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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
An old cartoon from "Punch"....
ReplyDeleteExcellent!!
ReplyDeleteBrookfield Wedding Venue....with one of Josh's dodgy tractors in the background.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I was thinking too Autumnleaves!
DeleteRe the speculation concerning the naming of pubs. This goes way back in history when the population was largely illiterate. People would know where they were at the "sign of......any easily recognised picture - say of a bull, red lion, king's arms, fox and goose etc" Nothing to do with nearby industry. A famous example is "The Tabard" (as worn recently by Susan), where the Canterbury Pilgrims started from.
ReplyDeleteThe ridiculous renaming of the Bull as The"B" at the suggestion of a pseudo intellectual mental midget reflects on the intelligence of the pair who have gone along with it.
I also wish to join in with those at the end of the last blog in that finding every new character suspicious is tiresome.
✓✓✓✓ to your first para., Pierre. Now you've said it, I can see it - of course, signs & images were the means of communication, giving direction centuries ago. Likewise, am unimpressed by Lil & Jolene's acceptance of the silly name change.
DeleteAs for suspicions about characters, I think everyone is entitled to speculate as they please. Personally, I've never thought of Philip as other than a thoroughly decent character, but, hey, freedom of thought & expression rule here, I hope !
I had never really thought about pub signs Pierre - what you say makes perfect sense.
DeleteEvery day is a school day etc...! 😀
I’m afraid I am a pseudo intellectual mental midget (as may have beeen suspected) because although I think The B @ Ambridge may appeal to the hashtag generation, which doesn’t include me, I do feel,The B in Ambridge would be fun. Either suggestion could make pictorial reference to a bull.
DeleteI don't like speculation, but that's the way of dramatic effect. I thought nothing much of Philip until he shouted down the phone at Gavin: just do it! I don't think he has anything to do with Tim who did some work for Alan in the church out of a goodwill. How did Philip get a mortgage for his house if he's short of cash, why was Gavin looking through his wardrobe?
ReplyDeleteI don't think there's any doubt that Gavin is a very nasty piece of work. It's been signposted in flashing lights !
DeleteGreat cartoon, Gary ! All that detail...your finds & choices are always so apt !
ReplyDeleteWe aim to please carolyn! Thank you for being so appreciative.
DeleteJust noticed that Keri Davis’s book ‘The Archers: Year of Food and Farming’ is reduced to £3.99 from £18.99 in The Book Peoples sale.
ReplyDeleteObviously not very popular then.
The whole idea of those weddings at David and Ruth's is just ridiculous. Surely it would only work if they outsourced absolutely everything - the catering, bar staff, security, fixtures and fittings, flowers, the whole shebang! Otherwise they would have to deal with every little thing that goes wrong and would be working into the wee small hours each and every event. I thought that farmers were run off their feet at the best of times!
ReplyDeleteAnd even if they DID outsource all of it, how much actual profit would that leave them with? A few quid for the hire of a barn? I'd wager not nearly enough to compensate for dozens (hundreds?) of people stomping about a working farm constantly asking dumb questions and demanding things!
I agree and on top of all this Vince Casey is their first customer. David's been given ample warning by both Kenton and Elizabeth, so let's give him a chance.
DeleteWhy hasn't David said no to Vince? It's absolutely astonishing that he would agree to host a family wedding for a man he has had several run ins with! The complete lack of business sense in Ambridge (Justin aside!) makes me wonder why anyone in the village is solvent at all!
DeleteI’m beginning to realise why a lot of people (on other sites) refer to the Brookfield Archers as ‘The Dopeys’! I have never liked the giving of unkind nicknames to Archer characters and have complained about it - but on this occasion I think it might be merited.
DeleteGary your post referring to outsourcing everything for the weddings at Brookfield was precisely what I suggested a couple of weeks ago. This would be the only way for the idea to function, and is indeed what many wedding venues actually do.
ReplyDeleteI also said in my post then, that David and Ruth would need to crunch the figures to ensure that there was a profit in the venture.
A special venue for their wedding seems to be what many couples want now, and they seem to be prepared to pay for it.
Some, like Gavin and partner want an exotic venue abroad, some others, apparently a rural farmyard.
I agree that David might have been wise to reject this particular engagement, but then Casey might be in a position to then spread the word around the district that Brookfield lets people down.
They might just be over a barrel with this problem.
But why in earth would David & Ruth think that their barn would be able to compete with the hundreds of tailor made picturesque wedding venues up & down the country? There are innumerable Disneyfied "rustic" wedding venues out there! Any income from renting out a barn for a few days a year would be far outweighed by the time taken to liaise with numerous wedding companies surely?
ReplyDeleteI have organised dozens of weddings - almost without exception every couple used different caterers, florists, bands, decorators etc. It all takes time explaining the logistics of the building to different people all the time. It would be shooting yourself in the foot to have exclusivity by companies. A couple of hundred quid (less tax!) once a month would very, very quickly lose it's lustre after you've spent 2 hours a day replying to stupid & repetitive questions by email... Also, once a couple have booked a wedding, they see it as their God given right to turn up at any time of the day (repeatedly!) in the months leading up to the event. Usually with a gang in tow, fully expecting a full tour and explanation of all their dreams come true....Can you imagine David or Ruth Or Pip or Josh doing any of the above?
Completely convinced, Gary. You know whereof of you speak! !
DeleteOh Gary, you explain so well what it must be like, I feel that I should copy your post to my daughter who may well be anticipating going down the same road as Brookfield with their new property. You also make me retract my thoughts on the subject.
ReplyDeleteSo I bow to your superior knowledge on this subject.
Why was Josh so jumpy at the thought of rex coming to look for him or even ring him?? Something dodgy coming out there soon!! Or am I too suspicious?
ReplyDeleteI don't think you CAN be too suspicious when it comes to that little money-grubbing, two-faced, lying little weasel Phoenix!
