Miriam - January 30, 2021 at 6:10 PM I am liking Vince and the newly introduced, "tacky" Steph. At least they are bringing a bit of light-hearted fun, into TA. Some might not like them, but I just accept anything, which is even slightly different and silly. I realise, I listen to TA differently, but that's part of Ambridge Life for me. I so 👏👏 👏 it.
Miriam - January 30, 2021 at 6:30 PM How I wish Russ would just pack his bags and leave LL. I think that Vince might help with this. Lily needs to start her life again, in whatever way she chooses. She is too young to be tied down, with him.
Soz - January 30, 2021 at 6:39 PM Hadn’t thought of that Maryellen. You may well be right. Vince getting his own back for the way the twins treated him when they first met.
Soz - January 30, 2021 at 6:50 PM Sorry about that - I thought my comment hadn’t published so wrote it again and again..........must have been because more than 200 blogs. Just be pleased it wasn’t a long comment!
Archerphile - January 31, 2021 at 10:06 AM Just picked up in Omnibus: Pip - “My bad” as an apology. Grrrrrr, I hate that expression. 😠
I’m easy with ‘my bad’ as an alternative to ‘my fault’. I like new ways of saying common things. I have more of a problem with archaisms like ‘methinks’, which I can imagine Lloyd Senior using. To my ears it always sounds affectedly quaint.
Found an article from the Radio Times from 1950 previewing a brand new programme called The Archers! From the tone of the writing, I get the impression that Mr Godfrey Baseley would have an attack of the vapours if he knew that one day the young residents of Ambridge would idly be discussing threesomes...
I don't know how you get these wee gems, Gary. I loved the simple innocence of what the Archers was to be. I suppose we can only bring so much of the past into the twenty-first century. I chortled at your remark about Mr Godfrey Baseley.
I’m sure you are right Gary - my Mum too! I expect it was an article such as this that encouraged her to tune in to the first episode, with a 5 year old me on her knee ! She loved Mrs Dales Diary and I think she expected The Archers was going to be very similar, but set in the countryside, as we were. My Dad thought he might pick up tips on rearing chickens and keeping our veg garden & orchard prolific, with tips from MAFF!
My take on last week: Elizabeth in her rage at Shula seemed to have forgotten the Freddie Noluthando combination which nearly resulted in her jumping out of the window at LL. His ex and his wife bonding: Tom beware! Philip and Natasha have things in common: both like to display money they haven't got. After her wedding she ran off to her parents and he ended up in prison. Sex starved Steph is after pouting Freddie or pretty Lily.
My Ambridge crown for the "Perfect Princess", has now been tranferred from Pip, to Phoebe. I did not like, that in a business meeting she referred to the BL Board represenative, as Grandad. I had an elder sister as my boss, for a short while. It was not difficult, as we knew the situation, so the work relationship was very different to the family one. No-one I was in contact with in the company, my own staff and those I worked with, in differing Pharmacies, knew we were related. Mind you, I did request a transfer to a Pharmacy in a different area, to avoid this situation, hence ended back in N. Wales...
Phoebe is to me, not being very professional, at the moment about the re-wilding project. I think that Rex is also starting to be disillusioned and IF he gets the council farm, might also pull out.
I'm of the same persuasion Miriam regarding the re wilding project. Pip has been dissatisfied with the project for sometime and as her mother put it, I think, is now taking her ball home. Rex is just dissatisfied with almost everything and everybody. He is apathetic about getting the farm, having finally got around to applying for it, but will most certainly not be interested or more importantly have no time if he gets the farm, for the project. Phoebe is the only one of the three to have maintained an enthusiasm and some vigour towards pushing it forward. Will she or won't she carry the project alone ?
Thanks GG, for yet another wonderful heading, showing the start of TA. Now we are listening, 70 years later. I loved reading this RT article from 1950. I still feel a "newbie" as TA was totally unknown to me, until the mid eighties.
Yes, I was just being facetious! I can’t imagine Ruth will ever look like a then typical farmer’s wife but David will probably look very much like his grandfather! It’s a pity unlikeable Pip will be the one to carry the baton on but maybe the years will mellow her!
I tried to post here several times from my new iPad without success, but I still have the old one and its working! Just wanted to say re Pip: Don’t think she is very popular with Brian either (or Justin, but he doesn’t really count now) And I’m not sure Ruth approved of her ‘taking her ball home’ either. But that probably won’t last long, she’ll still be the blue-eyed girl again soon.
What makes you think Pip is currently unpopular with Brian, Archerphile? Her stepping down from the rewilding project has created a gap he is only too happy to fill, albeit wearing his BL hat. It will become a granddaughter/grand father operation, leaving Rex where??
He didn’t seem too happy when Phoebe told the meeting that Pip had left. Can’t remember the exact conversation but that’s the impression I got. And I think I remember something about Rex being the only ‘farmer’ on the team once Pip had gone, I’d like to hear what Peggy & her advisors think abolit the change in personnel.
I heard this ' my bad' from Johnny this evening though I hadn't picked it up when Pip used it last week. Unlike Maryellen, I'm not ' awriiiw' with it. Where did it come from ? I haven't heard my grandchildren use it, and rather hope I don't.
I’ve never heard it before this week on TA. I’ll ask my grandchildren if they’ve heard it. Usually I pride myself with being fairly up to date but haven’t seen them for so long and you don’t pick up the latest expressions on FaceTime. I thought the sudden argument was unnatural- Tracy could just have said she was listening to a friend’s problems, but that’s not her style. If their relationship does survive I fear it will be more off than on.
I have heard this horrid expression in several places and get the impression that the SWs have included it go be ‘up with the trend’ as it were. I really, really dislike it and wish it wasn’t used in TA
I first heard it several years ago but have rarely heard it since.
According to Wiki, it's 'Pick-up basketball slang spread by Manute Bol, a basketball player of Sudanese origin playing with the Golden State Warriors. Subsequently adopted by teammates'. So perhaps it is a translation of a local expression. It has got inot the online Cambridge English Dictionary which lists it as 'US informal'.
I'd probably not use it, but it doesn't particularly bother me. And at least the person using it has acknowledged that they have erred and strayed in some way.
Katy reckons it isn’t new and has recently been replaced by “sorry, not sorry”. The implication of “my bad” is the same, apologising but not apologising! We will soon need interpreters to understand this new slang!!
'My bad' - I first heard this in the series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' which my family would watch religiously every week! So my children have used it and do use it often The first series was made in 1997 so it's been around for over twenty years. It just means (in the context of the American use and subsequently ours) 'My mistake - sorry.'
I felt sorry for Oliver as he sounded so sad and defeated. Although Tracey was trying hard to be supportive, he just wasn't hearing it. Is it the end of GG?
I do hope not because the various venues in which to locate characters is declining. The Bull is off the list for the time being, the Village Hall, thé Church, thé farm shop, all seem to be used very little recently. And when did we last hear a conversation in Grange Farm’s kitchen, even the village shop is little used. Goodness knows when we were last visitors to The Laurels. Locations are declining. I’d hate to loose GG, the reception, dining room and kitchen have all been backdrops to interesting storylines and conversations.
There's a new photograph of the cows, so I don't have to keep staring at the same ones. Tom's had a lucky escape and nasty Natasha can stay in and fume.
Tom probably put all our hackles up when he said that he wouldn’t let his wife accompany Kirsty. As she said we are not in C19th. Even so it is a pointless thing to do and typical of Kirsty’s erstwhile stances.
He handled things badly but Tom was right to be concerned with what Kirsty and Natasha were doing. Hopefully Natasha will calm down and be able to explain to Kirsty why they need to stop. When Kirsty has calmed down perhaps she will be ready to start addressing her own situation and begin to rebuild her life. Then she'll be in a better position really to help other lads like Blake, Kenzie and Jordan
I think it must be difficult for men to adapt to such a rapidly changing world . Tom comes from an old fashioned family in a village that, if anything like our local area , is still 50 years behind the times. I feel that Tom is struggling to cope with a very strong minded dominant woman.
With respect Janice, your village is in rural Cornwall. Ambridge is in the midlands and not so very out of touch with local towns and cities. We don't get the feeling that Ambridge is so far behind the times, and I rather suspect that Toms friends would consider him to be very odd in his recent behaviour. Tom has also travelled and lived for a time in Canada. Surely he learnt something about how the world works now.
I find the attitude to Covid and the current lockdown precautions by the S/Ws very confusing. In the same episode we had Harrison and Tom agreeing to meet for a ‘self-distanced pint’ to celebrate Roy’s birthday and then Lilian & Tony shopping in an obviously open Underwoods for clothes and toys. So is Borsetshire like the Isle of Man and Covid free or just 6 months behind the rest of the country regarding infections. I wish they would make their minds up wether to totally ignore the current situation or portray it accurately .
Totally agree Archerphile. What with GG being open for meals if not for overnight guests, masks being worn in the shop (Jim shouting 'masks' to someone) as you say Lilian shopping for a jumper for Tony in Underwoods, Natasha meeting up with Kirsty, as well as having Henry and Jack around for tea. So many things wrong and such a mish-mash.
