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Life in Ambridge: Comments week of August 18, 2018
Life in Ambridge: Comments week of August 18, 2018
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
Good morning bloggers!
ReplyDeleteGood morning Ruthy! Writing this from a cabin deep in the forests of The Berkshires in Massachusetts where we are experiencing thunderstorms of biblical proportions! I have never in my life seen or heard anything like it - it's truly awe inspiring. And must admit to having gone out in the monsoon--esque rain sans clothing earlier...
ReplyDeleteHaving an Archers Omnibus binge at the moment - am catching up quickly. Think Freddie is just about to be arrested...
The storm appears to be directly overhead now! We can actually feel the shockwaves from the thunder - our wooden cabin literally shook moments ago. It is thrilling beyond belief...
ReplyDeleteHello Gary. Your honeymoon is MUCH more interesting than T.A. I enjoy your endless enthusiasm. I would be really scared in a storm like that.
DeleteWow sounds frightening to me GG but certainly compelling / interesting to hear of all your adventures, how long are you away for and how many miles will you cover 😮 ?
DeleteBet that is taking all the autumn leaves off the trees Gary, what an amazing experience. You are not doing things by halves on your honeymoon are you! But keep safe and come home to boring old Britain soon!
DeleteIt sounds amazing
DeleteWow - thrilling indeed, GG ! TA omnibus will seem tame beyond belief amidst all your experiences & adventures; I could almost feel & hear that storm, as I enjoyed a quiet & still early breakfast just now.....
ReplyDeleteFrom last blog : a number of you thought Susan's escapade with the llama was out of character, but I didn't, though we haven't witnessed that style of mischief from her before. She has an edgy relationship with Lynda, both of them overbearing & competitive in different ways, so a touch of revenge might have seemed a good wheeze, added to drinking more than usual...a rather endearing side of her personality, in contrast to her usual judgmental take (e.g condemning Alistair in favour of 'pious' Shula)
ReplyDeleteI've noticed before that the episodes enjoyed most are those with no Archers in them. (It's partly why I'd like to suggest to the new editor that the programme would benefit from a community-based approach based on the Parish Council (it worked for The Vicar of Dibley) instead of a family-based approach based on a few houiseholds....
ReplyDeleteThere was too much about Jazzer in the episode for my taste but I agree with Carolyn about Susan's quiet contribution - I liked the calm and capable way in which she reacted to the suit crisis while everyone around her was getting agitated - again proving the point that Susan's kindness lies in practical solutions to people's problems. I'd forgotten her imaginative streak and it was nice to be reminded re Constanz.
I agree with what you say Maryellen.
DeleteNot one of my favourite characters (there are very few of them sadly) is an Archer.
I like Susan, but more I admire tremendously the acting of the character by the actress.
ReplyDeleteInteresting points from Carolyn and Maryellen above and agree with both.
I really enjoyed last nights episode and lots in it to enjoy.
GG - the raw elements experienced by your stay in the forests of Massachusetts will stay with you for ever I'm sure.
And we are enjoying your messages.
Thank you for sharing with us.
I am with you Mrs P about Susan.
DeleteI actually enjoy it when she is on the programme.
Good acting.
I still don't think though,Carolyn that Susan would have thought it a good wheeze to take Lynda's llama.
She hasn't a sense of humour .
She would hate to get into trouble with the law again and I cannot see what on earth she would gain by doing what she did.
GG - you are only 2 States from New Jesery. We too had thunderous storms late afternoon and again after dinner. Are you by any chance staying in an AMC cabin. The Berkshires is a lovely area. Where are you headed now? If by chance have time to go to the Hudson Valley (Lower New York State) go to Minneswaska State Park. One of my favorite areas around here. Too bad you are a couple months early for the Fall colors, they are magnificent to see. You got to the east coast quick. This is a big country.
ReplyDeleteYes Ruthy, it is a ' Big Country ' ( a great favourite of mine).
DeleteI will never go to the States because I have no desire to see one or even two little bits.
If I went I would want to see it ALL over a very long period of time.
Maybe five years . Would that be enough ?
MrsP - there are many bits I have not seen, but have probably seen more than the average American. I think just to see the most highlighted bits would take a month or two. I love the Rocky Mountains of the West and have been a few times in different regions - from Glacier National Park in Montana, to Yellowstone in Wyoming, to the Grand Tetons, the Great Rockies in Colorado, to the canyons in Utah and Grand Canyon in Arizona. You may have to hurry before our current President auctioned eveyone of these treasures to the highest bidder (bid of sarcasm, but not really).
DeleteGG Your honeymoon, certainly sounds very memorable!
ReplyDeleteIt is very lovely that you are letting us, experience your adventures.
I really enjoy your "travelogue".
I have just realised that this is The Archers page, so I need to keep it on topic;-
I enjoy any episode with Susan and/or Jazzer in. I just love these two characters, along with Lynda and Jim.
Ruthy, I love this photo!.
ReplyDeleteThese are the fresian cows which make up the dairy herds, in my part of the UK. and are a common site in the fields near to where I live. The ice-cream "farm" not very far away, only uses the milk from their own fresian herd.
Are these different from the Brookfield dairy cows?
