THIS POST IS CLOSED
Life in Ambridge: Comments week of December 11, 2018
Life in Ambridge: Comments week of December 11, 2018
SAY GOODBYE TO HOME FARM
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments' - Episode 8 Life Outside Ambridge Beach Chairs
Janice, agree with your timeline of Elizabeth's breakdown, but for one detail.
ReplyDeleteIt seemed clear to me that Elizabeth had forgotten to book the table at the restaurant.
When Lily expressed her excitement, Lizzie realised she had forgotten to book. The phone call was to try to get a late booking. The excuse to Lily was because it was too late to get a table.
Lily took it very well. Another example of her mature attitude in relationship to practical problems.
Thank you for the new blog Ruthy.
A handsome house.
Yes on reflection you are right Mrs P.
DeleteAgree with both - agrophobic signs & forgetfulness ( unconscious avoidance of things she can't face)
DeleteMaybe the Aldridges won’t have to crash out of Home Farm and and their miraculous reprieve is meant to be our Christmas treat. I disagree that the house sale is Kate’s “fault” - whatever inspired her to make the suggestion, it was the most sensible option which her father and half-brother, the so-called business heads of the family who ‘know about farming’, had completely failed to see. So Kate will be the author of the family’s financial salvation rather than its doom.
ReplyDeleteWhat an ingenious argument.
DeleteDon’t agree Maryellen. Selling land and keeping the family home is a much less emotionally traumatic solution.
DeleteKate was just plain selfish and didn’t give a sh*t about anyone else as usual.
Jenny has done well to keep her spirits up whilst losing her beloved home.
DeleteFeel free to disagree with me, of course - but you are wrong!
Why am I wrong and not you?
DeletePtbY - exactly! Differences of opinion allowed and tolerance of views appreciated. ❤️
DeleteBecause Brian Aldridge and Adam think the same as I do (as soon as they had taken the idea of selling the house on board). Their dislike of isrlling was based purely on sentiment, not for business reasons. Not wishing to sound rude and all opinions tolerated as Archerphile says, but I trust their judgment on the land versus house sale question in their situation more than those of bloggers.
DeleteMaryellen - perhaps that should be that you trust the judgement of the scriptwriters and their advisers more than that of bloggers? 😄
DeleteKate opposed the selling of land because the section they wanted to sell fronted her business and enhanced publicity for it presumably looking nice in brochures. Even so she should have considered her parents as it is such a wrench especially for Jenny who has made it a lovely home over the years. Yes, Kate is completely self centred.
DeleteGiven that people aren't robots, a business decision often needs to be balanced by other considerations. In this case, selling land sacrifices some agricultural benefits, certainly not all, retains the home & pays the debt. The option chosen is ruthless - the parents give up their way of life, the home that sustained them all, because of a dubious claim made by the long term family liability, Kate. Family values, loyalty, humanity jettisoned needlessly.
Delete👍
DeleteThanks ! Do feel quite strongly about this in a general way : war wouldn't be possible if such values were upheld, instead of materialism, greed & self interest. Not sentimental, not incompatible with business, economics l - simply an honourable balance. In TA terms, more Bridge Farm than Martin Gibson !
DeleteKate's been very quiet lately!
DeleteFiguring out how to earn a crust ? Where to live once the house has gone ? Eating her heart out because the parents took her threat seriously ?
DeleteMrsP - I agree that Elizabeth had forgotten to make the restaurant booking, when Lily said how much she was looking forward to their outing Elizabeth didn't have a clue what she was talking about, perhaps Lily guessed secretly.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what is right for Home Farm sale of land vs house all I know is that once her proposal was taken on board Kate was horrified that she would no longer be her parents' boarder.
Yes, if she is their saviour it wasn’t her intention as she told her siblings she had no expectation that her parents would go through with selling the house.
DeleteA convenient position to take, but unconvincing, I think. Why go to the lengths she did ? Perhaps just to assert herself & be centre stage again. The one family member who has never made any contribution to the business.
DeleteWith Home Farm being such a top of the range home I am surprised at how difficult it has been to sell. Houses above a certain price are usually in a bracket less affected sale wise because there will always be buyers with mega money around!
ReplyDeleteLily has certainly become a grown up of late! Had she intended to return home with Russ for Christmas before Elizabeth’s situation evolved?
Archerphile - none of the Aldridge family objected to the sale of the house on the grounds that it made worse business sense than selling land - it was accepted p that this was the soundest business proposition in the circumstances. I think they are in a better position to assess Ambridge/Aldridge economics than we are!🙂
ReplyDeleteBut my point was that it is the scriptwriters and their agricultural advisers who are responsible for what the Aldridge family think and say - or have I crossed the line in suggesting that this is just a drama and not real!
DeleteI’m trying to be realistic having recently heard that my youngest grandson now knows the truth about Father Christmas ! 😉
Nine characters tonight. The only thing I like about Natasha so far is her Welsh accent. So Tom will be spending Christmas in Wales, Kirsty and Roy at the Bull and it seems Russ with Lily and Elizabeth at Lower Loxley.
ReplyDeleteForgive me but who amongst us would sell our beloved house/home ( how many years?) Because we had an extremely spoilt selfish child who thought their useless business would be compromised by selling land close to said disaster. Hands up. I'm counting! 😕
ReplyDeleteWell, quite ! Not very convincing, is it ? The SL doesn't hang together.
