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Life in Ambridge: Comments Christmas Week
MERRY CHRISTMAS
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.
Enjoy your holiday break with your Mum and family Ruthie
ReplyDeleteOoops sorry Ruthy, wrong spelling !
DeleteHave a safe journey too
Chocolate Yule Log - Yum!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ruthy and heartfelt thanks for all you efforts with these blogs since the Beeb abandoned us.
It’s turned out brilliantly!
Lovely Yule log - another very appropriate theme photo, Ruthy. Thanks so much for these wonderful blogs over the past year, it's been wonderful being able to read (and occasionally share) view with other Archer's fans. Happy Christmas to you and all other Archer bloggers too. I shall be unexpectedly spending Christmas Day on my own, having had to back out of Christmas lunch to nurse my poorly, and beloved, lurcher, Harry. But so excited about being able to hear the Christmas lunch episode without interruption, and hoping that we're allowed to hear more than the usual six cast members to make the ructions expected at the Brookfield lunch party even more exciting 😲
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Harry, do hope with your loving care he recovers. Enjoy your day together as best you can.
DeleteI don't really mind too much, CowGirl, now that I think there's a light at the end of Harry's tunnel, I'm sure we will enjoy the day together. He has injured his remaining hind leg (accident involving panic at very noisy lorries when jumping into my car), and at one time I thought he might have to be put to sleep, but leg seems to be strengthening again now, so crossing my fingers for him. Like I say, I shall be able to enjoy the "tension over the turkey", as the Radio Times phrases it, to the full, without interruption!
DeleteSo sorry Suz to hear about Harry and his injured leg.
DeleteEnjoy your day with him and solitude and The Archers to give you company for part of the day.
Thanks MrsP :)
DeleteYou see light at the end of a painful tunnel for Harry; what better Christmas present, Suz, than to see his leg grow ever stronger - hope you both enjoy the day !
DeleteThat's a wonderful thought Carolyn. I'll certainly hold on to that one, thank you 😊
DeleteEnjoy your day Suz, and best wishes to Harry and his recovery. I have spent a Christmas Day on my own, in the past, due to work commitments, and nearest family going elsewhere. Strangely I enjoyed it. I had to do hour "rota chemist" duty from 12.00-1.00pm. I cooked a proper traditional Christmas dinner, with a turkey breast steak, complete with all the trimmings. I even laid a "festive" table! At no time, did I feel "alone" at Christmas. I had so many 'phone calls that day.
DeleteThere's something to be said for being able to do exactly what you want, and Harry will appreciate you all the more, Suz.
DeleteI wish everyone peace and goodwill this Christmas.
ReplyDeleteSuz. You are a wonderful friend and carer for your dog. He must love you lots.
I'm not sure there will be much peace and love at Brookfield, too many people, too many tensions.
At least Bess will be out of the way and not in danger of eating anything nasty.
Et in terra pax hominibus.
And I love him lots too, Stasia - have had him since he was 8 weeks old, so I'm his "mum". Let's hope that Bess steers clear of all the chocolate that will be lying around at Brookfield - that would be just too much after the mince pie incident!
DeleteI think he'll be safe, with the extra vigilant Ben around ( who is the one member of the family likely to be least affected by awkwardness, explosions, tears, faintings, shattered glass etc.) Can't remember who, but someone said we won't get the full E. Enders' drama, just the aftermath commentary, a frequent TA ploy.
DeleteAh, but don't forget that Ben will have Ruari at the family feast to lead him astray, Carolyn - they may have their part to play in the general mayhem!
DeleteI'd forgotten that, Suz !
DeleteStill, maybe there's hope yet for the tearaway Ruairi - didn't he help out with the others in getting the barn to rights for Lynda's epic ?
Ruthy, I have to ask. That very yummy Yule Log - did you make it??
ReplyDeleteNice looking festive cake Ruthy. Wishing everyone on this blog a very Merry Christmas and thanks to Ruthy for setting this up for us once the BBC closed us down.
ReplyDeleteWho thought we would be thanking the Beeb for closing our Archers Blog but Ruthy’s is much better - real free speech without any backstabbing on here 🤗
DeleteI wonder how long J & B will have to “slum it”......🙄
Thanks Ruthy for the lovely festive blog. A Yule log fit for the Brookfield Christmas table. I just hope there are some folk left at said table by tea time, and not all exeunt in disarray.
ReplyDeleteSuz.
ReplyDeleteApparently omega 3 is good for arthritis in cats so perhaps it would be OK for dogs too.
It is cheaper to get the capsules online from firms like Simply Supplements (and if you go through Top cash back you get a discount )
I was told by someone involved with pets that it is cheaper to get the capsules meant for humans and just prick the capsule to get the oil out than to pay for omega 3for pets.
Our Poppy's fur has improved tremendously since she has been taking it and I am starting Percy on it in the hopes it will improve his creaky back leg.
Oh, thanks for that tip, Lanjan. Harry has been having 'Joint Aid' on his food ever since his leg was amputated. Not sure if that contains omega 3, but I'll check, and if not, I'll have to add that to the mixture too.
DeleteJenny, what are you really expecting??
ReplyDeleteShe is so lucky that she will have at least, a roof over her head, a woodburner, which she can share with her husband Brian, unlike so many, who will still be homeless at Christmas. Will Olwen be still be sleeping in her car and what will she, and others like her, eat on Dec 25th.
Jennifer should realise, just how lucky she is, in that she has a new property to live in, which is only, temporary. Many would love her have the same chance.
Should read - many would love to have the same chance.
DeleteSo agree, J. was being a pain in the arse. ho, ho, tonight. I wonder who was the culprit about about the prop one? Ruairi or Ben in a mischievous moment ? But shredding it was calculating & malicious, not their bag. Perhaps the Nathan guy, so eager to play a part, even as a body double, that he did the dirty deed...