PS The last sentence is a desparate attempt to keep it related to TA😆
DeleteMiriam - good observation. I did search for English cows. Yes, I wonder what breed of mike cows are Brookfield’s. Does anyone know? I think I had heard it mentioned but don’t remember. How about Pat’s goats?
DeleteI think Pat’s goats are British Saanens Ruthy. That is the breed we had on our farm.
DeleteThe cows at Brookfield were specially chosen to be reared by the new method that Ruth was determined to try after her sojourn in New Zealand. I remember Pip and Matthew (?) touring around one or two breeding farms looking for good stock - but for the life of me I cannot remember the name! Perhaps CowGirl will remember?
Thank you Archerphile. I will look up those goats. I hope you are well.
DeleteAt the back of my mind David & Ruth have Holstein cows -don't quote me I might be totally wrong.
ReplyDeleteHolstein cattle are called Friesian in the UK - the cows that are in Ruthy's picture. I'm sure I remember the Brookfield Archers talking about Herefords, although that may be the beef cattle and not the milking herd.
DeleteHolstein and Friesians were once separate breeds, but have been closely interbred and the Holstein strain is now dominant in the present mixed breed.
DeleteYes Sue the Herefords are the beef cattle.
Thanks Suz & Janice for clearing that up for me :-))
DeleteIt does please me enormously that we have Farming folk on this forum.
ReplyDeleteThank you to the three such above for the information about the breeds of cows.
We have cows out on the commons here in this part of the Cotswolds in the summer months. This year we do not have as many as in previous years due to TB in some of the herds. Because the herds come from different farms there is a wonderful mixture of breeds and colours and it thrills me to see them. There are also four retired shire horses and a donkey who join them each year.
When I first moved up here, I rented a cottage just above the winter pasture of one local herd of Highland Cattle. Due to the geographical nature of Minchinhampton the cattle are able to move through the village from one part of the common to another. Because the winter home of the Highlands is on the lower slopes of the village /town they frequently wander through the streets, and it was for me such a delight to see them. One morning I woke to hear a very strange slurping sound just below my window. When I got out of bed to look, I saw two large tongues wrapping around the ivy on a neighbouring wall.
That was all I could see of the cows.
Ruthy, there are many photographs in existence of the Highland cattle in Minchinhampton. Would it be possible, do you think, to find one and post for one of our Archers themed blogs ?
I hope this is not too much to ask, and not too cheeky. I would so like to share my delight with friends on here.
Hi MrsP. I have a couple of links to photos of the 'Highlands' in Minchinhampton if that's any help. One of them walking along the street https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-highland-cattle-in-the-streets-of-minchinhampton-gloucestershire-33947674.hmtl and another of them on the common https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2193407405948144448/gallery/2193411214183236869 . I didn't realise that you lived in Minch - I used to live in Frampton Mansell before I moved over here to the Forest.
DeleteSorry, I've just tried out the links, and, sadly, they don't work. I'll see what else I can find.
DeleteMrsP - not cheeky at all. I will find and post it next week. Requests will always be welcomed.
DeleteNo luck - up to you then Ruthy!
DeleteThe second link worked for me on copy & paste. I couldn't, however, get the first one to work.
DeleteWell done BB :)
DeleteI listened to the "omnibus" edition of TA, this morning and I really enjoyed it. Why I liked it:- I enjoyed the seamless story-lines, such as Constanza and Lynda, and the "lows" + "highs" that occured. I think Freddie still seems to be in denial, Elizabeths problems, I think will only get worse, but I really enjoyed the humour which was heard and a Happy Wedding.
ReplyDeleteI have a general query, as I do not know which Ambridge couple, were the last one's, before Fallon + Harrison, to get married?
PS I now have a "sparkling" kitchen, as I was listening to the TA (via 'i-player + ear pods) and it certainly helped me.
DeleteI can't think of anyone more recent than Ed and Emma. Or were Helen and Rob (oh no!!!) after them?
DeleteMiriam - I love to clean and then relax and enjoy my handy work. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteSuz - the second link worked. I will include that nice photo in a future post!
Ruthy - I have to admit that I love cleaning my bathroom. It is the pristine shine afterwards!
DeleteI'll look forward to it Ruthy.
DeleteI don’t know why, and I admit that I am being totally irrational, but I just cannot take to Hannah. We heard quite a lot from her tonight and she didn’t do, or say anything wrong but she just irritates me.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else feel this way, or is it just me?
Yes me Archerphile.
DeleteShe gets up my goat no end. And I can't understand why either.
She was horrible to Emma, for no apparent reason (she wants an affordable home?), and we see her through that memory. She was very likeable in her first period in Ambridge.
DeleteWhat's the betting Hannah turns out to be as good a cricketer as Anisha was? I still think the character has been created specifically to fill the feisty young career woman slot vacated by Anisha and stepping into her cricketing shoes seems to confirm the theory.
DeleteI too find Hannah objectionable.
DeleteShe is nosy,a "know all ",pushy and bossy.
Had I been Tom I would have told her in no uncertain terms that it was not of her business
who was texting him.
I agree with you Maryellen that she will turn out to be the next Rachel Heyhoe Flint or Kate Cross.
Hope she doesn't.
Actually, Lanjan, that is exactly how I felt about Anisha when she first came to Ambridge!
