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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments' - Episode 8 Life Outside Ambridge Beach Chairs
"So Russ - what first attracted you to Lily...."
ReplyDeleteHe is a dirty old man who preys on young women. But he can’t dispense with Lily because Mummy is his provider. It’s interesting that Elizabeth mentioned her wedding anniversary with Russ sitting there behaving Like he has become the father of the house.
DeleteChief cook and Art Curator. I wonder does he go around smearing slime like the slug that he is?
Gary, is that Lower Loxley?
Wildly overstating your case simply undermines it, Stasia.
DeleteIt is indeed stasia - I was cheekily inferring that it just may have been one of the most attractive things about Lily that Russ saw.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to the wonderful question put to the lovely Debbie McGee by the late Mrs Merton. "What first Debbie, attracted you to the millionaire Paul Daniels?"
That’s exactly what I thought when I first read your opening comment Gary!
ReplyDeleteBut going by Lily’s attitude last night I think the writing may be on the wall for Russ.
She was quite waspish with him. I think a few lessons from Tracey in how to deflate a swollen ego would be very useful! 😉
Important date in Ambridge 29 September: Nigel and Elizabeth's wedding, Freddie's end of licence, Alice was born in 1988 and Kate on 30 September 1977. Eleven years between them, as Jennifer said Alice 31 and Kate 42. I remember when Jennifer suggested to Brian they could have another baby, she might have wanted to give him a son but it was someone else who did.
ReplyDeletePtbY, Tracey DEFFO used one of your favourite words last night ! Further ✓✓✓s for that character...
ReplyDeleteRef. last entry on closed blog, Maryellen : somehow, The LL family managed to struggle on with their personal food catering before Russ oozed on to the scene, & I don't they made a pretentious issue of it, using rosemary for flavouring or not. Still, always nice if someone else does the cooking, at least he's useful in that way.
I don’t using rosemary with roast lamb is at all pretentious, it’s a common piece of country cookery learned from my granny. But if taking pot shots at Russ gives pleasure,carry on!
ReplyDeleteOh, I will, I will....nothing special about using rosemary, totally agree, but he certainly highlighted it.
ReplyDeleteHe was, of course, making conversation- - with Tracy playing the part of the local yokel for all she was worth!
DeleteAnd she does it so well Maryellen.
DeleteAs someone else has said..... A breath of fresh air.
As for Russ, get the air wick out.
Yes, I think Tracey’sabout to make a profession ot it, just like Joe Grundy did.
DeleteI am liking Tracey , but I hope that the S/Ws don't make her into a silly, charicature character.
DeleteShe is fine as she is, playing cricket, working at GG with potential ideas for increase in footfall.
Why make her a ridiculous character.
I am so hoping LL and its inhabitants, will become more prominent again.
ReplyDeleteCan Freddie now return??
To add, on listening to The Omnibus yesterday, I picked up that Joy (the Beechwood newbie ) won the Freda Fry Award.
I predict:-
Handbags at Dawn with Joy, Lynda + Susan, with Joy taking over the Ambridge Christmas show.
The Grundy tradition coming to an end...
ReplyDeleteI think it’s like Grandfather’s Clock in the Victorian ballad, which “stopped short, never to go again, when the old man died”. Is the cider press telling us something?
DeleteI think so maryellen 😢
DeleteLong may the Grundy's Cider Press + Club continue...
ReplyDeleteIt is just part of Ambridge which must remain.
Re Russ the Chef.
ReplyDeleteHe was cooking a meal for four people .
He puts a sprig of rosemary with the meat.
Big Deal
I doubt if he will ever have to do that again.
Elizabeth will eat at the Orangery and Freddie at GG.
I am not sure that Tracey was playing any part.
She was herself.
She is not used to Dinner Parties(cutlery from the outside to inside Tracey for future reference.)
She enjoyed the experience.
She was enthusiastic.
Elizabeth and Lily obviously enjoyed her company
Unlike the Chef she was not rude.
She was neither a yokel nor a ridiculous character.
As several of us have said she is a breath of fresh air.
Yes, she’s going to make a profession out of being a breath of fresh air, forever giving the down to earth, daughter of the soil ( peasant, I dare not say) point of view, untainted by the pretensions and prejudices of the Archer clan.....
Deleteand good for her I say.
ReplyDeleteI would rather listen to her than the lot we heard this evening.
Lanjan (7.44pm) ✓✓✓ , yes Tracey is an outspoken, natural, sharp witted woman, who's been round the block, comes from a flakey family, just like Susan, but both have survived very well indeed ! Tracey hasn't lost her zest for life, she's not on the make, as the nasty Russ implied( he should know..), but is grateful for a decent job, & is giving it her best shot. Oliver sees that, finds her engaging, as, indeed, Lynda now does - good luck to her !
ReplyDeleteWell, let’s hope the scriptwriters give her a good run with her breath of fresh air personality before returning her to her unengaging one - which
Deletewon’t happen if my theory about her being groomed to replace Joe Grundy as the village ‘character’ is correct.