DeleteJosh is shifty, for sure - two consecutive incidents about dodgy machinery !!
DeleteFar fetched this but here goes : I blame David & Ruth ! They favour flakey Pip, who is no more honest to hetsrlf or others than Josh, & distinctly less adventurous, where's Josh, generally criticised rather than encouraged by his parents, had become quite twisted in his early twenties. He'll cut corners, turn a blind eye to the provenance of the machinery he gets, in order to put 2 fingers up to the Brookfield clan, showing them he can do well despite their obstructiveness.
Ben is the one I like, training sheepdogs, getting on with his 'A' levels, no trouble at all !
Tch....'herself' (Pip), 'whereas' (Josh)
DeleteI do agree with what you posted at 9:58 am and 9:59 am today,Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think that some of us are suspicious about every new character to appear on the programme ,Pierre
Some folk don’t like Joy.
I just think she is a lonely but kind lady.
However I must say that I never did take to Phillip.
He suddenly appeared when he was renovating Lilian’s bathroom and then very quickly seemed to be Alastair’s best friend .
Nothing wrong with that of course but it didn’t ring true with me.
I don’t think he has been entirely honest with Kirsty and I see no harm in speculating .
I think that he has promised Gavin the money for the wedding for example but whether I am correct in my assumption doesn’t matter
His son is definitely a nasty kettle of fish .
What son takes£1000 from his mother who has been made redundant ,for a fancy wedding?
I just thought it was interesting that the Newspaper was going to send a photographer and wondered whether that was significant.
In a few weeks time we will have another story and the Phillip/Gavin/Kirsty .one will be put on hold.
I doubt if there is one person in Ambridge who we all like or dislike.
These are just characters and not real people and I think to some extent it depends on which script writer is writing at any one time.
I
I find all our different gut reactions to the characters interesting. For instance, Lanjan, you've had doubts about Philip from his first appearance, where I've always thought he was a 'good egg'; you consistently express empathy for Joy & I find her a tiresome woman, the sort of person I'd cross the road to avoid !
ReplyDeleteGUT reactions are one thing, but if we put them to one side, it's possible to be more objective. You've made me think that, whilst Philip is ( I hope!) ok, there's something between him & his son that isn't right at all, that Gavin has some hold on him, maybe to do with the divorce ? Philip trying to placate him because he seems to have taken the mother's side ? Or a dodgy deal Gavin got into, & dad is covering up ? Agree, it'll be interesting to see what happens on Wednesday.
As for Joy, I can see she's lonely, attempting to ingratiate herself with all & sundry, but what's the back story there, there's surely something ? Perhaps there's a good reason why her daughter can't stand her. At any rate, I'll be disgusted if no meaty secrets about these people don't come to light over the next week's & months !
David + Ruth could do the same as the barn, a niece of my was married in. This was the barn was hired, but had to source everything else:- tables/chairs/florists/linen/crockery/caterers/drinks (there was no alcohol licence) and so on.
ReplyDeleteThe difference was the barn facilities. There were wonderful toilet facilities (including disabled), both inside + outside cooking facilities, a properly laid dance floor, and an outside seating patio with wooden table + chairs.
Brookfield needs to really understand the costs involved in Weddings, even in the most simplistic form.
Also does a premisis need to be "approved" in any way, and conform to any regulatations?
carolyn (today 3.30)
ReplyDeleteI blame Josh for everything Josh does!
I know you are entrenched in this view, Gary. Regrettably. 😚
DeleteGG.
ReplyDeleteThanks once again, for yet another absolutely and brilliant cartoon.
How do you find them?
I appreciate all you do. 😍😁✔
Thank you Miriam - in all honesty all I do to find them is sit down with a cup of tea and fart about on the internet!
DeleteJust to return to an earlier theme :
ReplyDeleteThe latest bit of speculation about an outside character having suspicious intentions is:
That Fiona, is actually Philips ex wife and has come to make trouble for Phil and Kirsty!
I ask you! I sometimes wonder if some of the contributors to Archers websites ever listen to the programme properly! 🙄
I kind of pride myself on not listening to it properly sometimes!!
DeleteMy thoughts about being suspicious of any new character, is just natural.
ReplyDeleteI say this, as I would not like a new character/resident in Ambridge, to either upset and so alter, the village, which we all know and love in TA.
I admit, I am one of those suspicious persons.
I am so glad that I have been wrong about Joy, Philip, even The Halls(?) who bought Home Farm.
Still not sure about Natasha though..I am still suspicious about her. I could be wrong.
The mysterious Gills of Home Farm....
DeleteKnew I had the name wrong, but couldn't recall it. Thanks again.
DeleteThey are mysterious though.
If they had any sense they would give the rest of the villagers a wide berth!
DeleteAs we never seem to hear of any encounters with them can we presume that that's exactly what they are doing, Gary?
DeleteI would like, at this stage, to give Josh the benefit of the doubt, in that he did not know that he was buying stolen vehicles.
ReplyDeleteBut - wouldn't these items have had documents of some sort, when sold?
I am getting confused.
But he's still being evasive, whether or not knowingly buying stolen goods : didn't respond to many calls to Thailand, & now wetting himself about facing Rex
DeleteThey had to arrest Josh in front of Vince, so that he can spread the word, end of wedding venue it seems.
ReplyDeleteIf someone sells a stolen vehicle the buyer is responsible, don't know why.
A person arrested by the police has the right to consult a duty solicitor free of charge if they wish, have someone informed of their arrest and to consult the code of practice.
There was no need for the unprofessional nudge: if you have a lawyer, as if many did just in case.
I think Jim will be absolutely fine "about his middle aged daughter coming out", he's not such a stick in the mud, I wonder who will play Angie?
After tonights episode - GG's wonderful cartoon at the top of this page - is so much more relevant.