DeleteMy thought was that Bess had savaged the “faux derrière” .
ReplyDeleteI agree that Jennifer was being a bit negative this evening, but having done most of the work and put a brave face on for so long, it must be difficult as the reality hits home.
✔️✔️
DeleteThe bum-shredder is probably Bess. Ben can't watch her 24/7.
ReplyDeleteOr one of the rats populating the barn , I don’t suppose David managed to polish them all off!
Deletebootgum - Bess is an excellent suggestion!
ReplyDeleteYep, Bess or a rat most likely answer. It's odd, having heard from Kirsty recently, that there's no mention of Philip, as if he played no significant role in her life. ( of course, it's possible I missed a passing reference ?) I wonder if he's become redundant to SLs, & SWs want to vaporize him, haven't decided how yet. Pretty unsatisfactory.
DeleteI reckon Jennifer is making a tiresome fuss about the temporary accommodation as a cover for her broken heart at leaving the home she loved. Typical behaviour from many, who'd rather release emotion about small matters than expose - to themselves as much as others - what is really distressing them.
Both she & Brian have clearly had enough of Kate. Yes, dump her stuff in the yurts, &, who knows, the next owners may find a legal way to remove the nearby irritation permanently ? If, indeed, the house really is sold, as some bloggers have suggested may not happen in the end.
Kirstie did mentioned Philip she rather spend Christmas with Roy rather than with Philip and his son in Liverpool. It did sound a little odd when I heard it. Did Philip help with fixing the barn?
DeleteI think you might be rights, on both counts.
DeleteI still think that Brian should have called the buyers' bluff.
ReplyDeleteThe buyers would have paid out a hefty sum to have the house surveyed so would not want to lose that.
If they had then decided to lose that money and not to buy then Brian ,Jennifer and Ruari could have stayed with Lilian.
As regards Phillip ,wasn't there something about his son that Kirsty didn't like?
I didn't like Phillip.
Too smooth for me.
Wouldn't trust him an inch..
Not sure about Lee yet but if he turns out to be a good un I would like Kirsty to have him.
But surely Lee has been earmarked for Helen ! Would be a waste of all those sensing the vibes chats over coffee if it all fizzled out...
DeleteHelen can have Lee if as I suspect he is going to be a bit weak or even a bit of a goody goody.
DeleteWe need a Rhet Buttler in Ambridge not another Ashley Wilkes
Has anyone tried the 20 question Archers Quiz on the official BBC Archers website yet?
ReplyDeleteI am quite chuffed to have scored 19 out of 20!
The wrong answer was about the meal that finally broke up Shula and Alistair’s marriage.
Good Luck, one and all. 😇
Alitair suggested making a curry dinner together.
DeleteI childishly refuse to look at that site.
ReplyDeleteIf somebody has the time to think up a quiz they should have had the time to sort out our blog.
Having said that,we are the winners because what we have now is better in my opinion than what we had before.
Thanks Ruthy.
Agree with you 100%. The BBC had been disengeneous telling us due to budget cuts to do away with comments when so many other blogs still allow comments. I don’t want to get steamed Christmas Eve about this, but so be it.
DeleteGlad you did great on the quiz Archerphile.
Archerphile, you scored 20 last year, so must have followed your own advice 'to get out more', I only managed 15/20. Lanjan: I understand how you feel about the website.
ReplyDeleteI didn't enjoy all those references to various 'behinds' yesterday.
I still think Lilian has bought the house and needed the £40,000 reduction as she is using the million Matt gave her. Perhaps she has to go through the motions of discreetly buying the property because the money may be dirty. I say this because as a property developer, she must have contacts with agents, and could have ascertained who the buyer might be. Maybe she does?
ReplyDeleteLocal Estate agents and property developers are a bit like Free Masons, they all know each other and with a nod and a wink and a funny handshake will help each other out.
Is course I could be barking up the wrong tree, just as Lynda is if she thinks Nathan ? Is desperate to expose his rear end to the world.
I don't find the fake bottom very funny. I wonder, was it filled with too much toilet paper and little Bess couldn't resist?
I am thankful it will be on the radio so we don’t have to see the derrière, faux or otherwise.
DeleteTo be both contrary & honest, I'd like to SEE the false one, AND the poker, as well as HEAR Nicolas' horrified squawk !8
Deletereply to carolyn - you would :))
DeleteThe faux derriere that is used in 'The Miller's Tale' in the attraction of 'The Canterbury Tales' in Canterbury is very tasteful and it is how I imagine the adapted padded bra to look like. It's just a raunchy joke as done in the 14th century.
DeleteI still can't believe Lilian would keep the purchase of Home Farm secret and allow Jennifer to go through the heartbreak of packing her home up. If it was one of my sisters I'd throttle her!!!! Perhaps we'll find out tonight!
Not only (14, Spicy !
DeleteA 'feel good' episode tonight : banter betwee David & Ben, who's prepared to put the effort into rebuilding the bottom, & a warm exchange between Will & Emma. The brothers really do seem to have re-established good relations. Don't think Lil has anything to do with the Home Farm sale. Clearly David is not entirely sanguine about dinner for 13 tomorrow, with the dubious appearance of Lily's er, um 'life partner'. What rot that man (Russ) comes out with - not a self aware, or humorous/ironic bone in his body.
ReplyDeleteRuthy(today, 5.39pm), how could you !? Alas, you're right, though....
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas to everyone, fictional and real - may there be no tension over the turkey and goodwill to one and all! (From Cornwall where it’s damp and mild.)
ReplyDeleteAnd a very happy Christmas to you in Cornwall Maryellen, and all Archer blogging friends wherever you are and whatever you are doing today.