Maryellen 7:48 - Precisely that and Joe will follow suit, no need for him to find out.
ReplyDeleteCider press broken, cue Joe's demise....
ReplyDeleteTime the Grundy parents gave Ed some thought - broken marriage, job at Hone Farm gone, but, no, all the focus is on Will.
Good point re Ed, who is also un-employed.
DeleteCan he claim any benefits??
Never mind the press, the cider making was going to stop anyway when the Grundy family left Grange Farm, unless the incomers were amazingly tolerant. Joe must have faced that when their departure looked certain. They are now even less able to pay the rent, having lost a contributory member (Emma) and gained a non-contributory member (Will) who currently has no income from work or from letting No. 1, The Green.
ReplyDeleteI agree that cider press was symbolic - the two ‘boys’ squabbling and over-turning it, then it breaks down, as they squabbled over Emma, and now she is out of their lives (seemingly for good as far as we are told in the story to date), as they have squabbled in the past and been thrown out of the pub, thrown off Home Farm...and tonight was the first time Joe has been mentioned since his last acting scene.
ReplyDeleteLanjan.September 30, 2019 at 7:44 PM
ReplyDelete"She is not used to Dinner Parties(cutlery from the outside to inside Tracey for future reference.)"
Yes, and don't slurp your wine or talk with your mouth full, smacking your lips as you go. But she's a hoot and long may she continue. As for the Grundy boys, I am staggered at the turnaround - Will now the reasonable one and Ed highly narked.
maryellenSeptember 30, 2019 at 7:48 PM
"I think it’s like Grandfather’s Clock in the Victorian ballad, which “stopped short, never to go again, when the old man died”. Is the cider press telling us something?"
Nice analogy. Think you might be right...
Clarrie and Eddie do seem to be concentrating on Will at the moment. Clarrie, especially, treating him like a young child, making sure he eats his breakfast and wrapping him in cotton-wool.
ReplyDeleteIt’s not going down well with Ed who feels a bit left out, I think, and the jealousy is showing.
Is this because they still disapprove of Ed’s criminal behaviour and ‘walking out’ on Emma and the children, whereas they feel more sympathy for Will after his mental crisis?
They need to be careful how they treat their sons. The boys have had a long history of antipathy towards each other, which is barely contained at the moment. If they are all going to continue living together (under whichever roof) the parents must try to treat each son equally or life will become even more difficult for the Grundys.
I was very pleased to hear Joe mentioned again last night, after such a long absence.
I wonder if this might have had something to do with respect for Edward Kelsey’s family, allowing a grieving period before hearing his character mentioned again. I don’t know if the breaking of the cider press will herald Joe’s demise in the story but I am certain it will occur before the family have to leave Grange Farm
maryellen. I come from the wild land of saints and scholars ☘️And we are hard wired to be colourful in how we express our views. I will not ‘surrender’ nor ‘betray’ my heritage even if, like Jenifer and other Ambridge residents, I sometimes sound like I have a ‘screw loose’.
ReplyDeleteYes I think all Celts have a natural storytelling gene. The Craic.
DeleteAh, the Celts & their flamboyant use of language - wonderful ! Plus the bonus of a honed sense of humour. You are an excellent representative, Stasia.
ReplyDeleteIt was the wild inaccuracy of Stasia’s statement rather than her sensationalist language that I was referring to. However, as someone whose Irish heritage also entitles her to use colourful language, may I say that Tracey Horrobin is a bossy, superstitious, promiscuous middle aged woman with an eye to the main chance.
ReplyDeletemaryellen October 1, 2019 at 12:26 PM
ReplyDelete"Tracey Horrobin is a bossy, superstitious, promiscuous middle aged woman with an eye to the main chance."
Sounds good to me! 😈
SRN - you’re welcome. She doesn’t pass the acid test: would you want to be shipwrecked alone on a desert island with her, for me but obviously does for you!
DeleteNot sure about the promiscuity and definitely not the age but you could almost be talking about me there Maryellen!
ReplyDeleteI meant to say that not sure about Tracey’s promiscuity and definitely not that or the age for me but... etc
ReplyDeletemaryellen.12.26pm.
ReplyDeleteThere was nothing inaccurate in my comment.
Russ is a man of 40years + who smooched a girl of 18/19 years who was also a pupil at the college where he was deputy Principal. He is living off her mother and presumably of Lily herself. She is young and now not so stupid, he is just plain nasty with no moral backbone. He could quite easily be a political President or a prime minister except he doesn’t have the ultimate cunning or ability to be a pathological 🤥 liar. He is plain stupid. He should be on his way very soon. 🤞 I hope.
Tracy might be all the things you say but least she doesn’t have the pretentiousness of a dandy dumbo. She is honest and we know is kind.
End off, as Tracy might finally add.
As I said, Stasia, too opinionated to be accurate.
Deletecarolyn 11.32: just Like Tracy you are very kind. 😊 thank you.
ReplyDeleteLanjan.2.14pm: if you have some of the characteristics of Tracy minus the promiscuity [no evidence there) then I would love to meet you and spend sometime chatting. 😃
I am still thinking, where will they all live after Grange Farm, unless Oliver changes his mind.