DeleteSo perhaps Maryellen is right and Hannah is destined to be a substitue Anisha, cricketing success included.
Thank you Suz and Ruthy.
ReplyDeleteYes Suz, I rented in Minch but knew absolutely that I didn't want to live there. But I do have a number of social links there and pop up there a great deal.
I have now started getting my milk, raw, unpasteurised from Woefuldane dairy in Munch.
So I am very proud to be drinking milk that has travelled less than four miles, from Cow to consumer.
Cheese and butter too, but it is expensive, though the milk is cheap. You buy your litre and half bottle then get it filled for 95p.
Frampton Mansel is very pretty I think.
Had the Jolly Nice Cafe opened before you left Suz ?
I don't think so, MrsP. There was only the Crown in the village itself, and another pub (have forgotten the name) plus petrol station up on the main road, but I noticed that they have both closed and have been resurrected as something else now. I imagine the Crown is still going strong as it's in such a beautiful setting.
DeleteWill tell you on the other thread Suz.
DeleteHave I got this right? The Archer clan are gunning for Harrison (or at least cold-shouldering him) because he did his job and arrested Freddie for indisputable stung dealing? Were he (and his colleagues who were present) supposed to turn a blind eye because ... why?
ReplyDeleteI agree with your outrage Maryellen.
DeleteMe too.✔️✔️✔️
DeleteI agree, maryellen. Harrison is always a police officer, even when he's off duty, and he was absolutely right to arrest Freddie, whether he knows his family or not. It wasn't a trivial offence that Freddie was arrested for, and I'm surprised that the police haven't yet found out that he had been dealing for a long time, and not just on the odd occasion that he was arrested for. Why on earth haven't they made more of an effort to interview the students at his college, apart from Ellis. It must have been common knowledge after all.
Delete....√√, absolutely, & the Archers would be the first to applaud the local cop if he caught anyone who smasheddown one of their fences, or stole any of their livestock ! Anyway, taking a lenient line with Freddie isn't doing him any favours in the long run.
ReplyDeleteAren't the old SWs being rather clever with Hannah ? Initially, very agreeable, then aggressive & self righteous with Neil, vicious to Emma, & now all set to be a pillar of the local community in the cricket team(the rules of which gameshe claims to be ignorant). They're playing with us ! Intriguing to see how it allpans out.
Hey, hadn't finished ! Bet you're right, Maryellen, she does seem to fit the Anisha slot, though perhaps more devious ? A. Was outspoken, but this Hannah seems to have 2 faces....
DeleteLynda was unbearable last night ! ( though am with those that say we need characters like her & Susan) so patronising to the newly weds about their reception - she plays it beautifully with that drawling, superior tone of voice - then sticking the knife in about goatgate, when, in fact, said animal had a lovely adventure, exploring pastures new, & safe throughout.
I've never met a llama but I gather they are very sociable creatures so I agree, Carolyn, I expect Constanza enjoyed her little expedition with new people to meet and grass to chew.No wonder she was initially reluctant to return home! I think the story should have stopped there, or following Susan's confession. Like so many TA plots these days it's getting strung out unbelievably and involving confrontation. Sigh!
DeleteThe llama s/l is rediculous. If Lynda wanted the abduction to be officially investigated then she should have reported it at a police station and been given a crime number. I'm a bit confused about P C Burn's position in Ambridge, is he the designated local police officer?
ReplyDeleteI don't think the actor playing Hannah is very good, a bit like Pip. It is all about the delivery and tone of voice.
I know exactly why I didn't like Hannah last night: she paid £10 instead of £10.20 to Fallon because it was a cash transaction, is this normally acceptable?
ReplyDeleteShe then asked Tom who sent him a text and because it was a woman she had her own ideas.
At cricket she told Tom that "in her opinion" Harrison should have let Freddie off.
Now Harrison feels bad because Freddie will be sentenced at the Crown Court.
I think Susan may come clean to Lynda about the llama.
Agreed Basia :)
DeleteWell spotted,Basia,on both counts. Calculating & unprincipled on both counts !
DeleteBasia, that bit about the tenner in cash passed me by last night. But I've just heard it in the repeat.
DeleteMy immediate thought was..... another reason to find her distasteful.
Behaviour you might use at a market or car boot sale, but in the village cafe, to a 'friend' ?
No !
I agree with all you say Basia
DeleteInitially I thought that £10.40 was a lot for six small items but then I wished that Fallon had said "no" to Hannah's rude .request.
Being picky I know but I find that the way she gabbles annoys me too .
Not convinced that it is Hannah's fault.
Think it might be the fault of the actress as Stasia has implied earlier.
Lynda is being ridiculous about the llama and trying to bully Harrison into investigating the ‘crime’. What crime? The animal wasn’t stolen or harmed in any way so, as far as I can see, no crime was committed. She just can’t let it go and I am thoroughly fed up with her superior attitude.
ReplyDeleteAs for Harrison feeling that the Archers are all agin him - I don’t get that feeling at all. We haven’t heard much from the Brookfield clan, or the Home Farm or Bridge Farm families about
Freddie’s arrest yet, or any outright criticism of Harrison as far as I can recall. The only person saying Freddie should have been let off was Hannah, last night. I think Harrison is being too sensitive and shouldn’t feel awkward for having done his job
Quite. √ Freddie is not a special case, just another young person illegally taking, & peddling, drugs.
