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Life in Ambridge: Comments week of January 24, 2019
Life in Ambridge: Comments week of January 24, 2019
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THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
Wonderful, it really is The Bull !
ReplyDeleteFarming Today ran another feature on the benefits and drawbacks of tree planting on mixed farms this morning. One farm had almond trees alternating rows of raspberry canes with sheep running in the orchard/plait as well.
ReplyDeleteAnother had just fruit trees but was running cattle in it. Pros were shelter from the elements for the cattle, and fertilising the ground. Drawbacks were making sure the aisles were wide enough apart so as to be able to get the present machines in when necessary. Very interesting. Perhaps Tom has is promoting something promising at last, even though he didn't think of it! BTW I tried keffir when visiting my son at New Year. Not my cup of tea at all!
At last! Family are forced to wake up to Elizabeth’s desperate situation.
ReplyDeleteNot at all sure that Kenton is the right sibling to help her though.
I just hope she can be persuaded to seek proper medical treatment as well.
I am finding the Elizabeth storyline to be the most interesting one at the moment
ReplyDeleteI think the one person who could and should have done more in this situation is the one with the most time on her hands ie Shula.
Questions
Will Elizabeth return to the GP after a fortnight when the sleeping pills have run out?
I doubt it ,unless pressed to do so.
Will her siblings contact Lily?
I suspect not.
Will they tell Jill?
I hope not.
All Jill will do is faff and fuss and think that a lemon drizzle cake is going to solve everything.
Will Kenton and David tell their wives ,so things start to move a bit quicker?
I hope so.
Presumably Lily has been making contact by 'phone to Elizabeth.
She is a sharp one.
Why has she not picked up on the situation?
It only takes a couple of hours to travel from Manchester to Ambridge.
Why hasn't Lily popped down -even for a day - during the weekend?
Lily is a grafter and Spongy made it clear when they left that she would have to get a job so he can be kept supplied with all his special needs.
DeleteNow that Elizabeth has broken her silence her siblings need to help her understand that she can self refer to her local Mental Health team, and then to accept the help offered.
DeleteWhile she waits they need to set up a rota of daily contact with Elizabeth, and not just the odd phone call.
They should also sit down with Jill and help her understand the situation and impress upon her the need for appropriate attention towards her daughter.
They should also contact Lily, perhaps Shula could visit Lily, and enable her to be part of the support team for Elizabeth.
Spot on MrsP. Daily contact with E is vital and I also agree about discussing this fully with Jill. Jill is elderly but not senile and surely is sensible enough to realize the seriousness of the situation. I posted in the previous blog how slow David, Shula and Kenton have been in realizing E's illness. They seemed so clueless but hopefully now some real help will be forthcoming.
DeleteI meant Elizabeth (in my last post near end of the previous blog) and that it will be a while before she can take the reins of LL completely.
ReplyDeleteIn the last year I also had a difficult time (much better now 🤗) my Dr was fantastic so supportive and ensured I kept in touch with her be it visits to her or the odd phone call and checked out general health in a big way.
Vit D on the floor for one thing - 3 months of very high dosage and can now buy my own maintenance dose. My appointments were never less than 15-25 mins whatever it took. Brilliant lady (early on she was temporary but at the end of that both she and the practice agreed a permanent position). I wish everyone could be so lucky, including E but you have to open up first!
Pleased to hear that you received understanding and effective response from that GP Lady R.
DeleteAnd the best to you on your continued road to recovery.
Thank you 🌸
DeleteWishing you continued good recovery Lady R.
DeleteSuch an encouraging story, Lady R. I hope all continues to go well.
DeleteSo pleased to hear you are over the worst, and that you had a fantastic Dr. All good wishes for your continued recovery
ReplyDeleteI echo that Lady R...
DeleteMe too, of course Lady R
DeleteThank you 🌻
DeleteThank you CowGirl 🌻
ReplyDeleteLady R hope 2019 will be much better for you. Very best wishes!
ReplyDelete✔️🤗
DeleteRuthy, is this a picture of the Bull in Inkberrow ?
ReplyDeleteYou may not know that The Bull was based on The Bull in that village when the Archers was invented so many decades ago.
I have a friend who lived in Inkberrow for some years.
There are plenty of photographs of that pub on line, and it does look very similar to the one above.
I just wish that someone moves in with Lizzie, or she goes to stay else-where, such as The Stables or Brookfield. She should not be on her own.
ReplyDeleteI think Lily should be told.
She will then return ASAP as she can take full control of LL which will be needed for many months, as Glen does not seem to be able to do so.
Lily said to Shuls that Uni. was not how she imagined it (but that is down to Russ). Surely she can defer and start again in Sept/Oct. This is in her best interest in so many ways.
Russ will have disappeared, Freddie will be back (hopefully) and Lizzie will be able to cope again, again hopefully.
DeleteWe were unaware last year that you were going through a bad time,Lady R.
You were always so cheerful.
I am pleased that things are now looking up..
I am also pleased that you have such an understanding doctor.
Knowing that my Dr son can like his mother talk quite a lot ( though he does tend to listen more than his mother I think)and knowing how strict Canada is about the length of time one is allowed to spend with a doctor I decided to check up his reviews.
It is a shame really because his punctuality let him down.
People said lovely things about him and said that they didn't mind waiting but gave him a score of 2 or 3 .for punctuality
One person said he knew he was always running behind the clock but he was going to give him a 5 anyway.because he was prepared to sit and listen
Funnily enough I was thinking about you Lady R when I went to check how my roses were doing in this cold weather.
Last year I bought a lovely rose called Lady Something or other and I decided to go and by another.
When I went to the Garden Centre I was told that they didn't have a rose called Lady R.
I insisted that I had already bought one from them and was a bit miffed that I couldn't get another.
The woman I sopke to then asked me if I meant Lady "Something else" and of course I had meant that (can't remember it's actual name because I still call it Lady R.
