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Life in Ambridge: Comments week of August 3, 2018
Life in Ambridge: Comments week of August 3, 2018
Rex's Pigs
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments' - Episode 8 Life Outside Ambridge Beach Chairs
Good morning Ambridge.
ReplyDeleteVery happy pigs - I love them (and the deck chairs over yonder).
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Rex and Neil will work together when Neil bails out of Damara. I think they would make a good partnership. Not sure it would be economically viable though.
Wonderful ! They're running to meet him, that upcoming pigman, Rex F. This is your best yet, Ruthy.
ReplyDeleteCould happen, Seasider. Ply dad with his own port, & he'll invest in more livestock & a parcel of land going cheap at Home Farm ( you know, where the yurts used to be, before they mysteriously vaporised. Didn't some say that was down to benign forces, like some of the corn circle creators, opposed to fake spiritual enterprises ?)
😂👏🏻
DeletePerfect pigs, Ruthy!
DeleteThe pigs do look happy.
ReplyDeleteWell done Rex.
Nothing to do with horrible Hannah.
As for Lexi.
Three cheers.
Can't abide the woman.
I think that the scriptwriters hadn't a clue how to deal with the Lexi/Roy/Adam and Ian situation so this is an easy way out for them.
I hope that Adam and Ian call it a day with this surrogacy.
Re Lexi-
ReplyDeleteHave Adam and Ian actually paid her anything or paid for fares back to Bulgaria?
The whole process must have cost something.
I take it that it hasn't been NHS funded.
Lexi sounded so sensible when she sorted out things for Phoebe last year but now she comes across as a grasping female.
I'm reminded of the Duchess's baby in Alice in Wonderland which turned into a pig. Put this lot in cute little mob caps and.....
ReplyDeleteSpeak roughly to you little boy
DeleteAnd beat him when he sneezes
He only does it to annoy
..............................pleases
DAMN, forgotten the last line!
Because he knows it teases.
Deletechorus : waa waa waa!
DeleteIt's the similarity of the nostrils (compare baby in previous photo with lead pig in this one) thatmust have inspired Lewis Carroll.
DeleteThank you, Pierre, for supplying the last line - my mind just went blank!
DeleteThere were ten characters last night and a fair amount of unpleasantness. Robin is still around, I like listening to his voice, I wonder what he'll say/do next.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletecertainly prefer pigs to baby...!
ReplyDelete🐖 🐷 🐽
DeleteLove the pigs Ruthy, they look just like the breed we used to have on our farm so are very nostalgic for me.
ReplyDeleteSo at last Freddie has been caught, which must be a good thing and will, hopefully, bring him to his senses. Such a shame for Johnny and Nolly though, it will ruin the proposed holiday in SA
Good thing Harrison did not allow himself to get too inebriated and I think that, as he already had his suspicions that Freddie was dealing, it was a deliberate decision.
Now we have to go though the fall out, or at least Elizabeth and Lily do, it’s going to be a very difficult time for them and the family as a whole.
Wonder if Anna Tregorran will be engaged to defend Freddie in court - if it comes to that.
As for Lexi - the sooner she goes home the better as far as I am concerned but I fear that poor Roy is going to be very badly hurt again. As Lanjan said, I hope this is the end of the surrogacy story too, Adam has too much on his plate at the moment to deal with It anyway.
So Freddie was dealing at a stag party for a cop with all his cop mates. All I can say is stupid and we all knew the truth would come out eventually.
ReplyDeleteRuthy I thought exactly the same but then I wondered if I had heard correctly.
ReplyDeleteWhy on earth would Freddie have been at Harrison's Stag Night?
Was Freddie actually invited to it or was it just that The Bull is where he does his dealing?
How did Harrison know what was in Freddie's bag?
Years ago it was a group of a few mates who got together the night before the wedding
At a risk of being thought of as a killjoy,I think Stag Nights nowadays -sometimes abroad -and Hen Nights are just a waste of money.
Very costly for the friends too.
Lower Loxley Beerfest
DeleteI agree about the foreign venues for stags/hens and then the clothes, accommodation and wedding gifts on top. To be fair to Harrison's lot it was the Bull, Lower Loxley and then a curry in Borchester, via the police station?
DeleteIt was Harrison's third arrest, there was something about Fallon and illegal parking, perhaps just a warning? But the main one was at the same venue when he arrested Wayne for supplying to Freddie, it was Dan who alerted him because Wayne offered his services as well.
ReplyDeleteLanJan - agree with the vast amount the money friends and family have to spend for stag and hen (in the US called bachelorette) parties. Just be thankful I am not at that age to get an invite.
ReplyDeleteI just love this picture of Rex's pigs at Hollowtree.
ReplyDeleteI do wonder though, that they are very happy and excited, as Neil has just re-appeared to take control again.
I think that I am imagining things, yet again.
I am wondering why, that whenever I hear of PC Burns in Ambridge, I think of the TV series, "Heartbeat".
ReplyDeleteThis is probably why he had a suspicion about Freddie. He is a village resident, who might have picked up on snippets of conversations in The Bull Fallon's Tea-room, the Shop and at viilage events.
I wonder if Lily will actually reveal, that she actually knew all about her twin's "business", both at college and with the pickers. I can just see his defence:- Freddie did what he did, as he was so devasted and reacting to, the sad death of his late father's (Nigel) horse, Topper, so he was grieving and he was just not thinking.
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DeleteWon't they easily demonstrate that the dealing can be traced back quite a while, & Topper's death was recent ? Anyway, such a reason, along with a father's death years ago doesn't automatically lead to illegal acts - unlikely to impress, imo
DeleteWas Keri Davis pulling our legs when Harrison's police pal asked T❤️O❤️B❤️Y "Have we met - professionally, I mean?" and Toby said "No, I don't think so" - remembering how listeners' imaginations went into overdrive after Richard Locke asked Rob
ReplyDeleteTitchener if they had met and got the same answer. It had no significance on that occasion and probably no significance now - but amusing for the scriptwriters to get us worked up about it.
I think that is very well picked up on. There has been one "red herring", and I am wondering if this is a second, or perhaps, it just might lead onto something else, in regard to Tobes? I wonder if the "police pal" has just been transferred from Brighton.
