Made a comment on previous page (which was still open) but sadly lost it, as was closed when "published".😣😭 Can't be bothered to re-write at the moment, and was probably not worthing reading, anyway😁😀
I thought Jim reacted in a completely plausible way following the bombshell of Jayston's death, from the beginning to the end of the episode. His analysis of his feelings at the end was clearly articulated & utterly understandable. Well done, SWs, & Jim, you're fortunate in both son & friend.
Pip, distracted as ever, caught on the hop, needing to have the obvious pointed out to her, yet again.
Philip, utterly sincere, thinks it 'sorted', but Gavin is not to be trusted for a moment. He's just pulled Kirsty into believing he is genuinely repentant, because it happens to suit him whilst he wants his damn wedding paid for.
Just a daft thought- Could Phillip be planning to propose to Kirsty and suggest they opt for a double wedding in Bali with Gavin & fiancée? Wonder how that would go down!
Have seen suggestions for other name changes in Ambridge. The one I thought funniest was for St. Stephens to become St. Shulas. Oliver might change Grey Gables to Multicoloured, or Rainbow Gables and perhaps Russ could come up with a more arty name for Lower Loxley.
Carolyn 7:49 pm last night I am with you on virtually everything you wrote but I think Phillip has told Gavin that he will give him the £20,000 if he will apologise to Kirsty. He will not tell Kirsty that of course. Archerphile,I chuckled at the idea of St Stephen’s becoming St Shula’s. Kirsty will definitely not be going to Bali to get married .
Yes, Lanjan, that makes sense to me. G. wants that 20k, so he swallowed his pride. No, Kirsty really would not go for a) a double wedding b) the obscene expense of Bali. St Shula ! I like it ! Where did that silly name come from, anyway ? Is it just an endearment of Ursula ?
Carolyn: 9.37 I’m really surprised you have not heard of the derivation of ‘Shula’ When Phil and Jill knew they were expecting twins they couldn’t decide on names, So they had the idea of juggling with some of those alphabet building blocks children have. One throw came up with an S, H, U, L, and A so that was what the girl would be called. As for Kenton, I’m not absolutely sure but I think he was named after a business associate, or former teacher or tutor or somebody Phil looked up to.
Archerphile. 12.08 Agree with most of what you say except that Phil and Jill did not know they were expecting twins! I can still hear the ending of the episode when Phil telephoned Doris from the hospital saying 'Mum? It's twins. A boy and a girl! ' Of course in those days that was a much more common occurrence!
Have commented on other blog but just to add here - I haven't commented here much recently because I am of the opinion that present S/Ls are absolute pants! 😆
Relationships are appearing prominent in Ambridge - Tom + Natasha so "loved up", Jill + Leonard with their lovely companionship, and now Helen + Lee. 😘 I wonder if all will all end in tears - along with the re-appearance of Rob. It is about time - as must nearly be time..
Think Kirtsy + Philip, are safe + sound. They seem are very stable couple and comfortable together. Howvet, Emma + Ed appeared similar and look what happened to them.
Oh Lord! Will somebody please get rid of Lilian! Her voice is driving me potty, her disgusting laugh makes me cringe and her influence on “J’lene” is unbearable . If only Kenton would stand up for himself and stop being walked all over by these two harridans! 😡
Lillian lives in a comunity where everyone else can pronounce Jolene and she must hear that on a daily basis. Why, for heaven's sake, does she persist with her absurd pronunciation "J'lene". Or can't the actress read?
I thought Neil was either going to have a heart attack or shoot Hannah by mistake. Can't wait till Thursday and more of Lilian's cackle, "Jolene's" my foot!
Hear ,hear Archerphile. Please can somebody tell me why J’lene has so much influence. I thought Kenton partly owned the pub through Kathy who was married to Sid . What share does Lilian have? I have completely lost the plot. Kenton is pathetic . Both Lilian and J’lene are I am afraid. “common” They lower the tone of a pleasant country pub. Did I hear correcectly (or did I make it up) that the new bar maid that Lilian has found has piercings?
Lilian trying to do what M and S failed spectacularly to do ie bring in the young folk. Older clientele are not important. "
Wish he had shot Hannah ! He''d have got away with an 'accidental' verdict, I bet. Loved the way she suggested he look to his managerial skills - like she, with zilch understanding of pigs compared to Neil, has ever understood the role of an employee....good to hear him shout at her. I so hope she doesn't get her foot in the door of no.1 again So an episode centring round the sadness of saying goodbye to pigs. For Rex, something he has to harden himself to, the abbattoir is inevitable; for Neil, a really sad loss which, as he sees it, was avoidable.
I doubt the police have really finished with Josh; otherwise, why all the preceding drama ?
Never have liked Kirsty, her voice really grates on me and I don't trust Philip. Then the idea of a grown man, living with a 'partner' wanting his father to pay for his nuptials is absolutely ridiculous! Hanging storyline of Natasha and her extravagance? Where's that gone? Has Josh taken after Uncle Kenton and started lying to get out of trouble? Finally the name change will probably be the 'selling of Brookfield' all over again 😣😠
Lanjan. Kenton's only interest in the ownership of The Bull is through Jolene. Sid had been divorced from Kathy quite a while before he died. Although he likes to be the boss he is a manager/barman. Lilian owns 51 per cent, Jamie (Sid's son) owns a few shares and Jolene has the rest and is the licencee. Historically that is how it is but who knows what the S/Was think? 😕
As Neil is in charge of the Berrow Farm pigs, surely what he decides + implements has to be done. Wasn't that why Justin appointed him (with a £50K salary) to be in full control of the unit.
Oh dear Spicycushion I fear you are being “Northist “ about Kirty’s accent. You sound like Mr LJ who can’t abide listening to one of the football commentators because he says he can’t understand what he is saying. He asks me to translate!
It's not the accent but to me she sounds so "twee." Agree that Lilian is just so annoying and again how does she"run" Amside multi million property company and spend so much time behind the bar. Jolene owns nearly half the Bull because Sid left it to her in his Will.
Takes one to know one Hannah and if you were the boss would you take Neil talking to you the way you do to him! Thank goodness he told you to shut up you goaded him to it. Surprised the big reveal of The Bulls intended new name is not to be Fridays closing line... I doubt you are out of the woods yet Josh your so called mate will probably drop you in it and so he should you are too cocky by half 😡
Except that he's used to her, so it wouldn't be a strain. Her objectionable side( well, there isn't another side, is there)never seemed to affect him, water off a duck's back. Still, I'd much much rather Ed & Emma patched up their differences & moved in there. Johnny would do better to flat share locally with a mate( no, not Freddie ! A mature friend, someone more like himself)
Wow! I sometimes give it a miss for a while too Sarnia - after all, it's really easy to pick up nearly all of what's going on by being on here. As always with The Archers, you haven't really missed much if we're being honest...😋
I was truly appalled at the rude and unsophisticated way Neil yelled at Hannah and fully endorsed her reply.- his personnel management skills are zero and his other management skills are in question.
He IS out of his depth as a manager with people to manage instead of animals - but let's remember that he didn't really wholeheartedly want the job in the first place. Susan soooooo wanted him to have it, because then in her head she would be on the same social footing in the village as people like Jen & Brian....
Admittedly Neil has never before had any training in, or experience of management - So how *should* he deal with an employee as rude and uncooperative as Hannah? She shouldn’t speak to her manager as she does, or worse, go behind his back to the big boss to ‘drop him in it’.
