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Life in Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
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ReplyDeleteArcherphile - April 8, 2021 at 10:28 PM
Well, I was wrong about Alice, sadly. She did drink the wine and has had a huge shock at Chris’s determined action to protect Martha. I have no experience of alcoholism but I find it very hard to believe Alice’s assurance that she won’t drink again.
Poor Chris is in an awful position trying to look after them both. The truth just has to come out very soon or he will be unable to cope.
Lady R - April 9, 2021 at 1:01 AM
A christening a family “celebration” - oh no not more temptation! Maybe that’s when the news will out somehow (Peggy will suss it’s still a problem in one) and although it will be accepted that Alice is not drinking at the moment due to breast feeding going forward it will very hard to justify as she is known as a prolific drinker and to say she has gone teetotal of her own volition will take some believing for them.
Excellent portrayal of the whole awful situation from the actors playing Chris / Alice totally drawing me in.
Archerphile - April 9, 2021 at 7:54 AM
How I long for something a bit cheerful to listen to!
After all the months of the harrowing slaves story and now the heartbreaking arrival of a baby to an alcoholic mother and desperately worried father, I need a break.
Something like Tracy getting the Cricket team ready for the season or shenanigans in a village show between the contestants or even, for goodness sake Russ being ridiculously up himself at Lower Loxley!
A bit more diversity and a little lightheartedness in the scripts would be very welcome.
Proud to be Yorkshire - April 9, 2021 at 9:24 AM
I'm of the opposite opinion to you Archerphile. Only because all these stories of misery make me feel that my life is so good in comparison. So, ironically, it cheers me up. Likewise I love to watch a program on hoarders or filthy homes. Makes me feel wonderful.! I must be a bit odd I guess.
Spicycushion - April 9, 2021 at 10:09 AM
Archerphile - Like you I long for a bit of shinnagins (?) to lighten the load. The lightest moment was Tracey succumbing to Jazzer's entreaties!
Once again maybe Phillip can be a bit generous to Kirsty, although I can't understand the logic of it.
Phillip has produced the letter saying that the proceeds concerning the crime can be paid back with the sale of the flat, savings and a share of the house. A proceeds of crime act (as per his mortgaging the house and paying mortgage payments instead of making the 'guests' wages !) would have been the house a intrinsic basis of the 'proceeds of crime' act! These things can also be difficult and long term in resolving too!
Then what does the S/Ws care about the script and background story!
Kirsty never had a qualification in dairy management, she never came to Ambridge until 2013 and she never was introduced to Reception as per her job! Any more on Kirsty qualifications! All in one episode (5th April).
The episode were Katie Hims and Liz Johns, one who have been writing since 2018 and the other since 2020!
What do they know about the Archers! 🤣😅🤣
Oh no, no, no!
ReplyDeleteDon’t Drink Me Alice, you’ve had too much already!
Hope you don’t need Drink Me medicine Gary, and hope you are feeling better.
Get well soon Gary.
ReplyDeleteAh! Well! Ummm!
ReplyDeleteSorry you have been unwell GG. Better soon I hope !
ReplyDeleteSo many repeats from Alice last night of the word celebration. Like Janice, I think, I really noticed this.
I am unable to believe that Alice will not drink again, and I doubt if she believes it either.
It is certainly beyond the point when the wider family should not only be told, but should also be actively involved at a practical level.
I have felt all along that the baby being restive and crying is because of the withdrawal of the alcohol that has been in its system throughout much of its time in the womb.
Now Martha gets some, then she doesn't, then there it is on tap again.....OH NO it isn't.
Poor lamb, it must be in physical turmoil.
I think Alice does believe what she says when she says it; she so wants to believe she can stop but she is only human and it is inevitable that she will succumb to temptation in the future. She needs professional help desperately and the SWs deny her this in favour of the dramatic misery they can create to boost audience numbers. IMO.
ReplyDeleteMost people who have loved and supported an alcoholic do not want to live through the agony again. There is light at the end of the tunnel for some but in cases like Alice that is probably a long way off. So I’ve decided to stop listening for the time being. I will be on the other blog and will skim read this one for other story lines. Trouble is I can’t listen objectively; I get too involved and upset.
Fortunately I am able to listen objectively and there must be others too.
ReplyDeleteSo Soz, we must remember to remind you on the other blog, when there is a cessation in the Alice SL.
Thanks Mrs P, I would appreciate that.
DeleteSoz.
ReplyDeleteI also get too involved and opinionated, on many an occasion. I just have my say, be it good or bad, sit back and then breathe again.
I am like Alice, an addict!
Mine is TA.
Please pop in again, and there is always the other board, for chit-chat. Don't leave us, please.
Soz did say she would be staying on the other blog Miriam.
DeleteThat's wonderful.
DeleteI agree with Archerphile and would also like to listen to something more cheerful. There's enough real life misery out there in the news which leaves me wanting some light relief.
ReplyDeleteThis Alice S/L is sad and I hate to hear the hurt in Chris' voice. He, and Alice, have to tell their families the full story.
I hope they can wrap it up quickly but don't believe that's possible given the situation.
