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Life in Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteBasiaFebruary 9, 2021 at 7:27 PM
So much for our plans for Neil. Susan sounded like a normal person tonight.
I can't see Justin tinkering with the model anything.
OldWomanInAShoe - February 9, 2021 at 9:45 PM
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!)
Basia - February 10, 2021 at 9:00 AM
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.
Archerphile - February 10, 2021 at 9:36 AM
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.
Hilary - February 10, 2021 at 12:45 PM
Great idea, Archerphile! And the staycationers could stay at Linda's B and B or in one of Kate's yurts!
The photo above is from a near neighbour's front garden - he has created an entire mid 19th century Wild West landscape! There is an enormous fort, a Native American settlement, a battlefield and comes complete with a fully working old style rail road. It has to be seen to be believed!
ReplyDeleteI should love to see that, ‘in the flesh’, as it were Gary.
DeleteModel villages etc have always been a delight to me, which is why I proposed the one of Ambridge! (Comes from being brought up with a model railway fanatic!)
It certainly beats Gnomes.
Delete😄
Delete😁✔️
DeletePeggy was talking about Alice - people doing things under our noses. Both she and Emma trod carefully without breaking confidence, but they both know.
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely hearing Neil and Shula supporting one another this evening. As Neil said, they have been friends for so long, as I mentioned in the last blog. They have both been so affected by the Moss affair, in different ways and it is good they can confide their feelings and understand what each other is experiencing.
ReplyDeleteMy book says that after Neil moved into a flat at Nightingale Farm in 1976, Shula cooked a meal and played her guitar for him one evening and for a few brief delirious days he wondered if he was going to marry the boss’s daughter. He bought green weliies and a new anorak, and drove his tractor into a gatepost because he was waving and grinning at her. When, however, Shula told him they could only be good friends he took the news with fortitude. After a succession of girlfriends and a broken engagement, he took up with Susan Horrobin is - she had won (guess what!) a pig at the village fete and he gave her some food for it and offered to make a pig pen.....
DeleteNeil didn’t ‘grunt’ at all when he was talking to Shula. Odd, that.
DeletePerhaps because they know each other so well and he was comfortable talking to her.
DeleteShula didn’t whinny either!
😂
I’ve never heard Shula whinny Neil is the only Ambridger I’ve heard who ‘talks’ like the animals he works with!
DeleteI remember the episode when Susan told Neil she was pregnant. It was so funny
Delete'You remember when you were nice to me when I was upset? Very nice - well uhm'
'Oh Susan!'
But he proved what a good decent man he was, even though they had only been together for a few months, he immediately proposed. (Mind you if he had been a good and decent man he may not have caused the pregnancy in the first place but that's me being old fashioned; or narrow-minded as my ex- mother in law called me once! Ha!)
Their story hasn't re-inforced the 'marry in haste.....' old wives saying!
However just a picky note about last night. Neil, a Churchwarden, would have been aware that Alan was away doing something for the Bishop. I know it's a plot device to have the two of them talking as old friends but still....!
It's silly unchecked details like this that annoy me! 😀
I was confused when Peggy asked Emma how her father was, I tried to work out who he was! Wouldn't she have referred to him as Neil? Also, outside heaters are not ecological and were going to be banned but not yet in order to boost up the restaurant trade.
ReplyDeleteI still don't understand why Shula had to leave Alistair and then 'find herself' by entering the church as if the two were incompatible. The other thing that I don't understand is why Kirsty, a nature lover, took up with someone involved with the hunt.
ReplyDeleteI admire June Spencer, as to still appearing in the wonderful TA, which I still so love.
ReplyDeleteWhether I agree or not, as to what she as Peggy says, I don't care. I just love her as some-one, who is over 100yrs, is still keeping me entertainted.
Why doesn't Kirsty go and see Philip herself?
ReplyDeleteBetter still, Gavin, he has the information she wants.
I thought he was in prison and telling all, but apparently not..
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ReplyDeleteI thought Emma's idea was that the playground would be turned into an assault course for her proposed fundraising event - not permanently.
DeleteYes it was just for the fund raising event.
DeleteI think the best that can be done for Kirsty is DC Manners threatening her with being arrested for attempting to pervert the course of justice!
ReplyDeleteSchula shouldn't keep saying she visited him in a spiritual context. She is not trained, but more importantly not authorised, to counsel anyone yet.
But glad that Emma has made up but it would have been nice if the Carters apologised to her!
They were the liars and Emma told the truth.
Alice did apologise and at the time when Emma confronted them she was the liar, Chris was still unaware of the extent of Alice's drinking. Once he knew he accepted that Emma was right. They are still very uncomfortable with Emma discovering the truth, just hinting at the subject but that's how people are.
DeleteI couldn't remember the exact order of who, what and when, Thanks! :)
DeleteBy 'him' I mean Philip of course. Delete first 'but' please!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the conversation between Shula and Neil. Old friends supporting each other to make good decisions.
ReplyDeleteI also liked Emma's actions after the talk with Peggy. She's now on good terms with both Chris and Alice and also had a good idea about what to do with the playground.
It sounds as if Kirsty is planning to visit Philip in prison herself. Not a good idea.
Shula actually had some wise words to Kirsty.
ReplyDeleteKirsty is indeed a lost soul.
And I'm finding some difficulty in feeling any sympathy for her.
Would Kirsty be allowed to visit Philip while on remand? Or Gavin? It seems unlikely to me, but I’m not familiar with the protocol.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always liked Kirsty but she’s getting on my nerves now. The way she’s going she’ll be in a cell too.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed last nights episode.
