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Life in Ambridge: Comments week of January 8, 2019
Life in Ambridge: Comments week of January 8, 2019
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments' - Episode 8 Life Outside Ambridge Beach Chairs
Re the last thread. Freddie was sentenced to 12 months in prison on September 28th, which means he should be released on licence at the end of March. So a while to wait then.
ReplyDeleteI gave up listening last night as I couldn't work out who was talking to whom ! At one point I thought Debbie was there, which I suppose is good and shows the actors/actresses are using talent to show similarities between the sisters.
I am not in the slightest a fan of Kirsty, and never have been. She has always been opinionated and bluntly outspoken (i.e. rude.) Brian was right to call her 'joyless.'
Even though I dislike various characters it doesn't mean that their storylines are boring, but they do seem to be extended unrealistically.
I am hopeful that, with the wider knowledge of the surrogacy in the village now, it is an indication that this storyline will be concluded soon. :))
Ruthy: Oh to be in England, in summer, like your photo - lovely!
ReplyDeleteWhat has happened to our Kirsty? She seems to be turning into a negative, complaining, unhappy woman.
OK, she doesn’t like her job, but that’s not new, she could have done something about it before now. Perhaps she should volunteer at the food bank in Borchester (assuming they must have one) or try to find a job in conservation or with a charitable organisation.
Then her attitude to Helen’s friendship with Lee. Negativity again. I should have expected her to tell Helen that not all men are like Rob, you deserve some fun, enjoy yourself and see what develops, Lee could be good for you and the boys.
Finally, her fury at Brian and Jennifers party. I know she doesn’t like them but would she have been so annoyed if it had been anyone else holding. Birthday bash? She could have asked politely for them to Lower the music, which might have elicited a more sympathetic response from Brian.
On a different thread : Alice returns, still getting drunk and nasty with it, and no one in her family does anything about it? Renewal of alcoholism thread coming up, I think.
If we are to keep hearing Alice being drunk, ‘they’ need a better actor in the part.
DeleteYes, as actors themselves say, you're not supposed to pretend to be drunk, you try to pretend you're not.
DeleteWas that heavy irony on the previous blog, bootgums, or do you really think embarrassingly schoolgirlish Kirsty Miller is the wisest person in Ambridge?
ReplyDeleteNo irony. She seems to be becoming less wise with age, and to have developed a bolshy streak – not bolshy as in trashing GM crops on principle, but somewhat intolerant and too quick to speak her mind. I've never found her schoolgirlish. The bolshiness is probably just a soap cliché, like Tom's merely rude outburst to Lexi. The scriptwriters rarely do subtle.
DeleteAn encouragingly cheerful picture, Ruthy, whilst we are living under mainly grey skies...but I'll miss the pilgrims ! (Just as Kirsty misses the play)
ReplyDeleteBootgums & Spicy, ah, realize you're both right : 1 yr. sentence, out in 6 months on licence.
Maybe Kirsty overreacted, but it was rude of Brian not to tell.her in advance that there was to be a party with music playing, & the racket certainly did interfere with her conversation. No, she wasn't all dewy eyed about Philip when asked, but hard to tell whether that was because she hasn't seen much of him lately as she said, or has cooled towards him, hard to tell.
She may well be the wisest person in Ambridge, but that wouldn't be hard, would it ?! She usually displays more insight than most, & conviction, though her surface reaction to Helen was surprising. Perhaps, just for once, turn of the NY & all, she's more focused these days on what she wants in life & love, than on friends' states of mind.
It was Kirsty Miller who first made advances to Philip Moss when she suggested they could cuddle up in the freezing bird hide. She did Helen no service in court with her uncalled for schoolgirlish outburst. and was similarly embarrassing at the public meeting about Berrow Farm with her emotional ‘let’s see it from the pig’s view’ speech. So, not someone you would necessarily want on your side in a public situation. She was jolly good as a narrator in The Canterbury Tales, though - in fact, I thought practically all the cast acted better in The Canterbury Tales than they routinely do in The Archers.
DeleteBrian and Jenifer are not used to having neighbours so wouldn't give a second thought to informing them of a noisy party. Sheep and cows baaing and mooing would just be ignored, they don't count in the scheme of things.
ReplyDeleteHelen is going to tell Lee about her notorious past and let him down gently. Where was Lee living when Helen was on trial, and then finally acquitted?
ReplyDeletePerhaps he doesn't read newspapers or listen to the radio?
Like the rest of us.
Was he on a desert island practicing his karate kicks?
I just don't like it that Helen is to be paired off with another bitter, divorced man and with young children. He could have been older or widowed but there must be maximum of conflict.
DeleteThat’s script writing for you, Basia.
DeleteNever settle for the ordinary and mundane - set things up for at least a modicum of conflict, anguish and the stony path to happiness!
(Oh dear, just realised that sounds very negative and miserable, not my present mood at all!)
Another thought about Kirsty - since when has it been good advice to dump someone by text? Really surprised Kirsty suggested this to Helen. Is that how she is going to dump Philip when she is tired of him ?
ReplyDeleteI always liked Kirsty but recently as others have said I think she has often been rude.
ReplyDeleteHowever the walls between Roy's house and what was Mike's would not be solid and I too would be annoyed had I been kept awake by loud music.
I have never understood why Kirsty has not had a more responsible job.
I don't know what job she had when she first came to Ambridge.
Why did she come there in the first place?
Why is she not concerned about her future?
Would she still want to stay living in Roy's house had he and Lexi still been together?