Apart from Hannah, and I too wanted Neil to shoot her, (never heard Neil shout like that) what stood out for me this evening was the reference to the new barmaid and ' too many piercings '. So now the subject of piercings is raised in TA. To be up to date, or to be contentious ?
It's too little, too late where Neil/Hannah are concerned. He should have put her firmly in her place from the outset- listened to her ideas, of course, but only after getting her to repeat them in a civil & respectful manner. Trouble is, he & other Ambridge bosses aren't used to her type, don't see how rude they actually are until the behaviour has become entrenched. I don't know where she grew up, & care less, but she seems to me the kind of urban young woman, who flings around the word 'qualifications' like it's gold dust, is dead chippy & overbearing with both men & women &, worse yet, gives feminism a bad name, which it doesn't deserve or need. Not so much #metoo, but #me first last & everything in between.
Condemning Hannah, rightly or wrongly, doesn’t excuse Neil’s appalling display of bad behaviour, both as an individual or as a boss. It was the reaction of man conscious of his own fallibility, and trying to defend himself by asserting his official authority in the wrong way. The moral authority here lies with Hannah.
He lost his temper, that's all. He wouldn't be the first, & certainly not the last, boss to do that, even those who are normally considered to 'possess managerial skills' to quote bland, meaningless modern business speak ! Even the patient, urbane 0liver was overly shirty the other day.
PS to my previous message: I should have described Neil as “an ageing man” because I guess that is as significant as describing Hannah as a young woman.
I think her need to make her mark overrides her understanding of going too far Pierre. It's sure to all blow up in her face pretty soon. I hope ! Yes Gary.... she is loathsome.
Not sure why Neil needs to be described as anything more than Hannah’s boss ,Maryellen. What has his age got to do with anything? Hannah IS a young woman and she is an appallingly rude one at that. Not too long ago she would have been shown the door ,quite rightly ,for her behaviour. Is Neil expected to sit back and take the rudeness handed out to him by someone in a more junior position to him? He should have Justin’s backing. I think Neil would be within his rights to suggest to Justin that he is finding Hannah’s behaviour so dreadful that it could be suggested to her her job is in jeopardy unless she apologises and behaves in a more responsible and respectful way.
It would surely be unwise of Neil to suggest to Justin that he (Neil) lacks the personal and professional ability to ‘manage’ Hannah - whose outspoken criticism (she’s not the smouldering type!) has more than a grain of truth. Remember Neil was solely responsible for appointing her, so if she is as bad as listeners here say, it reflects poorly on Neil’s judgment of character and personnel management skills.
(Funny thing is, since I discovered the actor playing Neil is in his early 80s, that’s how old I feel he is playing the character!)
Yes Rex listen to Josh & go & have a word with Neil who will soon realise you are much more caring of the pigs in the same way Neil is then he will suggest Justin employs you & Hannah can go & look after your pigs on her own!
Maryellen 1;51 you say Niel in the appointment of Hannah shows poor Judgement of character and poor management skills. I would like to disagree with you. People can be very good at hiding their true character in the interview process. When I worked for Social Services I was involved in a great deal of interviewing. I will put my hand up and say I made mistakes despite having the most vigorous interview process of any. Though I would suggest fewer than my colleagues. It must be remembered that Justin appointed Niel and indeed wanted him knowing he had little experience of management of people. He wanted him for his experience and the quality of his caring for pigs. He should have rembered that when he listened to Hannah.
The persistent tail-biting problem is calling Neil”s experience and quality of care into question. Hannah’s characteristically straightforward approach leads me to think she would have been unlikely to adopt a deceptive approach at interview (although Itake the general point about this happening). Justin appointed Neil at a time when the village was uneasy about the pig development at Berrow, so having the Chair of the Parish Council ( who happened to have a reputation as a pigman) on side was a typical Justin ploy; it outweighed Neil’s lack of managerial experience. Neil should beware of putting Justin in a position where he is forced to admit that was a mistake.
Neil made a mistake with Hannah, as he treated her like his daughter Emma. He was gentle and invited her to share a Susan's "chilli" meal. How this has back-fired on him... I hope he can now sort her out, without involving Justin. He needs to show that he is the worthy manager of "Berrow Farm".
It looks like Neil is not too bothered about his job security and what's more neither is Susan. Perhaps things will come to a head before the holiday, I hope the will be able to go. As for Jim, he was adamant not to give the job to Philip and now he's lost his builders.
I hope that Alastair manages to persuade the builders to return. Phillip would jump at the job because he needs to find £20,000 but either he is a one man band or his horrible son is his partner so the work would take longer. Jim is pompous but he is doing this for Jazzer . He is not a bad fellow.
Love Jim + Jazzer.. Jim has old fashioned principles, in that if you pay for a job to be done, then it should be so. I agree with him, on this occasion. I don't pay for "workers" to sit around, when am expecting work to be done. Agree, they need breaks, but these can be taken far too far. I expect a good and fair, service of work, and always oversee it, personally. As a result, there have never been any problems. 😁
Maryellen 5;45 I agree the problem is calling on all Niels husbandry skills, but he is concerned for their welfare.Docking of tails is not an accepted practise where high welfare is concerned. Like the docking of dog tails it should be banned in my view. Niel cares for his pigs, Hannahs only concern is purely in a commercial interest, ie the change of diet to something cheaper, in order to increase profit and please Justin. In many ways I would love Hannah to take control as she clearly doesn't have the depth of knowledge and skills
Much as I think the actor playing her is exceptionally good, I don't want to ACTUALLY listen to her downfall. I hope she DOES pay a price for her arrogance, her angry whimpering & her furious sense of entitlement - but the character annoys me so much I really, really can't listen to her any more!
What about if she learns some humility, stops being so bitter & shouty then maybe we can just hear about her Damascene conversion & then welcome her back in a couple of months?
Listening to Neil tonight I couldn't help thinking what a kind and thoroughly decent man he is. It was good to hear Susan actually thinking about him and what may be best for him instead of just caring about money and status. Jim over-reacted about the workmen and should have been more subtle. There are ways to say things that don't result in people walking off the job.
More character changes? Neil still being upfront and standing firm ✔️and Susan even saying don’t stay in the job if it’s just for the money - never thought to hear that but also nice that she finally has her priorities in the right order enough to say it. (Should it come to pass it might be a different matter) I feel the holiday will either not come to pass or Neil will return from it to a job crisis! Liked the chat between Neil and Rex that did reflect the Neil at his best, kind and encouraging. Not sure where we are going with Jim this time - will he seek help or work his own way through...
Susan has certainly changed her tune about Neils job. From encouraging him to take the Berrow job, which he was reluctant to do, and revelling in his improved status, going to work in a suit and visiting his ‘posh’ office, she now realises the toll it is having on him.
I should like him to resign from Berrow (before he is pushed) and join up with, or become a consultant in Rex’s pig enterprise. They are much more suited to each other than Neil is with Justin. They both really care about their animals and put the pigs welfare first.
What happens to Hannah, I don’t much care. If she gets Neils position as Berrow Farm Manager, so be it. She’ll be happy, she’ll maximise Justin’s profits so he’ll be happy too. I just don’t want her going round the village crowing about it and denigrating Neil.