DeleteI think he said he was winding Toby up but of course many a thing is said in jest! Yes, agree Lexi is going to do a runner back to Bulgaria. She is so vague about her intended return that it seems I t won’t happen. It would relieve the distaste many of us feel for the whole surrogacy thing. Poor Roy! Come back, Hayley!
DeleteCan you imagine Harrison arresting Freddie dressed as Ginger Spice? Hilarious! Maybe for Freddie this is the wake up call we have been waiting for.
Hayley has remarried, or has acquired another partner, hasn't she ? Lexi was very furtive, yes, it seems we won't see her again. I reckon they just wanted to drop that SL. Though initially I thought she was 'a good thing', her motivation in becoming a surrogate was always odd, suspect, whether for financial gain, maybe leading to citizenship, bringing her family over, some scam. The relationship with Roy was dead in the water from the moment she made that decision. Now she probably knows in her gut that the implant isn't going to take, so best to cut her losses, take advantage of of a paid fare home, & scarper. She obviously doesn't want to marry Roy & we'll be led to believe she's been using him from the outset.
DeleteI would very much like the surrogacy storyline to continue wit Ian and Adam getting the baby they want and are equipped for, because it is an intrinsically interesting and informative tale - but only if it is properly handled. I am afraid it has now degenerated to such an extent that it is impossible to rescue it. I think the editorial team have been inept and irresponsible too.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry, but I have to disagree with you about the surrogacy story.
DeleteI personally would like to see Adam + Ian have a family, but via a different route. They could foster or adopt a vunerable child "in need" from an abusive/homeless or similar bsckground. They will still provide a very lovimg home and enviroment.They both hsve shown great parenting skills with Jack and Henry.
I wonder what the SW"s have decided, or are they waiting for guidance from the new, long awaited editor. He certainly will have a lot of S/L"s to sort out, which at the moment are "in limbo". Robin F is a lovely "interesting" short stop-gap iinterlude.
Any couple wanting a child could apply to foster or adopt a vulnerable or disadvanted child instead of having a child of their own - it's not expected of them and how many of them do? Why should expectations be different for Adam and Ian? We'll have to agree to disagree on this one, Miriam! (It's interesting that no one in Ambridge has voiced the "distaste" that some bloggers feel, or suggested that they get a dog instead.)
DeleteI am also thinking that Harrison + Fallon are now trying, to find a new DJ for their wedding.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that Freddie is now a suitable choice.
Who should step into the breach? Let's see: who's got a good line in patter? Ben? Hmmm. Could be Toby. Jazzer? He's the bridesman (was that the word?), so has plenty to do already, but he can certainly put a few words together and has a musical background (remember Dross?). He'd be great!
DeleteIf iit has to be an Ambridge resident (not sure why), then Kenton is the bvious choice.
DeleteIf the DJ is to speak, then an Ambridge resident is probably cheaper. Kenton? Yes, he'd be good, if Fallon and Harrison want someone of her stepdad's generation. He might have kept up with music trends over the past thirty years, and not be _too_ embarrassing.
DeleteInteresting Miriam that you mentioned Heartbeat as Kelvin was played by Ryan Early who was a young PCNicholson in Heartbeat. Don’t think Harrison was in it though.
ReplyDeleteI think there was a policeman called Burns in the Bill?
DeleteWhat is the sentence for possessing and dealing in the U.K.? I am sure Freddie is in a lot of trouble. Lily is not doing so well either. Has Ross dumped her or is he still on holiday with his wife?
ReplyDeleteSo is Elizabeth because the drugs were being stored and supplied on her premises.
DeleteVery bad for reputation of Lower Loxley. I can see the headlines in Borchester Echo.
DeleteLet alone the Westbury Courier!
DeleteWell I am possibly on my own here but I find the whole idea of surrogacy distasteful.
ReplyDeleteThere are too many pitfalls.
If the baby is found to have something wrong with him or her,who makes the decision to have an abortion for example.
I cannot believe that any woman is going to be that altruistic as to have a child for somebody else and not be given a great deal of money for so doing.
As for Adam and Ian,I think they are far to old to bring up a baby by themselves,with their lifestyle.
What if the baby was a little girl?
What do either of them know about bringing up girls?
I want them to give up the whole idea of adoption .
Sorry ,Maryellen.
Perhaps it is just my age.
I won't suggest that they get a dog instead though.
LanJan, I must say I agree with you about surrogacy, especially in this particular case. Two middle aged men deciding they would like to bring up a child (something Adam, in particular, never seems to have spoken about before and needed considerable persuasion to agree to). Once the die was cast I was keen that they should pursue the fostering and or adoption possibilities more thoroughly. Having been adopted myself I am probably biased but am very aware of how many children are waiting for a loving and stable home. Had the SWs allowed Adam and Ian to successfully adopt a child and provide him/her with that loving home and family it could have done much to promote the cause adoption in the listening public.
DeleteI have not been keen on ‘causes’ in TA in the past but I do think a golden opportunity has been missed here.
An older child, not a new born baby would have been a better option for Adam and Ian even though none of their genes would have been involved!
Oliver and Caroline took this option and I think it was sensitively handled as a story line. Did Ian talk to him a little while ago about it?
DeleteIs Oliver still living in the suite at Grey Gables? He has been hiding away for a very long time. I hope someone is feeding him and don’t find him withered away in a broom cupboard. I miss him.
I wonder if Fallon’s band is still gigging. Perhaps they could put in an appearance at her wedding.
When is the wedding? Seems very soon since Fallon decided she wanted to marry.
DeleteI don't think anyone knows anything about bringing up a child – boy or girl – until they try it. Two gay men are as qualified to bring up a girl as a boy. I think the problems are their ages, and that Adam has never been all that keen. Mainly the latter.
DeleteNot convinced Bootgums but won't pursue it.
DeleteI di agree with you regarding their ages though.
Lanjan, I wouldn't begrudge them a child AND a dog ! I'm not against surrogacy per se, there's examples where it's worked out very well for all involved, as well as those which have ended badly, but in this case it doesn't feel right : don't now trust the motive of the surrogate, & even if a bona fide person came up, don't see how these 2 middle aged men would cope, especially with Adam taking over the running of Home Farm (unless they end up selling everything!), & Ian hardly has baby friendly hours. OK, lots of help, much of it paid - but is that the way to bond or parent an infant?