DeleteHarrison is being held culpable for doing his job and for not doing it. Let Lynda report it: my llama was abducted and returned safe and sound during my absence, the fact of which I was unaware and cannot substantiate my claim.
ReplyDelete:))
DeleteAbsolutely, Basia :)
DeleteSuccinctly put,Basia✔️✔️✔️
DeleteI thought the llama S/L was amusing until it got out of hand. Why do the S/W continue to ridicule so many Archer characters, or rather caricature them? It's time to drop the llama story and let us all move on.
ReplyDeleteAnisha and Hannah are not well liked, because they are made to seem self centered, self serving and cocky. These are all traits that are not easily accepted, especially for young women (I think I might have just step on a land mine - but let me know your honest reaction to this.) They both just seem to rub us the wrong way!
I also think the llama story is getting tedious. It's August, the so called silly season, but I don't see why this should extend to The Archers.
ReplyDeleteThe Freddie story is much more serious for me. When I was working I used to do a sexual health clinic in the local drug rehabilitation centre and saw at first hand the damage they did to people's lives. If Freddie hadn't been arrested he would have continued to sell drugs and continue the potential harm.
Agree with you CC - Freddie is still complaining that he has to stay with Auntie Shuuuuula for another six weeks. Poor chap. He will never learn the lesson without harsh punishment. Did he even fell bad what he has done to the business?
DeleteSuz - I just had the chance to look for the cattle on Minchinhampton Common - they do roam freely around the town? Very interesting. I got a couple of good photos - trying to figure out what program I can use to make a nice collage to present on the TA blog.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, you're a star, Ruthy!
DeleteThank you Ruthy for responding to my request for a picture of the cattle in Minch.
DeleteI went up to the common for a walk last night, and was able to stand very close to one of our local ladies while she munched her grass.
We don't seem to have any calves this year that I can see.
Perhaps all the babies are in the TB herds.
Yes they do walk around the town.
We have major roads through the commons too, and each year there are Cow deaths. Lots of local people, including me, work hard to reduce the speed of SOME drivers.
Last year within two days of being ' out' a calf was killed on the road and quickly removed. At dawn the following morning its mum was killed while she was looking for it.
I find it very distressing and always drive very slowly when negotiating the cows when they are near the road, but lots of drivers don't.
MrsP - I could see how they get run over by cars. I would think a driver would want to go slower as these cattles can cause great damage to a car! I love hearing all these local stories. Lynda would have a field day with the speeding cars and I am not sure how she would react to freely roaming cattle.
DeleteI will tell you more on the ' off topic' thread Ruthy.
Delete12.55 20/8 : Ruthy, I don't put A. & H. in the same basket - the former was outspoken, didn't tolerate nonsense from anyone, was driven, ambitious &,yes, ultimately self serving but not mean, devious,manipulative as H. Is turning out to be (what Basia pointed out today, as well as her nastiness to Emma & Neil).
ReplyDeleteAs for what you say about acceptable behaviour in young women, I reckon most of us object to cockiness etc. in both genders. Take Toby in his previous incarnation, before he became the rock-a-by-baby saint, & many of us found him pretty obnoxious - a bit like entitled Freddie, except with a few more social skills developed over the years.
Agree, agree, agree on all three points, carolyn :)
DeleteDisagree, partly agree, disagree on your 3 points, Carolyn.
DeleteI agree Carolyn. And as a paid up bra burning feminist of the sixties, I really object to young women who think it's acceptable to behave like men.
DeleteThat is not what we fought for.
Indeed, no, mrsP - I think it's becoming more recognized now that women can retain their femininity AND be respected in the workplace ( though, very regretably, the appearance of women in the public eye still attract far more comment about their looks/dress sense than men in the same situation)
DeleteI don't think so called feminine dress is necessary, but basic human dignity is, along with manners and consideration for others.
DeleteBoorish loutish or drunken behaviour is not considered attractive in men and certainly isn't in women either.
I am really enjoying TA at this moment in time, especially as there is an imterimn editor, until Jeremy takes over in September, Why didn't the interimn editor just take over? She, is doing a brilliant job, in my opinion only!
ReplyDeleteI remember meadows full of clover, buttercups and dandelions.
ReplyDeleteNo meadow needed, as such. It is the grass verges near to me, be it in the country lanes, or the grass banks on the nearby dual carriageway. These are left to remain "wild" and promote the natural plants.
DeleteEvery year I see a huge bank (on the busy road) which is totally yellow with "cow-slips". It is lovely to see this flower in such abundance, even though it is on the side of a busy road.
DeleteI agree Miriam, lovely to see wild flowers on the verges. There is an organisation called Plantlife that is campaigning for councils not to cut verges so often, to allow wild lowers to grow and set seed. They have a petition on their website. The road and roundabout into the small town where I live are sown with wild flower seeds, it is such a beautiful entrance to the area.
DeleteWe have wild meadow verges and some roundabouts also.
DeleteBut then we also have very colourful planted boxes and baskets on some of the sides of the roundabouts.
Personally I find this mixture of styles somewhat bizarre.
