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Life in Ambridge
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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.
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ReplyDeleteMrsP Ambridge - October 8, 2020 at 10:29 PM
Maryellen, I thought Susan made a brilliant job of a very sticky situation with Jennifer.
Emollient to the last.
She's a clever cookie is Susan when she thinks her way through a problem
And Jenny perhaps at last coming closer to accepting the fact that she "is related to a Horribin"
Not just related Jennifer, but sharing grandmother responsibilities with a Horribin.
(if your daughter is lucky enough to give birth to a live full term baby)
AnneveggieOctober 8, 2020 at 10:59 PM
I agree with others that Susan behaved very well with Jennifer's outburst. She smoothed the waters and made an ally of Jennifer. We can only hope that this s/l will have a happy ending.
maryellenOctober 9, 2020 at 9:18 AM
I remember Susan being equally good with Lynda when she was in a state about something, one of her shows I think, and I’ll never forget the calm and competent way in which - at a moment’s notice and.working against the clock - Susan altered one of Christopher’s jackets to go with Jazzer’s best man’s outfit.
BasiaOctober 9, 2020 at 9:32 AM
Susan also organised Williams's childcare.
What I thought last night though, was that this was Charlotte Martin in her professional role rather than Susan.
I stumbled across some sheet music for The Archers, thought it might be interesting for the musos amongst us!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gary. That’s great fun. I can’t claim to be amongst the musicians on this blog but with only one sharp in it I might have a tinker about on my keyboard in the attic, where nobody can hear me.
ReplyDeleteThis reminded me of a performance on hand bells we did with Cubs, Christmas four years ago. As we finished the first rehearsals one of the leaders was taking down the names of which Cubs had which bells. They replied which two they had, and the last said, "C and Hash tag B!"
DeleteOh Gary, if only I still had my keyboard (given to granddaughter)! My fingers itch to play Barwick Green. I’ll just have to tap it out on the table. 🎶🎶🎶
ReplyDeleteDid you know Archerphile that you can get a virtual keyboard on your IPad.
ReplyDeleteTeenagers put it on mine one Christmas but I've never managed to allow myself the fun of trying.
No I hadn’t heard about that Mrs P. Sounds a brilliant idea. I’ll try it out, thank you for telling me 😃
DeleteI enjoyed Susan + Jennifer together, as Grandma's sharing their joy.
ReplyDeleteI hope this cameraderie lasts, as they might just need each other, later.
I have just realised that, Roy + Pheobe, Rex, Toby and Pip, have not been heard since before "Lockdown".
I hope that they are to return soon and so to hear more about the re-wilding project, rather than the "Brookfield Hoard", which to me, is a S/L too far-fetched. I know it happens, but....
To add.
DeleteI am still so enjoying TA, even with all the different S/L's going on, regardless of my own thoughts about them.
It throws up lots of discussions + ideas, which I love to read.
At least TA is still here, to be listened to, and long may it last.
Yes Miriam I agree it is great to have “proper“ Archers”back on air 🤞🏼It will be able to stay this way to its 70th year celebrations in 2021 and beyond!
DeleteSomething that struck me about Christopher as he told Susan the news. He wasn't as euphoric as she expected him to be and then burst into song for her benefit. When she mentioned making up with Emma her words "Alice is an alcoholic" must have rung out in his ears and he had found the empty vodka bottle.
ReplyDeleteI see Sally Wainwright, Director and Writer of the brilliant tv drama series Last Tango in Halifax and Happy Valley, has been awarded an OBE. In her early years she was a scriptwriter for The Archers, famous for the raid on the village post office. It’s a poignant comparison with the standard of writing we get on the programme nowadays.
ReplyDeleteMaryellen ✔️✔️✔️
ReplyDeleteI don’t really get music! From the above, do you have to play both stanzas together on the piano? I would be quite unable to read both at once! You musical ones are so clever in my eyes!
ReplyDeleteAs to Emma - could she have heard the Alice pregnancy news, whilst listening to Susan's show, which is known that she does.
ReplyDeleteIf this is so, then she will be even more annoyed. If not, then she will learn the news from others, who listened, and this would cause Emma, much more anger + angst.
Yes, it is possible that Emma heard it on the show or from someone who listened but why should she feel angry, she and Christopher are not on speaking terms. I hope that in her heart she may be concerned for Alice and the baby because she and Ed experienced Alice's drinking at first hand, as I said above.
DeleteEmma told Chris about Alices drinking, so they fell out, as he didn't accept it then, nor still does not the extent, of it.This I understand totally.
DeleteBut I feel that Emma should have been told about the pregnancy, rather than hearing this news 2nd hand. Who knows, Emma might be the one to actually help Alice, knowing what she knows, which every-one else doesn't.
Emma was brilliant with Mia, being calm, caring and sensible. She could do the same for Alice, if given the chance.
This is still TA related, but off topic.
ReplyDeleteAre Susan + Clarrie, back working in the Home Farm dairy, making the yoghurts, ice-cream etc?
I cannot recall, hearing anything about this enterprise. This must be busy providing yoghurts, ice-cream to the normal outlets, plus the increased demands from, Tom + Natasha's Bridge Fresh App.
I listened with slight amusement, about the supposedly archeological find at Brookfield, on the omnibus this morning.
ReplyDeleteFirstly - Ben "connecting" with Evie and he already seems to be setting his sights on her.
Secondly - how Ruth suddenly got excited, that any finds will be worth "a lot"! Haven't they heard about Treasure Trove?
At least Jill was realistic. Why bake a Lemon Drizzle Cake, in her new mixer, when she can learn more about Brookfield's history.
To add, I stand by my previous comment about the midwife. This is that she knew that Alice had a high blood alcohol level, when in the hospital.
DeleteThis is based on the fact that, the midwife knew about her recent hospital event from the GP notes, which she probably followed up.
PS I still didn't recognise her as Ayesha.