ReplyDeleteEd will still has the tenancy of the Grange Farm land (if he can still make it work) and they will still have Grundy's field. If they can mend the Cider Press, it will still have a home, as will the Cider Club.
Farewell to the cider press,
ReplyDeleteIt was ancient but screwed And Of Joe the patriarch whose exit must come from the mess Clarrie finds sitting in his chair
Poor old bloke dead and gone Ferret on lap and cider in hand.
Now he must head to the apple and stairs and just like The Dodo Be spoken of well by those who tasted the Grundy beverage in the club illegally created. What fun they had and just like Joe the cider press old and dodgy is now extinct.
I have to agree and disagree - as I believe the Cider Press will survive, somehow.
DeleteSurely some-one in Ambridge will find an ancient screw in a shed or similar. It's not beyond the realms of possibility - but probability, who knows!
Stasia,4:12 pm
ReplyDeleteOh yes we would get on for sure.
Like Carolyn said earlier 11:32 am you have a good sense of humour too.
I have been fortunate in that each time I have met members of our blog I have enjoyed the company of everyone.
Next year, Lanjan, next year hopefully!
ReplyDeleteor even later this year,Archerphile!
ReplyDeleteI seem to have posted on the wrong page, with my TA thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSorry All, I need to be more careful, in future.
Poor Brian! I think he was genuinely trying to help in the only way he knows how. I can understand Lexi’s reaction but it was directed at the wrong person.
ReplyDeleteOn other story lines it sounds like trouble is brewing between Hannah & Neil, and I think Rex’s boar Basil is gay.
Neil has had something on a to do list since Easter with water pouring down, what sort of business does he run?
ReplyDeleteBrian's ludicrous offer to Lexi, does he think she's stupid? I'd expect Jennifer to act in this way but not him, now they've really blown it.
And can Basil get on with it please.
I'm glad to hear that Pip found Ed looking fresher, perhaps being single suits him.
Ed really needs to get back with Emma ASAP.or at least stop living with his mother.
ReplyDeleteShe is obviously driving him mad.
I wonder if the two brothers could set up home together?
To answer my own question.
I doubt it very much
KPnuts, I'm with you on Brian, he meant to help, but literally whipping out the cheque book was so crass ! Of course Lexi was offended - she made the point before he even offered what came across as a bribe, that she never sees him, so was surprised by his sudden appearance. Will he tell Jennifer ? Would it make her get a grip if he does ? I doubt it.
ReplyDeleteNeither has Lexi forgotten how foul Jennifer was to her over cleaning the caravans.
I think people have forgotten Roy’s reaction when the dating programme paired him up with Tracey, and what her behaviour and reputation were then Not breath of fresh air but stale old slapper!
ReplyDeleteMaryellen, I think most of us who have recently praised Tracey as a breath of fresh air, have also said that we prefer this Tracey to the previous outing of this particular character. We haven't denied that we disliked her previously.
DeleteAt best I suppose that on this occasion, we, the listeners, are not complaining at the change in character imposed by the S Ws.
Nevertheless, the evidence for Tracey’s promiscuity, which people queried, does exist, reformed character though she may be. It would be interesting to hear how Roy feels about her now. Has he changed his view of her to match listeners’ approval of Tracey’s reformation?
DeleteOh Brian! Nice try, but money is not the answer to every problem!
ReplyDeleteWill Lexi tell Adam and Ian what Brian tried to do?
I think they would be horrified to hear about this attempted ‘bribe’ and tell Brian and Jennifer to quit interfering once and for all.
How clueless is Brian! Is he really that stupid? Lexi was on to him immediately of course and I do think she'll tell Adam and Ian - why wouldn't she?
DeleteRe previous messages about Tracey: I agree she's a breath of fresh air and she's fun.
I think Tracey has been developed into a rounded character, not reformed at all. Yes, she was blatantly chasing every male in sight at the time of the Roy episode, she assumes everyone below 50 & unattached is the same, hence the tactless wink, wink, nudge, nudge to Will a short while ago. She was out of order at a cricket match, & told off for it, this year. However, circumstances have brought out her better side - kindness, compassion, resourcefulness, creativity, practical capability. She was with Emma when she was falling apart, & Susan was just wringing her hands, never mind later when she wrongly assumed a rowdy girls' night out would help, she was all for giving Freddie a chance to prove himself. Above all, she's proving an asset at GG, capable, full of ideas, even overcoming Lynda's initial resistance. She is grateful.to Oliver who's given her a chance, & is giving him loyalty, effort & innovative ideas. He recognizes her qualities, easily overcomes her ghost fears, finds her great fun & good company - no regrets about hiring her.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, a very good assessment and well articulated.✔️✔️✔️
Delete👍✔️✔️
DeleteYes, Carolyn, I agree with your very erudite description of Tracey. She has been allowed to develop into a much more interesting character than we were initially presented with. We were only shown her loud, rather coarse persona in the past. Now her funny, practical and compassionate side is being allowed to shine through. A much more rounded character than we were first allowed to see. It must always have been there.
