Basia - November 27, 2020 at 11:45 AM Rex is a former professional rugby player who sustained an injury. People have always used contacts, most have their lives sorted by parents, teachers and employers.
Archerphile - November 27, 2020 at 12:16 PM Exactly, Basia.
maryellen - November 27, 2020 at 12:40 PM Which is what makes Toby’s personal initiative so remarkable!
Basia - November 27, 2020 at 12:59 PM Why must they be compared, they are two people in their own right. Why should people be compared/defined by others.
Comparisons happen all the time in real life, and in any case, I wasn’t making a direct comparison, just using T❤️O❤️B❤️Y as an outstanding example of someone who relies on personal initiative rather than falling back on leads from his contacts. I am sure you can think of other examples. And what a good thing T❤️O❤️B❤️Y didn’t listen to bloggers’ negative comments or he would not have developed a reputable product and successfully marketed it.
This is my image of the Fairbrothers:- Rex is tall, slim, with blonde hair and always clean-shaven. Toby is shorter, very musclular, with dark hair and a constant "6 o'clock shadow". I still think, Toby will leave Ambridge, but will continue to visit and support, Pip + Daisy, in the short term.
Very disappointed by the Archers feature on ' Feed Back' this afternoon. Two listeners who had deserted TA during monologue time, asked whether they were reconsidering that TA had found its mojo again, and might be rejoining listening. Both had only been listening spasmodically again recently and where asked about their responses to the Alice S L. Both felt that although probably well researched it was all very ' too much too soon '. This annoyed me because those of us who have been listening consistently have I think agreed that the gradual increase in Alice's drinking has been very well signposted and shown in real time. I thought it rather pointless and misleading to ask intermittent listeners to comment on a SL that had been played out over a long period and needed consistency to understand. Moan over......
My Rex and Toby? Toby: rather good looking, dark wavy hair, neat dark beard, about 6 ft tall and slim. Rex: face a bit knocked about by the rugby, wavy brown hair, no beard, more muscular than Toby and a bit shorter.
How interesting that some have definite ideas of what Rex and Toby look like. Most of the other TA characters I do have a visual in my head of them but Rex and Toby not so much. They're both quite nice to look at and tall but beyond that I don't know. Perhaps we've not heard enough of them for me to get their picture.
I suppose I have some idea of what the characters look like. It requires more imagination than for, say, a character in a book because the author will usually give some clue about the physical appearances. However you don't get someone say on the radio, "Here comes tall dark and handsome Rex!" However I am quite content to see the actors real faces in publications etc and then I just picture them when I listen. So if I need to picture them at all I see the actors faces. Some I don't picture at all, like Alan the vicar or even Clarrie. It's just the same as seeing Dame Judi Dench as either Joan of Arc, Queen Elizabeth I or M in Bond films. I accept she is that character but know she is really Judi Dench! It's the same with TA.
To me they fit the actors' image. The Fairbrothers' role was for the story to come a full circle. Elizabeth was involved with their father and now Pip has a daughter by his son. It looks like they may become peripheral characters.
I have a few thoughts about TA, after listening to the Sunday Omnibus:- a) Can Chris keep the cover story up, or will he tell Emma, swearing her to secrecy? b) Will Eddie manage as Lou Buckley, or will he let something slip? c) When Philip "retires" his hold over Blake, as a wanted man,will go as well, and will Gav realise this, d) David, will he be more civil to Vince, now he knows that he is dating Lizzie? e) When will Lynda step in, and take over the Christmas Show?
I have done the 3 stories challenge - 2 truths + 1 lie. It was fun and no-one guessed my "lie"...
You raise some good thinking points Miriam. I think Chris will find it very difficult not to tell someone about where Alice is. He's carrying a lot on his shoulders and needs someone to talk to. Eddie seems proud of his ability to carry off his deception and he may well be able to keep it up. When Philip retires I think Blake may feel loyalty to Gavin and not know what else to do in his life. David may need to keep his views to himself on Vince and let things play out. Not sure that I think that Lynda will step in and take over the Christmas Show. She wants it to succeed without her and may just watch from the sidelines.
A. He will tell Emma B. Think he might keep shtum C.think as Annveggie D. David will be polite. ( whatever it may cost him but might say what he thinks to other family members ) E. Not sure !
I don't think it's a case of Chris needing to talk to somebody, anybody, but it is Emma he wants to talk to. Also ae probably feels guilty about shouting at Emma when it was her that was telling the truth and Alice was lying. The brother and sister are (or were) very close so to be estranged from her must be hurting. Alice realises this because she said, "Just don't tell Emma. You'll find a way of making up with her." My immediate thought was how selfish to keep her husband away from his only sister. I suspect Emma will suspect the truth and probably be very supportive to Chris if she is allowed to be. Whatever happens I hope this storyline is soon over!
Before TA starts again tonight, I think that Alice is only going through her 2 week sojourn, as she really wants the Babe and trully loves Chris. I do wish she had told, or will tell, all to Brian, Jennifer and Adam. They would understand and support her, in any way they possibly can, in a subtle way. I am not liking Chris + Emma, being estranged. Siblings need to be together, and this affects Susan, their mother.
It will be interesting to see if there is a topical insert tonight, about the Governments new 7 year plan for British Farmers. It will be of vital importance to the various farms in and around Ambridge with the cessation of EU Grants and the emphasis on paying farms, not for their acreage, but for the improvements they make to the environment and countryside. We shall be seeing fewer cows and sheep (hard luck Brookfield) and more emphasis on planting hedges, creating lakes and general re-wilding. So Peggy was right after all! (Unfortunately they haven’t said what’s happening about pigs yet)
Perhaps Brookfield could reintroduce beavers, like the National Trust has done on Exmoor. They are incredibly useful creatures, and it would be an excellent storyline.
Indeed it would. And an ideal venture for Pip, Rex and Phoebe to in their re-wilded scheme. In fact, if their patch of land is anywhere near the River Am, the introduction of Beavers could help prevent future flooding.
I can't see how the seven year plan is going to work for cattle farmers unless the price of meat greatly increases. To break even a farmer generally needs all his land for either pasture or growing hay for Winter feed, and if he turns it over to wildlife schemes then he isn't going to have sufficient pasture left. Also in an area like north Cornwall woodland is very scarce for a reason, much too windy. I hope that it doesn't result in more animals being kept indoors in factory conditions simply to free up the land. I look forward greatly to the Archer clan enlightening me.
Ah, so the way to Alice is through her horse, I had no idea that she had Banjo stabled with Shula, so will Chris confide in her? 'Hold your horses' Helen, Philip may vacate the house but it won't be up for sale. "Put your personal feelings aside" - why? A casual drink at the Bull, but why should David go out with Vince alone, as he/Shula said, Elizabeth is 53 and not his daughter. Don't tell me, he'll come back and saying that Vince is not so bad once you get to know him...
Here is my effort for the month of December and Christmas. Must admit I bought the poinsettia at the local garden centre, then chopped a section off to make composition easier. My usual botanical style, but the colours more cheerful than normal. Happy Christmas month everyone!
I reckon Emma will guess where Alice is and will try to comfort Chris. How ironic that Susan admitted addiction in her family but refuses to face it now.