In fact, Rex’s pigs are not his but Neil’s - Neil’s original herd which he could no longer manage himself on a day-to- day basis when he tool the full time job at Berrow. He employed Rex to look after the herd (T❤️O❤️B❤️Y’s idea that Rex should put himself forward) solely because he seemed a nice chap.
PS. If Neil is nudged into retiring from Berrow he will be able to look after his pigs himself again, so Rex will become redundant. (I noticed last night that Neil was grunting again.)
Justin Eliot is a lousy judge of character. Profit potential ? He's a genius, & that is his narrow focus on people as well, how good an asset they will be.
He took a long time to shss out Titchener, because he seemed useful in business, he misjudged Charlie wotsit, got rid of him, someone who actually was good for business. He assumed Lil wanted marriage when she didn't. He got embroiled with the flaky rewilding trio, because it would enhance BL's reputation, taking no account of the fact that they weren't capable of checking his contract, Pheobe concealed the truth from the other 2 & none of them have come forward with a clear plan to action the project effectively.
He hired Neil because if his pig expertise, & wasn't that bothered about the management aspect. He was initially taken in by Hannah, because she seemed to be on the same profit driven page & came up with a few sound ideas, before she started making mistakes. He eventually rumbled her, told her to toe the line, so I can't see him sacking Neil.
Susan has got her priorities straight now, thank goodness, but I don't want to see Neil slink back into obscurity. I want him to get his confidence back, be clearly & vocally valued at Berrow, so that whether he stays or not is entirely his free choice. As for Hannah, she either practices humility, sees she's on a learning path in this job, or leaves, hoping to land something else which matches what she considers is her true status in the world of business.
Thanks for your agreement, both ! Mainly what I want to come out of all this is to see Neil intact & happy. Just for once, a character getting their just deserts 😉
I don't remember Hannah from her previous spell in Ambridge but reading two other sites, by all accounts, she was a pleasant young lady who was considered ' too good ' for Jazzer in those days. Shame she was brought back as the totally unpleasant, scheming and unscrupulous character she now is.
In fact, I wonder why they did bring back a previous character who has evidently changed so much. I have no recollection of the original Hannah at all but they might just as well have created an entirely new character to shake things up in Ambridge and cause Neil grief.
When Jim told Philip that he had somebody lined up for the job, which wasn't true, Alistair was pleased that he was back to his old cantankerous self. He's behaving in the same manner now. He just has to be in charge and would like the extension to spring up by itself.
I originally thought Hannah was brought back, as a love interest for Jazzer. How sad this didn't happen. Stiil think Neil will "squash" her, and will then have Justin realising that he made the right decision, in appointing Neil as the Manager. Neil, if he leaves, can then do so, with his head held up high.
It certainly doesn't come across as catchy or appealing. What a silly to-do over nothing. What is Jolene being so aggressive & confrontational with Kenton ? She used to be laid back, now she's just being tiresome & pretentious.
It will always be 🐝, well for me... The Bull in Ambridge. Why change it? as it is only the name after all. A new pub name, does not mean a more successful and profitable, yet different enterprise.
I wonder who will start the "Save The Bull" campaign?
J’lene is another dreadful woman. I bet she has a bouffant hairdo and chipmunk cheeks and thick Botox lips. Another stupid anticlimactic storyline. How on earth will a change of name bring in the punters?
Brilliant GG. I am certainly a member, along with who? Lynda, Kirsty, Susan, Eddie, Jazzer, Bert, Neville, David, Jill, Peggy, Brian. These are my initial thoughts.
Actually, The B in Ambridge, is beginning to grow on me - I think it’s quite witty, which you couldn’t say about The Bull. And regulars can still think of it as B shirt for Bull, if they want to. Well done, Lilian!
Well, that deprives it of ithe wit of The B in Ambridge! It clearly won’t happen, just another desperate storyline. I didn’t hear, but was told about,a woman contributor to Broadcasting House a week or so ago, who commented on the dire TA storylines of the past year- she said the only episode she had enjoyed was Jill confounding expectation by refusing Leonard Berry’s marriage offer.
Perhaps a case of “W1A” ie spoof comedy comes to Ambridge...meanwhile Archers actors on a charabang ride to The Trial of Christine Keeler: “Dr Locke”/William Garinara, Kenton/Richard Attlee, Jolene/Buffy Davis as Barbara Castle and a Troughton (not one of the Ambridge cast) all involved.
Why does a pub name need to be witty Maryellen? (Not that “B in Ambridge “ is witty in my opinion) What would you suggest should be put on the sign.? More expense . Ludicrous idea. Only to be expected since Lilian and J’lene are the instigators.
Yes, Gary it was the B! The Flea was my dodgy hearing and half attention as I am not good at multi tasking!! The locals were very lukewarm after the big announcement and won’t stand for the change!
I think that is what we are being led to expect. If so they are laying the hints on with a trowel, if not then a pathetic red herring imho! I read an article online from a newspaper (not my regular) which came to the conclusion that Radio. 4 has lost its way. Not only in programmes like Today, but in TV progs such as Dr Who and radio's the venerable Archers! I'd go along with that considering the feeble plots at the moment.
Yes, the Telegraph has a similar feature about Radio 4, calling it the tarnished jewel in the BBC crown, and citing defection of some of the big names and falling numbers for even such popular programmes as Today. (The Telegraph is not my regular, I hasten to add, though I enjoy the guilty pleasure of reading it in the hairdressers.)
Given the failed relationships behind both parties, I just assumed that Philip was nervous about proposing and afraid of making a mess of it. I interpreted what I heard as a form of market research.
O to be in Ambridge when The Bull changes its name. When the ploughman’s bar has vanished ,it will never be the same J’lene has said it must be done ;the decor is passé Just like its loyal customers,The Bull has had its day. But if they go ahead with this ridiculous idea It won’t be long before the pub will close for good I fear
Well! We all have proof that J'lene is deluded. She thinks she can sing. Don't forget the driver behind this is Fagash Lill and her pretentious protegé.
Hope the Bull doesn’t change! A pub near to my parents in Crewe had been lovely and Mike and I used to mosey on down for a drink when Mum and Dad’s overheated house got too much! As time went by we paid a visit and found it had become one of these ghastly gin palaces with high stools everywhere and flighty young things decorating them. We never went back!!
Two things I realised about Phillip on second listening to last evening’s episode 1) He is totally tactless. Why go on and on about how somebody proposed to his divorced wife? 2) I don’t trust him about this Pete business. How does Alastair know that he hasn’t told Pete a pack of lies about Jim? I may be wrong( have sometimes been so!) but I wouldn't be surprised if suddenly Pete and his workers are unable to finish the job but ,hey ho ,there is good old Phil (with possibly Gavin) to complete the job and what do you know.? he will manage to do it for less cost. Do not trust him Jim and Alastair Escape now Kirsty . Will Jazzer suss him out?
So what is your point LJ? If Jim gets a satisfactory done at less cost that is a win for him. How does that help confirm your requirement that Paul will turn out "a bad 'un"?
I think that Philip won’t have asked Pete to return to Jim and do the work. Why would he? He wanted the job in the first place and Jim turned him down.. He is hardly going to go to a person is essentially a rival in the workplace and ask him to return. Philip needs the money. He is obviously planning to finance this wedding in Bali . I suspect that he won’t say anything to Pete but tell Jim and Alastair that Pete is sorry but he has taken on more work after being dismissed by a Jim -however he will be able to finish the work and do it at a cheaper cost. (Remember Philip did say that Pet e was pricey!) Where is P tbY? I wonder if she agrees with me. I get the impression-I may be wrong- that she doesn’t trust Phillip either!