ReplyDeleteThe reason they don't try to adopt an older child, a long process, no guarantee of a successful application either, is because of Ian's obsession with a genetic link. This seems more significant in this case than having a family unit, a child to cherish. Time for them to reconsider their priorities ?
Would that be the same "obsession with a genetic link" that is driving Chris Carter to badger Alice to have their own child instead of suggesting they apply to foster/adopt/get a dog?
DeleteObviously, yes. In the case of Chris & Alice, there is no evidence as yet of any problem with conceiving - presumably they use one or more contraceptive method. Adam & Ian have no recourse to nature unaided, so look at other options, fair enough. It just seems to me, for reasons given, that a newborn does not mean well with their circumstances, &, like many a heterosexual couple in fact, they, Ian in particular, are focusing excessively on a genetic imperative. Great if that can be achieved, but not the only way to create a family, if that really is the driving force, & not some biological/chemical compulsion.
DeleteCorrection : 'mesh' not 'mean'.
DeleteIf Chris can't persuade Alice to have _their_ child (hardly evidence of an obsession with a genetic link), he's not going to have much luck persuading her to adopt or foster. She hasn't shown much enthusiasm for any child, and for a presumably fertile couple their biological offspring would be the obvious starting point. Who starts out by asking 'OK, should we (a) have sex, (b) foster or (c) adopt? All options are equally easy and attractive, so which is the most moral?'
DeleteI will put my cards on the table.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion : -
Surrogacy is wrong.
Immoral.
Unnatural.
Unkind and possibly disturbing to the child in later years.
In the western world it has become normal for many to believe they have a right to a child.
Wrong.
A child is a gift from the universe, and with that gift comes responsibility to the child.
I will make no further comment on this subject other than to say that I hope the SW have found that they can no longer sustain this SL, that Lexi leaves Ambridge, and the surrogacy SL is quietly dropped.
However I would like to see Ian come to terms with his loss, and discover that he and Adam would be able to foster an older boy, struggling with his sexuality, where they could be good role models.
I agree Mrs P. My main objections are their age, Adam’s initial reluctance and the fact that they are both more than occupied with work. I feel that children ideally need a male and female role model although in a same sex relationship with love and time from both parents this is also an ideal and opposite sex input can be from other family members.
Delete👍
DeleteI agree, Ev, & said as much. Also respect your position, Mrs P, especially the first sentence of your second paragraph.
DeleteWould only add that I've heard of sisters being surrogates for an infertile sibling, & can't see this as intrinsically wrong, if all parties are mature enough to live with the ensuing complexities of relationships. I doubt if I could have !
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DeleteAnd I've heard of a mother being a surrogate for a daughter.
DeleteBack to Ambridge: it was Ian's wish and they could have acted on it when they were younger and Ian perhaps fertile. Yes, I've often wondered if two men bring up girls, I feel it's not the same for two women with a boy because one of them gives birth.
I personally have nothing against surrogacy, in the broad sense, but each case is very different for so many reasons. I have to say though, that I have not liked the surrogacy idea for Adam + Ian and I also hope that this story wounds down. When or if Lexi returns to Ambridge, with her daughters,(ahead of Brexit) then I feel that she will no longer be interested.
DeleteLexie may be re-assessing her priorities and concluding that she would prefer to spend time with her existing children, who are primarily her responsibility, rather than twiddle her thumbs in Ambridge, awaiting the imaginary child.
DeleteWell, it's lucky for Adam and Ian that they live in Ambridge where their right to decide for themselves is respected and family and community are supportive!
DeleteJust a note Maryellen.
DeleteIf I lived in Ambridge I would respect the decision made by Ian and Adam.
It would be rude and boorish to fail to do so.
I would, and do, keep my council on a personal level.
My opinion given earlier was for this forum.
Still on the subject of surrogacy, albeit enforced, I've been watching "The Handmaid's Tale". It's harrowing, not Sunday night fare. Pip had a very easy time of it in comparison.
ReplyDeleteDo we know Robin's impression of Pip? She'll hardly be at her best just now.
Those pigs are too clean for Hollowtree pigs. Their accommodation is better class too. Robin described Rex's set-up as some tin sheds in mud. I know Rex protested that pigs were clean animals but I think the photo is of Berrow Farm pigs which Rex has used on his website. (Remember I have insider information. Hollowtree pigs are not pristine, even in a drought.)
ReplyDeleteHow have they coped with the hot weather? Can they stay cool enough in the arks? Are there still trees at Hollowtree for shade?
I just don't trust Robin's opinion on anything, except how lovely Rosie is, which cannot be questioned. I know that Rex went and helped and cared for him after his heart attack, so why is Robin so antagonistic towards Rex? I just don't understand what Robin hopes to achieve, with his now, extended stay in Ambridge. I suspect that he is just another, very sad, older "womaniser" and conman. Ambridge - Be Careful.
DeleteI don't think Berrow Farm pigs are happy. Whereas Jazzers.......
DeleteI agree, Miriam. If I'd been asked to guess whose chortling pigs these were, I'd have said Jazzer's, no question.
DeleteWe went to Quarr Abbey today with Gypsy and two pigs came racing up. They were immaculate having lovely russet coloured fur but their snouts were very dirty so they must have found a good snuffling ground! I think Rex’s pigs will have a similar carefree attitude!
DeleteIf the Berrow Farm pigs aren't happy, it's NC who is to blame..He's in charge of their welfare.
DeleteThey sound like Tamworths if a russet colour, one of my favourites.
DeleteYes, they are! Lovely creatures.
DeleteFreddie is in so much trouble. When will Lily confess to Mom that she knew and deal she made with Freddie to hide her affair with Ross.
ReplyDeleteI think that Russ is somehow implicated, but i am not sure how. He "seduced" Lily , to manipulate her and so keep her quiet.
DeleteElizabeth seemed to take the whole thing so calmly this evening.
ReplyDeleteAny normal mother surely would have been beside herself with rage .
Had I been her I would have felt a great deal of guilt as well .
She has a drug dealing ,son who is unable to tell the truth but is not bright enough to realise that lying to his mum and the police is hardly the sensible thing to do
He is so weak and sadly not very bright.