I went back to the early blogs this morning and was saddened to see how many contributors we have 'lost.' There were so many names from the BBC blog that are no longer contributing here and now. I presume they joined the BBC blog to discuss TA, and joke and remember about the characters. Well they could do that on this blog site on the 'Life in Ambridge' section.. They don't have to discuss what they are having for dinner tonight or what the grandchildren are up to! They don't have to read our 'gossip' at all if they don't want to! I'd really like to see some of the old names posting again from all around the world with their different take on TA. My view (for what it's worth!) is that it is too 'issue' driven and as a result is only just about qualifying as 'entertainment.' I am posting this on both sites. Hope you don't mind Gary.
Coincidence Spiceycushion ' cos I did the same when I was in Cornwall and like you, noticed how many ' names' had not continued after a few weeks.
I agree it is a shame, but don't see how we could change that situation, unless of course some of those 'names' are still reading but not contributing, which seems unlikely.
Mrs. P and Spicy, I do read this blog most days to see how you are all doing but with one thing and another I can't manage to write. I do enjoy reading all the different views. I promise to make a comment or two once l'm sorted out. (l actually spend more time reading this page than l do listening to Ambridge.)
That sounds like me too Old Fogey! What with these two Blogs and various Facebook groups I occasionally drop Into its becoming a full time job keeping up with Archers opinions! Mind you, since FB has been mucked about with I find it much mote difficult to find pages and make comments about the programme. So thank goodness for this place to see what others are thinking.
No comments about Philip and Gavin’s conversation last night? I can hardly believe that nobody was disgusted by Moss senior’s treatment of his son, and even more horrified by the way he spoke about ‘selling’ his poor workers. This Archers story is reaching a new low and needs to be concluded very soon.
Having been appalled by Gavin’s behaviour when he first appeared in Ambridge, I now find myself feeling sorry for him and hoping he will manage to get out of the clutches of his father and make a success of his life. Conversely, I was duped into liking Philip at first and sticking up for him against all the criticism he received here. Either I am very stupid, or the scriptwriters have been very clever in turning these two personalities around!
Archerphile, like Spicey I am behind in my listening and when I saw both your comments I had to listen as I had previously been quite worked up with this S.L. I don't think Philip Moss has any redeeming qualities and really hope he gets his just desserts. (soon).
To mark the 70th anniversary of The Archers, Kenton and Jolene (Richard Atlee and Buffy Davis) host a special quiz in The Bull, focusing on events and characters in Ambridge down the decades. Capacity is strictly limited because of pandemic restrictions so there isn't room for the crowd that would gather in more normal times. But for this special occasion, a team of familiar Radio 4 presenters will take on a team of Archers super-fans from around the UK.
There'll be plenty of brain-racking and dredging of memory banks as the players try to remember significant events, scandals, people who came and went, fleeting relationships and stories that have passed into Ambridge folklore.
Taking part on the Radio 4 team are avid listeners Jane Garvey, Martha Kearney and announcer Chris Aldridge, who is adamant that sharing a name with a prominent Ambridge family doesn't give him a built-in advantage. They face a team made up of three formidable fans who boast decades of listening and who, between them, run a number of fan sites and blogs devoted to The Archers - Harriet Carmichael from London, Bernadette Hawkes from Margate and Gary Gilday from Glasgow.
The rivalry across the socially-distanced lounge bar promises to be keen, but there'll be plenty of fun to be had along the way, and perhaps a few surprise guest appearances.
There'll also be a chance for listeners to play along and try to better the scores achieved by the teams in The Bull.
Recording next Mon evening! In normal times, I would be going down to that fancy London and we would all be recording it together, but it looks like I will be either doing it from home or at the BBC Scotland HQ in Glasgow. I am so looking forward to it - been reading a few books to top up my knowledge, but nothing too strenuous.
I can't believe I'm going to be in The Bull having a pint! (Or 5...!!!!!)
Oh Gary - what a thrill, and what an honour to be picked for the team, CONGRATULATIONS! You will do us proud and I bet the listeners beat the presenters - what do they know!
This is the first date I’m putting in next years Diary!
Best news in a long time, I'm particularly interested in the last sentence, does it mean we can help you Gary and the other two fans in any way? Also great to have the presenters we "know" so well.
Basia, chance would be a fine thing! I think they just mean "play along at home" - If I COULD have all of our fellow bloggers knowledge to hand I would! Got myself a few books and just trying to cover the basics, but constantly reminding myself that it's supposed to be FUN...
Well done and good luck Gary. Now we on this blog have some super memories people, and I don't include myself amongst them. May I suggest that certain people trawl their memories for characters and events over the years and compile their own memories for Gary to mug up on. Gary, I can't remember how long you have been listening, but don't believe that it is decades, so I hope you don't object to my suggestion.
I would nominate Basia, Archerphile and Spiceycushion as our base, and if there are others out there who think they might qualify then I think you should speak up.
If GG and others think my suggestion is worth consideration then perhaps between the rest of us, we can compile questions that we think might be covered.
I don't mind being told it's not a good idea if you think so.
I think it's a fab idea MrsP! Maybe people could jog each other memories with tales of their favourite past storylines and characters from decades gone by?
Congratulations, Gary! I am really pleased someone from this particular blog will represent the backbone of Archers' fandom. You know we will all be cheering you on. Pity you wont be able to "phone a friend" if you get stuck. Hope your wit gets a chance to shine through. We will all be eagerly awaiting your report on your return.
I wouldn't mind betting they bring up Grace Archer's death in 1955 as it was so dramatic, and only about 6 months after she married Phill Archer. Went looking for an earring and saw the stables on fire and went in to rescue the horses, one in particular can't quite remember its name. Might be worth looking this episode up if you haven't already.
But then that leads to the question - who was Robin Fairbrother in Relation to Grace Archer. I don't know the answer to that question, but think Robin F might have been Grace's brother.
Next question : why did Clive Horrobin raid the village shop ? Then there would be many many ? ? ? Leading on from that - Susan, prison, Susan kept prisoner in her own home, injuries, Jack Woolley and so on.
Questions about Arkwright Hall and it's history, youth club at one time.
Jennifer Dharling - Adam / fatherhood/ how did Peggy cope, Mrs P reaction / Various relationships and marriages. ? ? ? About Brian appearing Which Aldridge children in which order. Kate and Roy
Then there was years of Carol and John Tregorran, the Garden Centre or Smallholding
Gary I'm pleased you think it's a good idea, and I could go on and on and others will have different memories.
Perhaps you should start a fresh separate blog for the next month. Just reread your post, the NEXT WEEK
Cancel all other engagements Gary you will need to learn LOTS !
Do you know who lodged with the Mad Dog woman when first arriving in Ambridge? '' '' '' '' the Mad Dog Woman is?? Who was Hebe??? Who was related to Aunt Laura, and where did she live????
Mrs Antrobus with Portia and Bettina, Hayley was her lodger, but was she the first? What was her house called? Ruth was Martha's lodger when she first came to Ambridge.
How exciting Gary! Congratulations on being a part of this. They have such a long and interesting history to go back through. Looking forward to listening in.
I'm pretty sure Colonel Danby (lodger with Aunt Laura at Ambridge Hall) went on to lodge with Mrs Antrobus after Aunt Laura left the Hall to her niece after her sudden death. Neil first lodged with Martha and Joby Woodford when he first came to work with Phil Archer's pigs. Gary your news is fabulous! Congratulations!