BTW I thought 'Tony' was reading from a script he had just seen for the first time. It was awful 'acting.'
I think Ambridge is 2-3 months behind on the Covid line which is confusing.
There seems to be quite a lot of sibling interaction recently which I like as it tends to be less stressful. I am not mega-close to my siblings, but I know they’re there for me and we have the bond of shared experience and memories.
I winced at Tom’s wording but he was right overall, Kirsty really needs to think before she acts.
I wonder if the SWs are in a bit of a quandary as they want to portray Covid but, if they do, it makes life in Ambridge, very plotless, purely Zoom calls with relatives and friends, no going out except when strictly necessary etc. and very prone to quick change. I'm happy with a proper storyline and lip service to the dreaded big C
I think you are spot on Janet E. Some story lines were quite involved but we could leave them for a while as they involved only a family or two but portraying Covid as it really is would squash everything and depress the life out of me.
Natasha picked up Tom's papers and was offended that he didn't need them. He offered to cook but she informed him she was going out with Kirsty and he should be pleased they got on so well, why? She first went with her out of spite. He offered to join them, she refused. She was furious he sought Harrison's advice and was pleased to see the back of him. The woman thrives on conflict, can't stand her.
Someone in Ambridge really needs to speak to Kirsty. Probably Roy. I hope there is a proper conversation between all the men at Roy's B'day do tonight.
A thought. Philip told Shula that Gavin had handed himself in, and telling all. This just cannot be true, as Kirsty would have been informed, as would Harrison. So why is Kirsty along with Natasha, still trawling the streets? Another Philip classic masking the truth.
Why would Kirsty have been informed? As she is suspected of being involved still, the police wouldn't tell her who is saying what and to whom. Phillip was out on remand as there seemed to be nothing the police could pin on him. He was wandering around Ambridge trying to get Alistair to support him. When Shula visited him he told her that Gavin had handed himself in and as you say told all, which had led to Phillip being charged, Remand taken away and he was put in gaol. As far as I recall Harrison has said nothing about the case to anybody except to warn Tom and Natasha last night so we don't know if he knows anything more. He had already told Fallon that he was not 'on the case.' Being a good policeman he took notes of the conversation with Tom to pass onto DC Tanners.
I didn't mean to criticise. It's just a discussion about a programme. I am stating what I heard and how I interpreted it, using what limited knowledge I have. You may have heard something differently or something I missed and could turn round and say 'but Kirsty said.....' That's the joy of all blogs whether it is this one, facebook, mustardland and so. No-one in my family is remotely interested so it's nice to discuss!
If Susan had still been on Radio Borsetshire Kirsty could have enlisted her help:
'Now here's a record for three lovely lads, Blake, Kenzie and Jordan. They're local builders, so if you're having a posh new conservatory built, or an extension, you might even know them! Unless you're doing the work yourself of course. My Neil built our lovely home, Ambridge View, with his own fair hands. He's a man of many talents my husband. But, as I was saying, if you're not lucky enough to be married to your own Bob the Builder, you might be having your work done by these lads. But here's the thing, they're not being paid for all that cementing and joinery! No, of course I don't mean that *you're* not paying for your new brickwork! But the lads aren't getting any of your cash. That's right, they're being used for Modern Slavery! And they might be working in your house right now. So if you've got the builders in, have a check, ask if any of them are called Blake, Kenzie or Jamie. No, sorry, not Jamie, Jordan, like the country. If they are, bring them inside and give them a good cup of tea and something to eat - lasagna's always nice and filling, remember they're not being fed properly by their gang masters.Then call the police! But whatever you do, don't let their bosses know you're on to them. They could get nasty. So anyway, here's a record for our very own Bob the Builders... 🎸🎺🎶🎵🎻🥁🎶🎵 Ah, ladies and gentlemen, while that record was playing, we've just had a call from the police themselves! It seems I was a little hasty advertising the lads' names on air like that. It could be dangerous, they say. So please, forget that I ever mentionned 'Tom', 'Dick' or 'Harry'. And if you're having building work of any sort, make sure you lock all your doors and windows at night. Good advice for all of us, of course. You can never be too careful, even in a lovely village such as Ambridge. Hang on a moment, my producer is just handing me a piece of paper. He says it's a pea 45, not sure what that's about, let's have another record while I read it through. 🎸🎺🎶🎵🎻🥁🎶🎵
Can't work out if the reporter was genuinely trying to do an honest, helpful piece or if it was all an act to get Susan off her guard. I suspect the latter.
Archerphile, you put Rebecca up to it! Great drama next, all hell's gonna break loose! Poor Neil, how could he be so naive. As for Peggy, she only changed her will when Tony nearly died. Natasha will have to think again.
Peggy said how Tony looks like his father, maybe that’s why Peggy is harder on him. It wasn’t a happy marriage, but tough on Tony. Having difficulty posting tonight, I keep getting error messages and retrying, 😠
I love Neil for his simple naivety, but not tonight. Oh Neil, you walked straight into it, didn't you ? With the help of equally naive Susan.
Emma, get round quick to your mum and dad. They need you to wise them up and dig them out of a ditch. Is it possible to stop a newspaper publishing something you should not have said ?
I don’t think we should be too hard on Neil and Susan, they’ll probably be hard enough on themselves if Rebecca’s article is as damning as listeners expect. All they wanted to do was raise awareness which no one can quarrel with. I think the scriptwriters are telling us something about Neil, though.
And it gave Susan the chance to boast about her radio programme and, no doubt, see her name in the local paper as a ‘reliable source’. Unfortunately she has really landed Neil in trouble with her boasting about him getting a ‘good quote’ for the playground and the repairs to the church.
But in, reality, I’m not sure how much the paper will be able to publish. I didn’t think they were allowed to publish such details before a trial, for fear of influencing the outcome.
Mrs P - in the last three episodes in which Neil has appeared (with the investigating officer, with Brian during the auditor’s visit, and now with Susan); he has sounded unsure to the point of bumbling, and not on top of things.That’s why I think the scriptwriters are telling us something, though exactly what, I don’t yet know. Basia may well be right.
I think Neil will lose his job - BL will make him a scapegoat. They are both an enthusiastic young journalist’s dream. Personally I prefer OWiaS’s script for Susan than the SWs !
Seeing that Neil was involved with the playground, the church and at Berrow, there's obviously something in it. I thought Neil's comment about the toothpick was hilarious but alarming nevertheless. Also the actor is getting on but I hope he's not ill. Susan may soon find herself with a lot of time 'in loo'.
I thought Peggy's recording was so unkind. Poor Tony. I hope they either delete it and don't have Peggy's contribution or persuade her to record something nicer. I haven't picked up anything sounding wrong with Neil and hope others are wrong about him leaving or something worse being hinted at.
Thanks Maryellen, I had noticed that myself, but in fact it's been IMO, sometime longer than the last three episodes. I've put this down to Neil getting older and perhaps a little less able. I've never been convinced about his position at Berrow being a good match for his personality. Susan has always pushed him, and sometimes in the wrong direction. I think he took the job to please her, as he does in most situations with his everloving wife, but I don't think he really wanted to and I have always felt that most of the time he feels overwhelmed by his responsibilities.
Well if he is ME I hope he will be allowed to retire and get a couple of weaners and carry on with his beloved pigs. Of course Susan would object....... but I can still hope !
I agree that Peggy’s birthday video for Tony is in character. Also as we get older, attitudes and opinions become more entrenched and sometimes more exaggerated. Possibly Peggy sees her weak husband in Tony and is unable to see past that. It is unusual because in my experience mother’s tend to favour their sons and are more severe on their daughters. I do hope Natasha manages to get Peggy to change her message.
Don’t think Peggy will be very pleased being asked to change the video, or record another, less critical one. So Natasha will have to handle this very diplomatically. I wonder if it could just be edited?
Just had a quip from the News Quiz reported to me: For those of you finding it difficult to sleep at the moment, Radio 4’s compilation of non-fatal tractor accidents in The Archers is a must! (Well, roughly that wording - made me laugh!)
I am looking forward to the publication of Rebecca's article in The Echo. Will she be as sympathetic as she said, or twist things said by Neil + Susan, around. I fear the latter, but who knows, as she could just show Ambridge in a good way.
I am loving the different S/Ls being broadcast, at the moment. Long may they last.
Well, it will be easy to tell whether it's good or bad. Just go into the village shop on the day of publication. If Susan is preening herself and there are copies of the paper everywhere you look then it was sympathetic. If Susan is glowering like a thundercloud and the only copy of the paper is being used to soak up a spillage on the floor then it's probably better to go elsewhere to buy your Echo ...
I read these, and was very grateful for the replies, as to my questions relating to TA, as to Neil's age. I didn't realise that I then had to reply! Apologies for my very bad manners, yet again. 🤤
Although it’s nice to be thanked I don’t think it is necessary every time we have a question answered. I certainly wouldn’t expect it. I like Neil and hope he isn’t planned to leave us!
