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Life in Ambridge: Comments week of December 5, 2018
Life in Ambridge: Comments week of December 5, 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.
Excellent picture, Lynda would be proud!
ReplyDeleteJust read the details of the Waterloo meet up on the other blog, sounds fantastic, much more enjoyable than my day at work, next time.....
Apt picture, Ruthy ! Now we're all riding off to Canterbury led by, shudder, Lynda Snell. I'd rather be led by the Wife of Bath, pictured in red. They have something in common though the Wife ( times 6) is much more of a realist, & down to earth.
ReplyDeleteLove it, Ruthy!
DeleteYes, a very good picture Ruthy!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness Roy didn't rush up to Lexi and propose!!
Excellent pic Ruthy.
ReplyDeleteSomething afoot re Helen I reckon....as bonnie Tyler once sang, many moons ago .....lost in France...!
Thank goodness Kirsty is back ..... the only normal one in the village
👍to both comments. I do hope this doesn’t signal the return of someone rather nasty. Hopefully he never will return or only as a cold shiver down the spine from time to time.
Delete✔️✔️✔️Re Kirsty ,PtbY
DeleteWonderful picture Ruthy. Your research skills are ACE
ReplyDeleteSo agree. Well researched Ruthy, it is perfect.
Delete✔✔✔✔🌟🌟🌟
Some plotline developing with Helen, for sure, all that to Kirsty about being nervous of travelling alone, but admit was more caught by the self absorption, & the brave little words to Tony when he said he couldn't go with her. She has this aura of independence, when she actually very dependent on her parents. I'm aware that is not kind or even just, considering the trauma she's been through, but her attitude & whole demeanour sets my teeth on edge.
ReplyDeleteSame here Carolyn.
DeleteTom's inefficient planning regarding the arrival of the trees has meant that Helen will be travelling alone to do a job that Tony would be better equipped to do. Tony should have suggested to Tom he employ someone like Eddie to help plant the trees.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if some plotline is being developed, which I agree it seems like, Helen will be better able to defend herself now she has had some martial arts training.
This ‘ having to stay behind to help Tom with the trees’ sounds like a very thin plot device to get Helen going to France alone, to me. Surely they could have come up with something a bit more convincing?
DeleteQuite. I assume there is some point to Helen going alone, but it puts Tom and Tony in a bad light, the first as inefficient and the second as emotionally clueless.
DeleteJust had an awful thought regarding the buyer of Home Farm.
ReplyDeleteIt couldn’t be the obnoxious Hazel Woolley could it?
She’d be just the sort to inconsideratly insist on moving in by Christmas, and wouldn’t she love lording it over Peggy! 😧
I think someone else, can't remember who, suggested that nasty woman.
DeleteArcherphile that makes a lot of sense, unfortunately, and she could create havoc for the farm as well. Happy times ahead.
DeleteIf it’s her and she’s moving in without a survey or searches, I hope the boiler packs up, the roof leaks and the ground subsides! Also perhaps it is found a public footpath goes through the wonderful kitchen! Still think the timeframe is most unrealistic!
DeleteI think it could be "Tichenor" related.
DeleteThat's my thought.
We know "Ursula" has gone, so perhaps "Bruce" has also. Rob is buying it with his inheritance - well that's my prefered scenario!! 👺👺
Oh no, not Hazel! I feel there's some sort of clue in the name 'Gill', but nothing comes to mind.
DeleteThe prospective buyer could come from anywhere - I assume the estate agent advertised the house widely, not just in Borsetshire. It will be good to have some new blood in the cast list.
DeleteI bought some raspberry canes and rose bushes from a nursery in September 2017 and was very annoyed when the company took the money from my account then told me the plants would be sent later at the optimum time for planting. They arrived at the beginning of December.
ReplyDeleteI can only suppose that an exact date can't be given because the ground could be frozen or swamped so it's probably not entirely Tom's fault.
Wasn't the name given of the purchasers of Home Farm as 'Gill?' It looks like a completely new family is moving into the village.
This Home Farm sale Seems very strange.
ReplyDeleteIs the purchaser just buying the house?
Wouldn't they want to do a complete survey ?
Has that happened?
Is it usual not to know the name of the purchaser?
Why ,as I think has been mentioned,are Jennifer and Brian not looking for somewhere to live?
Several folk I think believe the buyer is Lilian.
Are Jennifer and Lilian in collusion over this which is why Jennifer is taking things so calmly?
Is it just us who are being kept in the dark?
Normally in the US it takes at least 3 months from putting a deposit to closing. 4 weeks is just ridiculous and insulting to us intelligent listeners.
ReplyDeleteJanice - very good post on Helen's use of martial art!!!
The Aldridges have been looking for somewhere to live for quite a while - there have been several references to their difficulty in finding a suitable place to rent. As Spicycushion says, the name of the person who has put ini the offer (or the person acting on their behalf) is Gill. Brian Aldridge commented they didn’t know anyone of that name. Jennifer is getting on with it, with gritted teeth like the trooper she is.
ReplyDeleteSo Lily not heading back to Manchester!!! Hurrah!!! More pasta bake for poor sponger.
ReplyDeleteHee hee. I so hope this indicates that Lily is not in thrall to feeble Russ.
DeleteAmside is the obvious recourse for Brian and Jennifer. I hope we're not going to get an 'Oh, of course! Why didn't we think of Lilian?' scene. Nevertheless, I also hope B & J won't be spending Christmas sleeping in one of their cars on the village green.
ReplyDeleteIf she lasts this long......I’m going for Elizabeth having a complete meltdown after a sherry on Christmas Day at Brookfield.
ReplyDeleteJenny, Brian and Rory slumming it down the Bull.