Under the Treasure Act 1996 finds must eventually be reported to the Coroner who will decide on what happens. The Archers might be entitled to a fee but essentially all Treasure goes to the crown. I have a metal detector and had to check out how and where I could use it.
DeleteI’m going to commit sacrilege by describing the composition of Dum de Dum, Barwick Green as ‘silly’ music. When I watched and listened to the Academic Archers conference I was horrified to hear the proceedings commence with everyone going Dum de Dum, and it sounded just as silly as the music. Gary, I do hope you did not embarrass yourself by joining in the noise.
ReplyDeleteHad I been there my mouth would have remained firmly shut.
Today starts stir up Sunday to Tuesday. 👅
Stir up Sunday, is it already? I need to check my stores, to then, go and buy what I need + then start cooking. It is obviously the time, to prepare and cook a Christmas Pudding.
DeleteI hope Jill will also remember this..if she can remove herself from her Brookfield History project.
stasia, I heartily joined in the singing - although I don't like the tune much myself if I was being honest...
DeleteStir - up Sunday : last before Advent?? Not there just yet I hope... 😉
DeleteBilly Connelly does a very funny piece about the national anthem and the theme to the archers.
DeleteWhat's stir up Sunday..??
DeleteIt is the last sunday before Advent where the Collect begins "Stir up, we beseech the Oh Lord...." and has become known (via the Archers I suspect) as the time to make the Christmas pudding which needs time to 'mature.' I do not think for one moment a real housewife with the talents of Jill Archer in the kitchen would leave making the pudding to just five weeks before Christmas however!
DeleteI made my Christmas puddings at the beginning of September! No chance of them 'going off' due to the Whiskey and Stout in them!
One lady I worked with made batches of them to last for five years. The best tasting one, she said, was always the fifth one!
Miriam. I’m not referring to placing an implement in my hand and continuously and repeatedly move it In order to create a pot of food.
ReplyDeleteA successful, if unintentional, start to your "stir up" Sarnia. 😊
DeleteI obviously misinterpreted, the comment made about a stir up Sunday.
DeleteI wish I knew, to what you were referring to though..🤷♀️
My mother made her Christmas pudding in late summer each year, and a Christmas cake each year also. But the Christmas cake that we ate that year would be the one made five years before, and the other four behind it would be 'fed' with whiskey.
ReplyDeleteExactly MrsP. I soak most of my cakes' fruit in sherry (one is orange juice because of alcohol!) before baking and then feed cakes with sherry or brandy. I make the cakes early autumn before marzipanning then icing. I much prefer Royal Icing which needs a couple of weeks at least to 'dry out.' I can just about tolerate fondant icing on a rich fruit cake but cannot bear it on madeira or sponge cake!
DeleteWhen I was married and the children were small we used to make the puddings on August Bank Holiday weekend, disliking going out on Banks Holidays and getting stuck in traffic jams!
BTW Despite being a regular churchgoer I had never heard of Stir Up Sunday before it was mentioned on TA! Even the search engines find it difficult to pin down the origin of it! And Stir Up Sunday is not until 20th November this year!
I've only heard of stir up Sunday on TA.
DeleteI've never known it to have a theological reference. That's certainly new to me.
Janice at least you cottoned on.
ReplyDeleteI was intentionally stirring the blog from going into a congealed state over the long weekend.
I used;the metaphor ‘ stir up’ in a more colloquial sense to mean agitate. Of course to others it means agitating pots and pans to create for the coming Yuletide.
This Archers blog tends to go into a state of vacancy from Friday to Tuesday.
I was just trying to add a bit of food for thought.
I’m a few ingredients gained from Gary.🥣🧉🍱
How about a wind up Wednesday 😉😉
DeleteI understand now. My pots + pans are now firmly put away. But not my wooden spoon, a good utensil for stirring.
DeleteI try to post thoughts on a Sunday, after listening to the omnibus. Perhaps I will make these a bit more controversial, from now on, rather than my more simplistic thoughts...but then I could cross over the line, with my own ideas and thoughts.
O what a tangled web we weave...
ReplyDeletePhilip’s good isn’t he? He sounded so convincing when talking to Kirsty about Gavin but we know better, don’t we?!!!
ReplyDeleteHow did Kirsty find out Alistair’s past?
ReplyDeletePerhaps Shula confided in Kirsty whilst it was going on? I think it did become fairly widely known about in the village though.
DeleteI hadn’t realised Shula and akirsty had that kind of relationship. This storyline has now become too far-fetched (dating from that old dramatic ploy, the overheard/ misunderstood snatch of conversation) and unrealistic for me to take seriously. Presumably Phil is looking to wind his affairs up and whisk Kirsty off into the sunset.
DeleteDidn't someone let it slip in The Bull or something. I'm pretty certain Shula said something when she was angry which was overheard. Perhaps I imagined it but I have a feeling that I thought that was a hit below the belt by saintly Shula.
DeleteYou're right, as I said below 9:37.
DeleteOh dear, the lies are really piling up aren’t they? Getting more and more involved and now including another Ambridge resident too.
ReplyDeleteWonder how long before the whole Jenga tower of lies comes tumbling down?
And what about that awful Vince, trying to get even more money off his daughter’s wedding deal?
If I’d been David I’d have told him to go and find somewhere else to stick his wedding!
It struck me that it would be fairly cheap anyway as guest numbers are restricted!
ReplyDeleteBut the contracts been signed now, even if only with a handshake. My son is getting married next and they are still awaiting information from the reception venue that if they are only allowed 15 or 30 they will not still be charged for the 100 originally invited! As it's a 'sit-down' meal they can't give every one a doggy bag when they arrive! 🤣
DeleteHeavens to Murgatroid, what utter rubbish was that. Let’s play a game of Chinese Whispers. Somebody has been to too many warm up sessions in the eighties.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSorry. Deleted comment full of typos!
DeleteWhat I was intending to write was:
Stasia, I sometimes wonder why you bother to listen to The Archers at all.