Well, in general, I respect the no nonsense views you both have, Lanjan & PtbY, but I really, really hope you are wrong about Philip !! I like the guy, he's kind, friendly & seems to care a great deal about Kirsty. (Maybe I'm also predisposed towards the Welsh, as we lived in the very Welsh west part of the country for 4 years. I know, that's not a good reason, & it's also true that it caused me to like Natasha too, despite the living on credit which I despise....)
Lanjan, everything Philip did last night didn't ring true. Why bother to negotiate with a competitor, however, I don't suspect foul play. As for asking Alistair how he'd proposed to Shula when he turned to Philip for comfort when she left him was plain stupid, as well as Oliver who was widowed suddenly, with Kate butting in after her failed marriage.
So many debates .. All I want is for The Bull to still be called "The Bull". What difference will it make by changing the name? Will more beer, Scruff gin, etc be sold, along with more sandwiches and lunches to increase the profits - doubtful.
Jim is searching in the dark but he did say to Alistair that no one knows how he feels because they are not inside his head. There's just a chance that he may meet other victim(s) with whom he can share. If not, he will see Fiona whatever happens.
Well no surprise for those like me who read the spoilers in the Radio Times. What I reckon Philip should say to Gavin is that he’ll pay as much towards Gavin’s wedding as he does for his own, Philip and Kirsty can just have a simple do, I think that would be all Kirsty wants, and then Gavin can follow suit with a more modest celebration or pay for the extravagant bash himself. Won’t happen of course ...
Jim is being very honest with Alistair, & is showing better self awareness these last few days than we've ever heard before. On the face of it, going to the funeral seem to be a very dodgy idea, but I think Jim knows what he's doing, & why, & it could be exactly the right thing to settle him to a certain degree at least - facing the current reality of the Nan's death.
Call me out as being sentimental in my dotage, but I warmed to the proposal scene in the hide, accompanied by the ( widgeons ?) Why shouldn't they be very happy. Still the problem of the ghastly Gavin, but every SL has to have some angst attached....
Sorry, but Pip & Pheobe becoming 'besties' again, & getting drunk, gives me no confidence whatever in their ability to make a decent fist at the rewilding project.
Have the SW slipped in Philips proposal in order for everything to turn to worms when Gavin is told? He will of course think Kirsty instigated it to thwart him. He may now have to pay for his own wedding after all,now dads joined in the game but you never know maybe a double wedding over here 😂
Why can’t people ever sort matters out without getting drunk 😡 let’s hope neither Pip or Phoebe drove to The Bull (Bee 😂 )
Just listened, very late to tonight’s ep. and couldn’t believe how badly Pip was being acted. An very amateur attempt at playing someone with a hangover, moans and shudders and a voice all up and down later on. This actress still doesn’t know how to act for radio. I wish somebody would take her aside and teach her. My prediction about W Philip proposing came true sooner than I thought - I wonder if he is going to fulfil the second part and suggest they join Gavin in Bali?
I can understand Jim deciding to go to the mans funeral. I was not surprised to hear that he had decided. I think Jim sees it as a form of closure for himself now that the man has died. Jim says he has been fantasising about confronting him. By going to the funeral he will be able to do so in his own quiet and dignified manner.
Aha, The Bull.
ReplyDeleteIt could never be anything but The Bull!
Made a comment on previous page (which was still open) but sadly lost it, as was closed when "published".😣😭
ReplyDeleteCan't be bothered to re-write at the moment, and was probably not worthing reading, anyway😁😀
PS Part of my lost post, was about "The Bull", which is an iconic part of Ambridge. It should always have that name.
DeleteLong live “The Bull” 🍺🍷🥃🍻🍽
ReplyDeleteIs Wayne still the Chef in The Bull, and did that "expert" look at the restaurant + menu?
DeleteHmmm 🤔
DeleteJanet (end of previous blog) - good to hear from you again!
ReplyDeleteI thought Jim reacted in a completely plausible way following the bombshell of Jayston's death, from the beginning to the end of the episode. His analysis of his feelings at the end was clearly articulated & utterly understandable. Well done, SWs, & Jim, you're fortunate in both son & friend.
ReplyDeletePip, distracted as ever, caught on the hop, needing to have the obvious pointed out to her,
yet again.
Philip, utterly sincere, thinks it 'sorted', but Gavin is not to be trusted for a moment. He's just pulled Kirsty into believing he is genuinely repentant, because it happens to suit him whilst he wants his damn wedding paid for.
'lulled' . k .mm into believing
DeleteDeath of an adversary does not bring resolution, it only stokes up anger, I wish Jim peace.
ReplyDeleteI too wish Jim peace Basia. His feelings are absolutely understandable.
ReplyDeleteJust a daft thought- Could Phillip be planning to propose to Kirsty and suggest they opt for a double wedding in Bali with Gavin & fiancée?
ReplyDeleteWonder how that would go down!
Have seen suggestions for other name changes in Ambridge.
ReplyDeleteThe one I thought funniest was for St. Stephens to become St. Shulas.
Oliver might change Grey Gables to Multicoloured, or
Rainbow Gables and perhaps Russ could come up with a more arty name for Lower Loxley.
Carolyn 7:49 pm last night
ReplyDeleteI am with you on virtually everything you wrote but I think Phillip has told Gavin that he will give him the £20,000 if he will apologise to Kirsty.
He will not tell Kirsty that of course.
Archerphile,I chuckled at the idea of St Stephen’s becoming St Shula’s.
Kirsty will definitely not be going to Bali to get married .
Yes, Lanjan, that makes sense to me. G. wants that 20k, so he swallowed his pride. No, Kirsty really would not go for a) a double wedding b) the obscene expense of Bali.
DeleteSt Shula ! I like it !
Where did that silly name come from, anyway ? Is it just an endearment of Ursula ?
She was known as Lulu in Bangkok.
DeleteCarolyn: 9.37
ReplyDeleteI’m really surprised you have not heard of the derivation of ‘Shula’
When Phil and Jill knew they were expecting twins they couldn’t decide on names,
So they had the idea of juggling with some of those alphabet building blocks children have.
One throw came up with an S, H, U, L, and A so that was what the girl would be called.
As for Kenton, I’m not absolutely sure but I think he was named after a business associate, or former teacher or tutor or somebody Phil looked up to.
.......or a suburb of Harrow!
ReplyDeleteThanks, AP.- sounds very TA. ! Not surprising I didn't know, wasn't listening then. ( the earlier days, yes, when a child, then a gap of many decades)
DeleteArcherphile. 12.08 Agree with most of what you say except that Phil and Jill did not know they were expecting twins! I can still hear the ending of the episode when Phil telephoned Doris from the hospital saying 'Mum? It's twins. A boy and a girl! ' Of course in those days that was a much more common occurrence!
ReplyDeleteNot having twins I mean but not knowing about them.😃
DeleteShula had to send back her (1st) wedding invitations because they printed her name as Sheila.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you posting,Spicycushion.
ReplyDeleteHave commented on other blog but just to add here - I haven't commented here much recently because I am of the opinion that present S/Ls are absolute pants! 😆
DeleteI am very much of the same opinion Spicycushion!