Basia,I am not sure that Kirsty knows where Gavin is but I reckon that he will get in touch with her and tell her where the boys are .
ReplyDeleteAfter that it can go two ways.
Either she does the sensible thing and tells the police what Gavin has told her or she goes it alone
Sadly I suspect the latter.
If Shula was allowed to visit Philip then so should anybody else, she wasn't there in any official capacity, she's still a lay person. Kirsty said that she's no longer a suspect owing to Gavin's testimony, so it looks like she could visit either of them.
ReplyDeleteLanjan, I think it'll be something along the lines you suggest.
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DeleteSo I did the obvious thing and googled gov.uk for advice. Kirsty can use the Prison Location Service to find out where Philip is and visit him if she is on his list of people he says can visit. On remand, he is allowed 3 x 1-hour visits a week. In real life there are currently coronavirus restrictions, in TA probably not.
DeleteWhy has no one managed to get through to Kirsty that the police will take a dim view of her mad quest for the lads? Oh, I know - it would spoil the plot!
Plus Kirsty is not the brightest button in the box. She was gifted with too much heart and not enough head.
DeleteIf Kirsty really wants to know about the lads she’d be best to contact Gavin. He has some sympathy for them and was horrified about them being sold on. He could well be prepared to tell her where they are, Philip certainly won’t.
ReplyDeleteI also think he has finished with his father for good and probably feels some guilt not telling Kirsty the truth before the wedding. He is more likely to try to ‘rescue’ the lads by telling either Kirsty or the police where they went, so she should try to get a visiting order to see him.
As for Emma and Chris and Alice. I am very glad she has made up with her brother and think she is being remarkably magnanimous to Alice, considering she was right about Alice’s drinking and the truly awful message Alice left on her phone. I know Alice apologised for that but I am a little surprised, knowing how in the past, Emma has held a grudge, that she is turning into such a kind and considerate sister-in-law. I hope it continues.
Emma wants the family to come together, her parents are going through some unpleasantness, so if she wants to be on good terms with Chris, she has to extend a hand to Alice. Chris was going to brush her off because he now knows that she was right, that's how it is in life, people find it hard to forgive those who witnessed their downfall. Besides, Emma seems to realise that she 'has it all' now: a good husband, two children, her own caravan - she and Ed started their life in a caravan - she still has her job and bakes good cakes.
DeleteIf Gavin has given himself in, I suspect he would already have told what he knew about the lads. Problem is, the woman Philip sold them to is only an intermediary. She planned to sell them straight on and will not be helpful when the police start asking questions. The could be anywhere in the country by now.
DeleteKirsty is playing a very dangerous game, for her and the lads. Shula was possibly too harsh but she was right, Kirsty is lost and floundering and needs to get herself back on track. *Then* she might be able to be of real help to lads like Blake, Kenzie and Jordan, preferably through properly organised channels, not free-lance!
Emma’s kindness and consideration is not a new phenomenon. Remember how good she has been to Joe, Clarrie and Will’s stepdaughter. I enjoy most scenes with Emma because she is so well acted and therefore more credible, and I like her - but last night’s fluffy pink moment with Alice was too much for me!
ReplyDeleteMaryellen, you heard a fluffy pink moment.
ReplyDeleteI heard a pragmatic and restrained Emma, while Alice was her usual gushing self even when apologising.
Agree about the acting.
Odd how listeners hear things so differently, Mrs P. I certainly heard Emma being pragmatic (she always is) bit any hint of restraint caused by their previous relationship vanished when she waxed lyrical about childbirth. I didn’t hear Alice gushing, in fact I thought she wasn’t being her usual high verbal self.
DeleteOnly Alice, Chris + Emma, know the full truth about Alice's situation.
ReplyDeleteI just hope, that they can keep it a secret between them, and so be supportive to each other, as and when, necessary.
Emma to me, is a sensible and understanding person, and Chris should realise this and can ask her for help, if that situation ever arises.
I think that Peggy also has a pretty good idea about Alice
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DeleteI think Ed knows.
DeleteI agree with CC, Peggy has more than an idea.
DeleteI agree with Miriam, Ed does know, and would be supportive of Chris if allowed to be.
Harrison knows too, Chris confided in him, nothing stays secret for long in Ambridge.
DeleteAlice and Chris are the only ones who know about her detox, though Peggy didn't quite believe she'd been to Bath...
Yes I'd forgotten about Harrison's and Chris's chat! So it's not just a small secret then.
Delete6 people know ( or strongly suspect) = 2% of the population of Ambridge.
DeleteThat probably counts as a 'small' secret then! 😀
DeleteYes, Ed knows, he told Emma about Alice's behaviour and he told Alice he'd be there for her, she took it the wrong way and that's how the whole row started. Emma played Alice's message to Susan but she refused to believe there was much to it.
ReplyDeletePeggy told Chris about her conclusions after talking to and observing Alice.
Now it's just for Brian and Jennifer to find out, but they'll be the last probably.
Thank you Basia, for reminding me about Alice thinking Ed was flirting with her and the row about that with Emma. So much has happened in this story, going way back, I forget some of the details. And Peggy is a wise old bird, who lived with an alcoholic and knows exactly what Alice has been up to and the problems she could have in future.
Deletetory, going way back, that it’s easy to
Sorry, don’t know what happened there - ignore repeated words please!
DeleteI so agree about so many knowing about Alice's love of a drink or two, so causing problems.
ReplyDeleteMy simple thought is only, do they actually know the full extent of it, such as the secret drinking, hiding the empties whilst still having a secret alcohol stash?
Also do they know factually, about the de-tox programme etc.and how this is still affecting both Chris + Alice?