DeleteI can only repeat my earlier remark - "(She) sounds good to me!"
DeleteIncidentally, apart from Gary am I the only man in this forum?
I repeat, does Roy recognise this amazingly transformed slapper (we’ve only heard him relating to her as an employee, not as a potential date) and does she still think of him as Mr Boring of Borsetshire as she did in her slapper days? I still think she’s destined to fill Joe Grundy’s shoes as the village character, following in the Walter Gabriel tradition. At least New Tracey is a more believable character than he was.
DeleteAP (8.19am), yes - events bring out the worst & the best in all of us. The story now allows her to shine, it's entirely plausible.
ReplyDeleteIt’s awful how Jennifer was all over Lexi when she was pregnant and now she has delivered just wants to get rid of her, out of Xander’s life. Her reaction when hearing about his name and that he had been named after Lexi said it all. Why have they named him after HER as if she was a piece of dirt. In the past have admired Jenny for putting up with Brian’s dalliances and then taking on Rhuari but now she has gone down in my estimation.
ReplyDeleteI like the new Tracy. She tells it as it is! The original warm hearted Tart!
ReplyDeleteSir Ron Norris 2/10 08:42
ReplyDeleteNo you are not. Migrated here from former BBC blog and I am, I believe, the oldest (occasional ) contributor.
Pierre, thanks for the prompt response. Apologies - I recall you have replied to me previously.
DeleteThere's one more I think, though let him speak for himself.
DeleteI put my hand up too!
DeleteI know Brian wants to shut Jenifer up and bribing Lexi was his solution!
ReplyDeleteIf it was a large sum would Lexie have been able to shift the money back to Bulgaria without the bank asking questions. Money laundering come to mind.
I carry a cheque book in my handbag but the only time I write on one is when I need to make a note about something. It’s now beginning to look very tatty.
Lexi immediately thought Brian’s presence was related to an issue with the 🍼 baby 👶 because Ian has been texting her about his lack of 💤 sleep. I don’t think Lexi is heading anywhere quick.
carolyn. 7.33 am. Great summing up of the character.😁
Advice to Rex! The remedy for Basil’s lack of mojo is a new companion called PERCY. 🐷🐖
ReplyDeleteI'll go along with the 'new' Tracy, except that she was prepared to give up her new job because of GG being haunted, ran around with flowers to ward off the ghosts, asked Shula about exorcism, oh and 'borrowed' a dress for an outing. I take it from one episode to the next.
ReplyDelete👻👻👻Boooooo.
DeleteThe odd thing was that New Tracey accepted Oliver’s explanation about the con woman and the plumbing but completely forgot the separate incident of the head dripping ‘blood’ glimpsed through the window. She needs to take the ‘superstitious peasant’ element of her role more seriously if she is to take over Joe Grundy’s place.
DeleteBasia, 2/10 9:34. FOSO has contibuted a couple of times. He is much missed.
ReplyDeletePlesC. 10.04
DeleteBy me too. 🙁
Yes, I was going to mention FOSO who was a very regular contributor to the BBC blogs and here too for a while. I miss his posts a lot. He was sometimes controversial, especially about some of the female characters and our opinions of them, but wrote some really interesting pieces about his visits to the theatre, ballet and concerts which would go very well on our non- Archers blog.
DeleteIf you happen to be reading this FOSO, can we tempt you back?
And...thinking back to the BBC blog era, there were far more male contibutors there than we have now. I wonder why that is?
DeleteMaryellen
ReplyDeleteThis may be a fictional, but I find it offensive that people are refered to as Slappers and Peasants
It’s the colourful language which Stasia says she and others like me with Irish ancestry are genetically entitled to use!
DeletePS. I can use tart instead of slapper in future, as Ev did without getting any protests!
DeleteI guess nobody noticed it but would point out it was very tongue in cheek. Maybe my Celtic heritage coming out!
DeleteRe FOSO - comment on other blog
ReplyDeleteI don't remember negative posts about FOSO, only a discussion about his 'name', but it wasn't him I had in mind, when he returns I'll ask if I was correct about his gender.
DeleteI have just listened to last night’s episode.
ReplyDeleteYou don’t think that Brian could have actually hit on the truth with Lexi?
Did he touch a raw nerve?
“My God she doth protest too much.”
(Shakespeare wrote something similar in Julius Caesar)
I wonder where Brian has found the money to potentially fund Lexi’s relocation? His hefty fine necessitated the move from Home Farm into a small rented property after all. I also query how Peggy can afford half a million even though I can see she is comfortable but surely not a millionaire! Unreal!!
ReplyDeleteBasia 2/10, 1:24 P.M.
ReplyDeleteIn an exchange I had with FOSO he told me that the FO part of his blog name stood for "father of"
He also frquently mentioned Mrs FOSO. His gender is certainly male.
My guess is that Basia is thinking of someone else.
DeleteI thought I remembered FOSO saying he had a health problem so hope he is alright.