ReplyDeleteGG must have a Crystal Ball tucked away.
Much as I think that Josh is a little annoying git, I think that Vince Casey has set up the entire thing! Got someone to sell Josh dodgy vehicles & then tipped off the police and arranged the wedding meeting at the same time. Mark my words!
ReplyDeleteThere'll be tears.
DeleteI wouldn't put it past him!
DeleteAgree with Basia, don't think Jim will react bafly at all to Fiona's news, but can understand her doubts, it's her dad & all that, & I daresay he would have been shocked a few years ago, when he first came to Ambridge, but he's broadened his outlook since , even before the Jayston episode. Another thing just thought of - he's a classicist, for goodness sake, hardly unfamiliar with same sex relationships. He'll just be glad she's found love, is happy, & will be eager to meet Angie.
ReplyDeleteI reckon Josh has just been careless, failed to do due diligence on what he's buying cheap, keen to perform his magic on broken farm machinery, not bothered with checking.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't see Josh as a criminal.
DeleteI wonder what the Grundys are living on, what are Ed, Will and Eddie doing exactly.
ReplyDeleteAs usual the women have jobs, Clarrie at Bridge Farm, Emma at the Bull and the factory?
....& Fallon's cafe ?
DeleteDon't forget the cleaning jobs...btw ...is she still on the parish council ?
DeleteEmma, Wonderwoman, the only person who seems to be able to cram 48 hours into 24.
And never, ever, ever shuts up about it.....
DeleteAutumnleaves, you too do not listen very carefully along with Gary and me.
DeleteOnly late last week Emma thanked Philip on behalf of the parish council for doing the work on the playground and talked about the press coming to take photographs.
She didn't say she had, but the suggestion was that she had organised it as a parish councillor.
And as for not listening closely, like GG I am quite proud that for most of a life listening to TA, I have never listened very closely. Just kept pace. And that's enough for me.
Come to think of it how did the Grundys pay for the food and drink at the Burns Supper? Eddie confessed to Clarrie that he had charged for the event. Clarrie, of course in her pious way, was affronted to think of Eddie charging. So my question is where did they get the money to feed the multitude..and haven't they got enough on their plate keeping their own boat afloat without worrying about a pub changing its name?
DeleteJeez no wonder they're always scraping the barrel.
Alcohol was BYO as they haven’t got an alcohol licence.
DeleteNot at all surprised at Fiona’s news - bbc balance to Adam & Ian? SL’s better if happen organically and not just to be PC no need for it anyway we are all just people living life our own way with no need to stand out or be approved of. (Can’t quite remember if we have had another female couple before 🤔 although unless they are coming to live in Ambridge ......
ReplyDeleteJosh debacle was also on the cards. Soon all the youngsters will have been in trouble with the law!
Anna Tregoran..
DeleteAh yes I thought there was someone but could not recall any name. Thanks parsley 👏🏻
DeleteBack to Brookfield, I would have thought the kitchen, toilets etc should be well advanced or even built before taking on bookings as people need to see facilities and not just on paper. It’s as ill thought out as the rewilding scheme!
ReplyDeleteIt looks as if none of it is going to happen now!
DeleteAnd what with drugs at Lower Loxley, drugs at The Bull & now stolen farm equipment (of all things!) at Brookfield - not to mention assault by flapjack, lying to the police about assaults at hunts and burying toxic waste, the Archer family is starting to look like the crime kingpins of Borsetshire!
There you go, Gary, Josh arrested and locked up for the night!
ReplyDeleteAll in front of Vince of course so that will
put the mockers on his daughter’s wedding, and perhaps others too.
I still find it difficult to think of Josh as being
an out and out thief - just a very careless young entrepreneur out to make a quick buck with no questions asked and too prone to cutting corners.
But he’s going to cost his parents a lot in solicitors fees, lost wedding venue business and , importantly, reputation
Stupid Boy!
.
I still think that Vince has been the one behind it all! To get back at David over the abattoir arguments he had an accomplice sell Josh dodgy vehicles, set up a fake wedding with a woman who wasn't his daughter and then, before going to laugh at the barn, he called the police to tip them off about the "crimes" going on at Brookfield! And he got himself a nice front row seat to enjoy the show....Mark my words!
Delete😂😂😂. You could well be right!
DeleteI also agree 😊 with your comments Gary! (Is Vince the new Ambridge “Matt” if so best look out “puss cat”) although our Lil did give him the push back awhile ago in the pub.
DeleteLil did indeed give him the push back a while ago but if she runs true to character she will give him the come on if she thinks it would be to her advantage.
DeleteThere are so many comments to read I'll have to go back and catch up but just wanted to put my opinions in the mix. I think Josh has just been rather careless and is not a knowing thief. I always thought you couldn't plead ignorance in law though but maybe that's incorrect. Ruth and David over-reacted IMHO. It's not as if the local police are going to beat Josh up and put him in chains. Whilst it's not a pleasant experience to be arrested, I'm sure he'll be given a meal and decent bed for the night. I think that Jim won't have a problem with his daughter being gay. Surely he'll just be pleased that she has found some happiness.
ReplyDeletePlus thank you Gary for the cartoon from Punch. Very apt.
Sarnia (today 11:19)
ReplyDeleteIf I were the Gills I think I would give most of the villagers a very wide berth indeed - especially that awful Archer family. Criminals the lot of them!!! I hear their ringleader (Peggy I think her name is) would cut you as soon as look at you!
Rumour has it that the Peggy woman hides away in her mansion protected by some sort of vicious animal that is trained to attack and kill anyone that crosses it's mistress. All the residents of Ambridge live in fear it's said....
Delete🐲 🤣 🐲 🤣 Gary!
DeleteNearest emoji I could find to a viscous cat - what is it though? Knowing my luck a Bull 😂
DeleteGary 10.34 pm - Ooh you may be right. What a dastardly scheme!