Have to have a good think on further archer Christmas predictions. 😊🤔
I think the Aldridges would be more likely to go to Grey Gables than The Bull orsleep in their car - assuming they didn’t go to the Dower House or Lower Loxley or somewhere completely different for New Year (I became Jenny said they would negotiate to move out then rather Christmas. I also think Horrible Jill said Elizabeth wasn’t keen on the mega meal at Brookfield idea, so I expect Lily will stay home with her, and maybe Russ will join them...
DeleteI hope not to hear Russ on Christmas.
DeleteMaryellen.,.... my comment was a joke, light amusement.
DeleteThe Aldridges spending Christmas at the Bull is a great idea! It is Jenny's childhood home, after all. What could make her happier?
DeleteIt has been mentioned that the family or person buying Home Farm is called Gill. However as an agent viewed on their behalf I thought perhaps it was a plot device to cover up the real name to be revealed at New Year. Alternatively it could be a buyer who intends to redevelop rather than live there.
ReplyDeleteI hope Lily is working up to ending the Russ relationship. She seems to be coping well without him.
Three bloggers have confirmed that the name Brian Aldridge gave was Gill which leaves us with the possibilities that it was a false name or he misheard (the fact that it sounds like Jill or Phil is probably irrelevant). The potential purchaser of the house could be anyone from local to Borsetshire to a foreign investor. They may be looking to live there, rent out or develop. There could be various reasons for the tight deadline,apart from it being the scriptwriters piling on the agony and creating suspense. You do hear of properties being sold/bought in 24 hours with enough money thrown at it.
ReplyDeleteThe Aldridges have options for their immediate future in which they can ponder their longer term choices. The real question is how much do we care?
Probably the fact that Gill sounds like Lil is irrelevant too!
DeleteMaryellen
ReplyDeleteSo good to be able to agree with you for a change. Yes houses do sell that quickly or quicker if you have the money and forgo the usual formalities An accurate scriptwriting plot.
I do not think it would be either Lilian or Justin, they wouldn't give such a deadline in my view and in addition I thought that Brian and Shula wished to retire, so they have to be written out somehow even if it is rather long winded
A lady who lives in the same area as the two actors of Brian and Shula said (on fb) that at a recent local event where 'Brian' gave a speech he said that neither of them are retiring. Could be an 'omission' but as both appear to be in good health and a trip to Birmingham for a couple of days every month/six weeks should not be too arduous, I am inclined to believe that the retiring rumour is just someone's tentative suggestion which has taken legs and spread . I'm not sure where they live but Hampshire rings a faint bell.
DeleteIt has been difficult to portray Elizabeth's 'breakdown' as she has always been 'hoity-toity,' arrogant and obstinate. That's why I think she is being regarded with little sympathy, although it might be an instance of BBC high-lighting the issue of mental health which is top of the news bulletins this morning. I wonder does the BBC get a list of government priorities a couple of months in advance?
I liked the CA comment at the end "Now where is Rex's telephone number?"
Yes, you are quite right Spicy, Mr and Mrs Collingwood do live here in Hampshire, not far from Petersfield I think. I never believed the rumour about them retiring - why should they? As long as they are both in good heath it has been ‘a nice little earner’ for them for many years and Charles, in particular, has had many ‘spin-off’ appearances due to his involvement with TA. It must have become a pleasant way of life for them, making those trips to Birmingham, meeting up with their friends in the cast and also having interesting developments in their stories to portray. I hope they stay with TA for many years to come
DeleteI was told recently by someone who knows someone who played a character in The Archers that the BBC pays actors playing ongoing parts a retainer, miniscule apparently. but still something. I wondered if there was a cut off date - they surely can’t be paying ‘Kathy’ whose character still exists but hasn’t spoken for years.
DeleteSpicycushion, re your question about the BBC getting a list of government priorities. There's to be an examination of British law on surrogacy. Present law dates from 1980s. Is it the reason for the Lexi storyline? Tom Daley's partner was on PM; they have a son born in U.S. through surrogacy.
DeletePerhaps the revelation of the new owner of Home Farm is going to become the Christmas Eve (or New Years Eve) cliffhanger. We could be kept waiting, in barely suppressed suspense, until then.
ReplyDeleteOoo, I can’t wait!
(Big Yawn!)
I reckon it's Justin. He wants a quick turnaround so he can get on with knocking down Home Farm and replacing it with the pad he was prevented from building in place of Brookfield. Or perhaps something bigger. After all, he won't be paying the six or seven million he offered for Brookfield.
DeleteAlternative options are Rob - a perfect home for Myson Gideon (having arranged for Helen to be dispatched in France) - or Fairbrother Senior. Outside chances are Tracey Horrobin, having won the lottery, or the Buttons, keen to give their delightful daughters separate bedrooms to stop them squabbling.
I seem to remember that Rob was declared as a " person of interest" by the police. It would be very difficult for him to come back to Ambridge.
DeleteI don't know, Harrison isn't the most observant bobby on the beat ; )
DeleteNice to see you popping up from the Shoe, OW !
DeleteHowever - not-fair-to-Harrison, he caught Freddie, didn't he ? OK, before you say it, you'd have to be a comatose Bobby not to notice drugs being peddled under your very nose.
Chuckled at your speculations re Home Farm purchase, JE being the most feasible, but the other suggestions more entertaining...
Good to hear from you , OWIAS. The Buttons must speak eventually, mustn't they?
DeleteShe isn't fully conscious yet, but it does sound as if Lily is growing out of the unworkable, unsuitable Russ affair. Sure, she does want to see Freddie, mum continues to give considerable concern, but a) she's not even talking about a short trip back to touch base with the beloved b) whilst justifying him, she's obviously scared of his reaction, delaying the moment when she breaks the news of the no show muse. Hey, a natural rhyme emerged!)