Going by some of your recent comments you consider the whole programme to be a pile of rubbish (or whatever derogatory term you think fit)
Some of us still enjoy the programme as a whole, despite having niggles about some aspects or storylines.
Why not give yourself a break for a week or two and resume listening when our posts here encourage you to do so?
😉
I've read your comment, yes, I was bored too, but will stick to it.
Delete"Heavens to Murgatroid" - used to love Snagglepuss (Sorry, not TA related).
Delete"Exit, stage left" - me too!
DeleteShula announced it to all and sundry at her birthday at the Bull when Robin F was there and it seemed that he might take her outside and I was hoping kiss, but Alistair came from upstairs (can't remember what he was doing there and with whom), but it gave her enough suspicion and she shouted out: Alistair have you been gambling!
ReplyDeletePhilip says he'll be able to wrap it all up soon, let's see how it goes.
Oh right, that answers my question about how Kirsty, like the rest of Ambridge, knew Alistair gambled, thanks, though it seems odd that Shula would publicise like that. No odder than the present Kirsty/Phil/Gavin/Alistair situation, though. I hope Phil succeeds in wrapping his affairs up and whisking Kirsty off, with or without Gavin, ASAP!
DeleteSorry Basia. I started at the top just now and hadn't yet reached your reply. Thank you for confirming what was swimming around in the fog of my memory!
DeleteArcherphile. I sometimes wonder myself. It wasn’t as bad in the past when I first started listening.
ReplyDeleteI have absented myself on occasions and will now take the hint.
Slan, Arrivederci, Adios, Žegnaj.
Till we meet again.
Ah but there is always that hope that it will improve that draws us back.
DeleteSee you in a couple of days then!
Alistair said that he knows what it's like living a lie, he should become Philip's mentor.
ReplyDeleteHi All and Stasia, I absent myself mostly but not from listening or reading now. - I often did during the monologues. I always look at your insightful posts and don't go there if I feel I've nothing much to add/contribute. All of YOU have and the fun is the difference between all of your reactions - we need difference and fun at the mo xxx
ReplyDeleteI hope that Phillip doesnt whisk Kirsty off. Why would she want to marry an evil person like he is.
ReplyDeleteThe usual reason nowadays - because she loves him. And evil is far too strong a word for Philip. Using it for him leaves you nowhere to go for men who have instigated the truly terrible atrocities of history and our own times.
DeletePhilip and Alistair seem to have been friends from the start, sharing a pint when Shula left him. There was that odd incident when Gavin was looking for a laptop in Kirsty & Philip's wardrobe (horse related?), found Alistair in their bathroom and accused Kirsty of an affair.
ReplyDeleteI am so hoping, that Philip continues as he is, with or without Gavin, to then be caught and has to face the consequences of his actions.
ReplyDeleteI am not predicting (as I have been politely asked, not to do so) but Kirsty's Band of Gold, will either not happen, or is discarded..this is a 50/50 outcome.
I know what I think. 😀
I am being careful again.
DeletePhilip's, Builders Firm, has to be based on the use of "cheap labour", no wages paid, just food, plus his team of workers, board + lodgings.
Can he afford to change things, what with the Beechwood house etc?
Gianna - I totally agree with you that Phillip is 'evil' as is anyone who uses and abuses 'special needs' people for their own greed. There is a reason why Phillip's actions are illegal!
ReplyDeleteHowever I hope Gavin goes down too, as he is complicit in the inhuman treatment of the three 'boys.'
Phillip and Gavin have endangered Blake's life by getting him to work unsupervised initially, discharging him from hospital against medical advice and getting him to work on a building site whilst his injuries have not yet healed.
Last night I could have slapped Kirsty (Metaphorically!) as she just does not stop meddling and interfering! I'm surprised Phillip did not lose his temper with her. But oh how I wish they would wrap up this storyline!
...but will Kirsty's meddling and interfering, start to reveal, what is going on?
DeleteI don't want to metaphorically "slap" her, just the opposite.
I want her to slowly learn more, about her husband to be.
Some-one needs to start to realise, that all is not as believed, so why not Kirsty.
I will say so no more, except that Harrison finally gets an acknowledgement.
I maintain that evil, inhuman and greedy are inappropriate words to apply to Phil and an overstatement ofthe case. Yes, he uses the young men but he does not abuse them. We have already discussed the lesser of two evils when it comes to alternatives to living on the streets. I don’t know how we know they are classified as special needs. They are clearly reasonably competent workhands. I can remember several examples of Phil showing humanity. He is no greedier for money than Brian Aldridge, and pales beside Matt Crawford. I assume the team don’t know what to do with this storyline and the present situation has been contrived as a delaying tactic........
DeleteI am using the term 'special needs' as I don't know the acceptable correct terms nowadays for such young men. We heard Blake speak and his dialogue certainly indicated to me that he was not au fait with the way of the world. Phillip would not have been able to manipulate him or bully him if he (Blake) was in control of all his mental faculties.
DeleteAdmitted we do not know about the other two but do you really think that three young men would submit themselves to the regime Phillip and Gavin have them in without them complaining, if they were fully compos mentis?
As far as I am aware neither Brian nor Matt abused their adult male work force by locking them in their accomodation, having them work on a building site for no money apart from 'pocket money' which they are not allowed out unaccompanied to spend anyway.
Ask the current campaigners if slaves are or have been 'abused' or not.
However I know that you are only provoking yet again so I'll say no more. 😀
What with Philip and Rob, the message seems to be never trust “outsiders” !!😉🤔
ReplyDeleteIncluding that suspect Leonard Berry?
DeleteI want Philip + Gavin, found out and arrested, for the courts to then decide their fate, which didn't happen to Rob, who equally deserved it.
DeleteBut then, this does mean he could reappear!
It is so interesting, as to how we listen to TA, the same broadcast for all, yet the interpretations are so very different.
ReplyDeleteI know mine are, but that is what so great - to learn + understand, to interpret ideas + thoughts, from many others.
Also, what is wrong with a moan, now + again, as it just shows others are listening to The Archers, and posting their personal thoughts.