Archerphile 9.42 this morning. I have only just managed to listen to last night's episode and like you was appalled by it! I have complained about this storyline and TA's treatment of it but a couple of bloggers were of the opinion that the Mosses were doing the 'lads' a favour by using them so inhumanely. That seems to be the view of Phillip Moss too. Certainly the character of Phillip seems not to be able to sink any lower! I'm not sure I completely buy Gavin's change of personality from the aggressive, anti-social, selfish slob who first came to live with Kirsty and Phillip into this caring sensible person who realises he has a duty of care. Like we thought, Phillip will need all his money to buy a place in Wales. Will he retire or does he intend to start a new firm when he is there I wonder? What about the hidden laptop? Will we ever find out its significance? I still think it's all going to come to a head on 24th Dec. (I think that's when Lanjan said was the final episode before the Christmas weekend break.)
I agree it was appalling to hear human beings referred to as the horses and being sold on. At least Gavin showed some empathy about Blake particularly but generally trying to say they've been with us a long time and they're good workers etc. Phillip just sees them as a commodity and his lack of humanity towards them is horrible.
I wasn't appalled this time because Philip had tried to sell Blake on as damaged goods before and there was someone's point that at least he was thinking of his future. The same argument could be used now, that he's not abandoning them to begging as he pointed out to Gavin. As I said before, I don't have the answers but could it be that Gavin will take the lads' side? Also, the house is mortgaged to the hilt, why did he buy a four bedroom property, was it to impress Kirsty?
Gary G. What Fantastic news. I do not have the same TA knowledge as many others, but these are extra thoughts:-Will bought No.1 The Green, but how? The Flood - who were trapped in The Stables? What project were Tom + Natasha involved in, when they met, and what was Tom planning to produce?
A quick reply Miriam. Will bought No 1 with an inheritance from Clarrie's aunt. She had made her Will before Ed was born and had never changed it. Clarrie tried to persuade Will to share but he wasn't having any of that. Yet another thing to come between the brothers over the years!
This is just as exciting as when we did Desert Island Disc..maybe even more since it's going viral...or when you did Academic Archers. I wouldn't say I'm an expert on the archers since I've only been a regular listener for 19 years but I've got a photographic memory. Does that work on the radio😁😁 Wonderful anyway Gary💪💪
Having spent a long time trying to get back onto the blog and having no success I pressed something and was told The following errors were found: Input error : Memcache value is null for FormRestoration Clear as mud. I pressed something and at the moment I am back on-I hope.
I’ll be listening ,Gary! Well done! Did they know you from the Archers ‘ conference or do they read our blog?. I’m sure you’ll do us proud! I cried when Shula’s husband died and yes remember Tony finding John. Of course the never to be forgotten Sid and Jolene in the shower! That was an unlikely pairing! I also recall a steamy scene between Jennifer and Debbie’s dad. Forget his name. How useless I would be in a quiz!!🤔
Gary, you could perhaps mug up on Kathy’s past history. What was her original job? How many times has she been married, and to whom? Who was it that raped her and was he caught? The business at the golf club, how did she come to work at Grey Gables? Come to think of it, you could have an entire quiz on Kathy!
Quick somebody devise some questions and answers on Sid Perkins. He covered several decades of TA from The Bull. Which part of B'rum did he come from, when, what was his first wife's name, when did she die, how ? ? ? ?
His was wife was dear Polly, who became pregnant at the same time as me. We went through the whole 9 months ‘together’ and her Lucy was born 2 weeks before my Michelle. Tragically Polly died very young in a traffic accident and Sid was left to bring up Lucy on his own. It certainly made me realise how fragile life is!
Gary just catching up on this blog - wow 👏🏻 great news regarding TA New Year 70th quiz. Will look forward to listening to your part in the proceedings very much. Well done ⭐️
Returning to present-day Ambridge, I wonder if today’s news item about a ban next year on the export of live animals to Europe will lead to a TA storyline. It would give some point to abattoir- owner Vince Casey, who seems to me a pretty pointless character at the moment, only there to feed the tedious personal relationship stuff which we are getting far too much of for my taste.
I’m not at all sure it will involve any Ambridge farmers directly but would affect any of them buying stock from Europe as Bridge Farm did with their Montbeliards.
I’m not sure if Vince would be into transporting live stock, as his business is slaughtering animals, but who knows, wouldn’t be at all surprised if he was doing a bit of dodgy business across Europe!
My envisaged storyline would also involve Kirsty on the side of animal welfare (the RSPCA have welcomed the proposed ban). That’s assuming she remains in Ambridge. The point about Vince is that all the slaughtering would be done here prior to export, and clearly the ban will have a major (and some are arguing detrimental) effect on the food supply chains of which he is part.
An extra dimension to Vince's business? Good thinking. (BTW I very much applaud today's decision. It cannot come soon enough!) I suppose the banning of live exports would mean extra business for the slaughterhouses so capacity will have to be increased. Considering the number which have gone out of business over the past few years in real life and the fact that David and Brian have been having trouble finding a place to send their stock in Ambridge it could an interesting agricultural story for the future! Perhaps (again in real life) the ban will be evened out by fewer imports, which I suppose is a contentious issue especially concerning US beef and bacon? At the moment there seems to be scope for several agricultural issues which could be looked at, and not just personal relationships!
Wow Gary I’m pleased your contributions to Archer fans on this blog and elsewhere have been recognised. Your head must be reeling with so much information at once. There’s so much collective knowledge on here you will need a direct line to the bloggers with super memories!!!
Gary, as you say that's the whole point and it'll be fun for us too, feeling a part of it. My daily quiz here is now done remotely, with the participants (two) in their respective homes and the presenter at the studio. My sister complained, but I'm a creature of habit and like the Archers would miss my daily fix, so I go along.
Another rather obscure question - the names of two European au pairs who came to work in Ambridge for a while. Clue, our daughter was named after one of them! Search this blog to find the answer.
Gary have you read on line" six diamond decades the 1950's? At the bottom of that page it has the other decades up to the 1990s that you can click on. It gives a summary of what happened each year and might be useful.
Tom Forrest, gamekeeper, shot Bob Larkin who he thought was poaching. He was charged with manslaughter but acquitted. There was a bit of uncertainty about exactly what happened because both men were rivals for the affection of Pru Harris the barmaid. This was in 1957.
Gary G. must be in a sort of "melt down" by now, with only a few days, still to go. He must be doing, like I always did, "cramming" until the early hours of the morning, to be able to answer questions, in any way. GG has already mastered Mastermind, but now it is The Archers pub quiz. I wish him well..
Ha, I'm trying not to over-think it Miriam! I will either know the answers or I won't...it's much easier picking up little tit bits on this blog than reading page after page of facts - all your questions and hints are really helping! One great thing is that the quiz itself is literally based IN Ambridge, if you know what I mean. There will be no questions about "actors" or anything, it will be as if we have literally stumbled upon a quiz at The Bull on a night out!
Good Luck GG Your Ambridge knowledge, will be magnificent and you will do yourself proud. I will be routing for you, as all of us will be. I haven't bought my 2021 diary yet, but I will not forget, the date and time.
A bit more Gary.... not sure which building it was in, others will know though.
Will and possibly Ed as well with Alice and Kate perhaps, when they were at school all broke into a building which was empty and sort of camped out in it.
Any of these stories might crop up, but as you say, you will know it, or you won't. Martha K and Jane G are both very very keen Archer fans so you will be up against it. Do you get the opportunity to engage with your other two team mates before the recording.
Basia and MrsP - I've been in email contact with my team mates already. They are as excited as I am. And I'm blooming well hoping that we can confer during the quiz!