I can only think that the reason Alice & Chris (and those others that know) haven't told the rest of the family about her alcoholism is simply for dramatic effect on behalf of the scriptwriters. On what planet do people allow other people to bring gifts of booze to alcoholics? Are some people really that stupid, uncaring and negligent?
ReplyDeleteI am with you, in that the SW's, seem to be just teasing us, at times.
DeleteThis gives us all, a lot to discuss + debate
Do I care - No.
I am just grateful for whatever the SW's do.
We often watch Four in a Bed and sometimes the B & B owners put wine in the room. One even had a mini bar which of course is often in hotel rooms. It strikes me that this is an awful temptation for someone like Alice. She will also be present at family celebrations which even includes Martha’s christening where drinks flow. She will have to be very strong to resist “just the one.....” Can she do it? Only time will tell.
DeleteA difficult one, when so many people expect to find a minibar in their hotel /B&B room. (If only so they can shell out £10.50 on a mini packet of peanuts.)
DeleteTHus with gambling addictions can have similar problems when they go shopping. How many food/newsagent/general shops or petrol stations can you list that *don't* have a generous selection of scratch cards helpfully placed at eye level just beside the till?
Easy - should they book a B+B or self-catering which features a bottle of wine on the welcome tray, Chris instantly hands it back to the owner if on premises, saying they are a non-alcoholic household, or pours it away. They avoid booking hotels which might have mini bars in bedrooms, or a communal bar. It means Chris has to forego wine too, but I’m sure he’d regard that as a small price to pay.
DeleteI know we don’t currently have a Friday episode ( which still confuses me) but if there had been one scheduled, would it have been aired with an appropriate insert? Will there be a reference to Prince Philip on Monday or would that be too late?
ReplyDeleteI really hope that Alice asks her family for support with her alcoholism, without extra support Chris won’t be able to cope and will leave taking Martha and exposing Alice’s problems anyway. I think he would move in with Neil and Susan initially, possibly long term, another multi generation house hold.
I've stopped listening to this storyline as I did with the Rob/Helen one as I find listening to the damage or potential damage to a child too difficult. When I came across these sorts of situations during my working life I just had to get on and deal with it, in fictional life I have a choice.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly do CC, and I think it’s wise to avoid such stories if they upset you.
DeleteI reckon most people listen to the radio or watch television to be entertained, not to be subjected to stories or situations that upset them.
For most of my life I have been unable to watch or listen to any programme or film about Nazi persecution of Jews and other groups and especially those concerning the SS and the terrible crimes they committed. It is only very recently that I have been able to bear such programmes as Robert Rinder’s account of what happened to his family and I was in floods at the end, but glad I had forced myself to watch.
It has all been too close to home, so I do understand your feelings
I am sure that TA, will have suddenly arranged for 2 characters, to record a short chat about this recent event, to be slotted into Monday's eposode. I hope so.
ReplyDeleteIf they haven't, then I will be totally disguted.
I wonder which two:-
a) Jill + Leonard
b) Eddie + Clarrie
c) Jim + Jazzer
d) Peggy + Lilian/Justin
e) Brian + Jennifer
It so depends on who was available at the time, to be able to do a recording. The quality is not important, the inclusion is what is.
To me - it should include a senior member of the cast, who have lived with HRH Prince Philip, for a lot of their life. True genuine feeling, will be spoken.
Oh! I just mean, that the life spans have coincided..nothing else 🤣
DeleteI think most of us would have understood what you meant Miriam
DeleteI would love June Spencer, to do such a slot in, but this probably won't be feasible.
DeleteYes that would be good Miriam especially as Prince Phillip would have been 100yrs old 4 days before her 102nd birthday!
DeleteIt is another moment of history, which could be included in Ben's Time Capsule.
ReplyDeletePerhaps this will how it will be slotted into TA.
The BBC has had complaints about devoting too much coverage to the Duke of Edinburgh’s death. I don’t know if this will influence any decision to include a reference to it on TA, or whether it’s solely a question of technical capability.
ReplyDeleteShould be easy to do in this tech age - often did topical inserts in the old days.
DeleteAbsolutely - but not during the current editor’s tenancy!
DeleteLast Monday 5th April Channel 4 (9pm) a programme called “24hrs in police custody” was shown. A true account of a man missing from Wisbech Cambs in 2015 and it was called “A murder without a body”. It is of course a true documentary of a case following the lines of Phillip & Gavin in TA but heartbreaking that this is real. However it does show how well TA highlighted the subject and unravelled it in real time as in not rushed through in a couple of months. This real life case concluded only last year. A hard watch but will be interested to hear others views we were stunned and appalled when we watched it on catch up last night.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lady R.
DeleteI will watch it.
Thanks will look at it.
DeletePerhaps another recent moment of history could also be recorded in Ben’s time capsule or even get a mention: the Irish jockey Rachel Blackmore became the first woman to win the Grand National.
ReplyDeleteI think Tracy and Jazzer will become a permanent item and good entertainment like the Grundy’s used to be! We need a replacement for Joe and his ferrets!😉😊
ReplyDeleteEv, that's a very good suggestion.
ReplyDeleteI agree and hope that happens.