Mrs. P., yes, it's a bit odd when the 'municiple' style is mixed in with the natural. We have lovely hanging baskets on the lamp-posts, but horrible set-piece flower beds, depicting historical dates - this year it's about the Womens Institute anniversary. These flower beds look like the type of thing seen at old-fashioned railway stations/public parks or twee tourist traps. It is regimented nature, and looks very un-natural. I prefer the tumbly tangled type of planting.
Delete-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a glut of courgettes, runner beans, kidney beans and dwarf beans, and am planning to make piccalilly, inspired by Gary G's chutney. Does anyone have a delicious tried and tested recipe please? This will be for Christmas gifts. (Sorry, first mention of the festive season!!) Has anyone tried Courgette Cake?
At last, some proper farming content tonight with discussion about sheep, grazing and herbal leys. All accurate, as far as I can tell and informative for non-farming folk. Makes a change from recent storylines, though I could have done without Lily’s flouncing behaviour.
ReplyDeleteWasn't it just a teensy weensy bit boring? (Go on, admit it !!) Why does the agricultural content in TA so often seem to come across in the form of a lecture? True, the scriptwriters had tried to balance the flowery stuff with the grimmer reality of the abattoir but even so, we had heard it all before.... Josh's view on the future of the reconditioned farm machinery business was interesting - a canny lad, though I'm puzzled as to how he acquired all the necessary skills....
DeleteYes it was,Maryellen
DeleteI too would like to know how Josh acquired his knowledge.
I like him and the actor who plays his part can act.
I felt that tonight's episode, not for the first time, suggested that the TA team do listen and take note of what listeners think and feel.
ReplyDeleteAs well as the farming content mentioned by Archerphile, the insertion of the sheep at Brookfield answers some questions we have recently discussed as to whether there were still sheep at Brookfield or not.
Some of us questioned that and others could not remember since it was such a long time since they had been mentioned.
I liked Gill's comment about how 60 years ago, pre nitrate time, the meadows were full of wild flowers. I still have a very old bill which shows the different grass seeds my father ordered to make his meadow mix. There was such a variety of grasses used then. I must admit though that I haven't heard of samphoy (?) which was mentioned as a nutritious legume which helped prevent bloat. Does anyone know of it?
DeleteJanice - it's sainfoin (I was well into wild flowers as a child, they stayed still long enough to be identified, unlike birds!)
DeleteFunnily enough, our doctor’s surgery is located in Sainfoin Lane in our nearby village - reflecting the importance of that plant in our locality.
DeleteThanks Maryellen. I shall look it up now I know the proper name. Archerfile thanks too. I find it interesting how place names can reflect the past.
DeleteJust been reading up on it and found some fascinating stuff. Apparently san foin in old French means healthy hay. So later today I shall have a wander round the fields and see if I can find some, and if not then I shall try to get some seeds to scatter.
DeleteI commented on the Freddie situation and it appeared but it has now gone and I don’t
ReplyDeleteknow why. I have had difficulty managing to log on to the blog so I am obviously doing
something wrong. Even the way my name appears without a date or time is wrong. What
am I missing ? Of course, this may not appear so nobody can help.
Hi Peggy. Everything looks correct to me - I see your name, date and time. Welcome and hope you will have good success.
DeleteKeep trying Peggy. I had difficulties getting here to begin with, including everything vanishing before I had managed to get the full blog name of janicebythesea typed out. Now I just keep signed on the whole time, to avoid not being able to get back.
DeleteI also can read you. I also keep logged in, and have a short-cut link, on both my PC and smart 'phone. It is then a quick, one tap access.
DeleteWhy does Jill always sound as if she is about to burst into tears.?
ReplyDeleteI think she was moved by the memories of countryside past ( it was rather atouching scene between her & Pip - maybe also showing where the latter's affections & loyalties lie, forever tied to Brookfield) But I see what you mean, Lanjan - either tearful it is with Jill, or unaccountably surprised ! I guess it is just what happens with that actor's voice.
ReplyDeletePerhaps also due to the age of the actress, Patricia Greene. I think her voice has changed over the years as has Christine’s. Though Peggy’s voice seems as strong as ever.
DeleteMy theory is that the actor has developed and age-related hearing loss and can no longer monitor the sound of her own voice to the extent that we all do without realising it.
DeleteMistral - Cake here in France means a savoury loaf, often served at apéro time - a basic mix with whatever you care to put in it - eg courgettes & goat cheese, lardons & prunes, peppers & chorizo.....
ReplyDeletein full bean-freezing/sterilizing mode here.
with a nod to TA - also touched by Jill's memories of the meadows of not so long ago....
DeleteParsley 16, they all sound gorgeous. I've seen a recipe fpr courgette cake, sponge and icing type. I wondered if it's like carrot cake. I've got a sweet tooth, if it's nice it would be a good use of a vegetable or two. I will start freezing over the next few days too.
DeleteHi mistral. I have been making 2 different recipes for courgettes cakes this summer. I like to bake them in a loaf tin so you don’t feel you have to have icing on them......ie lower calorie cakes.
DeleteI got a good recipe off the internet which uses a good amount of courgette, ground almonds and walnut pieces in. All in all I think that combination is very healthy for you. Oh and cinnamon in too. Freezes well. Just google courgette load cake recipes and loads come up.