No-one, should be told to "take a break" unless it comes from our administrator.
These are my thoughts only, which I can share.
I have said too much, I know....Sorry. 😣.
DeleteMiriam, I hope Stasia took my comment in the way it was intended, i.e. ironically - hence the winking eye at the end of my comment. It was not an instruction, more a light hearted suggestion, indicated by they winking eye.
DeleteI sincerely hope we shall continue to read her often very witty comments on the other blog even if she does take a break from listening to the programme.
There are many more subjects to discuss and swop ideas about.
Ben is keen on Evie and Vince on Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth picking up a bit of rough? She's more like her cousin/aunt Lilian (?) than I thought!
DeleteI'm not tired of the disabused members of Philip and Gavins workforce, as a SL..
ReplyDeleteMost situations such as this do take some time to resolve and in time this one will too.
My hopes lie with Alistair who some seem to think is a dunderhead, but I do not.
He will soon come to realise that Gavin is not an addicted gambler and wonder why he has been set up to help.
I hope !
I’m not sure if I can bear another 7 or 8 months of Kate and Alice gushing over each other about smoothies and yoga! OK, it’s nice the sisters are being....erm..... sisterly, but I’m not sure I want to listen. Even worse will be Jennifer sticking her oar in and gushing with Susan about who buys what for the anticipated grandchild.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I must be getting old and cynical! 🙁
I am with you ,Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteI don't like either sister in fairness( used to like Alice before they decided to give her a character transplant)
How Kate can say she enjoyed her pregnancy is beyond me.She didn't add "I just didn't want the finished product"
Like you ,Mrs P I do not think that Alastair is a dunderhead and I agree that he will so. on cotton on to the fact that Gavin is lying about the gambling.
I would go one step further.I think Gavin will tell Alastair the truth .
Archerphile - I understood your comment yesterday to be light-hearted and you most certainly did NOT tell anyone not to comment on our blog!
DeleteI really dislike the Aldridges when it comes to their offspring! It seems that Adam and Kate are all too ready to dump their children on others. Alice was again baby-sitting Xander and Adam and Ian have at least on two occasions gone away overnight so Jennifer has babysat. A baby certainly didn't cramp their style!
Kate left her children here and in South Africa but at least the S.A. children were a bit older than the baby she left with Roy.
Kate's character is very much like one of my sisters who was quite self-centred (and still is at times.) It's always about her and her feelings. Quite draining at times. I can only assume that she loved being pregnant and therefore the centre of attention. Although I never discussed that as we don't have that sort of relationship. Despite being a fully qualified nanny (NNNB)and intelligent, she had six children during two marriages. However, unlike Kate, she has devoted herself to the bringing up of those children, despite little help from either of the two fathers. So when Kate said 'You are lucky' I assume that she again just wants to be pregnant and spoiled with attention. Children are an encumbrance to her.
Thank you for your support Spicy, re my comment to Stasia.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with blogs is that you can’t see the face, or hear the tone of voice of the person commenting
Which is why I always leave a little smiling or winking emoji when being humorous so readers don’t get the wrong idea! 😉 😊
I believe that Alistair will soon realize that Gavin is not actually a gambling addict. Surely there must be signs that only fellow addicts would recognize and identify with. Gavin will give the game away and the whole scandal will be unearthed. I hope!
ReplyDeleteBoth Alice and Kate are self-centred but Alice has a chance to prove herself unlike her sister who abandons children according to her whims.
Kate was supportive to Alice, but not in the way she needs. Alice is frightened, but cannot bring herself, to open up to any-one, about her fears, as to her problem.
ReplyDeleteI still think Emma, who knows more about this, than any-one else, is the person to help her.
But how will they start talking together again?
I have a couple of ideas, but I am keeping those to myself, just now.
DeleteGo on Gavin, tell Philip you're walking out/speaking out before it's too late.
ReplyDeleteAnd Kirsty was really exhausting, she doesn't know but still.
Short, sharp, shock from Emma for Alice, what a contrast with cosy talk of yesterday.
What bothers me is that Susan knows too, but has brushed it aside.
Listened for the first time in weeks, & it was really rather good ! Thanks to the posts here, had some idea of the state of play, & thought Emma was perfect, leaving Alice no room for manoeuvre, excuses, emotional blackmail & so on. Alice is being faced with the truth it seems, something she is still totally resistant to, despite her collapse, despite the pregnancy. It's hard to care what becomes of her, but Emma, a much stronger character, certainly doesn't need the aggro.
ReplyDeleteIn Gavin's case, it's more complex, I take it ? Meaning his real burden is the guilt over turning vulnerable young men into slaves, rather than a serious gambling addiction, if indeed he has one at all. Given he only knows what he's been told, Alistair is being very sensible & supportive, but there's nothing to be gained by Gavin telling him the truth. Confrontation with big, bad dad next, I suppose !
It was quite neatly done - yes, Gavin and Alistair had something in common, not addiction (which we knew was the case) but their similar relationship with their fathers!
ReplyDeleteTwo very satisfying conversations, at least they were for me.
ReplyDeleteEmma giving it to Alice straight and not letting her off the hook after that appalling phone call.
Well done Emma,
And Gavin, beginning to realise what a bad influence his father has been and how he must break away, thanks to the conversation with Alistair. I actually began to feel sorry for him, having his life dominated by Philip, but I think he now knows what he must do.
I don’t think he us going to be around Ambridge much longer. How is Philip going to explain that yo Kirsty?
Perhaps before he goes, Gavin might give Kirsty some idea of the truth.
ReplyDeleteGiven his present state of mind Gavin might well have been rather touched by Kirsty's concern for him and feel that he might return the compliment.
Yes Maryellen it was neatly done wasn't it.
I did actually feel sorry for Gavin when listening this evening.
But I did not feel at all sorry for Alice.
She deserved every syllable of Emma's wrath.
And I should think her final words put even greater fear through Alice's veins.