I was interested£ to hear Harrison call Christopher "Mate" all the time . I don't think when I lived oop North I ever heard a man address another as that. My father though was from Fulham and called everyone Mate so much so that his eldest grandchild when a little boy called him Mate in return. His other grandchildren followed suit and he was Mate to them all until he died.
Very nicely written and acted scenes tonight. Poor Chris was so near total meltdown and Harrison knew just the way to get through to him, calm him down and offer much needed support. If Alice could have thought about someone other than herself for once, she would not have insisted he tell no one about what is happening. She might have realised that Chris needed help and support too. Fortunately Harrison is the just the right person to do that.
I enjoyed last night's episode apart from the hoo-haa about the detectorists. I have never been aware of vindictive and violent behaviour from them. I always thought them perhaps 'loners' or just people who want to spend time apart from others 'exploring' in the same way as fell runners, geo-cachers and marathon runners! I don't usually go for the 'dramatic' scenes but it was good that Chris could let go and he found someone to share his worries with. I said right at the start that it was extremely selfish for Alice to forbid Chris to tell anyone, especially Emma. I hope that when she comes home 'next week,' she has realised that this is only the start and the rest is a life time challenge!
I knew Harrison would be in the episode but thought it might involve Eddie and the baddies but it was to give a helping hand to Chris. It was nice of David to give Eddie the concession, even though he'd seen through him, also of Will encouraging him to follow his dreams, who knows.
My thoughts last night when Will was talking to his father were that Eddy does find real treasure, honestly declares it to David and Ruth, and the Treasurt allows them to keep it. A boost for Brookfield and Eddy can provide a secure future for Clarrie without daily worries.
...but chinese whispers springs to mind. Chris to Harrison, to go to Fallon, then onto Emma... If this happens, it will be so distorted.The reallity of the situation will be escalated and not, as it is actually is. I hope I am wrong.
If, and only If, Philip + Kirsty do decide to leave Ambridge and sell their Beechwood house..surely Jennifer + Brian would be potential buyers. It would suit them and are in a better position to snap it up, than Helen.
When it comes down to it Maryellen, how much say is Kirsty likely to have ? She probably meant it when she said that to Helen, but it is Philips house, not Kirsty's and when the ........ hits the fan, the last thing Kirsty is likely to think about is who gets the house.
Sentimentalist that I am, the house is built on what was Bridge Farm land, once home to the purple or his, so I’d like Helen to live there. I don’t know. why Miriam thinks the Aldridges have a prior claim. As I recall, Jennifer Aldridge turned up her nose at Beechwood when they were first house-hunting.
I’m more into my own Ambridge Beaver Project storyline at the moment, and have been reading up on their habitats. They just need water and wood in close proximity. I’m not sure how wooded the banks of the Am are, it might take a bit of landscape engineering.....
Purple orchis. I think I need to talk to Pip and T❤️O❤️B❤️Y about introducing beavers. What they share (apart from Rosie) is imagination and application.
Tony said that they still had money from the land sale, so now they are able to finance Helen's move to live on it. Tom and Brenda were to build on Bridge Farm land, when it came to Kirsty she changed her mind. Ironically she's now living on some of BF land and the estate which destroyed the purple orchid. On the other hand the house has four bedrooms, so if Lee's finances improved they'd have enough room if his daughters came to stay. Like everything in the Archers all somewhat convoluted.
This is how I view the Fairbrother boys...
ReplyDelete🤣🤣🤣🤣
DeleteI missed that first visit here! Very good Gary ! 😅😅
Delete*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteBasia - November 27, 2020 at 11:45 AM
Rex is a former professional rugby player who sustained an injury.
People have always used contacts, most have their lives sorted by parents, teachers and employers.
Archerphile - November 27, 2020 at 12:16 PM
Exactly, Basia.
maryellen - November 27, 2020 at 12:40 PM
Which is what makes Toby’s personal initiative so remarkable!
Basia - November 27, 2020 at 12:59 PM
Why must they be compared, they are two people in their own right.
Why should people be compared/defined by others.
At least Rex listens to others!
DeleteComparisons happen all the time in real life, and in any case, I wasn’t making a direct comparison, just using T❤️O❤️B❤️Y as an outstanding example of someone who relies on personal initiative rather than falling back on leads from his contacts. I am sure you can think of other examples. And what a good thing T❤️O❤️B❤️Y didn’t listen to bloggers’ negative comments or he would not have developed a reputable product and successfully marketed it.
DeleteI love it Gary. Just what I needed to cheer me up.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure Gianna!
DeleteAlice's storyline on Feedback.
ReplyDeleteThis is my image of the Fairbrothers:-
ReplyDeleteRex is tall, slim, with blonde hair and always clean-shaven.
Toby is shorter, very musclular, with dark hair and a constant "6 o'clock shadow".
I still think, Toby will leave Ambridge, but will continue to visit and support, Pip + Daisy, in the short term.
Very disappointed by the Archers feature on ' Feed Back' this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteTwo listeners who had deserted TA during monologue time, asked whether they were reconsidering that TA had found its mojo again, and might be rejoining listening.
Both had only been listening spasmodically again recently and where asked about their responses to the Alice S L.
Both felt that although probably well researched it was all very ' too much too soon '.
This annoyed me because those of us who have been listening consistently have I think agreed that the gradual increase in Alice's drinking has been very well signposted and shown in real time.
I thought it rather pointless and misleading to ask intermittent listeners to comment on a SL that had been played out over a long period and needed consistency to understand.
Moan over......
Miriam- we have similar visions of the two, though mine of Rex is clearer than that of self determining Toby.
ReplyDeleteMy Rex and Toby?
DeleteToby: rather good looking, dark wavy hair, neat dark beard, about 6 ft tall and slim.
Rex: face a bit knocked about by the rugby, wavy brown hair, no beard, more muscular than Toby and a bit shorter.
I am wrong, yet again, as I thought Toby was the rugby player, not Rex.
DeleteI cannot believe that I have mixed them up, throughout their life in Ambridge.
That may be because Toby is the rugby player in real life.
DeleteBefore Ambridge he was in business/city.
So he says!
ReplyDeleteDo you believe him?
I don't.
Lanjan, precisely, his character's profile on the website says that he worked in the City or says he did.
DeleteHow interesting that some have definite ideas of what Rex and Toby look like. Most of the other TA characters I do have a visual in my head of them but Rex and Toby not so much. They're both quite nice to look at and tall but beyond that I don't know. Perhaps we've not heard enough of them for me to get their picture.
ReplyDeleteI suppose I have some idea of what the characters look like. It requires more imagination than for, say, a character in a book because the author will usually give some clue about the physical appearances. However you don't get someone say on the radio, "Here comes tall dark and handsome Rex!"
ReplyDeleteHowever I am quite content to see the actors real faces in publications etc and then I just picture them when I listen. So if I need to picture them at all I see the actors faces. Some I don't picture at all, like Alan the vicar or even Clarrie.
It's just the same as seeing Dame Judi Dench as either Joan of Arc, Queen Elizabeth I or M in Bond films. I accept she is that character but know she is really Judi Dench! It's the same with TA.
To me they fit the actors' image. The Fairbrothers' role was for the story to come a full circle. Elizabeth was involved with their father and now Pip has a daughter by his son. It looks like they may become peripheral characters.