ReplyDeleteLily is studying Romantic Poets. She may be finding that living with an artist in a modern-day garret isn't as romantic as she expected. Is she tiring of being Lizzie Siddal to her Dante Gabriel Rossetti? ( Aiden Turner played Rossetti in "Desperate Romantics".)
DeleteA theme of Unreasonable Employers ran through last night's offering : E., of course, expecting the new manager to be on top of LL shambles in a few days, & one M.Gibson expecting Will to source & decorate a damn Christmas tree ! What a nerve, nothing to do with gamekeeping or organising shoots. I suppose that came up because it's the family's 1st year without Nic. Thought Jolene was going to offer help with the tree, but involving Poppy is a much better idea.
ReplyDeleteOh no! The buyer of Home Farm couldn’t be one M.Gibson could it! You just put that dreadful idea into my head Carolyn!
DeleteHe would absolutely love to take over Home Farm from Brian, just as he did Borchester Land.
Brian would be mortified when he found out, not to say Will and the ever-silent Kathy.
She might be so upset to have her arch-nemesis, Martin, living nearby that she would finally retire from Grey Gables and need never be heard again. 😊
Archerphile. Sorry, beat you to that prediction on 30th Nov, on the previous blog. His was the first name that came to my mind. His wife desperately needs the kitchen for making proper food for the shoot.
DeleteIt's either him or a secret Russian wanting to launder his/her pilfered money before the government introduces new legislation stopping rich criminals from buying easy entry into the country.
However, I still put my money on Lilian. She at least realises how much Jenifer will miss her home, and she does have the odd million stashed away, and it's burning a hole in her pocket.
Oliver could also be an "outside" contender, as the villa in Tuscany has not been mentioned for a while. Perhaps he has managed to sell it,so has some "spare cash"? He has the rent from Grange Farm, profits from GG with little outgoings. He must be worth a "bob or two".
Delete😁😊
DeleteMia seems to be cast in her mother's mould. She could decorate the tree with Poppy. I do hope Will still sees Jake and Mia.
DeleteWhy would Lil or Oliver want them out by NY? Unless they intend to put in a new kitchen before presenting it back to J and B! No, I smell a rat and agree it could be Hazel Woolley!
DeleteSurely everyone has a right to know who is going to purchase one's home or am I wrong?
ReplyDeleteWhen the family sold my late departed, parents home - we knew the buyers names (from the estate agent) - but these were just that names, and could well
Deletehave been pseudonyms. Our soliciters only referred to them as "the buyers". They were cash buyers, paying the full asking price, so we weren't concerned who they were.
I would have thought so. Vendors sometimes have views about who should buy their home, for example preferring to sell to someone who intends to live in it rather than let it, but I don't know whether there's any right to know, and estate agents may pass on just such information as helps them to a sale.
DeleteYou have a right to sell to whomsoever you wish. You could demand the actual name of the buyer if you so desired and refuse to sell otherwise, but that would spoil the plot in this instance.
DeleteWow, was HH bitchy over breakfast !! And about N.'s food choices.
ReplyDeleteSnobbish, sure, but I liked Lee until he recommended the 'da Vinci Code'. Perhaps he'll romantically surprise Helen with a personal appearance, as she sits, bravely alone, sampling french cuisine, devouring that exciting page turner at the same time...
The RT line was 'Hannah attempts to conceal her true feelings'. Are her true feelings that she's really keen on Tom, or just that she resents being displaced, in a dog-in-the-manger-ish way? My money is on the latter. Tom, your only moment of emotional wisdom seems to have been when you surmised that some people just weren't meant to be with someone.
DeleteAgree with Hannah. Pop tarts are so-o-o passé! He y the auto correct just put in an acute accent!
DeleteCheer up, Hannah! You’ve got Johnny and me sympathising with you. I know exactly what you mean about the effects of light deprivation at this time of year, especially first thing in the morning.
ReplyDeleteAnyone else wondering why Natasha is so keen to jump straight into another relationship straight from a broken ten year one? Wouldn't she need some time to catch her breath and 'regroup'.
ReplyDeletePop tarts are really naff as well as passe. (no accent put in mine)
Interesting how Helen immediately said it was unfair that Lee won't be seeing his kids on Christmas Day. We have no idea what his ex wife had to put up with during their marriage.
I have no idea what pop tarts are, but I do agree about Helens immediate response to Lee concerning him not seeing his children on Christmas Day.
DeleteI would add, that the father of Helen's sons does not see his children at all.
Ironic ?
Some people after a break-up are desperate to find a substitute, others crawl under the duvet for a while. Natasha is clearly not the second, but seems emotionally to belong to neither. Ten-year relationship? Could be six weeks, for all she seems bothered. Perhaps she and Tom are well matched, being equally shallow. (I'm still missing Real Tom.)
ReplyDelete15 days till the solstice, maryellen! Indeed, 14 as I type.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite day of the year !
DeleteI’m ticking them off, bootgums! The days seemed to shorten even quicker this year.
DeleteThe winter solstice is, for me, THE most important day of the year.
DeleteI thought they had stopped making Pop Tarts about 20 years ago!
ReplyDeleteErm, what's a Pop Tart?
ReplyDeleteThey were/are horrifically sweet breakfast "treats" popular in the 80's. Jam encased in pastry that you cooked in the toaster. They tasted of of nothing but sugar and invariably burned the entire inside of your mouth. They were hotter than the sun...
DeletePerhaps symbolic then of Natasha’s needs at the moment and how she views Tom. He’s like a puppy at the moment running from woman to woman with tail wagging for acceptance.
DeleteAs for his sister judging Lee’s ex wife, seems like she’s falling all over again and seeing what she wants to see just like when her organic anti big scale farming principles went out of the window when Rob charmed her. Not that Lee has shown any worrying side to him yet.
Is it just folk wisdom that women are always drawn to the same type of man? I remember Rob saying why do I attract needy women (or words to that effect).