I didn’t understand about the rude message Alice left on Emma’s phone. We heard it all but Emma told Susan her battery ran out while Alice was recording so she only heard the first bit of the message. Yet she was behaving to Alice as if she’d heard the really nasty remarks at the end. Perhaps she was sparing her mother the worst bit.
DeleteTo me it's not so much what Alice said but how and that's what Emma let Susan hear, together with reminding her of Alice's drunken behaviour towards William after Nic's funeral. Susan prefers to remain oblivious and so does Chris. Emma knew that Alice was drunk by the roadside because both she and Ed heard her at her worst.
ReplyDeleteAs to Philip, he was about to come clean to Kirsty about his operations but changed tack when he realised she meant gambling. I think at that stage he might have won her over but now with the double lies I very much doubt it, in spite of my prediction that she'd stand by him.
Me too Esscee. (Apart from the listening bit - I haven't actually listened to it for months now!)
ReplyDelete😘
ReplyDeleteAlistair did pick up on the fact that Gavin couldn't remember his first bet but then decided to tell his story which meant that he couldn't catch Gavin out on his ignorance on gambling addiction. Frustrating. Gavin seemed to say he was going to leave his dad's operation as he has realized how bad it is. Big changes to happen soon.
ReplyDeleteI am still bewixt and bemused, about the Gavin + Philip situatuon. I refer to the Grey Gables explosion and the investigation into this. Has it been resolved as to whom is responsible or culpable and why - and will there be prosecutions, as a result?
ReplyDeleteI would like to hear the conclusion to this event, which affected so many, particulary Lynda, Freddie+ Roy directly, and Oliver, indirectly.
They all need to learn the entire scenario, which Gavin was so involved with:- his not feeding Blake, and not supervising him at the time.
Gavin should not escape, like Rob did, ĺ not faceing the consequences to their actions.
Why should another "walk free"?
Where is the scratch card?!
ReplyDeleteKirsty and Phil. Moving to a new LOCATION. Must be repeated three times.
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't he stay in Wales in the first place. Grass is not always greener, we carry the baggage with us. A hideaway cottage, I guess he could fix all the leaks, but he preferred a purpose built 4(!) bedroom house newly built, so not drafty.
DeleteIt’s all about, location, location, location. The further away the better then maybe the the poorly treated slaves will be liberated.
DeleteThe conundrum is, who is going to be the ‘liberator’?
And when liberated, they will be free to find decent jobs that pay them properly, but how will they find what they have now, a home with the companionship that they presently have, plus food, paying bills, organising a household and all the other responsibilities attached to 'normal living' for most people.
DeleteWill the local authorities step in, or will it be down to Alan Franks and Shula.
The reality is that they would end up on the streets again, but I am hoping you are right and that Alan and Shula will at least try to help them.
DeleteMy point precisely Janice.
ReplyDeleteThey will end up, again on the streets.
Of course we are all presuming that they were on the streets before Philip found them and gave them something useful to do, whatever the circumstances surrounding that usefulness may be.
I don't recall ever having heard that these three men were actually on the streets.
Some one will remember, Basia I suspect, but if they were not, how were they recruited, and where from ?
We don't know yet, but perhaps there is another twist to this story to be revealed at some point.
Over to your fertile imagination Miriam !
MrsP, Thank you for praising my imperfect memory but I don't think anyone knows how Blake, Kensy and Jordan were recruited. I only remember Blake's name being mentioned after the explosion at GG and then references to "the horses". It just occurred to me that if they had been referred to as people with names, Susan wouldn't have picked up on anything.
DeleteWe know Blake was on the streets because that was where Philip threatened to return him to (when he visited Blake in hospital) if he didn’t comply.
DeleteThank you Maryellen for reminding us.
ReplyDeleteBasia, don't be so modest..... your memory is very good indeed and far far better than mine regarding TA.
But I don't understand your point re names and Susan.
Can you clarify ?
I don't know the conversation between Gavin and Philip, but if he was saying something like, I'll take care of them, Blake, Kensy and Jordan, rather than" the horses", it wouldn't have aroused Susan's suspicion, but it had to be horses, so she would draw the wrong conclusion and the plot is watered down, to me anyway. I still claim that Philip had his last chance to come clean to Kirsty at the time when she nearly found out but no good for drama.
DeleteOnly caught up on Thursdays episode last night, due to power cut all Thurs evening.
ReplyDeleteI do hope the SWs aren’t going to duck out of resolving the Moss’s slavery business by sending Philip and Kirsty off to deepest darkest Wales and Gavin to who know where.
They will have major repercussions from listeners if they allow that to happen.
Elsewhere, I found Ruth’s voice especially trying when she was talking about Ben’s interest in girls, was she always so gushy and giggly? Perhaps it’s just that I haven’t heard her for so long that I’d forgotten how irritating that accent of hers can be!
Just a reminder that we don't all find Ruth's accent irritating. I like it. Along with Ralph Ireson. And Brenda Blethyn has got it off pretty well for a southerner.
ReplyDeleteThe gushing ....... I agree with.
Can't stand gushing from anyone but especially females.
I like Ruth and I like her accent. The actor grew up an hour or so south of Ruth. Not quite the same accent but some similarities. Maybe it’s the intonation/ emphasis that grates for some people. She certainly hasn’t lost her accent as Pat has, but some people do and some don’t, when they move away.
DeleteTalking of Pat, where is she?
DeleteI don't think the Editor would dare let Phillip and Gavin escape punishment after letting Matt and Rob get away Scot free from their criminal behaviour!
ReplyDeleteSpoiler alert?
ReplyDeleteI heard a trailer on R4 in which Gavin said the word slaves and Philip told him not to say it again. We haven't heard this confrontation, so I assume it's coming.
If Philip + Gavin go unpunished, I will be getting my soapbox out, to have my say to TA, though this will go unaknowleged + ignored.