Kirsty first appeared as Tom's girlfriend. I think they were college students together, which is very odd as her parents live in the Wirral, and they clearly didn't move there and leave her in Borsetshire to finish her studies. Did she work in Ambridge Organics after the court case? Having been an activist she didn't rate her chances of finding work in the open market, and I'm pretty sure the Bridge Farm Archers helped her out in that respect (and she was very competent). At one time she lived in a shared house in Borchester.
DeleteThat probably answers less than one of your questions.
Thanks Bootgums.
DeleteThat is more than I knew anyway.
Bootgums. Your comment has jogged a memory. Kirsty worked in 'Helen's' shop in Borchester but left (because of Rob?) Anyway he replaced her as assistant manageress with some other friend or someone he knew of. Then the shop was losing money or Helen (or Rob) didn't want to travel so it closed and they expanded the farm shop at Bridge Farm. I remember there was some speculation on the blog that the new manageress was less than competent and that was why the town shop had to close.
DeleteHowever that was how Kirsty became such great friends with Helen.
The Archers Characters page confirms that Kirsty worked at Ambridge Organics. I too remember a less-than-competent worker, installed by Rob, but I can't remember her name. Anya, who works in the farm shop (I think) is competent, I believe, so it probably wasn't her.
DeleteMuch annoyed with Kirsty and Helen. First Kirsty. Her new neighbors have been there for what 6 days and she is already complaining about music, and about loud classical music no less. When you rent a property, the usual noise toleration needs to be much higher. And since the rock music was for a birthday celebration, she can probably tolerate that for one night. Beyond that, she can go next door and complain to the renters. As it is will only be for 6 months.
ReplyDeleteHelen - if she thinks she made a mistake with Lee, then pick up the dame phone and call him.
"Hey Lee, sorry, that kiss was wonderful, but what a mistake. Sorry, won't happen again. Bye, and I won't go to karate class again and Henry won't either." Why have all this angst? Everyone has to grow up sometime.
Yes, I was thinking she only has to explain that although she likes him she has baggage and doesn’t want to enter into a new relationship. As for him, he is presumably fresh from his divorce and probably doesn’t want any serious ties for a while either. I think Kirsty is wary of this Helen dilemma as she had to pick up the pieces of Helen’s last disaster!
DeleteRuthy and Ev ,I think you are both right in what you write
DeleteMore often than not the easiest option is just to be honest .
Um, I'm probably being insensitive here but I don't see why Henry shouldn't still go to his karate class. It seems to be something he enjoys with a strong male figure and to take that away from him at this stage seems to be just another (to my mind )unnecessary change for him. Time for Helen to stop being so self-centred and grow up a bit!
DeleteUp arrows to your comment bufo!
DeleteAgreed, she's torn ! ( between fear & desire)
DeleteMiriam, we were reminded last night, on the now closed blog, by Seasider of her conflicts with Brian ( I remembered the later stuff but not earlier incidents)
DeleteOoh, Carolyn, how about a job writing blurbs for Mills & Boon?
DeleteAh, yes, I suppose Helen/Lee is very Mills & Boon - lots of setbacks & misunderstandings before the couple actually make it on the last page....
DeleteI have been surprised at Kirsty - who has not liked the thought of the "Aldridges" as neighbours, since she found out they were viewing Willow Farm. I am bewildered to "hear" this different Kirsty.
ReplyDeleteSo different ? She's had run-ins with the Aldridges, so she'd be unlikely to welcome them as neighbours. Still, as others say it's only for months, a finite period of time.
DeleteCarolyn please remind the "run- ins".
DeleteSorry, see reply above. I posted after your previous comment.
DeleteSpicy has posted that Feddie was sentenced for 12 months.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was 6 months, with the possibility of release (for good behaviour) in 4 months. If I remember correctly, then Freddie might return at the end of January/early February, just in time to help Elizabeth.
Did I mishear his sentencing? If so this means my thoughts are totally worthless.
Miriam - I thought it was 6 months as you do. Elizabeth was expecting no sentence at all and was hoping for fine and community service.
DeleteDidn't Usha mention to Elizabeth, the possibility of his release in 4 months - or do I need to have my hearing + memory tested. 😥😥
DeleteI thought Freddie was sentenced to 12 months, and would be out in 6 months if he behaved
DeleteTA Catch up etc page 28th September
Delete"The Judge describes his actions as “reckless and uncaring of the consequences for [his] victims” and sentences him to twelve months in a Young Offender’s institution. Freddie calls out “I’m sorry, Mum” as he’s taken away. Elizabeth blames herself – she shouldn’t have made him change his statement! Shula tries to console her with the idea that Freddie will be out in six months."
Myfamily don't call me pedantic for nothing !😊
Miriam, your thoughts are not worthless. Your memory is probably of roughly the same standard as everyone else's. But Spicy can fill in the gaps, so that's all right. In the ancient world, someone bemoaned the fact that the spread of literacy would lead to a decline in the faculty of memory. Probably true, but not a problem.
DeleteI'm sorry if I sounded smug and unnecessarily pendantic. My own memory is shocking, sometimes worringly so, but at the moment I have loads of time to look up and check things, so I do.
DeleteI do try and be helpful, which is something I have done all my life. In the great scheme of life most of these little things matter not a jot! If you could see me you would see not a smug face but one with a smile of satisfaction that I had been able to help someone with a problem or query.
After Friday, when I return to England, I'll have a few more things to do with my time so 'surfing the net' will go down the list of priorities!
I have been racking my brain for days now trying to work out whether Brian & Jennifer's new house is smaller than their previous one. If only the scriptwriters could give us some sort of clue...
ReplyDeleteYeah, that sort of thing nags away, doesn't it - are they dropping subtle clues we are too dim to pick up ?