What is Tracy doing to help Oliver restore Grey Gables, as she said they would? Kirsty said recently it’s become a ghost hotel.
ReplyDeleteExpect they will be busy tomorrow serving up drinks and Ian’s delicious meals on the lawn. Perhaps Tracy has been notifying customers, setting out suitably distanced tables and marking One-way routes through the hotel.
DeleteThat’s if it’s not snowing of course, as it was when I was at the garden centre just now!
Some-how, Tracy + Jazzer seem to so comfortable together. I think + hope, that Jazzer has found his true soul-mate, at last, for the time being at least.
ReplyDeleteHe has the new extension to entertain her and Webster.
Has Tracy met Webster? This has to be a relationship of three.
EV Brilliant.
The replacement for Joe and his ferrets, HAS to be, Jazzer and his spider. Well spotted.
I wonder if Alice is going to use the christening of Martha Jasmine (which she doesn't really believe in), in a way for her family to be all together, when she tells all, publicly, about her alcohol addiction?
ReplyDeleteI wonder who the godparents will be?
DeleteI predict Emma + Jazzer.
...but then there it could be Harrison + Emma?
DeleteOr all of them, as you’re not limited to two.
DeleteAll I want is Alice to tell her parents + others, about her problem, how it is affecting her personally, along with her relationship with Chris + Martha.
ReplyDeleteThey will understand this and support her 100%.
They will also suffer some sort of angst, as to the not knowing. They haven't been able to give her the support, she so needs.
DeleteSo she's giving up breast feeding, so she can have a drink now and again...
ReplyDeleteYes Basia, my thoughts too !
DeleteI don't think Alice will have to go public, they will find out at the christening.
DeleteWhy isn't Jazzer a godfather?
But is it Chris who has made the decision, as he no longer trusts Alice? She was after all, desparate to feed Martha, after her massive "hiccup" with the wine her Dad bought.
DeleteIf Brian had known the situation, then this would not have occured.
Basia.
DeleteAre you thinking that Alice will get "blotto" at the christening?
Miriam, too much temptation and she definitely doesn't want the family to know.
DeleteSomething, whatever, will go wrong.
I think that Alice may do 'something stupid' or at least attempt suicide.
ReplyDeleteShe is casting all the sins on her fault, not Chris or any other people, just herself.
She is certainly heaping on the fault of being hers and hers alone.
Well, I didn’t see that one coming! Pip as Godmother!
ReplyDeleteBut isn’t it usual to have two godmothers and one godfather for a baby girl? In which case Emma could still be asked couldn’t she?
No mention of Prince Philip at all. I find that very surprising and rather sad. Surely two actors could have recorded a few words ( from their homes if necessary) to mark the death of such an eminent man?
ReplyDeletePrince Phillip died on Friday morning .
ReplyDeleteHad there been an episode of The Archers on Friday evening I would have thought that there should and would have been an insert.
As it was ,the next episode was not until this evening three days later by which time possibly everyone had mentioned the sad news to each other.
As to Alice and the Godoarents..
Did she make the decision alone?
I would have thought Chris would have wanted his sister Emma to be one of the Godmothers.
I thought a girl usually had two Godmothers and one Godfather (although she could have more)
I think that is particularly nasty of Alice.
She and Pip have never seemed close.
Is Chris godfather to any of Emma's children?
DeleteAlice hasn't asked any of her siblings; Chris is just as entitled not to ask his sister.
Mine had four godparents each, two women, two men. None were our siblings. Our choices were all good friends who were practising Christians who would pray for our children and encourage them to get to know Jesus.
I thought Alice said that Harrison and Fallon were to be godparents with Pip as the second godmother. I was a bit surprised at the choice of Pip, but not that Emma wasn't because I thought that godparents were usually friends rather than relatives, in order to widen the support network for the child.
ReplyDeleteThe tradition as I know it, is that godparents are to step in should the parents die.
ReplyDeleteI only had two: an aunt and uncle from each side of the family.
I am an aunt and godmother to one of my sister's sons.
Two of them are godfathers to daughters of their brother.
Always just the two in our family, be they relatives or friends.
I just had the two as well, a great aunt and a cousin of my grandfather. Both lovely people who practised their Methodist faith. I have two goddaughters. One of them in normal times is a concert pianist, and the most unusual present I think I have ever had was a piece of music she composed for me this Christmas.
DeleteI wonder if Harrison and Fallon, who might change her mind, will one day have a child of their own.
Far too many people having christenings without any usual connection to the church or Christianity IMO, and that includes my disapproval of my elder daughter who I believe has more than one Godchild.
ReplyDeleteI was christened as a baby. I've only ever known about one Godparent. I was a bridesmaid at her wedding a year or two later then she emigrated to Canada never to be heard of again.
I have been convinced for some time that something will happen to Alice, and like Spiceycushion I fear suicide.
I suppose that fear has informed my belief that Chris Carter will become a single parent.
They are called naming ceremonies in secular terms, because people like to follow a tradition. Kate did that for Phoebe on Lakey Hill and then disappeared to South Africa.
DeleteWill Alice also abandon her daughter? Alice just likes to organise events, she was in charge of Kirsty's and Tom's wedding...