DeleteThe house is being sold because the Aldridges have a huge debt and selling the house to pay it is their best option. Jenny has made this clear more than once. Kate is incidental _ why are people so hooked up on her?
DeleteTheir best option ? They had another option, which they'd agreed on, until Kate threw a spanner in the works. That's why she comes into the picture, not because anyone's 'hooked' on her, as is surely clear.
DeleteSelling the house is a better option than the previous financial option they considered who’s was selling land. As I have been trying to explain, this has been tacitly agreed by the family and is why Brian Aldridge and Adam have gone with it. Jenny summed the emotional, as opposed financial, angle when she said that anything was better than having the huge debt hanging round their necks. Greater v, lesser evil.
DeleteIn fact, J. was swayed by Ruth, co-opted to look after Ruairi's interest, who suggested they consider selling the house. Quite why his interests should be paramount beats me. He'd have his share of what was left of the farm, which wouldn't be inconsiderable, just like the other inheritors.
DeleteMaryellen,P tbY was not wrong in what she said
ReplyDeleteYou disagree with her and indeed with others including me .
You think you are right but I could say I know I am right but I won't
Let us leave it that we have a difference of opinion.
To me ,It is obvious that Kate was her usual selfish self.
The only reason that happened was that it made another storyline -and a stupid one at that.
There is no way that Jennifer would leave it to Brian to find a place for them to live.
There is no way that she wouldn't move Heaven and Earth to find out who the buyer is.
Where is the wretched Kate anyway?
We haven't heard from her or her Sloany sister for a while now.
The moral of the story is.
Don't ruin your children with kindness.
It does not pay.
Excellent moral LJ 👍
DeleteAgree with most of what you say, Lanjan, but not the last bit. I imagine the off spring got the same parental treatment broadly, yet Adam, Debbie & Alice are fine ( ok, Alice is a bit needy & sloany, & drinks too much, but she is the youngest, has worked hard, got somewhere in her life, & basically decent & loyal ). It's Kate who's the rotten egg. In the 60s, 70s, it was all about parental fault, but I think views have changed, it's more nuanced than that. Not all who come from a very inadequate, fractured family turn to drugs, crime & violence. There seems to be a lot more at play in how people develop. Not trying to whitewash parental responsibility but lack of it doesn't account for every ghastly person who walks the earth.
DeleteI'm wondering: if Natasha is so wonderful, why were we given that glimpse of her being not so wonderful, childishly objecting to a disliked ingredient? (I was a fussy eater as a child, but grew myself out of it, which is why I regard fussiness in a adult as childish! Mind you, I'm a vegetarian now, but I try to like anything non-dead-animal-related.)
ReplyDeleteShe seems to have rushed very fast on the rebound into a relationship with Tom. I am wondering both how Pat will react to Tom being spirited away from the family for the whole of Christmas, and how Natasha's parents will react. If her previous relationship lasted 10 years her parents would have come to regard her partner as a close family member and they would probably still be grieving his departure. It seems a bit thoughtless to land Tom on her parents so soon after the break up of the previous relationship.
DeleteI thought Tom was going to explain that Christmas Eve was really special at Bridge Farm, and could he come some other time instead? But no.
DeleteLanJan - I wasn’t talking about Kate, except to say that whatever her motive was, it was she who first suggested selling the house - which is a fact that no one can dispute. I haven’t commented one way or the other about her otherwise, so am neither right nor wrong.
ReplyDeleteShe almost demanded selling the house so that her business would not be affected.
DeleteI think did demand it otherwise she was off to a solicitor.
DeleteThat's how I remember it. Ruth then gave her opinion in support of selling the house.
DeleteOh dear, ghastly Russ has turned up on the Lower Loxley doorstep with expensive present in hand (probably paid for by Lily’s part time earnings). Do we assume he will be staying for Christmas, will he be invited to Brookfield or will he and Lily go back to Birmingham with a LL Christmas hamper in the back of the car?
ReplyDeleteAdmittedly he did sound genuinely keen to see Lily on her birthday, and she seemed please to see him after her trying day at the prison with Freddie ....but will it last?
But Elizabeth spent some moments before thinking to ask him in.
DeleteIn fact I think he asked if he could come in.
Hardly welcoming.
Wasn’t his present £17 something from pat and Tony’s farm shop.....
ReplyDeletesorry but that is not an expensive present. 😇
Next question......what do we think it was?
I’m going for a great big, massive lump of......cheddar. 😁🧀.
(Cheddar with holes).
He could only afford 17 since he is a starving artist.
DeleteI,did think that E should have been there for Lily instead of just thinking about herself.
Could we not give Russ a chance as the season of goodwill is almost upon us? To me £17 sounds quite expensive enough for a box of hand-crafted chocs or whatever he bought Lily as a hello again present (a nice gesture). We know nothing about his personal finances so let’s assume he was able to pay out of his own pocket and didn’t have to go without himself in order to afford them.
DeleteI thought £17 WAS expensive for something bought at Pat and Tony’s shop!
DeleteWhat can they have on the shelves that cost that much? I assumed a bottle of wine (though I’m not sure if they are licensed) or an expensive box of chocs.
I should have thought, as he obviously knew it was her birthday, he would have bought something he knew she would love, in Manchester, and brought it down ready gift-wrapped, not just popped into the farm shop on his way past.
Oh, and how did he actually get to Lower Loxley? Lily has the car, I can’t imagine he has his own car too - so was it by train and Rex’s taxi??