Delete"Trolling is defined as creating discord on the Internet by starting quarrels or upsetting people by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in an online community. Basically, a social media troll is someone who purposely says something controversial in order to get a rise out of other users."
ReplyDelete6 out of the 17 posts made by one person on this particular blog are personal attacks on other posters and or their language.
I generally go by the rule "Don't feed the troll." on any blog that I read.
That sounds harsh and I have not read any really true personal attacks against any other contributor. There have been some disagreements, yes and discussions, yes.
DeleteAs to the TA characters, they are always slightly OTT, but that is part of the fun so discussion is inevitable.
It seems to me that random implications of trolling have similar implications for whoever is making them. They are bound to sow discord, create unhappiness and inhibit blogging.
DeleteCowgirl 10.52am.
ReplyDeleteI may frequently resort to hyperbole in my comments about various resident of Ambridge, and in my comment about being Irish I used the words ‘surrender’ and ‘betrayal’ in the discussion about Tracy. I was in fact taking the p.ss out of the current prime minister. Perhaps I wasn’t clear enough.
I am also a hard wired feminist and would never resort to using derogatory words about any female and that includes Tracy.
By the way is it Tracy. Without the E or with the E?
I am not liking the tone of this page, at the moment, so I am not giving my, Life in Ambridge thoughts, not that are worth very much. 😭
ReplyDeleteBack tomorrow.
Same time, same place. 😀
Just my observation today......for what it's worth.
Delete😀👍
DeleteStasia(4.51), I always write TracEy, but not actually sure of her version !
ReplyDeleteLikewise, used to write Iain, instead of Ian, assuming the Irish spelt the name as the Scots do ( all Celts, inniit, was my garbled logic) but since the posts about his nationality, discovered the Irish spell the name the same way the English do.
Spicy(4.39), wise words.
Stasia, again 4.51, are you SURE you wouldn't use derogatory words even about Peggy( at times) , or Kate (most of the time) ?! 😉
ReplyDeleteCarolyn 5.48pm. Not if they are sexually nasty put downs in nature. I can of course be derogatory about other characters especially the ‘beloved’ Toby.
DeleteI couldn't find Tracy on the characters page but in the synopsis her name is spelt as Tracy.
ReplyDeleteJust looked in the Radio Times where she is listed as ‘Tracy Horrobin’
DeleteSo, I have been wrong in all my posts about her, thinking thinking that leaving the E out would probably be male spelling of the name!
Sorry Tracy. 🙁
Whoops ! Tracy it is, then.
ReplyDeleteWell I've had it with all of them. Jennifer for interfering, Brian for listening to her, Justin for being two faced, Neil for poor maintenance, Hannah for being rude and refusing his help.
ReplyDeleteTo hell with them all!
Well, Jennifer had it coming, & I'm glad she took responsibility for Brian's actions. Ian was commendably restrained, but he certainly made his point.
ReplyDeleteJE really is a snake in the grass !😎, stringing Brian & David along when his plans do not include an abattoir. As for Hannah & Neil....she has a point, of course, Neil should have dealt with the blocked drains & potholes, it was negligent, but she had no right to take the matter into her own hsnds, nor to be as insolent as she was, topping it all with a sneaky phonecall to JE, expecting to come out of the debacle smelling of roses (ha!), & dropping Neil in it, literally as well as figuratively.
Basia (7.30pm), you put it all so much more succinctly ! 😊
ReplyDeleteI shouldn't really complain though, there's conflict on three or even four fronts, what's more to want from a soap drama!
DeleteAnother character change.
ReplyDeleteNeil would not have let things slide like that.
As for Hannah-she really is a nasty piece of work .
She is a right sneak as you said Carolyn and extremely rude with it.
What a pity Hannah had that bump on the head that necessitated a visit to hospital.
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to her confrontation with Neil in his office and hearing him sacking her!
If only!
DeleteRé male contributors : Old Fogey?
ReplyDeleteHannah should put Justin on her to do list, they're just right for each other, both ruthless and devious. The only positive thing she ever said was to tell Tom he'd be a good catch and good in bed, as if she were grooming a prized specimen but then changed her mind.
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't they call the child Lex, so that Jennifer would choke each time she spoke his name!
ReplyDeleteI am loving both Hannah + Tracy H. The difference is that Tracy is far more concerned about others, wheras Hannah is only concerned about herself.
ReplyDeleteBoth Neil + Hannah, must have known about this so-called pot-hole. Perhaps Justin hadn't allowed Neil (as manager) the necessary.monies to sort it out. I doubt that there is a farmyard, or a road, which doesn't have similar. I know on the roads I drive along, where the pot-holes are, so manage to avoid them.
Hannah was the one, who was in the wrong - as she went up to the roof alone, and without support, on any kind. Still, she turned the situatuation to her advantage, by calling Justin.
Crafty Minx..
I wouldn’t like to have Hannah as my boss. If I recall correctly when she moved in with Tom and Jonny she immediately set out rules for their coexistence.
ReplyDeleteShe is the deputy manager so why didn’t Neil delegate those guttering/potholes to her and he get on with pleasing Justin with Statistics.