(Sorry for all that
On the wrong blog too.)
I am very honoured Lanjan 🌹🌹🌹🌹
DeleteLanjan, I meant to say earlier, Elizabeth was most likely lying to Lily when they have spoken since she went back to Manchester.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth was born 21.4.1967. So she will be 52 yrs this year. Depression can come in many manifestations and symptoms may vary depending on a number of factors, consequently diagnosis is essential before any treatment is suggested. The severity of thes symptoms will depend on the individuals reaction to traumatic life events and we know she has had a few over the years.
Given her age a diagnosis should include elimation of physical symptoms which can trigger feelings of worthlessness, lack of concentration, loss of interest, insomnia, personal neglect etc. Viral infection, drugs endocrine and brain disorders can produce the same effects. Some individuals can experience psychosis and suicidal ideation.
Treatment, will depend on diagnosis and Elizabeth's acknowledgement of her mental state. Aetiology is central to the management of her circumstances and antidepressants, psychological therapies should play a part in alleviating her feelings but any intervention will require the family to support the management plan.
However, her three siblings will have to tread carefully as she may not want to cooperate, although she did recognise she wasn't coping.
This depressive bout may be a reaction to loss of husband, son going to jail and finally what tipped her over the edge was Lily going off with a man nearly the same age as herself.
Her family circumstances have been changed, and finding herself relying on others may be hard to accept. An impartial individual able to listen and help her focus may be more helpful than immediate family.
Could be all mentioned combined with the start of the menopause🤔
DeleteIf it was she'd be a rather late starter!
DeleteI was in my early 50’s 🙄
DeleteHow confusing - I was 'done and dusted' at 51!
DeleteYou are right Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteIt is the Old Bull in Inkberrow.
I have visited it .
Thank you everyone for your lovely thoughts and wishes, it is great to feel I am back to my old self lets hope Elizabeth is as fortunate 🙏
ReplyDeleteI'm going to start living life using the mantra "What would Natasha do?". Every decision I have to make will begin with me taking a moment to find out my new Guru's thoughts on the matter at hand. Why wouldn't you...?
ReplyDeleteSpot on G.G. Why wouldn't anyone ?
DeleteOh, GG, you are a one!
Delete😂😂😂
Delete1 I thought the Anguses were replaced by the Montbeliards.
ReplyDelete2 The 'Veg Box' ought to be re-branded if it's to contain other foodstuffs.
3 Elizabeth still in denial, I hope she hasn't enough pills left to overdose.
Gary...
ReplyDeleteDo you think we all need a Natasha?
Is she someone whose ideas we trust?
So in order to make lots of cash a
Quick phone call to that lady's a must ?
Lan Jan, and Gary 😂👏🏻
DeleteSadly none of the diagnosis of Elizabeth's breakdown/depression will get under starter's orders unless she can be encouraged to engage in her own 'self denial' . In the real world this can often take time and patience. Of course because this is the Archers next week should do it!!
ReplyDelete✔️Oh how I agree BB.
DeleteI do hope however that their is enough integrity within the TA team to resist the quick fix !
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DeleteI think that Lily should be told about her mother.
ReplyDeleteI suggest David might be the best one to do it.
Perhaps he could phone Lily to see if she would like to go and visit Freddie with him.
Kenton would put his foot in it and Shula would put the fear of God into Lily with her wringing of hands and the blaming of herself.
If Elizabeth carries on the way she is then Lily is going to have to return to LL soon anyway.
Unfortunately allowing Lily to know the truth of the situation is probably the last thing that Elizabeth would sanction.
DeleteShe did her very best, and successfully at that, to hide her feelings and her behaviour to Lily when she was at LL.
The horror of allowing your children to understand and or to become responsible for you in your downward spiral into mental illness is for some mothers beyond considering.
My mother was discarded when she had a breakdown.
She did not discard me.
But I have literally run away from one of my daughters when she discovered me in a condition such as we heard Elizabeth in yesterday.
Despite her age, I believe that Jill is the best person to look after Elizabeth and help her to emerge from her present state of denial.
Where is the market research to confirm that Bridge Farm can sustain both the Angus Beef and the new dairy cows. The dairy cows from France have arrived but there are still more to come from the UK.
ReplyDeleteIs the milking parlour now in place + paid for, and what about feed? David at Brookfield is struggling with this, so why is Bridge Farm so very different.
I know - Natasha is in control and what she says just happens, as she is a farming "guru" who can do no wrong.
🤣🤣🤣
Why do Pat and Tony not trust their own (many years of) experience! Some new bird rocks into town on the arm of their beloved (besotted) son and suddenly her word is the holy grail. She may well have a lot to offer, business wise, and there's no denying that. However, Helen has taken her eye off the ball because of Karate Kid and is not up to speed at the moment. So, motto, does no one at Bridge Farm use their business brain and not their heart anymore
ReplyDeleteI thought I heard from Tony and also from Pat this evening, a hint at least that whatever Natasha may think or feel, that they felt they were in charge, but were not sure how to say so in order to be ' careful ' with their besotted son.
DeleteYes, but, Pat especially, I think, was willing to consider her ideas on their merits. It was Tom who was obnoxious in his assumption that she was the ultimate authority in all matters agricultural, which the rest of his family must accept without question or demur !
DeleteOMG. Natasha, Natasha, natasha, natasha, blah, blah blah. Aargh!!!!!!
DeleteNATASHA.......BOG OFF BACK TO BLO*DY WALES.
Have you noticed Johnnie’s asides? At least he sees through Natasha!
DeleteYes I've noticed too.
DeleteI bet he thinks that Tom is an absolute Wally
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteTakes one to know one?
DeletePtbY: can we rephrase that as something like 'Natasha, bloody bog off back to wonderful Wales'?
DeletePoor Kenton! It’s devastating when you are doing your best from the best possible motives and it misfires. You have my sympathy, mate!