Me too Ev. I remember ‘Neil’ joining the Archers years &years ago as a rather naive young assistant, helping with Brookfield’s pigs. I think he developed a pash on Shula at one time but Phil put a stop to that. He developed into a thoroughly dependable, down to earth character, one of the backbones of a rural soap. Also one if the most tolerant considering what he has had to put up with from Susan over the years. I should miss him a lot if he retires and we hear less from him. I certainly hope he is not going to be written out completely.
What Neil “has had to put up with from Susan over the years” is her unwavering love, loyalty and commitment, a never-other-than-efficiently run household, and an attractive and congenial partner to share both the public and the more intimate moments of married life (I am avoiding the 3-letter word!). Lucky man!
A very belated Happy New Year to everyone and thinking of all of you who have had to face so many difficulties and so much sadness . I have so enjoyed catching up with the recent entries and memories on the two blogs. Thank you! Anyway , thinking about Neil... he really does seem to be struggling and has never seemed really comfortable with his job and I did wonder if this could be linked to Rex's future? That would give him an on-going hands-on involvement which I think he would enjoy. Just a thought!
And a very clever one Bufo! Provided Rex could get on with Hannah Riley, it could be a good career move for him. Working with pigs, getting good experience & no farm rent to pay. Neil could have a more relaxing time looking after his own herd. It’s a win/win
And it’s lovely to see you back again on the blog. Hope you have been coping well in the lockdown and are keeping well.
Bufo, I like your idea but unlike Archerphile I don't see Rex at Berrow, especially if Neil goes, too many bad feelings. I was thinking along the lines of the two of them pulling their forces together. It was Neil who suggested the council farm, don't know about the logistics, but that's for later?
Thank you, Archerphil. It's good to be back! I'll answer you more fully on the other blog, but with regard to Neil, I meant that he would help Rex in his new move, if that's still on the cards. On the other hand your idea would be great experience for Rex though I do wonder if he would be cut out for working for somebody in such a tightly controlled situation as the pig unit. I think he enjoys working independently too much! Besides which, as you said, there's Hannah ..... a lot of possibilities there!
I don’t think Rex is Berrow material, any more than Neil is, but I had imagined a retired Neil helping Rex fulfil his dream of becoming a pigman, either at the Council farm or wherever else Rex lands up.
I so agree. This is why I asked the age of Neil, as to can he retire from Berrow? It would be a perfect scanario, helping Rex out. This would be Neil, being a happy pig in clover. I can but dream.
Susan wanted the job more than Neil, so no big deal. Alice sounded nice for once, I can believe she looked beautiful. Chris was relieved not to have to face Peggy.
I fear that Neil may be out of a job fairly soon. Currently not eligible for state pension, probably not much in the way of private pension provision, could be a strain for the Carters. I imagine they would manage but Susan would not be happy.
It was nice to hear Alice and Chris, I hope Alice can control her alcoholism but I still fear for the baby.
Perhaps Foetal Alcohol Syndrome was the original story arc but the writers have decided that after all the stress everyone has gone through in the past year, a good news story is called for and the baby will be OK. Not sure how likely this would be medically, and FAS would be an important topic to cover. But it would be good for Baby Carter to be OK. (Besides, the baby is affected, would he or she remain in Ambridge longterm or would the family decamp to Birmingham for appropropriate schools, as happened with Bethany?)
If Neil can’t afford to retire, presumably he’ll become self-employed again so. will need his pigs back. But will he want Rex with them? Will the herd provide two incomes? Lots of possible storylines.....
It was always Susan who wanted Neil to work at Berrow. She wanted him to have a posh office and wear a suit, just as she did when she pushed him into that job as a feed representative. To Susan, status is all important, never mind the fact that Neil hated the first job and was very uncomfortable about taking the second. Having to go against his principles and oversee the rearing of pigs in a factory. And now she has landed both of them in a terrible position through her desire for publicity, being all over the papers, the posibilty of getting her radio job back (her own words, not mine). Her argument that she was trying to do good, spreading the word about slave labour, doesn’t wash with me. As always it was all about Susan and ‘her Neil’ but just look where it has got them both. Will this be the event that finally teaches her the importance of discretion ?
P.S. I know that this will not be a popular opinion with many, but, to me, this has been the type event that , sooner or later, was always going to befall Susan and sadly bring Neil down with her.
Archerphile, I agree with everything you say, but it may still not be so bad. I think both Neil and Susan too, appreciate what is important in life, so I see it as a lesson but don't despair.
I leave the judgment to Neil himself, who said Susan was not to blame (when she was beating herself up), it was his fault for not saying no - which of course applies to their whole history together. Was it he who seduced her or the other way round?
One of my reservations about Neil is the hint of misogyny when he backed Will over not admitting women to the cricket team (fortunately overridden). I have not forgotten!
The idea that a newspaper would print a story like the interview of Susan and Neil when the case has yet to come to Court is absolutely ridiculous. So says a real journalist on another web-board!
If Alice has the perfect baby then that was a very irresponsible storyline/issue to publicise about alcoholism and pregnancy. What are they playing at? Sometimes I despair!
I think the idea of FAS is that there's not always visible damage, but the child may be autistic later and the whole pregnancy is a very anxious time. Also, Peggy warned Christopher that Alice may revert to her old ways and their relationship will fall apart. Alice is already becoming obsessive, wanting to take a year off to 'get everything right' as if that can compensate for her failings.
I agree there is not always physical damage and so it may take some years to find out if the baby was affected by Phoebe being totally off her head several times a week. But that is still no message to send out, "Stick around for a few years and you'll find out if FAS has been triggered."
Spicy, I know it's irritating but you know they like to do stories 'in real time'. I bet Alice will be on the lookout for anything slightly unusual. What was the word Emma used about Alice being plastered, can anyone remember?
I really think the storyline re Alice and baby is best served by her having a child with no obvious problems. Alice has gone through hell and high water to get to the place she is in now - seemingly joyously planning for their new family. If the SWs make her pay it will give the message that, whatever you do, if you drink heavily before, and in the early stages of pregnancy the baby is a lost cause.
No idea what the evidence is but it won't be encouraging for others to follow where she has, admirably it appears, lead.
When Christopher was born with a hare lip Susan blamed herself and kept trying to pin point when it must have happened. Pat came to her rescue because she said she was beside herself when there was something wrong (?) with the newborn Helen. Alice will be vigilant, that's why she wants to devote all of her time to the baby.
I would also like to see the Alice alcohol problem S/L end with a healthy baby. I think the scripts painted a very bleak picture of alcoholism and the crisis was well acted. I do wonder though if the SWs will not write a happy ending as they do like to highlight problems in society and at the moment it's modern day slavery.
I think Neil is a thoroughly decent bloke and Susan is lucky to have him. He will be OK even if he is sacked and it may end up being a blessing in disguise for him.
Isn't it interesting how we hear, or rather interpret what we hear, so differently. I don't think Alice has been anywhere near hell or high water in her " battle" with her relationship with alcohol. I do think she has been frightened, and is doing her 'best' to deal with it now. But..... I think that fundamentally Alice is a ' cheater' and I don't think she will change. IMO Alice is cheating now in telling herself that she is going to do everything right. That may be her stated intention, but I don't believe that deep down she intends to do so. I do think Peggy's words to Chris were prophetic, and I will expect this story line to continue into the future with or without a damaged baby.
I wrote a post about Neil and Susan two days ago, but it disappeared into the ether and I didn't repeat it. I agree with others particularly Archerphile about Susan pushing Neil in directions that he is uncomfortable with, and the consequences. I also agree about Neil's complicity in these situations. I also feel that leaving Berrow will be a blessing in disguise for Neil, his future well beyond retirement, and possibly Rex too if they combine forces.
Just listening to the repeat today, an example of Alice's propensity to cheat, was her cheerful retort to Chris that his accident gave her an 'opportunity to skive off '. That sort of remark speaks volumes in my experience and opinion. It illustrates a deeply held belief that if your clever enough to do so, you can turn any opportunity to your advantage by cheating, and will. Deep down, Alice is an irresponsible person.
With respect, Mrs P, I think you are reading too much into this. It was just a flip remark, said to lighten what could have been a very serious situation and relieve the tension. I can imagine saying it myself in similar circumstances.
Mrs P do you think we are ‘products of our backgrounds’? As has been said in the programme 63 Up, “give me the child until he is 7 and I will show you the man” Aristotle I believe. Alice has never wanted for anything so she has been able to live life on the surface, rarely, if at all, testing her ability to cope when things go badly wrong. There have always been safety nets to protect her; even now her father is giving her a considerable amount of money because he loves her and is proud of her. Probably she is meant to be a shallow, irresponsible person but I am an optimist and hope she has been frightened into at least awareness of her weaknesses. My daughter will tell you that I live in a pink fluffy world but she is a psychologist and analyses me constantly. What I’m trying to say is that I believe there has to be a hope that someone can change. Alice’s story has only just begun and there will be successes and failures. I don’t know if she’ll have the strength of character and determination to defeat her demons but I am pleased to share her moments of joy and success however brief.
Alice brought up Chris's accident when kicked by a horse. I wasn't listening regularly at the time but remember Brian saying to Jennifer that if he didn't survive Alice would have to carry on without him.