Didn’t someone here predict Neil not surviving as the manager?
Neil will survive, somehow, as will the Cider Press. Wishful thinking, but why not....
DeleteNigel might decide it’s just not worth the hassle and effort working for Justin and choose to retire.... if only Susan will let him!
ReplyDeleteThen Hannah can apply for the promotion she obviously thinks she deserves and we will hear no more about the pig factory (horrid term!). She might even be able to afford a house on the new development if one comes up for sale. 🙄
Oh goodness, what an error - of course I meant Neil, not Nigel!!
DeleteI thought it was significant when Rex told T❤️O❤️B❤️Y that Neil was too busy at Berrow to come and help with the Basil problem which to me suggested Neil was overstretched. The ‘character change’ LanJan mentions may be be the change that comes with ageing, when (not everyone) is not as on the ball as they were when younger. This would come on top of indications earlier that Neil was finding modern office management a bit of a challenge.
ReplyDeleteI have some sympathy for Hannah too. It is difficult working under a boss who isn’t always as on the ball as you are (especially given the pay difference). Perhaps the question Neil could ask himself is not whether to sack Hannah (better the devil you know, and she is a good worker) but whether to retire from Berrow and focus on developing his own herd with Rex?
Yes, Maryellen, just what I was suggesting in my post at 6.24.
DeleteNeil must be at retirement age by now and really doesn’t need the hassle and responsibility of running such a big enterprise as Berrow.
I’m sure he’d be much happier doing what you suggest, even if it means putting up with Susan’s nagging and moaning !
But it would give Neil and Susan more chilli time together!
DeleteI agree it might be a good idea for Neil to retire but he'd need to occupy himself with something plus get a man shed (or does he already have one?) to get away from Susan. Hannah can then grab his job and relish being in charge.
ReplyDeleteI like that Ed apologized to his mum for being difficult and snapping at her.
I guess Ed will take the room at Roy’s vacated by Kirsty. It will lave the Grundies even less able to pay the rent on Grange Farm. The Hollowtree pig enterprises now has an extra demand for supply so further developments to cope with that are probably needed and more imputfrom Neil is the answer. He’ll be the equivalent of Tony with his Anguses.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to work out (difficult before my first coffee) are any of the children, ie under 18’s, in Ambridge being raised in a traditional nuclear family of both biological parents ? I can only think of the Button girls & I’m not positive on that. I know families are more diverse now but there are still conventional groupings out there.
ReplyDeleteHaving just drunk my coffee I realise Ben is still with Ruth and David, but he is the tail end and his sister has thrown another baby into that family mix.
Thinking about last nights episode, Will David & co discover that Justin was planning to turn the abattoir into offices or will Justin be viewed as a decent chap who was out manoeuvred by the dastardly Vince. Presumably Vince will screw the local farmers as much as he can, but at least the animals won’t have to deal with too long a drive to their demise.
ReplyDeleteI am puzzled about the current status of the wilding bid. I thought the Trust releasing the money was dependent on the trio firming up 400 acres of land for rewilding by the end of the month ie.30 September. They have not succeeded in renting any land and the deadline has passed. Yet they are still chasing Home Farm for 50 acres, Have I missed Peggy extending the deadline (I’ve been away)?
ReplyDeleteMaryellen 6:45pm 3rd October,I think you have a point with everything you wrote.
ReplyDeleteI don’t like Hannah as a think she is a rude and sneaky young woman but I do think she knows what is what .
It is frustrating for somebody when the person in charge is not as good at the job as you are.
It may be that Neil’s age as you point out ,Maryellen has something to do with it or maybe it really
wasn’t the sort of job he should have been doing at any age.
I wouldn’t like Neil to be sacked or feel that Hannah is doing what she can to push him out but maybe it will come to that .
Good thinking too that Hannah can take over Kirsty’s room .
Where is Hannah living now?
On the other hand if she was in the position of being able to bid for one of the starte homes she might prefer to hope that one comes back on the market soon especially if she gets the promotion she obviously hopes for.
Does anybody agree with me that the acting of Lilian is dreadful?
ReplyDeleteShe has got a touch of Pip syndrome with her stopping and starting.
She sounds like a stage actress trying to project her voice to the back row of the stalls to me.
She, to me.does not sound at all natural.
Neil Carter was born in 1957. The actor playing him made his post-drama school professional debut in 1959.
ReplyDeletePS. The actor was born in 1939, so now aged 80 and 18 years older than the character he plays. Maybe it’s the actor rather than the character who could be thinking of retiring?
DeleteWhy I also thought this was interesting is because it shows casting older actors as teenagers (as discussed earlier on these blogs in relation to Rory and Ben) isn’t new on TA. The actor was told he could pick any Midlands accent he liked for the part and chose North Oxfordshire, so if Neil was recast, the incoming actor would have an identifiable accent to copy.
DeleteLanjan: 8.48
ReplyDeleteYes I do! Not only has the laugh become unbearable but the whole character of Lilian seems to be going quite over the top. Perhaps it’s all the stage shows and “Evenings With” performances the actress does these days that is bringing out the very ‘actorly’ (if there is such a word) delivery.