Delete👍😄
DeleteRelationships are appearing prominent in Ambridge - Tom + Natasha so "loved up", Jill + Leonard with their lovely
ReplyDeletecompanionship, and now Helen + Lee. 😘
I wonder if all will all end in tears - along with the re-appearance of Rob. It is about time - as must nearly be time..
Think Kirtsy + Philip, are safe + sound. They seem are very stable couple and comfortable together.
DeleteHowvet, Emma + Ed appeared similar and look what happened to them.
Oh Lord! Will somebody please get rid of Lilian!
ReplyDeleteHer voice is driving me potty, her disgusting laugh makes me cringe and her influence on “J’lene” is unbearable .
If only Kenton would stand up for himself and stop being walked all over by these two harridans! 😡
Lillian lives in a comunity where everyone else can pronounce Jolene and she must hear that on a daily basis. Why, for heaven's sake, does she persist with her absurd pronunciation "J'lene". Or can't the actress read?
Delete✔️✔️✔️
DeleteI thought Neil was either going to have a heart attack or shoot Hannah by mistake.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait till Thursday and more of Lilian's cackle, "Jolene's" my foot!
Hear ,hear Archerphile.
ReplyDeletePlease can somebody tell me why J’lene has so much influence.
I thought Kenton partly owned the pub through Kathy who was married to Sid .
What share does Lilian have?
I have completely lost the plot.
Kenton is pathetic .
Both Lilian and J’lene are I am afraid. “common”
They lower the tone of a pleasant country pub.
Did I hear correcectly (or did I make it up) that the new bar maid that Lilian has found has piercings?
Lilian trying to do what M and S failed spectacularly to do ie bring in the young folk.
Older clientele are not important.
"
How much i agree Lanjan. As my late and much lamented Mother in Law would say, "neither is better than she needs to be"
DeleteThought Jolene + Lilian, co-owned The Bull. Kenton has no claim to it -not sure.
DeleteWish he had shot Hannah ! He''d have got away with an 'accidental' verdict, I bet. Loved the way she suggested he look to his managerial skills - like she, with zilch understanding of pigs compared to Neil, has ever understood the role of an employee....good to hear him shout at her. I so hope she doesn't get her foot in the door of no.1 again
ReplyDeleteSo an episode centring round the sadness of saying goodbye to pigs. For Rex, something he has to harden himself to, the abbattoir is inevitable; for Neil, a really sad loss which, as he sees it, was avoidable.
I doubt the police have really finished with Josh; otherwise, why all the preceding drama ?
Agree with your sentiments! But he wouldn't have got away with an accidental verdict. A bolt gun has to be precisely and closely placed.
DeleteNever have liked Kirsty, her voice really grates on me and I don't trust Philip. Then the idea of a grown man, living with a 'partner' wanting his father to pay for his nuptials is absolutely ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteHanging storyline of Natasha and her extravagance? Where's that gone?
Has Josh taken after Uncle Kenton and started lying to get out of trouble?
Finally the name change will probably be the 'selling of Brookfield' all over again 😣😠
Lanjan. Kenton's only interest in the ownership of The Bull is through Jolene. Sid had been divorced from Kathy quite a while before he died. Although he likes to be the boss he is a manager/barman.
ReplyDeleteLilian owns 51 per cent, Jamie (Sid's son) owns a few shares and Jolene has the rest and is the licencee. Historically that is how it is but who knows what the S/Was think? 😕
As Neil is in charge of the Berrow Farm pigs, surely what he decides + implements has to be done. Wasn't that why Justin appointed him (with a £50K salary) to be in full control of the unit.
ReplyDeleteThanks Spicycushion .
ReplyDeleteHow on earth did J’lene get to own part of The Bull?
The one laugh of the evening is Carolyn’s wish that Neil had shot Hannah.
I second that Lanjan 🤗👏🏻🤗👏🏻
DeleteOh dear Spicycushion I fear you are being “Northist “ about Kirty’s accent.
ReplyDeleteYou sound like Mr LJ who can’t abide listening to one of the football commentators because he says he can’t understand what he is saying.
He asks me to translate!
It's not the accent but to me she sounds so "twee."
DeleteAgree that Lilian is just so annoying and again how does she"run" Amside multi million property company and spend so much time behind the bar.
Jolene owns nearly half the Bull because Sid left it to her in his Will.
Esscee, I usually leave the room or turn the sound down when Hannah appears - whichever is quicker! She genuinely angers me....
ReplyDelete😂😂
ReplyDeleteTakes one to know one Hannah and if you were the boss would you take Neil talking to you the way you do to him! Thank goodness he told you to shut up you goaded him to it.
ReplyDeleteSurprised the big reveal of The Bulls intended new name is not to be Fridays closing line...
I doubt you are out of the woods yet Josh your so called mate will probably drop you in it and so he should you are too cocky by half 😡
I
Oh well said Gary 🤣🤣
ReplyDeleteIf I was Johnny I would be so depressed that I had to house share with Hannah. The poor boy could surely find a better house mate than her?
ReplyDeleteExcept that he's used to her, so it wouldn't be a strain. Her objectionable side( well, there isn't another side, is there)never seemed to affect him, water off a duck's back. Still, I'd much much rather Ed & Emma patched up their differences & moved in there.
DeleteJohnny would do better to flat share locally with a mate( no, not Freddie ! A mature friend, someone more like himself)
I managed to listen to tonight's episode - first time since August!
ReplyDeleteWow! I sometimes give it a miss for a while too Sarnia - after all, it's really easy to pick up nearly all of what's going on by being on here. As always with The Archers, you haven't really missed much if we're being honest...😋
DeleteIt's a tiny sign of the beginning of a return to normality, whatever that is going to be now, Gary.
DeleteAnd I hope that whatever that normality becomes Sarnia, you will be as happy and content as you deserve to be!
DeleteMe too, Sarnia. Great to hear that you a coming out of the woods a little bit and I hope the sun will shine a bit brighter for you each day. 😊
DeleteThank'ee kindly.
DeleteI was truly appalled at the rude and unsophisticated way Neil yelled at Hannah and fully endorsed her reply.- his personnel management skills are zero and his other management skills are in question.
ReplyDeleteHe IS out of his depth as a manager with people to manage instead of animals - but let's remember that he didn't really wholeheartedly want the job in the first place. Susan soooooo wanted him to have it, because then in her head she would be on the same social footing in the village as people like Jen & Brian....
DeleteAdmittedly Neil has never before had any training in, or experience of management - So how *should* he deal with an employee as rude and uncooperative as Hannah?
DeleteShe shouldn’t speak to her manager as she does, or worse, go behind his back to the big boss to ‘drop him in it’.
Apart from Hannah, and I too wanted Neil to shoot her, (never heard Neil shout like that)
ReplyDeletewhat stood out for me this evening was the reference to the new barmaid and ' too many piercings '.
So now the subject of piercings is raised in TA.
To be up to date, or to be contentious ?
Piercings are passé - they ceased to be "shocking" about a decade and a half ago at least surely?
DeleteTalking of shocking, I wondered if tonight’s episode was trying to “shock” people into eating less meat.
ReplyDeleteSeasider you may be right. Rex talking about being reluctant to take his pigs to slaughter and Neil's pigs biting each other due to over-crowding etc.
ReplyDeleteWell, it is Veganuary after all!
DeleteAs a retired pig farmer - humph!