ReplyDeleteI somehow think TA is going to be quite fun this week!
ReplyDeleteShenanigans at Brookfield, encapsulated by Gary’s excellent cartoon
A press incident on Wednesday at the playground opening, as Gav tries to hide his face
Ongoing problems for J’lene at the BULL over the renaming fiasco
Happy conversations between father and daughter as Fi come out to her Dad
And other suggestions which I'll keep to myself because giving spoilers is naughty! 😉
Gary 10:34 pm
ReplyDeleteI have marked your words and have given you 10/10 !
I think you might be spot on.
Yes, Gary! Think you’re absolutely right!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be fun to script a week of episodes where Gary's take on the Archer clan( seemingly respectable, actually criminal ) is exposed in a flurry of revelations. 😆😆
ReplyDeleteYes!!
ReplyDeleteAnd perhaps Gary would have the chance to present it at the Conference!
Oh dear, I’m feeling quite light headed with all this fun - or perhaps it was my first few steps in the fresh air just now, enjoying the sunshine! ☀️
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Archerphile! How is the ice machine going?
DeleteDoes TA need to look any further than GG in recruiting a new script writer to bring a new freshness to the proramme?
ReplyDeleteHa! Chance would be a fine thing Pierre!
DeleteCould they afford you anyway Gary 😉
DeleteTo add my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI think Josh has been just totally naive, not checking paperwork etc. on purchasing a vehicle, be it direct from a farmer or at an auction.
I hope that this will be a true wake-up call for him. All he wanted was a Get Rich Scheme and he thought he had found it.
I also don't believe that Vince is involved. Why should he be involved, in what are further shady deals, remembering Tim.
His scheme is his abbatoir, with its costs, so affecting the Ambridge Community, must be good enough for him.
I am confused with Vince + his daughters.
ReplyDeleteLilian helped him choose a pony for an 8 yr old, or so I thought.
Now we have a daughter, who is planning a wedding. They can't be the same one, surely.
A new criminal in the village, Josh, The Gangsta, Archer? Even if I was likely to be a culprit I’d be embarrassed to have my Mumsy and Dadsy screeching dementedly at the polis as they dragged me off to the station. He is an adult of twenty two but they think he is only about ten years old.
ReplyDeleteI shall propose another rumour about how Josh has ended up buying and selling dodgy farm machinery. So here we go! I am suggesting two possible characters, working within the area who would know which farms are likely to have goods that can be passed on and sold, no questions asked.
GAVIN&TIM. Possibly one or the other.
Josh stupidity and unwittingly became their fence, bought the stuff, usually on line, which he would then sell without checking the history of the items he bought.
I also think it is no coincidence Vince, The Abbatoir, was there he seemed to give the impression he knew Josh. Or perhaps he recognised a young kindred spirit?
That theory rings true.Josh had been naive, careless & greedy.
DeleteSorry. I just can't agree.
DeleteHow could Gav disguise his welsh accent, to become Tim?
Let's wait until Ed meets him. Then we will know.
DeleteMiriam, Stasia didn't say Gavin & Tim were one & the same person, just that either or both of them could be guilty of stealing the machinery then selling it to Josh.
DeleteMiriam. I accept that Gavin is Welsh and Tim is, I presume English. They could be in cahoots with each other or separate villains 🦹♀️ working independently. But it takes more than one person to raid a hole in the wall with a JCB.
DeleteObviously misread.
DeleteSorry. 😭
All very interesting and intriguing.
ReplyDeleteLike your ideas Stasia.
To be honest had I been David and Ruth I would have made a few enquiries about Vince and his family
Mind you had I been one of them I wouldn’t have started this ridiculous Wedding venue idea in the first place.
All we know was that the wedding they hosted was a success.
Now they are upgrading everything.
Had it been suitable and passed all the relevant tests in the first place why go to any expense to improve things?
More to the point ,how can a full time farmer and his wife do a second job just to bring in a bit more cash which in truth they don’t really need.
They still have a Ruth’s inheritance and the money Kenton “gave” back to David plus eventually they will have a chunk of money from Jill.
If the bride to be is actually Vince’s daughter ,Miriam ,there is no reason why she shouldn’t have a younger sibling for whom Lilian was asked to choose a pony.
Exactly Lanjan - I was under the impression that all farmers worked 28 hours a day, 9 days a week, 402 days a year!
DeleteLike Emma?😅😅😅
DeleteGood one!
DeleteRuth is justifiably angry but I felt she didn't have to shout at Josh the second time. He's like a beaten dog. We knew Johnny was coming to see him, if he has it in him to offer support perhaps his parents could. If Josh goes to prison that means he's deserved it. Did they actually teach him how to keep records properly? They talked about calving and being stretched and they're planning building work, as you say how would they fit in weddings?
ReplyDeleteI'm very sad about Nicholas Parsons, I don't think I'll listen to JAM anymore.
It's as if they cancelled The Archers. I know it's the passage of time.
As David is so concerned about the imminent calving then lambing and being snowed under why are they adding a wedding business into the mix 🙄
ReplyDeleteLast night Roooth was all “ oh I need to rush to my boy, can’t bear to think of him alone in a cell scared and alone “ etc and tonight screaming at him like a banshee! I do believe Josh is scared at this moment in time (but as with Johnny once he found he was in the clear with him he brighten up very quickly) so will he learn from this his latest scrape 🤞
But what about those final words of Josh’s - if it isn’t too late? They have an ominous ring!
DeleteI think Ruth behaved appallingly tonight and I also thinks she is rubbish mother.
ReplyDeleteYes Josh was stupid, thoughtless and careless, (especially about keeping records) and has caused his family no end of problems. But when have they ever taught him how to set up and run a successful business?