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I thought the Radio Times tag that Kenton puts his foot in it was unfair. Someone had to do it, and Kenton was a good a bet as anyone. He's always had a soft spot for his little sister.
DeleteKenton is like Phyllis in"The Railway Children" who tries to say and do the right things but doesn't quite make it. She was known as " Phyllis who means well."
DeleteI know the days of "pull yourself together,woman'" are over but I do wonder if a bit of hard talking like Lily did rather than pussy footing around Elizabeth might not be a bad thing.
I too thought the blaming of Kenton to be unfair.
DeleteIn such a situation almost anything said or done to help is seen as interference.
Nothing said by K yesterday or today to E was anything other than an attempt to understand and help.
✓✓
DeleteSadly, E.'s character, let alone the low state she's in, makes her very hard to reach. Poor Kenton - at least he didn't lose his temper, that would have made a bad situation even worse.
Delete✔️✔️
DeleteI once bought a veg box but I must say I was rather disappointed .
ReplyDeleteI would much rather order what I want rather than what the farm has a glut of.
The veg box that Pat described sounded boring but then I wouldn't want any of the fancy vegetables that Tom would put into his veg boxes.
Natasha is coming across more and more badly. The idea that both Tom and Helen had met their forever soulmates [are you listening, Mills and Boon?] at the same time was never convincing. I think Lee is going to be OK, and Natasha not.
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteYes, agree with how it's going to pan out.
DeleteLoved your takes, Gary & Lanjan !
What has Natasha done wrong, exactly?
DeleteStealthily taken over Bridge Farm that’s what.
DeleteHow so?
DeleteShe certainly hasn't shown any reticence in becoming very, very involved with almost complete strangers lives & business.. All very well to have those conversations with her boyfriend, but another thing completely to start handing out advice to his parents! In my experience people like Natasha are insufferable in the extreme...
DeleteI thought she was just being helpful at Tom’s request. I didn’t hear her talking to Tony and Pat, but in any case they don’t have to.agree with what she says unless they want to, so if they do agree it’s because what she says is good for the Farm..That makes her A Good Thing in my simple-minded view.
Deleteher A Good Thing in my view.
Hmm. I just think that she should keep schtum on her boyfriend's parents business - even if Tom HAS asked for her input. It's not really the ideal way to endear yourself to the prospective in-laws is it? Too much, too soon, too pushy...
Delete✔️✔️✔️
Delete..and I've taken my eye off the blog ball today, too much going on...
ReplyDeleteFirst, sorry your had your troubles, Lady R, but glad you had good support AND responded. I hope this doesn't sound assumptive &/or presumptuous, but, simply going by how you come across here, am convinced you are a much more self aware person than the fictional Elizabeth, more intelligent too, better able to cope with adversity, & proactive in your own recovery, given appropriate support.
It will be a struggle with E., given her determined & aggressive denial. Kenton did make a breakthrough yesterday, but, poor chap, can't blame him, faced with such hostility, but he was too soft with her tonight. Of course, reciprocal anger won't help but firmness, an implacable calm, a steadfastness would. Can the family deliver that ? I think not. They care about her, but their emotions would get in the way. Perhaps David, at least he might succeed in moving her in the direction of professional help. Shula just dithers.
Very kind Carolyn and not at all presumptive. A culmination of the last few years around me and just caught up with me but as I say I am so much better and alongside good neighbours and friends, especially virtual ones 🤗
DeleteI’m a lucky person
Lady R, I think it was you who sent me flowers when I was unwell. I'd do the same for you, but there aren't any on my lap top. Here are some imaginary ones %&%&%&%&%.
DeleteLate to the conversation as usual but honestly, that Natasha!
ReplyDeleteShe managed to dominate the family meeting and she wasn’t even there!
‘Natasha says...
Natasha says....
Natasha says.....!
And where was Helen during this important family conference? I’m absolutely sure she would have had something to say about Tom and N taking on the box scheme as their own stand-alone business. I think there will be fireworks when she hears about it.
I agree that Helen really needed to be at this important meeting. Where was she? Natasha is taking over and Tom will do her bidding whatever she says it seems. Why does the new 'exciting' veg box plus other goods idea have to be separated from the farm? That doesn't seem at all fair to Tony and Pat. How will the profits be managed and how much will Natasha make out of it?
Delete“Natasha is taking over, Hannah is taking over, Lily is taking over, Pip is taking over” - young women are stealtthily taking over, all over Ambridge - help, help,!!!
DeleteWith the amount of frankly ineffectual young men in Ambridge these days they probably do need all the help they can get maryellen! Apart from Johnny that is- he is a delight....
Delete“Parish Councillor Emma Grundy elected President of YOW0TA (Young Women’s Takeover of Ambridge,” Read it here first and in The Ambridge Observer on Sunday (maybe)! Where does the real talent in Ambridge lie, asks Councillor Emma, herself no slouch when it comes to bettering her family’s and community’s prospects. Not in the largely uninspiring and uninspired collection of Gen Xers, Millennials and their elders who make up the male population of Ambridge (the exceptions being T Fairbrother and J Archer), or in village’s middle-aged and ageing female population, but in its young female residents. Some were born there and have family commitments, others battle with the age-old fear of the stranger, all are to be applauded for their acumen, application and dynamic approach.
DeleteViva YOWOTA!
Not sure I agree that Lily is “taking over” but I think it would be a jolly good idea if she did!
DeleteMaryellen I wonder whether you are a feminist? You certainly are scathing about the males in the Archers.
DeleteI thought I detected a touch of sarcasm in Maryellen's appraisal of the younger element in Ambridge.
DeleteThere were two notable exceptions!!
DeleteLady R - being late to log in tonight I have only just read about your health problems recently. You were always so kind and supportive of me during my health and other worries last year, and never a hint that you were suffering yourself. That was remarkably unselfish of you and I am delighted to hear that you are feeling much better now. I hope the improvement carries on in 2019. 😘
ReplyDeleteVery nicely put Archerphile. I echoe your sentiments whole heartedly to Lady R.