As said, only my different and simplistic view.
Yes, I think they do know (apart from the detox) because those are standard behaviours. I suspect what will concern them all most is the potential effect on the baby.
DeletePoppy found a stash of bottles during the clean up, so when it comes out Eddie and Kirsty will remember. Ah, the rumour mill of Ambridge, Susan and Neil are in for some more.
DeleteGavin knows as well as he told Alice he smelt alcohol when he found her, she said it was a one off but then discussed abortion, with him only. Anyway, he's in prison, so will not speak.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like Shula's tone when she told Kirsty she certainly wouldn't be visiting Philip again and she told him the same, not that he wants her to, but isn't it about redemption what religion tells us.
ReplyDeleteProblem was that he couldn’t see wrong about what he had done let alone feeling he needed any sort of redemption. It would take more than one visit to show him how wrong he was and from someone more highly trained than Shula. We have to admit wrong, be contrite before forgiveness kicks in. That counts in everyday life not just in the religious sense.
DeleteIn my opinion, Philip did not want to see Shula for retribution or similar. He just wanted to see her, as he thought she was a soft touch, to then win her onto his side, and so she would spread the word, as to how "innocent" he is, esp. to Kirsty.
DeleteIt didn't work though.
As said, this is my take only on this situation, which I know others have very alternative ideas + thoughts.
I just remembered that when Shula left Alistair she went to art classes but her drawings were not a success. Next she decided to go into the church, like another hobby that she's not sure about.
DeleteI agree, Miriam. Philip has, in his eyes unfairly, lost everything, his status in the village, general approval and more importantly his marriage. He was hoping by winning Shula over it would be a route back to regaining his previous life. He is delusional.
DeletePhilip certainly won't want Shula to visit him again. He realized she wasn't buying his line as he believes he's done nothing wrong. I think it would be a priest's job to see good in every person and to try to get them to see the wrong they have done. Shula has more training/learning to do and may learn how to handle situations better in future.
DeleteIt will be so interesting to hear the conversation between Philip and Kirsty if she does end up visiting him. I don't think that's the wise thing to do but Kirsty doesn't always resist acting hastily.
I am still not sure where Gavin actually is?
ReplyDeleteI know that I have posted this before, but I am still not totally convinced, that he is on remand in prison.
As far as I can recall, this was told to Shula by Philip, in that prison visit.
Is it a fact, having being confirmed by others? I don't know 😕
Can other posters, more knowlegdeable than myself, inform that this is a proper fact?
I just can't remember it being mentioned by any other Ambridge persons, who are involved with this situation.
As I see it, when Phillip rang Shula from prison he told her that he was detained because Gavin had handed himself in and had told the police what had been going on - you would assume with details Phillip would not have disclosed before. Whether Gavin is still in prison or on remand we don’t know. Anyone with a better memory?
DeleteThere's nothing further about Gavin. We last heard from Philip that he was in prison due to Gavin cooperating with the police. Whether he's still detained remains to be heard. I guess Kirsty will track him down as she's on a mission.
DeleteThank you all ( yes I do have manners 😁) for replying.
ReplyDeleteI just do not know, nor can work out, the Gavin situation, and others seem the same.
OK. We all know Gavin is now in Wetherbridge aka Corrie, but why has he not even been mentioned in TA?
After all, he is the one + only person, who can give true and factual details.
If he was actually "telling all" surely the police would be pursueing the links, re where the workers have gone and might be traced. This would open up the entire scheme and how, this awful workers chain, works.
Perhaps I am being far too idealistic
Also Kirsty plus Natasha, would not now need to do their evening walks around.
DeleteWhy do you think the police aren’t using information gained from Gavin?
DeleteExactly Soz, but they don't disclose what they do, even if they have found the workers. They are gathering witness information for the trial. Harrison told Natasha to abandon their walks as they'd be interfering with the police investigation, that's why they use the internet and Kirsty went to pester Shula.
DeleteSuch a good and sensible question.
DeleteMy reply is:-
Why does Kirsty not know this, so that she is still walking the streets at night, trying to source any info. no matter how small?
She is not, after Harrison's warning, she and Natasha took to the internet.
DeleteThat's why Kirsty went to seek Shula's help and will investigate other options.
The police do not inform anyone about their ongoing investigation.
I have just listened to Wednesday and Thursday episodes. I’ve found that 3 days is too long a break so try to space them out!
ReplyDeleteI thought Peggy very clearly in control as she steered Emma into making it up with Chris. Also I enjoyed the conversation between Emma and Alice; it seemed natural and convincing. I thought Emma’s description of childbirth, balancing the intense pain and joy, sensitively written. Just what Alice needed. I can remember my mother telling me that it was just something women have to go through. I felt totally unprepared; I remember being told by the midwife that it wasn’t as bad as her sciatica as she left me quite alone for many hours. At least that doesn’t happen so much today.
I listen nightly, and then again to the Sunday Omnibus.
DeleteThis way, I only have 2 missing days and am ready for Monday's continuation.
This just works for me, but then we are all very different.
I am admiring the SW's.
ReplyDeleteIt must be difficult for them, to write about life in Ambridge, yet still keep the SL's going on, be it slowly, when so limited cast members are able to record together, at any one time.
This applies to TV so-called Serial Dramas also.
Things do become slower, but this is acceptable in the circumstances.
As to TA - there has been no mention of either Ian or Xander, for quite a while.
To me, these two Ambridge residents have had no acknowledge, for months.
Again, I could be so wrong and as such, any update would be so well greatful.
I don't think you are wrong Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't noticed but now you mention it, no, nothing about them.
I think we have only heard Adam once, but not even sure about that.