But then I have read accounts from people who have been to her evenings and they say she is a hoot and enjoyable to watch. Just wish she’d tone it down a bit on radio.
I thought it was odd that Justin was expecting Lilian to invest in his office block scheme. Hold on to your money Lillian, Justin is as dodgy as Vince and your ex Matt Crawford. Your taste in men is appalling, one a crook and the other conniving. All The businessmen in TA are smarmy and devious now, and in the past and even those attempting to enter the big boys club. 🕴delboy geezers one and all.
ReplyDeleteVince has bought Crawfords for his own advantage + profit.
ReplyDeleteIt might, or not, help the Ambridge farmers, but they will now, at least, have a choice, hopefully.
As for Neil actors age - remember June Spencer is now 100 and she is still a regular Ambridge contributor.
Anything goes..
PS Why would Neil voluntarily retire - he's earning K50 a year after all.
DeleteIt is Hannah who is stirring things, to suit her selfish character.
Good point by Maryellen.
ReplyDeleteRoy does have a spare room, since Kirsty has moved to Beechwood. Pheobe is still living there, but Ed would fit in fine.
However - when, where
+ how will Ed spend time with George + Keira?
No1 will be cramped full with Eddie, Clarrie, Will + Poppy and Emma etc. is living with Neil + Susan.
I have no solution.
Why does Justin need new office space?
ReplyDeleteHe wanted to make money out of it.
DeleteI'm glad David found out and told Justin as it is.
ReplyDeleteYou were right, those who thought Jennifer's fears went back to Adam's birth and being a single mother then.
For all we know Rosie forgot her mummy as soon as she walked out of the door.
Well that was a surprise, mild David hitting the button with Justin, and telling him what he thinks of him.
ReplyDeleteAnd Lilian ?
It was Justin who wanted to buy Brookfield when it was up for sale and was behind the road scheme cutting through the village. Who was it who organised the burning of his effigy on Lakely Hill, perhaps they could do it again!
ReplyDeleteWho did Jennifer fight in order to keep Adam - Peggy?
ReplyDeleteThe two rapprochement scenes were so refreshing - Jennifer and Lexi, and Ruth and Pip. More, please!.
ReplyDeleteOh, well said David!
ReplyDeleteCold fury and sarcasm aimed at the devious Justin.
I don’t think I have ever heard David sound so angry, and with very good cause.
Justin seems to have slipped back into the big bad ruthless businessman persona he had when he first descended on Ambridge. Then, for a while he became Mr NiceGuy, donating to village causes, getting in with Brian and the locals and moving into the village.
Now he’s reverted to his true character - all for himself and his business interests and b.gg.r the locals and their concerns.
I think Lilian could leave him after his recent behaviour, there could be a huge bust-up coming and one or other of them moving out of The Dower House - but which one, I wonder.
Archerphile....isn’t the dower house Lillian’s?
DeleteThought the scene between Jennifer and Lexi was vomit making.🤮
Well done David for giving Justin what for.
No - The Dower House belongs now to Justin. Matt Crawford had bought it and put it into a Trust Fund in Lilian's name with himself and his solicitor (?) as trustees. When he returned and Justin found out he was living in Matt's house he bought it from him for a £1 million cash. At a later point when Matt came back to the house or something happened to upset Justin he shouted about 'MY house.'
DeleteIf Lilian and Justin go their separate ways it will be Lilian and Amside who have to find a new home!
Before he finally left Matt told Lilian that the money was still in a Trust for her and I think his solicitor was now the sole Trustee.
Maryellen, yesterday, I think it was more the general pressure Jennifer felt as an unmarried mother in those days.
ReplyDeleteYes, a day of reckoning for David and Justin - bring on the effigy!
Reconciliation for Lexi and Jennifer as for Ruth and Pip - the three generations together.
Thanks Spicey, I’d forgotten all that. I don’t think Lillian will give up Justin, not after all the carry on ensnaring him.
ReplyDeleteI just wonder what Justin is going to do now....the scene is set for him complaining about leaks etc, perhaps the tide may turn and we have our abbatoir after all.
ReplyDeleteI think Justin is ruthless in his business dealings but kind at heart. I have never forgotten how he took pity on a toad his dog was ‘playing’ with and gently put it in a safe place. (Has Ruby the dog joined the Ambridge disappeared?)
ReplyDeleteMaryellen: we don’t seem to hear much about any of the village’s dogs these days. There was Ben’s sheepdog he was training, the Grundy family dog (can’t remember the name) and Lynda’s replacement for Scruff.
DeleteIn fact the only pet we do hear much about is Hilda Ogden, the termagant of The Lodge, and various horses. 😾 🐎🐎
I read this morning on the BBC News website that Radio 4 is doing a Saturday soundscape of Ambridge (a one off) with various country noises - perhaps including the dogs?
ReplyDeleteI think I would have had a better experience had I listened to all 10 minutes of ‘An every day Ambridge experience of Bucolic Noise’.