So let’s carry on damning Russ then - benefit of the doubt being a stranger here.....
DeleteI just listened again and I think Pat said “a good choice” and later “I hope she enjoys it” so I thought perhaps a sparkling wine (and who is the local producer? Coals to Newcastle?).
DeleteI believe several folk predicted he would be there for Christmas, and beyond. I am sure they can find him a suitable attic to set up as his studio. Perhaps he can help Lewis run the gallery, offer art courses which would be more popular than Helen’s cheese making courses, less niche.
No, not damning Russ, just observing that as a devoted boyfriend who regards Lily as indispensable to the extent that he cannot work without her (his muse) I would have expected him to have put more thought into her birthday gift rather than grabbing something at the last minute. Perhaps even having made her an artistic gift himself, if he is low on funds.
DeleteAnd we do know something about his finances: he is not in paid employment; Elizabeth had to put up the deposit on the flat; they were going to exist on Lily’s grant, savings and anything she could earn in a part time job. What we don’t know is where the rent on the flat comes from; whether he contributes anything to his still existing wife (and/or children?) or any mortgage they might have had.
It could well be that when he sees how well Lily is helping to run Lower Loxley and how much she enjoys it, that he, himself, suggests she gives up the University Course and they both stay at LL (with Lily taking up a hospitality course locally instead).
With Elizabeth’s agreement they could have a flat at LL and he could pursue the activities suggested by Seasider above.
Would that make them all happier I wonder. At the moment I still can’t work out how much Lily is still in love with Russ. Perhaps we’ll find out by Christmas.
Many weeks back I suggested Russ would become artist in residence at LL. I made that comment tongue in cheek, unfortunately it looks like he will become more than that!!
DeleteSuddenly the ever efficient and organising Lily has had a wobble, and her knight in shining armour has come to the rescue. Russ has a background in management,although in education, but as one MT said, if one can manage a sweet shop then those skills are transferable. Good bye Glen, you could be losing your job, and just before Christmas.
I would like to add, if Elizabeth's mental state is the next cause to be addressed then they will need to find an adviser who is able to provide a more convincing story line.
Ghastliness reigns at LL. Perhaps the Canterbury Carry on will offer us some light relief....
ReplyDeleteWhatever Russ bought for Lily he will have paid through the nose for it from the farm shop.
ReplyDeleteI reckon he bought her a box of champagne truffles.
Totally overrated.
I think £17 is certainly enough to spend on anybody when one has no job -(albeit because of his own fault.)
You can send your unwanted, overrated champagne truffles over here, Lanjan.
DeleteSo Russ arrives just in time to provide a shoulder to cry on. He won’t be going to Manchester by himself anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteI have been enjoying the recent episodes lately. Seems more of the everyday interactions.
Carolyn,regarding Jennifer's children....
ReplyDeleteAdam and Debbie were born before Brian came on the scene and probably Jennifer was not in a position to spoil them.
Kate and Alice were spoilt rotten by both parents
From my experience I have found that those children who did not have a privileged childhood seem to appreciate things more when they get older.
Is Hayley's 'new boyfriend' the Luke we heard about some time ago, or a new new boyfriend? 'Boyfriend'? Sounds as though you're messing with 15-year-olds, as someone once said.
ReplyDeleteRuss said, 'I'd just like to see her', and Elizabeth then asked him in. Without enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteOn the £17:00 debate.
ReplyDeleteDepends on ones own level of income.
If your limit for presents is £5, then 17 is a lot.
If your limit is £45 or £50 then at £17. Your a cheapskate.
Agree with the thought that Russ would have brought or made a present, a small painting perhaps. But the SWs didn't think of it !
Perhaps, instead, they thought we would be better off with a £17 debate.
Yes, Mrs P, just what I thought! 🎁
Delete...and the little scene with Russ referring to Lily as “my partner”. I didn’t recognise him at Bridge Farm and thought perhaps it was Natasha’s ex turning up.
DeleteSame here Seasider
DeleteAnd me.
DeleteThe present cost £17.98. What on earth costs £17.98? Or anything .98?
DeleteIt looks like the SWs are going to get a lot of mileage out of the Lily/Russ situation but I can't see which way it's going to go. I've always had a liking for Lily who seems to be the brightest of her clan (her brother, mother, uncles and aunt appear very dim and slow on the uptake). Although it's nice to have someone showing good sense and competence, I'm a bit sad that an intelligent young woman may well give up her university education to come home to prop up her family. (I still have hopes that Phoebe will develop a good career away from Ambridge. I admit my bias, but I think it would be realistic if more people went off to London!)
ReplyDeleteI think Brenda Tucker went off to the big city but not sure which one!
DeleteBrenda went to London, via Russia.
Deletebut she probably arrived at Euston like Gary and not at Waterloo!
DeleteThere is a large city in the Midlands. Why shouldn't Phoebe work there? Or anywhere else which isn't London. We don't know her future career. What is she studying - is it PPE? Her time at Oxford is passing quickly.
DeleteRe Hayley's boyfriend.
ReplyDeleteIs he still around?
Would she invite her former husband for Christmas Dinner if he were?
Another thing that I wonder about.
Does Kirsty expect to live in the same house as Roy for Every?
When it looked as if Roy and Lexi were going to get together did she not realise that she would be a bit of a gooseberry if she were to stay living there.?
What did Phillip and Tom do to upset Kirsty which meant Tom had to apologise?