Of course Elizabeth will blame Freddie's behaviour on the fact that his father died when he was at an impressionable age
I doubt we will have another Archer jail bird.
No doubt he will get a suspended sentence and have to do a number of hours of unpaid Community work.
LanJan - he might get sent to the (ex) Colonies, which is what traditionally happened to the sons of 'good' families who blotted their copybook. Then he will return in two or three years' time with a new personality and a strangely mature voice sounding just like his father's....
DeleteMore worrying is what this may do to Johnnie's reputation - he was supposed keep an eye out for Freddie and be a good influence on him, and it looks as if he's failed on both counts.
Were these far fetched storylines thought up before the present Editor took over?
ReplyDeleteI know they say that truth is stranger than fiction but in the case of The Archers fiction is much stranger than truth
Not so cocky now Freddie 🙄 Nor will Elizabeth will be keeping so calm for much longer when all is revealed about Lily & Ross and that Lily knew all about Freddie and did a deal 😮
ReplyDeleteWhat a whining voice Freddie has! He doesn’t sound sorry for what he’s done and if sentenced will probably whinge and weep and say “It’s not fair!” Elizabeth is not chastising him but overindulging him with loving thoughts. Yes, she does love him but surely doesn’t love his misdemeanour!
DeletePerhaps she is still in denial. Robin told her what lovely children she has so she may want to hang on to that for a little longer before the bubble bursts for her any moment now.
DeleteI do hope the rest of Lady R's prediction happens off air.
DeleteI think Elizabeth is doing the best anyone reasonably could in a very difficult situation. She will encourage Freddie to be truthful, as anything else would only make things worse. The truth is becoming clear to her only gradually, as you might expect. Freddie does come across as not just academically weak, but dim in every way, which is a bit disappointing. Will Elizabeth find about Ross/Russ (haven't got an old enough Radio Times) too? That would leave her feeling that she'd been a bad mother, which would be a shame.
ReplyDeleteEv, I also got very fed up with Freddie’s pathetic whining tonight. How Elizabeth kept her temper with him I don’t know.
ReplyDeleteHe came over to me as a pathetic, overindulged little boy who expects everyone to believe his outrageous and thinly disguised lies. I think he still does not truly believe he has done anything wrong and expects everyone to forgive him.
Well, sorry Freddie, it’s time to face the music and grow up.
He comes over as seriously immature. He was like a little boy running to mummy and asking her to make it all better now he has told her the truth. He doesn’t seem to have realised the implications of her knowing the full story, and Lily of course. Even Johnny was aware at least in part. It started last year at the festival (so probably the story line was conceived by the previous editor). They searched his room but wouldn’t they search the whole house and talk to Elizabeth and Lily? Perhaps all their staff?
DeleteOn top of everything Freddie threw a tantrum: 'Why can't I go to Brookfield?!' Because there's not enough space but what has the baby got to do with it I don't know. He managed to work out why Jolene doesn't want him on the premises, let's see how he gets on at the Stables. As some said Fallon and Harrison are looking for a new DJ.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Kate? Should she not have investigated where Noluthando got the pill instead of hushing it up and taking her to South Africa?
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea of yours ,Maryellen.
ReplyDeleteSend Freddie off the the Antipodes.He can go and stay with his cousin Merial.
Both Elizabeth's children have been spoilt by their mother who indeed was spoilt by her parents.
It runs in the family .
By telling her children that she is proud of them when they have done nothing at all to make them proud means that they have been able to carry on with their selfish existence thinking no doubt how wonderful they are because their mum told them so.
She does not know them at all.
She believes everything they tell her.
This business about Lily being a lesbian is ludicrous.
Many women have had to bring up children singlehandedly but without the backing by family and the money Elizabeth has had .
How well do any of us know our 18-year-olds? By that age the majority of their lives are lived outside the home so that parents only see the carefully censored image they are presented with. My mother certainly didn't know me at all when I was 18 - like Elizabeth she only thought she did.
ReplyDeleteChanging the subject back to Emma and the affordable housing debate, here's a quote from the Council for the Protection of Rural England issued this morning:
ReplyDelete"Plans to build 460,000 homes on land released from the green belt will not help young families get on to the property ladder, say campaigners.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England said 78% of planned developments on greenfield sites do not fall under the government's "affordable" definition.
Its director said people are "being sold a lie" and will "go on struggling to afford a place to live" "
Sorry, should have typed 'Campaign' and not 'Council'
DeleteCornish wages are generally so low that young people can't e numbers of afford what are supposedly "affordable" houses. New houses are often bought as holiday homes by people from away as locals cannot afford them. A couple of years ago St Ives brought in a ban on the sale of new builds as second homes, and Mevagissey is now trying to do the same. Builders of course are not so happy because they want to maximise their profits. In both places a public vote was held. 80% in favour in St Ives and now 90% in Mevagissey. Perhaps Emma could contact her Borsetshire M.P. and enlist his support. She would need to establish the numbers of people needing affordable housing in her area first. Enough adverse publicity and then there could be an interesting moral dilemma for Emma with Justin Elliot seeking to silence her with a definite offer of one of the affordable houses.
ReplyDeleteIgnore "e numbers of " in first line! Sorry for jumble.
DeleteOn a technical note, it has occurred to me that we didn’t hear a solicitor last night when Freddie was being interviewed at the police station. Shouldn’t one have been present to advise him?
ReplyDeleteI think he would have been advised to say ‘no comment’ when questioned about where he obtained the drugs, not concoct the stupid story about a ‘medium height man in the street’. He has already partially convicted himself with his very unconvincing story and I think he should refuse any further interviews without Usha or her deputy present.
Not that I want him to escape prosecution, far from it, but I hope he goes get proper representation, for Elizabeth’s sake if nothing else
Elizabeth said Usha's advice was to tell the truth, so we assume that's what Patrick advised Freddie before the interview, ie answer the questions and give your version of the story, no comment interview is just that, no answers throughout but it wouldn't have made a good drama. I doubt that Freddie told Patrick the whole truth.
DeleteArcherphile - I was thinking the same as I listened last night. Did Freddie get questioned without Patrick being in the interview room? I wouldn't have thought, given that Elizabeth is involved. I thought Lily's complaining about Freddie's room being searched by the police and they even upset his Star Wars figures, shows just how juvenile they both are. They are both only just turned 18 and have led sheltered and privileged lives.