DeleteThank you both so much AP and PTBY like many others- such kindness 🌻
DeleteI am sending you positive thoughts, keep strong.🙋👍
Delete🌻🌼🌷
DeleteMaryellen has a point about Natasha.
ReplyDeleteWe are hearing about what Natasha says second hand.
For example when Tom said that they would have to change the time of the meeting because Natasha had another appointment,perhaps Natasha actually invented that because she realised that it was nothing to do with her and didn't feel she should be there.
Likewise when she gave the thumbs up to the meat and veg boxes idea ,she was perhaps not listening properly and was just being polite when she said it was a good idea.
However Maryellen I think you are totally wrong about Johnnie
I can't think what you can have against him.
He is possibly the brightest of the lot of them.
He has sussed out that his Uncle Tom is weak,weak,weak and getter weaker by the day.
I think he should run off the mountains of Wales and start a business with the former beautician selling cabbages and face cream
It is Tom I want to run off to Wales not Johnnie who is the future of Bridge Farm.
DeleteBella the barmaid sounds a good sort too.
They will make a smashing couple.
LanJan - I have nothing against Johnny, as you put it, simply my observation of him as decent but not the brightest or most emtetprising of young men, basically a stick in the mud, following other people’s ideas (granted he doesn’t yet have the seniority to impose any he might have) and staying safely on home territory with no urge to spread his wings (unlike Ben). His hero-worship of the father he never knew is understandable given Bridge Farm’s selective memory of John all around him. If Johnny changes as he grows up, so will my observations!
DeleteMaryellen from the comment you made earlier when Mrs P mentioned that perhaps Johnny thoughtTom was a Wally you said of Johnny early this morning that "it takes one to know one? " by which I thought you meant that you were questioning whether Johnny was one too.
DeleteAbout Johnny - interestingly (or not), what bloggers say about Ben and Tory’s
DeleteBeing too old for them is what I’ve always thought about Johnny. I just assumed the character was in it for the long haul and had been cast with a voice he would grow into ( if you see what ai mean!).
I think Johnny has wally-potential, hopefully never to be realised!
Sorry, should be Rory (my iPad’s political leanings are not mine,) or Ruairi if I’ve got the spelling right,
DeleteJohnny has loads of emotional intelligence. Perhaps an unlikely amount for one so young. But bless him, Ambridge needs someone like him!
DeleteYou might have a point there LanJan.
ReplyDeleteIt might be that it is not Natasha at all, but simply Tom, so enthralled with Natasha that he takes her every word as affirmation of his ideas.
I wonder if we are ever going to be introduced to Bella the barmaid or will she be a new ‘silent’ character?
ReplyDeleteI must say I was quite impressed by Kenton’s talk with Lizzie last night. He seemed to be remarkably kind and understanding and I thought he was going to win her around to accepting help and seeking professional medical advice.
ReplyDeleteSadly she sent him off with a flea in his ear and seemed more obdurate than ever, all part of the mental turmoil she is going through I presume.
So well done Kenton for trying .... but goodness only knows who will be able to help Lizzie. Is it perhaps time to call Lily home before the LL business collapses completely and Lizzie is carted off to hospital for psychiatric treatment? I can’t think of anyone else in the family, or outside it, to whom Lizzie would listen at the moment.
Agree Lily needs to come home. The offer for the siblings to help is not being taking kindly by E. When Kenton make a call to Lily?
DeleteArcherphile, given the state of the current NHS Mental Health services, Elizabeth would need to be in immediate danger to herself or another, or beyond, to be carted off to a psychiatric unit. And even then, it would be unlikely that treatment would be instant.
DeleteThe more likely scenario would be an assessment followed by several months wait for any form of intervention.
It really wouldn't be fair to expect Lily to abandon her studies. She's already missed at lot of time at Manchester and must be struggling to catch up while pampering her odious 'life partner'. She may be Elizabeth's, and Lower Loxley's, saviour eventually, but that three middle-aged siblings should ask a teenager to solve all their sister's problems is preposterous!
DeleteTime for her step-father-in-law, Lewis, to reappear.
ReplyDeleteIt’s unfair on Lily to make her come home. The siblings need to organiser a competent professional manager to replace temporary Glen, and professional help for Elizabeth’s mental condition. Lily is an amateur and has her own life to lead.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely maryellen! Like to think if I was in the midst of a breakdown I would get slightly more support than a teenager to look after me....
DeleteIt could be the best thing for Lily if she did return to LL.
DeleteShe could leave the old painter behind in Manchester and after she has started to sort out LL with the help of the silent Glen ( who no doubt when is allowed to speak will sound like many of the other young men in Ambridge) she will be able to return to University and start at square one again in September.
Russ won't be able to afford to stay in M/C so when she returns there she will be Russ free .
Of course in about 20 years time he will return to Ambridge to speak her out.
Gary, I didn’t intend to imply that Lily should ‘look after’ Elizabeth, but was wondering if she might be the one to convince her mother to seek more professional help, both medically and for the business. Elizabeth might just listen to Lily whereas she doesn’t seem to want to take advice from other members of the family.
DeleteMaryellen ,
DeleteLily will be so far behind with the work she should have done that she will not be able to catch up and with the old man she has tagging along behind her she will not be able to make friends at University.
Far better for her to start afresh next year.
She can live in Hall and have a proper University life.
LanJan - you think Lily alone* and with her limited experience can turn the fortunes of Lower Loxley, her Mum and her brother around so everything is hunky dory for her dispatch back to Manchester in 12 months’ time?
Delete*Not necessarily, of course, the sibs may get Russ as a bonus!
No of course I don't ,Maryellen but I do think she might listen to Lily .
DeleteI still think that the softly softly approach hasn't worked.
She just gets hysterical
However when Lily was still at LL ,Lily made her mother have a shower and get changed.