If she were really fond of Phillip she would put up with having to share Christmas lunch with his son wouldn't Shea?
I do hope that romance is going nowhere.
Shea should be she .
ReplyDeleteThere was a scene a few months ago with Philip telling Tom what he thought of him for jilting Kirsty at the altar. I think Tom might have squared up to Philip first and advised him not to hurt her, but I cannot quite remember.
DeleteI also wondered whether this little scene is a precursor to the end of Philip and Kirsty. Perhaps it’s even more than that if Kirsty and Roy are having Christmas lunch together. Perhaps she will continue living there forever.
Yes, Seasider. Tom expressed his unwanted opinion to Philip and the latter retorted. Tom should have remembered the proverb about a person living in a glasshouse not throwing stones. Kirsty was furious with Tom.
DeleteAs a deputy principal of a sixth form college, Russ would have been on a salary of £35-45,000 minimum. He has demonstrated expensive tastes, and the bill for his desires was met by Elizabeth. I personally wouldn't have given him house room. But Elizabeth has become a zombie, a nosferetu wandering around with no idea of what is happening, and her daughter is picking up the pieces of responsibility for the running of LL.
ReplyDeleteA number of issues might be causing E to be behaving oddly, and Lily/family need to get her to a Dr to ascertain what is happening. I wasn't listening in the old days, but I gather she has had prior heart problems.
Finally, my imagination was playing tricks on me, I was convinced Russ sounded like one Mr. Titchner.
☑️ to all of that.
DeleteTo me he sounded like Russ and since it was Lily's birthday it made sense that he was buying her a present, he referred to her as partner because that's what she is to him, he and their relationship are not generally known in the village.
DeleteTonight Lily asked Jill: how's auntie sh??? to which Jill replied: don't ask me, she looks glum every time I see her. It wasn't Shula, so who then, with my ear close/volume up I still don't know.
ReplyDeleteAuntie Chris ? Didn't hear that bit.
DeleteThanks Carolyn, I listened a few more times and it's not Chris and maybe not even auntie, it's happened a few times lately, perhaps I need a hearing test, next year...
DeleteGot it at last: how's Lynda's show going - that makes sense, but it's like two syllables at most.
DeleteI recommend, Basia ! NHS hearing aids are much better than they were for previous generations.
DeleteOh, yes, I did get that ! Just didn't tie in with 'auntie'.
DeleteNice to hear a pleasant exchange between Jill & Alistair. They've known each other for years, no need to give up on that familial closeness because the marriage has hit the rocks.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Russ thinks he's doing. Reproaching the girl with the 'sacrifice' he's made for her, doing a sketch she swoons over, reminiscing about a past student whom he set on the right path, & prepared to present himself at the family feast as her middle aged lover. Lily, despite a moment of irritation, is clearly still smitten - doesn't she even consider the shock waves that will go through her family when he is revealed ? I understand her not reporting to Jill about Freddie's blankness, & Elizabeth"s condition, but surely she should look to uncles & aunt for some guidance & help. Pride, perhaps ?
Jill berated Alistair when she heard about his gambling addiction.
DeleteIndeed she should,Carolyn but who could she turn to ?
ReplyDeleteI suppose David and Ruth might be the best bet.
After all Elizabeth did look after their daughter for a while.
I am amazed with all that is going on that Jill is still so cheerful.
I think if one of my daughters was heading for a nervous breakdown and the other's marriage had broken up ,one grandson was in jail and another might not want to talk to me for almost killing his dog I wouldn't be feeling so jolly.
I wonder if Alastair charged Jill for his services?
ReplyDeleteWhen a friend's dog ate something rather nasty and she took her to the vet the cost was -well-rather a lot.
Perhaps Jill just pays him in mince pies.
My niece the vet treated a dog that had apparently eaten chocolate cake. There was no sign of chocolate in the emetically produced vomit (sorry about this, folks), so my niece asked if the culprit could have been someone else, a child, perhaps, or another dog. The owner said, no, the other dog was far too old to have jumped up and snaffled the cake. It had, though. Double fee, presumably,
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't trust Russ further than I could throw him (and I'm not very strong). Lily seems smitten, but she's under a lot of strain and was grateful to someone who could make her feel better for a moment. She's in danger of becoming unable to find the will or the words to give him his marching orders, through having to be grateful to him.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, gratitude in a needy moment after seeing Freddie, his presence amidst the demands of LL & mum irrational, this could indeed drag on & on. Doubts sown about Natasha, too....miserable listening ahead...
DeleteGlass half full, however, N. could turn out to be a total asset, David ( maybe even Rex!) could frog march Russ out of town..
Stasia - in reply to you comments about Elizabeth much earlier:-
ReplyDeleteShe was born with a hole in the heart and had to have an operation as a baby. The family were obviously very worried about her and tended to treat her with kid lives throughout her childhood. She became quite a difficult and wayward teenager and always seems to have had a great sense of entitlement, especially in family matters. She kicked up a huge fuss about the inheritance of Brookfield when Phil died and also blamed David for Nigel’s death and was dreadful to him for months. She has never been an easy person and this recent behaviour over Freddie is, (in just my opinion) not particularly surprising.
✓ yes, it's all of a piece, isn't it. Not dismissing Roy's part, but she behaved badly there, her part in the breaking of what had been a strong marriage, though she suffered the least damage.