DeleteHotter than the sun Gary, wow!!
DeleteI have come to the conclusion that the the S/Ws are trawling teen magazines for ideas.
ReplyDeleteInstant food, instant sex, instant load of b.....ks.
Love it .....your reply I mean. !
DeleteWell put stasia
DeleteThat has made me laugh on this miserable, wet grey day! Thank you! :))
DeleteI can’t believe that those awful Pop Tarts are still available! They must be just about the unhealthiest breakfast going!
ReplyDeleteI find Natasha’s eating habits very strange. She is all about making organic fruit drinks and yet eats (or, seemingly, leaves) rubbish food herself.
I should have thought she would be making her own recipe organic muesli for breakfast, with some of her own fruit juice, rather than instant porridge and Pop Tarts.
Just doesn’t add up.
It’s similar to jogging enthusiasts who get out the car to drive 300 yards to the postbox!
ReplyDelete✔️✔️✔️
DeleteI remember eating a Pop Tart once it was like swallowing molten lava. Extremely unpleasant.
ReplyDeleteIs feeble Minded Tom doubling up as, 'I need to broaden my reading' Lee?
I am in despair.
bootgums - I envy you that you didn't know what a Pop Tart is (I think that will be the next post photo!) I lived on these as a child and would even eat them untoasted if in a super hurry. We were all brainwashed by large food corporations that eating out of a box was nutritious, convenient and fun. I would suspect it is still that way.
ReplyDeletebootgums - still catching up on last night's posts. So what is "real Tom"?
ReplyDeleteSome years ago, the actor playing Tom was sacked and, after the character had disappeared to Canada for a while (after jilting Kirsty), was replaced by the current one. The then editor, Sean O'Connor, said that the former actor, not being professionally trained, wasn't up to what he had in mind for the character. In my opinion (though I suspect I'm not alone), the new actor (who by sheer coincidence 😂is the son of David Troughton, who plays Tony) has never shown any distinction, or even distinctiveness, and so I refer to Tom as played by the former actor as Real Tom, regarding New Tom as a mere imposter!
ReplyDelete✔️✔️
DeleteReal Tom was the Non-Real Son of Real Tony and New Tom is the Real Son of New Tony. Simplissimo!
Delete✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️ For both Bootgums and Maryellen in this case
DeleteSuccinctly put, Maryellen.
DeleteActor Tom Graham had played the part of Tom since the character was 17 so knew him well.
DeleteI feel current Tom, non real, as most opine, has the problem of playing an unreal character. He gives a magnicent presentation at the Nuffield event ( ok, according to his parents who may be the teeniest bit biased) on the basis of every project inspired by Nuffield having bitten the dust. Mmn...
ReplyDeleteOne might think his dismal record with women would have taught him a thing or two by the age of 36. Not so, his naivety with both Hannah & Natasha is staggering. Acting like an eager puppy round both of them in turn, taking everything Hannah says at face value, when it's obvious she was interested in more than sex without strings, not picking up on her disgruntlement now. Could say that is policy, it suits him to believe she's cool about the blossoming Natasha affair, but he isn't even that perceptive. Given the script, he does well to come across without sounding too imbecilic.
I was sad when Colin Skipp who played Tony for 46 years retired (I think there were health reasons). He was one of the best actors in TA; the way he acted Tony's response to John's death was so good. I have got used to David Troughton now and he's doing quite a good job. But to think that the new Tom is any better than the real Tom....
ReplyDeleteAgree on both elements of your post Ex- L
DeleteJust to remind everyone: - original Tom (real Tom) was played by Tom Graham, who had held the role for about 17 years. He was written out for a while whilst Tom Archer was supposed to be in Canada. When Sean O’Connor took over he decided to bring Tom back from Canada and include him in future storylines.
ReplyDeleteTom Graham expected to Continue in the role he had played for so longbut, as has been said, O’Connor wanted to use only ‘trained’ actors and appointed Master Troughton instead. I understand that Tom Graham was very upset about losing his role. ‘Kathy’s’ actress, Hedli Nicklo, (sp ?) was so upset about these developments that she (so I have heard) walked out of TA after a row with O’Connor and has only been heard once or twice since.
I think I have that all right but please feel free to correct me if anyone knows differently or can add further detail.
Why should soap actors think they are entitled to continue in their roles in perpetuity? They can be hired and fired like any other employee - and for the same range of reasons.
DeleteThere was a comment from 'Kathy' when 'Sid' died.
DeleteWhy should actors who have played a role for many years NOT expect to continue, unless they do something criminal outside of their acting life which brings discredit to the programme?
DeleteIf you have spent 17 years developing and honing a character it must be very distressing to be dismissed and another actor bought in to take over the role.
I cannot imagine another actor taking over from ‘Brian’ or ‘David’ and it is often decided to let a character ‘die’ in the programme if their actor dies in real life (eg Caroline Stirling).
But to replace an existing actor for a role such as Tom was, in my opinion, uneccessary and unforgivable.
✔️👍
DeleteAgree 100% I believe the actor was as devastated as the listeners 🙁
DeleteBecause a job is a job is a job. Many people give a lot to their jobs and lose them. Actors are no different.
DeleteWoo hoo...the barn roof is leaking. Please make it major so the “play” has to be cancelled.
ReplyDelete🙏 please.....I can’t take much more.
📖👍
DeleteYup ! With you there. Actually I'm not really listening to the bits about the play.
DeleteBut I did notice last night that David actually became authoritative regarding H&S.
I also remember that the original Pip was sacked for a different Pip. Original Pip had quite a distinctive voice. Does anyone know why that actress was swapped for another?
ReplyDelete'Original Pip' is brilliant as Shakespeare's daughter in (something) Crow - forget the full name, feeling better but still only firing on a few cylinders!