ReplyDeleteInstead I subjected myself to the verbal noise of Ruth/Pip’s yucky reconciliation. Then the Lexie/Jenifer reconciliation and Lexi’s “I did it for my friends”?, Then Jenifer’s back down to earth insight into her appalling behaviour. Which poor Brian had to put with, and tried to remedy, he then turns out to be the baddy.
David a selfless community minded resident in angsty mode about big bad Justin’s plans.
David don’t get your knickers in a twist you are like everyone else, it’s all about the money stupid’.
I heard on radio 3 news at 7am that the BBC had made a recording of the sound effects they use in TA. I thought they were sending the ‘soap’ up because sometimes radio 3 does play sounds as 🎵 music. I usually switch off at those moments.
ReplyDeleteThen to my astonishment when I opened up Sounds there it was, so I listened to a few seconds and ended it quickly by moving the red button. I then discovered that last nights episode was illustrated underneath.
Just listened to Sounds of the Archers podcast....... supposedly on a quiet Saturday! Obviously all the animals had gone to Saturday Morning Pictures. What sounded like a lot of rain and a few desolate birds! Vaguely soporific, but could give the countryside a bad name. Not at all like the real thing in my experience.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember that as a test signal before the launch of Classic FM they played something similar 24 hours a day? Lots of bird song. I used to fall asleep to it.
ReplyDeleteYes. I was living in London at the time. So they using bird song to fill in before they broadcast. 🦅🦆 although I didn’t hear any quacks. I later discovered that happens a lot in Ambridge.
DeleteQuack, quack.
Used.
DeleteYes, I remember that too Gary. It was beautiful and very calming. I also remember the British theme they used to play at the beginning of the day’s broadcasts on Radio 4 - a mixture of traditional tunes from around the UK. I really miss it.
DeleteWe will be truly into October next week, Grundy cider time and 6 months since Edward Kelsey died so I think it will also be the time we say goodbye to our Joe and his “farmers Lung” (whenever he wanted to get out of a job 😉) Another true Archers character- certainly never any doubt who he was unlike some of the current young males. I wonder how many of the younger members will retain their roles for 50 yrs or more - we will never know!!!!
ReplyDelete2021 TA will celebrate 70 yrs which is truly astonishing and much as we get annoyed by it from time to time I for one hope it makes it through any future BBC cuts.
It is of course ok for us bloggers) to criticise the programme as true Archer followers but just let anyone else pick it to bits or make mock of it 😡 😂
Yes Lady R. Scripts are thought out about six months in advance of broadcast, written about three months in advance and recorded six to four weeks before broadcast.
DeleteI think it was very politic for the editor and team to respect Edward Kelsey's family and not think about the actor's real age to influence their decision.
I know Gwen Berryman insisted that nobody was to take over 'her' role of Doris even though I think there had been at least three 'Dan's.' Perhaps Mr Kelsey felt the same?
Lots of comments about when would 'Joe' die during the past six months, here and on at least two other sites. I think that the team got it right.
Having said that I have never subscribed to the lovable rogue view of Joe Grundy.
He was a lazy. unsuccessful farmer who caused bother and costs to his neighbours. Always scrounging and he did have a big grudge against Brookfield Farm at the beginning, supposedly an argument between his father and Dan Archer about land after WW1. I do remember his (Joe) railing about the Archer family in the early days. Still all in the past now.
To add - the young female contingent also have voice identification issues. Thought it best not to be sexist in these times that we live in 🤗 plus it is true!
ReplyDeleteBurnham 10.06
ReplyDeleteI live in the country and there is no such thing as a quiet afternoon, its ploughing, muck spreading sheep being moved and then off to market, farm dogs barking , cattle lowing and horses neighing bird song of course when you can hear it above the rest.We get our fair share of aircraft too! one is just passing as I type.
What's the betting that Joe has amassed a huge sum of money and all the Grundy's will be swanning about in no time cocking a snook at everyone in the village after his death?
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought GG! 🙏🏼 if only....
ReplyDeleteGary, this idea has already been put forward. Joe gave Ed his £1000 funeral money to buy cows, so I don't subscribe to it, as long as he hasn't left any debts, death and taxes...
ReplyDeleteCowGirl 8:23 - It's an interesting idea, Vince certainly had too much insider knowledge, so is his bid void? Justin could delve into it, for himself of course but then would have to share his findings.
ReplyDeleteI am not that struck on Clarrie but I have to say I feel sorry for anyone having someone like Joe living with her probably for all her married life..
ReplyDeleteI doubt he has any savings because surely even he would have been more generous in the past when the family was really in need.
I couldn’t be doing with the way he always called people by their Christian and surnames.
Nobody does that .
It is a bit like the bloke Archerphile likes (former Cricket commentator)who calls everyone”My dear old thing”
Nobody but him says that either.
I listened to half of the archers noise broadcast then gave up. It was just like going up the lane with the dogs. Obviously meant for townies.
ReplyDeleteCowgirl 11.27.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree. I wonder where the SW's get their misinformation from. Someone must have told them farming is a five day week! 🙄