DeleteE., egged on by Kenton, objected when Phil decided to hand Brookfield over to David and retire. David reminded Elizabeth that she lived in a stately home (which btw has a farm or farms). Elizabeth, Shula and Kenton would each be entitled to a share in proceeds if Brookfield were to be sold.
DeleteElizabeth blaming the judge for sending Freddie to prison and Geraldine for problems at Lower Loxley is true to her character.
What a nerve Russ had to tell Lily how much he'd given up for her. Lily then apologises for what she said! Love is blind and she definitely is at the moment over Russ.
ReplyDeleteEcho of Rob? Or is it typical of a man in Russ's situation?
DeleteOh no, are we to have Russ over Christmas? Hoping he would just go away end of week. I also did enjoy Alistair and Jill -as Carolyn already mentioned above.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what living tree look like, though Russ has captured it perfectly..
One more thing about Russ - so who are hus family besides wife? What is going on with his divorce? Never heard anything about that.
DeleteHe has parents. He visited his parents and told them he was going to leave his wife/had left his wife. They were furious with him, allegedly. There's been no mention of children. mind you, that's not to say there aren't any. Helen had been living with Greg the gamekeeper for a while before she found out that he had 2 daughters who lived with his ex-wife. If I'd been Helen, embarking on a relationship with a man in his late 30s, I would have asked him if he'd been married and if he had children - probably before our 3rd date.
DeleteAwoke early this morning and heard a feature on Farming Today about how farmers are being encouraged to plant trees amongst other crops. Can't remember with what Tom's trees are being planted but they are especially recommended to be in pastures with sheep. They provide sheep with protection during extreme weather and an extra cash crop in the future. Perhaps Tom has at last hit upon a successful diversion?
ReplyDeleteJust a small correction Archerphile. Elizabeth kicked up the fuss before Phil died when she discovered that David was to inherit the farm. Phil then set up the company Brookfield Farms to divide the value of the farm between at least the four children and maybe Jill I think. This was despite Elizabeth never having made a contribution to the farm or business carried on there ((bed and breakfast for one thing.) Her principle complaint was to provide for her children despite the fact that they had considerable assets from their father's side.
Much discussion on fb as to why chocolate has now become poisonous to dogs when this 'fact' was unknown up until a few years ago? My father 'treated' his pair of King Charles' spaniels for some years with a Milky Way when he returned from shopping. This was admitted to the vet when he pointed out they were too fat. No mention was made of poison. Both dogs lived until the high 'teens.'
Russ sounded selfish again (and perhaps a bit desperate about spending Christmas alone.) He did not even think that Lily might like to see her family over Christmas. Loved the bit where Jill was surprised by the 'boyfriend' revelation. And what happens when the 'boy' turns out to be in his 40s?
Like others I had no idea who was buying what from Pat but astounded that anything in the farm shop should cost £17.98!
I visit farm shops from time to time, and in my experience farm shops often carry artificacts from local crafts people. So it could have been a small piece of pottery or jewellery @ £17:98.
DeleteIt might have been more than one item.
DeleteNot all dogs are allergic to chocolate apparently, like grapes, I was feeding my dog them and she loved them, stopped though when I learnt they were potentially poisonous, no harm was done to her either.
DeleteRe. the farm I seem to remember that the others in the family would only benefit if David gave up farming and sold the land.
DeleteThank you Archerphile and Spicycusion for filling in the gaps re Elizabeth's health. Well at least we know she has seen a Dr. and she is on the mend? A severe bout of flu can leave an individual feeling low and depressed, but Elizabeth was behaving in a bizarre manner before she got flu. Her preoccupation with Freedie's incarceration has sent her into an emotional decline and perhaps triggered unresolved feeling about Nigel's death.
ReplyDeletePost Traumatic Stress Disorder is now an issue in mental health assessments, and when Nigel fell off the roof I suspect she wasn't identified as being at risk. It is not uncommon for individuals to sublimate traumatic experiences which can resurface when another trauma happens.
Unfortunately Lily is on the receiving end and at nineteen is being expected to take control. Role reversal, Mum becomes the child, and Daughter becomes the Mum.
I like Lily, she is LL's saviour, but Russ is a handicap, dependant and and constantly needing reassurance. Yuck.
Elizabeth had another heart operation for a 'leaky valve', she was frightened and tried to postpone it because she was already a mother to two young children.
ReplyDeleteI seem to recall that the twins were induced slightly early because it was considered risky for Elizabeth to go to full term. The second operation seems to have fixed the heart problem for good (though I'm sure it could raise its head again if needed dramatically).
DeleteShe had another heart scare a few months (following year?) after Nigel's death. Stress, grief and exhaustion may have contributed. She had another operation and was fitted with a pacemaker or some heart device.
DeleteAs Kenton and Joleen are going to Brookfield for Christmas lunch, what will happen if Lily takes Russ along too? Will there be a confrontation and will all be revealed to the rest of the family ?
ReplyDeleteI cant imagine Kenton being particularly diplomatic about Russ and Lily!
Now that really would be an EastEnders Christmas moment for TA !
DeleteI do so hope not!
DeleteArcherphil, that is exactly what I thought when listening to the repeat earlier.
DeleteRuss will go and Kenton will challenge him.
.....& Lily will throw a massive wobbly, then sink sobbing into Rex's arms...
DeleteNo.
DeleteKenton will be on his best behaviour.
Trust me!
On the other hand I would rather have happen the scenario that Carolyn suggests.