You do notice small details that I seem to miss, and it's good to have them pointed out, so thank you for noticing that and remarking on it.
Soz, I enjoyed Emma's lovely expressed feelings about giving birth.
I wasn't able to give birth and I still grieve for that loss, so it's always lovely to hear such sentiments.
Adam has infrequently been heard, but I noticed when Tracy + Oliver had their chat about Grey Gables, Ian being the chef, was not mentioned.
DeleteSurely he could be providing take-away meals, along with a delivery driver?
I bet many would love this.
What a good idea Miriam. I’m sure there would have been a big takeup from the village and surrounding areas. Someone needs to tell Tracey. A bit late for Valentine’s Day. I think Jill would welcome a break from the aga and Jazzer could order a special meal for him and Tracey to enjoy or, more likely, argue over.
DeleteHow long is it since we last heard Pat speak? Getting on for year, I reckon.
DeleteWe haven't heard from Jennifer for a while and Usha seems to have gone the way of Kathy.
DeleteHow many of us know EXACTLY what will the state of play for us Mid May? Last November, when these episodes were written, I don' t think we honestly thought that such strict restrictions would have been imposed, or in some cases, re-imposed on our behaviour and freedom in February. And how many times have the rules changed in that time?
ReplyDeleteEven with the lockdown there is a limit ofthe numbers of characters employed at a time. I believe it was Lanjan who counted (or found out) that they only employed seven or eight actors a week.
If you count the storylines and take into account that not many of them will be completed in one week then what with over 70 characters there is bound to be some long gaps between appearances.
It's all very well making up storylines but they have to work with a time delay of three months minimum to be credible. Something impossible I think at the moment.
I wonder how other soaps are handling this? I very rarely watch television so would be interested to hear from regular viewers.
DeleteThe only TV continuing drama I watch is the lunchtime BBC offering of Doctors, set in a surgery and following the lives of the doctors, nurses, other staff and the occasional patient.
DeleteIt has just returned after a long break since before Christmas and they seem to be coping with Covid by totally ignoring the pandemic. If any soap should be reflecting the current situation with Covid, vaccinations, lockdown etc, it surely should be one set in a doctors surgery but it doesn’t exist in fictional Letherbridge.
I think I’ll move there !
Thanks, Archerphile - if Letherbridge has a mobile library, I’ll move there too!
Delete😁 ✔️✔️
DeleteArcherphile, clearly the Doctors are anti-vaxers and Covid deniers I'd steer well clear of them if I were you. Especially if one starts coughing!
DeleteI was struck by the difference between Emma and Kirsty’s responses to the current situation for which they both feel some responsibility, Kisty’s of much greater magnitude, of course. In contrast to Kirsty’s wild goose chase (has she actually thought through what happens next if she does locate the lads herself?), Emma has come up with a plan combining common sense and creative thinking. Her proposed fundraising event will redeem the playground from its tainted associations, so it gets used again, will help to heal an unhappy community, and will benefit lads like Blake by supporting the charities working for them. Well done, Emma! Hope Brookfield and BL offer sponsorship!
ReplyDeleteListening to Tracy talking to a very worried Susan, it struck me that rough diamond though she is, I wouldn’t mind having Tracy on my side!!
ReplyDeleteEv - ✔️✔️✔️
DeleteTracy’s words are more positive than her actions.
DeleteBut maybe words are all that'sneeded here.
DeleteTracy's also going to rescue Grey Gables!
DeleteSo she says!
DeleteSpicycushion,re 7:25pm yesterday .....
ReplyDeleteRe number of characters.
I think that usually only 7 characters were employed each episode
A year or two ago I wrote down for, I think ,6 or 7 weeks who appeared ,when ,in order to see if perhaps the same characters appeared not on consecutive days but maybe in the same episode In different weeks.
My theory was that since the episodes were recorded it didn't matter in which order they occurred (like happens when a film is made)
I didn't prove a thing.
I worked out how many episodes were recorded each day ,for how many weeks allowing for the odd retake and lunch and tea breaks
Haven't a clue why I did it and can't remember now what I came up with.
Reason you did it LJ ?
DeleteBecause you love numbers ?
Or patterns.
DeleteProbably patterns.
DeleteLanJan is a mathematician - most of us can only count up to 2. After that it's n, or possibly p if the number's prime ; )
Although many characters appear in each episode, it seems to me that, there are only 2 characters per individual scene.
ReplyDeleteExamples are:-
a)Emma talking to Peggy in the tea room.garden
b)Emma talking to Chris at the forge.
c)Shula + Neil talking together.
d) Kirsty talking to Shula.
e)Susan + Tracy together.
At no time in these scenes, a 3rd person seemed to appear and join in the conversation.
I will listen closely tonight and how the SL's continue, through these conversations.
I bet that I will be proved very wrong 😂
What on earth were Natasha and Tom thinking when they decided to play the tape to Tony?
ReplyDeleteHow thoughtless and cruel of them.
I don't agree LanJan.
DeleteI think it a kindness.
If they had simply played it at the tea time get together Tony's mood would plummet yet again, and deservedly so.
Far better to know ahead and plan a strategy to cope.
Tony has always bemoaned his mother's attitude towards him. If he now confronts her, then Peggy deserves whatever he says.
But then apparently Lilian intervenes tomorrow, and she is always able to talk their mother round, so perhaps she can explain to Peggy the consequences of her 70 years of never being able to see anything positive in her son.
I do hope so.
An alternative script might be that Tony does confront his mother, the shock gives her a heart attack and........... goodbye Peggy !
Spiritual cleansing, feet washing, hm, I prefer Emma's idea.