I don't think that Alice will abandon her daughter. If there is a separation, then it will be Chris's doing.
DeleteI so want Alice, Chris + Martha, to be the loving family, that they deserve to be. They both need much more help, both professional and with family. They also need more trust between them, as a couple.
ReplyDeleteThat is my thought.
There has been heartbreak for Kirsty, with the Philip scenario, so I don't want, yet another heartbreak situation, now with Alice at the centre.
I hope for some happier events soon.
DeleteThese could be:-
Clarrie + Eddies Wedding vows renewal,
Rex - somehow gets the council farm, and so gives up the re-wilding scheme (at last),
Jazzer + Tracy, become a true couple, just enjoying their lives together, in a simple way,
The Ambridge Cricket team beat Darrington, at last,
I could go on! 🤣
Thinking again as to TA, which is a bad sign, so be warned.
ReplyDeleteIf - and only if - Chris + Alice separate, where will they live?
Alice will stay in the cottage, with Chris + Martha moving in with Susan + Neil.
I can almost hear Susan's thoughts on this now, along with her "crowing" with Brian + Jennifer.
I just hope that this, does Not happen.
I know some are so predicting this, but I just hope it doesn't get to this outcome.
Miriam, it is upsetting that Chris and Alice are becoming less together in their life, but this reflects real life.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate that many couples find such difficulties in communicating their needs with each other, and also try to hide problems rather than wisely sharing outside of the relationship. But it does happen. Unfortunately far too often.
I am watching this happening in my own family at the moment, and it is very painful.
Sometimes one can only look on, which Harrison and Emma so far are doing in TA.
So sorry to hear about your families difficulties. 🤗
DeleteAll I want to know is:-
ReplyDeleteWho is making + decorating the Christening Cake for Martha?
Who cares about stuffed artichoke hearts, and who would actually eat them?
Well my previous comment was well timed wasn't it ?
ReplyDeleteWell done Alice, speaking up to Harrison, and then putting her God awful sister in her place.
How old is Kate, thirteen?
ReplyDeleteI think if she were my sister I'd be inclined to apply for adoption!
I have never ever liked Kate and tonight’s display of her ‘me, me, me’ personality was a strong reminder why.
ReplyDeleteA couple of years ago on a visit to London I wore an Archers badge and asked everyone around if they listened. One man on a train told me that they used to listen around the farm kitchen table at lunchtime. I'd be embarrassed to admit to listening now and it's no longer a family programme.
ReplyDeleteLast night was all angst, paranoia and repercussions. All about dead fish and quiche. A family lost their home because the land was needed for yurts. Alice is paranoid that everyone suspects something, it will only get worse. I hope Kate's parting shot to Alice that's she's always her sister means that she'll find her when she hits rock bottom and it will shake some sense into them both.
Even though Alice betrayed her by liking quiche.
I was thinking similar thoughts a few days ago Basia when people were talking about Jazzer and Tracey. It's only a matter of time before they have to face an "issue".
DeletePerhaps last nights episode was written to underline how dysfunctional the Aldridge family are. None of them knows even the little things about any of the others, and don't either have the imagination to look beneath the superficial.
ReplyDeleteYes, father obsessed with money, mother with cooking and the two sisters one on edge the other about to slip over. It's a disquiet before the real storm.
DeleteKate's parting shot sounded pretty sinister to me: 'But I'll always be your sister [evil laughter, foreboding music]'. I think they cut the laughter and music out before they posted the episode online ; )
ReplyDeleteThe families in Ambridge seem to be now, getting very disfunctional.
ReplyDeleteI can only refer as to my thoughts.
George. He missed his 16th birhday do, which Emma + Will arranged, in preference to booking a holiday.
Kate. Trying to manipulate Brian + Pheobe, to relocate Spiritual Home.
David + Ruth. Will it be cows or sheep.
Chris. Taking over Martha's care, so Alice seems to be "at fault"
Kate. Not being a true + supportive sister to Alice.
Rex + Toby - they do not seem to be helping each other, even as they are brothers. Toby sold out, too quickly.
I just think that the true family feelings, and that includes, values, seem to be lacking in TA at the moment.
I would love to hear an update, as to LL. This is Lizzie, Freddie, Lily + the awful Russ, as to they are together as a Family.
Is it as harmonious, as a family should be?
Even with Vince, sniffing around.
DeleteAlice.
ReplyDeleteShe just has to tell her family + friends about her alcohol addiction, her re-hab stay and how she is still very tempted.
Families will then hopefully, rally around, and so support her, along with Chris + Martha.
This is a new Ambridge Family in the making, to go forward together, with the help + understanding, from all.
I am not writing them off, just yet...
Family bonds are so important, as we all know + fully appreciate.
DeleteI hope that soon, this will show again in TA.
Kate was obnoxious - who does she think she is!
ReplyDeleteWhat would you stuff artichoke hearts with anyway?
...and who would eat them?
DeleteAn egg + cress sarnie, a slice of a Quiche Lorraine, followed by a slice of the Christening Cake, all washed down with a few, or more, glasses of Eddies Cider, will suit me fine.