DeleteUpstart. Crow - looking forward to the. Christmas Special. I understand Helen Monks left The Archers to pursue her career elsewhere.
DeleteI love Upstart Crow, and the actress playing Shakespeare's daughter is wonderful, I can imagine her accent being more appropriate for Ambridge.
DeleteTo answer your question Anneveggie, it was for the same reason that original Tom was given the push (see my explanation above). Both Tom and Pip arrived back from their respective travels with strange new voices which greatly confused many listeners!
DeleteFortunately for Helen Monks she has gone on to new and successful rôles on television. I don’t know what has happened to Tom Graham.
Helen Monks left from choice, and seems to be doing fine as a consequence. If the actor who originally played Tom Archer is as good as people here say, he should be doing okay too. If not, not. Devastation doesn’t describe my feelings at his departure,, or most of the non-blogging millions, I imagine.
DeleteThe original actress playing Pip was Helen Monks who, if I remember rightly, had more of a Midlands accent. I'd like to have more variety in voices. Recently I've found Lee and Rex confusing. And Phoebe, despite being brought up by Roy and Hayley, sounds as posh as Lily.
ReplyDeleteI love when Lynda said Oooh after David told her there would be no smoking near the barn. She is a very good actor and I enjoyed listening to her tonight.
ReplyDelete(Roy needs to get his head out of his as$.)
Doesn't he just ! And to muster some healthy pride. It started way back when he reluctantly accepted her surrogacy plan. Of course, Lexi had every right to go ahead with that, but not to think that it could reasonably co exist with a new relationship ( might have been different if they'd been an established couple). In itself that was surely a big clue that she wasn't serious about him.
Delete✔️✔️✔️
DeleteFarcical goings on in the barn, & I liked the bit about the padded bra being converted into the hapless lover's backside, but then I have a crude sense of humour....
ReplyDeleteThank goodness David is asserting himself at last, & Lynda can't just ride roughshod over his rights, common sense, & safety. A new situation, being put firmly in her place !
✔️✔️✔️
DeleteToo true. Can’t beat a crude sense of humour Carolyn. 😆
DeleteToo poo, yes !
DeleteHas David informed his insurers that the barn is being used for a theatrical production? It is admirable that he is doing a thorough health and safety assessment, but the path to the barn sounds quite hazardous, and everyone will be processing in semi darkness. Injuries come to mind.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't want to sit in a cold leaky barn, even for Chaucer.
....& mucked about(Lynda-ised) Chaucer, at that.
Delete😂👍👍
DeleteStasia........'even for Chaucer'.........I'm afraid I would add 'Especially' for Chaucer!😐
DeleteI mentioned earlier the epidemic of unusual sensitivity to older women’s feelings among the younger males of Borsetshire, Johnny being a prime example. Now it has spread to Will....
ReplyDeleteThank goodness the SWs have allowed Will to escape the angry, whiney persona they had written for him in recent years and mellow into the much kinder, considerate and likeable character he has always been underneath. I have long been a fan of Will and have often defended him against the bile he seemed to engender in many listeners.
DeleteWhen you consider the many problems and traumas he has faced over the years it is lovely to hear him finding some sort of peace in his life at last, despite having lost his beloved Nic and having to take on the role of single father.
That showed in his consideration for Lynda the other night and I was very glad to hear it.
Yes, it calmed her down somewhat & even made her remember that Will had rather more to contend with in life. Despite all the self importance, her basic humanity does emerge at times !
DeleteA fair reminder, AP, & introduction to Will, as I, for one, wasn't listening when he was much younger. Really only aware of his less pleasant side until recent events. Certainly agree about him as presented now. Suppose the whole Emma debacle soured him ? Even after he met Nic, Ed came across as the more likeable brother.
Yes it did, understandably. Will was a gentle boy and Christine’s husband George was the gamekeeper who nurtured Will’s interest in birds and wildlife, in contrast with his poacher father Eddie, and his wilder younger brother Ed. Ed took and drove Will’s car without a licence, gave Emma a lift and crashed causing her to be in hospital with a broken leg. Ed was under age and Will was just starting to go out with Emma so that’s when the friction started between the brothers.
DeleteDidn't know all that - thanks !
DeleteI wonder if Helen’s trip is going to be disrupted by Les Gîlets Jeaunes on her French trip.
ReplyDeleteTime for a topical insert from Tony or Pat hoping she is OK, perhaps?
Don't know if it was a dream or just a thought, but it occurred to me in the long (sleepless) night, that Rob is found by Helen managing the herd, or whatever set up she is going to visit, in France.
ReplyDeleteNB : this is NOT what I would wish to happen.
So you had a sleepless night too Mrs P? I spent most of it downstairs trying catch up with emails, in the cold and with no lights on so as not to disturb my other half. (Just the illumination of the iPad) Thankful that thoughts of Rob didn’t trouble me, but wondering why the SWs are making such a big thing of Helen going to France on her own. Or perhaps it’s just a red (or yellow) herring?
DeleteAt about one o'clock I started a new 'light' novel and read about a third of it before trying again to sleep. Put the light on again and was half way through the book before light out again. And finally sleep after 4am.
DeleteThe only Les Gilets Jeaunes Helen will have are the ones she is legally obliged to carry in her car.
ReplyDeleteWere we told what mode of transport she is taking on her journey to France? She is meeting up with the agent Francis ( not sure if that is his name) so perhaps she is flying.
MrsP that is not a dream but a nightmare. At least if Titchner is there she can give him a perfect Karate kick to the goolies.
I suspect she will be 'Lost in France', does she speak the language?
IMO the French are on a par with the British when it comes to languages. Hopeless.