I find Jill Archer's voice as not being very natural and very scripted or staged - if that makes any sense. I am not a life long TA listener so I don't know how her voice has changed through the years. There are different accents which I don't understand as many of the characters (Pip, Ruth, David, Emma, Susan, Pat, Helen - etc) are from the same area(?) Or am I just very non-informed (probably the case.)
ReplyDeleteOut of that lot only Ruth and Pat are from different areas, Ruth from Northumberland which does have a very distinctive accent; and Pat who is originally from Wales and did have a slight Welsh accent when we first heard her, but it has disappeared completely over the years.
DeleteJill’s voice is more querulous these days and I agree with Maryellen that a partial hearing loss might be the reason. Certainly in the past year it two it has varied in volume quite alarmingly. But I do not think her accent has changed. Joe Grundy still has his country yokel accent but Will Grundy doesn’t sound like any of the rest of his family - how strange.
Of course, most of the youngsters all have the same slightly posh accent, typical of many these days...except Johnny, who is unique in Ambridge and very easy to recognise.
I think there are more people from outside the local area than you would typically find in a village, because it's an easy way of distinguishing characters. Jazzer is probably the most extreme example, with his implausibly strong Glasgow accent despite living in Borsetshire from, at the latest, his mid-teens. Johnny is West Yorkshire. Ian is from Northern Ireland, and Wales is currently (?) represented by Philip Moss. There are others from northern England: Alan Franks, Harrison Burns, Richard Locke (OK, he's disappeared). Have we got any Brummies at the moment?
DeleteThe more middle-class characters, especially the younger ones, tend towards a standard, regionally un-pin-downable accent, and all sound the same, alas!
Oh my goodness, Borchester Blue has lost its lustre !
ReplyDeleteProbably the same problem that has affected Henrys voice, who as a seven year old, still sounds about four.
Great minds,Mrs P.
DeleteWe were typing at the same time
See below.
Helen sounded like a jilted lover: have you found someone else? She'll have to improve the recipe, that's why she didn't win the award.
Deletedoes your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight...??
DeleteHow could anybody give Freddie a good character reference.
ReplyDeleteWell done Neil for saying "no"
....and well done Ian for telling Helen that her cheese is no good .
Does she not taste it herself?
Does she not realise how bland it has become?
As for Henry....
He is 7 years old.
He has been sounding like a four year old since he actually was four years of age.
Why do they not get an actor who sounds as if he is the correct age?
If they can't find a suitable actor perhaps he should join Ben and Raori in Silentland .y
He can return when his voice has broken .
Really good to hear two characters with integrity tonight - Neil telling both Emma and Elizabeth how he felt, and the Ian, Helen, cheese triangle....
DeleteAgree wholeheartedly with both of the above comments ✔️✔️
DeleteIt was an interesting episode. Usha is letting BHC but we may not find out to whom.
ReplyDeleteNeil was principled and not swayed by Emma or Elizabeth.
Then Helen's cheese fiasco with space for improvement.
Basia, I would suggest we will hear of the new tenant, otherwise why would we be told about Usha letting it.
DeleteAlso, according to Lan Jans form of calculation we will be hearing more from Usha over the next couple of weeks. So we are likely to hear of, or about her new tenant.
Is it likely to be Dr. Locke or is he already in the village...maybe RF is going to rent it for extended grandpa visits with the hope of buying it for Toby and Pip as his wedding gift to them (as he is still seems to be convinced he can get them together 🙄)
DeleteRight sleep time now 💤
Helen has only herself to blame for the lack-lustre cheese. She took Susan + Clarrie away from their dairy duties, to help her with the cheese making classes.
ReplyDeleteShe cannot pass the blame onto any-one else, unless she blames Tom as to his Kefir project, in which Susan was very involved in.
Helen has certainly taken her "eye off the ball".
irritating woman.
DeleteThe unprincipled Russ might perjure himself and write a character reference for Freddie....
ReplyDeleteThe reference is supposed to be "of previous good character", since it's Freddie's first offence, I thought of Russ too, he could do it with no perjury.
DeleteBut Russ knows the stag night incident wasn't the first offence and that Freddie has a history of involvement with drugs, so he would be perjuring himself to say he was of previous good character, wouldn't he?
DeleteMaryellen I agree that Russ knows but so does Usha and yet she suggested it, there was some "previous good character" in the past. Anyway, wouldn't it be amusing if both Russ and Lily turned up at court.
DeleteBasia Russ is in this weeks cast I believe so......
DeleteArcherphile - thank you for your response on local accents. I do agree with Johnny's accent, very recognizable and enjoy listening to.
ReplyDeleteThank you to those who have replied to my post. I will try the suggestions made but as
ReplyDeletelong as my post ‘turned up’ I suppose that is OK for now. Won’t say anymore because I
suppose this is really off topic.
I'm back after a break in the (hot) UK. Interesting storylines unfolding. I agree with others, good for Neil in saying no to Elizabeth's plea. I've not been aware of Borsetshire blue cheese changing but don't blame Ian for dropping it if it's tasteless. He has to think of business first. Personally, I dislike all and any blue cheese BTW.
ReplyDeleteDitto Blue Cheeses !
