Miriam - October 1, 2021 at 4:23 PM The S/L of Blake, reminds me of another, the details of which I have now forgotten. Shula took some-one under her wing. This person ended up, living in a railway carriage or similar, in Grundy's Field. Robert was such a gracious and generous host, alongside Linda. It is no wonder that Blake disappeared. He is just not used to, and probably never has known, such a life-style. I hope that Blake is still in Ambridge, found and helped by a "good samaritan". I wonder who this could be. I am sure that there is plenty of cheap, casual farm work available, to suit Blake. He could stay in one of Home Farm worker's caravans, which are currently standing empty. It is obvious that, I do not want Blake to have gone, never to be heard about again.
Miriam - October 1, 2021 at 4:29 PM Perhaps St. Shula will be the Guardian Angel again, when Blake is found, sleeping in a stable!! 😂
Miriam - October 1, 2021 at 4:49 PM Banjo's empty one?
MrsP Ambridge - October 1, 2021 at 5:53 PM Miriam! Your endless imagination regarding events in THE ARCHERS astounds and bedazzles me. And makes me feel very humble as I take what the SWs give me as a passive and occasionally responsive listener. You are amazing !
Miriam - October 1, 2021 at 6:22 PM Mrs P.. I do have an over-active imagination, re TA, but just at the moment. The Alice S/L has been so prominent and very worthwhile, but there has not been much else. I have only given my ideas, as to other possible ideas, relating to life in Ambridge. I like intrigue... Others don't. We all listen to TA, in differing ways with different ideals and expectations. Long May it Last.
Miriam - October 1, 2021 at 6:35 PM Josh and Beth. This is Josh just trying to put one over on Ben, but most importantly, to get an introduction to Vince. Josh is a schemer in many ways. Oh my imagination is OTT yet again, but anything is possible, but more likely, entirely not probable! 🤥😨
Walter + Mrs P. are before my TA listening. However, I spookily have images of photo's, from my little Sis who researched my wonderful family, which resemble this so much.
No extra comments after listening to TA omnibus this morning, except one. Josh is trying to get Beth's attention, for reasons of his own. This is to ursup Ben, and give him a path to Vince, her Dad. Josh likes a dodgy scheme, and who else to join with, Vince. I think Beth is a lovely person, and will certainly realise, that Josh is up to no good.
I’m afraid Josh is turning into a rather unlikable young man. I used to feel sorry for him, for the way David treated him and dismissed his business ambitions. But recently he has developed a nasty, jealous streak, always making fun of his younger brother and playing ‘jokes’ which are not in the slightest bit funny. He sounds like a silly teenager rather than a sensible young entrepreneur He need to grow up
I mostly agree AP except that I have never felt sorry for him. He is a greedy self centred individual with an exaggerated sense of his own cleverness and who really ought to act his real age. His childishness is unbelievable.
I agree with Pierre, I've never felt sorry for Josh. I always felt that David saw the unpleasantness in his son and this caused a bias in his attitude towards him.
And..... the description of him above from Pierre seems spot on to me.
OK, you two, so neither of you felt sorry for Josh. But I remember when David told him that there was no future for him at Brookfield and that , in effect, Pip would be inheriting the farm Everything Josh tried to do was given the thumbs down or ridiculed and he had to find his own niche and way of making a living. I most certainly felt sorry for him then, having a father who so obviously preferred his sister and didn’t support him at all. It may well have set the future behaviour which has been displayed recently.
I too remembered when David told Josh there was no room on the farm for him. It was a ringing endorsement of 'Pip was the eldest and so she should inherit.' I felt very sorry for Josh. I think that Josh's behaviour possibly extends from how he has been treated at his home but now I feel it probably, possibly vindictive, towards Ben. Mind you ben's not up to much anyway! I think Justin is a toad to lie and deny that he has been with Stella. And why lie to Lilian about who he was dining with anyway. What's it to him whether the farm is up for sale !
I think Josh should stop trying to constantly downgrade Ben, in all ways along with Ben's relationship with Beth. He to me, is jealous, a strong word I admit. Ben is going forwards in his life, in a wonderful way, with his nursing course, then career. Ben has a lovely new girlfriend.
Josh only has now, his egg "empire" at Hollowtree plus no female dangling on his arm, saying How Wonderful, he is.
It seems to me, the tides are now turning, as long as there is not an Ed + Will situation.
I am interested to hear what aspires, when Alice meets Stella.
Why not Pheobe as a potential heir to Home Farm, who is a grand-daughter after all? Also how does Brian know that Adam or Debbie, or even Alice, would not be interested in taking on Home Farm in the future, without a full partnership meeting. He presumed too much, too soon, and said this to the wrong people.
Brian is still the owner of Home Farm. The new manager is an employee who is receiving a salary, but is so agonistic towards her employer after just 2 weeks. Brian seems weak though, and is telling far too many personal details, to someone he basically doesn't know and trust, as to the running of Home Farm. The new manager hasn't proven their worth yet. Still more ammunition for Justin and the upcoming BL meeting.
Who has actually been officially told about the *potential* sale? Brian has hardly been discussing it in The Bull. I would have hoped he would have made a few more enquiries as to how Stella got her information before he started filling her in with all the family details. 'Yes, sorry, I know it's a shock and concern to you but, honestly, it's just a possibility we've been thinking of. No, we couldn't have told you at your interview because we hadn't even considered it then. I'm afraid it comes as the result of family complications that have blown up recently. We certainly won't be doing anything in a hurry and we'll keep you fully informed if we do decide to act on this idea. By the way, we haven't really spoken of this outside immediate family; may I ask how you came to hear about it?'
Wouldn't Brian put two and two together and come up with Justin as the source? How dishonest of Justin. I am not sure about Stella but she did react in an understandable way, although agree it was overly antagonistic towards her new boss. She seems a very confident young lady.
Do we know she is 'young' ? And can we define 'young' Personally I am inclined to include forty plus as young, but some might feel that forty plus is middle aged.
I have a feeling that Stella is well into or beyond her thirties.
All this angst being caused because of the assumption that,Chris will claim part of Alice’s interest in Home Farm as part of the proposed divorce,which,even Stella said might not happen.So far I am not a fan of hers,but she is obviously being used by odious Justin for his own means.She seemed genuinely affronted by the news that the Aldriges were considering selling the farm. That was a brilliant suggestion of yours,Miriam about Pheobe being a possible inheritor of Home Farm.
Phoebe is illegitimate. Xander and Martha are the legitimate Aldridge grandchildren. If the Farm was passing down the usual order of succession, then Xander would stand to inherit. But the Farm belongs to to family trust and I don’t think it’s in Brian’s power to personally will it to anyone. I agree the thought of Phoebe rewilding the estate to incorporate Kate’s Spiritual Homes is attractive!