Yes, when PtbY mentioned lost in France the other day I said I hoped it didn’t signal the return of someone nasty, and I was also imagining Helen arriving on a farm to find Rob there. I also said I hoped he would appear as no more than a shiver down the spine from time to time as I imagine someone in Helen’s position carries this ghost with them, particularly when feeling vulnerable. She’s scarcely been off the farm since she came out of prison so to suddenly go abroad and alone is a big step. It would be a device to bring Rob back and another drama for Christmas but maybe they just want to keep reminding us of the albatross around her neck every now and then, particularly with the possibility of a new relationship on the horizon and the mixed feelings she would have about that.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts Seasider on how the SW may be trying it on.
DeleteDid you mention it last week ?
I don't remember reading it, but presumably did so, and therefore it must have sown a seed of thought, which emerged from my subconscious in the night.
So apologies if I've pinched your thoughts.
Not at all, I just alluded to it vaguely. Great minds...
DeleteThere has been the theme of Poppy and Will missing Nic, even more so now Christmas is approaching. I wonder if Rob is missing his son Jack/Gideon and if he might put in an appearance, and with Helen away and the chaos of tree planting seize the opportunity to take Jack. Probably unlikely, but an alternative to Helen bumping into him when alone in France.
ReplyDeleteAny ideas why Rob should be in France rather than than the safer territory of North or possibly South America?
ReplyDeleteMaybe Titchner knew something about extradition and BREXIT, and we weren't told.
DeleteThis speculation is all becoming very surreal!
DeleteI don’t think we’ll be hearing Rob for some considerable time to come - if ever.
There are more stories for Helen and her boys to negotiate first, probably including the karate sensei, Lee.
Because it's easier for Helen to import cows from France than from the US?
DeleteHe might well not be over there. But the scriptwriters clearly want to create a sense of unease about little Helen going off to exotic climes all on her ownsome. Either some disaster is going to befall or the current hints are just so many red herrings.
Whether he is in France or no, Rob has been far too quiet. He's not the type to disappear with his tail between his legs and never be seen again, particularly not when his 'vindictive, murderous' ex-wife has got sole custody of Myson. Wherever he is, he's licking his wounds and plotting his revenge. He'll be back ....
Stasia, if the EU knew Rob was holed up on the continent they'd insist we took him back before they even considered May's offers on Brexit ; )
DeleteActually, Rob is in Bulgaria........................
DeleteAlong with everyone else, I really hope that Rob doesn't resurface in any form. Maybe the trip to France is just so that Helen can return with a renewed sense of self-confidence and embark on the new relationship with Lee. Although I don't like his back story of broken marriage and unhappy child sharing. Felt for Will tonight. Christmas can be so difficult for the bereaved and others with broken hearts.
ReplyDeleteNot everyone else - I really hope that Rob resurfaces because it’s the only way to resolve an important storyline that was left I completed - besides which, we would be assured of some excellent acting again ( assuming same actor) and hopefully scriptwriting to match.
DeleteShould read: left uncompleted....
DeleteAgree, it makes sense that Titchener surfaces at some point, but unlikely he'll materialize in France - what would be the point ? I surmise he's conned an employer + another woman in the States, & when that all falls apart, inevitably, he'll turn his scheming to Myson as OW neatly labels. Tricky, being a 'person to be watched' in the UK, but years will have passed & he'll find a way to ruffle feathers at Bridge Farm, & Helen's new set up, probably including 2 more children, not born by sperm donation or from marital rape, until he's felled by a karate chop which, unusually, turns out to be fatal.
DeleteNormally, characters’ voices don’t bother me, though I have always found the Borsetshire accent unconvincing. But last night I thought Clarrie’s vocal delivery, seesawing between registers in that heavy-handed accent, quite uncomfortable to listen to. So bring back the Real Clarrie (the one sandwiched between this one’s two spells in the job)! Vocally, she carried more conviction in the role, despite the accent.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about Clarrie,Maryellen.
DeleteIn fact there was a 3rd Clarrie but I think she died .
The present Clarrie was the original one though .
I hope that when Rob resurfaces, his story will be treated by the scriptwriters with a fitting degree of seriousness and contemporary realism. I would like to be gripped by the programme in the way I was when Sean O’Connor was editor, but never before or since!
ReplyDeleteLots of complaints on fb that every day some posters bring Rob into the picture!
ReplyDeleteIt would be extremely unimaginative by the scriptwriters to bring him back so soon, just to give some listeners a cheap thrill.
The speculation that either RT or even Matt has purchased Home Farm, via third party, is becoming boring as well as Helen meeting RT in France.
Totally agree with Carolyn (Today 8.23) and Archerphile (9/1/18 9.23pm,) please"Let it Go!" :)))
I have been enjoying the ups and downs of a major village event ie the Christmas production. I wonder where Lynda gets the money to produce the entertainment? There must be some cost involved for paint for scenery, and props. Do many in the village possess torches (flaming or otherwise, authentic footwear etc. If Lynda plans six Tales how long will this production go on for?
Continuity poor again as the barn at Brookfield was burned down by Keith Horrobin a few years ago and is hardly thirty years old let alone three hundred!
Is it possible that by now RT has insinuated himself into another relationship and has sired Myson mark 2, so is not that interested in Myson mark 1! It would certainly mean that the SW's could draw a line under that particular story line...........probably not though! 😐
DeleteCould Brookfield have more than one barn? Though I can't remember anyone saying 'Thank goodness it wasn't the old barn that Keith Horrobin burnt down'.
DeleteIt might work the other way round and it’s Jack who’s interested in his father.....
DeleteTo be honest I am sick to the back teeth of the whole business of the Show and the barn and Lynda and David and Old Ben .
ReplyDeleteI actually find it boring.
I can't say which storyline I would like them to concentrate on because I am not fussed about any of them at the moment.
Same here Lanjan.