DeleteHere, here, with knobs on! (As we used to say at school)
ReplyDeleteIt's too little, too late where Neil/Hannah are concerned. He should have put her firmly in her place from the outset- listened to her ideas, of course, but only after getting her to repeat them in a civil & respectful manner. Trouble is, he & other Ambridge bosses aren't used to her type, don't see how rude they actually are until the behaviour has become entrenched.
ReplyDeleteI don't know where she grew up, & care less, but she seems to me the kind of urban young woman, who flings around the word 'qualifications' like it's gold dust, is dead chippy & overbearing with both men & women &, worse yet, gives feminism a bad name, which it doesn't deserve or need. Not so much #metoo, but #me first last & everything in between.
Condemning Hannah, rightly or wrongly, doesn’t excuse Neil’s appalling display of bad behaviour, both as an individual or as a boss. It was the reaction of man conscious of his own fallibility, and trying to defend himself by asserting his official authority in the wrong way. The moral authority here lies with Hannah.
ReplyDeleteHe lost his temper, that's all. He wouldn't be the first, & certainly not the last, boss to do that, even those who are normally considered to 'possess managerial skills' to quote bland, meaningless modern business speak !
DeleteEven the patient, urbane 0liver was overly shirty the other day.
PS to my previous message: I should have described Neil as “an ageing man” because I guess that is as significant as describing Hannah as a young woman.
DeleteI must say, the actor who plays Hannah and the scriptwriters are doing a fantastic job of making me loathe the character!
ReplyDeleteHannah should not be to cocky. It is only a short time ago that Justin let her know he was well aware of her attempts to undermine Neil.
ReplyDeleteI think her need to make her mark overrides her understanding of going too far Pierre.
ReplyDeleteIt's sure to all blow up in her face pretty soon.
I hope !
Yes Gary.... she is loathsome.
Not sure why Neil needs to be described as anything more than Hannah’s boss ,Maryellen.
ReplyDeleteWhat has his age got to do with anything?
Hannah IS a young woman and she is an appallingly rude one at that.
Not too long ago she would have been shown the door ,quite rightly ,for her behaviour.
Is Neil expected to sit back and take the rudeness handed out to him by someone in a more junior position to him?
He should have Justin’s backing.
I think Neil would be within his rights to suggest to Justin that he is finding Hannah’s behaviour so dreadful that it could be suggested to her her job is in jeopardy unless she apologises and behaves in a more responsible and respectful way.
It would surely be unwise of Neil to suggest to Justin that he (Neil) lacks the personal and professional ability to ‘manage’ Hannah - whose outspoken criticism (she’s not the smouldering type!) has more than a grain of truth. Remember Neil was solely responsible for appointing her, so if she is as bad as listeners here say, it reflects poorly on Neil’s judgment of character and personnel management skills.
Delete(Funny thing is, since I discovered the actor playing Neil is in his early 80s, that’s how old I feel he is playing the character!)
I agree with those who've commented on Hannah's bad attitude. She comes over as hard as nails.
ReplyDeleteYes Rex listen to Josh & go & have a word with Neil who will soon realise you are much more caring of the pigs in the same way Neil is then he will suggest Justin employs you & Hannah can go & look after your pigs on her own!
ReplyDeleteMaryellen 1;51
ReplyDeleteyou say Niel in the appointment of Hannah shows poor Judgement of character and poor management skills.
I would like to disagree with you. People can be very good at hiding their true character in the interview process.
When I worked for Social Services I was involved in a great deal of interviewing. I will put my hand up and say I made mistakes despite having the most vigorous interview process of any. Though I would suggest fewer than my colleagues.
It must be remembered that Justin appointed Niel and indeed wanted him knowing he had little experience of management of people. He wanted him for his experience and the quality of his caring for pigs. He should have rembered that when he listened to Hannah.
The persistent tail-biting problem is calling Neil”s experience and quality of care into question. Hannah’s characteristically straightforward approach leads me to think she would have been unlikely to adopt a deceptive approach at interview (although Itake the general point about this happening). Justin appointed Neil at a time when the village was uneasy about the pig development at Berrow, so having the Chair of the Parish Council ( who happened to have a reputation as a pigman) on side was a typical Justin ploy; it outweighed Neil’s lack of managerial experience. Neil should beware of putting Justin in a position where he is forced to admit that was a mistake.
DeleteNeil made a mistake with Hannah, as he treated her like his daughter Emma. He was gentle and invited her to share a Susan's "chilli" meal.
ReplyDeleteHow this has back-fired on him...
I hope he can now sort her out, without involving Justin. He needs to show that he is the worthy manager of "Berrow Farm".
It looks like Neil is not too bothered about his job security and what's more neither is Susan. Perhaps things will come to a head before the holiday, I hope the will be able to go.
ReplyDeleteAs for Jim, he was adamant not to give the job to Philip and now he's lost his builders.
I have never liked Jim very much and now I like him even less.
ReplyDeleteDitto!
DeleteWhy? Should be genuinely interested to know.
DeleteI hope that Alastair manages to persuade the builders to return.
ReplyDeletePhillip would jump at the job because he needs to find £20,000 but either he is a one man band or his horrible son is his partner so the work would take longer.
Jim is pompous but he is doing this for Jazzer .
He is not a bad fellow.
Love Jim + Jazzer..
ReplyDeleteJim has old fashioned principles, in that if you pay for a job to be done, then it should be so. I agree with him, on this occasion.
I don't pay for "workers" to sit around, when am expecting work to be done. Agree, they need breaks, but these can be taken far too far.
I expect a good and fair, service of work, and always oversee it, personally. As a result, there have never been any problems. 😁
Maryellen 5;45
ReplyDeleteI agree the problem is calling on all Niels husbandry skills, but he is concerned for their welfare.Docking of tails is not an accepted practise where high welfare is concerned. Like the docking of dog tails it should be banned in my view. Niel cares for his pigs, Hannahs only concern is purely in a commercial interest, ie the change of diet to something cheaper, in order to increase profit and please Justin.
In many ways I would love Hannah to take control as she clearly doesn't have the depth of knowledge and skills
And then we can all enjoy watching her fall flat on her face, as the saying goes.
ReplyDeleteCount me out on that one, Mrs P!
ReplyDeleteMuch as I think the actor playing her is exceptionally good, I don't want to ACTUALLY listen to her downfall. I hope she DOES pay a price for her arrogance, her angry whimpering & her furious sense of entitlement - but the character annoys me so much I really, really can't listen to her any more!
ReplyDeleteWhat about if she learns some humility, stops being so bitter & shouty then maybe we can just hear about her Damascene conversion & then welcome her back in a couple of months?
Listening to Neil tonight I couldn't help thinking what a kind and thoroughly decent man he is. It was good to hear Susan actually thinking about him and what may be best for him instead of just caring about money and status.
ReplyDeleteJim over-reacted about the workmen and should have been more subtle. There are ways to say things that don't result in people walking off the job.
More character changes? Neil still being upfront and standing firm ✔️and Susan even saying don’t stay in the job if it’s just for the money - never thought to hear that but also nice that she finally has her priorities in the right order enough to say it. (Should it come to pass it might be a different matter) I feel the holiday will either not come to pass or Neil will return from it to a job crisis!
ReplyDeleteLiked the chat between Neil and Rex that did reflect the Neil at his best, kind and encouraging.