DeleteWhy didn't Ian gently suggest to Helen that Borchester Blue had lost its bite and ask her to get it back on track, before threatening to drop it? Well, we all know the answer to that.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading some of the amusing comments above about last nights episode as I am drinking my revolting pre-operation drink before departing for the hospital. Helen seems to be taking her eye off the ball regarding both the cheese and Henry.
ReplyDeleteAnd agree that Neil was quite right to decline standing up for Freddie - who will Lizzie ask next I wonder? Who else is there in Ambridge who is not family. Linda, Robert, a Grundy!
P.S. lovely to see Peggy here and Anneveggie back again, the more the merrier!
Totally in accord with everyone's thumbs up to Neil & Ian for telling it like it is, in both cases firmly but kindly. There's something about these Archer women when in trouble, an inability to face simple facts. More sympathy with Elizabeth, who must be desperate, clinging to straws. But Helen, is she for real ?! Surely she would be testing her own product & wouldn't she have advised her small cheese making classes to do the same ? Also rather like the brisk way Ian pointed out that Henry was behaving like most 7 yr. olds - that woman makes such a fuss ! Neither do they have a willing dad or mum to give them a break each time their child gets whiney. I suppose we're leading up to Henry having past related problems, but even so...
ReplyDelete'that woman'? Not very nice. Come back, FOSO!
DeleteGrrrr...
DeletePtbY, 21/8, 10.57. Thank you, sounds lovely. I will definitely try it, but will have the icing too! Courgette just sounds unlikely, but I really need to use my veg - didn't nuture the plants all summer to put them in the compost bin :)
ReplyDeleteWell, ' that woman' redeemed herself a bit last night in acknowledging the cheese was poor, that she hadn't paid attention to the indifferent taste earlier. It's going to be hard to figure out the cause. Still, why not try some imagination with Henry ? A huge gap between a 2 & 7 yr old. H. could have tasted the cheese with her while Jack had a snooze & Pat went on a pub crawl with Tony..
ReplyDeleteWell done, Jim ! Best bit of scriptwriting since the whole sorry Shula/Alistair saga kicked off. Jim has clearly taken a break from one of his many re-readings of the Aeneid to glance through these blogs. Piano lessons may not do the trick, but his son seems to have listened to the bracing words & will focus on his needs, priorities, what is fair, from now on. I hope he's got a decent solicitor.
ReplyDelete🙂✔👏
DeleteManaged to listen to last nights episode but was so woozy I cant remember what happened - something about Cheese?
ReplyDeleteBland cheese, forceful Jim, typical Helen. Will all sound better on the omnibus! Hope your day gets less woozy. 😌😠😠
DeleteApologies! Hand slipped on too many emojis 🙄
DeleteHave a better day Archerphile.
DeleteRecovery on the way !
I wonder if Jim ever asks himself where he ( and Mrs Llooud) went wrong with Alistair? Probably not - self doubt isn't Jim's style.
Deletewell done Jim, give St Shula a run for her (ali)money..
DeleteNice one p16. ✔
DeleteComparing the current storyline involving Helen with the one involving her two years ago. Illustrates the deterioration in the programme since then.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - I do like your spunk!
ReplyDeleteditto!! I admit to softening slightly towards Helen during the dreadful RT saga, but those days are long gone .. back to gritting the old teeth!!
DeleteYes Elizabeth, get on to Russ, the unprincipled principal, so that he can help Freddie out; and she was buying him his favorite ice-cream, poor little boy.
ReplyDeleteWhy did 'they' make Johnny call her Tash, he's a polite young man and then Tom brought John into it in front of a stranger, I found it irritating.
It was all rather embarrassing, that encounter, wasn't it. Poor Tom, so obvious in his, er, admiration, & she so indifferent to his, er, charms. I didn't take to her, so sniffy about his parents' hobbies; for heaven's sake, they were proper farmers, developed the farm over many years, but they're officially retired now, why shouldn't they keep a few goats & cows which earn their keep, anyway ?
DeleteAgree Basia, Elizabeth seems more concerned about pandering to Freddie's whims than the fact that might be the cause of the end of her livelihood.
DeleteThe Natasha visit was cringingly awful.
Spot on prediction, Maryellen (some days ago, I think) re Russ being called as a character witness....tum ti tum, Elizabeth heading off to the college right now...
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, for once, that I found the latest TA epidode a real "damp squib"! Why has this Natasha been introduced, instead of finding out how Ben, who has been enconcsed in his bedroom in Brookfield for a year or more, performed in his GCSE's? Has Ruairi also received similar results today? I am not sure.
ReplyDeleteBring on the new editor!
DeleteI was ironing nearby which interrupted the sound this evening. But from what I did hear, I didn't miss much, and what I did miss was cringemaking.
ReplyDeleteAt least I gathered that !
Natasha didn't really seem to be interested, thought she did like Helen's cheese, even thought its been off lately. So what was the purpose of introducing her on to the show?
ReplyDeletePoor Elizabeth - who will give her a character reference for Freddie???
No one in their right mind.
Delete🤭
DeleteRuss might be smitten by Elizabeth. There are 1000's of reasons he might prefer someone nearer his own age, solvent property owner.....