ReplyDeleteThat intervention before Tony's birthday, what is it for?
To make a rift in the family?
Why didn't they speak to Peggy?
We'll soon find out.
Regardless as to the TA episode contents and the continuing Ambridge SL's, I have been listening, as to my previous post.
ReplyDeleteMy findings are as to the scenes:-
1) Kirsty + Tom in Bridge Farm Shop.
2) Linda + Alan together
3) Tom + Alan talking
4) Linda + Alan yet again
5) Tom + Tony, with a 3rd voice but this was a replay of Peggy and her tribute. She was not actually there with them
6) Kirsty + Linda talking about a show
7) Tom + Tony together again.
By my reckoning there were 7 characters heard tonight, which is great...but there were still only 2 per scene.
This is why I think that the SWs, are doing so well with the continuing stories, linking them through these conversations.
This is only my individual take on the current TA.
I still just love and appreciate, it.
Looking forward to the contradictory comments...😂
No contradiction Miriam, I think your correct, and I agree that it seems to be a strategy that's working.
DeleteNo contradiction Miriam, you are correct, and it seems to be a strategy that is working well.
DeleteThere were 5 characters plus a recording of Peggy.
DeleteI think they have no more than two in a scene due to restrictions.
I am not going to contradict you ,Miriam but my point which I failed to make properly was
ReplyDeleteIf there are seven characters in every show and maybe 8 shows are recorded each day (that should allow for Breaks and retakes) then there would not need to be 56 different characters because although consecutive days will not have the same characters maybe in the following week or weeks they will appear together.
That was what I was trying to show.
So for example Tom and Tony may appear in the same episode in perhaps a week's time as Kirsty and Lynda and maybe Pat ,Johnnie and Natasha might be in that so only three more characters are needed for a second episode .
The following week perhaps the whole Bridge Farm lot are in a episode so only two more characters are needed on that first day of recording .
It has.been a busy tiring day so my maths may be wrong but for three episodes only 10 or fewer are needed for since often only five or six characters appear.
Mrs P they should not ever have played the tape at all.
ReplyDeleteThey should have "lost" it
Put yourself in Tony's position .
Whether he heard it when other people were present or he heard it with only Tom present it was still hard to listen to.
My point is that he should not have heard it at all.
I agree Lanjan that Tony should not have heard it but they are introducing conflict.
DeleteThat makes me an outlier but I stand by my assertion that the truth should be known.
ReplyDeleteIn this case especially since Tony already knows how his mother has always thought of him.
But more particularly because Peggy needs to know what her harsh and unkind words do to her son.
Your first sentence Esscee is precisely my point.
DeleteYes, she should have done, but she didn't learn did she.
So IMO this is another occasion when the lesson can be offered again.
And yet again she may not learn.
Again in my opinion until Peggy becomes ' in need' of some emotional support, and I mean really in need, she will not learn the lesson of humility.
I must admit to having personal experience of this scenario.
I had a mother very like Peggy.
Then she was diagnosed with a life threatening condition for which there was no treatment.
The change in her personality was almost overnight.
I agree with Mrs P that it was better for Tony to know in advance what his mother had said, rather than at the party in front of the whole family.
ReplyDelete‘Loosing’ the tape would not work because Peggy would demand to know why her recording was not played.
It is time, somewhat belatedly, that Tony stood up to Peggy and she was made to realise how much she has hurt her son over the years. Old age is no excuse, she has always run him down, for as long as I can remember.
Time for some home truths.
It is easy to treat elderly folk with kid gloves just because they are old but that should not excuse hurtful remarks and unkindness.
Absolutely agree. Peggy is a self agrandising old besom and she has had the 70 years of inflicting hurt on her son in which to have learnt of the damage her judgemental unconsidered "straight talking" does. If she is now to be upset so much the better. What goes around comes around! Her age does not excuse her behaviour.
Delete✔️✔️✔️
DeleteIt is such a shame that Tony has had his special birthday spoilt by his mother. She has to realise that though he might look like Jack, he is not at all like him and has a very different far better personality.
ReplyDeleteI hope that she does come to the family party, and that listening to all the other really nice things other people have recorded for him might make an impact on her.
DeleteWhat good has telling Tony done?
ReplyDeleteI still say that Natasha and Tom were wrong to do what they did.
They have caused a bigger rift now between Peggy and Tony.
Had I been in their position I would have probably have gone further and told Tony that they had heard the tape his mother had made and she'd said something about his being unexpected but once they had got over the initial surprise he was a welcome addition to the family and that
Jack was pleased to get a son who looked so like him.
Had Peggy come to the party Tom could have had a quiet word with her and could have told her the truth about what they thought of the tape and why they would not be including it.
Peggy was wrong and age as Pierre says is no excuse unless perhaps she is suffering from the first stages of dementia.
Why make everyone's life a misery ?
They were definitely wrong in what they did.
Tom and Natasha should have spoken to Peggy about the video, although I don't understand why she was asked to make one in the first place as she was going to be at the tea party. One would have thought video messages would be for those unable to attend. Mind you I might have missed something as I'm only half listening at the moment, I'm finding all the issues and angst in TA very wearing.
ReplyDeleteAs Tom and Natasha thought, Tony would have wondered why there was no message from his mother if they just hadn’t included it. A difficult dilemma but maybe they chose the more palatable option of pre warning him. Peggy is a manipulative old biddy and even her occasional largesse towards her family has its motives in controlling them. Her down on Tony is a continuing one and will never change so he may as well write her off starting with not inviting her to his party. Of course she will be offended but so what!