We don't know a lot about Glen but maybe Geraldine could be contacted and maybe Lowler Loxley can be sorted out whilst Lily gets on with sorting out her mother.
Maybe Glen will be so good that he will be able to sort things out alone.
Maybe Roy could give a hand.
He worked there once.
It will take his mind away from Lexi.
If I were the editor that is what I would make happen.
......and yes I do think that by September things will be back on track and Lily can return to Manchester to complete her studies.
You see if I am not right!
I wonder if Natasha's success as a business women has been to appropriate other setups. Hence, marketing makeup and fruit juice by setting up apps and branding them on line. She is not a farmer, so must be buying products from other growers and farmers. She relies on others to provide the goods and then creates a web site which she will own. So as I understand it, Bridge Farm will be doing all the work and she will reap the rewards as it will be her company?.
ReplyDeleteOr have I got my knickers in a twist trying to figure what she is up to with her sidekick Tom?
Oh stasia - I think you are on the right track
DeleteThink you are right Stasia.
DeleteShe reminds me of one of "The Apprentice" candidates - all talk + swagger, but no real substance. Perhaps I am being too harsh but I just don't trust her.
Just what I was thinking, Stasia. I've been trying to work out why she has been so pushy and controlling re Bridge Farm - it's a subtle bit of asset stripping. I'm perfectly sure that the fruit from Tom's lovely fruit trees will go into the "Natasha Pot" too. I do hope Helen will throw a large spanner into the works.
DeleteCan’t comment on your knickers, Stasia, but I think you may a have got your facts in a twist. Natasha is only a partner with Tom in a Bridge Farm based enterprise, nothing is solely hers (apart from her existing company of course) so she only gets a partner’s salary/share of the profits in return for her contribution to the business (as I understand it).
DeleteWell thought out,Stasia.
DeleteThe little minx.
I think this was mentioned by someone a while back, so at the risk of repeating someone else’s comment, this reminds me of when Tom dabbled in selling to supermarkets and got over excited because he fancied the buyer, until his sausages were suddenly dropped. Well done to whoever mentioned it earlier and apologies that I cannot remember who said it.
DeleteCaught by what you said, Stasia, sounds very plausible. On the other hand, what you say, Maryellen, makes sense - Natasha could only claim part of the profit - for promotion etc.Tony& Pat aren't naive enough to agree to something whereby someone else garnered all the profit from a sale of their produce. I'm not clear, mind you, on any of this - feel free to put me straight, anyone !
Delete✔️👏🏻
ReplyDeleteRuth said: in law the intention's irrelevant - exactly the opposite, they'll have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to cause the damage, as to the family being called to testify, to what, most had not been born at the time, Brian tracked down the men who did the dumping though, they could be called.
ReplyDeleteI think that could be sound, Basia. Surely intention counts & he clearly did not set out to poison the local waterways 40 yrs. ago. Illegal it was, but who knew it would come back to bite decades later ? No one. Surely you're right about the family, either not born, too young, or, in the case of his wife, not even told ( a bit of money on the side, easily done, easily forgotten, no real harm he imagined, back then)
DeleteCarolyn, your last point, was precisely my point in my comment last week.
DeleteForty years ago, that was a general principle.
Sorry, Mrs P., for echoing you ! ( I know the subject had come up, & thought at the time Brian had a point. Unfortunately, he was just defiant tonight, didn't explain his reasoning, let alone ours, at all)
DeleteThe SWs should definitely read this blog!
DeleteNo problem Carolyn.
DeleteIf the dumping was illegal, it was illegal: there's no need to prove that Brian _intended_ to poison anyone. Fly-tipping is illegal; you don't have to prove that the perpetrator _intended_ to defile the countryside. Fly-tipping is illegal _because_ it defiles the countryside. Thumping someone in the face is illegal even if the assailant didn't _intend_ to break someone's nose. The assailant did something that caused someone's nose to be broken.
DeleteI thought Jennifer was appalling tonight! How dare she threaten Brian with divorce in front of two of their 'children' and her cousin's wife. I would have thought matters like that should be done in private between the two concerned individuals.
ReplyDeleteJennifer needs to remember who has enabled her (and her son) to live the life of Riley all these years.If she hadn't married'well' she might be existing on a teacher's pension and not being able to indulge her children to the point where they take everything for granted.
I wonder if Kate has a manager for her business? I can't believe that such a relatively new venture could stand being closed down for weeks on end. I thought she would have been back by now.
Jennifer surely shouldn't have to grovel because she married a wealthy man. They've been married for a long, long time and she's taken in his love-child. She must have inched her way towards something like equality by now. Morally, she's superior to Brian.
DeleteJennifer married Brian for love not money, as she has proved over the years. Clearly she does not want to be complicit or tarnished , as she sees it, with Brians deceit and lies. May be this shock tactic was the only way she believed she could bring Brian to his senses.
DeleteBrian has always brought up Jennifers children as his own, that doesn't suddenly change like the wind.
What the law was at the time of the dumping I do not know, that is for Brian and his solicitor to sort.
I agree with what you both say about Jennifer's love and marriage. I was probably too cross and didn't think my argument out enough.
DeleteMy main point though was that she so berated him in front of others. It is nothing to do with Adam, Alice and Ruth whether she threatens divorce. She called the meeting to do just that , issue an ultimatum and use emotional blackmail, with witnesses. It was planned and thought out, in my view.
How can you belittle someone you really, really love in front of others? I just couldn't do it, so find it difficult to believe that an intelligent, usually well-mannered person like Jennifer would do it.
I agree, Jennifer told Brian she'd divorce him when he wanted to leave the farm to Ruairi, understandably, but it was done in private. They had a heated discussion before the meeting last night and she could have given her ultimatum then, it was all for a dramatic effect.
DeleteHowever, I think Brian's demand that the the others should commit perjury out of "family loyalty" was at least as reprehensible.