ReplyDeleteLet’s all meet up again tonight to discuss the goings-on at Brookfield (assuming there will be some!). 🙋🏼♀️ 🎄
Suz how are you and Harry doing? Been thinking of you and trust you enjoyed your uninterrupted lunchtime Archers. Now we wait to find how how Christmas Day has planned out in Ambridge 😉
ReplyDeleteHello Lady R. We are doing well, thank you. I managed to take Harry in the car to a nice flat and open, grassy area today for a run off-lead, and he did well. Very tired this afternoon though. It was the Christmas lunch episode that I was looking forwards to actually, and then missed it because I was cooking in advance for my own - delayed - Christmas lunch tomorrow, and have just caught up this evening. After all the build up, I found it rather a let down - instead of the fireworks I had been expecting, it was all rather British with everyone being on their best, restrained behaviour, wasn't it? Well, apart from Josh that is. Still, we can't complain that it was like an episode of East Enders! 😃
DeleteNo, not Enders', but very TA, everyone behaving as one would expect, pretty realistic. I'd give 8/10 ( 2 points lost because Kenton & Ruth were never heard, though surely 'present'.)
DeleteGlad to hear Harry went out today, Suz. Encouraging.
👍
DeleteGlad to hear all went well Suz. I have only just listened to C. Day episode, maybe the fireworks are being kept under wraps until New Year when they will be more appropriate 🙄Josh tried his best to stir things up though!
DeleteJill has plenty of energy taking on Christmas Day lunch (for 13 was it?) Ambridge inhabitants between 85 and 97 in the main seem to have no problems re constant working be it Jill or even Joe. 😉
An extra late night for me so off to bed now - Happy Boxing Day everyone. It is my elder sister and bil’s Wedding Anniversary today!
Not sure which blog I am on so apologies if talk of TA is on the wrong one or vice versa!
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
ReplyDeleteTonight’s episode was boring.
Started with heavy rain in Southern California and will be partly cloudy for rest of day.
Was looking forward to sparks between Kenton and Russ but the former didn’t even appear! I liked Josh’s rendition of “Me and Mr Jones” though and his reference to practical biology!
ReplyDeleteYes, I did enjoy Josh's innuendoes. Kenton stayed at the Bull to avoid a head on confrontation.
DeleteWho had the most fun ? Despite all, Jennifer & Brian - good move, Brian. At Brookfield, I reckon Josh had a whale of a time. Jill rolled with the punches brilliantly, providing magnificently but also keeping the atmosphere as civilized as she did.
ReplyDeleteThough expecting more fireworks, I rather enjoyed Christmas lunch at Brookfield. Jill managing to keep a very stiff upper lip in front of Russ, though she was obviously shocked at learning exactly who he was.
ReplyDeleteAnd Josh, playing a blinder with his ever so polite Mr Jones act and references to “The Lovers” statue and biology lessons.
I should very much like to have heard the conversation between Russ and Kenton, but on the whole, I think the SWs handled the episode well and with seasonal goodwill and restraint.
Now, roll on the aftermath - my next thing to look forward to will be the revelation of who has bought Home Farm - (do hope I get to hear before going off on Jan 1st!)
👍
DeleteI think I am on my own here but I thought Josh's Mr Jones antics wore a bit thin and that he was extremely rude to the wretched Russ who to be fair behaved impeccably .
ReplyDeleteWhatever the rights and wrongs about the Lily/ Ross business it must have taken guts to turn up at Brookfield .
You are not on your own LanJan! If a teen tried to humiliate guests at my house they would be firmly put in their place immediately...
DeleteAh, but would you tolerate Russ as a guest in the first place ? 😗
DeleteI wouldn't have given any of them house room to be honest carolyn! Except Jolene. The rest are all too ghastly for words...
Delete😁 but David isn't so bad, is he ? Rather boring, I suppose...
DeleteDavid is weak,weak ,weak.
DeleteI think Josh has left his teenage years behind, I don't think many teens would have the wit to make references to biology, sculpture and art and use them to poke fun at an ex authority figure. Innuendo is classic British humour and only Josh could have these delivered sarcastic comments with such panache.
ReplyDeletePerhaps TA clan will react differently to Russ when they learn that he is freeloading and scrounging on LL hospitality. At least he knows how to prepare a sprout, as usual Josh wormed his way out of that boring task.
Jill's final comment about not expecting a man did make me laugh.
✔️✔️😄
DeleteI enjoyed Christmas lunch at Brookfield except for two things, T❤️O❤️B❤️Y’s non- invitation - buat least Rosie was there to represent the Fairbrother genes and hopefully Pip being upstairs to fixher hairier whatever was her excuse to text him to confirmameetuplaterin the day - and Josh’s inner adolescent emerging to take up far many of our precious 14 minutes with his tedious provocation.. Russ behaved impeccably even when needled by Josh, and special to Jolene who used her considerable social skills to deflect Jill’s embarrassing questions. Well done, Jenny o. Let’s hope a 3 or even 4 bedroom Beechwood Home awaits you in the New Year,
ReplyDeleteI expect there wasn't an invitation, as T. & R. join dad for Christmas.
DeleteJolene certainly did well last night to oil the social wheels. Of course, Russ behaved, not in his interests to do otherwise, & we know he can use charm to manipulate.
Josh is about 22, isn't he ? Agree, he stepped over the social boundaries, & such dogs were inconsiderate to the family, creating an awkward atmosphere, but he was witty with it, Russ deserved the jibes, &, for those reasons, I forgive him ! 😉😊
Not dogs, digs !
DeleteI wavered between wanting David/absent Ruth to take Josh aside and tell him to behave, and seeing him as a Shakespearean Fool, slipping in witty asides, or stating the blooming obvious.
DeleteI wonder if Jill is coping with the cooking duties quite so well as she used, as it has totally absorbed her time and energy to the point where she has ceased to notice her youngest daughter is suffering. Not like Jill who was always brilliant at picking up when someone wasn’t themselves.