In my very humble opinion, Alice + Chris's baby, will not show any problems re FAS until his/her development is not as it seems, which could be well after a year. This will be done in real time, as it should be. As to Alice, she will always be an "alcoholic" as she seems to have the familial inherited gene for this.. I hope that she will stay sober, but again that is a S/L to be revealed, in the true real time. Oh well, I hope, this time that I have kept to this blog etiquette, as to having no manners.
I agree with Mrs P. Alice's only scare was when she 'got caught.' Even after she had 'the talk' by the nurses or doctor, which she must have had considering they would know that she was drunk and pregnant she continued drinking, encouraged by her aunt! Alice has proved time and time again she is an accomplishred and convincing liar. No I don't think she has changed from the deceitful young woman of the past year or so.
Susan's reaction to Christopher was extreme and I remember it very well. I remember also Pat's influence. Presumably Christopher had surgery to join the gap in his pallette and his top lip but I don't remember that. Helen was born with a 'click hip' and had to have a plaster cast. (My first son also had this condition, discovered at his six week check up and he wore a brace which immobolised his legs for four weeks.This then allowed the ball and socket joint to complete growing from a 'cup' shape into the full ball enclosing the top of the femur.) Apparently this could be caused by the way the baby lies in the womb but it's not known definitely.
If everyone is content to have the scriptwriters make the outcome of Alice's story a healthy baby then why include it in the first place? Britain has one of the highest rate of FASD in the world. (61.5 births per 10,000 when the world average is 15 per 10,000!) Now that is a worrying statistic and, perhaps, is worthy of a story in an everyday country 'soap.' But then to not have a character have to go through the trials and heartbreak of a damaged baby but to have everything ok is irresponsible and in my view absolutely pathetic. If it's done in 'real time' well then we have experienced that before and how many listeners did they lose then?
Spiceycushion- perhaps the baby will appear to be normal, but someone within the family, perhaps Emma again, will see something amiss and keep bringing it up, in order for the SWs to keep the ' worry ' alive in the listener. It could be a sub plot to bring Emma and Chris back together again, as I do feel that although Chris continues to be in denial, his instinct that something is wrong will keep his fears alive, however hidden those fears may be.
Take note, several posts said that they didn't think it was necessary to ' thank' for a reply to a question. Therefore it would seem that I am in a minority.... and you should not take my remark too seriously. Let it go !
Soz Yes I do believe that our background and how we are treated as small children does affect our personalities and how we conduct ourselves throughout our lives.
But I also believe that redemption is possible. But that redemption has to come from within that individual and is derived from self awareness. Self awareness is a long journey, one is never perfect and, and takes a great deal of personal effort to acquire. You Soz may hope that Alice achieves some awareness of her weaknesses. I think that Alice already has some of that awareness, but still feel that she is a weak individual with little of a moral compass. And yes I do believe that her easy upbringing has been involved in establishing her weak character. I also believe that the TA team believes that too and has written it into her profile. ( wouldn't we like to know ? )
I do also agree with Miriam that this is a long story and we are unlikely to see much evidence of FAS in the baby until a significant development stage.
How can I forget the upset, at that time? on seeing a post:- Manners, Miriam, Manners, ending in Manners, please relating to the etiquette of this blog. I felt a true and sad nobody, when I read that. It is now water under the bridge, and just best forgotten about. 🤗
I think we all need to remember to be gentle with each other at present. So many comments that normally we could shrug off can be harder when we're stuck at home and missing company. As this topic has shown, we all have different expectations of blog etiquette. What one person thinks essential, another might be indifferent to, and another may find a distraction from the ongoing discussion. A bit like normal life, really! This is a wonderful, friendly little lifeboat, and we need it more than ever at present. Unless someone acts absolutely heinously (such as questionning the validity of Mornington Crescent for example 😉) lets cut each other some slack, shall we?
No, but did you spot how his first thought was how Tony should convert his hobby into a money-making enterprise? Actually, he might be on to something there. Tony clearly has a gift for model making, and I'm sure other less creative model train enthusiasts would be delighted to add his models to their layouts. (Although if they're using a geographical map they might struggle to find where to place Hollerton Junction!)
Justin is stimulated by business. If Tony started on a commercial scale he'd be under pressure to deliver. The models he creates are his own treasures and he wouldn't want to part with them.
But, As Tony said, and I know from years of having a model railway obsessed brother who was still ‘playing with trains’ into his nineties, the whole point of the hobby is ‘doing it yourself’ Such people (almost always men) take the greatest pleasure in constructing their own layout, making scenery, painting backdrops, tinkering with engines, wiring up signals etc. The nearest most of them get to allowing anyone else to touch their precious engines might be to join a model railway club where they can show off their creation!
But, Justin did think that he and Lilian should embark on a new business venture together, so how about they work on this:
Little Borsetshire A model creation of the main towns/villages in the area, á la Beaconscot or Lilliput. Wander round the village of Ambridge complete with pub, village green and its surrounding farms. A model Dower house and Home Farm with landscaped gardens. Now step into Borchester, complete with cattle market, shops and stores, luxury apartments overlooking the river, the railway station with its lines advancing to a comprehensive Hollerton junction, a very busy depot with its marshalling yard and passenger facilities. See the engines racing along with their Pullman carriages and the shunting engines arranging the coal wagons.
A grand day out for the family and only £15 per ticket or £50 for a whole family!
Lilian could design all the house interiors, fill the windows of Underwood’s with model fashions and Justin could indulge in his new hobby of model railway construction with the intention of making a nice little profit out if all the staycation holiday makers.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteMiriam - January 30, 2021 at 6:10 PM
I am liking Vince and the newly introduced, "tacky" Steph.
At least they are bringing a bit of light-hearted fun, into TA.
Some might not like them, but I just accept anything, which is even slightly different and silly.
I realise, I listen to TA differently, but that's part of Ambridge Life for me.
I so 👏👏 👏 it.
Miriam - January 30, 2021 at 6:30 PM
How I wish Russ would just pack his bags and leave LL.
I think that Vince might help with this.
Lily needs to start her life again, in whatever way she chooses.
She is too young to be tied down, with him.
Soz - January 30, 2021 at 6:39 PM
Hadn’t thought of that Maryellen. You may well be right. Vince getting his own back for the way the twins treated him when they first met.
Soz - January 30, 2021 at 6:50 PM
Sorry about that - I thought my comment hadn’t published so wrote it again and again..........must have been because more than 200 blogs. Just be pleased it wasn’t a long comment!
Archerphile - January 31, 2021 at 10:06 AM
Just picked up in Omnibus:
Pip - “My bad” as an apology. Grrrrrr, I hate that expression. 😠
I’m easy with ‘my bad’ as an alternative to ‘my fault’. I like new ways of saying common things. I have more of a problem with archaisms like ‘methinks’,
Deletewhich I can imagine Lloyd Senior using. To my ears it always sounds affectedly quaint.
And surely Lloyd Senior would ALWAYS say "mea culpa"....?
Delete😄
DeleteFound an article from the Radio Times from 1950 previewing a brand new programme called The Archers! From the tone of the writing, I get the impression that Mr Godfrey Baseley would have an attack of the vapours if he knew that one day the young residents of Ambridge would idly be discussing threesomes...
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you get these wee gems, Gary. I loved the simple innocence of what the Archers was to be. I suppose we can only bring so much of the past into the twenty-first century. I chortled at your remark about Mr Godfrey Baseley.
DeleteI've got a LOT of spare time Old Fogey!
DeleteI’m sure you are right Gary - my Mum too!
ReplyDeleteI expect it was an article such as this that encouraged her to tune in to the first episode, with a 5 year old me on her knee ! She loved Mrs Dales Diary and I think she expected The Archers was going to be very similar, but set in the countryside, as we were. My Dad thought he might pick up tips on rearing chickens and keeping our veg garden & orchard prolific, with tips from MAFF!
Goodness, haven’t things changed over the years!
My take on last week: Elizabeth in her rage at Shula seemed to have forgotten the Freddie Noluthando combination which nearly resulted in her jumping out of the window at LL.
ReplyDeleteHis ex and his wife bonding: Tom beware!
Philip and Natasha have things in common: both like to display money they haven't got. After her wedding she ran off to her parents and he ended up in prison.
Sex starved Steph is after pouting Freddie or pretty Lily.
What brilliant Ambridge events, you have pin- pointed.
DeleteMy Ambridge crown for the "Perfect Princess", has now been tranferred from Pip, to Phoebe.
ReplyDeleteI did not like, that in a business meeting she referred to the BL Board represenative, as Grandad.
I had an elder sister as my boss, for a short while. It was not difficult, as we knew the situation, so the work relationship was very different to the family one.
No-one I was in contact with in the company, my own staff and those I worked with, in differing Pharmacies, knew we were related.
Mind you, I did request a transfer to a Pharmacy in a different area, to avoid this situation, hence ended back in N. Wales...
Phoebe is to me, not being very professional, at the moment about the re-wilding project.
I think that Rex is also starting to be disillusioned and IF he gets the council farm, might also pull out.
To add. I only thought that Rex joined in, due to Pip's involvement.
DeleteThe less said on that idea, the better.