ReplyDeleteOh, here here Ev. Peggy has been allowed, by the scriptwriters, to dominate that branch of the Archer family for some time recently, mainly due to Peggy Spencer wanting a big storyline to celebrate her 100th birthday.
DeleteSo the half million environmental grant was concocted, which also brought upset and argument amongst the family.
Now she is centre stage again, taking over the story of Tony’s 70th birthday.
In my opinion it is time this outspoken, and (to me) not very likeable character was allowed to sink into the oblivion that already hides Kathy, Mike, and many other characters we have not heard from for a long time.
Usha got a mention last night.
DeleteI’m with Tony on whether he should have been forewarned about Peggy’s video contribution or not. I thought the Peggy/Tony thing was sorted at the time she made her will. Why have the scriptwriters dragged it up again? Maybe it’s more difficult to find new stories for older characters....
ReplyDeleteI said yesterday that Tony should not have heard the tape, I've now changed my mind, if they want conflict and drama then why not. It would have been even better if they played it at the party. If that's how Peggy feels about her son then so be it, but I'm glad he's going to confront her.
ReplyDeleteI think I understand Peggy, in a strange way, as to her message.
ReplyDeleteShe did not expect a 3rd child, whilst looking after Lilian, Pat and her alcoholic husband, so she could not spend as much time with him, as she wanted, and in the same way.
It was just a shame, she voiced this in Tony's Birthday message.
However, I think that this is why she is so concerned about Alice + Chris, in that what goes around, comes around, well some times.
After reading the comments about the Tony/Peggy drama I am still uncertain as to what is the right way to handle the situation. Tony now has to act, having heard what his mother said on the tape, so maybe he should visit her before the party and 'have it out'. Let her know exactly how what she said made him feel. Everyone, regardless of age, needs to be careful with their words and no-one can 'unhear' something once uttered.
ReplyDeleteI think Tony should just accept it. Peggy would be devastated if her message was not heard. She meant well, but sadly, not well said.
DeleteTony is fore-warned, so he should just realise that it was not meant, as it sounded. After all it is his Mum, wishing him a Very Happy 70th Birthday - as we all will. 🍾🎂
But she didn't wish him a Happy Birthday did she Miriam.
DeleteIt was, in Tony's words " all about her ! "
Everyone else at the party would also hear Peggy's feelings about her son though! That would put paid to any happy party atmosphere for sure!
DeleteWhy should Tony 'accept it?' The only time she was nice and saying how sorry she was was when he was unconscious! He didn't hear it and the S/Ws seem to have forgotten it or perhaps those were just 'guilt' words from Peggy!
From what I remember and with the aid of my Archers Encyclopedia I don't think Peggy had such a terrible time. Jack was not violent towards her or the children or to anyone really except perhaps the guy (Barney somebody) who Jack suspected of being too close to Peggy.
Everyone knew he was a drunkard which is easier than having to put on an act that everyone is hunkydory. Nobody knew my husband was an alcoholic and it's tough making excuses to friends and family I can tell you.
I'm sorry a bit that Peggy has turned out to be such a horrible person. Her mother would have something to say about it I'm sure!
I had that final thought too Spiceycushion, Mrs P was curmudgeonly but not cruel.
DeleteThis is all about authenticity and truth.
ReplyDeletePeggy is authentic and truthful.
This is her view of her son and she believes she has a right to tell her truth as she perceives it to be.
Tony has heard this view throughout his life.
He has heard it and felt it emotionally many many times.
He has respected his mother by accepting what she has said without allowing his emotions to come to the fore, other than to share his feelings of hurt with his own family.
Peggy has lived now beyond a usual life span and Tony has reached the age of seventy.
Seventy odd years of misery have already passed for Tony, while Peggy has lived many more years happily imparting her truthful views on all that pass her way. She is often wise, but is frequently unkind in endowing that wisdom.
But if Peggy is allowed authenticity why should Tony not be allowed the same.
Tony's truth should be as authentic as Peggy's and Peggy needs at this late stage in her life to understand that, and to understand also the misery she causes.
To be confronted by her son with his emotional truth is required.
Authenticity and truth is of equal value to happiness or misery.
I think prejudice also comes into play and distorts Peggy’s perception of the truth. Prejudice is not allowed!
DeleteGood for you, Lilian.
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed that we didn't hear Peggy and Tony together, not having it out, just talking. Instead, he heard it all second hand from Lilian guilt tripping him. Families.
ReplyDeleteSo Peggy escapes hearing the truth, thanks to Lilian’s interference. And I was looking forward to someone telling the old matriarch a few home truths.
ReplyDeleteOh well, the main thing is that Tony enjoys his birthday, with his beautiful new engine and all his other gifts and good wishes. She can’t go on indefinitely and it will be interesting to hear his reaction and feelings when she eventually passes on.
Congratulations, Emma! You got Rex sounding like a reasonable human being, and even contributing a few of his own ideas!
ReplyDeletePS. I’m a bit worried about Health & Safety......
I thought Rex sounded much more upbeat last night. His conversation with Emma seems to have woken him up.
DeleteThe Health and Safety thought went through my mind too maryellen.
DeleteMe too! I was thinking of all those splinters!
DeleteWould a 'participate at your own risk' notice suffice for H & S?
DeleteOn the other blog people are sharing experiences of how best to light fires inside, using paper across the fireplace to increase the draught. Surprisingly they survived. However in today’s society so many youngsters are protected from learning through experience, Emma’s assault course may lead to many insurance claims!
DeleteI can forgive Peggy in everything, that she does or says
ReplyDeleteFor me, I just applaud that the wonderful June Spencer, is still recording and contributing, to TA.
Whether I agree with her - that's immaterial to me. She still is a character, to be well discussed here.