DeleteWe don't know that Patrick wasn't present when Freddie was being interviewed. There would be no reason for him to speak during the interview unless he felt that he needed to intervene as he saw Freddie and gave him advice before the interview started.
DeleteI think the twins' "sheltered and privileged lives" are a bit of a myth - compared with their cousin Ben, for instance (if you think Ben has also led a privileged and sheltered life, stop reading here!) Their "privilege" seems to consist solely of living in a larger house than him and never ever having had to share a bedroom. They have attended the local college and mixed with their peers in the usual social activities, as (we assume) Ben has done. Had they led more "sheltered.lives" they wouldn't have been exposed to these youthful temptations. The fact they succumbed and Ben (we assume) hasn't says more about character than lifestyle.
DeleteThinks: hope Freddie's didn't include Ben among his clients...
I actually wasn’t sure at first whether Freddie was talking to his solicitor or the police. We were told Usha was away and her colleague was covering then the next time we heard Freddie it was straight into the questions so I spent most of the time trying to work it out. Maybe I am a bit slow or missed something.
DeleteI am not at all sure Patrick *was* there because I don’t think he would have allowed Freddie to give such obviously false answers; he would have stepped in with advice, or asked to speak to his client alone (as they can do) and we should have heard him. Of course that would have meant the BBC hiring another actor, which may be the reason why he was silent - if he was there!
DeleteAs for comparing Lily and Freddie’s upbringings - the twins both went to a fee-paying private school, I think it was the Cathedral School, before going on to College. Ben did not have that advantage and attends Borchester Green Comprehensive.
It is arguable which children you consider had the advantage, but they certainly did have different educations.
Not sure which was worse.... Freddie whining & snivelling & moaning about where he had to stay [lucky not to have been locked up] or Lily's holier than thou " what a naughty boy Freddie is, how could he do this to us" etc. Can't wait til Elizabeth finds out Lily is also hiding a guilty secret as well as knowing what Freddie has been up to and Kate also knew about Freddie supplying Nolitandu and she also kept quiet!
DeleteI thought Freddie was talking to Patrick, Seasider, but 'DC Zindilis' (yes, really) is listed in the Radio Times. Can Patrick really have advised Freddie to say that rubbish about an unknown man near the town hall?
DeleteI am amazed as to how many discussions have been instigated by "Freddie's come uppance".
ReplyDeleteI sadly have not been able to read all these very valuable points (but I will do later). I have picked up on a news item, which was topical for a short while today. This referred to the increased deaths by illegal drugs, which are easily available to buy from Chinese web-sites. I do not know though, if these are the same drugs that Freddie was "peddling".
I am thinking that with the arrest of Freddie, a dealer is now being removed, and that this could save lives, potentially.
Did Freddie actually know what he was supplying?
DeleteI really feel for Elizabeth. She was left as a widow, far too soon, with the twins. She has done well with promoting Lower Loxely as a very viable business. At the same time she has given the twins a good education, she has supported them throughout,with love, understanding and financially, but they both have rebelled. She will be devastated when she learns about Lily"s goings on, and her poor exam results. I predict, that Lily will have to either do resists, or resit the college year.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know a licence can be revoked like that, couldn't Robin intervene? I'm glad he's still there. Noluthando was taken ill at Lower Loxley, why didn't Kate ask her where she got the drugs then? It wouldn't have made such a good drama. Elizabeth was taking Freddie a new phone, don't they have landlines at the Stables? I hope it does end at Magistrates' Court with a fine.
ReplyDeleteFreddie probably didn't realise you can't take a landline away with you, and pulled it out of the wall.
DeleteI think that the police still have Freddie's 'phone as evidence. All the texts, messages and calls, will be scrutinised, for further incrimination into his going on's.
DeleteI am starting to "smell a rat" with the suspension of the Lower Loxley alcohol licence. Is this the chance when Robin F. will ride in on his white charger, and rescue the situation? I am beginning wondering whether his appearance, and now extended stay, in Ambridge is not as coincidental, as I had first thought.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly Miriam.
DeleteI agree! I don't think a flying visit from RF was ever intended too many SL can come from his reappearance.....
DeleteDoes anybody know anything about the likelihood of Lower Loxley's alcohol licence being revoked? It seems drastic. What is to be gained from it? Is Elizabeth being punished for allowing her premises to be used for drug dealing, even though she didn't know anything about it? What is the law? It is just a case of piling on the melodrama?
ReplyDeleteIt's a useful diversion from what an awful father Robin is.
Yet another shouty confrontation between two characters - we don’t seem able to shrug off the Ambridge-Enders style of late. If Kate didn’t work out who gave her daughter the drugs at the time then how is she so sure now when Freddie isn’t letting on.
ReplyDeleteSo we have drugs, alcohol and gambling issues in the village - not sure those posh new houses or Jennifer’s kitchen are going to hold their value. Emma and Hannah won’t have to worry as all of the new development will be easily affordable.
Thanks, Seasider, the notion of Ambridge becoming a seriously unattractive place to live tickled me greatly.😄
DeleteHow can R F get the Lower Loxley licence back? I must be missing something.
DeleteBasia - good thing you suggested the outsize T❤️O❤️B❤️Y tee to accommodate both hm and offspring now they are spending so much time in each other's company and going for walks together. I expect it will get a mention before long!
ReplyDeleteWill have to listen to last night again, yawn, so much making little sense - how come kate knew anything ? How come so many people are intimidated by this silly & contemptible woman ? Why just a shut down on alcohol, when LL, if suspected of being a drug dealing venue, will still be open for other refreshments ? Why is Freddie still holding out when he's already confessed to mum ? Only thing I did understand is the one item that wasn't explained - RF is up to summat, his hand to be revealed over the next few days.
ReplyDeleteSunday night - Elizabeth did rather well with her exceptionally immature/very scared son (even if it bore no fruit last night). The police officer did push him, but as if he were a 12 yr old, rather than, in law, an adult. I would have thought he could have been a shade tougher, faced with such unconvincing, insultingly unconvincing, responses.