I'm of the same persuasion Miriam regarding the re wilding project.
ReplyDeletePip has been dissatisfied with the project for sometime and as her mother put it, I think, is now taking her ball home.
Rex is just dissatisfied with almost everything and everybody. He is apathetic about getting the farm, having finally got around to applying for it, but will most certainly not be interested or more importantly have no time if he gets the farm, for the project.
Phoebe is the only one of the three to have maintained an enthusiasm and some vigour towards pushing it forward.
Will she or won't she carry the project alone ?
I would love to hear what Peggy thinks?
DeleteThanks GG, for yet another wonderful heading, showing the start of TA.
ReplyDeleteNow we are listening, 70 years later. I loved reading this RT article from 1950.
I still feel a "newbie" as TA was totally unknown to me, until the mid eighties.
Is that picture of Ruth and David in 20 years time?!!😁
ReplyDeleteNo Ev, it was Dan and Doris.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was just being facetious! I can’t imagine Ruth will ever look like a then typical farmer’s wife but David will probably look very much like his grandfather! It’s a pity unlikeable Pip will be the one to carry the baton on but maybe the years will mellow her!
DeletePeople in Ambridge don’t dislike Pip.
DeleteMany on the blog do and I can’t imagine she is flavour of the month with Rex and Phoebe at the moment!
DeletePip’s unlikely to read the blog.
DeletePerhaps you can contact Pip on Mumsnet ?
ReplyDeletemaryellen - a reply for you at 2.36pm on the other blog.
ReplyDeleteI tried to post here several times from my new iPad without success, but I still have the old one and its working!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say re Pip:
Don’t think she is very popular with Brian either (or Justin, but he doesn’t really count now)
And I’m not sure Ruth approved of her ‘taking her ball home’ either. But that probably won’t last long, she’ll still be the blue-eyed girl again soon.
What makes you think Pip is currently unpopular with Brian, Archerphile? Her stepping down from the rewilding project has created a gap he is only too happy to fill, albeit wearing his BL hat. It will become a granddaughter/grand father operation, leaving Rex where??
DeleteHe didn’t seem too happy when Phoebe told the meeting that Pip had left. Can’t remember the exact conversation but that’s the impression I got. And I think I remember something about Rex being the only ‘farmer’ on the team once Pip had gone,
DeleteI’d like to hear what Peggy & her advisors think abolit the change in personnel.
"Jazzer's got love on the brain", on a scrounge more likely.
ReplyDeleteI heard "my bad" from Johnny now, so it's the trend.
Will Grey Gables go under?
All I want to hear is - Susan's reaction to Tracy + Jazzer, who are just having fun together 😘
ReplyDeleteI heard this ' my bad' from Johnny this evening though I hadn't picked it up when Pip used it last week.
ReplyDeleteUnlike Maryellen, I'm not ' awriiiw' with it.
Where did it come from ?
I haven't heard my grandchildren use it, and rather hope I don't.
I’ve never heard it before this week on TA. I’ll ask my grandchildren if they’ve heard it. Usually I pride myself with being fairly up to date but haven’t seen them for so long and you don’t pick up the latest expressions on FaceTime.
DeleteI thought the sudden argument was unnatural- Tracy could just have said she was listening to a friend’s problems, but that’s not her style. If their relationship does survive I fear it will be more off than on.
I have heard this horrid expression in several places and get the impression that the SWs have included it go be ‘up with the trend’ as it were. I really, really dislike it and wish it wasn’t used in TA
DeleteI first heard it several years ago but have rarely heard it since.
DeleteAccording to Wiki, it's 'Pick-up basketball slang spread by Manute Bol, a basketball player of Sudanese origin playing with the Golden State Warriors. Subsequently adopted by teammates'. So perhaps it is a translation of a local expression.
It has got inot the online Cambridge English Dictionary which lists it as 'US informal'.
I'd probably not use it, but it doesn't particularly bother me. And at least the person using it has acknowledged that they have erred and strayed in some way.
Katy reckons it isn’t new and has recently been replaced by “sorry, not sorry”. The implication of “my bad” is the same, apologising but not apologising! We will soon need interpreters to understand this new slang!!
Delete'My bad' - I first heard this in the series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' which my family would watch religiously every week! So my children have used it and do use it often
DeleteThe first series was made in 1997 so it's been around for over twenty years.
It just means (in the context of the American use and subsequently ours) 'My mistake - sorry.'
Last night was all about both having sex with Jade.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime Oliver will have to sell, will it be converted?
I felt sorry for Oliver as he sounded so sad and defeated. Although Tracey was trying hard to be supportive, he just wasn't hearing it. Is it the end of GG?
ReplyDeleteI do hope not because the various venues in which to locate characters is declining. The Bull is off the list for the time being, the Village Hall, thé Church, thé farm shop, all seem to be used very little recently. And when did we last hear a conversation in Grange Farm’s kitchen, even the village shop is little used. Goodness knows when we were last visitors to The Laurels. Locations are declining. I’d hate to loose GG, the reception, dining room and kitchen have all been backdrops to interesting storylines and conversations.
DeleteThere's a new photograph of the cows, so I don't have to keep staring at the same ones.
ReplyDeleteTom's had a lucky escape and nasty Natasha can stay in and fume.
Tom does seem to be pretty clueless when it comes to relationships.
ReplyDeleteTom probably put all our hackles up when he said that he wouldn’t let his wife accompany Kirsty. As she said we are not in C19th. Even so it is a pointless thing to do and typical of Kirsty’s erstwhile stances.
ReplyDeleteHe handled things badly but Tom was right to be concerned with what Kirsty and Natasha were doing. Hopefully Natasha will calm down and be able to explain to Kirsty why they need to stop. When Kirsty has calmed down perhaps she will be ready to start addressing her own situation and begin to rebuild her life. Then she'll be in a better position really to help other lads like Blake, Kenzie and Jordan
ReplyDeleteI think it must be difficult for men to adapt to such a rapidly changing world . Tom comes from an old fashioned family in a village that, if anything like our local area , is still 50 years behind the times. I feel that Tom is struggling to cope with a very strong minded dominant woman.
ReplyDeleteI am 70 now but as a young person I walked a few steps behind my father and brother, and expected to do so.
DeleteWith respect Janice, your village is in rural Cornwall.
ReplyDeleteAmbridge is in the midlands and not so very out of touch with local towns and cities.
We don't get the feeling that Ambridge is so far behind the times, and I rather suspect that Toms friends would consider him to be very odd in his recent behaviour.
Tom has also travelled and lived for a time in Canada.
Surely he learnt something about how the world works now.
✔ yes I think you are right Mrs P.
DeleteI forgot he had lived in Canada.
DeleteI think he was clutching at straws, very concerned.for their safety and he did hesitate a bit before making his pronouncement!
ReplyDeleteI find the attitude to Covid and the current lockdown precautions by the S/Ws very confusing.
ReplyDeleteIn the same episode we had Harrison and Tom agreeing to meet for a ‘self-distanced pint’ to celebrate Roy’s birthday and then Lilian & Tony shopping in an obviously open Underwoods for clothes and toys.
So is Borsetshire like the Isle of Man and Covid free or just 6 months behind the rest of the country regarding infections.
I wish they would make their minds up wether to totally ignore the current situation or portray it accurately .
Totally agree Archerphile. What with GG being open for meals if not for overnight guests, masks being worn in the shop (Jim shouting 'masks' to someone) as you say Lilian shopping for a jumper for Tony in Underwoods, Natasha meeting up with Kirsty, as well as having Henry and Jack around for tea. So many things wrong and such a mish-mash.
DeleteBTW I thought 'Tony' was reading from a script he had just seen for the first time. It was awful 'acting.'
Tom’s heart is in the right place, as Natasha will realise if she doesn’t already, when as OldWomaninAShoe says, she calms down.
ReplyDeleteI think Ambridge is 2-3 months behind on the Covid line which is confusing.
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be quite a lot of sibling interaction recently which I like as it tends to be less stressful. I am not mega-close to my siblings, but I know they’re there for me and we have the bond of shared experience and memories.
I winced at Tom’s wording but he was right overall, Kirsty really needs to think before she acts.
I wonder if the SWs are in a bit of a quandary as they want to portray Covid but, if they do, it makes life in Ambridge, very plotless, purely Zoom calls with relatives and friends, no going out except when strictly necessary etc. and very prone to quick change. I'm happy with a proper storyline and lip service to the dreaded big C
DeleteI think you are spot on Janet E. Some story lines were quite involved but we could leave them for a while as they involved only a family or two but portraying Covid as it really is would squash everything and depress the life out of me.
DeleteNatasha picked up Tom's papers and was offended that he didn't need them. He offered to cook but she informed him she was going out with Kirsty and he should be pleased they got on so well, why? She first went with her out of spite. He offered to join them, she refused. She was furious he sought Harrison's advice and was pleased to see the back of him. The woman thrives on conflict, can't stand her.
ReplyDeleteSomeone in Ambridge really needs to speak to Kirsty.
ReplyDeleteProbably Roy.
I hope there is a proper conversation between all the men at Roy's B'day do tonight.