Delete🤣🤣🤣
DeleteOh very good GG !
ReplyDeleteDid you get permission from the BBC to use their picture Ruthy.
ReplyDeleteCopyright ?
Of course :)
DeleteSpicycushion - I did the same as you and went back to old blogs. Freddie was sentenced to 12 months.
ReplyDeleteLast nights episode reminded me how much I dislike Pip! She never misses an opportunity to make a snide remark about Josh. This time, about his offer to help with the feed crisis at Brookfield by contacting his ‘biscuit friend’ for more supplies. She immediately snapped about Josh only suggesting that to further his business or somesuch. I don’t think that was the reason at all - Josh was genuinely trying to help in a difficult situation. Pip sounded petulant throughout the whole episode. She probably feels she is not in charge any more and resents Josh having any say in the running of things.
ReplyDeleteAnd, how come they are going ahead with this very expensive new milking parlour when they can barely afford to feed their stock? I fear Brookfield is heading for difficult financial times again.
.........but where is all the money Ruth inherited when her mother died?
DeleteIf they salted it all away then they have only themselves to blame but usually the money can be retrieved if a number of days Interest is forfeited.
I am surprised that Granny Heather didn't leave some of the money to her grandchildren.
Perhaps she died intestate which meant that Ruth inherited everything.
The milking parlour will go ahead because it was the Prodigy daughter's great plan. She can do no wrong in the eyes of blinkered parents.
DeleteAgree, agree and agree !
DeleteCarolyn and GG ,the clue about the size of the new kitchen lies in the fact that Alice will have to return "har" (sic) gift of the knife rack because there won't be room for two.
ReplyDeleteGosh ,doesn't your heart bleed for Jennifer?
On the other hand there may be couple of bathrooms and a downstairs lavatory as well so we shouldn't feel too sorry for her until we know the full facts.
Plus the fridge could only take two bottles of white wine.
DeleteMaybe it is more like a Tardis on the outside and enormous inside. However, I fear not, didn't Brian make reference to all three using the same bathroom, and there being only two bedrooms? Maybe Ihave invented all that to help me understand Jenifer's pain!!
Now that Ruairi has been shunted off to school will his bedroom be available for Kate when she returns?
Oh no, I think Brian and Jenny made it clear that Kate would have to fend for herself if/when she comes back. Didn’t Brian make some remark like ‘She’s 40 now for God’s sake, time she learnt to stand on her own two feet’ ?
DeleteDon't forget that Willow Cottage is only half of the original farmhouse of Willow Farm.
DeleteIf I remember correctly the farm house was divided into two for Roy and Hayley to have somewhere to live. Perhaps it was after Marjorie Antrobus died and Nightingale Farm (house) was sold to Matt Crawford? They had a flat there when first married.
I remember that Roy's half had an extension (which was basically a kitchen) built when the house was converted.
Mike Tucker's half (where Brian and Jennifer now live) has two bedrooms we know because someone said so at some time. Roy's half has three bedrooms I think (Roy's, Kirsty's and Phoebe/Abigail's)
Kate still has her cottage which may be standing empty while she is abroad.
DeleteI think, at one time, Kate was renting out her cottage for holiday lets, to help finance her course at college. That’s when she moved back in to Home Farm. Don’t know if anyone would be renting it at this time of year though.
DeleteIf it's empty, then she's got somewhere to live in the UK, but no rent, no income, no handout from mum & dad, I imagine, so she might actually need to go, er, job hunting....We've heard nothing about her euphemistically termed business of late, but even if it has been limping along, presumably hasn't been earning anything in her absence, so that could be a .interesting situation for her.
DeleteIncidentally, I wonder what, or whom, she lives on in SA ?
Doesn"t The Dower House, have a self contained flat? Will used to live in it.
DeleteMatt converted it into an office, which Justin + Lilian still use.
I would imagine that it could be converted back into a flat, if needs be.
I think Willow Cottage sounds lovely. A small 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom cottage in Ambridge. Vicky, Mike and Bethany were very happy there. DIdn't Vicky care for the garden of Willow Cottage in memory of Betty. What happened to the chickens which Mike + Hayley set up as an egg business.
DeleteIf Brian + Jenny hate Willow Cottage so much, I will be very happy to move in instead. Sounds just idyllic to me and look forward to a chat with Jolene + Lilian, whilst propping up the bar in The Bull.
Surely Kate can sleep in one of her yurts, or a Home Farm pickers caravan?
ReplyDeletePS I have got Freddie's sentence so wrong!! 12 months, not 6 as umderstood.Thanks for the corrections
But in my defence, I thought Lily said to Elizabeth, after her visit to him, on their joint birthday, that Freddie was now half-way through his "time away".
Yes, half-way, ie 3 months because usually only half of a sentence is served if nothing untoward happens. That's why Freddie is on his best behaviour and should be out by the end of March.
DeleteOthers, who are far more knowlegeable than self, and have kindly provided links (sadly, no time to look these up), have confirmed that his sentence is 12 months, not 6, so no Freddie back until at least June/July.
DeleteYou appear to have blown it, Helen. I suppose, Mills & Boon again, it'll all come right in the end, but how tedious, cowardly, & time wasting. We 're supposed to understand, but why, why couldn't she have agreed to meet at the Laurels, so she could have explained the background - that is only fair to him, & might have helped her to speak it out. Then he has options : to be glad of the escape, be prepared to wait like the faithful Dobbin in Vanity Fair, or to actively win her round ( if he cares enough )
ReplyDeleteJust what I thought carolyn
DeleteWhat worries me is that Shula didn't go to see Elizabeth, who fobbed her off with being busy with the appeal, like Alistair I was thrown by that, thinking she was still persevering with Freddie but it's the licence. As a result she presumably didn't pass on Alan's message but perhaps he'll see Elizabeth anyway. Shula could have skipped karate, since she's given up anyway.