However the family view her, legally Phoebe is illegitimate - though cases of illegitimate children laying claim to their biological father’s estate are not unknown in fact or fiction. Didn’t something similar happen with the Lower Loxley estate?
OWIAS at 8.42pm. last night, talked about who "officially" knows that, Brian has decided to sell Home Farm. No-one officially, since there has been no partnership meeting to tell this decision, just yet. Brian told Jennifer, who then told Lilian, who then told Justin...and so the Ambridge gossip starts!
Regarding the subject of illegitimacy: I should like to point out that I am illegitimate. My birth mother was not married to my father so that makes me illegitimate. However I was fortunate enough to be adopted by a good and loving family who gave me a happy childhood. But when my adoptive parents both died when I was in my late 20’s and was married with 2 very young children, I was never mentioned in either of their wills. I inherited absolutely nothing, not even my mothers wedding ring. It was as though I meant nothing to them. Everything was left solely to my brother, their legitimate son who was 23 years older than me. Whether this was simply an oversight, or because of some legality about adopted children being unable to inherit, I never discovered. But it was extremely hurtful and the feeling has lasted for many years. So please don’t talk about illegitimacy just in terms of legal inheritance. It means far, far more than that.
Archerphile - I am sorry Mrs P and I struck a nerve but this is a risk of blogging when none of us know all of each other’s circumstances, or how they have affected us. We were talking objectively about the inheritance aspect because Phoebe and the inheritance of Home Farm was the topic which had sparked the conversation. We don’t know much about the personal aspects in TA other than Alice’s drunken outburst to Rory.
AF , I wonder when the wills were dated. Sometimes people just don’t make a new will thinking there is plenty of time to do that and then time runs out.
After Vince played that tasteless trick on Ben, I hope Ben doesn't start to question his choice of career and "vocation", as Amy has done. Hopefully Beth can keep Ben motivated, and say what a Prat her dad was.
I should have phrased that much better, remembering that young girl who died due to a nut allergy, after eating a Pret sandwhich. I hang my head, in total shame as to my choice of word. 😭😰
It was a stupid trick, not to say juvenile considering the serious consequences for anyone with a nut allergy. And let's be fair..... it was a pretty apt ' slip of the tongue '
It might be interesting to see what Elizabeth thinks of the incident should it come to her attention.
In the past TA has successfully warned against sepsis with the untimely death of Nic. Last night they used the possibility of anaphylaxis as a joke, particularly upsetting for anyone who knows someone who suffers from a food allergy or who has died from a food allergy. I thought Ben would have known enough to search Vince for an epipen, which may have served as a ‘what to do’ instruction in such a crisis. An opportunity lost. But no, it was presented as a particularly cruel joke and presumably designed to highlight the difference in parenting styles between Vince and Alan. Poorly done Editor and SWS.
Yes, I thought the first thing would have been to ask for an epipen. If Vince really was so allergic he would be bound to carry one. Offering him a drink of water was laughable! A joke in very poor taste but there are people who find that kind of thing funny. It reminds me of the boy who cried wolf and maybe one day Vince will really need help and won’t be taken seriously!
What annoyed me, is any-one with a nut allergy, would automatically know that frangipan is made from almonds, and also checks with waiting-on staff, what isn't suitable on the menu. It was immature, silly and insensitive.
I just hope Beth, tells her Dad what she thinks, as does Lizzie...
How I hope that Jim and Jazzer, will take Blake in and stay with them, alongside Alistair + Webster. This could work out well, in this different household. I assume the extension is now complete, so there is room for one more. Jim, The Prof. will certainly be able to help Blake.
I am just pleased that Blake has been found and hope that some living arrangements can be sorted out for him. I agree with others' comments that the nut 'joke' was not at all funny and in bad taste.
Greenacres, Jim's property had 3 bedrooms, one for each of himself, Jazzer and Alistair. He has had an extension built on (not by Philip etc), to give Jazzer plus Webster more private space. This was because Jim has his piano in Jazzers room, so it was a dual purpose one.
If Jim takes in Blake, which I so hope he does, then surely Blake can have a bed in this room?
If Jim’s place has 3 bedrooms, why did Alistair or was it Jazzer have to sleep on the sofa? I’m confused about that! But if Jim wants to adopt another homeless male, he needs a bigger premises, and possibly a bigger pension.
How I loved Jazzer and Blake together - two like-minded souls. Only good can come out of this, surely. I wait in anticipation. I just hope that Blake is not afraid of 🕷🕷
I 'sang' in Mahler II once : ) (Well, to be honest, I probably mimed most of it - two days before the performance my friend's choir realised that they were '25 weak', not '50 strong' as required. So extra singers were hastily recruited and taught the piece. I expect the others were rather more competent singers than me!) Great piece though - especially the percussion.
Funnily enough Mr A also sang in the choir for Mahler’s 2nd. It was up in London in a fairly small concert hall. The orchestra ( including the off stage players) and choir were so huge there wasn’t room for a full audience! Magnificent piece, sends shivers down my spine.
Clever of Jazzer to mention the shelves. Something Blake is good at - so he has a reason to come round and he will be offering a service rather than feeling he's receiving largesse. Of course, whilst he's there Jim and Jazzer will invite him to stay and share their lunch. I hope he does agree to stay with them - aided by the Ambridge bedroom fairy if need be. Seeing how friends look out for each other will help him gradually realise that how Philip treated him, Jordan and Kenzie was wrong.
Suspect that Jazzers mention of his inability to create or finish the shelves was deliberately designed to give Blake the opportunity to offer his services. A ploy ! And a goodun at that. Well done Jazzer, and Jim if it was a set up.
Let’s hope the Ambridge fairy arranges not only a bedroom at Greenacres for Blake but also the means to pay for his board and lodging. Jim isn’t a.registered charity.
Stella is proving to be an asset. I knew she would. She may be too good for Home Farm, though.
I feel sure that Jim would welcome Blake, as a short-term guest, to just try and help Blake out. Jim has mellowed a lot, since that awful revelation! He lets both Webster and Tracy stay after all, and even allowed Alistair to bring Mousse home, for a short stay. I think that the The Prof. likes to be liked - if that makes any sense?
PS I am not sure about providing a Play Station though, but then, who knows as I don't.
I stand by my original thought, that The Ambridge Fairy is not needed, due to the extension built, which Jim was adament, would not be built by Philip + boys. There must be the piano room, previously Jazzers bedroom (as is now in the extension), where Blake can sleep. This might mean a camp-bed or similar, for the interimn period.
The Ambridge Fairy is needed though, in a different way, to produce missing persons. Tom + Natasha Toby + Rex, along with Bert ...when were these last heard from?