A thought.
ReplyDeletePhilip told Shula that Gavin had handed himself in, and telling all.
This just cannot be true, as Kirsty would have been informed, as would Harrison. So why is Kirsty along with Natasha, still trawling the streets?
Another Philip classic masking the truth.
Why would Kirsty have been informed? As she is suspected of being involved still, the police wouldn't tell her who is saying what and to whom.
ReplyDeletePhillip was out on remand as there seemed to be nothing the police could pin on him. He was wandering around Ambridge trying to get Alistair to support him.
When Shula visited him he told her that Gavin had handed himself in and as you say told all, which had led to Phillip being charged, Remand taken away and he was put in gaol.
As far as I recall Harrison has said nothing about the case to anybody except to warn Tom and Natasha last night so we don't know if he knows anything more. He had already told Fallon that he was not 'on the case.' Being a good policeman he took notes of the conversation with Tom to pass onto DC Tanners.
Thanks for the corrections.
DeleteThese were only my own personal thoughts, which seem now, to be very stupid
DeleteI accept your criticism.
I didn't mean to criticise. It's just a discussion about a programme. I am stating what I heard and how I interpreted it, using what limited knowledge I have. You may have heard something differently or something I missed and could turn round and say 'but Kirsty said.....'
DeleteThat's the joy of all blogs whether it is this one, facebook, mustardland and so. No-one in my family is remotely interested so it's nice to discuss!
Oh Linda 🎺🤣🎺🤣🎺
ReplyDeleteIf Susan had still been on Radio Borsetshire Kirsty could have enlisted her help:
ReplyDelete'Now here's a record for three lovely lads, Blake, Kenzie and Jordan. They're local builders, so if you're having a posh new conservatory built, or an extension, you might even know them! Unless you're doing the work yourself of course. My Neil built our lovely home, Ambridge View, with his own fair hands. He's a man of many talents my husband. But, as I was saying, if you're not lucky enough to be married to your own Bob the Builder, you might be having your work done by these lads. But here's the thing, they're not being paid for all that cementing and joinery! No, of course I don't mean that *you're* not paying for your new brickwork! But the lads aren't getting any of your cash. That's right, they're being used for Modern Slavery! And they might be working in your house right now.
So if you've got the builders in, have a check, ask if any of them are called Blake, Kenzie or Jamie. No, sorry, not Jamie, Jordan, like the country. If they are, bring them inside and give them a good cup of tea and something to eat - lasagna's always nice and filling, remember they're not being fed properly by their gang masters.Then call the police!
But whatever you do, don't let their bosses know you're on to them. They could get nasty.
So anyway, here's a record for our very own Bob the Builders...
🎸🎺🎶🎵🎻🥁🎶🎵
Ah, ladies and gentlemen, while that record was playing, we've just had a call from the police themselves! It seems I was a little hasty advertising the lads' names on air like that. It could be dangerous, they say. So please, forget that I ever mentionned 'Tom', 'Dick' or 'Harry'. And if you're having building work of any sort, make sure you lock all your doors and windows at night. Good advice for all of us, of course. You can never be too careful, even in a lovely village such as Ambridge.
Hang on a moment, my producer is just handing me a piece of paper. He says it's a pea 45, not sure what that's about, let's have another record while I read it through.
🎸🎺🎶🎵🎻🥁🎶🎵
Or perhaps not ...
I have missed the Susan scripts, OWIAS ! I read them in Susan's voice! What a lovely way to start the day! Thank you!
DeleteBrilliant OWiaS. That’s Susan to a T!
DeleteLove it 👌
DeleteI’ve just read Susan’s broadcast, OWiaS. Really witty. I don’t think it could have been better.
DeleteYes brilliant. I can really hear Susan’s voice!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant.
ReplyDeleteThanks Owias.
ReplyDeleteCan just hear Susan saying that OWiAS.
ReplyDeleteKeep em coming OwiaS.
ReplyDeleteMost entertaining.
Thank you.
Nobody gives a put-down like our Lynda!
ReplyDeleteBut that reporter only has to visit the shop and talk to Susan.
And if not in our hearing Owias will give us the run down.
DeleteOld woman, do you have a crystal ball 🔮🤔
ReplyDeleteNo, but perhaps Archerphile has!
DeleteCan't work out if the reporter was genuinely trying to do an honest, helpful piece or if it was all an act to get Susan off her guard. I suspect the latter.
Archerphile, you put Rebecca up to it! Great drama next, all hell's gonna break loose! Poor Neil, how could he be so naive. As for Peggy, she only changed her will when Tony nearly died. Natasha will have to think again.
ReplyDeletePeggy said how Tony looks like his father, maybe that’s why Peggy is harder on him.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn’t a happy marriage, but tough on Tony.
Having difficulty posting tonight, I keep getting error messages and retrying, 😠
Join the club KP re error messages recently 😡 & both blogs!
DeleteOh Susan & Neil.....
I love Neil for his simple naivety, but not tonight.
ReplyDeleteOh Neil, you walked straight into it, didn't you ?
With the help of equally naive Susan.
Emma, get round quick to your mum and dad. They need you to wise them up and dig them out of a ditch.
Is it possible to stop a newspaper publishing something you should not have said ?
Well done Susan, when will you learn to have some discretion and keep your mouth shut?
ReplyDeleteAnd poor Tony - he’s never been good enough in Peggy’s eyes. How could a mother be so unfeeling on her only sons birthday, whatever his age?
I don’t think we should be too hard on Neil and Susan, they’ll probably be hard enough on themselves if Rebecca’s article is as damning as listeners expect. All they wanted to do was raise awareness which no one can quarrel with. I think the scriptwriters are telling us something about Neil, though.
ReplyDeleteAnd it gave Susan the chance to boast about her radio programme and, no doubt, see her name in the local paper as a ‘reliable source’. Unfortunately she has really landed Neil in trouble with her boasting about him getting a ‘good quote’ for the playground and the repairs to the church.
DeleteBut in, reality, I’m not sure how much the paper will be able to publish. I didn’t think they were allowed to publish such details before a trial, for fear of influencing the outcome.
Owias.....love the Susan script. It was her to a T.
ReplyDeleteI second that! Just perfect, OWIAS! You have a future as a TA screenwriter!
DeleteI've been saying that Hilary about OwiaS for a very long time.
DeleteThank you, I'm flattered!
DeleteMaryellen
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think the script writers might be telling us about Neil ?
I do agree that S and N will be pretty hard on themselves if and when any article is published.
But of course it may not come to that.
Is it that Neil is on the way out from the Archers?
DeleteMrs P - in the last three episodes in which Neil has appeared (with the investigating officer, with Brian during the auditor’s visit, and now with Susan); he has sounded unsure to the point of bumbling, and not on top of things.That’s why I think the scriptwriters are telling us something, though exactly what, I don’t yet know. Basia may well be right.
DeleteI think that the Carters are going to be in for a rough time.
ReplyDeleteI think Neil will lose his job - BL will make him a scapegoat. They are both an enthusiastic young journalist’s dream. Personally I prefer OWiaS’s script for Susan than the SWs !
ReplyDelete“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, I can hear Susan saying!
ReplyDeleteSeeing that Neil was involved with the playground, the church and at Berrow, there's obviously something in it. I thought Neil's comment about the toothpick was hilarious but alarming nevertheless. Also the actor is getting on but I hope he's not ill. Susan may soon find herself with a lot of time 'in loo'.
ReplyDeleteI thought Peggy's recording was so unkind. Poor Tony. I hope they either delete it and don't have Peggy's contribution or persuade her to record something nicer.
ReplyDeleteI haven't picked up anything sounding wrong with Neil and hope others are wrong about him leaving or something worse being hinted at.
But completely in character.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maryellen, I had noticed that myself, but in fact it's been IMO, sometime longer than the last three episodes.
ReplyDeleteI've put this down to Neil getting older and perhaps a little less able.
I've never been convinced about his position at Berrow being a good match for his personality.
Susan has always pushed him, and sometimes in the wrong direction.
I think he took the job to please her, as he does in most situations with his everloving wife, but I don't think he really wanted to and I have always felt that most of the time he feels overwhelmed by his responsibilities.
I think we can reasonably assume that the scriptwriters are telling us that Neil is past it.
DeleteWell if he is ME I hope he will be allowed to retire and get a couple of weaners and carry on with his beloved pigs.
DeleteOf course Susan would object....... but I can still hope !
As long as he’s got Susan, he’ll be okay,
DeleteI agree that Peggy’s birthday video for Tony is in character. Also as we get older, attitudes and opinions become more entrenched and sometimes more exaggerated. Possibly Peggy sees her weak husband in Tony and is unable to see past that. It is unusual because in my experience mother’s tend to favour their sons and are more severe on their daughters. I do hope Natasha manages to get Peggy to change her message.
ReplyDeleteAgree with all you say Soz.
DeleteAnd same hopes too.
Don’t think Peggy will be very pleased being asked to change the video, or record another, less critical one. So Natasha will have to handle this very diplomatically.
DeleteI wonder if it could just be edited?