ReplyDeleteFreddie was sentenced on 28th September, therefore if he only serves half of his 12 month sentence his release could be on the official Brexit date, is that a coincidence?
ReplyDeleteAaaaaaaaagh!!!!!
DeleteIn a deliberate attempt to be more positive - who is your all time favourite Archers character and why? Tragically, I think mines is Lillian! She makes me smile for some reason I can't quite fathom...
ReplyDeleteEddie because he’s cheeky!
ReplyDeleteIf it’s all time and not current characters then Nelson Gabriel. I loved his dry wit. I miss Hayley as well. She was a real townie when she first arrived and hated pigs and muck, but got stuck in to rural life with gusto.
DeleteHave read about Nelson but sadly I came to the Archers looooong after his mysterious demise...
DeleteLillian is my favourite too. You’d have a good night out with her in the pub with a gin and her “filthy” laugh.
DeleteThat’s a pity. I remember his dad Walter as well... he’s probably the earliest memory of the Archers for me.
DeleteHayley for me
DeleteDefinitely with Seasider here, Nelson Gabriel without parallel. He was witty, urbane, slightly dodgy (and supposedly much worse) but he loved his Dad and people didn't just tolerate him; they liked him.
DeleteAt one time it was Nigel. Hayley is definitely a contender. I like Robert, for his remarkable tolerance. I used to feel that if I moved to Ambridge I would be most likely to make friends with Pat, but her character has begun to fluctuate so much I'm not sure. And Lilian, of course. Not as a best friend, perhaps (but maybe?), but as the most entertaining company post-Nelson definitely.
DeleteHayley for me too.
DeleteNo contest.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI remember Nelson Gabriel too - very suave and entertaining. I also enjoyed Nigel and was sorry he had to be killed off. I know someone who's not listened to TA since that night.
ReplyDeleteI stopped listening for a while, as I was utterly fed up at him being killed off. Nigel was definitely my favourite character. He had a lightheartedness about him that I found uplifting.
DeleteMy favorite is Johnny.
ReplyDeleteNow that Hayley has left Ambridge,it Is Johnny for me too..
DeleteI sense Johnny is jealous of Natasha.
ReplyDeleteAs for current characters I have to agree with Bootgums about Pat. I miss the old Pat. I also liked Ruth before Pip took over at Brookfield. Jolene is probably my favourite female character at the moment. Agree Johnny is high on the list, and Robert. I also really like Alan so I am hoping he will go to see Elizabeth (someone soon needs to understand what is really going on)and we will hear more of him again.
ReplyDeleteLilian is my permanent like, she can show kindness and caring. It would be great fun having dinner with her in a fine dining restaurant. Minus the awful men she brings into her life.
ReplyDeleteHere we go again with Tom, he definitely has a neurological problem with his ablilty to create a synapse. He doesn't have two neutrons ready to fire up to pass a brain wave or message one to another. So Natasha plants the necessary neurons, which synapse creating the necessary neurotransmitters into his vacant skull and off he goes.
Jonny isn't jealous, he thinks Tom is a dumbo, who doesn't possess any original thoughts.
Natasha is running Bridge farm via puppet Tom.
It's funny because it's true! " I love you. Please make all my family's business decisions. I love you." Strange little man...
DeleteSpot on about Tom, Stasia. I'm sure I could hear the bewilderment in Johnny's voice when he heard all the twaddle that 'Puppet Tom' was spouting yesterday. Agree with you, not jealousy on Johnny's part, but distrust of Natashia's intentions re Bridge Farm. Look out Pat and Tony!
DeleteAbsolutely GG. Why on earth would Johnnie be 'jealous' of Natasha. Fed up with her running the Bridge Farm business when she is a newcomer to Ambridge I can understand. Perhaps throwing her weight around at the house when staying overnight. After all it is Johnnie's home and has been for a year or so, so he wouldn't welcome intrusion. Like you say Johnnie can see that Tom is being led by Natasha and is getting annoyed with her interfering when it is nothing to do with her.
DeleteWe remarked last week on the other thread that Hayley was considered an outsider after John's death even though she was his girl friend at the time, had actively worked with him with his pigs, worked with Tom (Tommy then!) to keep the herd going and expanded the business, all in memory of John. Then she was booted out because she wasn't 'family,' at the instigation of Helen.
Is there any chance that Helen might take against Natasha's interference I wonder?
Why do I listen to a programme when more of the characters annoy me than please me?
DeleteI think the reason Johnny is becoming jealous of Natasha (and was originally funny about Hannah) is that deep down he has an outsider complex. It also makes him sensitive to other outsiders.
DeleteI don't agree with you Maryellen.
DeleteI think that Johnnie is unable to understand why his uncle is behaving in such a ridiculously juvenile way .
He is genuinely perplexed.
He is not jealous.
His grandad has made him feel secure .
I agree with all the comments on this thread ( with the exception of Maryellen) that Johnny is perplexed rather than jealous of Toms decision making.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think Tony Archer overcompensates where Johnny Phillips is concerned. I think Johnny sees Tom Archer as a John Archer figure and this adds to his incipient jealousy where Tom is concerned.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite of the moment is Johnny too. Kind caring and considerate. I hope the scriptwriters don't change him.
ReplyDeleteIf we liked everyone LanJan we wouldn't have anyone to write about and the programme would probably be boring.