DeleteJolly good drama, though - I loved it. It’s all part of the long, long story of The Rise and Fall of Brian Aldridge. Now we’re at the Fall stage with the gradual stripping of his assets, status and control. Loss of home, dropped off guest lists, treated as an equal by the likes of Kirsty Miller, and so bereft of things to fill histime he’s reduced to making a cup of tea for his wife. Only a couple of years ago, we heard him boasting that the family would do whatever he said - not so now,! He wouldn’t survive without Jennifer - and knows it.
Deleteand knows it.
I am not sure how Jennifer has shown that she married Brian for love rather than money,Cow Girl.
DeleteHe was not exactly on the bread line when she met him when with two young children ( one of whom was born out of wedlock which at the time was frowned upon) .
I would have thought he was a knight in shining armour to arrive on the scene when he did.
Yes she did take on Ruarie which many women wouldn't have done but again she had a very good standard of living which she would have had to give up if she'd have divorced Brian at the time.
Having said that,I would have been livid had my husband not mentioned what he'd done about the dumped material unless he genuinely didn't think too much about it at the time.
The question is
Why did he just not say "no"
As far as I know he was never in desperate need for extra cash.
A case of cash-greedy rather than cash-needy, perhaps?
DeleteMaybe just a careless indifference - that sounds more like Brian.
DeleteThe Rise & Fall of Brian Aldridge ? That belongs to one of those popular serial novels, methinks, where the one who eventually falls is an out & out villian. Brian hardly comes into that category. He's just a selfish, none too scrupulous person, balanced out with a number of redeeming characteristics. A pretty average type.
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DeleteI’ve never heard The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire described as a popular serial novel before but ther’s always a first time, they say! Could you remind me what Brian Aldridge’s redeeming characteristics are, pleas? ((Other than bringing up his wife’s children as if they were his own and the occasional mildly amusing one liner.). I’m not expecting a swift answer, if any.🙂
DeleteEasy peasy : his occasional wit & caustic comment is not nothing - the world needs its wits, even the minor ones, like Brian; he's good value socially, gets on with people mostly, agreeable, urbane; not a perfect parent ( who is ?) but a loving one; a grafter, not afraid of hard work (that's why he's at a loose end now). He is not vindictive, bitter, vengeful. Oh, can feel & show compassion ( e.g Will Grundy)
DeleteI expect there's more...
How does The Rise & Fall...R.Empire fit, aside from the title of Gibbons' work ? My reference was fiction.
DeleteWhen I read your suggested title for Brian's biography I didn't think of the Roman Empire but of Reginald Perrin!!!!🙂
DeleteEvery soap needs a well acted flawed character!
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DeleteWe had an extremely well-acted flawed character in Rob Titchener and we could certainly do with him back!
DeleteI’ve never heard Reginald Perrin and Little Voice described as popular serial novels either! Granted the actor has been good at portraying the serial adulterer and family despot (“they always see it my way in the end”) plus the wavering moral compass ( although like many Archers characters the range of acting skills required is limited) but now Brian Aldridge’s occasional witticisms have completely dried up, his comments have become spiteful, he has been bitter and vengeful to Kirsty Miller,, he is losing touch with reality - and worst of all - he is turning into a drip,
DeleteAs far as I remember dumping on your own land forty years ago was NOT .........illegal.
ReplyDeletePossibly not, but what was the position re allowing someone else to dump on your land, not asking questions, and hence not knowing whether what they were doing was safe?
DeleteAt least Tony explained, over a lot of noise, what they intend to do: keep half of the Anguses and provide their own beef for the shop, why couldn't they do that before and not use Brookfield's?
ReplyDeleteBrian's plea decision is a knotty one, indeed. Either what he did 40 yrs. ago was illegal or it wasn't. If the former is correct then your stance, Bootgums, can't be denied, in which case, surely he can only plead guilty, with mitigating factors thrown in. ( but presumably that would call for a trial with counsel, not allowed if he's admitted guilt ?)
ReplyDeleteHowever, if you're right, Mrs P., are there grounds for bringing the case to court at all ? I mean, if a murder, committed before capital punishment was abolished were uncovered years afterwards, the law couldn't sanction hanging - a life sentence, the only option for the law. So, if, as Mrs P. maintains, dumping on your own land wasn't illegal then, the editor & team haven't done their homework & there's no case to answer ! Compensation, getting rid of the waste, yes, of course, & it has been done, at great expense, including loss of home ( not that that was inevitable, another topic)
The murder analogy doesn't work: murder was illegal before capital punishment was abolished. What we're not sure about here is whether the dumping was illegal at the time Brian allowed it.
DeleteTrue, I stand corrected.
DeleteSo we are left wondering if the editor + team did their necessary homework !
I don't think they did Carolyn and Bootgums.
DeleteI spent time yesterday trawling through information about waste disposal in the past, ( courtesy of mr G of course ) and as far as I could tell Brian should be deemed innocent of knowing the consequences of his actions.
Lots of stuff about building on land fill sights.
I have a well in my garden and can see that stuff has been discarded down it. I had hopes of getting it cleared out, but have recently been told by a person living nearby that the owner of my house for over sixty years regularly disposed of all sorts of objects including television sets down that well, thus polluting the groundwater system.
If polluted water was traced to rubbish in my well would his surviving wife, still living in the district, be responsible for his actions ?
Mrs P Someone on fb had visitors knowledgeable about legal matters, ie solicitor/barrister who listened to an episode about the impending hearing and curled up with laughter. They then detailed about five procedural points which are totallywrong.
DeleteI think therefore that the SWs and editor did very little research!
Not surprised to hear that Sp/csh.
DeleteOther than Brian and whatever else he told his family, no one else know the exact circumstance of "the dumping". So, I am not sure why Jennifer is so worried that the family has to lie for him.