Lily is more likely to sink into the arms of Russ if that scenario happens. Remember her reaction when Kenton revealed that he was the person who had reported Russ to the college.
DeleteOh dear, a bust-up at Christmas lunch!!
ReplyDeleteHang on, though, Perhaps Rex spends Christmas with his smug, pantomime smoothie of a dad. Likewise Toby, though, as Jill is making such a thing of 'Rosie's 1st....' it would be odd not to invite baby's dad.
DeleteI am having a different thouht re Russ. He seems to have painted something lovely.
ReplyDeleteLewis, seems to stiil be around, but how old is he now??
Russ could take over the LL "Art Gallery", if it still exists, where he can sell his own local paintings of Ambridge and the surrounding country-side.
Perhaps this is too ideallistic!
But, Miriam, that would mean we'd be subjected to the man forever, & Elizabeth could well end up being sectioned !
DeleteI appreciate the "mental health issue" being focused on, but where is Dr. Locke? Lizzie needs him, in more ways than one.
DeleteWould have been easier for Lily to dump Russ while he was still in Manchester. Russ is such a wet blanket - He is totally dependent on Lily to support his “art project” and can’t bear to loose his benefactor. At least Lily was strong enough to not relent to Russ and not head back to Manchester with him.
ReplyDeleteI have a differing opinion on Christmas s gathering. I do hope there is a big blow up between Russ and Kenton. Let’s light the fireworks now...
You've got a point, Ruthy, Kenton wasn't the black sheep of the Brookfield Archers for nothing ! Not one to ignore the elephant in the room, he might well tell the guy what he thinks of him, & explosion of emotion will result - watch out, not for flapjacks, but superior mince pies flying around at Brookfield on the 25th!
DeleteCan’t wait!
DeleteFamily fallouts are not uncommon at Christmas, lots of stress. Guests. Food, presents and children. Weddings are just as stressful. How will Jill manage the seating arrangements, and when Russ is introduced the silence will certainly be deafening. If Elizabeth does go, imagine the embarrassment, one son in prison and her daughter shacked with a man old enough to be her father.
ReplyDeleteAge difference may not be so important in a contemporary world, but Ambridge is an unusual place.
Russ was being economical with the truth, had he not left, he would most definitely have faced a disciplinary hearing, and been given the push. He is beginning to show his ability to manipulate a young woman.
I am beginning to look forward to the Brookfield Christmas lunch /Dinner
ReplyDeleteRemember though who said it first ,if there isn't a bust up between Kenton and Russ.
(Carolyn mentioned drinking a glass of wine recently.
I rarely drink wine but this morning because there was some wine on offer if one bought two bottles-wow- I went ahead and did just that.
I have opened a bottle just now so will not be responsible for any further comments made this evening.
This wine I bought is "soft and juicy " which I think means really cheap rubbish.)
At the moment I like the idea of Russ becoming Painter in Residence at LL as Miriam suggested.
You see the wine has gone to my head aleready.
I blame Carolyn.
What calumny, Lanjan !! So, I'm the fall guy, to blame for your inebriated state ( sigh, & a long sip of vodka & tonic, to settle ruffled feathers....)
DeletePerhaps R. will do portraits of Lily, E. & F.(the latter imagined, staring blankly, behind prison bars ) It's the tonic, bringing out the callousness.
Is 'aleready' a Freudian slip?
Delete🍷🍸🍷🍸
DeleteLol.
DeletePossibly,Bootgums but in truth although I like real ale I am also partial to a good Islay or Arran malt Whisky which Mr LJ thinks tastes like liquid germoline or TCP.
DeleteMore for you, then!
DeleteSo they will all pull together and the barn performance will go ahead, Ambridge at its best.
ReplyDeleteJennifer must be very low, allowing a take-away into her kitchen. She can't have defrosted both her fridges already, all Brian had to do was to put food into the oven.
I think E would skip Christmas gathering - it would be too embrassing for her - as stasia stated.
ReplyDeleteBesides,she’s not going out!
Delete😀😀😀
DeleteThe Ambridge Fairy may need to upgrade her wand to a more powerful model if all the Archer clansre to have s happy Christmas. Sorting the homeless Grundy family a couple or so years ago was nothing compared to the trouble brewing at Brookfield, the plight of the Aldridges and no Tom at Bridge Farm. Personally, I’m not too fussed as long as T❤️O❤️B❤️Y gets to enjoy his daughter’s first Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWhy are they (J&B) so worried Rauri has to live in a posh home? I am sick of both of them. At least Brian has come around to not having a holiday extravaganza.
ReplyDeleteThat irritated me, too ! What does it matter if Ruairi spends Christmas with them at GG, the Dower hse. or wherever ? He's not a wee waif, getting excited about the bulging Christmas stocking at the bottom of his bed. He'll enjoy a lavish dinner somewhere, then spend the rest of the holiday getting drunk, leading Ben into trouble if he can, or any other bored local lads.
DeleteHow utterly selfish of Kate! Swanning off to SA for Christmas leaving Brian and Jenny to cope with finding somewhere to live and all the work of packing up. According to Jenny, Kate had been asked to lend a hand but did not bother. I’m really hoping she will stay in SA and not bother to return.
ReplyDeleteAt last Jennifer has seen Kate for what she is! Long may it continue! I wonder if Kate has worked out where she will live when she returns?
DeleteThat could solve a lot of problems for them. Sounds like a good solution for everyone.
