another part of the office.

Zoe is at the bank, pleading with Des to increase her overdraft on her account to which he reluctantly agrees to do after being persuaded by Danny too. Des is less than convinced when Zoe promises this will be her last time.

By Lassiter's Lake, Shane and Clive are working but Clive informs an annoyed Shane he has to leave their gardening job early due to an appointment for 'Gift of the Gab.' Clive reminds Shane he has Home James too.
Jack arrives asking after Madge and assures Shane she'll be okay at her job interview.

Madge's day only gets worse when she cannot print from the computer but despite Beverly's kindness Madge tells she is clearly 'obsolete'.

At the Coffee Shop, Mike is trying to tell Daphne about the Swimming Carnival but she is too busy cleaning the shop in preparation of the health Inspector visiting. Clive arrives and teases Daphne about putting a bit of romance back into her life - Daphne tells him she can only dream.

At the pub, seeing Andrea with Jack, Paul takes the opportunity to 'congratulate' them on fooling him over the business deal - Jack tells him he'll get no sympathy, as Paul only wanted to trick him.
Paul questions if they can still close the deal and Jack suggests maybe when Paul proves he can be trusted.

In the Coffee Shop, Eileen is still pushing Des to 'romance' Daphne when he finally gets his mother to leave him alone. Nell is less than pleased when the health Inspector declares Daphne has high hygiene standards and threatens to take more action. Suddenly Clive arrives and announces he has a message from 'Gift of the Gab' for her from Daphne.

' Fire burn and cauldron bubble
Mrs. Mangel causes trouble
Which you know the more she tangle
No more Mrs. Mangel'

When everyone starts laughing Nell feels ridiculed and leaves vowing never to return. There are cheers from Daphne.

At the Ramsay house, Shane arrives home, tired from having to have completed the gardening job on his own. He sees Madge seated at the table clearly upset. Madge tells him she failed at the job interview and believes she really is completely useless.