ReplyDeleteThe only person who knows about the dumping of toxic waste is Brian and the Those who dumped. I can't understand why the other partners would be involved when they, for reasons of age, and no managerial involvement would have to perjure themselves. They know the land and river were polluted, but so does everyone in Ambridge, and beyond, are they all going to end up in court. Although I'm sure eco warrior Kirsty would just love to tell the judge all about her near fatal death in the river Am. I can just hear her saying, "your Honour Roy Tucker saved me from swallowing the nasty chemicals, Brian Aldridge must go Down". For full dramatic effect she should put on an East Ender accent.
ReplyDeleteSorry folks, am amusing myself before going into the kitchen.
...to attend to anhaggis, no doubt, Stasia ?!
DeleteSurely Brian is only guilty, if he knowingly allowed toxic waste to be dumped on Home Farm Land in the 1970's about 1974/5. He allowed waste to be dumped, so guilty of that, but was it toxic?
ReplyDeleteWho knows, as there does not seem to be any paperwork about who the dumpers were, and to substantiate what the waste actually was.
Who knows, the dumpers could have sneaked back into Home Farm during the night, dumping more. Very far fetched and improbable, I know, just another idea.
Brian is paying for the toxic waste removal and clean-up and rightly so.
His responsibility for it though, still has still to be proven with enough evidence, to convince a jury, that he is totally responsible for the toxic waste, which he knowingly knew, was be in-situ on Home Farm Land. He was very surprised and in disbelief, when the EA descended on Home Farm, revealing the findings.
I rest my case.
DeleteBrian needs to plead "not guilty" to the charge of allowing toxic waste, to be buried on Home Farm land. He didn't
There is no proof either way.
✔️✔️
DeleteI'm a cautious fan of Brian. He's, most certainly, a loving family man who tries to put family first. He's up against it because he has so many strands to it.
ReplyDeleteI think that if he'd known that the waste to be dumped was toxic, all those years ago, he wouldn't have done it. He's also a pragmatic business man who has used his power and influence to sometimes good, sometimes bad effect.
Overall I think he listens to Jennie, his family and sometimes the wider world.
The SWs have made him an interesting, amazingly well rounded person?
✓✓
DeleteI agree Janet. If Brian had known the waste was toxic and would poison the environment he wouldn't have allowed it. Things were very different in the seventies and he just wanted to make a bit of money on the side. Brian is never boring and sometimes he can be witty,, as previously mentioned.
DeleteAgree, an interesting and well rounded character.
DeleteBut a lifetimes work at making it so by the actor.
And I, for one, hope he goes on doing so Mrs P. The rumours about Charles Collingwood and Judy Bennet retiring seemed to have died down recently.
Deletecarolyn. ? ???. I don't eat anhaggis. What is it ?
ReplyDeleteIt is Brian what done it, in'it? No arguement.
Ha ! Should be, 'a haggis'...or just 'aggis'. Yeah, Brian dunit, but do 'e know wot 'e dun when he did dun it ?
DeleteHe'll be fingered by the law, who will prove he dun'it.
DeleteSteady on stasia....!!!!!
DeleteBrian Aldridge is a drip
ReplyDeleteHis very voice gives me the pip
No wonder Kirsty gives him lip
Laid back Adam has let rip
And Jenny’s done a mighty flip.
So the toxic waste is just a blip?
And okaying the ancient tip
A teensy weensy little slip?
Think it’s time he took a trip
On the nearest prison ship.
Super, duper. More like the ship of fools. 👏✅
DeleteThanks, Stasia, the third verse begins:
DeleteHe’s as charming as a hip
Po, or dessicated chip
Of Lego,
and I’m currently working on sip of Merlot...
Brilliant verse Maryellen, made me chuckle.
Delete✔️✔️✔️Maryellen.
ReplyDeleteHe’s as charming as a hip-
DeletePo, or a perished chip
Of Lego; even with a sip
Of Merlot, he’s a dip
In the proceedings. Skip
The Aldridge now his grip
Is goIng. Farmer Brian, RIP.
My poetic muse has taken herself off now - the internal rhyme scheme was getting to her.
Farmer Brian, what a shame
DeleteYou must take the blame
And to suffer the flames
Of hell you must go
Jenifer has the say so.
maryellen, we certainly don't have your talent.
I have just appropriated the Merlot, need it after exhausting myself trying create doggerel.
Have consulted my daughter who did a law degree, the Control of Pollution act in 1974 section 1 a says that a person should not allow deposit of waste on any land without a licence. The fact he didn’t know it was toxic is not relevant. Ignorance is no excuse. If it was before the act it is not so clear as the law cannot be applied retrospectively. Surely Brian should be advised on his plea by his lawyer. The 1974 act has since been superseded but this is not relevant toBrian’s case.
ReplyDeleteMy book says Brian Aldridge “appeared on the Ambridge scene in 1975 when he bought 1,500 acres of the Bellamy estate which was being split up after the retirement to Guernsey of Ralph and Lilian”. I think the scriptwriters have indeed done their homework!
DeleteEv, that is really useful information, the precise date hasn’t been mentioned that I recall. Just a vague “in the ‘70’s” I am sure that Brian’s almanacs/diaries are going to provide the key information and this being Ambridge probably in Brian’s favour. I hope so personally as I have always enjoyed listening to him.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that Ev.
DeleteWhen trawling for information I was looking for that act as remembered this happening in the seventies. ( we had friends with land at the time, can't remember what happened exactly, but something to do with polluted ground and adjacent river/stream)
I wasn't able to find it, but your daughter has Ev.
Listening to the omnibus this morning, I need to retract a previous statement.
Jenny said at one point that Brian DID KNOW - at the time - that it was chemicals that were dumped.
This changes my attitude.
If Brian knew, then he was complicit.
If he pleads not guilty he is lying.
Maryellen- we were writing at the same time it would seem.
DeleteIf Brian arrived in 75, after the 74 Act, then the dumping must have been in the late seventies.
I agree with you.
So another retraction from me.