Not sure where we are going with Jim this time - will he seek help or work his own way through...
“Our” Neil 🙄
DeleteSusan has certainly changed her tune about Neils job. From encouraging him to take the Berrow job, which he was reluctant to do, and revelling in his improved status, going to work in a suit and visiting his ‘posh’ office, she now realises the toll it is having on him.
DeleteI should like him to resign from Berrow (before he is pushed) and join up with, or become a consultant in Rex’s pig enterprise. They are much more suited to each other than Neil is with Justin. They both really care about their animals and put the pigs welfare first.
What happens to Hannah, I don’t much care. If she gets Neils position as Berrow Farm Manager, so be it. She’ll be happy, she’ll maximise Justin’s profits so he’ll be happy too.
I just don’t want her going round the village crowing about it and denigrating Neil.
In fact, Rex’s pigs are not his but Neil’s - Neil’s original herd which he could no longer manage himself on a day-to- day basis when he tool the full time job at Berrow. He employed Rex to look after the herd (T❤️O❤️B❤️Y’s idea that Rex should put himself forward) solely because he seemed a nice chap.
DeletePS. If Neil is nudged into retiring from Berrow he will be able to look after his pigs himself again, so Rex will become redundant. (I noticed last night that Neil was grunting again.)
DeleteJustin Eliot is a lousy judge of character. Profit potential ? He's a genius, & that is his narrow focus on people as well, how good an asset they will be.
ReplyDeleteHe took a long time to shss out Titchener, because he seemed useful in business, he misjudged Charlie wotsit, got rid of him, someone who actually was good for business. He assumed Lil wanted marriage when she didn't. He got embroiled with the flaky rewilding trio, because it would enhance BL's reputation, taking no account of the fact that they weren't capable of checking his contract, Pheobe concealed the truth from the other 2 & none of them have come forward with a clear plan to action the project effectively.
He hired Neil because if his pig expertise, & wasn't that bothered about the management aspect. He was initially taken in by Hannah, because she seemed to be on the same profit driven page & came up with a few sound ideas, before she started making mistakes. He eventually rumbled her, told her to toe the line, so I can't see him sacking Neil.
Susan has got her priorities straight now, thank goodness, but I don't want to see Neil slink back into obscurity. I want him to get his confidence back, be clearly & vocally valued at Berrow, so that whether he stays or not is entirely his free choice. As for Hannah, she either practices humility, sees she's on a learning path in this job, or leaves, hoping to land something else which matches what she considers is her true status in the world of business.
✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️ Carolyn
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree.
DeleteThanks for your agreement, both !
DeleteMainly what I want to come out of all this is to see Neil intact & happy. Just for once, a character getting their just deserts 😉
I don't remember Hannah from her previous spell in Ambridge but reading two other sites, by all accounts, she was a pleasant young lady who was considered ' too good ' for Jazzer in those days.
ReplyDeleteShame she was brought back as the totally unpleasant, scheming and unscrupulous character she now is.
In fact, I wonder why they did bring back a previous character who has evidently changed so much. I have no recollection of the original Hannah at all but they might just as well have created an entirely new character to shake things up in Ambridge and cause Neil grief.
DeleteJazzer was certainly interested, he told Annette, but Hannah stuck to washing her hair.
DeleteWhen Jim told Philip that he had somebody lined up for the job, which wasn't true, Alistair was pleased that he was back to his old cantankerous self. He's behaving in the same manner now. He just has to be in charge and would like the extension to spring up by itself.
ReplyDeleteI originally thought Hannah was brought back, as a love interest for Jazzer. How sad this didn't happen.
ReplyDeleteStiil think Neil will "squash" her, and will then have Justin realising that he made the right decision, in appointing Neil as the Manager.
Neil, if he leaves, can then do so, with his head held up high.
As it's not quite clear, perhaps it's The 'B' in Ambridge and B stands for the Bull, I give up.
ReplyDeletePeople will be able to make bad jokes about who the b (as in “ he’s a real b”) in Ambridge is.......
DeleteIt certainly doesn't come across as catchy or appealing. What a silly to-do over nothing. What is Jolene being so aggressive & confrontational with Kenton ? She used to be laid back, now she's just being tiresome & pretentious.
ReplyDelete'WHY is J. being so...'
DeleteThe B @ Ambridge? What an absolutely terrible name!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt will always be 🐝, well for me...
ReplyDeleteThe Bull in Ambridge.
Why change it? as it is only the name after all.
A new pub name, does not mean a more successful and profitable, yet different enterprise.
I wonder who will start the "Save The Bull" campaign?
J’lene is another dreadful woman.
ReplyDeleteI bet she has a bouffant hairdo and chipmunk cheeks and thick Botox lips.
Another stupid anticlimactic storyline.
How on earth will a change of name bring in the punters?
Now I can picture her 😎😚,
Delete, Lanjan !
Thanks for the poster Gary, I'll join the queue.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant GG.
ReplyDeleteI am certainly a member, along with who?
Lynda, Kirsty, Susan, Eddie, Jazzer, Bert, Neville, David, Jill, Peggy, Brian.
These are my initial thoughts.
Actually, The B in Ambridge, is beginning to grow on me - I think it’s quite witty, which you couldn’t say about The Bull. And regulars can still think of it as B shirt for Bull, if they want to. Well done, Lilian!
ReplyDeleteWas listening as I cooked tonight and thought it was The Flea in Ambridge! Either way it’s a silly name!
ReplyDeleteI could have sworn Jolene said "B at Ambridge"! Will listen back later....
ReplyDeleteYup, "B @ Ambridge" it is......
ReplyDeleteWhat a clumsy, amateurish name. Sort of thing a group of 9 year olds would come up with for a school project.
Well, that deprives it of ithe wit of The B in Ambridge! It clearly won’t happen, just another desperate storyline. I didn’t hear, but was told about,a woman contributor to Broadcasting House a week or so ago, who commented on the dire TA storylines of the past year- she said the only episode she had enjoyed was Jill confounding expectation by refusing Leonard Berry’s marriage offer.
DeleteBouffant hair and a country music fan - say no more, I get the picture and it's not pretty. B at Ambridge is b....y stupid.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Gary - what an anti climax....☹️
ReplyDeletePerhaps a case of “W1A” ie spoof comedy comes to Ambridge...meanwhile Archers actors on a charabang ride to The Trial of Christine Keeler: “Dr Locke”/William Garinara, Kenton/Richard Attlee, Jolene/Buffy Davis as Barbara Castle and a Troughton (not one of the Ambridge cast) all involved.
ReplyDeleteWhy does a pub name need to be witty Maryellen?
ReplyDelete(Not that “B in Ambridge “ is witty in my opinion)
What would you suggest should be put on the sign.?
More expense .
Ludicrous idea.
Only to be expected since Lilian and J’lene are the instigators.
Wit is always welcome (unless it’s cruel) and I especially like wordplay. But the storyline is too silly toget worked up about!
DeleteYes, Gary it was the B! The Flea was my dodgy hearing and half attention as I am not good at multi tasking!! The locals were very lukewarm after the big announcement and won’t stand for the change!
ReplyDeleteCan't remember why Philip started asking around about marriage proposals, is he going to do it?
ReplyDeleteI think that is what we are being led to expect. If so they are laying the hints on with a trowel, if not then a pathetic red herring imho!