How pretentious, Jennifer is being, with her food prep, even in her small cramped kitchen, in Willow Cottage. This was the place she complained about, as there was no space for her food mixer!
Get Fallon + Emma providing the refreshments - at least it will be suitable, tasty + edible.
Why the down on stuffed artichoke hearts? They sound suitable, tasty and edible to me!
DeleteIt is just Jennifer being so controlling again.
DeleteAre they a suitable food, for a family christening in a small village such as Ambridge, and its inhabitants?
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI enjoyed it tonight, it was harmonious.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I thought I was missing Jennifer, there is now a total overload, and she is so annoying.
ReplyDeleteIt is an obvious character overload, but due to the recording schedules + restrictions, I appreciate this.
I just wish she wasn't so, and am not sure how to describe this, but:- dictarorial, overbearing, a bit unfeelling, with a bit of being superior to others.
Miriam, that's a very good description of Jennifer, but that's how she is, I just accept it.
DeleteI liked the misgivings of Susan and Jim about what mayhem the Tracey/Jazzer relationship might create. I look forward to the fun.
ReplyDeleteJenny causing exasperation to Fallon by wanting to help with baking at the tea rooms might somehow be the catalyst for a move to a bigger house. Someone who loves cooking and entertaining needs a well equipped large kitchen.
I've just found a recipe for rhubarb and ginger cupcakes online, and when our rhubarb has come up a bit more I will try them. I've planted ginger for the first time this year but it won't be ready to use for some time.
DeleteI must say I rather like the sound of stuffed artichoke hearts, a bit more exciting than vol-au-vents or sausages on sticks. But in my experience artichokes can have a rather embarrassing after effect which might not be welcome at a Christening party!
ReplyDeleteThe artichokes hearts (which I am very fond of) would be more suitable for vegetarian and gluten free consumers, depending what they are stuffed with, of course. I think tv cookery programmes have made people everywhere more experimental with their food.
DeleteYes you are right, I am sure. I would never have considered cooking with Harissa paste, smoked paprika or Za’arta a few years ago. Goodness, I even bought a jar of Umami paste in Waitrose this morning after hearing Jay Rayner mention it on his radio programme the other day!
DeleteA few days ago, without consulting Jennifer, I made a rhubarb, apple and ginger crumble. I put 5 balls of chopped-up stem ginger in with the fruit, and I must say, it is the very best crumble I have ever had. I think she would like it. Might try the cupcakes too.
ReplyDeleteBut Mistral, if you'd had Jennifer's help it would have been *much* better ; )
DeleteOn the rare occasions I actually get around to making rhubarb crumble I add chopped up dried apricots to the fruit and bashed up ginger biscuits to the crumble.
My sister and I both love crumble so once we decided to double the ammount of crumble on top of the fruit. The result was rather heavy! So after that we stuck to the recipe.
The one worrying aspect is that Jim and Alistair had a bet, at least he lost.
ReplyDeleteI liked the display box theme running through the episode, it's for little touches like this that I listen. Well done Jazzer, I know it's tricky.
DeleteHave Aiice + Chris actually been consulted, as to what they both want re the food?
ReplyDeleteNow Jennifer is now back, it seems to be, a total take-over, yet again.
This goes back to another idea, I thought of.
This is that the Ambridge Families, should be much more open, talking to each other and just understanding each other, far more.
This is along with their thoughts + wishes, as to any changes, but in a positive way, which seem might happen, soon.
I still think that Jennifer + Brian, should have been the new tenants/owners of Kirsty's Beechwood House.
DeleteI still cannot understand as to why, this is hers, to now decide what to do with it.
I thought Philip bought it, then invited Kirsty to move in with him, when she had no financial stake in it?
Has he signed it over to her, and although now in prison, has he sorted the mortgage payments out etc. so she has nothing to do with this?
I just don't understand this change, as to the ownership/mortgage.
I still do not understand, the contents of the Soliciter's letter, Kirsty received. It just seemed too quick + too simple, to my simple mind.
DeleteHelen is going to blow the candles the day before her birthday, because Lee won't be there tomorrow, daft.
ReplyDeleteAlice or Chris, needs to tell all, so that Peggy/Brian/Lillian or someone similar, will fund another, fast-tracked, rehab stay.
ReplyDeleteAlice needs this, otherwise she will lose both Chris + Martha, for good.
Without help, she will end up in her cottage all alone 24/7n just drinking and not eating, not paying any bills etc, until she is found in a state which she might not recover from.
At least this time, she did ring Harrison for help, wheras before, she just hid what was going on.
This is a S/L which will go on + on, with both somd good but also, some very bad, times.
This S/L is very realistic, though very upsetiing + heartfelt, as a new babe is involved.
DeleteAt least she hasn't started on-line gambling and clearing the bank account out, which happened in my family.
A person who lived nearby was in a similar situation, home alone, and in + out of re-hab. One morning, her Mum couldn't get an answer from her by phone, so went into the house, to find her daughter dead on the sofa, with an empty bottle of Vodka beside her.
DeleteI hope that this doesn't happen to Jennifer, Susan, Brian, Chris etc. as to Alice.