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Cheshire cheese, the Natasha visit was very awkward and stilted. Then she said she hadn't come on a business visit but it seemed as if she was strictly business.
ReplyDeleteYes I also wonder who'll speak up for Freddie?
A young lad is spotted on Lakey Hill with a couple of flags.
ReplyDeleteHe is facing Brookfield Farm
Ah I realise now that he is about to do a spot of semaphore.
He must be trying to communicate with someone at Brookfield.
Someone who may be found in his bedroom perhaps.
Let me see whethe I can "read" what he is saying.
Yes, I can
Lad on hill-"How did you do in your GCSEs?
Reply from person at Brookfield
"Not very well but I did get a 9 for Silent Reading.
💱🈵🆘 Ben's response.
DeleteLad at Brookfield-How did you do?
DeleteLad on hill-Oh I never actually took any exams.
The school refused to enter me for any because of my lack of communication skills.
Lad at Brookfield-Oh that's a shame.
What did your father and step mother have to say?
Lad on hill-I haven't told them yet because of my lack of communication skills.
Also there was the ever silent Kathy assisting Oliver in a meeting with Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteFirst we had Anisha, then Hannah and now Natasha. Young professional women, which is a good thing, but unfortunately they come across as bossy and arrogant. Hannah and now Natasha's acting skills are (IMO) the problem, someone should point out that acting confidently doesn't require the actor to sound bossy and aggressive. Why did Natasha turn up for the tour of the farm when she clearly was bored? The next love interest for Tom? Rex is boring, what ever did Anisha see in him, and Tom is boring and unreliable as a love interest, so Natasha head for the hills of Wales and don't look back.
ReplyDeleteDidn't sound like she was tempted by ( as Jonny said) Tom's sausages!!
I do agree with all the comments about silent characters, they are being ignored yet new ones keep appearing only to disappear after a short time.
ReplyDeleteI’m starting a petition to bring back Higgs - oh, he’s probably dead by now!
DeleteThe Archers.......... Struggling !
ReplyDeleteanyone else experienced problems accessing the Lowfield site?
ReplyDeleteAnyone know exactly when new Editor starts? I noticed that Huw Kenair Edwards was listed in last (or poss this week’s) Radio Times as editor which surely cannot be right?
ReplyDeletePerhaps Tash can play cricket!
ReplyDeleteparsley16 - I just tried and the Lowfield site is not loading.
ReplyDeleteRuss Jones .
ReplyDeleteHow oleaginous
but
I wasn't expecting Lily to come clean .
Did anyone?
LanJan - I didn't expect Lily to come clean, what a surprise.
DeleteWhat about Susan? She's the town gossip but don't want others to gossip about her?
I didn't expect her and thought Elizabeth wouldn't let her "the Archers" style, but Lily is so besotted that she had to, well done, will Elizabeth accept the reference now? So it leaves Susan to own up to Lynda, I think she will somehow.
DeleteI thought Caroline Harrington handled that well in dramatic terms - Lily has (subconsciously?) spared her mother the embarrassment of using a character reference given by a man whose own dubious character is surely going to come under public scrutiny before long. It's difficult to find much good in Freddie at the moment (why do his family see his behaviour as stupidity rather than moral failure - rhetorical question) but at least he hasn't split on his twin.
DeleteI agree with Basia that Susan will own up - she as a good heart.
Lily to me sounded human for once, I can see why she's smitten because think what you may I liked Russ tonight - he's backed himself into a corner and I fear Lily's world will collapse and Elizabeth will see her younger self - she doesn't deserve this but drama it is.
DeleteHuw Kennair-Jones is shown as the editor in this (ends today) and next week's Radio Timeses (can you say that?). It must be an error, I think.
DeleteI won't give away tonight's episode but wow.
ReplyDeleteFound Russ a bit creepy tonight, how will Elizabeth react to his glowing character reference for Freddy no? What will Freddy's reaction be to Lily now?? Will Fallon really report Susan?? Very interesting!!
ReplyDeleteVery creepy, yes, & nothing about his glowing reference true about the boy, Freddie, except that, one day, he may grow up ( he put it far more flatteringly) Popular ? Funny ? Perceptive ? What b*******.
ReplyDeleteSurely, Lily came clean because mum thought Russ was lovely; she felt safe to own up, & she's besotted so blind to mum's likely reaction now she knows.
Well, I hope Susan goes to Lynda. The snob in her feels mortified, as does the former Horrobin. That's really the level of Susan's humour - practical jokes, coming out when she's drunk, oh, & eavesdropping which is her forte.
Well I enjoyed this evening in all it’s cringe inducing glory.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth now has a dilemma, to accept Russ’s help or report him....
I loved tonight’s episode. Fallon basically blackmailing Susan!! Fab.
ReplyDeleteAnd now another dose of the old sh*t hits the fan at Lower Loxley..... I could fair picture Lily when Elizabeth brought up the subject of Russ, going from stiff pure dread to fawning lovesick in the space of a minute. Brilliant.
Like others I was stunned when Lily came clean. I could tell she was going to try but normally something happens just at the crucial moment and we are all left frustrated but not tonight!
ReplyDeleteInteresting...
Look out Jill more shocking news on the way for you, will it be poor Lily as well as poor Freddie!
Opening two new posts. Good night.
ReplyDelete