ReplyDeleteI have a few thoughts about TA, after listening to the Sunday
ReplyDeleteOmnibus:-
a) Can Chris keep the cover story up, or will he tell Emma, swearing her to secrecy?
b) Will Eddie manage as Lou Buckley, or will he let something slip?
c) When Philip "retires" his hold over Blake, as a wanted man,will go as well, and will Gav realise this,
d) David, will he be more civil to Vince, now he knows that he is dating Lizzie?
e) When will Lynda step in, and take over the Christmas Show?
I have done the 3 stories challenge - 2 truths + 1 lie. It was fun and no-one guessed my "lie"...
You raise some good thinking points Miriam. I think Chris will find it very difficult not to tell someone about where Alice is. He's carrying a lot on his shoulders and needs someone to talk to. Eddie seems proud of his ability to carry off his deception and he may well be able to keep it up. When Philip retires I think Blake may feel loyalty to Gavin and not know what else to do in his life. David may need to keep his views to himself on Vince and let things play out. Not sure that I think that Lynda will step in and take over the Christmas Show. She wants it to succeed without her and may just watch from the sidelines.
ReplyDeleteMiriam
ReplyDeleteA. He will tell Emma
B. Think he might keep shtum
C.think as Annveggie
D. David will be polite. ( whatever it may cost him but might say what he thinks to other family members )
E. Not sure !
I don't think it's a case of Chris needing to talk to somebody, anybody, but it is Emma he wants to talk to. Also ae probably feels guilty about shouting at Emma when it was her that was telling the truth and Alice was lying.
ReplyDeleteThe brother and sister are (or were) very close so to be estranged from her must be hurting. Alice realises this because she said, "Just don't tell Emma. You'll find a way of making up with her."
My immediate thought was how selfish to keep her husband away from his only sister. I suspect Emma will suspect the truth and probably be very supportive to Chris if she is allowed to be.
Whatever happens I hope this storyline is soon over!
Spicycushion, I still think that Alice will go through with her pregnancy but it'll take its toll for long afterwards.
DeleteBefore TA starts again tonight, I think that Alice is only going through her 2 week sojourn, as she really wants the Babe and trully loves Chris.
ReplyDeleteI do wish she had told, or will tell, all to Brian, Jennifer and Adam.
They would understand and support her, in any way they possibly can, in a subtle way.
I am not liking Chris + Emma, being estranged. Siblings need to be together, and this affects Susan, their mother.
Didn't you say Miriam that Alice may confide in Kate? I think she'd be the first to know and nothing remains a secret in Ambridge for long.
DeleteTrying again.
ReplyDeleteA) He will tell Neil
ReplyDeleteB)Eddie will be caught out
C)D)E) -agree with Anneveggie.
It will be interesting to see if there is a topical insert tonight, about the Governments new 7 year plan for British Farmers.
ReplyDeleteIt will be of vital importance to the various farms in and around Ambridge with the cessation of EU Grants and the emphasis on paying farms, not for their acreage, but for the improvements they make to the environment and countryside.
We shall be seeing fewer cows and sheep (hard luck Brookfield) and more emphasis on planting hedges, creating lakes and general re-wilding. So Peggy was right after all!
(Unfortunately they haven’t said what’s happening about pigs yet)
Not tonight but there ought to be one soon.
DeletePerhaps Brookfield could reintroduce beavers, like the National Trust has done on Exmoor. They are incredibly useful creatures, and it would be an excellent storyline.
DeleteIndeed it would. And an ideal venture for Pip, Rex and Phoebe to in their re-wilded scheme.
DeleteIn fact, if their patch of land is anywhere near the River Am, the introduction of Beavers could help
prevent future flooding.
I can't see how the seven year plan is going to work for cattle farmers unless the price of meat greatly increases. To break even a farmer generally needs all his land for either pasture or growing hay for Winter feed, and if he turns it over to wildlife schemes then he isn't going to have sufficient pasture left. Also in an area like north Cornwall woodland is very scarce for a reason, much too windy.
DeleteI hope that it doesn't result in more animals being kept indoors in factory conditions simply to free up the land.
I look forward greatly to the Archer clan enlightening me.
Ah, so the way to Alice is through her horse, I had no idea that she had Banjo stabled with Shula, so will Chris confide in her?
ReplyDelete'Hold your horses' Helen, Philip may vacate the house but it won't be up for sale.
"Put your personal feelings aside" - why? A casual drink at the Bull, but why should David go out with Vince alone, as he/Shula said, Elizabeth is 53 and not his daughter. Don't tell me, he'll come back and saying that Vince is not so bad once you get to know him...
You would have thought Helen was emigrating to Australia the way Tony carried on to Joy after finding out she was going to try buying the house!
ReplyDeleteHere is my effort for the month of December and Christmas. Must admit I bought the poinsettia at the local garden centre, then chopped a section off to make composition easier. My usual botanical style, but the colours more cheerful than normal.
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas month everyone!
Whoops, just realised that should have hone on the other blog! Apologies, not really Archers related!
DeleteVery nice all the same and Christmas is Archers related.
DeleteTrying yet again
DeleteThis is ridiculous .
ReplyDeleteWhen I post a proper comment it vanishes.
You must be limited to twitter Lanjan, I hope it won't be short posts for too long, it's 'painful' to see you trying but at least you're there.
DeleteI reckon Emma will guess where Alice is and will try to comfort Chris.
ReplyDeleteHow ironic that Susan admitted addiction in her family but refuses to face it now.
Thanks Basia ,I will limit my contributions to bite sized pieces and hope that works.
ReplyDeleteI went back to the early blogs this morning and was saddened to see how many contributors we have 'lost.' There were so many names from the BBC blog that are no longer contributing here and now.
ReplyDeleteI presume they joined the BBC blog to discuss TA, and joke and remember about the characters. Well they could do that on this blog site on the 'Life in Ambridge' section..
They don't have to discuss what they are having for dinner tonight or what the grandchildren are up to! They don't have to read our 'gossip' at all if they don't want to!
I'd really like to see some of the old names posting again from all around the world with their different take on TA.
My view (for what it's worth!) is that it is too 'issue' driven and as a result is only just about qualifying as 'entertainment.'
I am posting this on both sites. Hope you don't mind Gary.
Coincidence Spiceycushion ' cos I did the same when I was in Cornwall and like you, noticed how many ' names' had not continued after a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is a shame, but don't see how we could change that situation, unless of course some of those 'names' are still reading but not contributing, which seems unlikely.
Mrs. P and Spicy, I do read this blog most days to see how you are all doing but with one thing and another I can't manage to write. I do enjoy reading all the different views. I promise to make a comment or two once l'm sorted out. (l actually spend more time reading this page than l do listening to Ambridge.)
DeleteGood to know you're around Old Fogey and sometimes (!?) listening to TA. Stay safe!
DeleteThat sounds like me too Old Fogey!
DeleteWhat with these two
Blogs and various Facebook groups I occasionally drop
Into its becoming a full time job keeping up with Archers opinions!
Mind you, since FB has been mucked about with I find it much mote difficult to find pages and make comments about the programme. So thank goodness for this place to see what others are thinking.
No comments about Philip and Gavin’s conversation last night?
ReplyDeleteI can hardly believe that nobody was disgusted by Moss senior’s treatment of his son, and even more horrified by the way he spoke about ‘selling’ his poor workers.
This Archers story is reaching a new low and needs to be concluded very soon.
Having been appalled by Gavin’s behaviour when he first appeared in Ambridge, I now find myself feeling sorry for him and hoping he will manage to get out of the clutches of his father and make a success of his life. Conversely, I was duped into liking Philip at first and sticking up for him against all the criticism he received here.