I'd forgotten that Jim turned down Philip's offer to build the extension. It was down to some disagreement about the value of a classical education, or something similar. It seemed quite petty at the time. With hindsight though, Jim made the right choice.
I have posted too much and too often over the last few days.for which I am extremely sorry. At least I am giving my differing thoughts about TA, be these liked or not. I will curtail these.
Yesterday’s A Month in Ambridge semi-humorous column in the Guardian made the same point as I did about the “ implausible” (their word) non-Rob episode - why didn’t Helen ask Joy what the lurker look like before convincing herself he was Rob and fleeing with the children to Bridge Farm? Granted she had reason to be hypersensitive about Rob’s reappearance, but surely not to that extent. Tony’s normally cooler head didn’t seem to be operating and I don’t think Lee has a head!
Well Stella has so gone up in my estimatation. Her alliegance has changed, and she certainly put one over on Justin. She is starting to understand the Home Farm set up, with Brian et al. She will do well, Yes, I have done a massive U-turn, well for now, that is.... I also admired Ben, being the go-between with Beth and Vince, in such a great and understanding way. And why not, for a 3 night hotel stay, by Tower Bridge!
Pigs are very much in the news right now Ambridge pig farmers will surely have to come into the real world soon. Maybe tonight I will not be listening until later!
I admired Jazzer last night, in the way he supported Blake, giving him some self belief. Deep down, Jazzer understands him, due to similarties in both thier past lives. Blake needs a friend, be it short-term as, as he said his only friends are Jordan + Kenzie, but doesn't know where they are. I hope this is a continuing S/L.
Philip Moss was a rubbish employer - but he clearly taught Blake his trade. Let's hope that with Jazzer and Alistair's encouragement he's able to continue to make good use of those skills he's learnt and earn a good living. I hope too that in time he'll be encouraged to go to evening classes to get his key skills in maths and English.
Who knows, perhaps at some stage he will be the one employing ex-homeless lads - properly and legally!
Due to a phone call I entered tonight's episode when Stella and 'one other ' were having their ' encounter' I thought at first that the 'one other' was Hannah. Listening to the complete episode later, I was amused and afeared for the future of TA as Steller gave Brian her observations of the cosy arrangements. We see, I think a new broom trying to sweep clean. Does this also mean a new direction for the interacting families in Ambridge, or was it just two feisty young woman testing the boundaries between them ?
The scriptwriters were unable to resist the temptation for a bit of confrontational drama. Pity the characters involved. Hopefully this bad start won’t prejudice their future relationship.
Perhaps Hannah and Stella are one and the same actress! Can you imagine her having an argument with herself!?? Only kidding. Just a comment on the similar voices, male and female which makes it difficult sometimes to sort out who is talking! I think Blake is an interesting character and hope he figures largely in the future and succeeds with help into making a life for himself. There are many Blakes out there, intellectually challenged, abandoned by their family and open to exploitation. He sounds like a gentle giant but it won’t be an easy ride for him. Although Philip did a great wrong I couldn’t help feeling at least he gave shelter and security to Blake and the others when they could have been on the streets but I am not excusing his behaviour towards them. The trouble is they all needed guidance even if it was wrongly given.
I’m not a fan of Pip’s usually,but I was pleased to hear her hold her own against Stella’s demands for the sheep to be moved to another field immediately. Afterwards when Stella was telling Brian about her Unsatisfactory Brookfield Visit and clash with Pip,he initially down played the situation,but then threw in the bit about Pip’s disastrous past ‘mistake’ with the herd,which I thought was unneccesary. I did enjoy hearing the interaction between Blake,Alistair and Jazzer,gradually,drawing him out and giving him confidence.I hope that he will find a happy home.In the village and a chance to use his carpentry skills.
I agree Portia. That was a lovely scene with Alistair and Jazzer encouraging Blake to stay for lunch and gradually realising people could be kind and helpful to him. It is almost heartbreaking hearing how cowed he was before and seemed to think he has to stay in the cold bird hide because that is his lot in life.
I think this storyline might follow a similar pattern to the earlier one of Darryl, the carpenter with mental health problems who Shula took into her home and tried to help, after his wife and daughter gave up on him. Living at the Stables didn’t work out with Alistair and Daniel, and some of the village men did up an old camper van for him. Eventually social services found him a flat in Felpersham and he vanished from our airwaves. So not quite the fluffy pink ending we might have liked, but not a bad one.
I loved Jazzer and Alistair and how they are trying to show Blake, what a normal life is.
I have had one of my thoughts! Chris owns a forge, Blake has carpentry skills, so could an artisan enterprise develop, for the two of them? This would be bespoke made garden furniture, such as tables and chairs, along with window boxes with hand-made brackets,etc. In other words, a combination of both metal and wood-work, using two persons skills.
Stella, has certainly got Brian to tell her all about the Home Farm inheritance, or then not, his family life, his personal feelings etc. As much as I thought that Stella was now 100% Team Brian, I am now having some more doubts. I wonder if Stella is playing "devil's advocate", with Brian along with Justin/Demara/BL.. It's intriguing, and it is just focused on Home Farm, in many ways.
How I would like hear a Hannah, Pip.and Stella meet-up, when Alice also suddenly appears. I predict "hubble, bubble, toil + trouble" etc... This will be made worse when Phoebe, the grand-daughter of Brian, so a potential heir of Home Farm, gets involved....
What a brat! Are they developing her to add to the very small pool of working class youngsters in Ambridge? It’s thanks to Chelsea that we now know Johnny’s hair hasn’t grown back.
I hope Martin is not going to exploit Blake, to become another "Mr. Moss", even though he said he will be on the books, like any other employee. Blake will not know otherwise. At least Jazzer will be around...
Well, Google has suggested a fictional American serial killer, John Major, or the Scottish monster Fear Liath. Not sure any of these is a particularly close fit for Martin... Please release me from my ignorance Archerphile : )
I can’t help thinking that Gibson’s motive for offering to employ Blake is to purely to gain good publicity for the company. It would look very good in the press ‘ local company gives proper employment to victim of human slavery’ and provide kudos for himself.
But publicity will be the last thing Blake would want. There are too many people who might want him silenced , Victoria, the ‘grey man’ and who knows how many others. I hope that Jazzer and Brian will realise this and ensure Blake’s new employment remains a private matter.
I so agree. Martin seems to have a heart of stone, so to me, he is not doing this not out of compassion as he claims, but will exploit Blake to suit BL, in some way... I don't trust him, in any way. This could damage Blake, far more than helping him. Jazzer is on hand and will be nearby.
I've been reading about a re wilding project on an estate close to my daughter on the Lizard. ( she visited there this week ) It's brought up a pod cast and blog / website - by a photographer, focusing on re wilding. More info if of interest !