Well after that Harrison is going to find it very difficult to help Alice, and she badly needs a friend to help. I seem to remember Alice in the past misconstrued Ed's attempt to be helpful, and that led to trouble with Emma. Fallon needs to be told of Alice's problem before a similar thing happens.
ReplyDeleteThe end is nigh for Alice!!!
ReplyDeleteI do hope and the quicker it happens the better.
DeleteOh Alice : (
ReplyDeleteParticularly poignant when set alongside Tony and Lee regretting lost parent-child time.
As a life long railway modeller all i can say is that i have never ever heard such a cringe fest as the Tony/Lee nonsense regarding the virtues of the hobby. Nor have i ever known such a supposedly high quality model built in such a short time - it takes years. That is not a model railway it is a small boy's train set.
DeleteOh dear, oh dear, oh dear!
ReplyDeleteCan’t stand Alice’s whinging and crying Me, me and poor me.
ReplyDeleteWith you all the way on that one Penny!
DeleteI am really enjoying some good acting for a change. Alice and Chris are so well portrayed. For that reason if no other, I hope their storyline continues.
ReplyDeleteHave to agree Maryellen the acting is very good.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, and I'm not comfortable saying so, I find that I care less and less on each outing with Alice.
And again I feel the need to reference her being raised by parents who chose always to indulge her every whim. She has never learned any form of self restraint, and although she seems to understand on an intellectual level the dangers of her behaviour, it seems that emotionally she cannot, and does not want, to overcome her inner need for instant gratification.
A very sad situation.
I was very concerned last night that Alice would grab the wheel from Harrison and take them both down.
I agree that the acting is good, however I must admit I feel an urge to give Alice a piece of my mind. Like Penny (welcome, I haven't seen your name before) I cannot stand Alice's whining and crying. It's all about her and her suffering. She's now put Harrison in an impossible position. I suspect she has been babied all her life by her parents, indulged and spoilt. I am so not enjoying this S/L.
ReplyDeletePenny has popped up very occasionally over the past year or two!
DeleteI wonder if Harrison will decide not to accept the invitation to be Martha's godfather, and that Fallon will also refuse. He may decide it would be better to continue supporting Chris and Alice, without the added complication of them both being godparents The story behind that, and the repercussions could spread far.
ReplyDeletePlease ignore that last sentence - far more damaging repercussions as a result of Alice's drinking and drunken behaviour.
DeleteGood acting yes.
ReplyDeleteBut though I did feel some sympathy for Alice for a (very) short time I have now lost patience completely and really don’t want to hear any more of her self-obsessed snivelling. She had brilliant chances open to her, an excellent education and the opportunity, as she said, of a career in the RAF.. She threw it all away
Goodness knows what Harrison is going to do. Does he tell Chris or Fallon what happened?
Does he disengage himself completely from helping the family?
Does he even go so far as to involve Social Services, which as a Police Officer, I suppose he should.
How come Brian and Jennifer have raised two such obnoxious daughters after the success of Debbie. I know she is a step-daughter to Brian......perhaps that made all the difference.
I don't think Alice is obnoxious as such, just a daughter with a massive problem.
DeleteAlice has done well in many aspects of her life, unlike Kate. It was only her last job, which sent her off the rails and onto her now known, slippery downward slope.
All I want is simple:-
ReplyDeletea) All family are told about the problem, so to help support. I still blame Brian for this situation, as he bought the Rioja. This sent Alice, onto her alcoholic path, again. If he had known, this would not have happened, in the way it did. Alice might have survived.
b) Chris + Alice need to go together, to an alcoholics support group, where partners can join in. This will help Chris to understand the problem with Alice, which I don't think he really does, and the help + support, she and Martha so need.
I realise, that this might be a bit too idealistic, but a change of direction, as to this alcoholism story is needed, in a very much more positive way.
Listeners must be shown, like with the Rob + Helen S/L, that there is hope, with the right support, available in very many ways.
At least Alice, knows her problem so what will she now do?
Can someone please remind me of the RAF situation.
ReplyDeleteI have the vaguest memory of it, but no idea what happened.
Did Alice turn the opportunity down ?
Was she persuaded by Brian that she was worth 'more' ?
Please enlighten me.
Sorry I can't help.
DeleteThe only thought I have, which might be so very wrong, is that Alice would have had to re-locate to, was it, Canada??
Not sure why I think this.
I am sure, others will tell us....
I wait in anticipation.
Yes, she was offered a very lucrative and high profile job in Canada by the aeronautical firm she was working for. I think she had applied to the RAF because they offered to sponsor candidates to study aeronautical engineering degrees at University. Alice either didn’t pass the interview, or turned it down and ended up studying atSouthampton University, getting an MSc.
ReplyDeleteI think she decided that she could earn more working for a private firm that in the RAF, but I might be wrong about that.
Thanks, and this sounds so very feasible.
DeleteDidn't she go to Southampton, as she knew Chris could then visit? I am dredging my memories now...
Well done Miriam, that Southampton reference has jogged my memory now.
DeleteThank you Archerphile for that rundown.
I'm afraid I never was that interested in Alice and what she was up to, hence being unable to remember much.