To be fair, E. Has hidden herself away, & often isn't available when mum has tried to contact her. Jill really only knows about Freddie, & the loss of licence, neither of which problems she can do anything. 'Ark at me, never used to have anything positive to say about Jill, but have found her lots more bearable recently, mainly because of her dealings with the grandchildren.
DeleteSeasider, I agree about Jill/Elizabeth. Jill was able to see through Ben and make him confess, perhaps she'll now take interest in her daughter, only when she's found out more about Russ, that Lily is prepared to "stick two fingers to society".
DeleteAs for Josh, I know it was in a bad taste but it made me laugh and I think that somebody had to say something, Kenton/Ben/Ruairi would have made it much worse. Russ could have stayed away.
I think it can be very difficult when a newcomer is introduced into a family situation like Christmas Dinner
ReplyDeleteI do not like Russ but had I been him I would not have gone to Brookfield.
Each to their own though.
I know this isn't the same but.....
A close friend was suddenly widowed at the beginning of this month.
I telephoned her yesterday evening and she said that she had several offers to spend Christmas Day with friends but had decided to stay at home by herself and do what she would have done had her husband of over 50 years still been alive.
She said that it had been the right decision.
Oliver wanted to be on his own at Christmas after Caroline died but was forced to go to Grange Farm - some of us found it uncomfortable listening. At least this year he was at the Bull. Tom's gone to Wales with Natasha but this relationship has the signs of speed-dating.
DeleteAnd I think I should have done exactly the same Lanjan. Following our own little Christmas routines and trying to maintain the feeling that he was still there with me - for a while at least. I should have worried that I was causing a rather strained atmosphere over a friend’s celebrations. Though I would have greatly appreciated their kindness I would have felt very awkward and not wanted them to have toned down any merriment or feel they needed to be careful in front of me. I sympathise with your friend and completely understand her reasoning.
DeleteEveryone is different. I felt I couldn’t face Christmas at home last year so came out to Tenerife with Katy. We had offers from friends and family but thought we wouldn’t do that agreeing with Archerfile. We repeated last year this time and we are enjoying the break. Next year, another year on we will stay at home with the dogs.As far as Russ is concerned he was rather forced into meeting the family by Lily and it did take some guts to do it. They will have to face opposition in view of the circumstances of their relationship as people are quick to judge. I wonder whether it has any real substance though and fear like others he is weak but controlling too.
ReplyDeleteOK, so Ruairi's a waste of space, though he may well have a shock which turns him around, Ben's more responsible, Pip, ultimately unhelpfully, tried to smooth troubled waters, Elizabeth is staring into space, not reading a word of those books, I bet, all punctuated by shots, poor birds, which was horrible to hear but which seems to constitute outside Boxing Day fun for TA characters. Not impressed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good advert Ruari is for Public School education.
ReplyDeleteBen is a chip off the old block.
Weak weak weak.
I didn't get the exchange between Pip and Lily. Did I hear Uncle Kenton was at the Christmas lunch? Lily is being so defensive about her relationship with Russ. The family would be more on her side if she wasn't with Russ. And what is up with E? Not even wanting to spend time with L?
ReplyDeleteBrian still has time for a shoot with all the packing needing done?
I still am not sure why Ben is friends with Ruairi.
They grew up together before R went off to school. I wonder whether Ben finds his impetuosity a bit glamorous. After all we all love Ambridge but maybe not the most exciting place to grow up in especially with numerous Archer relatives keeping an eye on you! What are they going to get up to on New Year’s Eve?
DeleteYes, Pip made it sound as if Kenton had been there, I thought Jolene apologised for his absence or was it his behaviour, it's the second time I've had a problem with Pip's diction.
DeleteI imagine Ruairi is Freddie's replacement as the only stereotypical posh Public School boy in the village!
ReplyDeleteRuairi or Ben, probably the former, reminded me of Tim Beecham once or twice. Remember him?
ReplyDeleteYes! Nigel's partner in crime.... Sorry wrong choice of words!.......partner in japes aplenty.😊
DeleteWhy didn’t Ruairi call David for help via his mobile phone instead of ‘legging it’ back to the farm?
ReplyDeleteAdmittedly Ben’s would have been under water but I can’t believe an affluent teenager like Ruairi doesn’t carry a mobile!
That crossed my mind too. My willing suspension of disbelief failed!
DeleteThank goodness the cow in ditch moment didn't turn into a tragedy which for a nasty moment I suspected.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand Ruth's decision to insist she can hold the script and why shouldn't she if it's just too much to memorize.
Can Ben and Rauiri be silent characters again? Too much of those two lately - and more until New Years Eve shenanigans I imagine.
DeleteAnd I so agree with you Anneveggie - let Ruth hold the script!
So has Ben been in contact with contaminated water in the ditch - I think so. R will be of no practical use farm wise in future years he will have to be on the organising side of it only!
ReplyDeleteTwo bloody’s and one sod tonight more realism sneaking in I guess...
Btw Kenton was at the C. day lunch it seems but no on air drama from him as we had expected
Be glad when yet another of Linda’s productions comes to an end - will it really be her last 😉
🤞it will be Linda’s last show.
DeleteMissed the swearing, mind you if I’d been in a ditch with a cow I’d have been saying something rather juicier!
🐄🤬🤭
I have no intention of listening to the actual production (Radio 4, 2.30, tomorrow)
DeleteI have heard enough already and am bored to tears with it.
But I hope those Chaucer fans who do listen find it enjoyable and amusing.
Agree AP 😏
DeleteCan't wait! If I miss it at the time, I'll definitely listen on catch-up (sorry, BBC, 'Sounds').
DeleteI imagine people flock from throughout Borsetshire to experience the Ambridge show, so the audience is by no means confined to Ambridge itself.
I think part of the attraction is to see people we 'know' in a completely different setting. I remember thoroughly enjoying the occasional end of term skit performed as treat for the school by teachers. I was thoroughly amazed to watch my favourite Maths teacher cracking jokes! I thought she was far too old to make fun of teaching us girls! She was probably in her forties!