ReplyDeleteLike others, disliked Freddie's babyish whining. Same when Topper died, grief totally understandable, but the way he grizzled was like that of a boy 10 yrs younger. Now, of course, he's terrified, acting like a headless chicken.
Lily I could understand - she kind of has to keep up the pretence, stick to the agreement with her twin, until /if he confesses. Also she can hardly hit mum with more bad news, ' Actually, mum, Meredith was only a cover story which got out of hand - truth is, I'm having an affair with the married Dep. Principal of the college, & now I think he's about to dump me, & I want to top myself, so it doesn't matter about the awful exam results which I'll get because when I said I was revising, I was, you know....'
I thought the 'three men and a baby' sketch was quite funny - thanks, Keri or whoever wrote it if it wasn't you. A big plus for the Fairbrothers is that they don't shout, unlike so many of the Archer clan.
ReplyDeleteYes, something nice to imagine, there's a picture of Robin and Toby in the studio together.
DeleteMaryellen, Toby will need extra pockets for a bottle and a spare nappy.
The police seized Freddie's phone and laptop, the point I was making was that Elizabeth was delivering a new one for him to the Stables as if he couldn't survive without one.
I get the impression that none of his generation can!
DeleteThis week's writer is Simon Frith.
DeleteOne matter was clarified ( well, IMO) & that was during the awkward & unsatisfactory dinner between Rex & RF : the former sounded thrown, even rumbled whe dad challenged his personal, as opposed to professional reasons for staying, 'Your brother & Rosie ? Is that all?' Pregnant pause. Obviously, Pip (as suspected/feared by some of us)
ReplyDeleteYep. Thought that too Carolyn.
DeleteMe too.
DeleteWhy "obviously"? Robin Fairbrother doesn't know about any romantic link between Rex and Pip (which exists largely in listeners' imaginations). He simply thinks there has to be more valid reason for stagnating in Ambridge than the one Rex gave.
DeleteAlthough I am beginning to think that Robin Fairbrother is more perceptive than he lets on, and has a better working knowledge of his sons than is immediately apparent.
Maryellen, Rex has been interested in Pip from the start and was once even on the point of declaring his feelings (she cut him off because they were in hospital and had to go in but who was there then, Toby?!) and she was aware because she insisted that Toby told him that they were an item which he found out with his own eyes. Rex gave Pip priority over Anisha and she was aware of it too. Then Pip said that she chose the wrong brother.
DeleteI don't see though that it is "obvious" to Robin unless he really is very perceptive.
Basia, sorry, that was two separate-ish trains of thought on my part. Yes, agreed, the history of Rex's lukewarm, one-sided romantic interest in Pip isn't 'obvious ' to Robin, who I suspect would regard mooning over a woman who has shown no reciprocal interest ( and herself urged Rex to go to Newmarket with Anisha) to be an even feebler reason for staying in Ambridge.
DeleteI also thought that in a more general way Robin could be more aware of his sons' characteristics and capabilities- also their relationship to each other - than I had previously given him credit for.
We’ve already done the two brothers in love with the same lady in the Grundy saga. Are there so few femmes fatale in Ambridge? The story also would coincide with there being a child belonging to brother A being brought up in the household of brother B. Way back I thought Pip and Rex would be a good match and was surprised when Toby intervened. Now I just don’t see how the story could not be a repeat of the Grundy saga if Pip and Rex get together. At least this pair of brothers aren’t at loggerheads! I don’t think Robin is astute enough to know the object of Rex’s affections but might guess there is a deeper reason for Rex staying put.
DeleteI wonder what the conversational content was between Rex and his father during his (Robin) illness. Did they talk about the residents of Ambridge and in particular what a wonderful farmer Pip is and will most likely inherit the family farm. Pa was clearly very bored whilst Rex waxed on about pigs, so coped by drinking more Chablis which in a place like GG won't come cheap. I think of RF as a posh door to door salesman, but his charm didn't work with Brian, now it's Elizabeth's turn.
ReplyDeleteWill she be easily guided down the wine trail?
Ha ha, Stasia, I love that description of Robin - fits him like a glove! He has a beautiful voice, but if I were to come across him in real life, I wouldn't trust him further than I could spit (as the saying goes!).
DeleteSuz. He did also make a comment about speaking to some at GG, (whilst slugging back the wine) about their wine.
DeleteLeaving no stone unturned then!
DeleteDid I hear correctly?
ReplyDeleteWas Elizabeth suggesting that Freddie should lie about his drug dealing past?
I am concerned about Bert.
ReplyDeleteThis is a different, but related, topic about Lower Loxley. If Elizabeth begins to lose business and bookings, then Bert might not, no longer be needed as a volunteer guide, nor will Gem + his "cart" be required for weddings.
I wonder what he will do next?
I have just realised my massive mistake! It is Joe who has Gem + the "cart". I do feel though, that these two wonderful men, will lose something that they, not only enjoy, but gives them a different perspective of life.
DeleteThe idea that Jennifer & Brian might be close neighbours with Emma & Ed ( should they get an affordable house), was just wonderful. I thought Jennifer might actually swoon if Susan had continued with her patronising sympathy. Susan sure knows how to put the knife in.
ReplyDeleteI took Susan's visit to Jennifer at face value and saw it as a genuine impulse to try and help her fellow mother-in-law (for which there is a word in India but not here). The bit about the affordable homes was the scriptwriter being heavy-handed.I did think Susan was a bit taken aback, though, at being given licence to sptead the word!
ReplyDeleteSusan did stress that B&J would go for the upmarket end of Beechwood of course but if it's called an estate then it's definitely out. I do think that Susan was sincere in her compliments about the house and the upheaval of giving up a family home.
DeleteYes I think that Susan was being genuinely sympathetic.
DeleteIt would not occur to her that Jennifer and Brian would not want to live on an estate where some of the "Lower orders" might have an affordable home.
I don't know whether there will be a "For Sale" board up but since the house will be on "Right Move "or something similar it wouldn't be long whether Susan spread the word or not before everyone knew about the sale .
.....which J. realized too, didn't she.
DeleteI don't think that Lexi's promise to Ian was sincere and she was evasive with Roy.
ReplyDeleteIan addressed 'our' concerns about time passing by and exploring other options and Adam didn't sound convincing to me, I think he's prepared to let it all drag out and come to nothing.