Of the three scenarios in Thursday’s episode, the one I liked was the conversation between Josh and Pip about planting more trees on Brookfield land. Because this will create the woodland+water landscape that would be ideal for Toby to introduce beavers to Brookfield (my dream storyline!)
Brookfield borders the Am and if the Ambridge Fairy hasn’t already organised a handy backwater for the beavers (as the Farm’s name suggests), I’m confident one could be created. Josh’s tree planting scheme will supply the nearby woodland. What more does your average beaver want???
Thanks for the heads up re beavers at Longleat Miriam. Been reading up, fascinating ! - and also found a lovely you tube account of beavers in the States.
Lots of ' natural ' efforts for holding back the water around the heavily wooded hills here, ( flood management initiatives ) and I'm hoping to hear one day of some beavers taking up home, or being ' introduced'. Otters are here already, and can be seen right in the middle of town, though not by me, so far, unfortunately.
One of my daughters and her husband bought a small patch of land, bordered by a river, to manage for wildlife. They recently saw a video of a beaver on their camera trap which was very exciting for them.
Ambridge has several woods (eg. Leaders Wood), admittedly all a bit of a trek for beavers based at Brookfield! The Farm covers some of the 4 open fields of medieval Ambridge (Brook Field and Lakey Hill Field) which were cleared of ancient woodland, but a map I saw showed mature trees bordering the Am where it ran by Brookfield land (near Bert’s bungalow). These could be supplemented by Josh’s new ones.
I need some clarification, and any help is very appreciated. Shula said to Lilian, that The Stables was still needed to give her a good salary. My query is, in going to be ordained, are previous incomes and properties still allowed? I thought, rightly or wrongly, on ordination all wordly goods were given up, but that might be not the case.
Vicars etc tend to live in tied accommodation. This ensures that they can afford to live near the church they serve, regardless of the local property prices. In the Church of England they are then paid a stipend, rather than a salary, which is more or less the same wherever they are in the country. I believe this was originally designed to be adequate to support a family. Nowadays, many clergy spouses are also in paid employment.
Strictly speaking, once you have been ordained and served in the Church of England, you your and spouse are guaranteed a home for life following retirement. But I'm not sure how many such homes are actually available, nor how much choice you get. So many clergy keep the houses they lived in before ordination and rent them out until they are ready to move back in or sell them to buy a retirement property. (This also provides valuable extra income - unless you have nightmare tenants in which case it can become a financial black hole ...)
This all applies to stipendary (paid) ministry. There are also non-stipendary ministers who are ordained but not paid by the church. They continue to need another job to bring in the bacon. I don't recall what the plans were for Shula.
When I was young the October half term holiday was known as "Potato picking week" I think I was about 14 years old when I first did it. It was back breaking work and we had quite a long to walk to the farm early in the morning and I think we finished about 4pm However we were paid 16/- a day - plus we could take home as many potatoes as we could carry - so it was worth it. We had tea in metal mugs that was stewed and sweet . Couldn't drink that now Why don't youngsters do that sort of thing nowadays? Perhaps they do Tom and Tony could try to rope in some of the local teenagers . Don't think 80p a day would attract them though.
Most apples fruit between three and four years. As they were planted in Decenber 2018 I doubt very much as if Bridge Farm Fresh would have many apples to sell! Especially with hired pickers! And I have picked farm in rain as well!
Sorry. Doctor just rang and I didn't check! 'I mean I have picked apples in the rain. The only trouble is that the rain runs down your arms when reaching up for them.'
Why am I still so very concerned, about Blake working at Berrow??? I am not sure why, but to me it just seems, too much, too soon. I hope that he just doesn't disappear again, being the last time he is heard from. That would be so sad and uneccesary.
From a plotting point of view, it's the best way to create scenes between him and Jazzer - there are only so many jobs to be found around Jim's house. Jazzer really is a natural with him, perhaps due to a similar childhood. I do hope he helps Blake rebuild his life. But yes, I'd like to see him employed somewhere other than Berrow Farm.
Have decided that, as I have already missed 3 episodes this week through being away I shall not read any of the recent comments and will catch up via the Omnibus on Sunday and comment then. Ooo, but I have missed keeping up, be it only for 3 days! I must be addicted to TA!
As one who frequently claims that TA frequently ' washes over' her, I have to say 'not tonight ' ! Already alert to the unprincipled M Gibson, I was extremely alarmed by the call from him to Blake and his blandishments that all would be OK. Fortunately Jazzer was keeping a weather eye open and was able to rescue Blake, but I fear the damage has been done, and he will abscond. He is after all adept at keeping his head down. Shame on you Martin Gibson.
As for Shula. Was intending last night to post with words to Shula about the danger of stirring any pot with Lillian. Lillian who can't keep her itchy fingers off dodgy men. Most of Lils liaisons are with unprincipled men of means. Does she never question how they got those gains ? Ill gotten Lillian ! Most often.
Do not give in to Lillian's blandishments Shula. Find another way of investing. Please.
....but didn't these monies that came from selling a barn, related to the re-wilding project. It is still Justin's money, who wants an investment project, but not The Stables!
After the way he spoke to Martin Not-The-Grey-Man Gibson, I suspect Jazzer’s days at Berrow Farm are numbered, so both he and Blake could end up working for Tom (again, in Jazzer’s case).
Lilian has her own business, namely Ameside Properties, so can she take on The Stables as well? The answer is yes, by selling Ameside, to Justin and then using the proceeds, towards The Stables. which is far more suitable to her.
First of all it was Lilian who started off the stables but she sold the stables to Christine, I believe when she got marriage No 1! I don't think the scriptwriters have cottoned on to that!
My next jaw-dropping moment was when Jennifer told Adam it was 'degrading' for him to pick apples! At least he told her the truth although she did decide that it was all Brian's fault. Perhaps Jennifer might agree that her husband is not always trying to bring her children down!
Jaw dropping I agree, but also highly predictable. I was actually waiting for her to use the words. And thank you SWs, you didn't disappoint me...... Jennifer in all her snobbish ' I am the Landed Gentry of Ambridge' ( publicans daughter ! ) glorification. My son could not possibly be doing something so menial, so beneath him !
Up yours Jennifer, your son said he was happy. Don't think Adams ever been happy with responsibilities. They weigh heavily for him.
I also found it amazing that Jennifer would say that apple picking is degrading! Whatever happened to honest labour for monetary reward. What would she say if Adam decided to become a dustman!!
I must admit my original suggestion that Adam should help with the apple picking was made slightly tongue in cheek! But as I heard it when it happened, he was simply mucking in to help in a family crisis (Tom being his cousin). Plus he had already made the point to Ian that he needed money, and there was the lure of easy cash during the day while presumably job hunting in the evening. Jennifer's over reaction was just the scriptwriters playing the the gallery and laying it on thick.