A late answer to Gary’s question about favourite characters:
ReplyDeleteI always loved Polly Perks, Sid’s first wife. She and I became pregnant for the first time ‘together’. Living in a new area with no friends and a far distant Mum, I gained most of my knowledge and advice from listening to Polly and her pregnancy progress, which seemed to mirror mine. Polly’s daughter Lucy was born a week after my daughter and so they grew up ‘together’ too. I was pretty devastated when Polly was killed in a road accident and Sid was left to raise Lucy on his own, until meeting and marrying Kathy.
My estimation of Tom lowers by the week. Has he no ideas of his own? Did he learn nothing from his Nuffield bursary apart from how to secure a new girlfriend? Not sure how Tony and Pat are going to react but Helen is just going to love the farm adopting another one of Natasha's schemes!
ReplyDeleteNatasha is certainly adept at getting her feet under the Bridge Farm table!
Archerphile, I had given some thought to the ' favourite ' question, and came up with the answer that my all time favourites were Polly Perks tied with Betty Tucker. But since many current listeners would not have known Polly and perhaps not even Betty, I had decided to refrain from posting my choice.
DeleteNow I am doing so, because you too have nominated Polly.
I think it’s interesting to hear about past characters, especially ones I have heard of but don’t know very well. I had forgotten Betty when I was choosing and agree she was a lovely warm person and I was sad when the actress left. I think Polly was around when I was growing up and TA was on the radio in our house but I don’t consciously remember what her character was like. I do remember Lucy being a difficult teenager (Ambridge is clearly not a good place for teenagers).
DeleteYes, I think Betty Tucker for me too, and Hayley, and Martha Woodford - remember her anyone? Oh, and of the present characters, it will be Johnny, and Robert, and perhaps, Rex (think he gets a bad press - or more likely no press at all!). And don't forget Harrison - can't think of any reason not to like him either.
DeleteIt’s interesting to read the differing interpretations of Johnny Phillips’ behaviour. I expect we all prefer our own interpretations - I certainly prefer mine! Let’s see how the scriptwriters develop his character as he grows to maturity.
DeleteLanjan - I read one Archers' follower/fan say that she doesn't really like any of the characters, she's just intrigued by the way they interact. As CowGirl says, what would we write about? In real life most people don't like/love each other all of the time.
ReplyDelete✓✓
DeleteSo Helen ditched super nice Lee - but will that be the end of it???
ReplyDeleteNot if the script writers have their way.✒️📝
DeleteI am thinking the same. I would have thought Lee would be a good friend for Helen. Though he is a rather bland character.
DeleteI hope not. Lee seems right for her, at this moment in her life. She has 2 sons, he has 2 daughters, so they have that in common. Helen hasn't talked about her past, but neither has Lee. It is not known yet, why Lee and his wife split up. They might have more in commen, than first appears. I bet Lee will "arrange" another chance meeting.
DeleteI am surprised though, that Lee hasn't heard a hint of gossip about Helen and Henry, at the Ambridge karate classes, both junior and adult. What about Susan in the village shop, which Lee has frequented.
DeleteWell that 'ditching' lasted all of 24 hours!
DeleteJust how old is Helen?
ReplyDeleteShe’s pathetic.
Thumbs up!
Delete👍
DeleteHelen has suffered: the avoidable death of her pony when she was a child; the death of her big brother John; the suicide of her lover Greg; several disappointments when she tried to get back into the dating game (as I believe it's called); a truly awful marriage. I'd be decidedly sub-pathetic in the circumstances!
ReplyDeleteLee - just watch out!!!
DeleteYou would have thought Lee googled Helen and got her back story.
DeletePerhaps Lee is illiterate. I believe adult illiteracy is becoming a national issue.
DeleteYes I agree that surely Lee would have found out by now all about the court case etc.
ReplyDeleteLooking back on favourite characters, can't pick out one in particular, but would go along with (I think) Seasider's choices of Johnny & Jolene. Both breaths of fresh air. Also like Harrison & Kirsty AND, yes, Alistair !
ReplyDeleteBootgums I agree with you, she likes Lee, but given her track record, can she trust her judgement ? Living in Ambridge she may not be aware that she can check to see if he has an abusive history. Lee may well be aware of Helens past, it is for her to raise not him in my opinion, should he know then he will better be able to handle it when she speaks to him on the matter.
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to criticise Helen, if you have never been in a similar position
Agree, CowGirl & Bootgums, your correctives are fair. Personally, in common with some others, I think, finding Helen an irritating, rather unlikeable character has clouded the issue ! If she'd rushed into a passionate affair with Lee, we'd have found her even more pathetic ! Well, I would, anyway, given her unhappy &, in Titchener's case, scary, relationships with men.
DeleteAs it happens, the exchange last night was natural, believable - a tacit agreement to go slowly .It seems he's willing to let her call the shots.
Helen has never been a character that I warmed to.
DeleteHowever, few of us would criticise the actor playing Helen.
I find the current SL between her and Lee and Helens behaviour very realistic.
I would think Lee does know Helen's background and his understanding attitude towards her shows his sensitive character.
It sounded to me as if Kirsty is still keen on Philip after all, listening to the beginning of last nights episode. I quite enjoyed Jazzer digging Alistair out of bed for a reluctant training run with Phil and Kirsty had come along with Phil, on her way to work. There was quite a bit of ‘see you later love’ and pecks on the cheek (I assume) and.the feeling of a warm relationship between them.
ReplyDeleteThen the very wary Helen, putting things straight with Lee. I was pleased about that but do wish she felt able to tell him the whole story behind her initial reluctance. Perhaps it will all come out during the ‘spontaneous’ walk planned for next week.
favourite characters : Nelson Gabriel (black satin sheets..!), Jazzer, Jolene, Lilian ...