ReplyDeleteSurely they have to be "carted off", on remand, at Her Majesty's Pleasure. This releases Gavin for his pastures new in Corrie, but Kirsty will be left alone again. How would the Beechwood house mortgage be paid...Re-enter Roy, to help and a shoulder to cry on, also.
PS I like Ruth's voice. It is nice to hear a different and distinguishable local accent, like Jazzer + Ian.
DeleteI get confused with Toby + Rex - Freddie, Johnny + Ben - as examples.
Basia - I thought I had heard early on Gavin referring to the workers as slaves and Phillip rebuking him. Otherwise I don't think we would know what they were talking about?
ReplyDeleteOh, so I got that wrong, that means anything is possible but I hope not that father, son and bride escape across the border to Wales, would it be allowed?
DeleteJust to clarify; I’m not saying I dislike a Geordie accent at all, in fact I quite like it, as I do a Liverpool accent or an Edinburgh accent. There is an actor called Sean Prendergast who has a natural Geordie accent which I very much enjoy hearing.
ReplyDeleteIt is just the way Ruth employs it that irritates for some reason.
I'm not sure whether I said this before because a couple of my posts weren't accepted and I couldn't be bothered to write them out again! But if the police get involved , which I hope they will be, then the Social Services will be involved surely?
ReplyDeleteWhen I have seen on the news arrests made of gang masters involved in prostitution, nail bars, factory and field workers it always says other departments are taking care of the young men and women. So hopefully the same will happen to the three 'lads.'
I have had dealings with charities involved with the homeless so I know what their situation is like but I still maintain that no-one should be treated like Phillip and Gavin are treating their workers. Continue like that and they could live like that for years without anyone knowing they existed!
Of course no one should be treated the way the Philip & Gavin treat other people. It's called slavery. And any person who says otherwise is either playing devil's advocate or needs more education on the subject.
DeleteI have just switched over to fb after finishing here and there is a posting on the Archers page by the two actors who play Phillip and Gavin advising on signs to look out for if slavery is suspected. In it 'Gavin' says that just over 5000 slavery offences were recorded by police in the years ending March 2019. That is horrendous!
ReplyDeletePhilip and Gavin are of the opinion that what they're doing is the lesser of and what we've discussed here. I don't think anyone advocates what they're doing. Someone mentioned Alan and Shula stepping in. I remember when she took in Darren which almost turned into a farce, in the end Daniel no longer felt at home but when Alistair took Darren to a hostel he had a panic attack and they turned back. He went to live in a caravan? I know Clarrie bought him a new jumper.
ReplyDeleteThe villagers did up the caravan for Darren. As I remember he recovered his mental stability enough to live go and in a flat in Felpersham (or somewhere else outside the enclave), never to be heard of again. He is one of the characters I would like to bring back.
DeletePerhaps those of you who feel strongly might care to sign the petition on the anti slavery site trying to get support for a Modern Slavery Bill , which is an attempt to get the government to " protect not neglect" victims, i.e. help them rather than incarcerating them in detention centres and treating them as if they were the criminals. Government practice does not necessarily live up to the spiel trundled out to the public.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s what many financially dependent wives endured in less enlightened times.
ReplyDeleteI have just two comments to make tonight. Again this is hearing slightly more into things, from the omnibus.
ReplyDelete1) Alice was so interested in the smoothie Kate brought, the one to supposedly help with cravings. Kate assumed it was for caffeine, but Alice was craving something different.
2) Gavin + Alistairs informal chat was interesting. Both were telling about their own experiences, but these were related to very different scenarios, yet they inter-connected.
What Gavin said, did not relate to gambling, but his own father and the situation he is in.
Gavin said "I now know what to do".
This will be fascinating as to what he decides to do.
I have had one of my "wacky" thoughts, but as requested, I will keep it to myself.
My hint Gavin - tells all.
Alice was also interested in the detox smoothie.
DeleteGavin tried to question Philip's idea why he has to pretend about his gambling but Philip said he'd do the same for him and it ended there.
The de-tox smoothie was the same as for the cravings - I think. Anyway, it was the one I thought Alice was most inrerested in.
DeleteSadly, some prefer the life"inside" because they feel protected.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if anyone else has already mentioned this.....on the Archers FaceBook page is a very interesting little video by « Philip » and « Gavin » about the anti-modern slavery campaign and warning people what signs to look out for if they think a firm may be using slave labour. They include a scene from TA where their character were discussing what to do with « the horses ».
ReplyDeleteIt seems very appropriate that these two actors are backing the campaign and it us worth watching if you can - and if you don’t mind seeing what the actors look like.
Philip is totally different to what I had imagined, but Gavin fits my imagination exactly!
I don't do Facebook.
DeleteGavin is how I imagined him, but that comes from my seeing him in Corrie.
I prefer not to see what the actors look like, as I have my own images in my mind. 😁😄
I don't think anyone has ever requested you to keep your thoughts to yourself Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI don't suppose they are at all whacky.
I would be interested to know what you think will happen.
For what it is worth I think Gavin intends to "come clean " in some way
I think he will inform his dad that he is not going to lie about"the horses" any more.
He suddenly had a character change when he discovered Alice on the road to Damascus .
Sadly, it was suggested, very politely, that I should not post my thoughts, predictions nor ideas, about future scenarios. This is I understand, as I know that my imagination does go into overdrive. This I understand and the reasoning why.
DeleteMy thoughts are, that Gavin will open up to someone, but to whom? My early thought is Kirsty, with the dilemma, as to:-
a) does she believe him?
b) what will she do?
Then there is Alistair, as to the Horses.
Perhaps, he will go straight to Harrison.
I still think, he will tell all, in some way or another, even if it a massive hint.
Whatever happens, Kirsty will end up, disallusioned and broken-hearted, yet again. Enter Roy, to take her under his wing, and comfort her...etc. etc .😘
DeleteGavin does seem to be taking several days to think about it though LJ.
ReplyDeleteI rather expected him to challenge his father the day after his conversation, or lack of on Gavins part, with Alistair.
Obviously my expectations were too high !
