Two middle-aged women are standing on a street corner, bags of shopping lying at their feet.

Mildred is waving her arms about, her double chin wobbling as she talks to Audrey. 'I’ve had to stay in all week, this is the first time I’ve been out. It’s only shopping but I’m so glad to get out’

‘And me, you know our Pete has been murder, he won’t let me out of his sight for a moment’

Mildred then says 'We’ve had the doctors round even and there's nothing she can do. She said it’s out of her hands now, I feel terrible even now leaving him on his own but I can’t afford the corner shop prices. I had to go to TESCOs; Ooh mind you the queues. They put them sweets near the checkouts and you’re standing there thinking ‘should I shouldn’t I on blow it.’... I’ll never be a Kate Moss’

‘Well I’m lucky me, I can eat what I want and not put an oz on. I’ve been 8 stone for as long as I can remember’

Well; I’m 8 stone if I stand on one leg. Anyway our George. I don’t know what to tell the children, they are supposed to be coming round this Sunday and he’s still not any better. I don’ t know what to do, I tell you Audrey’

‘And our Pete, he’s been getting worse, you know after all this time you’d think he’d be on his way to recovery. I worry, I do’

‘Well, we’ve tried everything from potions to tablets to sleep to balm and nothing’

‘Well, I better get off. He’ll be lying there in a state of delirium calling ‘ Audrey, Audrey ’in a weak voice and will I be there; no I won’t; I'll be here standing here chatting to you Mildred .’

‘OK, see ya. I am surprised we haven’t caught our husbands’ flues. Us women are made of stronger stuff though aren’t we. We have to be to look after them’

‘Bye. Keep well’