DeleteI read an article online from a newspaper (not my regular) which came to the conclusion that Radio. 4 has lost its way. Not only in programmes like Today, but in TV progs such as Dr Who and radio's the venerable Archers!
I'd go along with that considering the feeble plots at the moment.
Yes, the Telegraph has a similar feature about Radio 4, calling it the tarnished jewel in the BBC crown, and citing defection of some of the big names and falling numbers for even such popular programmes as Today. (The Telegraph is not my regular, I hasten to add, though I enjoy the guilty pleasure of reading it in the hairdressers.)
DeleteGiven the failed relationships behind both parties, I just assumed that Philip was nervous about proposing and afraid of making a mess of it. I interpreted what I heard as a form of market research.
ReplyDeleteThe Bull’s requiem.
ReplyDeleteO to be in Ambridge when The Bull changes its name.
When the ploughman’s bar has vanished ,it will never be the same
J’lene has said it must be done ;the decor is passé
Just like its loyal customers,The Bull has had its day.
But if they go ahead with this ridiculous idea
It won’t be long before the pub will close for good I fear
✓✓✓✓ You just run them off, don't you, Lanjan ?! Fits perfectly & says all that needs to be said about Jolene's ridiculous ' special announcement's.
DeleteWell! We all have proof that J'lene is deluded. She thinks she can sing. Don't forget the driver behind this is Fagash Lill and her pretentious protegé.
ReplyDeleteHope the Bull doesn’t change! A pub near to my parents in Crewe had been lovely and Mike and I used to mosey on down for a drink when Mum and Dad’s overheated house got too much! As time went by we paid a visit and found it had become one of these ghastly gin palaces with high stools everywhere and flighty young things decorating them. We never went back!!
ReplyDeleteTwo things I realised about Phillip on second listening to last evening’s episode
ReplyDelete1) He is totally tactless.
Why go on and on about how somebody proposed to his divorced wife?
2) I don’t trust him about this Pete business.
How does Alastair know that he hasn’t told Pete a pack of lies about Jim?
I may be wrong( have sometimes been so!) but I wouldn't be surprised if suddenly Pete and his workers are unable to finish the job but ,hey ho ,there is good old Phil (with possibly Gavin) to complete the job and what do you know.? he will manage to do it for less cost.
Do not trust him Jim and Alastair
Escape now Kirsty .
Will Jazzer suss him out?
So what is your point LJ? If Jim gets a satisfactory done at less cost that is a win for him.
DeleteHow does that help confirm your requirement that Paul will turn out "a bad 'un"?
I think that Philip won’t have asked Pete to return to Jim and do the work.
ReplyDeleteWhy would he?
He wanted the job in the first place and Jim turned him down..
He is hardly going to go to a person is essentially a rival in the workplace and ask him to return.
Philip needs the money.
He is obviously planning to finance this wedding in Bali .
I suspect that he won’t say anything to Pete but tell Jim and Alastair that Pete is sorry but he has taken on more work after being dismissed by a Jim -however he will be able to finish the work and do it at a cheaper cost.
(Remember Philip did say that Pet e was pricey!)
Where is P tbY?
I wonder if she agrees with me.
I get the impression-I may be wrong- that she doesn’t trust Phillip either!
Eh up Lanjan......yes I think you could be right.
ReplyDeleteWouldn’t trust Philip as far as I could throw him.
Well, in general, I respect the no nonsense views you both have, Lanjan & PtbY, but I really, really hope you are wrong about Philip !! I like the guy, he's kind, friendly & seems to care a great deal about Kirsty. (Maybe I'm also predisposed towards the Welsh, as we lived in the very Welsh west part of the country for 4 years. I know, that's not a good reason, & it's also true that it caused me to like Natasha too, despite the living on credit which I despise....)
ReplyDeleteLanjan, everything Philip did last night didn't ring true. Why bother to negotiate with a competitor, however, I don't suspect foul play.
ReplyDeleteAs for asking Alistair how he'd proposed to Shula when he turned to Philip for comfort when she left him was plain stupid, as well as Oliver who was widowed suddenly, with Kate butting in after her failed marriage.
So many debates ..
ReplyDeleteAll I want is for The Bull to still be called "The Bull".
What difference will it make by changing the name?
Will more beer, Scruff gin, etc be sold, along with more sandwiches and lunches to increase the profits - doubtful.
Oh Kirsty!
ReplyDeleteYou know what the next thing will be.
(Someone has mentioned this already.)
A double Wedding in Bali.
Yes, it was me, LanJan!
DeleteWell, Philip's careful research paid off, didn't it. All the thought and care that went into tonight did the trick!
ReplyDeleteJim is searching in the dark but he did say to Alistair that no one knows how he feels because they are not inside his head. There's just a chance that he may meet other victim(s) with whom he can share. If not, he will see Fiona whatever happens.
ReplyDeleteJust why does it have to be Kirsty Miller, Tom also addressed her in this way when proposing.
ReplyDeleteWell no surprise for those like me who read the spoilers in the Radio Times.
ReplyDeleteWhat I reckon Philip should say to Gavin is that he’ll pay as much towards Gavin’s wedding as he does for his own, Philip and Kirsty can just have a simple do, I think that would be all Kirsty wants, and then Gavin can follow suit with a more modest celebration or pay for the extravagant bash himself. Won’t happen of course ...
Jim going to that funeral is a truly terrible idea. A shockingly bad idea.
ReplyDeleteBut unmissable listening!
DeleteVery true KP!!!
DeleteWill we hear it though or word of mouth on Jim’s return?
DeleteJim is being very honest with Alistair, & is showing better self awareness these last few days than we've ever heard before. On the face of it, going to the funeral seem to be a very dodgy idea, but I think Jim knows what he's doing, & why, & it could be exactly the right thing to settle him to a certain degree at least - facing the current reality of the Nan's death.
ReplyDeleteThe man's death....
DeleteNecessary 'closure' I expect.
DeleteCall me out as being sentimental in my dotage, but I warmed to the proposal scene in the hide, accompanied by the ( widgeons ?) Why shouldn't they be very happy.
ReplyDeleteStill the problem of the ghastly Gavin, but every SL has to have some angst attached....
Sorry, but Pip & Pheobe becoming 'besties' again, & getting drunk, gives me no confidence whatever in their ability to make a decent fist at the rewilding project.
Have the SW slipped in Philips proposal in order for everything to turn to worms when Gavin is told? He will of course think Kirsty instigated it to thwart him.
ReplyDeleteHe may now have to pay for his own wedding after all,now dads joined in the game but you never know maybe a double wedding over here 😂
Why can’t people ever sort matters out without getting drunk 😡 let’s hope neither Pip or Phoebe drove to The Bull (Bee 😂 )
Just listened, very late to tonight’s ep. and couldn’t believe how badly Pip was being acted.
ReplyDeleteAn very amateur attempt at playing someone with a hangover, moans and shudders and a voice all up and down later on.
This actress still doesn’t know how to act for radio. I wish somebody would take her aside and teach her.
My prediction about W Philip proposing came true sooner than I thought - I wonder if he is going to fulfil the second part and suggest they join Gavin in Bali?
I can understand Jim deciding to go to the mans funeral.
ReplyDeleteI was not surprised to hear that he had decided.
I think Jim sees it as a form of closure for himself now that the man has died.
Jim says he has been fantasising about confronting him. By going to the funeral he will be able to do so in his own quiet and dignified manner.