As for Miriam s whacky thoughts..... keep em coming Miriam, and no, I don't recall any one asking you to keep them to yourself.
What you were asked ( I think) was to desist from forever apologising for your whacky thoughts, which you seem to have done recently.
Your whacky thoughts keep many of us amused I suspect. So thank you Miriam.
I don't much like seeing actors faces either because like many I have my own picture in my mind.
Do I suspect a getting together, between Lizzie + Vince?
ReplyDeleteThat will certainly upset David.
I watched Philip and Gavin on facebook, it was first mentioned by Spicycushion.
ReplyDeleteThey fitted my image of them.
I think Elizabeth was stood up. She's going to see Vince again at the meeting that is. How could she find this "a**e" into egg mayonnaise amusing, she must be bored and desperate.
ReplyDeleteI said Philip could fix a drafty cottage, he's another one desperate to get away.
You are so right Miriam, it will, but I suspect Lizzie will know that...... and not care !
ReplyDeleteMy first thought about Vince -dreadful man -and Elizabeth -not fond of her either - was that neither of them gave their real names on the site they were using and in fact they should actually have been meeting each other although they didn't realise it at the time.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I am concerned they would spoil another couple.
They both have money although I imagine at the moment Vince has a bit more.
Let them have their fun.
I thought the same, that they were meant to be meeting each other, but didn't realise it.
ReplyDeleteMy vision of Vince is not a very nice one.
My vision of Elizabeth is of a woman who has rather lost her way in life and is trying to find a route forward.
I cannot create a vision of these two people being in a relationship, but then I'm not an Archers scriptwriter.
I wonder what Vince and Elizabeth would have in common. Both are keen to find a partner so that could be for starters. Is Vince a widower or did I imagine that? If he is, they'd have that in common also.
ReplyDeleteIs it my imagination, or are far fewer people commenting on the Archers related blog than previously (pre-lockdown) on in the other blog?
ReplyDeleteIs this because:-
a) fewer people are listening to the episodes
b) people who disliked the monologues have not yet returned
c) the stories are not engaging or interesting enough
d) we have actually lost members
e) people would discuss anything other than The Archers on the other blog?
🤔
I have kept listening (to the episodes I want to hear), on catch-up, after reading the synopses. I don't generally comment, but am usually able to read my thoughts expressed in a more erudite manner by you all !
DeleteI've listened to everything but commented less during monologues.
DeleteThe stories I'm interested in are Alice's pregnancy and Phil&Co.
I do read the comments sometimes but l haven't got back into regularly listening again. I can't tell if it's the effects of the lockdown etc but l feel so listless l can't work up any enthusiasm for the Ambridge crowd. I'm quite surprised because l was really involved with P and G slave storyline.
DeleteI have listened all the way through the monologues , and enjoyed a fair number of them. I liked the more reflective style. However, as with you Old Fogey, I have recently lost enthusiasm, but I think you could be right in linking it with these lockdown times. I have to be careful and am utterly fed up with the loss of freedom this entails - and I live in a rural area so am relatively lucky. I am listening more out of habit than really looking forward to to it.
DeleteLanjan, you must be right about the meeting.
ReplyDeleteI don't care what they do together, I'm just disappointed that Elizabeth liked such a stupid prank and wanted to know the details.
Does it matter to Elizabeth whether Vince is married or not? Such considerations have not bothered her previously! I hope we don't have to listen to the intimate details. 🤮
ReplyDeleteBasia - I felt disappointed by Elizabeth's delight in the tale of the sandwich too.
ReplyDeleteI think this is because we think of Lizzie now as a mature woman with grown up children and the responsibilities of running a substantial business.
But Lizzie always had a ' fun' side, and that was why she and Nigel had such a good relationship.
Remember the days of the ice cream van ?
I grew up in a family where 'fun' or ' silliness' was taboo.
This has left me with an attitude that finds it difficult to be in any situation where these two elements are being exercised by others. I am embarrassed and extremely uncomfortable to join in.
Because of this I always found Nigel a difficult character to engage with, although I was able to enjoy his growing maturity as he and Lizzie developed the business. I also disliked it when Lizzie engaged with him in his japes.
Lizzie has become a very serious person in recent years, and although I felt disappointed in her last night, I could also see that Vince, however rough a diamond he may be, was able to access The lighter side of Lizzies personality.
I have carried on listening, just in case I miss something exciting. I am usually catching up some days after transmission and too late to comment on recent episodes. I don’t like reading the on topic blog until I have heard the episode. It might spoil the excitement.
ReplyDeleteHowever I have just listened to last night’s offering. I found it hard to imagine Elizabeth and Vince together, especially as I started wondering again about the Mr Big theories we discussed earlier, and wondering about Vince (I am sure he was suggested by someone??). Of course he did behave charmingly to Elizabeth and maybe that was enough to make her feel good about herself. I agree with Mrs P that there are resonances with Nigel and his silliness, and like Mrs P, I find that sort of thing uncomfortable (perhaps it’s a non-conformist thing, Mrs P? My lot were pretty straight-laced and Victorian)
I also believed that Vince was her date but didn’t want to admit it. I think he is divorced. I think he might have referred to this in the past but I am not absolutely certain.
I don't think either of them wanted to admit that they were there to meet a n other.
ReplyDeleteThey had different ways of expressing it. Elizabeth coyly, Vince ignoring the suggestion.
And his rough diamond charm paid off, Elizabeth did feel buoyed up by his repartee.
If the S W s feel the need to unite these two, I would suggest that most listeners will not expect any liaison to last.
On the other hand it could be another S L if Vince turns out to be Mr Big.
All I can say is:-
ReplyDeleteLizzie, if you are attracted to Vince, then go for it.
Life is short, so just enjoy it, in whatever way possible...and who cares what David, Ruth, Shula, Lily and Freddie think.The twins have their own projects to worry about, so they should leave Lizzie, to just do what she wants, and about time, too.
Lizzie needs a form of escapism for once.