Just had a quip from the News Quiz reported to me: For those of you finding it difficult to sleep at the moment, Radio 4’s compilation of non-fatal tractor accidents in The Archers is a must! (Well, roughly that wording - made me laugh!)
ReplyDeleteYes, that made me laugh when I heard it.
DeleteHow old is Neil?
ReplyDeleteIs he due for retirement, and if so when, as I have no idea.
I just hope that Susan doesn't speed things on, as she will regret it.
On the Characters pages of the BBC’s TA website, Neil’s d.o.b. Is given as 22 May 1957. The actor who plays him was born in 1939.
DeleteNeil is 64 Miriam
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to the publication of Rebecca's article in The Echo.
ReplyDeleteWill she be as sympathetic as she said, or twist things said by Neil + Susan, around.
I fear the latter, but who knows, as she could just show Ambridge in a good way.
I am loving the different S/Ls being broadcast, at the moment.
Long may they last.
Well, it will be easy to tell whether it's good or bad.
DeleteJust go into the village shop on the day of publication.
If Susan is preening herself and there are copies of the paper everywhere you look then it was sympathetic.
If Susan is glowering like a thundercloud and the only copy of the paper is being used to soak up a spillage on the floor then it's probably better to go elsewhere to buy your Echo ...
Manners Miriam Manners !
ReplyDeleteMiriam, you asked two questions on Saturday evening
Two answers were given, within the next hour.
The next post is by you at 5.05 today Sunday.
You have failed to even acknowledge those answers let alone say thank you.
Manners please !
And Miriam you are NOT being told off, just reminded of blog etiquette.
I'm sure there are times I have asked a question and failed to respond to the reply.
DeleteMea culpa.
(Or my bad if you prefer 😉)
I read these, and was very grateful for the replies, as to my questions relating to TA, as to Neil's age.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise that I then had to reply!
Apologies for my very bad manners, yet again. 🤤
No worries, Miriam!
DeleteIt's just a courtesy Miriam.
DeleteAnd thank you.
Although it’s nice to be thanked I don’t think it is necessary every time we have a question answered. I certainly wouldn’t expect it. I like Neil and hope he isn’t planned to leave us!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't expect to be thanked every time I answered a question either.
DeleteMe too Ev. I remember ‘Neil’ joining the Archers years &years ago as a rather naive young assistant, helping with Brookfield’s pigs. I think he developed a pash on Shula at one time but Phil put a stop to that. He developed into a thoroughly dependable, down to earth character, one of the backbones of a rural soap. Also one if the most tolerant considering what he has had to put up with from Susan over the years.
ReplyDeleteI should miss him a lot if he retires and we hear less from him. I certainly hope he is not going to be written out completely.
What Neil “has had to put up with from Susan over the years” is her unwavering love, loyalty and commitment, a never-other-than-efficiently run household, and an attractive and congenial partner to share both the public and the more intimate moments of married life (I am avoiding the 3-letter word!). Lucky man!
DeleteA very belated Happy New Year to everyone and thinking of all of you who have had to face so many difficulties and so much sadness . I have so enjoyed catching up with the recent entries and memories on the two blogs. Thank you! Anyway , thinking about Neil... he really does seem to be struggling and has never seemed really comfortable with his job and I did wonder if this could be linked to Rex's future? That would give him an on-going hands-on involvement which I think he would enjoy. Just a thought!
ReplyDeleteAnd a very clever one Bufo!
ReplyDeleteProvided Rex could get on with Hannah Riley, it could be a good career move for him. Working with pigs, getting good experience & no farm rent to pay. Neil could have a more relaxing time looking after his own herd. It’s a win/win
And it’s lovely to see you back again on the blog. Hope you have been coping well in the lockdown and are keeping well.
Bufo, I like your idea but unlike Archerphile I don't see Rex at Berrow, especially if Neil goes, too many bad feelings. I was thinking along the lines of the two of them pulling their forces together. It was Neil who suggested the council farm, don't know about the logistics, but that's for later?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Archerphil. It's good to be back! I'll answer you more fully on the other blog, but with regard to Neil, I meant that he would help Rex in his new move, if that's still on the cards. On the other hand your idea would be great experience for Rex though I do wonder if he would be cut out for working for somebody in such a tightly controlled situation as the pig unit. I think he enjoys working independently too much! Besides which, as you said, there's Hannah ..... a lot of possibilities there!
ReplyDeleteLovely to see you again Bufo.
DeleteI think that's a great idea bufo. I think Neil and Rex would make a good team.
DeleteI don’t think Rex is Berrow material, any more than Neil is, but I had imagined a retired Neil helping Rex fulfil his dream of becoming a pigman, either at the Council farm or wherever else Rex lands up.
ReplyDeleteI so agree. This is why I asked the age of Neil, as to can he retire from Berrow?
DeleteIt would be a perfect scanario, helping Rex out.
This would be Neil, being a happy pig in clover.
I can but dream.
It seems 'retirement' may soon be on the cards : (
DeleteOh Susan, engage brain before putting mouth in gear!
Susan wanted the job more than Neil, so no big deal.
ReplyDeleteAlice sounded nice for once, I can believe she looked beautiful.
Chris was relieved not to have to face Peggy.
I fear that Neil may be out of a job fairly soon. Currently not eligible for state pension, probably not much in the way of private pension provision, could be a strain for the Carters. I imagine they would manage but Susan would not be happy.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to hear Alice and Chris, I hope Alice can control her alcoholism but I still fear for the baby.
Perhaps Foetal Alcohol Syndrome was the original story arc but the writers have decided that after all the stress everyone has gone through in the past year, a good news story is called for and the baby will be OK. Not sure how likely this would be medically, and FAS would be an important topic to cover. But it would be good for Baby Carter to be OK.
Delete(Besides, the baby is affected, would he or she remain in Ambridge longterm or would the family decamp to Birmingham for appropropriate schools, as happened with Bethany?)
If Neil can’t afford to retire, presumably he’ll become self-employed again so. will need his pigs back. But will he want Rex with them? Will the herd provide two incomes? Lots of possible storylines.....
DeleteIt was always Susan who wanted Neil to work at Berrow. She wanted him to have a posh office and wear a suit, just as she did when she pushed him into that job as a feed representative.
ReplyDeleteTo Susan, status is all important, never mind the fact that Neil hated the first job and was very uncomfortable about taking the second. Having to go against his principles and oversee the rearing of pigs in a factory.
And now she has landed both of them in a terrible position through her desire for publicity, being all over the papers, the posibilty of getting her radio job back (her own words, not mine).
Her argument that she was trying to do good, spreading the word about slave labour, doesn’t wash with me.
As always it was all about Susan and ‘her Neil’ but just look where it has got them both.
Will this be the event that finally teaches her the importance of discretion ?
P.S. I know that this will not be a popular opinion with many, but, to me, this has been the type event that , sooner or later, was always going to befall Susan and sadly bring Neil down with her.
Archerphile, I agree with everything you say, but it may still not be so bad. I think both Neil and Susan too, appreciate what is important in life, so I see it as a lesson but don't despair.
DeleteI leave the judgment to Neil himself, who said Susan was not to blame (when she was beating herself up), it was his fault for not saying no - which of course applies to their whole history together. Was it he who seduced her or the other way round?
DeleteOne of my reservations about Neil is the hint of misogyny when he backed Will over not admitting women to the cricket team (fortunately overridden). I have not forgotten!
The idea that a newspaper would print a story like the interview of Susan and Neil when the case has yet to come to Court is absolutely ridiculous. So says a real journalist on another web-board!
ReplyDeleteIf Alice has the perfect baby then that was a very irresponsible storyline/issue to publicise about alcoholism and pregnancy. What are they playing at? Sometimes I despair!
I think the idea of FAS is that there's not always visible damage, but the child may be autistic later and the whole pregnancy is a very anxious time. Also, Peggy warned Christopher that Alice may revert to her old ways and their relationship will fall apart. Alice is already becoming obsessive, wanting to take a year off to 'get everything right' as if that can compensate for her failings.
DeleteI agree there is not always physical damage and so it may take some years to find out if the baby was affected by Phoebe being totally off her head several times a week.
DeleteBut that is still no message to send out,
"Stick around for a few years and you'll find out if FAS has been triggered."
Spicy, I know it's irritating but you know they like to do stories 'in real time'. I bet Alice will be on the lookout for anything slightly unusual. What was the word Emma used about Alice being plastered, can anyone remember?
DeleteAnd a very belated Happy New Year to you too Bufo! Great to see you back again...
ReplyDeleteI really think the storyline re Alice and baby is best served by her having a child with no obvious problems.
ReplyDeleteAlice has gone through hell and high water to get to the place she is in now - seemingly joyously planning for their new family. If the SWs make her pay it will give the message that, whatever you do, if you drink heavily before, and in the early stages of pregnancy the baby is a lost cause.
No idea what the evidence is but it won't be encouraging for others to follow where she has, admirably it appears, lead.