Surely Jennifer should just be happy, that Adam is now relaxed and viewing life in a different way. It is the interlude he now needs. I cannot see a problem with this, along with a better relationship between Ian + Adam. Xander is well loved and provided for, which is always their main priority.
Jenny Dahling, so loves to try to rule the roost, with all her family, as shown with Alice, Martha, Adam, Xander, Kate, Ruiari over the years. The only one who seems to have escaped - is Phoebe, another grand-daughter.
I am confused again. I didn't realise Bridge Farm had an apple orchard. I thought the apple picking related to Natasha's juice enterprise, which is not local ...not sure. 🍎
They were planting apples in Ambridge in December 2018. They were certainly picking apples at Bridge Farm last week! Even though apples are not ready to fruit for about three or four years.
I wonder if Stella is on a trial period, so can be released without any major problems. I ask this, as Adam is doing a short term job, Alice is still in recovery, but in a few months time, could they take control of Home Farm again, as joint managers....🤷♀️ but then perhaps not. 🤦♀️
Miriam - Adam doesn’t want to return to Bridge Farm,, so Jennifer’s suggestion that the partnership could find him some role there (other than farm manager) doesn’t apply - and may not have been practicable anyway.
I wonder if Adam could go down the self employment route and do contract work for farms. He wouldn't be able to afford the machinery himself, but as a partner presumably he has some share in the Home Farm machinery, and could maybe borrow/rent it.
That could be a very good option for Adam, Janice. He has so much experience which he could share in that capacity, but he would be without the responsibility which he finds so onerous.
Have just caught up with the week via the omnibus & spent ages recording my thoughts. Tried to post 3 times but all floated off into thin air - not bothering again. But anything you like this post will get through!
Did anyone else think as I did ? An odd episode. As though a new SW was familiarising themselves with Archers history on air. Or was it about familiarising new younger listeners with Archer family history ? Are there younger new listeners ?
I thought is was nice hearing families getting together amicably. The four Archer siblings getting on well for once and Tony being so considerate to Adam the other day. Jill seemed to be on good form tonight, with no shrieking and I was grateful that we were spared listening to Bert’s poem, despite a few quotes from others.
The whole episode, though not much happened and stories were not advanced, was enjoyable, peaceful and reminiscent of the Archers of old.
Don't disagree with any of your thoughts Archerphile, but still feel it was an odd listen, for me. Somehow out of keeping. And perhaps that is telling in itself.
I agree Archerphile that the episode was more like the Archers of old. Not much happened but that was OK and a peaceful family gathering is a very good thing.
Just logged on to say exactly what Archerphile and Anneveggie have already posted 🤗
With Jill featuring in episodes once again I googled Patricia Greene and she is now 90yrs old (nearer to 91yrs actually) I know she has to use special scripts with large type due to her eye condition but wow TA cast certainly appear to have good genes and good on ‘em I say!
Yes, I noted how strong her voice sounded, and as a result pondered on her age. I wonder if she has been doing some voice work during the last two years, as we're we not commenting previously on how squeaky her voice had become ?
After Ruth urging Stella to come to Harvest Supper, I was expecting some interesting interactions between Stella and the locals, especially Rex. So I was disappointed by the amount of time given to Jill’s speech (two or three sentences from it would have done me!) and the siblings demonstrating their Archer solidarity.
It was too sentimental for me (though I appreciate others wouldn’t agree’j and also lacking in atmosphere. It was difficult for me to believe we.were in the crowded barn with Harvest Supper in full swing, when the locals’ applause sounded miles away and obviously a sound effect. Perhaps that’s why it sounded odd to Mrs P.
But it made a change from the usual run of TA drama - typical of the ‘new’ Sunday episodes I think.
PS> I wondered afterwards if Jill's speech might be the actor's unofficial farewell to Ambridge, like Prospero's 'Our revels now are ended' speech is often taken as Shakespeare's unofficial farewell to the stage before retiring to Stratford? (The quality of the Stratford audience's silence always changes and deepens when we get to that speech - it sends shivers down my spine!)
I'm still bemused, and can't say, and therefore cannot agree with others, that it was like The Archers of old. It was the rehearsal of what the siblings had done, achieved, in their younger years that bemused me, and struck me that it was almost like an advertisement of/for the Archer family, designed to fill gaps for new listeners. It would not have been usual, in the past, for the siblings to ' remind' each other, ( as they did in this episode) of their individual pasts, as though each had forgotten what the others might have done. On a second listening I still found it odd.
As soon as Ruth spoke to Jolene, I knew. I suppose the actor has decided post Covid, that the huge gap in working, has brought his career to a natural end.
And prior to that ending, Russ did not endear himself to me by his sour comments regarding Bert. Actually there is nothing in the personality of Russ, and even less in his voice, that lends any sympathy to his character for me. And I don't even feel that he lends anything at all to TA. I simply dislike him
However, Bert's ending precludes Jill departing as well in the near future, I would think.
Well, I think most of us saw that coming. The unstinting praise of Bert’s Harvest poem when we had hardly heard anything of him for months. The very fact that we didn’t hear him reciting ourselves. I think it was an obvious indication that Bert was soon to leave us
Hadn’t meant to publish yet.. I just hope Maryellen’s prediction for Jill is wrong. I’m not ready to loose Jill yet.
As for Russ - I just find him such an unlikable character. His superior view of everything, the way he speaks to Freddie, just his very voice all make me cringe. I find myself hoping he does try it on with Chelsea so he gets found out and gets the old heave-ho from Lily! Not nice, I know, but anything to get him written out!
Poor Bert. Yes it was obvious over last 2 episodes that his end was nigh. I liked his character. I can’t stand Russ…he’s a bloody creep and pompous! Deffo needs the old heave-ho.
I like Russ (and his voice) a lot when the scriptwriters allow his good side to shine through. At least he makes a significant contribution to the Lower Loxley household and business, which is more than can be said for that poisonous little twerp, Freddie. Quite my least favourite among the young men of Ambridge. No job, no friends, no interests (apart from a mild one in horses).
What does Freddie actually do while Elizabeth, Russ and Lily are working? Hangs around the house and grounds, coming up with the occasional not-very-brilliant idea, or being found a little task by his mum.
This is the Freddie given the task of helping organise Russ’s life class, who found a life model without making sure he knew what was involved (admittedly Lee isn’t the brightest button in the box) and was nowhere around in the crucial hour before the event, when disaster struck.
The demise of Bert will now bring to the fore Rex and where he might live. As far as I recall the bungalow belongs to the farm ( others will correct me if wrong !) As a tied property. Can Rex stay on, or should it now become a home for another member of the family. Perhaps Josh ?