DeleteI listened to the 2.00 repeat on my computer this afternoon. I didn't notice the mild expletives! Have been listening to Radio 4 all day just to make noise in an otherwise empty house (in Frankfurt)except for the cats of course.
By the way I think Pip apologised for something Kenton said at Brookfield Christmas dinner/lunch so I was under the impression he was there.
To be honest I am glad that both he and Ben said something/anything to Russ, to make him feel uncomfortable. I am really annoyed that the scriptwriters have made almost the entire family comfortable or accepting of the gross breach of trust performed by this teacher/tutor.
Is Ben going to be in for an illness such as Weil’s disease (could well have been rats in that ditch) or leptospirosis or even tetanus from an infected cut, if he doesnt get a jab in time?
ReplyDeleteNot sure I want to hear about another major illness like poor Nic went through earlier this year
And I am rather surprised at Ruairi’s general attitude to farming. He seems very disinterested, doesn’t want to get involved, if he can help it, or or get his hands dirty and even complained that going to live at Willow Farm would be ‘living on another farm’ (even though it is not actually a farmhouse any more).
This is the son Brian wants to hand the agricultural part of Home Farm down to eventually.
Ruairi might have different ideas about his future profession!
💉💊 Ben should have been taken to have some jabs. Never mind the up market panto. Brandy won't help. 🛌
DeleteListening to two grown men,
ReplyDeletetrying to be teenagers,
is quite simply excruciating.
Differentiating the voices an impossibility.
Boys in ditches, wrong vocal pitches.
😂. Can the tetanus wait until morning or does it have to be administered immediately? Ruth insisted Ben should have it and moments afterwards ran off to the rehearsal.
DeleteDon’t think I need to hear swearing to improve the realism.
I will listen to the Canterbury Tales but I don’t really need two episodes. I will reserve judgment though. I like the idea of hearing the characters/actors in another role, and panto’s never appealed to me.
Sorry, the laughing face was for Stasia’s rhyming comment.
DeleteAlso the apostrophe after panto is for “has”. 😕
DeletePossibly he'll be okay re the tetanus jab. Pupils all used to have their 'booster' in year 11 before leaving compulsary education.
DeleteStasia ✔️😂
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain stasia! Doesn't help that the lines they have to say appear to have been written by someone who has actually never met a teenager. My brain just refuses to hear them now - it's gone into a kind of self protection mode that stops me from dying of cringe making embarrassment...
ReplyDelete💯%
DeleteAgree, the would be teenage voices are off putting & wrong, but don't think the script is so bad - the joshing, general irreverance & so on. At least, it's no worse than many of the adult scripts, e.g, everyone taking Lynda's affectations seriously, the way Shula Whittier's on at times...
ReplyDelete'witters'...
DeleteArcherphile, (9.42am), I don't think Ruairi was that bored by farm life actually. He sounded kind of wistful about the Brookfield set up - the image of a family all pulling together, unlike his own. Probably farming itself isn't for him, & ridiculous of Brian to make assumptions, but he threw himself into the task without moaning, glad to be part of something, I thought. He showed himself in a better light last night. ( Liked his comments about half sister Kate - so much more of a pain than Josh !)
ReplyDeleteAgain, Carolyn, we heard the exchanges between the two boys in the same way.
DeleteWistful of joint family enterprise.
But also willing to articulate his need to be told what to do. The first sign perhaps of wanting to be involved without being the leader.
Your last sentence, Mrs P, there's an insight ! Doubt if he's aware, but he did enjoy it, despite Ben's scary tumble in the ditch.
DeleteWell done, Ruth, you started in fine, resonant form !
ReplyDeleteThe words spoken by two older teenagers are spoken by even older actors but the words themselves are those which might have been uttered. by younger teenagers or perhaps by Billy Bunter and his jolly Public School mates from Greyfriars.
ReplyDelete"I say fellows,how about a jape?"
Totally unrealistic.
I couldn’t disagree more, LanJan. I’m lucky in that Ben and Rory’s voices sound okay to me, and their language is convincing. Neither has said I say fellows (shouldn’t that be ‘chaps’?) how about a jape, and I t ink they are extremely unlikely to do so, unless deliberately mocking public school cliches originating over a century ago.
DeleteWhat worries me more than their speech styles is the Aldridge gene (as Roy aptly called it) at work and the extent to which Ben is seduced by it, even colluding with Rory in manipulating Ruth - or allowing it to appear that he colluded, which is equally reprehensible,
LanJan - It seems that the two teenage characters are being depicted as 'typical teenagers' as have all of them over the years. Luckily most of them have grown into responsible adults! Als, I agree, there does seem to be stereotyping of privately educated children. I'm thinking of Nigel and his best mate Tim Beecham previously!
DeleteAs to the 'Aldridge gene?' There has never been any intimation that Brian was ever reckless, lazy or indulged in illegal practices until the recent re-writing of his 'back-story.' He inherited a farm, sold it for development and came to Ambridge where a large estate was being broken up and sold off. He was a very successful, enterprising and innovative farmer/businessman. Recently we have been led to believe that at one time about forty years ago he was hard up and needed to raise cash (a couple of hundred pounds probably for goodness sakes!) that he allowed rubbish to be dumped on the farm of which he was so proud.
He has had two affairs and propositioned his cleaning lady. Ruairi's behaviour has shown no tendency towards inappropriate behaviour towards females( or I can't think of any at the moment.)
Well said Spiceycushion !
DeleteSo did Brian not have an affair with Mandy Beesborough (never sure of spelling)? He was suddenly reinvented as a roué after being a thoroughly decent chap (fellow, guy, dude) whose patience with Jennifer was remarkable. Vanessa Whitburn decided Ambridge needed a villain and cast Brian in the role. He survived the moustache-twirling stereotypicalisation (?) and is (mostly) a rounded character.