Either I am very stupid, or the scriptwriters have been very clever in turning these two personalities around!
Archerphile, like Spicey I am behind in my listening and when I saw both your comments I had to listen as I had previously been quite worked up with this S.L. I don't think Philip Moss has any redeeming qualities and really hope he gets his just desserts. (soon).
Delete*** PRESS RELEASE FROM THE BBC ***
ReplyDeleteThe Archers Anniversary Quiz
1 January, 7.15pm-7.45pm - Radio 4
To mark the 70th anniversary of The Archers, Kenton and Jolene (Richard Atlee and Buffy Davis) host a special quiz in The Bull, focusing on events and characters in Ambridge down the decades. Capacity is strictly limited because of pandemic restrictions so there isn't room for the crowd that would gather in more normal times. But for this special occasion, a team of familiar Radio 4 presenters will take on a team of Archers super-fans from around the UK.
There'll be plenty of brain-racking and dredging of memory banks as the players try to remember significant events, scandals, people who came and went, fleeting relationships and stories that have passed into Ambridge folklore.
Taking part on the Radio 4 team are avid listeners Jane Garvey, Martha Kearney and announcer Chris Aldridge, who is adamant that sharing a name with a prominent Ambridge family doesn't give him a built-in advantage. They face a team made up of three formidable fans who boast decades of listening and who, between them, run a number of fan sites and blogs devoted to The Archers - Harriet Carmichael from London, Bernadette Hawkes from Margate and Gary Gilday from Glasgow.
The rivalry across the socially-distanced lounge bar promises to be keen, but there'll be plenty of fun to be had along the way, and perhaps a few surprise guest appearances.
There'll also be a chance for listeners to play along and try to better the scores achieved by the teams in The Bull.
Recording next Mon evening! In normal times, I would be going down to that fancy London and we would all be recording it together, but it looks like I will be either doing it from home or at the BBC Scotland HQ in Glasgow. I am so looking forward to it - been reading a few books to top up my knowledge, but nothing too strenuous.
DeleteI can't believe I'm going to be in The Bull having a pint! (Or 5...!!!!!)
Oh Gary - what a thrill, and what an honour to be picked for the team, CONGRATULATIONS!
DeleteYou will do us proud and I bet the listeners beat the presenters - what do they know!
This is the first date I’m putting in next years Diary!
Very exciting Gary, I look forward to hearing you over the air waves.
DeleteAre you going to be mugging up in advance?
Good luck Gary! That is exciting.
DeleteBest news in a long time, I'm particularly interested in the last sentence, does it mean we can help you Gary and the other two fans in any way? Also great to have the presenters we "know" so well.
DeleteBasia, chance would be a fine thing! I think they just mean "play along at home" - If I COULD have all of our fellow bloggers knowledge to hand I would! Got myself a few books and just trying to cover the basics, but constantly reminding myself that it's supposed to be FUN...
DeleteWell done and good luck Gary.
ReplyDeleteNow we on this blog have some super memories people, and I don't include myself amongst them.
May I suggest that certain people trawl their memories for characters and events over the years and compile their own memories for Gary to mug up on.
Gary, I can't remember how long you have been listening, but don't believe that it is decades, so I hope you don't object to my suggestion.
I would nominate Basia, Archerphile and Spiceycushion as our base, and if there are others out there who think they might qualify then I think you should speak up.
If GG and others think my suggestion is worth consideration then perhaps between the rest of us, we can compile questions that we think might be covered.
I don't mind being told it's not a good idea if you think so.
I think it's a fab idea MrsP! Maybe people could jog each other memories with tales of their favourite past storylines and characters from decades gone by?
DeleteCongratulations, Gary! I am really pleased someone from this particular blog will represent the backbone of Archers' fandom. You know we will all be cheering you on. Pity you wont be able to "phone a friend" if you get stuck. Hope your wit gets a chance to shine through. We will all be eagerly awaiting your report on your return.
DeleteI wouldn't mind betting they bring up Grace Archer's death in 1955 as it was so dramatic, and only about 6 months after she married Phill Archer. Went looking for an earring and saw the stables on fire and went in to rescue the horses, one in particular can't quite remember its name. Might be worth looking this episode up if you haven't already.
ReplyDeleteThe horse was Midnight, just looked it up.
DeleteShe went to rescue "Midnight", which was Christine's horse. (I think!)
DeleteQuestion: what is the connection between Toby and Rex and Grace Archer?
DeleteAnswer: Grace was a Fairbrother.
DeleteBut then that leads to the question - who was Robin Fairbrother in Relation to Grace Archer.
I don't know the answer to that question, but think Robin F might have been Grace's brother.
Next question : why did Clive Horrobin raid the village shop ?
Then there would be many many ? ? ? Leading on from that -
Susan, prison, Susan kept prisoner in her own home, injuries, Jack Woolley and so on.
Questions about Arkwright Hall and it's history, youth club at one time.
Jennifer Dharling - Adam / fatherhood/ how did Peggy cope, Mrs P reaction /
Various relationships and marriages.
? ? ? About Brian appearing
Which Aldridge children in which order.
Kate and Roy
Then there was years of Carol and John Tregorran, the Garden Centre or Smallholding
Gary I'm pleased you think it's a good idea, and I could go on and on and others will have different memories.
Perhaps you should start a fresh separate blog for the next month.
Just reread your post, the NEXT WEEK
Cancel all other engagements Gary you will need to learn LOTS !
Wishing you good luck Gary.
ReplyDeleteGary, flipping exciting.
ReplyDeleteDo you know who lodged with the Mad Dog woman when first arriving in Ambridge?
'' '' '' '' the Mad Dog Woman is??
Who was Hebe???
Who was related to Aunt Laura, and where did she live????
sorry, couldn't resist.
Mrs Antrobus with Portia and Bettina, Hayley was her lodger, but was she the first? What was her house called?
DeleteRuth was Martha's lodger when she first came to Ambridge.
Is a 30-minute quiz the BBC’s only 70th anniversary celebration or are there other treats in store?
ReplyDeleteHow exciting Gary! Congratulations on being a part of this. They have such a long and interesting history to go back through. Looking forward to listening in.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure Colonel Danby (lodger with Aunt Laura at Ambridge Hall) went on to lodge with Mrs Antrobus after Aunt Laura left the Hall to her niece after her sudden death.
ReplyDeleteNeil first lodged with Martha and Joby Woodford when he first came to work with Phil Archer's pigs.
Gary your news is fabulous! Congratulations!
Many congratulations Gary. I am looking forward to listening to the broadcast.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile 9.42 this morning.
ReplyDeleteI have only just managed to listen to last night's episode and like you was appalled by it! I have complained about this storyline and TA's treatment of it but a couple of bloggers were of the opinion that the Mosses were doing the 'lads' a favour by using them so inhumanely. That seems to be the view of Phillip Moss too. Certainly the character of Phillip seems not to be able to sink any lower!
I'm not sure I completely buy Gavin's change of personality from the aggressive, anti-social, selfish slob who first came to live with Kirsty and Phillip into this caring sensible person who realises he has a duty of care.
Like we thought, Phillip will need all his money to buy a place in Wales. Will he retire or does he intend to start a new firm when he is there I wonder? What about the hidden laptop? Will we ever find out its significance?
I still think it's all going to come to a head on 24th Dec. (I think that's when Lanjan said was the final episode before the Christmas weekend break.)