When Christopher was born with a hare lip Susan blamed herself and kept trying to pin point when it must have happened. Pat came to her rescue because she said she was beside herself when there was something wrong (?) with the newborn Helen. Alice will be vigilant, that's why she wants to devote all of her time to the baby.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to see the Alice alcohol problem S/L end with a healthy baby. I think the scripts painted a very bleak picture of alcoholism and the crisis was well acted. I do wonder though if the SWs will not write a happy ending as they do like to highlight problems in society and at the moment it's modern day slavery.
ReplyDeleteI think Neil is a thoroughly decent bloke and Susan is lucky to have him. He will be OK even if he is sacked and it may end up being a blessing in disguise for him.
Isn't it interesting how we hear, or rather interpret what we hear, so differently.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Alice has been anywhere near hell or high water in her " battle" with her relationship with alcohol.
I do think she has been frightened, and is doing her 'best' to deal with it now.
But..... I think that fundamentally Alice is a ' cheater' and I don't think she will change.
IMO Alice is cheating now in telling herself that she is going to do everything right.
That may be her stated intention, but I don't believe that deep down she intends to do so.
I do think Peggy's words to Chris were prophetic, and I will expect this story line to continue into the future with or without a damaged baby.
I wrote a post about Neil and Susan two days ago, but it disappeared into the ether and I didn't repeat it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with others particularly Archerphile about Susan pushing Neil in directions that he is uncomfortable with, and the consequences. I also agree about Neil's complicity in these situations.
I also feel that leaving Berrow will be a blessing in disguise for Neil, his future well beyond retirement, and possibly Rex too if they combine forces.
Just listening to the repeat today, an example of Alice's propensity to cheat, was her cheerful retort to Chris that his accident gave her an 'opportunity to skive off '.
ReplyDeleteThat sort of remark speaks volumes in my experience and opinion. It illustrates a deeply held belief that if your clever enough to do so, you can turn any opportunity to your advantage by cheating, and will.
Deep down, Alice is an irresponsible person.
With respect, Mrs P, I think you are reading too much into this. It was just a flip remark, said to lighten what could have been a very serious situation and relieve the tension. I can imagine saying it myself in similar circumstances.
DeleteMrs P do you think we are ‘products of our backgrounds’? As has been said in the programme 63 Up, “give me the child until he is 7 and I will show you the man” Aristotle I believe. Alice has never wanted for anything so she has been able to live life on the surface, rarely, if at all, testing her ability to cope when things go badly wrong. There have always been safety nets to protect her; even now her father is giving her a considerable amount of money because he loves her and is proud of her. Probably she is meant to be a shallow, irresponsible person but I am an optimist and hope she has been frightened into at least awareness of her weaknesses.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter will tell you that I live in a pink fluffy world but she is a psychologist and analyses me constantly. What I’m trying to say is that I believe there has to be a hope that someone can change. Alice’s story has only just begun and there will be successes and failures. I don’t know if she’ll have the strength of character and determination to defeat her demons but I am pleased to share her moments of joy and success however brief.
Alice brought up Chris's accident when kicked by a horse. I wasn't listening regularly at the time but remember Brian saying to Jennifer that if he didn't survive Alice would have to carry on without him.
ReplyDeleteIn my very humble opinion, Alice + Chris's baby, will not show any problems re FAS until his/her development is not as it seems, which could be well after a year. This will be done in real time, as it should be.
ReplyDeleteAs to Alice, she will always be an "alcoholic" as she seems to have the familial inherited gene for this.. I hope that she will stay sober, but again that is a S/L to be revealed, in the true real time.
Oh well, I hope, this time that I have kept to this blog etiquette, as to having no manners.
I agree with Mrs P. Alice's only scare was when she 'got caught.' Even after she had 'the talk' by the nurses or doctor, which she must have had considering they would know that she was drunk and pregnant she continued drinking, encouraged by her aunt!
ReplyDeleteAlice has proved time and time again she is an accomplishred and convincing liar. No I don't think she has changed from the deceitful young woman of the past year or so.
Susan's reaction to Christopher was extreme and I remember it very well. I remember also Pat's influence. Presumably Christopher had surgery to join the gap in his pallette and his top lip but I don't remember that.
Helen was born with a 'click hip' and had to have a plaster cast. (My first son also had this condition, discovered at his six week check up and he wore a brace which immobolised his legs for four weeks.This then allowed the ball and socket joint to complete growing from a 'cup' shape into the full ball enclosing the top of the femur.) Apparently this could be caused by the way the baby lies in the womb but it's not known definitely.
Thank you Spicy, for filling in the details. We'll have to see what awaits Alice.
DeleteIf everyone is content to have the scriptwriters make the outcome of Alice's story a healthy baby then why include it in the first place?
ReplyDeleteBritain has one of the highest rate of FASD in the world. (61.5 births per 10,000 when the world average is 15 per 10,000!) Now that is a worrying statistic and, perhaps, is worthy of a story in an everyday country 'soap.' But then to not have a character have to go through the trials and heartbreak of a damaged baby but to have everything ok is irresponsible and in my view absolutely pathetic.
If it's done in 'real time' well then we have experienced that before and how many listeners did they lose then?
Spiceycushion- perhaps the baby will appear to be normal, but someone within the family, perhaps Emma again, will see something amiss and keep bringing it up, in order for the SWs to keep the ' worry ' alive in the listener.
DeleteIt could be a sub plot to bring Emma and Chris back together again, as I do feel that although Chris continues to be in denial, his instinct that something is wrong will keep his fears alive, however hidden those fears may be.
Miriam
ReplyDeleteTake note, several posts said that they didn't think it was necessary to ' thank' for a reply to a question.
Therefore it would seem that I am in a minority.... and you should not take my remark too seriously.
Let it go !
Soz
Yes I do believe that our background and how we are treated as small children does affect our personalities and how we conduct ourselves throughout our lives.
But I also believe that redemption is possible.
But that redemption has to come from within that individual and is derived from self awareness. Self awareness is a long journey, one is never perfect and, and takes a great deal of personal effort to acquire.
You Soz may hope that Alice achieves some awareness of her weaknesses.
I think that Alice already has some of that awareness, but still feel that she is a weak individual with little of a moral compass.
And yes I do believe that her easy upbringing has been involved in establishing her weak character. I also believe that the TA team believes that too and has written it into her profile.
( wouldn't we like to know ? )
I do also agree with Miriam that this is a long story and we are unlikely to see much evidence of FAS in the baby until a significant development stage.
Lady R..... glad someone else can see it. Thanks.
How can I forget the upset, at that time? on seeing a post:-
DeleteManners, Miriam, Manners, ending in Manners, please relating to the etiquette of this blog.
I felt a true and sad nobody, when I read that.
It is now water under the bridge, and just best forgotten about.
🤗
I think we all need to remember to be gentle with each other at present.
DeleteSo many comments that normally we could shrug off can be harder when we're stuck at home and missing company.
As this topic has shown, we all have different expectations of blog etiquette. What one person thinks essential, another might be indifferent to, and another may find a distraction from the ongoing discussion. A bit like normal life, really!
This is a wonderful, friendly little lifeboat, and we need it more than ever at present. Unless someone acts absolutely heinously (such as questionning the validity of Mornington Crescent for example 😉) lets cut each other some slack, shall we?
👏👏✔️✔️✔️👏👏
DeleteSo much for our plans for Neil. Susan sounded like a normal person tonight.
ReplyDeleteI can't see Justin tinkering with the model anything.
No, but did you spot how his first thought was how Tony should convert his hobby into a money-making enterprise?
DeleteActually, he might be on to something there. Tony clearly has a gift for model making, and I'm sure other less creative model train enthusiasts would be delighted to add his models to their layouts. (Although if they're using a geographical map they might struggle to find where to place Hollerton Junction!)
Justin is stimulated by business. If Tony started on a commercial scale he'd be under pressure to deliver. The models he creates are his own treasures and he wouldn't want to part with them.
DeleteBut, As Tony said, and I know from years of having a model railway obsessed brother who was still ‘playing with trains’ into his nineties, the whole point of the hobby is ‘doing it yourself’
DeleteSuch people (almost always men) take the greatest pleasure in constructing their own layout, making scenery, painting backdrops, tinkering with engines, wiring up signals etc. The nearest most of them get to allowing anyone else to touch their precious engines might be to join a model railway club where they can show off their creation!
But, Justin did think that he and Lilian should embark on a new business venture together, so how about they work on this:
Little Borsetshire
A model creation of the main towns/villages in the area, á la Beaconscot or Lilliput.
Wander round the village of Ambridge complete with pub, village green and its surrounding farms. A model Dower house and Home Farm with landscaped gardens.
Now step into Borchester, complete with cattle market, shops and stores, luxury apartments overlooking the river, the railway station with its lines advancing to a comprehensive Hollerton junction, a very busy depot with its marshalling yard and passenger facilities. See the engines racing along with their Pullman carriages and the shunting engines arranging the coal wagons.
A grand day out for the family and only £15 per ticket or £50 for a whole family!
Lilian could design all the house interiors, fill the windows of Underwood’s with model fashions and Justin could indulge in his new hobby of model railway construction with the intention of making a nice little profit out if all the staycation holiday makers.
Great idea, Archerphile! And the staycationers could stay at Linda's B and B or in one of Kate's yurts!
Delete