DeleteRuari likes a Button sister. I don't think she would tolerate inappropriate behaviour from him.
DeleteWell, we got through the first performance of CT alright. Not too painful and Ruth did a very good job!
ReplyDeleteI found it rather a bland episode tonight. At least we know that Lilian hasn’t purchased “Home Farm” although Justin and Borchester land may have done so?
ReplyDeleteEven if Borchester Land has secretly (why?) purchased Home Farm to let, there are other tenants who can better afford the rent - the spectre of Martin Gibson looms. But development seems a better proposition.
DeleteI thought I could remember Justin talking to Lillian of it as a possibility at some point - but maybe I imagined it....
DeleteNeither my sons ,grandsons nor nephews acted nor spoke in the way Ruari and Ben do ,when they were teenagers I am pleased to say Maryellen which is why I find the Ambridge duo unconvincing.
ReplyDeleteAnyway I can't tell one from t'other which I find annoying.
.......and yes,I did mean "fellows" not "chaps"
Billy Bunter was forever referring to the likes of Bob Cherry and Harry Wharton as "fellows"
I don't expect they still do so at Public Schools now.
I assume they use the ubiquitous word "guy " .
But when were your younger relatives teenagers, LanJan - and did you overhear their private conversations with each other, as we do with Ben and Rory?
DeleteLanjan, I suspect that Ruairi will become an ACTOOR and learn to speak Estuary English. That seems to be the route many PSBs take when they lack the initiative for any other profession. Or they manage an Alevel in art or drama and head for Sandhurst.
DeleteI have five teenage nephews who haven't acquired deep husky voices on becoming 15/16 years old.
I have now dropped the idea that Lilian has bought J and B's home. However, She has now lumbered herself with watering a lot of pots.
carolyn, you are spot on,
Ruairi is a lonely teenager, hence all the bravado and eagerness to engage Ben in escapades. I suspect he doesn't have many close friends at school, boarding schools can be lonely places. Didn't he go off to a prep school at the age of seven? Brookfield must be very warm and appealing for him.
Archerphile will relate to Lilian’s (many) pots to water scenario after her Summer of doing same for her neighbour 🌸🌷🌼🌹🥀🌺 😂
DeleteDubai trip so close now AP are you ready? Excitement at peak for you all I’m sure 👏🏻
R was very young when he went to boarding school; he was still taking a cuddly toy to bed with him. We don't hear about any of his schoolfriends or about visits to family in Ireland .
DeleteYes Lady R, certainly reminds me of my summer, pot plant sitting! And gearing up to start8ng packing tomorrow , but have left a New Year message to everyone on the other blog.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to hear Archers characters in another guise. I was particularly impressed by Sunny Ormonde and Barry Farrimond. I didn't recognise 'Rex' at first!
ReplyDeleteGlad it wasn’t only me who didn’t recognise Rex, I had to look in RT then google! I am sure there are more productive ways to spend the afternoon by never mind.
DeleteOh there are KP.
ReplyDeleteI started my puzzle while listening.
Although I said I would not listen to The Canterbury Tales, I did succombe and tuned in whilst making sausage rolls for our New Years Eve celebration tonight.
ReplyDeleteI must say I was impressed by the Archers actors taking the part of amateur actors very successfully. I found it very hard to believe that Eddie, in particular, would have been able to cope with a Chaurcaerian script - so unlike his normal speech.
I think perhaps he was just a bit too good!
But I did not enjoy any of the tales any more than I did at school and am not disappointed that I shall miss the second half.
If we had to have one of Lynda’s productions foisted on us I should have much preferred a modern comedy or even a traditional Panto rather than Chaucer.
Perhaps I'm in a minority, but I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the Canterbury Tales yesterday afternoon. It was so nice to hear the actors being able to expand their acting talents to inhabit the characters of the Tales, while, at the same time, being Eddie, Lillian; Kirsty or Jazzer. So cleverly written and so well acted. They must have had a wonderful time recording it, and I loved it. Liked the 'tales' themselves too - all the basic themes from the birth of drama and story-telling. Can't wait for part two next Saturday. By the way, did I miss the mystery actor that we would all recognise? Don't think I heard him/her, but I could have been coughing at the time as I have a miserable cough-ridden virus of some kind. Well done to all.
ReplyDeleteMy sympathies. The Irish remedy for coughs, colds and anything else is a hot whiskey. Lemons, honey and some brown sugar. Wonderful in the winter,many excuse for a whiskey. Keep warm, with lots of fluids. 😫
DeleteThanks Stasia. I found that very helpful at the start - especially when I got that floating feeling! - but, as I only had my precious 10-year-old single malt to make it with, I had to give up and go back to painkillers and lots of fruit. I have lost 2 lbs since Christmas though, which is some consolation - probably thanks to all that fruit, which was the only thing I fancied to eat 😄
DeleteI have been put on high dose vitamin C (by Mr S) after weeks of swollen glands and coughing. Think it’s finally helping but the weight I lost is going on again from the mince pies etc.
DeleteI enjoyed hearing the actors in other roles but they were rather good for amateurs I agree. However some of the best productions I have seen have been small local amateur events.
The guest actor? Must be holding them back for next week’s finale. Eddie hinted that it is one of the villagers, and the cast list in the radio times probably gives it away, unless they have left them out to keep the surprise. Of course I won’t say, but there are one or two actors on the list who didn’t speak yesterday and haven’t been heard in rehearsals.
When young I helped for a while in a Cyrenian shelter which provided support for people on the streets in Cardiff, and came in with a bad cold one day, and a lovely old ex seaman who was a permanent resident made me a remedy that he swore by - a large onion chopped up and cooked in milk and all served hot in a large mug, and I had to drink/eat the lot to please him! If you like onions you might like to try it Suz but only if you really like onions!
DeleteYuuuuuuck!