DeleteI mean if Kate stays in South Africa. Let’s hope she finds someone out there to back her goat yoga.
Delete+, appalling though it is to be leaving them to it, they're better off without her kind of 'help'! Back to SA, yes, but I wouldn't wish her brand of 'spiritual healing' on the S.Africans.
DeleteCow yoga is also available. It was on "The Secret Life of Farm Animals", BBC TV this week. It's slightly different to goat yoga - the cows don't stand on the human participants. There are no cattle at Home Farm. Sheep or deer yoga wouldn't work.
DeleteAm I the only listener who can't stop believing that something will happen at the eleventh hour and J&B end up not selling their house? The whole story has never felt real to me and, as previously said by some, was caused by selfish Kate threatening a court case if her wishes weren't carried out. Then she swans off to SA without helping with anything.
ReplyDeleteKate didn’t threaten a court case if her parents didn’t sell the house - this has been stated at least twice now and is in danger of joining Rob’s murder of Stefan in the realm of fake news. The threatened court case was to do with her share of the business, which she had every right to protect, not the house as such. In fact, if I remember correctly, the solicitor threat came before her suggestion that the house should be sold.
DeleteAnneveggie did not say that Kate threatened a court case if the house was not sold.
DeleteKate's 'wishes' were that the land bordering her spiritual retreat should not be sold and threatened the court action then.
As a result J&B decided that the only alternative was to sell the Farmhouse in order to pay the clean up bill.
In fact Kate was very blase about the selling of the house. I seem to remember that she assured other members of the family when they confronted Kate that the house wouldn't be sold and another way would be found to raise the money.
Actually, I didn’t say that AV herself said that - I commented that it had been said (by others, was the implication). To be crystal clear, Kate did not,as some bloggers have previously said or implied) threaten a court case if the house was sold. The court case threat preceded the house sale suggestion.
DeleteKate is Kate, if she'd stayed she would have declutterred the house in no time, no vacuum packs necessary and as she has nowhere to live, she's going away, never mind her business.
ReplyDeleteI said I'd eat my hat if Home farm is sold, and have taken to wearing scarves, just in case.
Anyway, why don't you look on the bright side: it looks like Chaucer will rule at the barn.
Fellow bloggers might be interested to hear there is a four page article, with large photos, about Christmas in Ambridge in today’s Telegraph magazine. It includes large photos of some of the cast during recording, and smaller photos of the studio and various cast members. I was surprised to see Carol Boyd (Lynda) sporting a bright orange/red hairdo, not how I would have expected for Lynda at all!
ReplyDeleteIt is a very interesting read, but best to avoid if you don’t want to see photos of the cast.
I think the bright red hair is Carol Boyds ' normal' style and colour.
DeleteI remember being shocked when I looked at her photo on the BBC Archers website long ago.
Not as I see her either.
The Aldridge’s buyer will pull out, or reveal themselves as an ally, Lynda will have her production in the barn and at the third attempt a baby will be conceived. Perhaps Russ will prove to be a perfect Christmas guest...and all will have the merriest Christmas ever...
ReplyDeleteSo what’s happened with the clean up? Another abandoned SL?
ReplyDeleteFrom where does Kate get the money for a flight to South Africa.?
ReplyDeleteWill she stay with Nolly?
What does she plan to do once she gets out there?
Maybe Kate will become another silent character and reappearing only needed to add drama from time to time. Who will be cleaning her yurts while she is gone? I would have though she wants to stay to promote Spiritual Home during the holidays - for gift messages and cleaning.
DeleteOh - I meant cleansing!
DeleteRuthy, Kate never does anything requiring physical labour, some other mug does it for her.
DeleteNot fair, Stasia. Kate does clean the yurts herself.
DeleteSomething I learnt from the Daily Telegraph article today - Ian Pepperil (Roy) rus his own pub in Ringwood, here in Hampshire.
ReplyDeleteI might just call in one day for a drink. I wonder if he stocks Scruff Gin? 🍸🍺🍹
Ah, I read that recently and meant to have a look when I was on holiday in the New Forest in September. Forgot. Perhaps we could have a bloggers meeting there. Wonder what he would make of that?
DeleteThere’s a picture of some of the Tales cast in the Christmas Radio Times as well. In costume.
Seasider......that would be brill if we could meet there. Going to google it now.
DeleteMust get radio times today too. Got some friends saving me yesterday’s telegraph magazine for that article.
I'm with those who think that the sale of Home Farm won't go through - the mystery of the buyer, the lack of alternative accommodation, the weakening of the housing market, Kate being Kate...(I also wonder where Kate found the ~£1,000 for a last-minute return flight to SA).
ReplyDeleteI am actually looking forward to the Brookfield Christmas - nothing like a bit of festive schadenfreude!
Interestingly. the inhabitants of Ambridge don’t ‘do’ schadenfreude. The hadn’t struck me before.
DeleteDidn't someone gain joy and pleasure when the Grundy's become homeless, and might the same apply to the unfortunate Aldridges?
DeleteNot in our hearing.
DeleteJill must be wondering about Lily's sexual behaviour. Didn't Elizabeth tell her that Lily had a girl friend (not platonic) from college called Meredith? A story concocted to cover up her affair with the DP. Jill Sounded a bit perplexed when Lily asked if she could bring her "boyfriend", perhaps she thinks Lily is Ambidextrous.😻😻
ReplyDeleteGood one stasia. 😆
DeleteOh, well remembered Stasia! Had forgotten all about Meredith - another one of the lies flying around Lower Loxley at the time.