He was told there was no future place for him farming Brookfield and was only useful when filling in for precious, prenant Pip.
He receives constant criticism from both parents and very little encouragement.
Ruth’s tirade tonight was more about how he’d let her down and spoilt the wedding business plans - nothing about how to help him or recover his business - surprisingly it was David who played the softer pedal and obviously realised how frightened and abject his son was.
And Johnny, a true friend, there when needed.
Totally agree Archerphile. I didn't think I could dislike Ruth more but she plumbed the depths tonight.
DeleteAs a mother she should have been comforting not accusing. So, so, selfish and does she never think how differently they treat their sons and their daughter?
I think Ruth shouted at Josh because she had been so worried last night. She opened a valve and all the angst came spilling out. I find Josh very arrogant and it’s no surprise to me that he has been cavalier about the paperwork or checking the sources of his purchases. However he did seem genuinely repentant so I hope he matures and perhaps it’s time David and Ruth supported him to put his career on a more professional footing instead of focusing on the wedding idea. Or maybe Josh will take on the wedding business instead 😕
ReplyDeleteI think that is a very thoughtful post Seasider and I agree.
ReplyDeleteWhat mother doesn't berate her child when the child has been lost.
Josh may be a young man now but is not a mature man and Ruth was expressing her fear and anger at the harm he has brought upon himself. Her child, in deep trouble.
I would be very surprised if she does not come round to being understanding and comforting within a day or so.
I agree that Josh would have been prepared for business if his parents had sat with him and prepared him for the paperwork that he has been so tardy with, but perhaps we need to remember how very arrogant and self reliant Josh has been.
Had they offered tuition or even guidance would Josh have listened ?
I think not !
But he is a born entrepreneur and I hope that he can find something worthwhile to do.
The suggestion that he runs the wedding venture might well be it.
Actually the comment about the wedding venture and Josh was very much tongue in cheek, but maybe you have a point, Mrs P. Josh was full of energy as a child and a bit difficult to contain. This hard lesson might do it and he could turn that energy and confidence to his advantage as he matures. Otherwise he could just be like his Uncle Kenton and move from one failed venture to another - remember Kenton and Nelson Gabriel and the antique business?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnd what about Ben. Is he still up in his room, totally unaware of what’s been going on, being a good boy for Mummy?
ReplyDeleteAnd will Pip harangue Josh for being an idiot or show some sympathy I wonder?
I thought it interesting that Josh asked Toby to bring him home from the police station.
I expect Toby was sympathetic and understanding and may well be a support for Josh over the coming days, as will his good friend Johnny.
In my youth, more than 70 years ago, persons such as Josh would have been referred to as "a Big Ike". These peoples' big black dogs were always bigger and blacker than anyone else's and were constantly the subject of their owner's boasts. It was always gratifying when the inevitable fall came after such misplaced pride.
ReplyDeleteOnly caught up with this episode this afternoon, &
ReplyDeletewas completely convinced by the script & performances Josh is shattered, humbled, scared - who wouldn't be ? He's indeed lucky to have a friend like Johnny, relegating the past hurt over Bella & non judgemental in the present crisis.
Agree with Seasider about Ruth's behaviour, that seesaw between extreme concern & rage isn't helpful, but it is human, & many mothers would react like that ! I do think she was right to push him on what actually happened at the police station, & to get him to admit his failure at keeping records of all transactions.
Have noticed before how Ruth & David swap roles when one of their children are out of line : David explodes initially, then calms down, acting as the voice of moderation, whilst Ruth is all maternal concern to begin with, then lets rip later. It's happened with Pip several times.
I think Josh could learn a lot from Freddie, with his experiences in the YOI. Josh would or will be, in an adult prison.
ReplyDeleteIgnorance and naivity, is not an excuse.
DeleteNot an excuse, true, but it is an explanation. I believe his ego & culpable over confidence have taken a beating & that he will learn from this.
DeleteHowever it all pans out, I would be very surprised if his punishment would be anything like as severe as Freddie's, whose crime was so much more serious, knowingly dealing in drugs, putting the safety of others at risk.
As did Tim.
DeleteBut he managed to vanish & escape arrest ! ( rather like Titchener, actually)
DeleteNo, just a very steep learning curve for the over-confident young!
ReplyDeleteGosh the invincible Josh, not so bish , bash, bosh with his business skills.
ReplyDeleteMoney, money, money,
Josh wants to be in the rich mans world. Why does he need standards of mercantile behaviour?He has been surrounded by other more mature adults without any business scruples, The Grundys, Mat Crawford and his mates, Lilian, Justin, Kenton and now Vince.
They all speak with forked tongue and have had many years of experience. Josh just speaks what comes to mind. I still recall his wonderful comments to the dastardly Russ.
Josh is not yet in their league, so let’s hope he grows up and realises cutting corners will only produce an irate Ruth with a now subservient David.
I shouldn’t have thought Vince was a particular mate of Josh!
DeleteOff tangent, but still TA related
ReplyDeleteDoes Emma still "clean" at Brookfield?
Why, I do suspect Ian is developing a sense of humour !
ReplyDeleteI agree with some others that Ruth was OTT in her reactions to Josh's predicament. Understandable I suppose but shouting and yelling at him was never going to be helpful. He's been a cocky young man and now has to be wiser, less casual etc. He needs to do some growing up in short.
ReplyDeleteBTW could Johnny be any nicer? What a lovely young man.
Nothing too dramatic, just Gavin putting Kirsty in her place, let dad decide, about the photograph, it's Crete now, because of your wedding, we'll be discussing work. Why does she feel guilty, she tried to persuade Gavin not to have a big wedding because it put a financial strain on Philip and if he was prepared to pay 20k he could have said, no son, no need, I'll pay up. Ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Gavin .takes every opportunity to wrong foot Kirsty, who evidently doesn't feel she can give as good as she gets, as she would normally, because the repellent man is Philip's son, she doesn't want to upset him, risk family conflicts etc.