I have nothing to add to remarks made by others.
ReplyDeleteThe recent events in Ambridge comprehensively commented upon by all, I agree with.
One thing though, yes LJ, I too thought I heard Elizabeth suggest that Freddie should lie.
If the parent thinks it appropriate, then can one blame the child ?
I also thought that Susan was just trying to be helpful and had J+B's best interest in her mind.
ReplyDeleteI do like the name of the development - Beechwood.
Are there beech trees nearby, or did Justin chop them down?
Jennifer is usually dismissive of Susan, but the fact that she accepted her interventions graciously, even welcoming the news of the sale being broadcast, certainly persuaded me that Susan was being genuinely kind( despite that inevitable edge of delight in being the first with the latest gossip)
ReplyDeleteAgree that Lexi is not to be trusted at all. She put on a pretty good show, but her evasiveness about return date said it plainly. Ian is right to consider contingency plans, Adam is just making reassuring noises, his mind is elsewhere, & poor Roy had better prepare for heartbreak.
Agree totally Carolyn 👍
DeleteWhat a farce in the departure lounge as Roy shouted his Love for Lexi as she fled for the gate.Someone in the background sniggered. Brief Encounter gone wrong?
ReplyDeleteSusan's empathetic voice is patronising and very condescending, but she does it so well, and I'm sure she has a smidgen of feeling sorry for Jenifer and Brian's circumstances.
Is Susan gloating or genuinely helping, certainly she will spread the word, however she hasn't yet realised that there will be an impact on her social connections when Brian and Jenifer downsize and move into an estate. Will Susan be one rank above in the hierarchical strata that is Ambridge?
Will she continue to bump into Jenifer whilst shopping in Underwoods expensive food dept?
Will it be upward mobility or downward mobility? So many questions.
The class struggle continues.
Jennifer went into overdrive with the ‘daaahrling’s last night when speaking to Adam.
ReplyDeleteI think they were trying to see how many ‘darlings’ they could get into one scene! 😄
I thought exactly the same,Archerphile.
DeleteI felt like yelling out to her that she was the one who had christened him,Adam,so she might as well use his name .
I wonder from where Lilian and Jennifer got hold of this "daarrrling " business?
You wouldn't hear their mother calling everyone darling and I am pretty sure that their father wouldn't use the word either..
Glad I was not the only one who wanted to scream at Jennifer darrrrrling grrrr😡
DeleteHow I am in agreement with you all, about Jennifer's so many "darlings".
DeleteI wonder why I can accept Lilians spoken use of this word, but I find it her sister, Jennifer's use, just annoying.
Totally with you all 👍
DeleteThe way I interpreted the scene with Jennifer and Susan, was the J gave S to broadcast J and Brian are downsizing due to financial difficulties, not just that farm house will be listed for sale.
ReplyDeleteI acknowledge that most think Susan's 'concern' for Jennifer is genuine, but I think a large part is a sense of schadenfreude, with 'Now you know what it's like to be on the other side of the social divide.' I'm afraid I did not take her concern on face value. IMO despite a stretch at her majesty's pleasure she has never shown any real empathy for anyone with any real dilemmas, except her family and occasionally Clarrie. She can be entertaining as a character and well acted, but I find her an unpleasant character with only sparodic interventions of humour. Certainly not my kind of girl! There to go! ☺
ReplyDeleteSusan goes in for pragmatic solutions to other people's dilemmas rather than generalised "empathy', most recently with her rota answer to Will's child care problem - and is fully prepared to do her bit to make them work.
ReplyDeleteI interpreteded Susan's talk with Jennifer about Beechwood, as being very sincere and concered. These are her son's "in-laws", so indirectly Chris is in the Home Farm conundrom.
DeleteI feel that Susan is riding high at the moment, as she is relishing Neil's current employment, and enjoys being able to now shop in "Underwoods Food Hall". I think that this will come to end soon.
Interesting obituary in The Telegraph of Carolyn Jones, the actress who played Ursula Titchener. Apparently she married Jeremy Mason the son of Edward J Mason, one of the creators of The Archers. Jeremy Mason also went on to play the part of Roger Travers-Macy, Adam’s father. Strange how these coincidences occur. It seems that both Carolyn and Jeremy were in Crossroads together too, at one time.
ReplyDeleteThis is so informative and fascinating.
DeleteThank-you for sharing this.
Sure you're right, Burnham Beeches(3.13), about the element of schadenfreude in Susan's overtures to J.; after all, she's been playing keeping-upmanship with her for years, & is generally slapped down ! This time, she wasn't & it did seem to bring out the nicer side, as you said, Maryellen, that was plainly shown in her practical approach to Will & family over childcare. Even there she was too pushy at first, but that was resolved very well & her practoveness continues to be useful.
ReplyDeleteStill, don't think there is such a thing as generalised empathy, it's specific to another person in the moment, entering into another's situation. Sympathy, at worst, can indeed be no more than stock phrases, noises, acting out the 'appropriate' facial expressions(I'm not saying it's always that phoney !)
I too feel that Susan was genuine in her suggestions, but with some disbelief that it is just for reasons of downsizing. I felt that Jenny was close to tears and keen for the conversation to end.
ReplyDeleteI am still in a quandary, as to whether I wish Lexi to return to Ambridge, or not. I am quite open minded about this.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how Roy will now spend his lonely evenings?
There are several possibilities:-
With Kirsty?
With Elizabeth, (who needs a shoulder to cry on)?
With Kate/Phoebe?
With Hannah?
With Tracy?
Or will he just become a "recluse"?
I think Roy will be sitting at home watching TV with Kirsty. Actually, is Kirsty still living in the same home as Roy? I think that was a strange arrangement for those 3 but didn't really hear much about it.
DeleteI assume so, but I am not sure.
DeleteI would so love to think that Mike, Vicky and Bethany will visit him, to cheer him up. And what about Abby?
DeleteRobin has said it, so it's true: Rex and Pip!
ReplyDeleteWhy doesn't he give the ring to Rex, since he's so perceptive.
DeleteI was really rather hoping that Robin would take Shula outside and kiss her, what a let down, still, I haven't enjoyed an episode like that for a long time.
RF :- "Oozing charm from every pore. He oiled his way across the floor" (courtesy of My Fair Lady).