I told Kirsty to go and see Gavin, can't see what else she can do.
ReplyDeleteI hope there'll be no more Mia this week.
As far as I can gather, Clarrie cooks from scratch, doesn't use ready meals wrapped in plastic and doesn't waste food which could feed others.
I am like Clarrie, cooking from scratch. My only food waste is the peelings of fruit + veg plus bones from meat used in cooking. Plastics do have to be used occaisionaly, but these are re-cycled at a major supermarket outlet, or washed out, to be used again.
DeleteMy general waste bin, very rarely goes out, as there is usually, virtually nothing in it.
I do not use cling film, and foil is washed, then re-used or re-cycled.
I never buy ready meals nor take aways.
Like Clarrie, cooking from scratch is so worthwhile and cheap.
A lot of my meals are cooked from scratch - just not by me! I order from two home cooks who have set up their own businesses using Farmers Markets as outlets and/or home delivery. They use good, locally-sourced ingredients, and at £3.50 for a portion which makes two helpings, are remarkably cheap. The plastic trays get recycled. So, as they are better cooks than I am, and we are being urged to support local business, I feel no guilt!
DeleteOur local posh restaurant is also doing takeaway in lockdown (with varying success) and, as someone here said, if lockdown hadn’t passed Borsetshire by, there would have been opportunities for both Fallon and The Bull in. this direction.
Good for you Maryellen.
DeleteI am with you 100%
I’d love to be able to use a similar service, but unfortunately we are too far away from such outlets, they’d never want to deliver out here, so it’s do-it-myself!
DeleteLynda Snell is really, really, really irritating me. I’ve always found her accent/vocal delivery faintly irritating, but now, combined with the pretentious tosh she’s spouting, it’s more than I can bear! No wonder she and Kate (who is always being accused of talking rot by listeners) get on so well!
ReplyDeleteKate would be a perfect producer for Lynda then. She is spiritual and organised some sort of mindfulness workshop for Grey Gables staff. Lynda go and see her!
DeleteI do so agree with you about Lynda Snell, Maryellen.
ReplyDeleteShe has always irritated me.
Can't stand the accent.
Mind you ,I am not struck on Clarrie either.
Don't like the way she speaks
Could have done without Mia as well with her Mummerset accent.
I agree with all comments made this evening.
DeleteLynda, I try to like, and sometimes manage, but this week is " ignore much of what you hear" week.
Mia channelling the Thunberg girl was pretty irritating, BUT I thought the script emanating from both Clarrie and Eddy was a more than adequate challenge to her.
I agree with you about Clarrie, LanJan, and with you, Mrs P, about suddenly-popped-up-again Mia. If that’s the production team’s attempt at dealing with the issue of global warming.....! But, ignoring the dodgy acting, it did get us back onto the subject of farming, which was welcome.
DeleteHi maryellen, I don't think a lot of this is 'dodgy acting'. It's - how do the actors put over points with which we don't agree?
DeleteMia - I think - is showing a combative side. It's what teens do. She's engaging with Eddie and Clarrie, and quite unusually for a teen, she's polite, kind and aware. Just as the slightly irritating Lynda is combative, kind and aware - not always polite I grant you.
We need both of them in this world.
Kirsty's the same, she may be foolish but, my word, she means well and I hope she achieves something. xxx
I wrote a reply to Maryellen last night on my little iPod but it was hit by the ‘error bug’ so, here it is again.
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad Maryellen brought up the subject of the once-again irritating Lynda!
I have wanted to say the same, but though folk here would think I was being unkind after her
traumatic hospitalisation and recovery.
But she has started using that awful pretentious and patronising accent again, after months of sounding like a normal human being as she recovered from her injuries.
That scene, where she ridiculously tried to persuade (bully?) Alan into washing the feet of the entire village in her most superior way, was typical of the pre-explosion Lynda.
Her campaign to save the psychological health of the village with another of her dramatic productions, all done in that ‘I know better than the rest of you’ voice was cringe-making.
She has reverted to the old Lynda, pseudo foreign pronunciations and all.
And I very much regret it.
I was pleased to hear second hand from Helen that Tony and Peggy were companionable at his birthday.
ReplyDeleteAlso, on the subject of cooking, we are encouraged to eat, not cook. For those who have access to well prepared, unprocessed food it's a good idea to use it, so less energy is utilised. As long as we do our best about the ingredients and food waste that's the main thing.
Lynda is condescending, that's how she is, whether kind or angry, even with Robert. To me she's the replacement for Mrs Antrobus.
ReplyDeleteSorry to disagree Basia but I don’t think Lynda is at all like Marjorie Antrobus.
DeleteMrs Antrobus could be a bit curmudgeonly and certainly spoke her mind, but her accent was genuine and she but was never pretentious or trying to put on a foreign accent.
Archerphile, I agree about the accent. Marjorie just sounded posh, she came back from Africa when her husband died? To me she sounded as if she thought herself better than the rest, like Lynda. I suppose I was thinking of the poncy names of her dogs, Portia and Bettina just like Lynda's llamas, Constanza and Salieri!
DeleteCarole Boyd on Lynda: deeply deluded, big on self-regard, low on self-awareness, has no sense of humour and a deep down insecurity. She acts it out rather well then...
Absolutely agree Basia, if that is Carole Boyds view of Lynda, she does indeed bring that description to life.
DeleteI also regret Lynda returning to her pre accident self. I rather hoped she might have gained some deep down humility, but that seems to have been only a temporary result.
Archerphile- re error - will leave message on other blog.
