Patricia Routledge is Vera Small and Prunella Scales is her bosom buddy Irene Spencer. The two pass their time in regular correspondence and not an even goes by that is left unrecorded by the ladies of letters. They begin with a cheerful exchange of recipes but it's not long before all kinds of intimacies are imparted. Firstly there are the usual family problems to discuss, then there are the accusations of alcoholism and mental illness which the two bat at each other like ping pong balls. Often critical of each other (though always in a loving, caring way - of course) their hilarious put-downs create a wonderful insight into the ups and downs of family life today.