DeleteSo we were wrong about the photo call at the playground, this is going to be a slow burning SL, but it was even clearer tonight that the son has some sort of hold over the father. A nasty smell ! Btw, I wonder how much cheaper Crete really is compared with Bali ? Not a huge drop in expenditure I'd imagine.
Gavin acknowledged 'money was tight', so why would he demand 20k in the first place ? Or anything ? Being short of money is relative, depending on usual level of income, but by most standards, even entertaining the feasibility of forking out that amount for a wedding, hardly suggests near insolvency. It simply doesn't add up.
Archerphile 6.01pm
ReplyDeleteI was just implying that Josh was trying to a big fish with a silver:tongue. Just like Vince.
Ah, I understand. 🐟
DeleteTalking of fish, although nothing happened on Wednesday with Gavin at the playground,I still think there is something fishy going on.
ReplyDeleteWe don’t know what will happen when the photograph gets printed in the newspaper.
Another thing crossed my mind.
Is Phillip relieved that Kirsty wants a quiet wedding because that means it will make it easier for him to give Gavin the money he wants?
Big hint tonight from Adam about Neils future as the pig manager. Being summonsed to a BL board meeting doesn’t sound good. To me at least. But if there is a problem why doesn’t Justin just deal with things as he did the feed issue and tail biting?
ReplyDeleteAs for the revolting, repulsive, repugnant and otherwise unpleasant Gavin? I’m not a vindictive person, but I do hope he has a humpty, dumpty experience and ends up being taken down a peg or two.
You are right Stasia. Gavin is indeed a boil on the bum of the world. Two pegs is not enough!
Delete✔️✔️✔️ He is a totally obnoxious character and I love your description of him Pierre!
DeleteAnd Stasia - the future doesn’t sound too bright for Neil does it? I reckon the board will want to put cost savings into Berrow Farm, perhaps by using tail-docked pigs as suggested by Hannah and which Neil would hate. I can see him resigning if the hassle goes on much longer, he doesn’t need it at his time of life. The only downside would be Hannah getting his job!
DeleteI think Gavin is playing on Philip's guilt about divorcing his mother but we don't know what happened, sounds like Lee's marriage, fell apart.
ReplyDeleteGavin is a prime example of those who smile sweetly and disguise spite under a cloak of extreme pleasantness! I had a neighbour like that and after a conversation with her I would suddenly realise the hidden meaning in what she had said. (She spent money like water and resented our holidays which had been carefully budgeted for.) Kirsty, beware! I think Kirsty has been very patient. You would think she would find it hard to be pleasant to him after the things that have been said.
ReplyDeleteA report on the island eagles. Six were released, one has disappeared his tracking having failed, one is living in Oxfordshire with Red Kites and one has died. We are left with three. Two, a male and female, have bonded closely so hopes of raising chicks in the future as they are still juveniles. The other one is probably happily single!
ReplyDeleteToday there is a photo of an eagle on the beach with a crow showing the eagle’s great size - about a metre tall. Apparently the crow tweaked his tail and then hopped into a trench to escape his wrath!
ReplyDeleteSorry, last two on wrong blog!
ReplyDeleteYou're forgiven Ev! Good story tho'.....
DeleteArcherphile 9.27
ReplyDeleteI disagree with you that the downside of Niel resigning would be Hannah getting his Job. She wont cope and they will be begging for Niel to come back ,
CowGirl, I agree, let Hannah show her worth, whatever that may be. Even Susan suggested that Neil retired and I don't think he'd go back.
ReplyDeleteI don’t actually think this will happen but.......
ReplyDeleteJustin wasn’t exactly over impressed with Hannah so might it be possible that it is she who is to be “sacked “ rather than Neil ?
In fairness if that were the case I would have thought it wouldn’t need a full blown meeting with every Tom Dick and Harry.
However it could start a “theme” about unfair dismissal.
CowGirl, I disagree - assuming Hannah gets Neil’s job, and assuming she does cope (I think she would cope), I think it highly unlikely Neil would be asked back except as a stopgap while another manager was recruited.
ReplyDeleteLanJan, I had the same thoughts as you, that an overblown meeting wouldn’t be called unless there’s a more major reorganisation on the cards, and that it would be Hannah whose job is at risk after Justin’s recent dealings with her. However Neil might decide he’s had enough, and if he does, I think he’s more likely to be like Robert when he was made redundant (?) and find other things to do.
ReplyDeleteIF Neil does decide to retire, I don't think that Hannah would be a suitable person to take control.
ReplyDeleteEnter another "Rob"? but with a very different persona.
If the propositions above were to come to fruition, Neil might well be brought in as a consultant. On a huge fee.
ReplyDeleteThat would thrill Susan !
Yes, it sounds like a demotion to me, Neil becoming a subordinate, rearing stock outdoors - that's the only advantage - for Hannah to polish off for the market.
ReplyDeleteAs much as Neil will love working with outdoor pigs again, I don't think he will be able to accept, that Hannah will become an equal.
ReplyDeleteTime to move on. 🐖🐷🐖🐷
Lanjan & Seasider closest to what happened tonight, it would seem. Justin & the board certainly value Neil's unquestionable talents, & outdoor pig work would probably suit him better, but very unfortunate that it has to be a small but significant demotion, whilst Hannah gets a rise ! What's she done to merit this, exactly- annoyed JE, a thorn in the side of her immediate superior, Neil ? Anyway, if she's indoors, he's out, & they don't have to communicate much, maybe it would suit Neil pretty well. He's right to ask for time to consider, however.
ReplyDeleteHe was very tactful, even generous, when asked to give an assessment of the insolent little madam, wasn't he.