DeleteThanks for that tip, Janice, but one I may pass on if you don't mind. Not because I don't fancy the onion, but because I hate milk! Now I think of it, I remember that my mother used to bake onions in the oven as a supper dish when I was a child, and I loved them. Maybe that was to keep us from colds and other ailments too 😃
DeleteI enjoyed listening to the actors and trying to work out who was speaking in some of the tales. Like Archerphile I found the tales boring and unfunny. Lilian and Kirsty were good tellers, but Lynda as the crone was irritating, a bad Irish accent, why? Why not some might ask.
ReplyDeleteWho was the guest, I didn't hear a mystery voice?
I missed the first 15 minutes of the Canterbury Tales as son rang to update news on holiday hotel and check I was okay. I am going to find 'sounds' on my computer this afternoon to listen to the whole performance as I thoroughly enjoyed it. I certainly didn't recognise Lynda and her Irish accent.
ReplyDeleteI have listened to the Omnibus today (just to have noise in the house) and really enjoyed it. Much, much better than all the shouty arguments of last spring and summer. A bonuswas that I have found that it was easier to recognise who was speaking when there were more comparisons to make between more characters, if you see what I mean?
The most annoying thing was that Josh sounds several years younger than his younger brother!
Next in line was that Pip still has the irritating habit of long pauses..... between....her.....words!
Her visit to Lily at LoLo seemed a 'gap filler' though.
David seems to have 'eased up' on his sons and displayed a lovely relaionship between a Dad and teenage son/s.
Final thought - I disliked the references to New Year's Eve between Ruairi and Ben on both occasions. I hope that they don't repeat the car escapades trying to go to Penny Hassett to get drink with disastrous results!
I really enjoyed CT last night. Went out to dinner got home late but was not able to fall asleep. Was going to listen again Friday’s episode but found CT Part 1 instead 😀. Was happy to find it. I liked the behind the curtain going ons interesting.
ReplyDeleteSo the mystery actor is P*ggy! To appear in Part II, obviously.
ReplyDeleteStill don't know what to make of Natasha.
How was the transformation of Lynda-crone to Lynda-beautiful young woman achieved on stage?
ReplyDeleteThe way I’ve seen it done, the bent and croaking old crone straightens up, tosses her walking stick aside, and throws off her enveloping black cloak with its face-concealing hood to reveal an attractive young actress with a musical voice. How Lynda managed to look and sound like that, I agree is a bit of a mystery!
DeleteReally disliked Natasha tonight. Well, both of ‘em. Giggling like school kids over watching your back.
ReplyDeleteVomit making.
AND Jennifer.....with what you’ve put up with over the years you should easily get over the house sale. Fgs, get your big girls pants on and get on with life.
Got next saturdays bath booked in to listen to CTs whilst soaking.
Does anyone know when CT Part 2 will be aired?
ReplyDeleteNext Sat afternoon Ruthy...
DeleteThank you GG. Looking forward to it!
DeleteCouple of strange things in tonight's episodes. What is Tom hiding? Why is Jennifer there at the house without Brian? Shouldn't he be there at the close of the house?
ReplyDeleteAlthough we still do not know the fate of Home Farm I thought the scene with Jennifer and Peggy saying their goodbyes to it very moving and J’s love for Rurai rising above the circumstances of his conception - admirable, I hope that one day he will do her proud but probably not in the near future!
ReplyDeleteTom & Natasha’s mystery......anyone?
(Not read any other posts yet so maybe one or more of you have already cracked the mystery!)
Other sources are speculating that Tom and Natasha have acquired matching tattoos (I won’t say where, but has something to do with their references to ‘watch your backs): or that they spent an awful lot of time in bed: or that they have become secretly engaged. Personally I thought they were behaving like a couple of naughty pre-teens, not funny and not attractive to listen to.
ReplyDeleteI also felt for Jennifer taking leave of her home, and like Ruthy, should have expected Brian to be with her, supporting her, and not Peggy.
I have a horrid feeling that I am not going to find out who the new owner is before tomorrow, and will have to wait on tenter-hooks until my return at the end of January. My feeling is that, if not an entirely new character, family or property company, it will be nasty Martin Gibson (dubbed ‘Sir Martin’ by Will the other night). His triumph over Brian would them be complete - pushing him off the board of BL, taking over as Chairman and finally moving into his house!!
Whoever it is, I wish Brian and Jennifer as happy a new year as possible in their new circumstances, and also everyone else in Ambridge .......and all of you too!
Archerphile......can you not listen to the archers over in Dubai? Surely your son could download the bbc sounds app on a computer or phone.
DeleteDon’t give up on it.
Tattoos would fit with not wanting to say what they bought each other for Christmas, and all the silly private jokes. How old are they? (Rhetorical question, I know they are 30 somethings.) I suppose some people in love say they feel like teenagers again....
DeleteRuthy I also wondered why Brian wasn’t at Home Farm to support Jenny. Perhaps he couldn’t face it and she said she would do it, but we weren’t told that. I suspect it was rather to allow Jenny to say what she felt about Ruiri in a way she may not done if Brian had been there.
Perhaps also so Peggy could be there, and also talk about her deepest feelings at the moment. I noticed Peggy is expressing concern about being alone at the Lodge. Is this the start of a new life for Peggy, Jennifer and Brian together? At the Lodge or a house with an annexe for Peggy, jointly funded by selling the Lodge?
I did think for a moment that Peggy was going to be the new owner of Home Farm, but as folk have said, if the family had bought it they would not have let her pack up and move to Willow Cottage.
DeleteWould they?
DeleteSeasider 11.01am - second paragraph that was my though too (earlier post) Also that anyone in the family would surely not have let Jenny do all that arduous packing if they intended to buy it for them.
DeleteI thought the silly avoidance of questions signified an engagement- far too soon IMO - but suggestions in other posts of tattoos sounds realistic to me.