Alice failed the R.A.F. interview board. Proper realism. Well done the Crabfat.
DeleteI think I paid good attention at the time because our son had also had an interview at Cranwell to join the RAF university scheme. He decided not to take it up as he couldn’t reconcile himself to possibly having to ‘drop bombs on people’ as he put it!
DeleteHe decided to study Aeronautical Engineering at Bristol, then joined Airbus there.
That's a very sound reasoning Archerphile. I remember someone at the office being upset that his daughter had to go to Iraq during the first war, she had joined the army after all. She came back safe.
Deletei see your point AP - but surely your son realised before applying that the Royal Air Force is a fighting service.
DeleteWhen I was in the Royal Navy I was always puzzled by comments from some civilians which seemed to imply that the Officers of H.M. Forces spent their working lives waiting for someone needing to be attacked. I can assure you we didn't
By the way Airbus manufacture military aircraft.
Pierre - "Crabfat"?
DeleteYes, at the tender and somewhat niave age of 18 he was quite prepared for service life, Queen and Country and all that, but at the interview they actually asked if he was prepared to kill, even though he would have been engineering rather than flying bombers/fighters He realised, in all honesty that he couldn’t answer yes to that question so, by mutual consent, withdrew. His realised his love of flying and obsessive interest in aeroplanes would be better met bu an aeronautical degree at Bristol with no ‘strings’ attache.
DeleteAnd yes, we know Airbus manufacture military aircraft. Corrin only works for the commercial aircraft branch in Toulouse (presently seconded to the Dubai office) He worked on engineering the A380, specialises in design of cabins, liaises with Airlines about their requirements for new aircraft and is currently director of company liaison with Emirates Airlines. It is surprising how far a B Eng. can get you!
Perhaps we should now return to discussing TA after a foray into the RAF etc after talking about Alice’s background. Apologies for the digression.
DeleteGood evening Gary, sorry to confuse.
DeleteCrabfat is a term of qusi scorn but affection for the Royal Air Force, originating from the Royal Navy but now happily by the Army also.
The terms Pongo for the Army and Fishhead for the Navy would be similarly used by members of the other two services.
I believe the term Crabfat was originally a reference to the colur of RAF blue which was supposed to have been determined by there being much material of that color, available at the time of the Service.s foundation , left over as no longer required for the recently abolished Tsar's guards.
These terms are used affectioately and with respect and not resented.
Didn't all 3 Services and the Royal Marines ( Bootnecks ) scrub up well for H.R.H. Prince Phillip this afternoon?
Tyank you Pierre!
DeleteAlice is very selfish. Suicide was discussed on WH this week with a quote: they'll be better off without me, which is what Alice said - let *them* decide. She blames Chris for their lost intimacy but he can't cope on his own. She interfered with Ed's marriage and now Harrison's when they showed her kindness. She prefers her cosy chats with Lisa (Katherine Jakeways) instead of disclosing her addiction to her family. Then she could have stayed in rehab for longer and there'd have been no gifts of alcohol. Someone would always be with her, which of course she doesn't want. If things continue in this manner and she comes to harm the blame will fall on Christopher and Peggy for not telling the wider family. Susan had this information from Emma but chose to ignore it. I have very little sympathy for Alice.
ReplyDelete👍👍👍
Delete👍👍👍
DeleteAnd to add to your précis Basia, Jennifer will be outraged that her daughter did not come and talk to her mother.
DeleteLike mother like daughter..... it's all about ME !
And Kate will decree that all is required is some sisterly bonding time, drinking some wholesome herbal tra in a yurt. After all, Alice is her sister, no-one else in the world could possibly understand and support her in the way that Kate could - if only her selfish, self-centred family could see that she is the ideal confidante.
DeleteWill TA put an extra snippet into Mondays episode, relating to todays event?
ReplyDeleteI hope so, but will it actually happen?
Some Ambridge residents, such as Jill + Leonard, Jennifer + Brian, Eddie + Clarrie, or even Emma + Will, Susan + Tracy, could do an interlude of sorts, to mark this event. I hope this will happen, in some way.
It's another item for Ben, after getting a true and realisticnewspaper/magazine report, to go then be put, into the Time Capsule.
DeleteIf it happens, it will involve two or more characters who have already recorded next week’s scenes, eg. Lilian and Justin.
DeleteWhy not a snippet recorded tomorrow, or even on Monday morning, to be then be slotted in, with 2 cast members who live near to the studio?
DeleteIt might just happen...or then, perhaps not.
I just think that this event, should be mentioned in TA.
....but then, should it?
DeletePerhaps, Alice and her many problems, along with the new couple of Jazzer + Tracy, etc..
Deleteare much more important to listen to, in our nightly 12 mins.
That's probably the best.
Perhaps Ben should put an article about Alice's drinking problems in the time capsule. That really would endear him to the Aldridges and Carters ; )
DeleteA short while back I spoke of Brian and Jennifer’s two obnoxious daughters.
ReplyDeleteAfter today’s Omnibus I came to the conclusion that at least Alice has the excuse of being ill with alcoholism for her recent behaviour. And she wants to conquer this illness and get better.