It would appear that homework was done ✅
Great research .so it is foolish of Brian to plead not guilty _ he obviously hasn't done the detective work some of the bloggers have done...It also means that if this can be dated post '74, as Maryellen has checked when he rolled up in Ambridge, then the SWs know what they're about, too !
ReplyDeleteSo what is this all in aid of ? Quarrelling & divided Aldridge's ? Outrage from the community. Somehow, I don't think he's going to fetch up in clink, but this just could be the making of the man. He'll learn responsibility & honesty for a start, maybe humility as well. He's not, after all, intrinsically a Bad Person.
Or does that come across as a heavy handed morality tale ?! Depends how it's handled, I guess.
Is he not too long in the tooth to change his personality? Nothing predicts behaviour, like behaviour.
DeleteTo paraphrase maryellen, and the great G, Stein. Brian, is Brian, is Brian.
The penalty can be a custodial sentence or a hefty fine, maybe in our time with community service. I would think to aid the SL, the fine would be more appropriate unless Charles and Judy want a sabbatical in which case the SW’scould at the same time send her off on a very late gap year! Whatever I’m sure they will be back!
DeleteBut a hefty fine would penalise the family who are innocent, wheres a prison sentence would apply up the guilty party only, so is dramatically much more satisfying.
DeleteJail the Ambridge One!!!
I have always thought that it is a waste of taxpayers' money to imprison anyone who poses no threat to the public.
DeleteThe prisons are too full as it is.
Far better to make the person who has done the deed do some good to Society.
He should be fined heavily of course.
I don't know what Community Service jobs there are around and a lot of them no doubt Brian would not be able to do because of his age but there must be some way in which he could be useful even if it is spending time during the week visiring more elderly folk than he is in their homes .
No ,I say.
Fine the Ambridge one -heavily.
Incidently when folk are fined ,where does the money go?
Also Maryellen you say that a prison sentence would apply to the guilty party only -but it wouldn't.
DeleteHow would Jennifer live it down?
There would be all the trouble of visiting Brian wherever he was incarcerated
I do not think it will happen.
I hope not.
After listening to this mornings Omnibus, I have learnt so much more about Natasha + the new veg. box by web-site scheme.
ReplyDeleteIt is just that, a scheme, where she cashes in using. Bridge Farm.
Comments are::-
a) Bridge Farm does not, nor ever will, produce the necessary amount of organic produce to make it a viable enterprise via "on-line" sales.
b) Organic Angus Beef - esp as Brian is talking about halving his herd. Will they be enough beef available to cover orders..
c) Most importantely- Why don't Pat, Tony, Tom + Helen, do it for themselves?
They will be using their own farm logo; with their own produce, and will attain the monetary reward.
Why should Natasha take it who, if it was ever set-up, would immediately "dump" Tom.
Surely Helen will see through her. That is, if she is not too loved up with the new cows and Lee. Love is Blind - as the saying goes.
I do believe that Brian should plead guilty. It matters not that an act was or was not in force at the time. He dumped it, it was toxic and, even if he didn't know it was, he remembers doing it.
ReplyDeleteThe sentence should be mitigated by his guilty plea AND the fact that, on the whole, he and his family have been exemplary local employers. With encouragement from Jennie he has been supportive of Ambridge workers.
I realise that I may be bringing a lot of memories from the past that I've forgotten on to my head but, for some while, Brian has championed the locals and various environmental projects, and if he hasn't, has been flexible enough to be chivvied into it by said locals and family. The man is rock solid family. He loves them and he listens to them.
I hope this desire to plead not guilty will be stamped on by said family and that he will take a sentence with humility.
He's capable of it.
Why didn't the partnership meeting take place in Adams new office?
DeleteIt would have been far more roomy and comfortable. Also it has Wi-Fi connection, so Kate could have joined in.
I wonder what her thoughts would have been.
Sorry Miriam your post wasn't there when I embarked on mine.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you - why do we need this 'sainted' Natasha. She seems to be a complete pain, unsympathetic and, at the moment, I'd like to wish her a frosty goodbye and see Bridge Farm profit, as they should, by their own innovative, exciting ideas.
Perhaps Hannah, Natasha and Lexi, can share the same taxi (driven by Rex) when they leave Ambridge.
DeleteCan wish.
Good one Miriam!
DeleteYES ! Certainly about Hannah ,& Lexi. Just not 100% sure about Natasha, though your points are persuasive, Miriam. ( it's Tom's worshipful stance that is annoying right now)
DeleteI like Rex aiding their departure ! After which, he'll return to Ambridge where perhaps something positive will happen for him at last. Don't know what, but including his bro' in the taxi ride out of town would surely free him from that burden at least...
How about Bella the barmaid - she’s a newcomer muscling in on Bridge Farm too, via Johnny?
DeleteI like Bella the barmaid.
DeleteI bet if we ever hear her speak she won't sound like Alice or Kate.
I saw a post on another site which suggested the children’s game “Simon says” should be changed to “Natasha says” after last week’s Bridge Farm meeting. Only perform the action if Natasha says so!
ReplyDeleteI reckon it’s a case of “Natasha says, hand over management of Bridge Farm to me”
First she wants separate ownership of the box scheme with Tom; what next?
Archerphile. Just Brilliant. ✔✔✔✔
Deleteand so concur.
Hi Miriam
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't put Rex as driver if he didn't come back - He's the savior of Pip - maybe.
I love the idea of Pip + Rex, but am still not sure. Pip is far too independant, utilsing Rex, Toby etc. purely for childcare.
DeleteI would love these newer persons to leave Ambridge, for ever. I am still intrigued about The Gills, who, as I have said previously, should become major Ambridge residents/characters. I would like also to hear more from The Horrobins - Tracy + family, who live on "The Green" so are Ambridge residents. The same applies to Dr.Locke (plus his daughter), and where is Jamie, training as a tree surgeon, last time he was heard from. Kathy must still be living next door to Dr.Locke, why so silent?
ReplyDelete