ReplyDeleteIt did not occur to me to even notice the absence of Brian.
Many men would consider it silly to need to say goodbye to a house.
Most women would not, I think.
Didn't feel curious at all about their coyly witheld secret, but assumed, as you did, it must be an engagement they are choosing to be quiet about for a while. Still. the avoidance of questions about presents gives credence to the tattoo idea, &, even more, to Ruthy's sex toys inspiration !
DeleteDo a little giggle - I thought Tom and Natasha got each other sex toys, although MrsP your suggestion on matching tattoos sounds feasible to me - though I hope they don't regret it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I don't agree with you on second point. I care less what house I live in. I am very unsentimental about owning things - only a few things handed down from family that matters. I guess having moved around so many time in my adult life, I just don't get attached.
I did feel sorry for Jennifer, in that the physical place connected with every aspect of the bulk of her adult life. It was all the memories, happy, ordinary, sad, painful, to be abruptly negated in a way, as if they had never been. Can see what you mean, too, Ruthy because if you've moved a lot, you won't become so emotionally attached.
ReplyDeleteWas glad Peggy was with her, was she could offload a little. Thought she said something about Brian, what he was doing, or why he wasn't there but can't remember what....
Have just listened again. (This could get to be a habit, listening twice!)
ReplyDeleteI think Jennifer was alone (with Peggy) because the phone call from the agent was earlier than expected. I presume Jennifer must have handed over all of the keys. How many sets I wonder?
I have been very harsh about Jennifer in the past but I thoroughly agree with Peggy in that Jennifer is 'a remarkable woman!'
(And yes I know that I am referring to a ficticious character before anyone points that out!)
I am glad the scriptwriter has taken this turn in writing her character. I am not sure if I could be so stoical if I had to leave my home of 31 years.
I have also said previously that only Brian cared for Ruairi but am so glad that Jennifer loves him.
I agree with all the other comments about the really silly behaviour of Tom (and Natasha)
Something is nagging at the back of my mind. Didn't someone mention about Tom never being a parent or something? But the silly behaviour continued. I immediately thought 'What about Kirsty?' but then seconds later couldn't remember what it was that made me think that thought!
(I am so glad that middle son (who works in Care sector management in what used to be called 'Personnel.' keeps reassuring me that losing short term memory wasn't necessarily a sign of dementia!) Perhaps someone else noticed that comment says she hopefully?
Kirsty was having Tom’s baby but lost it. Cruel Fate robbed them both of parenthood.
DeleteI didn't take any notice of what Tom and Natasha were saying about presents.
ReplyDeleteDid someone -Pat? -ask what they had bought for one another?
I will not listen again but why was it mentioned?
I did wonder if they hadn't actually bought each other anything.
Was Natasha too busy trying to impress Tom's family with her gifts?
I hate it when someone wants to know what people have bought me.
Why do they do it?
I never want to tell the truth.
I either want to go overboard or more often go the other way.
Pat did totally the wrong thing .
She could have gone online and got Natasha an Amazon Voucher since it obviously didn't dawn on her that they were all going to get gifts from Natasha or she could have given Tom some money and suggested he took Natasha out for a meal .
She could also have given her nothing.
After all it wasn't as if they were engaged.
What did Tom get for N's parents I wonder.?
I agree about Tom and Natasha and presents. It's none of Pat's business what Tom's presents were. He's adult and doesn't even live at home.
DeleteThe only comments I might get from either family or very close friends who would usually say 'Get any nice presents this year?'
How long have Natasha and Tom been going out anyway? Perhaps Natasha was trying to show how successful a business woman she was so she could afford expensive presents. Whatever the reason Pat's behaviour was reprehensible, especially in front of the person who gave her the present.
As to tonight's episode who/what did Helen see? Lee with another woman?
Glad Ben and Ruairi got to get to a party in the end.
Who are the Lamborghini owners? People who have bought the house or friends of them? Rather strange to have an upmarket exclusively catered party in a completely bare house?
I hope Jennifer remembered to read the metres! :))
I assumed Helen saw Lee with another woman (who may turn out to be his sister, of course).
DeleteI imagine my 85 year old Mom giving away birthday/Christmas/Mother's Day, etc presents as re-gifting gifts. After so many years, there are just so many things sitting around the house. The only things I ask her to keep the things that I have made - two years ago, I knitted her a baby blue cashmere scarf. I made her promise she wouldn't give that away - though I have never seen her wear it. So I wonder where it is now :(( For Christmas this year, gave her an emerald green sweater - I didn't knit it - but is fit her perfectly. She still wear it last week, so where is that going? But I think Pat giving away that bracelet that Helen gave her is too insensitive - because they live under the same roof. That silly woman.
ReplyDeleteRidiculous SL tonight. Who buys a house - and has a party in an unfurnished house the first day they move in? If they have that much money, they can have a pick of any venue they want to throw a New Year's Eve party.
ReplyDeleteRather tedious tonight. Ruairi & Ben, just being lads, too drawn out, though it was confirmed that R. Is attracted to the kind of family life, team work, that Ben takes for granted &, at this point of his life, wants to break away from when he's older. All realistic stuff. Helen being hypersensitive as usual - isn't anyone else allowed to be having a tough time, as both Brian & Roy are, in their different ways ?
ReplyDeleteJust listened again to tonight's episode. I thought it rather odd Brian was setting up his office with his calendars for the last 44 years. Then I thought these are being set up when he gets subpoenaed, so in affect these calendars will bite him in the arse due to the evidence that will be uncovered.
ReplyDeleteOr they could clear him of any misdemeanors?
DeleteInteresting points. Could be crucial evidence - I hadn’t thought of that. I just thought Brian was taking over Adam’s new space, from which Adam intends to run the farm in the future, but which is being filled up with out of date clutter (and Brian). Brian has a bigger problem letting go of the business than the farmhouse.
Delete