I was beginning to change my opinion of Russ,when he offered course advice to Chelsea,but last night’s high handed,highpitched voiced put down of Freddie’s suggestion to Include Bert Fry in the Halloween events,put him back in my bad books.I was also annoyed at Elizabeth and Lilly for backing Russ up.In view of the subsequent sad news,at least Freddie didn’t have to reluctantly,tell Bert that he wasn’t required to take part after all.
I still find it unbelievable that Elizabeth worships at the shrine of Russ! Isn’t this the creep who seduced her teenage daughter while in the position of trust as her teacher? I would find it difficult to talk to him let alone work with him and bow to his opinions.
Is it really possible to just fall asleep and be dead without any sign of pain? What a way to go!
Yes I think it is possible Ev. Lucky for those who do. Back in the early 70's my godfather was happily chatting to my dad, my great aunt and two friends in his home when he suddenly slumped forwards in his chair and was dead. It was a great shock for those who were with him, especially for my great aunt who was his cousin and who had kept house for him for many years. My brother and myself drove our mother up to help, and we joined them in the front room (doctor had been and gone) and he looked so peaceful sitting there. Our lovely great aunt then came to live with us for the rest of her life. I now live in his house and believe it or not the chair he died in is still here. I am glad Bert had such a peaceful end among friends.
Mrs P. at 10.28am, has had the same thought re The Bungalow. As long as Rex + Toby can still pay a rent, then why not let them stay. Is Toby still around?
I thought the demise of Bert, which seemed pointed to when he won the Freda Fry cup, was on the cards. I am so pleased he went simply quietly, in The Bull, thinking about cribbage and sarnis, and amongst true friends.
I also like the way that Bert's demise was in the pub surrounded by friends and familiar faces. What a blessing that quick way of death would be. Along with some others, I do not like Russ at all. He sounds as if he considers himself superior to everyone and has a flat tone too. Plus the fact that he left his wife to be with his student which was totally unprofessional amongst other things.
Pleased to see that I'm not alone in my dislike of Russ. I also share the feelings of Ev and others regarding the seduction of Lily and the subsequent ' getting his feet under ( Lizzies ) table '. But then I have to admit that us Aries characters do now and again make crashing mistakes in our assessment of character, and in this case ELIZABETH PARGETTER your mistake is glaringly obvious to us listening public.
Oh for the gentle end decided upon for Bert. And so very very different to Freda's dreadful end. BERT FRY A Life well lived and well ended.
I think the prime example of someone getting their feet under the table is Leonard Berry at Brookfield. I’m not aware that LB does anything for Brookfield in return, apart from dabbling in the kitchen on one occasion - whereas Russ does a lot of the household catering and takes on business activities outside his job description. Remember him stealing in when no one else was willing to be Easter Bunny? Lee is another feet under table example.
Well that was a bolt from the blue! Our Bert gone as he was only spoken of in his last “broadcast” does that mean the actor died a while ago? Is his son set to become a new Ambridge resident or part of a pass through SL? As so many of the cast are now in their 70’s and beyond I guess they really have to try and bring the younger generation to the fore.I just hope some of them pull themselves together as at 30 plus many of them are pretty useless……
I fear for Ben. He chose his vocation to train as a nurse. Twice now through, a mistimed joke, then a real life situation, he is doubting himself as not knowing what to do. He is not yet trained, and is only starting his nursing degree course.. I hope he doesn't question, as to if is this what he really wants. Beth at least, is a great girl-friend, who will do her best to keep him motivated, and spur him on... Perhaps Lee can help him.
You went gentle into that good night Which shall be ours anon. No rage against the dying light, Yours was a gentler song. Sleep gently now in Ambridge earth, Where you and your dreams belong.
(With thanks to D. Thomas. R. Kipling, and A. E. Houseman.)
Well done Maryellen, doesn't matter that it is short. It is apt and well intentioned.
Not well intentioned is the awful Russ. Does anyone else think that he is deliberately being made to be so horrible in order to enable Lily give up on him, and by doing so relieve us of his most unpleasant personality.
I still do not know why, Lily is so fixated on Russ. She can do so much better for herself, and be far more supportive to Freddie, her twin and the heir of Lower Loxley.
You have hit the nail on the head, Miriam. Freddie is weak and will always need support. Let’s hope he finds a committed and capable partner, as his father did, leaving Lily free to get on with her own life, wherever that takes her. At the moment, Ambridge’s choice of a female partner for Freddie seems limited to Phoebe and the Button sisters. I can certainly see Phoebe in the job!
*** FROM PREVIOUS BLOG ***
ReplyDeleteMiriam - October 1, 2021 at 4:23 PM
The S/L of Blake, reminds me of another, the details of which I have now forgotten. Shula took some-one under her wing. This person ended up, living in a railway carriage or similar, in Grundy's Field.
Robert was such a gracious and generous host, alongside Linda.
It is no wonder that Blake disappeared. He is just not used to, and probably never has known, such a life-style.
I hope that Blake is still in Ambridge, found and helped by a "good samaritan". I wonder who this could be. I am sure that there is plenty of cheap, casual farm work available, to suit Blake.
He could stay in one of Home Farm worker's caravans, which are currently standing empty.
It is obvious that, I do not want Blake to have gone, never to be heard about again.
Miriam - October 1, 2021 at 4:29 PM
Perhaps St. Shula will be the Guardian Angel again, when Blake is found, sleeping in a stable!! 😂
Miriam - October 1, 2021 at 4:49 PM
Banjo's empty one?
MrsP Ambridge - October 1, 2021 at 5:53 PM
Miriam!
Your endless imagination regarding events in THE ARCHERS astounds and bedazzles me.
And makes me feel very humble as I take what the SWs give me as a passive and occasionally responsive listener.
You are amazing !
Miriam - October 1, 2021 at 6:22 PM
Mrs P..
I do have an over-active imagination, re TA, but just at the moment.
The Alice S/L has been so prominent and very worthwhile, but there has not been much else.
I have only given my ideas, as to other possible ideas, relating to life in Ambridge.
I like intrigue...
Others don't.
We all listen to TA, in differing ways with different ideals and expectations.
Long May it Last.
Miriam - October 1, 2021 at 6:35 PM
Josh and Beth. This is Josh just trying to put one over on Ben, but most importantly, to get an introduction to Vince. Josh is a schemer in many ways.
Oh my imagination is OTT yet again, but anything is possible, but more likely, entirely not probable! 🤥😨
That looks like dear old Walter Gabriel to me!
ReplyDeleteWith curmudgeonly Mrs P supervising!
DeleteYup I thought the same!
DeleteYup. That's them.
DeleteSo the Sws were channeling Walter and MrsP with Tony and Joy.
Walter + Mrs P. are before my TA listening. However, I spookily have images of photo's, from my little Sis who researched my wonderful family, which resemble this so much.
ReplyDeleteNo extra comments after listening to TA omnibus this morning, except one.