Aha, I knew Jim would react positively to Fiona's news of having a female partner. What a satisfying scene between the two of them. I liked Jim sdmitting to his 'emotional constipation' ; he's learnt such a lot since the shock of being confronted with his childhood abuser. Horrible way to learn, but, interestingly, beneficial to him ultimately.
ReplyDeleteIs this Justin scheming - in that there will be true + realistic comparison, between Neil + Hannah, as all he wants is profits.
ReplyDeleteThis way he will find out, which of the duo, will provide the most to suit.
Hats off to Justin and partners! A neat and imaginative solution to the Berrow Farm situation.
ReplyDeleteRearing outdoor pigs would certains suit Neil bette but who will be ‘managing’ his side of the enterprise. Would he be on his own or have junior staff to do the heavy day to day jobs , like moving arks?
ReplyDeleteAnd there could still be conflict between him and Hannah if, say, she is not satisfied with the weavers he supplies.
I have a feeling he will be a bit miffed by what he may see as a slight demotion and decide to quit.
Susan might night get her scuba diving trip
In Lanzarote after all 😉
“Weaners”
DeleteSorry about many typos - done after heavy dose of cocodamol, half asleep!
DeleteI disagree with you Maryellen, a recipe for disaster, no one in overall control.
ReplyDeleteCowGirl, we don’t know that, Justin only mentioned in our hearing
Deletethe aspects of the “.major restructuring” at Berrow that applied to Neil and Hannah.
Little piggies 🐷 do beware,
ReplyDeleteAlong will come Hannah with her 🪓 axe
To wack the tails right off your backs.
Then off to market you will go
Telling tales of strife and woe.
😢
Delete😚😋 Nice one, Stasia...
DeleteI am amazed that the much vaunted management skills of Justin have managed to come up with this mishmash. The manager who is much appreciated and was head hunted is demoted whilst the subordinate, whom he told that he knew she was trying to undermine her manager, as to be promoted.
ReplyDeleteWhat colour is the moon on whatever planet Ambridge exists?
Agree, Pierre. Neil should walk away.
ReplyDeleteI too hope Neil walks away and leaves them all to get on with it.
ReplyDeleteTo add
I hope they get on with it quietly and don’t involve us .
Justin is supposed to be a good manager, he should therefore know that in any restructuring There has to be a consultation process.
ReplyDeleteA board meeting where you are told what your new job will be with a reduction in salary, together with veiled threats is not a consultation process. Yes Maryellen we only heard some of it, but enough to know the process is incorrect.
Should Niel decide to resign then in my view he would have enough to go for constructive dismissal.
Justin said he found staff management difficult, we have never heard any discussion of the subject between him and Justin in what would be described as a supervision session. Susan would have known if there had of been one and therefor us, that would add to his case.
That all makes sense. Also, what is all this about Neil's dubious 'management skills' ?! The only trouble he's had is with lippy Hannah, & there are plenty of other staff he has to organize, no problems there that we've heard of.
DeleteAny restructuring which includes demotion for Neil and promotion for Hannah has to be unfair. She is a most unpleasant character with no interpersonal skills. Agree Neil would have a case for constructive dismissal.
ReplyDeleteAs part of a proper restructuring process Niels Demotion would not be deemed unfair in law, what is unfair is the correct process has not been followed and by by Justins vieled threats. In addition you cannot use his so called lack of management skills as justification if they have never been addressed formally. These failures would assist his case flowing his resignation for constructive dismassal
DeleteI agree with you Ev. Neil should not accept what has been proposed. He's the man with huge experience and a pleasant manner whilst Hannah has none of those qualities.
ReplyDeleteNeil resigns and blows his last salary/redundancy on scuba diving in Lanzarote!
ReplyDeleteMaybe that is what Justin really wants him to do, resign. But Justin is being underhand and devious by reassuring Neil that he just wants him to move to a different job. I have been through a number of restructurings and there has always been an element of pushing certain ‘undesirable’ individuals into leaving of their own accord. Usually with a package.
DeleteToday being what is it, a sort of new "Modern History" date -
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Brexit, will be mentioned in TA tonight?
It is topical for today, and can be done by a simple mentioning in passing, in a conversation, as long as it's not political.
Well if Kirsty is on she might mention that the Isolation Unit for that dreadful Coronavirus is on the Wirral where she comes from.
ReplyDeleteI think that the NHS have been pretty quick off the mark with that.
I applaud whoever is responsible.
On a different note, it was nice to hear Jim and Fiona discuss her ‘coming out’ to him.
ReplyDeleteWill she be another token lesbian like Anna T who popped in for a little time, full of angst and self loathing.
A couple of ‘normal’ lesbians moving into Ambridge would be better than the moaning Male couple. At least they could nice little soirées.
I like that idea.
DeleteAdam, Ian Anna + Fiona sharing an evening meal together
I wonder what the topic of conversation would be?
Babies probably
DeleteThat's all new parents can talk about..how wonderful their little mini me is.
DeleteThen Anna and Fiona will start feeling broody and start to think of their own little one...and so it goes.
Her name is Angie, perhaps she's younger than Fiona who is middle aged because I don't think they'll do IVF all over again.
DeleteBesides, Fiona is an academic up in Scotland, why would she relocate to Ambridge?
DeleteSo Gavin’s pash has seen the light just in time! Watch out, Kirsty though as he may become a permanent fixture! Philip will be able to afford a wonderful honeymoon now with no 20k to find!
ReplyDeleteGavin did like the space and he's in business with his dad, so what could be simpler than stay and drive Kirsty mad/out.
ReplyDeleteMy thinking too Basia! Plus what was Gavin hunting for in the house that day?
DeletePart of me reckons that he hasn’t really spilt up at all and has engineered this situation
to oust Kirsty as she has sussed his character out and he needs to have dad back to himself!
Gavin,I think you should go and live with your generous mother.