ReplyDeleteI find the idea that a man with his talent for self-absorption and 'not to be missed opportunities for a buck or two' would have had the wherewithal to pick up so quickly on the Rex/Pip thing. Those pesky SW's again.
What a a pain in the proverbial St. Shula is! You tell her Alaister! 😠
🍷I wonder how he starts the day? Bottle of Chateau Something.
DeleteWhat I'd also like to know is why are the twins so dreading the special tea with their mother, they might not get another chance.
ReplyDeleteYes, that was odd. Do they think Toby will be there, and it might be a bit tense? Or were they just being portrayed as very young people who claim to find family occasions boring?
DeleteWhich twins are we talking about here - Shula and Kenton or Lily and Freddie, I’m confused!
DeleteThe 60th birthday children...
DeleteThe end of this evening's episode was a disappointment. When Shula picked up that there was something going on with Kenton and Alistair, I hoped she was going to plead with the latter not to go down the gambling route. Instead, she just slagged him off. What was the dramatic point of that? To show that Shula isn't very nice? (Is she or isn't she? It depends on the vagaries of the plot.) To push Alistair further down the path to disaster? To include a shouty bit because 'drama means conflict, students'? I found myself wondering why I still listen. But I'd like someone to persuade me there's a good reason.
ReplyDeleteWhy does Robin want Toby to marry Pip? Because he thinks it's the right thing to do, that he ought to 'make an honest woman of her'? That was old-fashioned half a century ago. Or does he think, as Toby himself once hinted, that a single woman with a chance of inheriting a farm must be in want of a husband?
ReplyDeleteWell said, Miss Austen 😄
DeleteQuite ! He's assessed the set up at Brookfield & reckons if Toby plays his cards right, it could be pretty cushy for the hapless lad. He's working hard, getting David drunk, making a gudging admission that T. may not be a disaster after all, spotting the Rex problem, so attempting to deflect him....he failed to win over Jill, but no matter, she has little influence, & did say she was prepared to accept T., as he was the baby's father. The womanizing & boozing adds to the pleasure of an interesting week of playing Mr Fixit.
DeleteAn alternative motive that Robin would like Toby to marry Pip, is so Rex will be deflected and leave Ambridge, end to the big farmer business, and climb back to Anisha.
DeleteFrom "The Borsetshire Echo" Family Announcements: Engagement: Mr Toby Fairbrother, son of Mr Robin Fairbrother, to Miss Philippa Rose S.* Archer, daughter of Mr & Mrs David Archer. Both families are delighted.
Delete*S(hecomeswithafarmattached)
Well said H-A-H 👏
DeleteSaint Shula is at it again. She has a new haircut for her birthday and don't know what to do with it. How sad. Jazzer is not a friend AND a very LARGE mouth. Alistair, stay away from him!
ReplyDeletebootgums - I always want to just stop listening to all the nonsense the SW dishes out. As a soap opera, it is not really that good. For me, its 13 minutes, 6 days a week, and the joy of sharing and reading this blog - which is the reward.
ReplyDelete✔️
Delete👍 I felt exactly the same.
DeleteYou have hit the nail right on the head Ruthy 😀 The Beeb did us a favour really stopping our blog as our current set up (thanks to you) is so much more relaxed and friendly. Especially like the "off topic" blog so many subjects covered and concerns shared and support given- with laughs along the way too. True freedom bliss 🤗
Delete✔️
DeleteThe rot set in after Sean O'Connor left. Let's hope for a return to better editorial standards when the new appointee takes over in September.
DeleteRe Ruthy's blog - is it the case that bloggers who opposed the introduction of a second blog have now changed their minds and the experiment with two parallel blogs has worked?
Has Neil noticed that his assistant, Hannah has been moonlighting on a farm in Devon for the past 2 months? She's in the current series of "Home Front". She was harvesting last week with one of those new-fangled tractors. After the last broadcast encounter between the pair of them it might be as well to close the time-travel portal and leave her in the 20th century.
ReplyDeleteHello Hedgehog - nice to see you here again! Yes, I thought I recognised Hannah in Home Front though haven’t checked the cast list. I also wondered if young Peter was played by our Henry Archer but decided ´Peter’ was was better acted and didn’t keep saying ´awight’ enough!
ReplyDeleteYes Atrcherphile I agree that "Peter " -Home Front -is not Henry .
ReplyDeleteI think all the acting in Home Front is excellent.
Something really good to listen to when I am preparing lunch.
(Sounds grand but it is usually poached egg on toast or Welsh rarebit or similar so it doesn't take long )
The tag line for last night said fireworks, so in my script it was Robin romancing Shula in the Bull garden and Alistair stumbling upon them...only a few embarrassed noises from all three...end.
ReplyDelete"If you need a guide, perhaps I can help you out" sinister voice of RF, I wanted to shout ' don't go into the woods with him, he's a seedy leech'. Then she was saved by Alister and Kenton's shouting match which escalated when she joined the in.
ReplyDeleteI wanted Shula to fall into the trap, then she and Alistair would have been even but she opted out for the shouting match, again. When Robin told her she was "if I may" beautiful she said she'd take it as a compliment, was it supposed to be an insult? Shula is so boring, she should stay with her husband.
Delete! √ except hardly fair on Alistair - he isn't that boring, a hard working, decent sort of man who was a good dad to his stepson, is a respected vet, capable of productive change when awakened by Anisha in the earlier stages, possessed of normal human reactions to disaster, certain human weakenesses, now taking steps to resist the returning gambling addiction. No, he didn't observe his wife's fluctuating moods & unspoken dissatisfactions, nor her flirtations/hankerings after other men. Poor dope, he trusted her. I suspect if she suddenly turned & decided she still loved him after all, he wouldn't actually want him back.
Delete...last line, 'her' of course.
DeleteBootgums: August 6 2018, 10.36pm.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. I have been too busy to listen for a few weeks and have been catching up over the last few days. In the end I just read the synopsis as I found the conflict and shouting too much to listen to.
I thought that Kate had been given a cottage that she is renting out. Why can't she live there?
ReplyDeletebecause she would have nothing to live on, that's why she was dropping heavy hints that she wanted to move in with Roy, homeless my foot, does she know the meaning of it?
Delete