DeleteYes ! I'd forgotten about that storyline. Probably Jill'd find it hard to get her head around sexual versatility - she must be bemused indeed...
DeleteCarolyn. "Sexual versatility" that sounds exciting. More like Lilian and Justin!
DeleteEsscee. What would they do with an extra bedroom? I would suggest,the nearly homeless, Master R Aldridge to keep Ben company.
Yes, I suppose your word, ambidextrous, is less ambiguous ! Though I doubt JE & Lil were karma sutra exactly, the older joints not being up to the acrobatics....
DeleteI was impressed that Justin could go down on one knee, and, more to the point, get up again. Don't underestimate him!
DeleteShe wasn’t happy at LL. She didn’t feel at home thereand there wasn’t much scope for her cooking skills so she felt redundant.
ReplyDeleteThe "mystery" buyer of Home Farm is just that, and will not be known until - I predict New Years Eve. It is obviously someone known by Brian and/or Jennifer, with whom they will disapprove.
ReplyDeleteI have my thoughts, none of which are particularly due a "Welcome to your New Home" card.
Where are the Aldridge’s to spend Christmas? It’s said to be an alternative one so maybe with the Grundy’s 😉
ReplyDeleteSusan may not rush to their aid now that the mighty have fallen or will she revel in that?
My guesses for Home Farm buyer are a wealthy friend / business partner of Justin or Matt Crawford.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are still either:-
DeleteTitchenor or Fairbrother, related.
Oh well, I am sure that I will be proven very wrong in the very near future.
me too
DeleteSo Russ didn't follow up on his idea of living 'on baked beans and foraging'.
ReplyDeletePerhaps he couldn't find organic baked beans.
DeleteLily could buy a case of tins of organic B beans at the farm shop.
Delete£17.98 worth, to send him on his way back to Manchester.
In fact I'm surprised to open my IPad and not find a post from Lancashire Janet telling us that Russ will be gone by New Year if not Christmas.
As he surely will !
Lily's brain has now caught up with her heart. I liked the announcer's comment after the programme.
ReplyDeleteHard to distinguish Ben and Ruari. Thought it odd that R. said "Ruth" when he asked Ben about her taking part in the Chaucer production. I'd expect him to say "your mum".
I think he called David by his Christian name too. He sounds a very unpleasant young man!
DeleteIt's an oddity of The Archers that characters often refer to other characters by the names they use for them, rather than taking into account who they are speaking to. So I don't think Ruairi was being odd; it's the scriptwriters who don't seem to know how normal people speak.
DeleteSometimes both types are used. For example, Kenton will say to Jolene, 'I've just been speaking to Mum', and Jolene will say, 'Jill?!'
She seen the light ! The girl seen the light ! Don't think Russ will get as far as the Brookfield Christmas feast now, smorsbrog or not.
ReplyDeleteBen & Ruairi were good value tonight, bit of light relief, willing to help out, though I do think Ruairi could have rather more concern & feeling for what the only parents he's ever known are going through.
He knew his mother for almost 5 years.
DeleteI'm surprised that present & past students of Borchester 6th form college didn't already know about Russ & Lily. This suggests that Lily has had no contact with former friends/fellow students since leaving college or that they are all discreet. Also that Lily doesn't post anything about herself and beloved on social media. Mrs Russ must have kept quiet too.
Kate and Rory both take after their father.
Deletemaryellen - so agree with you! see my post just added below.
DeleteLily works sunrise to sundown, and the starving artist can't afford to buy charcoal and bark at her for suggesting he work part-time to support himself and help out. His time should be coming to an end soon. - I hope.
ReplyDeleteI agree Ruthy. He's a moaner who expects everything on a plate. Lily needs to get rid of him asap.
ReplyDeleteWith Rauiri back in Ambridge, I do hope Ben can stay out of trouble. Looks like the Ruth and David's plan to get Bess is working so far, and now with helping to make the pigeon terrine (was that the dish?) and getting the barn up to code, maybe these distractions will get him through the Christmas season without getting into too much trouble. Not sure about Rauiri. Why isn't he helping to pack? Such a spoil brat.
ReplyDeleteStarting a new post after midnight!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that the penny is starting to drop about Lily’s ‘boy’ friend. Ruairi and Ben worked our who he was, then David sounded incredulous and is going to get what information he can out of Shula .
ReplyDeleteWon’t be long before the rest of Brookfield are in the picture too .... then will Jill still being happy to have Russ to the feast on Christmas Day - if he hasn’t hightailed it back to Mamchester by then!
Tonight he really was the most nasty, selfish, uncaring ‘boyfriend’ I could imagine. Please, please, let Lily realise what an immature, self-centered fool he is and send him packing!
Thumbs up Archerphile!
DeleteMost encouraging to hear Lily not being bamboozled by self-centred Russ. I hope it continues.
ReplyDeleteRuairi and Ben just don't sound like teenagers, and so sound rather ridiculous.
One more thing about Russ that I have observed. He is staying at LL as a guest, an welcomed one as far as E is concerned, and taking advantage of nice lodgings and is able to cook a nice meal when he decides to. Doesn't he feel like a leech?
ReplyDeleteDavid did acknowledge how bad for E to have to deal with a middle age boyfriend for Lily. Maybe the family will realize once and for all just how much strain she has been under these months.