ReplyDeleteShe has lost her job and you can help her out money wise.
You know it makes sense.
Gary's theory about Vince is gathering pace...
ReplyDeleteYes Ev she probably still wants the wedding in Bali & not the cheaper Greek version & when Dad & Kirsty say they're off for a couple of days & Gav finds out that have a wedding planned He will be certain to cause mayhem & destroy the plans cos he will say Kirsty destroyed his plans!
ReplyDeleteYes & Vince is very creepily lining Josh up for a fall, what will daddy David say???
Or when P & K return Gavin may have changed the locks and moved his fiancée in -so many options for the SW 🤣
DeleteI'm with you, Phoenix in that Vince is clearly 'playing' both David & Josh, as Gavin is 'playing' Philip & Kirsty. What the aims of either of them is, remains unclear. Intriguing !
ReplyDeleteI do wonder, though, if Kelly ever existed, & whether this is all some dark plot of Gavin to get rid of Kirsty, & secure his own inheritance, safe from the claims of a second wife.
Also, whilst David is steeling himself to be pleasant & reassuring to Vince, whom he despises, in order to secure the wedding booking, I suspect Vince is planning big trouble for Brookfield. Is Stephanie for real, or is she a plant ? Why all this nudge, wink with gullible Josh - a bit of flattery & 'here's my lawyer's number ?'
It all stinks, for sure.
You are spot on Carolyn. "It is as rank as duck muck" as we used to say where I grew up.
DeleteCarolyn I too wondered if Kelly really exists! So many ways these storylines could go wrong!!
ReplyDeleteWriting that bit, Pheonix, I had a vague memory that someone else had said that - must have been you !
Delete(Repetition happens quite often I've noticed, sometimes just a few posts apart. I guess it shows, whilst bloggers have strong disagreements about aspects of TA, there's also lots of thinking along similar lines !)
Yes, a tantalizing SL indeed.
Do like that graphic ' duck muck saying, Pierre; want to say it in a northern accent - is that where it comes from ?
The Potteries,Carolyn.pronounced as " ronk as........"
DeleteNow even I am seeing devious plots in TA!
ReplyDeleteIs it possible that Gavin has not broken up with Kelly(?) at all, but his tears are all a ploy to get Dad’s sympathy. Then in a couple of weeks he and Kelly will have a miraculous ‘raprochement’ and a very relieved Dad will agree to fund whatever wedding will keep Kelly onside, in Bali, Beirut or Basingstoke?
Kirsty will be so glad to get Gav out of the house, she will agree to anything too!
It’s all a fiendish plot!
Could be ! But it bodes ill for the marriage if the bride stamps her foot & walks away from the engagement just because she can't have a wedding in the place that was her 1st choice ! 😗
DeleteMind you, IF Kelly exists, then the couple are equally repellent & deserve each other...
How did Kelly actually manage to remove Gavin from their home?
ReplyDeleteHas she had the locks changed?
It all sounds very fishy.
As for David....
He is so weak.
He should have told Vince he is not interested and apologised to Stephanie and then sat down with Ruth to discus whether it was a worthwhile Business to be talking on.
I thought I was going to listen to last nights episode of The Archers but instead had a round up of last years events in Ambridge by Tracy Horobin which was very entertaining. I did then listen to last night episode.
ReplyDeleteVince took to Josh because he saw a younger kindred spirit. They both have the gift of the gab and Josh can bend the truth/ reality for example, when he interrupted the discussions with David and downplayed his misdemeanours. I think Vince realised he could in some way use a younger version of himself.
ReplyDeleteWell done Kelly, getting rid of whinging Gavin was a good idea! That is if you exist?
Not so good for Kirsty! Don’t marry Philip he is a useless father and Gavin will be a millstone round your neck.
Kirsty agreeing to have the cuckoo in the nest was a big mistake.
I was one that thought Kelly didn't exist.
ReplyDeleteI have now changed my mind. Initially I was curious though, why she didn't appear, as expected, after the announcement of, not only the engagement but the wedding plans.
As Archerphile has so well written, is she still around and so part of Gav's sheme/s?
He is up to something - but not sure what.
I think, that his end goals are to, not only get money from Philip, but also to split him + Kirsty up.
Only time + the SW's will reveal all.
What Vince is doing to Josh is grooming him to become a usefull spearcarrier in future nefarious enterprizes.
ReplyDeleteSuccinctly put & it rings true !
DeleteWhat is happening to No.1 The Green?
ReplyDeleteWho is moving in and when..
I would think that Will will want to receive some rent again, as he is basically un-employed.
Hannah said a week or two ago that she and Johnny are moving back in, and the other day Lee was helping Johnny take his stuff to the house.
DeleteThanks for the up-date. I must have missed the return.
DeleteI must listen more closely 😉
I expect we all miss or mis-hear the less than compelling moments. I like your idea of listening again on Sundays which I loved doing for many years, but haven’t felt motivated to do so recently.
DeleteI will be listening again to the Sunday Omnibus, as I always pick up on things, previously missed.
DeletePS Good listening when I clean the kitchen. ✔✔
Pierre and Carolyn- well put, spearcarrier !
ReplyDeleteAnd Josh will enjoy the sensation of being chosen, make the most of the experience, and carry on to become a mature image of Vince.
I wonder if Matt had ever groomed a mini Matt ?
*** IMPORTANT MESSAGE ***
ReplyDeleteI am unable to change tge blogs until I am back from my weekend jaunt - please bear with me until Monday!
Remember to click on the pesky little "load more" button if you want to read, or add to, the comments....
I can recommend:-
ReplyDeleteTracy Horrobin's Guide to Ambridge.
It is tongue in cheek + a fun extra.
I certainly enjoyed it.
Two minds Esscee!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if we will be proved right? That tirade from Gav certainly didn’t sound genuine to me, neither did the years!