I agree it was appalling to hear human beings referred to as the horses and being sold on. At least Gavin showed some empathy about Blake particularly but generally trying to say they've been with us a long time and they're good workers etc. Phillip just sees them as a commodity and his lack of humanity towards them is horrible.
ReplyDeleteIt’s the thought that Victoria could.be the well-spoken woman living at the end of one’s road that brings it close to home.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't appalled this time because Philip had tried to sell Blake on as damaged goods before and there was someone's point that at least he was thinking of his future. The same argument could be used now, that he's not abandoning them to begging as he pointed out to Gavin. As I said before, I don't have the answers but could it be that Gavin will take the lads' side? Also, the house is mortgaged to the hilt, why did he buy a four bedroom property, was it to impress Kirsty?
ReplyDeleteGary G. What Fantastic news.
ReplyDeleteI do not have the same TA knowledge as many others, but these are extra thoughts:-Will bought No.1 The Green, but how?
The Flood - who were trapped in The Stables?
What project were Tom + Natasha involved in, when they met, and what was Tom planning to produce?
Simple ideas only...
meant programme not project.
DeleteA quick reply Miriam. Will bought No 1 with an inheritance from Clarrie's aunt. She had made her Will before Ed was born and had never changed it. Clarrie tried to persuade Will to share but he wasn't having any of that. Yet another thing to come between the brothers over the years!
DeleteMy questions were meant for GG, to try to help, in a small way, to jog a memory or two.
DeleteGoodnight.
My apologies!😯
DeleteGreat news Gary.
ReplyDeleteI have 5questions .
ReplyDeleteWrote them down but it wouldn't publish.
Will try again.
?
DeleteThat is super news, Gary! Congratulations! It will be great to hear you on January 1st!
ReplyDeleteThis is just as exciting as when we did Desert Island Disc..maybe even more since it's going viral...or when you did Academic Archers.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say I'm an expert on the archers since I've only been a regular listener for 19 years but I've got a photographic memory. Does that work on the radio😁😁
Wonderful anyway Gary💪💪
Keep trying Lan Jam.
ReplyDelete1) What is the name of Usha's aunt and where does she live?
ReplyDeleteAnswer 1)
ReplyDeleteSatya -Wolverhampton.
Sorry about this.
ReplyDeleteTrying short questions.
What was the exact date of Grace's fatal accident and what else happened tgat day?
2) 22nd September-Miriam's birthday-
ReplyDeleteYear 1955
Opening of ITV.
3)You are bound to get questions about Archer family pets..
ReplyDeletePeppy pig?Hilda Ogden,Ben's dog
Having spent a long time trying to get back onto the blog and having no success I pressed something and was told
ReplyDeleteThe following errors were found:
Input error
: Memcache value is null for FormRestoration
Clear as mud.
I pressed something and at the moment I am back on-I hope.
Well done 'Lan Jam', all a bit jammed.
DeleteChristopher with a chainsaw, doesn't bode well, mind your fingers.
ReplyDeleteI’ll be listening ,Gary! Well done! Did they know you from the Archers ‘ conference or do they read our blog?. I’m sure you’ll do us proud! I cried when Shula’s husband died and yes remember Tony finding John. Of course the never to be forgotten Sid and Jolene in the shower! That was an unlikely pairing! I also recall a steamy scene between Jennifer and Debbie’s dad. Forget his name. How useless I would be in a quiz!!🤔
ReplyDeleteGary, you could perhaps mug up on Kathy’s past history. What was her original job? How many times has she been married, and to whom? Who was it that raped her and was he caught? The business at the golf club, how did she come to work at Grey Gables?
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, you could have an entire quiz on Kathy!
Archerphile -
ReplyDeleteKathy ?......
Who ?
Perhaps she is now a silent character.
Additional question
When did Kathy Perkins last speak ?
Quick somebody devise some questions and answers on Sid Perkins.
ReplyDeleteHe covered several decades of TA from The Bull.
Which part of B'rum did he come from, when, what was his first wife's name, when did she die, how ? ? ? ?
His was wife was dear Polly, who became pregnant at the same time as me. We went through the whole 9 months ‘together’ and her Lucy was born 2 weeks before my Michelle. Tragically Polly died very young in a traffic accident and Sid was left to bring up Lucy on his own.
DeleteIt certainly made me realise how fragile life is!
Gary just catching up on this blog - wow 👏🏻 great news regarding TA New Year 70th quiz. Will look forward to listening to your part in the proceedings very much. Well done ⭐️
ReplyDeletepretty Polly Perkins
ReplyDelete(Perks)
DeleteWhat was their sulky daughter called, now in New Zealand?
DeleteKathy was her domestic science teacher.
See my reply to Mrs P above, Mistral.
DeleteLucy
DeleteReturning to present-day Ambridge, I wonder if today’s news item about a ban next year on the export of live animals to Europe will lead to a TA storyline. It would give some point to abattoir- owner Vince Casey, who seems to me a pretty pointless character at the moment, only there to feed the tedious personal relationship stuff which we are getting far too much of for my taste.
ReplyDeleteI’m not at all sure it will involve any Ambridge farmers directly but would affect any of them buying stock from Europe as Bridge Farm did with their Montbeliards.
DeleteI’m not sure if Vince would be into transporting live stock, as his business is slaughtering animals, but who knows, wouldn’t be at all surprised if he was doing a bit of dodgy business across Europe!
My envisaged storyline would also involve Kirsty on the side of animal welfare (the RSPCA have welcomed the proposed ban). That’s assuming she remains in Ambridge. The point about Vince is that all the slaughtering would be done here prior to export, and clearly the ban will have a major (and some are arguing detrimental) effect on the food supply chains of which he is part.
DeleteAn extra dimension to Vince's business? Good thinking. (BTW I very much applaud today's decision. It cannot come soon enough!)
DeleteI suppose the banning of live exports would mean extra business for the slaughterhouses so capacity will have to be increased. Considering the number which have gone out of business over the past few years in real life and the fact that David and Brian have been having trouble finding a place to send their stock in Ambridge it could an interesting agricultural story for the future!
Perhaps (again in real life) the ban will be evened out by fewer imports, which I suppose is a contentious issue especially concerning US beef and bacon?
At the moment there seems to be scope for several agricultural issues which could be looked at, and not just personal relationships!
I’m told the move becomes possible next year when we are no longer bound by EU regulations that prevent it.
DeleteGG 👏👏
ReplyDeleteWow Gary I’m pleased your contributions to Archer fans on this blog and elsewhere have been recognised. Your head must be reeling with so much information at once. There’s so much collective knowledge on here you will need a direct line to the bloggers with super memories!!!
ReplyDeleteSoz, you're not wrong! All of the posts on here are serving to make me realise that I know nothing! But it will be fun regardless....
DeleteGary, as you say that's the whole point and it'll be fun for us too, feeling a part of it.
DeleteMy daily quiz here is now done remotely, with the participants (two) in their respective homes and the presenter at the studio. My sister complained, but I'm a creature of habit and like the Archers would miss my daily fix, so I go along.
Polly Perks - when Shula had an ectopic pregnancy Sid told her that Polly'd had one too...
ReplyDeleteAt least two characters over the year shared a birthday.- different years - .
ReplyDeleteName two of them.
David Archer and Joe Grundy
DeleteOne of the easier questions
To Gary G.
ReplyDeleteThis is probably a bit too late, and might not help, but are you aware of:-
Fandom, The Archers?