ReplyDeleteleast favourite : Philip (far too smug), Shula, Helen, Jill....
With you there Parsley 16 .
DeleteWhat on earth does Kirsty see in Phillip?
We know he is older than she is but how much older?
What happened to that nice birdwatcher fellow?
I would add drunken Alice to the list and Tom really annoys me and I can't stand Lilian's cackle and the way Kenton calls his sister "sis" and ........,
It's curious how we form very different views on characters at times ! Take Philip - I don't know what Kirsty wouldn't see in him, Lanjan, apart from being older, perhaps by 15 yrs, I doubt more, so no big deal ( especially given her experience with a very immature man of her own age). Parsley, for your 'smug', I see 'well adjusted. Maybe we are so used to maladjusted folk in TA, we don't always recognize the reverse when it appears !
DeleteI don't know what it is about Phillip that annoys me ,Carolyn.
DeleteHe seems smarmy to me.
A bit of a know all.
Wasn't he advising Alastair what to do when Shula wanted a divorce?
He was a builder one minute and then a Councellor the next on first name terms with half the population of Ambridge
We know precious little about him.
What is it about Ambridge that attracts men with broken marriages?
Surely in every case it can't be the wife's fault.
I like Kirsty and I don't want her getting mixed up with him.
He has a son ,possibly not a lot younger than she is and I had an idea that they didn't get on.
I am very fickle.
I used to like Alice years ago and wasn't too struck on Lily.
I thought she was a spoilt little madam but now I am impressed with the way she has tried to help out her mother.
I like Lee which was why I don't want him to get involved with Helen but there again we know nothing about him either.
I wasn't a listener in the days of yore, so when theses old characters are mentioned I have to resort to a book.
ReplyDeleteI was half hoping Jonny would les slip about Natasha's plan for the farm. No such luck, so it was 13 minutes of boring running club and tentative 'will I go out with you, or not'.
If we're doing least liked characters then it's Lilian for me. Can't stand her dirty laugh and boozing ways plus she is a marriage wrecker. I know others love her but she's not for me.
ReplyDeleteWith you entirely Anneveggie.
DeleteI'm not stuck on Lilian either but I think a lot of it is that I can't stand the awful cackle and the constant "dahling.
DeleteIt all sounds so false.
Me too Anneveggie!
DeleteI must admit to a very deep, almost primeval loathing of Jennifer. Her inherent smugness coupled with her acute snobbery makes me almost glad that she is now living her worst nightmare...
ReplyDeleteIt might be her worst nightmare.... It sounds though, very like my normal life in a small house, which most importantly, is my warm and comfortable "Home".
DeleteJenny is lucky to be where she is, so she has to just adapt + accept her new life-style. If she doesn't, well that's her decision and can always move in with Lilian or Peggy.
Well, that's clear, GG ! Get where you're coming from, though.
DeleteInteresting about her worst nightmare; I, for one, would have found having the small Ruari thrust upon me, what, 10 yrs. ago the worst nightmare, but taken smaller house, inadequate kitchen, in my stride. in fact, whilst not really being able to imagine such a scenario, I would have insisted the little boy lived in Ireland with granny + auntie, financed by Brian, educated by him, in whatever way he wanted. He could also spend time with him - in Ireland. This begins to sound like divorce moves, so I guess that is what would have happened.
I was touched when Jenny said to Peggy, that she had no regrets as to taking in Ruauri. She "loves" him and accepts that he is Brian's son, and now Stepmother. I so admire her for this.
DeleteAt least the three of them, have somewhere very habitable to abide in, for the time being.
Is Olwen still living in
her car?
But that was well after the event, Miriam. She's very maternal, that's always been very clear, ( even with Kate, though that has probably been tested to breaking point by now) , so having agreed to take in Ruairi, she has naturally become very fond of him.
DeleteI thought this evening for one terrible moment that Kirsty was offering to move into Grange Farm.
ReplyDeleteI think that was what we were meant to think, LanJan - you know how fiendishly subtle the scriptwriters are, and giving us a fake cliffhanger before the real one was a clever little ploy.
Delete✔️✔️.... me too.
DeleteDitto.
DeleteThe Aldridges’ space problem and Kirsty Miller’sbad neighbour problem would both be solved by a prison sentence for Brian Aldridge!
ReplyDeleteThat's my laugh for today Maryellen.
DeleteThank you.
....and me
DeleteDreadful tactless man.
Oh, yes, Maryellen, and just what he deserves after his tactless and nasty outburst at Kirsty tonight.
DeleteI need some clarification.
ReplyDeleteHave Ed + Emma arranged their mortgage, is their deposit sufficient and have they arranged a solicitor?
Perhaps all is well, so not worthy to be mentioned in the 13min TA "slot". but I just have a "niggle" that all is not as rosy as it appears.
I would love Ed + Emma to buy their own home, but this is Ambridge.
Joe receives his state pension - but just how much does he actually contribute towarda the household expenses?
ReplyDeleteI just wonder, whether he pays his true share towards Grange Farm costs, or does he have a stash "under the mattress"?
I know! Oliver could move back into Grange Farm! Well, perhaps not . . .
ReplyDeleteAny other suggestions for a lodger? Kate?
Kate has her own cottage - in any case, she is abroad indefinitely.
DeleteHa. I thought Kirsty was wanting to move in with the Grundys too.
ReplyDeleteWonder if fat Paul , eddys mate, would like to become a lodger.
Otherwise I can only see Oliver moving in.
That's an interesting notion! Well, he's very quiet, so he wouldn't be a problem in that respect.