DeleteIt looks like Jill might be buying Alistair a Christmas present since Shula can't, if the etiquette allows, of course. I was feeling sick the minute they were out the door, even before the poor Bess, because of the sickening predictability of it all.
ReplyDeleteWhat were we meant to make of the Bess incident? Jill is losing her marbles? Alistair is a jolly good chap (and vet) and Shula is a fool? Alistair and Shula can at least be friends? Ben will never forgive Jill and will go off the rails like other Ambridge teenagers?
ReplyDeleteAt least we all now know that dogs and mince pies don't mix.
Question 4 is my guess. Shame Bess had to suffer but it’s in a good cause.
DeleteThe way Ben has been shaping up with that dog, he would not have left it in the house, let alone in the kitchen with Jill.
DeleteHe made it very clear that Bess was NOT a pet.
I would suppose, therefore that the dog would be kept kennelled outside or in one of the barns.
Would like to run something past fellow bloggers, see what you think, because it may be imagination/triumph of hope over reality, but recent impression is that the dialogue is more normal, natural, actually how these people might interact. Editorial influence? Fresh bunch of SWs ? Take tonight : Jill, Shula, Alistair, focusing on Bess, A. & S. talking about his job offer now it's less antagonistic between them; Tony grumbling, Pat cajoling, but in the end him having to admit Natasha is rather a Good Thing. That's believable - some folk are an acquired taste. David asserting himself yesterday, Lynda & Will, Will & Clarrie - all unforced reactions, springing convincingly from the SLs they're lumbered with. Even ref. to Helen, that she's finding herself, working & assessing the French cows independently. Don't know if I'm making any sense, but would be interested to read others' views.
ReplyDeleteI hadn’t noticed but it’s an interesting point. You could well be right. On reflection I have enjoyed some of the episodes more in recent weeks when they have more down to earth content.
Deleteor even those episodes which had more down to earth content. Past my bedtime.
DeleteSimilarly I hadn't consciously noticed this but do think you're right. The vet who writes a regular piece in our parish magazine has warned against dogs being harmed by eating the wrong food, an Archers script mirroring real village life! But what impending disasters lie around the corner?
DeleteYes Carolyn, I've noticed it too, but not, I think to the extent that you have. But now that you have mentioned it, I agree.
DeleteI had become aware of it in the context of the younger members talking amongst themselves. HH, Tom, Jazzer, Johnny.
And Seasider has noticed a difference too in the content.
It was a brand new scriptwriter last week apparently. A lady who has written for the stage, some episodes for 'Doctors' as well as afternoon plays for Radio 4. I think the new editor is showing promise in getting TA away from 'Eastenders in a field.' But still a work in progress I think.
DeleteI certainly think the episodes are more balanced recently. We are having some ‘everyday life’ sequences between the more dramatic relationship ones. Something I have been asking for since the days of full-on Helen/Rob melodrama.
DeleteSome people on other sites complain bitterly when they hear what they feel is a ‘boring’ episode when nothing much happens. But I prefer this balance between the mundane and the exciting.
I hope this is down to the new editor, who seems to have engaged some new Scriptwriters too. Good.
Oh no! Please don’t tell me the new editor has decided to take us back to ye olde dayes of William Smethurst who kept the nation agog for 6 weeks with the disappearance of two ducks from the village pond! Expect roses round the door, birdsong on Lskey Hill after anything mildly worrying occurs, and ore faux rural accents,. He also started by replacing scriptwriters which earned him the nickname of Butcher Bill.
DeleteThey couldn't go back to the Tom Forest days, introducing each omnibus with a monologue about country life & the changing seasons. I reckon that reflected a post war return to normality, a celebration of the unchanging English way of life. Yet, there's a mini Renaissance going on, like the original, a rebirth of classical excellence, greater realism in the depiction of the human form for a start, but also building on the past, adding a modern dimension, innovation springing from tradition.
DeleteGlad some of you also sense something of a sea change. Thinking further, seems to be a better awareness. of village life where everyone knows everyone else & many characters are related. Why, it took me more than a few seconds to realize that it was Pat asking to speak to Jill ! Not her voice, it's quite distinctive, but the rarity of such a contact. We know it must go on, not every snippet of chat can be recorded, but it's realistic to include such moments when it bulks out the story line(as it did). Same with the younger characters, as you mention, Mrs P., rembering also Lily talking to Johnny on her return, both reminding us they are related, & that her Russ affair is still under wraps. Likewise, Lily & Rex - we haven't heard them in conversation before but of course they know each other, & it also hints at another SL in the pipeline. Good planning !
ReplyDeleteAgree. There seems to be much more of a flow to the story lines and the connection between the characters and action rather than what sounds like 'set pieces' of action or agro! Jumping from one to another. For me, anyway, it makes for a more fluid listening experience. Soft listener that I am! For those that require permanent agitation......lots of that elsewhere. 😏
ReplyDeletePermanent agitation is not required. Permanent engagement of my full attention is. (Tree planting only gets 70%).
DeleteWe are all different, having planted trees, admittedly on a smaller scale, in the hard slaty ground of Cornwall, tree planting gets 100% of my attention.
DeleteCarolyn, your point about Tom Forest and linking it to post war.
ReplyDeleteMy memory is that Tom F introducing the omnibus was brought into the programme
very late, possibly in the eighties. And at a time when TF was less involved as a character. Perhaps to continue to give the actor a role as a senior member of the cast.
I may be wrong about this and if so others will correct my mistake.
I think you might be right about that Mrs P. He didn’t appear in everyday storylines so much but was more of a commentator on what had been going on in Ambridge during the week and the countryside in general. Since there have been six episodes a week (there never used to be one on Sundays) there has been no time to include an introduction at the begining of the one and a quarter hour omnibus.
DeleteFaulty memory - sorry ! Only listened sporadically until more recently, so must have muddled my time lines. Just had it in mind that he did those rambles back in the sixties.