Another rather obscure question - the names of two European au pairs who came to work in Ambridge for a while.
ReplyDeleteClue, our daughter was named after one of them! Search this blog to find the answer.
Michelle, obviously;
DeleteCome on Archerphile, Gary hasn't time to search blogs.
ReplyDeleteHe needs the questions and answers
I absolutely agree Lanjan, I'd expect to see all questions answered by people who know, this way we can all learn something.
DeleteThat was supposed to be a big of fun for anyone Lanjan, not just Gary.
DeleteLots of people have been leaving questions without answers.
Who did Tom Forrest shoot, why and what was his punishment?
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to this quiz. Well done Gary. This is surely above mastermind level!!!
ReplyDelete🤞for you.
Gary have you read on line" six diamond decades the 1950's? At the bottom of that page it has the other decades up to the 1990s that you can click on. It gives a summary of what happened each year and might be useful.
ReplyDeleteTom Forrest, gamekeeper, shot Bob Larkin who he thought was poaching. He was charged with manslaughter but acquitted. There was a bit of uncertainty about exactly what happened because both men were rivals for the affection of Pru Harris the barmaid. This was in 1957.
ReplyDeleteGary G. must be in a sort of "melt down" by now, with only a few days, still to go.
ReplyDeleteHe must be doing, like I always did, "cramming" until the early hours of the morning, to be able to answer questions, in any way.
GG has already mastered Mastermind, but now it is The Archers pub quiz.
I wish him well..
Ha, I'm trying not to over-think it Miriam! I will either know the answers or I won't...it's much easier picking up little tit bits on this blog than reading page after page of facts - all your questions and hints are really helping! One great thing is that the quiz itself is literally based IN Ambridge, if you know what I mean. There will be no questions about "actors" or anything, it will be as if we have literally stumbled upon a quiz at The Bull on a night out!
DeleteGood Luck GG
DeleteYour Ambridge knowledge, will be magnificent and you will do yourself proud.
I will be routing for you, as all of us will be.
I haven't bought my 2021 diary yet, but I will not forget, the date and time.
Well done Harrison.
ReplyDeleteJust the right touch, I think.
Very well acted Christopher.
A bit more Gary....
ReplyDeletenot sure which building it was in, others will know though.
Will and possibly Ed as well with Alice and Kate perhaps, when they were at school all broke into a building which was empty and sort of camped out in it.
Any of these stories might crop up, but as you say, you will know it, or you won't.
Martha K and Jane G are both very very keen Archer fans so you will be up against it.
Do you get the opportunity to engage with your other two team mates before the recording.
Gary, I think you'll be able to consult your team members, albeit in the hearing of others, is that right?
ReplyDeleteBasia and MrsP - I've been in email contact with my team mates already. They are as excited as I am. And I'm blooming well hoping that we can confer during the quiz!
DeleteGary, of course you'll be able to confer, I can't see how it can be done otherwise.
DeleteI've always liked Harrison.
ReplyDeleteOthers call him, unkindly IMO Mr Plod, but I think him a sound bloke, and yes, he is a good friend to his mates.
Yes Mrs P so have I .
ReplyDeleteI was interested£ to hear Harrison call Christopher "Mate" all the time .
ReplyDeleteI don't think when I lived oop North I ever heard a man address another as that.
My father though was from Fulham and called everyone Mate so much so that his eldest grandchild when a little boy called him Mate in return.
His other grandchildren followed suit and he was Mate to them all until he died.
Very nicely written and acted scenes tonight. Poor Chris was so near total meltdown and Harrison knew just the way to get through to him, calm him down and offer much needed support.
ReplyDeleteIf Alice could have thought about someone other than herself for once, she would not have insisted he tell no one about what is happening. She might have realised that Chris needed help and support too. Fortunately Harrison is the just the right person to do that.
Thank goodness Chris has told someone and what a good choice Harrison is. He was so kind and understanding . Well acted by Chris and Harrison too.
ReplyDeleteAgreed - it was a well written and sensitively acted episode.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed last night's episode apart from the hoo-haa about the detectorists. I have never been aware of vindictive and violent behaviour from them. I always thought them perhaps 'loners' or just people who want to spend time apart from others 'exploring' in the same way as fell runners, geo-cachers and marathon runners!
ReplyDeleteI don't usually go for the 'dramatic' scenes but it was good that Chris could let go and he found someone to share his worries with.
I said right at the start that it was extremely selfish for Alice to forbid Chris to tell anyone, especially Emma. I hope that when she comes home 'next week,' she has realised that this is only the start and the rest is a life time challenge!
I knew Harrison would be in the episode but thought it might involve Eddie and the baddies but it was to give a helping hand to Chris.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice of David to give Eddie the concession, even though he'd seen through him, also of Will encouraging him to follow his dreams, who knows.
My thoughts last night when Will was talking to his father were that Eddy does find real treasure, honestly declares it to David and Ruth, and the Treasurt allows them to keep it.
ReplyDeleteA boost for Brookfield and Eddy can provide a secure future for Clarrie without daily worries.
At last Chris told all.
ReplyDeleteHarrison should be able to keep it a secret, even from his lovely wife, Fallon.
...but chinese whispers springs to mind.
DeleteChris to Harrison, to go to Fallon, then onto Emma...
If this happens, it will be so distorted.The reallity of the situation will be escalated and not, as it is actually is.
I hope I am wrong.
If, and only If, Philip + Kirsty do decide to leave Ambridge and sell their Beechwood house..surely Jennifer + Brian would be potential buyers.
ReplyDeleteIt would suit them and are in a better position to snap it up, than Helen.
Kirsty said to Helen that she would have first refusal.
DeleteWhen it comes down to it Maryellen, how much say is Kirsty likely to have ?
DeleteShe probably meant it when she said that to Helen, but it is Philips house, not Kirsty's and when the ........ hits the fan, the last thing Kirsty is likely to think about is who gets the house.
Sentimentalist that I am, the house is built on what was Bridge Farm land, once home to the purple or his, so I’d like Helen to live there. I don’t know. why Miriam thinks the Aldridges have a prior claim. As I recall, Jennifer Aldridge turned up her nose at Beechwood when they were first house-hunting.
DeleteI’m more into my own Ambridge Beaver Project storyline at the moment, and have been reading up on their habitats. They just need water and wood in close proximity. I’m not sure how wooded the banks of the Am are, it might take a bit of landscape engineering.....
Purple orchis. I think I need to talk to Pip and T❤️O❤️B❤️Y about introducing beavers. What they share (apart from Rosie) is imagination and application.
DeleteTony said that they still had money from the land sale, so now they are able to finance Helen's move to live on it. Tom and Brenda were to build on Bridge Farm land, when it came to Kirsty she changed her mind. Ironically she's now living on some of BF land and the estate which destroyed the purple orchid. On the other hand the house has four bedrooms, so if Lee's finances improved they'd have enough room if his daughters came to stay. Like everything in the Archers all somewhat convoluted.
DeleteI wonder whether Kirsty and Helen might both live in the Beechwood house..
DeleteTechnically it's a possibility, but what about Lee? Mind you, if the wanderer were to turn up, who better to have by your side than Kirsty.
DeleteI've always thought it a possibility that the friendship between Kirsty and Helen might develop into a deeper relationship.
ReplyDeleteMaryellen, listen to The Untold on Monday at 11:00.
ReplyDeleteI doubt it Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteMrs P, I had that thought re Helen & Annette (Greg's daughter)
ReplyDelete