Josh is trying to get Beth's attention, for reasons of his own.
This is to ursup Ben, and give him a path to Vince, her Dad.
Josh likes a dodgy scheme, and who else to join with, Vince.
I think Beth is a lovely person, and will certainly realise, that Josh is up to no good.
I am finding Josh rather unpleasant at the moment, I’ve never particularly liked him but have had a degree of sympathy in the past.
ReplyDeleteIt’s good to hear Justin is still up to his old tricks and not gone soft.
Since we’ve gone back to five episodes I do feel that the story lines have improved,it just seems to flow better.
It appears that Miriam was correct.
ReplyDeleteStella is a plant as Miriam has predicted.
Machinations from both her and Justin.
Look out Brian.
Yes, Miriam, well done for predicting correctly.
ReplyDeleteI’m afraid Josh is turning into a rather unlikable young man. I used to feel sorry for him, for the way David treated him and dismissed his business ambitions.
ReplyDeleteBut recently he has developed a nasty, jealous streak, always making fun of his younger brother and playing ‘jokes’ which are not in the slightest bit funny.
He sounds like a silly teenager rather than a sensible young entrepreneur
He need to grow up
I mostly agree AP except that I have never felt sorry for him. He is a greedy self centred individual with an exaggerated sense of his own cleverness and who really ought to act his real age. His childishness is unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Pierre, I've never felt sorry for Josh.
DeleteI always felt that David saw the unpleasantness in his son and this caused a bias in his attitude towards him.
And..... the description of him above from Pierre seems spot on to me.
OK, you two, so neither of you felt sorry for Josh.
DeleteBut I remember when David told him that there was no future for him at Brookfield and that , in effect, Pip would be inheriting the farm
Everything Josh tried to do was given the thumbs down or ridiculed and he had to find his own niche and way of making a living.
I most certainly felt sorry for him then, having a father who so obviously preferred his sister and didn’t support him at all.
It may well have set the future behaviour which has been displayed recently.
I too remembered when David told Josh there was no room on the farm for him. It was a ringing endorsement of 'Pip was the eldest and so she should inherit.' I felt very sorry for Josh.
DeleteI think that Josh's behaviour possibly extends from how he has been treated at his home but now I feel it probably, possibly vindictive, towards Ben. Mind you ben's not up to much anyway!
I think Justin is a toad to lie and deny that he has been with Stella. And why lie to Lilian about who he was dining with anyway. What's it to him whether the farm is up for sale !
Although I thought Stella was up to no good, I was extremely surprised to learn that Justin suggested she applied for the position.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how old Stella is....not that it matters.
I think Josh should stop trying to constantly downgrade Ben, in all ways along with Ben's relationship with Beth.
ReplyDeleteHe to me, is jealous, a strong word I admit.
Ben is going forwards in his life, in a wonderful way, with his nursing course, then career.
Ben has a lovely new girlfriend.
Josh only has now, his egg "empire" at Hollowtree plus no female dangling on his arm, saying How Wonderful, he is.
It seems to me, the tides are now turning, as long as there is not an Ed + Will situation.
I am interested to hear what aspires, when Alice meets Stella.
ReplyDeleteWhy not Pheobe as a potential heir to Home Farm, who is a grand-daughter after all?
Also how does Brian know that Adam or Debbie, or even Alice, would not be interested in taking on Home Farm in the future, without a full partnership meeting.
He presumed too much, too soon, and said this to the wrong people.
I sympathise with Stella’s reaction which sounded genuine to me.
ReplyDeleteBrian is still the owner of Home Farm. The new manager is an employee who is receiving a salary, but is so agonistic towards her employer after just 2 weeks.
ReplyDeleteBrian seems weak though, and is telling far too many personal details, to someone he basically doesn't know and trust, as to the running of Home Farm.
The new manager hasn't proven their worth yet.
Still more ammunition for Justin and the upcoming BL meeting.
Who has actually been officially told about the *potential* sale? Brian has hardly been discussing it in The Bull.
ReplyDeleteI would have hoped he would have made a few more enquiries as to how Stella got her information before he started filling her in with all the family details.
'Yes, sorry, I know it's a shock and concern to you but, honestly, it's just a possibility we've been thinking of. No, we couldn't have told you at your interview because we hadn't even considered it then. I'm afraid it comes as the result of family complications that have blown up recently. We certainly won't be doing anything in a hurry and we'll keep you fully informed if we do decide to act on this idea. By the way, we haven't really spoken of this outside immediate family; may I ask how you came to hear about it?'
Wouldn't Brian put two and two together and come up with Justin as the source? How dishonest of Justin. I am not sure about Stella but she did react in an understandable way, although agree it was overly antagonistic towards her new boss. She seems a very confident young lady.
ReplyDeleteDo we know she is 'young' ?
DeleteAnd can we define 'young'
Personally I am inclined to include forty plus as young, but some might feel that forty plus is middle aged.
I have a feeling that Stella is well into or beyond her thirties.
All this angst being caused because of the assumption that,Chris will claim part of Alice’s interest in Home Farm as part of the proposed divorce,which,even Stella said might not happen.So far I am not a fan of hers,but she is obviously being used by odious Justin for his own means.She seemed genuinely affronted by the news that the Aldriges were considering selling the farm.
ReplyDeleteThat was a brilliant suggestion of yours,Miriam about Pheobe being a possible inheritor of Home Farm.
Phoebe is illegitimate. Xander and Martha are the legitimate Aldridge grandchildren. If the Farm was passing down the usual order of succession, then Xander would stand to inherit. But the Farm belongs to to family trust and I don’t think it’s in Brian’s power to personally will it to anyone. I agree the thought of Phoebe rewilding the estate to incorporate Kate’s Spiritual Homes is attractive!
ReplyDeleteI can just hear Kate's comments if Phoebe was sidelined because of being illegitimate!
ReplyDeleteHow can Phoebe be illegitimate ?
DeleteShe is Kate's daughter and Kate is Brian's daughter ?
Explanation Maryellen, I don't understand.
I do understand of course that Kate and Roy never married.
Mrs P - as I’ve always understood it, a child whose parents are not legitimately married to each other, is illegitimate, eg, Rory.
DeleteOk, yes understand that Maryellen, but surely Phoebe, though illegitimate was born to Kate therefore a ' legitimate ' member of the Aldridge family.
DeleteI can see that Ruari might be a different situation as he was born to Siobhan and as far as I remember no paternity tests were ever carried out.
However the family view her, legally Phoebe is illegitimate - though cases of illegitimate children laying claim to their biological father’s estate are not unknown in fact or fiction. Didn’t something similar happen with the Lower Loxley estate?
DeleteOWIAS at 8.42pm. last night, talked about who "officially" knows that, Brian has decided to sell Home Farm.