Miriam - aren’t you concerned that Vince will worm his way into the Lower Loxley business? I suspect that is the real reason for his interest in Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't trust Vince further than I could throw him but I don't know if I can stomach yet another "bad " man story. I was extremely disappointed that Philip was turned into a villain. Kirrsty deserves some happiness.
ReplyDeleteIf Vince goes for LL, Lily and Freddie won't stand for it. Remember they called Roy Hobbit, not that he was after money. Abattoir sounds quite innocuous in English, compared to a slaughterhouse.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the last two comments. Why must there always be a bad 'un in Ambridge? I have lived in all sorts of 'communities' (how I hate that word!) village, town, suburbs, the 'bush' in Aus and I have never met anyone who is remotely like these hard nosed, common, 'business' men all spiel and trickery. Matt, Justin, Vince all of the same mold!
ReplyDeleteI listened to last night's episode late this afternoon and thought yet another smarmy so and so who was disgustingly devious when buying the abbatoir then refusing to take David's sheep.
But I don't like Elizabeth either and I don't believe for one moment she would entertain the idea of getting to know Vince better. She is too much of a snob for that.
Changing subject. Does anyone know if Jazzer gave back the ticket to Johnny yet? I listen every evening at the moment, and I don't remember it being said.
I wonder why Pip is having problems with Rosie? Could it be that she has been passed from pillar to post all her life?
Presumably Rosie is a typical case of the Terrible Twos, for the same reasons as other children at this age.
ReplyDeleteMaryellen
ReplyDelete✔️✔️✔️
Spicycushion, no sign of the scratch card yet, though Jazzer said it was safe but I won't rest until it's restored. You mentioned fb yesterday and I started checking it, the comments there are that Vince is indeed another Matt.
ReplyDeleteExactly my thought Basia!!
DeleteSpicey, Jazzer gave Fallon the ticket, and she was so grateful she gave him a meal voucher for him to impress a girl with.
ReplyDeleteI felt Fallon’s chat with Harrison was well portrayed. Maybe in the long term they could do short term fostering?
No sympathy at all for whining Pip, yes parenthood is hard work at times, get on with it.
Apologies for non- Archers comment - but to BBC Doctors fans, it is returning very soon but with only 4 episodes a week. Suppose we should be grateful for anything !
ReplyDeleteI agree, Pip has always complained about how hard motherhood is. She has also always tried to palm Rosie off to whoever will take her. She (Rosie) is just going through the terrible twos so do get on with it.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have minded if we'd never heard about the rewilding again but it's back again.
Difficult conversation between Fallon and Harrison but it did need to take place.
I think that’s utterly unfair on Pip. She has looked after Pip herself morning and night and as much time in the day as could be expected of today’s working mothers. I thought her comments on Rosie’s behaviour were very mild compared with the moaning you hear from real life mums swamping coffee shops for hours with buggies and unruly offspring (in pre Covid days). It is clear that she and Toby have indeed ‘got it sorted’.
DeleteWhen did we last hear that Rosie was being cared for by a relative other than one of her parents?
DeleteThat’s true Maryellen, but then we haven’t actually heard anything much from Pip since lockdown started.
DeleteI’m surprised she hadn’t heard about the ‘terrible twos’ phase from another mother at the nursery Rosie attends. It’s hard and frustrating to cope with as a parent but doesn’t last forever.
I thought that knowledge was implicit in Ruth and Pip’s comment that Rosie is now two. Even just before lockdown we heard very little about Rosie spending time with her relatives, her parents having organised child care between them.
DeleteNothing to add.... Maryellen has said it on my behalf.
ReplyDeleteRosie is a big personality in the making, I reckon, hence the horrible hitting problem. She wants her parents together, in the same space. We all know it's not easy even if parents inhabit the same house but even harder in Rosie's case even though her parents are 'friends'. It must happen all the time now with co-parenting and will surely work out.
ReplyDeleteJanet, fresh thoughts from you.
ReplyDeleteI suppose Rosie will be the eldest of the next generation from that branch of the Archers, though Helens two will be the eldest within the clan, followed by that baby that the boys have had manufactured. Can't remember it's name.
Apologies, the above sounds rather dismissive of babies, but I suppose reflects my position on the subject. In my view they don't get interesting until about age six or seven.
Zander (or Xander?) short for Alexander and a reference to the woman who bore him. Makes a change from Alex!
DeletePhoebe is technically the oldest of that generation: great-great-grandchildren of Dan and Doris. However, over many decades you do get slippage and Pip and Chloe end up being close in age even though they're of different generations (second cousins once removed, I think).
DeleteSorry, for 'Chloe', read 'Phoebe'.
DeleteAs long as there's no egg mayonnaise on the menu tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pity that Fallon and Harrison didn't have a chat before they married about the fact that Fallon didn't want a family.
ReplyDeleteI feel very sorry for him .
I wouldn't be surprised though if they don't have a child and I hope they do.
So Lily has returned. I still don't like her with her many interfering ways, as to her family.
ReplyDeleteShe is starting to stir things up with both Lizzie + Freddy, as to their new lives + ideas.
Does this mean she is envious, as she is now stuck in a rut, with her kitchen sales + Russ, as in:-
If she can't be happy, why should others be??
I feel very sorry for Harrison too, and however much he loves Fallon I think not having a child will be a source of regret for him. He seems the kind of man who would be a good father.
ReplyDeleteMiriam, I agree about Lily. I thought her behaviour tonight, spying on her mother and actually going to the seminar to see who Lizzie was meeting, was appalling.
ReplyDeleteHow dare she! I should have been furious if I were Lizzie. and had been shown up by my daughter (and son) in such a way.
I think Lizzie was furious.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't blame her.
Interfering madam !
Based on Lily's experience of her mother's depression, I think she was acting out of justified concern, though a little cack-handed. The problem is that, as so often happens in Ambridge, people make remarkable recoveries from serious medical conditions and resume life as if they'd never happened.
ReplyDelete