DeleteIf the Aldridges haven't found anything to suit when their tenancy runs out, they'd have more room at Grange Farm, which suddenly revealed itself to have six bedrooms.
Are Rex and Toby both still living with Bert Fry? Perhaps he'd like to offload one or more of them.
And Alistair and Jazzer must be feeling a bit cramped at Jim's.
Johnny! Who wouldn't want Johnny as a lodger?
Kate living with the Grundys would be an interesting scenario!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI would pay to hear that CC! 😄
DeleteI was disappointed at the amount of bickering in this evening's episode. Very soapy. Kirsty is becoming increasingly two-dimensional and wooden. I'm not complaining about the acting: it's the storyline/script that's weak.
ReplyDelete✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
DeleteExactly,Bootgums.
I thought Oliver had said that the Grundy needed worry about what would h append when Ed and Emma moved out (in a conversation with A N Other recently). I took it to mean he might reduce the rent to what they could pay, or per aps had another scheme up his sleeve.
ReplyDeleteThe scriptwriters are giving lots of little hints about Brian Aldridge becoming passé and useless, apart from being dropped off his ex- colleagues’ invite lists. I thought the new office scenario was telling (Where’s my pencil sharpener? Pencil sharpener! This is 2019, Aldridge man, not 1959.), also the snippet with his wife (Him: Shall we watch something? Her: I’ll look in the paper....there’s a film you might like to see. Can he no longer cope with small print?). Then the botched bin fixing and the rudeness to Kirsty.
DeleteA prison sentence for him might not only give his wife more physical space but also more personal space.
.
Actually Maryellen, I thought the pencil sharpener and looking in the paper for the TV schedule was a useful, and to me, realistic attempt by the SW to illustrate the ages of Brian and Jennifer and how as we age, some of us cling to old FAMILIER ways.
DeleteI am quite sure that the actors would have corrected the Scripts if they had felt that they were inappropriate.
That illustrates my point that Brian Aldridge is being shown to be behind the times and unable or reluctant to adapt. I think the scriptwriters control the characters not the actors.
DeleteWhy shouldn't Brian use a pencil sharpener. There's something satisfying about sharpening a pencil. It can be thinking time. I've just decided that pencils are more environmentally friendly than pens. ( I'm probably wrong.) Shavings can be composted. They have another advantage in that pencils don't dry up like pens if unused for a long time. A twirl in a sharpener and they are fit for action.
Delete(Sorry about mis-typing in above)
ReplyDeleteI was very disappointed in Brian tonight. His outburst at Kirsty was really thoughtless and showed a nasty streak. I finished up hoping he gets his just deserts at his trial in February. Jenny would be devastated if he goes down but it would probably delight Kirsty!
Oh, and by the way, his inability to fix a waste bin was pathetic! I’ve gone off Brian.
To be fair to Brian Aldridge, he is not entirely useless, he was putting the empties out!
Delete🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾😂
DeleteAlso to be fair to Brian Aldridge, he doesn’t have a monopoly on rudeness in Ambridge, witness Tom Archer’s recent rudeness to Lexi - and Kirsty Miller herself is a contender for Rudest Person in Ambridge (back in her 3- dimensional, non-wooden days). None as insensitive as The Aldridge’s recent outburst, though.
DeleteNatasha and Hannah have also been rude.
DeleteSarcasm abounds in many other characters.
Just lisened. Of course, Brian was way out of order, unforgivably so, & Kirsty would have been wiser to let the party noise episode go as she'd made her point at the time. Those two are poles apart, on the other hand, thoroughly disliking each other, so it was quite realistic that the bad feeling would escalate into an ugly row now they are neighbours.
ReplyDeleteAgree, we probably are meant to think Kirsty is toying with the idea of moving to Grange Farm, but it wouldn't be in character for her to run away, I don't think .She'd had 2 contrasting encounters that day, one leaving a nasty taste, the other revealing a real life problem, hence her calling in on the Grundys with helpful information - partly because she's naturally thoughtful, partly to offset the affect of Brian's offensive & hurtful outburst.
Saviour of the poor and needy in Ambridge, Kirsty for canonisation. Of course, she will have to die first.
DeleteWhy doesn't Kirsty have her own home she has a steady job and presumably a reasonable income, yet she lodges with other people.
Ambridge seems to a lot of late thirty somethings renting or living with others.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWhich is why I have been thinking recently that Rex and Kirsty should pair up - they might be less hopeless together than singly, And it would prevent them spoiling another couple, as LanJan wittily puts it!
DeleteI would be happy for that to happen,Maryellen.
DeleteI think the script writers will have to change her character though back to how she used to be .
At the moment she would eat Rex for breakfast and I wouldn't like that.
I was one of the people who reckoned Pip and Rex would end up together but it would please me if Pip stuck to Toby.
Less complicated.
Nice idea, Maryellen - I think they would go very well together.
DeleteI am not sure that Kirsty is going to get a large salary at GGables.
ReplyDeleteIsn't she in charge of the gym or swinmming pool or something?
What qualifications does she have?
I have said before that I can't think why she hasn't tried to find a place of her own before now but perhaps she hasn't got the money.
I also assume she is an only child and will inherit her parents' home eventually.
I thought it was strange that she returned to Ambridge after being dumped by Tom but glad that she did so.
Lan Jan I do agree with the last comment. I can’t imagine why she would want to come back but I really didn’t want her written out. She is a bit too outspoken for me now, though. I think I would find her intimidating although I agree with a lot of what she says.
DeleteI believe young people are increasingly finding it difficult to be able to afford to live independently and the problem goes on into people’s thirties and beyond, because of high rents preventing saving up for a mortgage, high house prices, job insecurity and temporary contracts as well as student debt, not that the latter has affected many Ambridge residents but the other issues are relevant to quite a few characters.