Delete....or, rather, late 50s.
DeleteJust a quick note. Someone has posted a link on fb to an article in the Daily Telegraph Property section featuring Judy Bennet and Charles Collingwood and their downsizing move from London to Hampshire. In it they confirm that neither has any plans to retire. They travel to Birmingham for eight days every month for recordings then return to their country home which they have adapted to overcome any problems that might develop as they grow older. Both are starting new storylines with Shula embarking on single life and Brian with his enforced retirement and new home away from his beloved farm.
ReplyDeleteSo that sounds as if no-one is going to save Home Farm for Brian and Jenny at the last minute, as some have been speculating.
DeleteAnd also scotches my thoughts last night that Shula and Alistair were getting on better and might reunite in time to spend Christmas together.
And also seems to confirm we shall be getting a new character or family occupying Home Farm - will they be pleasant and fit in well or, probably more likely, become irritants in the pearl that is Ambridge. (Ooo-er, I’ve gone all flowery or poetical or something!)
I listened again to last night's episode and the one thing that struck me-it did last night too-was that when Pat was asked about where Christine was going to go for Christmas Day she didn't actually know.
ReplyDeleteNow if my mother in law lived with my aunt in law ,I wouldn't invite the former without including the latter.
If Peggy said she was coming alone,why did Pat not ask where Christine was going to go?
Is Christine still in the Home ?
Did she not come out to Peggy's just for her birthday?
If that is the case is she planning on having Christmas at The Home?
Answers on a post card please or if preferred on Ruthy's blog site.
Thank youi
Confused of Lancashire
😂. Well said, Lan Jan. Perhaps Pat is too busy planting trees and nurturing her son’s new relationship and has forgotten that Christine hasn’t permanently moved out of the Lodge. She clearly doesn’t have the same campaigning zeal she had with her homeless friend and the shelter last Christmas, to make sure nobody is left out in the cold. I suppose she got her fingers burned then.
DeleteAnd since when has Peter ever invited Christine for Christmas?
DeleteNever !
DeleteI think Elizabeth is right in not going in her current emotional state, just the twins together on their birthday but it'd be nice for Lily to share the driving.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what scheme Brian will come up with.
If Christine can afford sheltered housing on her pension, so much the better.
I know it’s been mentioned before but where is Kate? When Jenny listed various family members and where they were spending Christmas, did she mention her? I can’t remember.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Basia, about Elizabeth. Lily was away when she visited Freddie and he wasn’t happy with her fussing, and she clearly isn’t up to going anywhere at the moment, let alone such a trip.
I agree also that Christine is making a good decision. Supported living is still a step down from a care home so she will still have some independence and get away from the dreaded Hilda. Peggy feels responsible for her but she can still visit without the worry or the cost to bear. I hope she doesn’t talk Christine out of it.
With you on that, Seasider,re Chris, she made it clear enough tonight she didn't want to go back to the Lodge, but how does she think her pension alone ( all she has now, so we are given to understand ) will cover the sheltered housing ? A mystery to me.
DeleteBrian said to Jenny that it was just them and Rhuairi for Christmas and she added Kate to which he gave a great sigh! Kate must be around maybe cleaning out the Yurts for next year. Irritating as she is I do miss her as I love to gasp at her extreme behaviour!
DeleteI remember that ! Reckon they've really, truly had enough of her. It's thanks to her they're going through all this angst. Brian caused the original problem by his probably criminal negligence decades ago ( though we haven't heard anything about a possible prison sentence for many months), but they were on the way to solve the many problem by selling parcels of land, without having to sell their home. Kate put a stop to that, citing her far from successful, & pretentiously presented business. I shall never understand why they didn't combat her slender claim by hiring their own legal advisors.
Delete'money' problems...
DeletePeggy says she is worried about, or for, Christine.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't sound like worry to me.
It does sound like 'I am in a far better position than you Christine to make your decisions for you'
And probably also a bit of ' and what's more I've been paying your fees here, therefore I should be making your decisions, because I hold your purse strings '.
Too much emotional blackmail in that voice.
And since I believe the actress to be excellent and to know the character of Peggy better than anyone on TA I don't think I am imagining what I believe I am hearing.
I fear you could be right....
DeleteI agree with you MrsP. I've always found Peggy rather opinionated and someone who tends to use her money in ways that reinforce her decisions and expect acquiescence. (I seem to remember her upsetting Tony at one point by not supporting him fairly). Assisted living is clearly much more appropriate for Christine and I'm glad she's sticking up for herself and putting her needs first. However, I don't know how the finances will work; I expect her flat will cost a good £500 per week. She'll have her state pension but did she pay into a private scheme when she was running the stables?
DeleteAll this emotion about a birthday is driving me up the wall ! Who is the grown up, Lily or Elizabeth ? If that is callous, too bad. E. is in a terrible state, swamped with sentimentality, beyond coping, whilst pretending she is, whilst Lily is doing her competent best to ease her workload, reassure her all the time, & no one else in the family is giving any support.That said, agree, better L. sees F. on her own - they might even have a laugh.
ReplyDeleteLily can very easily explain to Freddie why Mum's not there - she's still getting over flu and is very run down. It's the truth too. I agree the visit might be nice for Freddie with just Lily there. They can reminisce in a way that they wouldn't be able to with E there.
ReplyDeleteI think Elizabeth's deepening breakdown is very well written. First great stress leading to anxiety/panic, and now she is showing the emerging signs of agoraphobia which can accompany depression and panic attacks. She was the one who phoned the restaurant, so she may well have cancelled the birthday meal rather than the restaurant having double booked. She has declined to go to Brookfield at Christmas, and now she cannot face going outside the territory she feels safe in to visit her son Freddie.
ReplyDeleteLook for new post.
ReplyDelete