Yes MrsP, the change was unfortunately temporary because she also says: the Grey Gables explosion knocked Lynda completely off her perch and underneath that whole front...is a very wobbly, normal, ineffectual, incompetent vulnerable person.
DeleteI may be in a minority, but I don't find Lynda irritating. She's just being Lynda and is now back to her old self. Anyone can refuse her requests/demands to participate in whatever she's cooking up. Her attitide of 'I know better than you" is rather common with many people.
ReplyDeleteI am with you in this minority.
DeleteAfter the ordeal Lynda went through, and us the listeners did not know if she would survive or not, I am loving her.
She is back as to her normal self, whether I agree with her ideas, or not, but that is not important.
What is:- is that Robert, Lilian, Freddie + others, have so stood by and supported her.
If she wants to take part in Ambridge Village Life again, with a show, why should I criticise her? I just applaud her, for her very positive attitutude, which we all need.
Remember - it will be soon a year on, from the Grey Gables explosion.
DeletePerhaps Lynda realises this, and so feels the necessity to become as normal as she can, by this date.
There is nothing not to like, if this helps her recover and accept what she went through + experienced.
This is at least, more interesting than listening to:- Tony, Tom, Helen, Justin - to name but a few!
DeleteIt wasn't health and safety that was the problem in the end.
ReplyDeleteI am still not yet convinced about Gavin.
ReplyDeleteHe sounded very remorseful tonight.
However this, to me, was just as to what has happened to the 3 workers, with whom he had a bond.
This is not the same, as to when he + his dad, Philip, used them as unpaid labour. Then he was a part of the building business + situation, and seemed OK with it all.
If he was not happy, why didn't he voice his thoughts + concerns then, to either Philip or Kirsty? Also, he has always kept up the facade of spending Lockdown with his Mum, not in the flat with the "boys".
I think that I am over thinking things, again.
Sorry...😣
..and not forgetting how he went along with the gambling situation, when Kirsty heard talk about horses.
DeleteIf he is so upset, why did he go along with this charade, rather than telling the truth?
Perhaps Philip had too strong an hold on him, like the boys.
We probably will never know.
I think he was used to doing what his dad told him, in the hope of finally gaining his approval. During lockdown he got to know the lads as human beings and was increasingly concerned for their welfare. He recognised that how they were being treated was wrong but did not have the courage or confidence to put it right.
DeleteThe tipping point came when he knew that not only were Blake, Jordan and Kenzie being sold on to a ruthless woman but that they would then be sold on separately - despite his promise to them that they would stay together. (Miriam, I think he did protest strongly to Philip, who just brushed him off.) I did hope that at this stage he would find a way to get the lads to safety and then hand himself in. Sadly, he didn't. But he did at least alert Kirsty and so prove to be the catalyst for Philip's arrest.
And he has since handed himself in. I suspect he was telling the truth about cooperating with the police.
Before the accident he was neglectful of the lads. He's come a long way since then. I think he will continue to cooperate, serve his time quietly, and then come out and make an effort to repay his debt to society - probably helping other at-risk lads. (If his criminal recorde does not debar him from doing so.)
Anybody else think Rob had returned tonight?
ReplyDeletePoor Lee. I 'lost' someone else's child once. Well, strictly speaking, she had chosen to leave school by the junior school gate rather than coming round to meet me and the shoe-dwellers in the infant school playground. A teaching assistant found her across the road in the Tesco Local. Phew! The office staff filled me up with sweet tea before we set off home.
Losing your own child is scary. Losing someone else's is scary squared!
Yes for one horrible moment I too thought Rob was back.
DeleteI once lost a child in a nuclear reactor....yes, really!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds shocking!
DeleteI hope you'd warned them not to push any big red buttons.
I lost my grandchild on the first occasion I took her out ( shhhhhh ! Don't tell my daughter ) but she was with my neighbour and her little girl. I had to park the car, then couldn't find them at the agreed spot.
ReplyDeleteA nuclear reactor Mistral...... please tell.
Old Woman, yes, my first and following thought was...... OMG has Rob returned.
I'm pleased I was wrong.
Are you ?
Yes!
Delete'Though I still think he'll be back one day ...
Sorry OWiaS - not for one moment did I think about Rob having returned, I just felt very sorry for Lee.
ReplyDeleteRob never occurred to me either (or to Helen). I was admiring Emma’s handling of the situation. I think she’s turning into Ambridge’s wise woman (sorry, Lynda!)
DeleteIt was made pretty obvious that Gavin was to be a sort of victim of Phillip too when he and Helen had the conversation at the Registry Office about coercive control. We had seen how Rob had worn Helen down to complete submissiveness and I thought it was clear that Gavin was being made out to be a victim too.
ReplyDeleteHe was initially careless of then workers, forgetting to feed them etc but then he was a lout when he first arrived to live with Phillip and Kirsty. Now the SWs have decided what sort of character he is, he has developed into a remorseful, thoughtful young man.
'Rob' served his purpose in delivering the favourite storyline of SOC and left the country being actively sought be the police. I'm pretty sure he won't return. It would be difficult for him to sneak in to the country now or the immediate future.
If the team decide to bring him back and TA is still running I hope it will be in a couple of decades time when I won't be around, as I have no wish to visit that horrible storyline again.
Actually I missed the bit where Lee lost Henry as I was giving Jon instructions on how to cook his dinner as I have had a bad day today. Maybe I'll listen to the whole programme tomorrow then again perhaps not.
I was surprised to hear that Henry was now ten, but as a ten year old he would not, I would think, automatically go to Rob, ( if he recognised or remembered him) without thought and questioning.
ReplyDeleteOnly another 8 years before he can find out who his father is!!
Delete