So mega-congratulations to Emma who has clearly got what it takes!
Delete👍
DeleteI think Kirsty was revealed to have nephew(s)/niece(s) when the wedding-that-never-was was being planned.
DeleteBuying ones own home is not financially easy, we bought our first home in the eighties when the interest rate was 15%, and as we had both been students for six plus years the repayments were astronomical. Many of our friends jointed together and bought a property even though none were in a relationship together.
ReplyDeleteKirsty, and all the other single Ambridge types like Tom, Hannah, Toby, Rex etc should take a leaf out of Emma's ambitions and pool their salaries.
If, Emma can do it so can they. The interest rate is a hell of a lower than in the past.
Corrections, with each other, lot.
DeleteWe shall have to wait for Justin Elliot's new development to see who will buy.
Now that Ed+Emma have been approved for their "low cost housing", will they have had to put down a reservation fee?
DeleteI bought my first starter home, a new build one bed house, in 1979. How I had to plead for a mortgage, but suceeded. Even though I was earning the salary needed to cover the mortgage, I was a single 25yr old female, so
discrimination was very relevant! Still, all went well and I lived in my little home, for 7 years (though I did struggle at times!). When it was sold, the profit made, was well worth it.
Ed + Emma will well do the same.
Yes Stasia, I remember those 15% interest fees with horror. They were not long after we were settling into our farm and they nearly crippled us. I always regret not being able to buy the kids what they really wanted for Christmas & birthdays because there was so little spare cash - thanks to the Halufax Building Society! Of course interest rates are much lower these days but it’s the deposit and house prices that are crippling today’s youngsters.
DeleteHave just heard Brian’s outburst to Kirsty and agree he went too far and over the top but surely she could have let the party noise question rest. This did needle him! It was a one off party for Jenny’s birthday and they are unlikely to party frequently.
ReplyDeleteThe idea that Jenny and Brian were constantly playing awful classical music and dreadful old guitar bands was unconvincing!
DeleteI have really enjoyed the omnibus this morning.
ReplyDeleteOrdinary every day things happening to ordinary everyday people.
Thank you to the new editor and this weeks ( new ? ) writer.
I also enjoyed it and, as usual, I heard much more.
DeleteI think the new editor knows what is required, and it is starting to be revealed.
I’m wondering if Will might ask Tom and co to leave his house on the Green so that Ed, Clarrie and Joe can move in. Jennifer and Brian can then rent Grange Farm. Tom can move to Willow Cottage with Natasha ,Johnny might prefer to live back at Bridge Farm if he is managing the new dairy herd, and I don’t really care what happens to Hannah, but no doubt she will have a go at Emma because she is, in my opinion, a rather nasty piece of work.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant scenario, and so very well thought out.
DeleteThere is one factor which could make it not as straight forward -Brian's impending court case.
Maybe she and Natasha could lock eyes, and realise they are wasting their time with, (I can't think for myself) Tom. They might have a more exciting relationship plotting and planning a take over of Ambridge.
DeleteQuite a thought, Stasia ! Not unfeasible, either, though, despite others' misgivings, am not at all sure about N. yet - she could be a Good Thing, in which case, she wouldn't care for sharp tongued, critical H. on closer acquaintance. Do agree about Tom, can't think what she sees in him as most women with something about them, don't want a man they can walk all over. On the other hand, if she does turnout to be a Bad Thing, then, of course, she would just be using him to further her ambitions...oh, I'll stop these convolutions.
DeleteLeaving Grange farm would break Joes heart, so I don't think thy will leave.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteI like the idea KP nuts,
DeleteNot yet perhaps but possibly in the future.
Maybe Oliver would sell Grange Farm to Brian and Jennifer.
It is too big for him to want to live in.
Yes, I forgot about Joe and his love of "Grange Farm" where he wants to stay for the rest of his life.
DeleteClarrie + Eddie will ensure this some-how. Oliver will need to help them out, re their rent, so will he reduce it?
Oliver more or less promised to let the Grundys stay at Grange Farm till Joe dies. As this can't be too far away, and Oliver ain't short of a bob or two, I reckon he'll adjust the rent accordingly.
DeleteKPnuts, an excellent solution !
ReplyDeleteSee your point, Cow Girl, but Joe's had to move before & he survived it. He does habitually make a drama out of a crisis.
But Joe wants to "end his day" at Grange Farm. Who can deny him his wish. It is a hard decision and who will make it?
DeletePerhaps a "hint" has been made as to Joe -
but hope not.
The Gill's, the new owners of the Home Farm Farmhouse, are still a major mystery.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are that they are Lottery Winners, who are moving from council assisted housing into their "dream home". They will be a young couple, who will find that living in Ambridge, is very different to what they envisaged, after their previous home/enviroment.
Just a "quirky" idea - which could be very entertaining.
I do find it strange the owners have not been spotted yet. Though Miriam I do like your guess about the new owners.
Delete😀👍
DeleteAmbridge Observer is back 🍾🎉 with an excellent Dear Aunt Satyia, always good to brighten up a dreary day.
ReplyDeleteI thought Kirsty was being very ungracious this evening, I think Brian had completely forgotten about her miscarriage and was mortified when Jennifer pointed out how his comments sounded, and was trying to mend fences, although Kirsty would probably have preferred Philip to do the job.
Bootgums, I had to smile at your 'dreadful old guitar bands" as I believe they were playing The Who's Won't Get Fooled Again - one of the anthems of my youth. How I loved the extended version (and still do if I'm in a nostalgic mood).
ReplyDelete