But Kate has no excuse at all and doesn’t even see anything wrong with her behaviour.
Yes I agree. I think I made a similar comment, a short while ago.
DeleteI sadly think that Kate's daughter Pheobe, is starting to show some of her mums traits.
Perhaps it is an - obnoxious daughter + grand-daughter???
Kate is good listening value.
ReplyDeleteYes she is and her self obsessed character is so well put over.
DeleteYes, she is certainly different, and I enjoy her input, in her own, self-centred way.
DeleteI suppose every ‘soap’ has to have a ‘piece of grit in the oyster’ character.
DeleteSomeone who winds everybody up and listeners love to hate.
TA’s used to be Joe, now I think it’s Kate.
As I said I have stopped listening to the Archers for the time being because I find the alcoholism s/l too upsetting and if they are going to be realistic, it will not have a neat, tidy, pain free outcome. Hopefully it might alert people to the problems alcohol has on people’s lives and engender an understanding of what it is to be an alcoholic. Judging by the comments I have read on this blog, I’m not so sure.
ReplyDeleteAn alcoholics behaviour is not pleasant: they can be self centred, aggressive, sometimes violent, abusive - not the harmless, amusing and ridiculous drunks portrayed on stage. Their behaviour is obnoxious and without help and monumental effort on their part, it will remain so. They don’t need tea and sympathy - firm, consistent support helps and the problem won’t be “cured” overnight. I don’t know what has happened with Alice but I guess that the situation has deteriorated by your comments. Living with an alcoholic is very very stressful because you are always on edge, uncertain of what is really going on. There is no easy solution and I am sad that the programme is now a no go area for me and appears to be so for the foreseeable future.
I'm not listening at the momenteither Soz but am reading the comments, I agree that this storyline is going to go on for a long time if it's going to be dealt with realistically.
ReplyDeleteThe straplines for forthcoming episodes given on the BBC’s TA site are helpful indicators of whether it involves Alice and those involved with her, or another set of characters with their own storylines. They are not over informative and sometimes (deliberately?) misleading so not true spoilers, I think!
ReplyDeleteI finally listened to the omnibus this morning.
ReplyDeleteI found two things of concern
a) The choice of godparents to Martha -- as to - why Pip? Have they ever been close friends, supporting each other.
b) Saying she will never give up alcohol, so expects Martha to be taken away from her.
This to me, seems a massive "Cry for Help", as this is not deep down, what she really wants.
I am sure the SW's will have done a lot of research, had many consultations with varying organisations, as to how to "write" this ongoing S/L.
DeleteI hope it is done justice, and Alice will finally get the real support she needs both now, and in the future, showing the support avaialable, if the true situation can be told.
That should be...
Deletewhen the true situation will be told...not if and can.
My only other thoughts are regarding Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteThese are simply, missing a cookery book which must be still in storage (for 2 years now - if the mice haven't nested in it 😀) and the constant references to her previous and "perfectly, wonderful kitchen".
Will Jennifer suddenly start a move from Willow Cottage?
I expect this S/L has been shelved, due to the situation last year.
I still predict that who will eventually live in Philips + Kirstys Beechwood Home, could still change...
Anyway, it looks like Jennifer will be on the move again, soon.
Harrison could talk to Peggy, except he doesn't know that she does. Oh what a tangled web.
ReplyDeleteI think Peggy would be mortified, if Harrison did this just now, with all that has just happened.
DeleteShe just doesn't need the guilt , which she would now feel.
She needs to be left out of this S/L at this time.
Well there is a job with pigs for Rex if Jazzer doesn't want it. Maybe he could run his pigs with Berrow farm's outdoor unit, and have a share of the profits.
ReplyDeleteIf Harrison tells Chris that will be the end of the marriage.
DeleteI wonder why Neil went for Jazzer in preference to Rex?
DeleteRex wants to run his own pig business - he doesn't want to be working for someone else.
DeleteNow Alice’s secret is out the word will soon spread.....
ReplyDeleteI thought Fallon was trustworthy, but I also thought Harrison was and I was wrong about that!
DeleteHarrison had to tell Fallon what had happened .
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't put it past Alice to say that it was Harrison who made a pass at her.
I still think that will happen and it will be hard for Harrison to prove otherwise.
Perhaps it would be better to tell Jennifer and Brian about Alice..
Harrison should have done what Alice begged and forgotten it happened. It’s an unimportant incident compared with all the other repercussions of her addiction. Or was Harrison trying to prove something else to Fallon, I wonder? I wasn’t impressed by her reaction either.
DeleteAlice can't be trusted.
ReplyDeleteHarrison did the correct thing.
Not sure he should tell Christopher though.
When Alice and Christopher married they were a lovely young couple and then Christopher "vanished "and returned as a weak husband who would do anything for his spoilt wife.
Why do they keep changing the Character of the characters?
As I'm not listening I can't comment on the storyline but I do agree about changing the character of the characters Lanjan.
DeleteI'm glad Harrison told Fallon, it wasn't her behaviour but her drinking that matters and Chris should be aware that she lapsed again. How can H & F be godparents now?
ReplyDelete