ReplyDeleteNo-one officially, since there has been no partnership meeting to tell this decision, just yet.
Brian told Jennifer, who then told Lilian, who then told Justin...and so the Ambridge gossip starts!
Regarding the subject of illegitimacy:
ReplyDeleteI should like to point out that I am illegitimate. My birth mother was not married to my father so that makes me illegitimate. However I was fortunate enough to be adopted by a good and loving family who gave me a happy childhood.
But when my adoptive parents both died when I was in my late 20’s and was married with 2 very young children, I was never mentioned in either of their wills. I inherited absolutely nothing, not even my mothers wedding ring. It was as though I meant nothing to them. Everything was left solely to my brother, their legitimate son who was 23 years older than me.
Whether this was simply an oversight, or because of some legality about adopted children being unable to inherit, I never discovered. But it was extremely hurtful and the feeling has lasted for many years.
So please don’t talk about illegitimacy just in terms of legal inheritance. It means far, far more than that.
Archerphile - I am sorry Mrs P and I struck a nerve but this is a risk of blogging when none of us know all of each other’s circumstances, or how they have affected us. We were talking objectively about the inheritance aspect because Phoebe and the inheritance of Home Farm was the topic which had sparked the conversation. We don’t know much about the personal aspects in TA other than Alice’s drunken outburst to Rory.
DeleteAF , I wonder when the wills were dated. Sometimes people just don’t make a new will thinking there is plenty of time to do that and then time runs out.
DeletePoint taken AP.
ReplyDeleteSometimes our discussions here do become predominantly academic and the human aspect of the point in question becomes overlooked.,
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to ' think on ' !
After Vince played that tasteless trick on Ben, I hope Ben doesn't start to question his choice of career and "vocation", as Amy has done.
ReplyDeleteHopefully Beth can keep Ben motivated, and say what a Prat her dad was.
I should have phrased that much better, remembering that young girl who died due to a nut allergy, after eating a Pret sandwhich.
DeleteI hang my head, in total shame as to my choice of word. 😭😰
Don't think you need to do that Miriam.
DeleteIt was a stupid trick, not to say juvenile considering the serious consequences for anyone with a nut allergy.
And let's be fair..... it was a pretty apt ' slip of the tongue '
It might be interesting to see what Elizabeth thinks of the incident should it come to her attention.
What an insensitive episode.
ReplyDeleteIn the past TA has successfully warned against sepsis with the untimely death of Nic.
Last night they used the possibility of anaphylaxis as a joke, particularly upsetting for anyone who knows someone who suffers from a food allergy or who has died from a food allergy.
I thought Ben would have known enough to search Vince for an epipen, which may have served as a ‘what to do’ instruction in such a crisis. An opportunity lost.
But no, it was presented as a particularly cruel joke and presumably designed to highlight the difference in parenting styles between Vince and Alan.
Poorly done Editor and SWS.
Archerphile ✔️✔️✔️
DeleteYes, I thought the first thing would have been to ask for an epipen. If Vince really was so allergic he would be bound to carry one. Offering him a drink of water was laughable! A joke in very poor taste but there are people who find that kind of thing funny. It reminds me of the boy who cried wolf and maybe one day Vince will really need help and won’t be taken seriously!
DeleteWhat annoyed me, is any-one with a nut allergy, would automatically know that frangipan is made from almonds, and also checks with waiting-on staff, what isn't suitable on the menu.
DeleteIt was immature, silly and insensitive.
I just hope Beth, tells her Dad what she thinks, as does Lizzie...
My worry is - how will this affect Ben, and did he felt inadequate?
DeleteHow I hope that Jim and Jazzer, will take Blake in and stay with them, alongside Alistair + Webster.
ReplyDeleteThis could work out well, in this different household.
I assume the extension is now complete, so there is room for one more.
Jim, The Prof. will certainly be able to help Blake.
I thought Blake would be found in The Stables, but The Hive is just as appropriate.
DeleteBlake would have to sleep on the sofa or bunk up with Jazzer. I don’t think Jazzer would like that, even if Jim did give him a rent reduction.
DeleteI am just pleased that Blake has been found and hope that some living arrangements can be sorted out for him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with others' comments that the nut 'joke' was not at all funny and in bad taste.
What better persons to find him in The Hide, than Jazzer + Jim, the Odd Couple...
DeleteGreenacres, Jim's property had 3 bedrooms, one for each of himself, Jazzer and Alistair.
ReplyDeleteHe has had an extension built on (not by Philip etc), to give Jazzer plus Webster more private space.
This was because Jim has his piano in Jazzers room, so it was a dual purpose one.
If Jim takes in Blake, which I so hope he does, then surely Blake can have a bed in this room?
Perhaps, I have remembered things wrongly...
If Jim’s place has 3 bedrooms, why did Alistair or was it Jazzer have to sleep on the sofa? I’m confused about that! But if Jim wants to adopt another homeless male, he needs a bigger premises, and possibly a bigger pension.
DeleteI have very obviously forgotten, why Jim extended his home and property, and what the extension is now being used for...😰😱
DeleteHow I loved Jazzer and Blake together - two like-minded souls.
ReplyDeleteOnly good can come out of this, surely.
I wait in anticipation.
I just hope that Blake is not afraid of 🕷🕷
Jazzer has gone up even further in my opinion - he likes Mahler, my favourite composer!
ReplyDeleteI 'sang' in Mahler II once : )
Delete(Well, to be honest, I probably mimed most of it - two days before the performance my friend's choir realised that they were '25 weak', not '50 strong' as required. So extra singers were hastily recruited and taught the piece. I expect the others were rather more competent singers than me!) Great piece though - especially the percussion.
Funnily enough Mr A also sang in the choir for Mahler’s 2nd. It was up in London in a fairly small concert hall. The orchestra ( including the off stage players) and choir were so huge there wasn’t room for a full audience! Magnificent piece, sends shivers down my spine.
DeleteClever of Jazzer to mention the shelves. Something Blake is good at - so he has a reason to come round and he will be offering a service rather than feeling he's receiving largesse. Of course, whilst he's there Jim and Jazzer will invite him to stay and share their lunch.
ReplyDeleteI hope he does agree to stay with them - aided by the Ambridge bedroom fairy if need be. Seeing how friends look out for each other will help him gradually realise that how Philip treated him, Jordan and Kenzie was wrong.
Suspect that Jazzers mention of his inability to create or finish the shelves was deliberately designed to give Blake the opportunity to offer his services.
ReplyDeleteA ploy !
And a goodun at that.
Well done Jazzer, and Jim if it was a set up.
Let’s hope the Ambridge fairy arranges not only a bedroom at Greenacres for Blake but also the means to pay for his board and lodging. Jim isn’t a.registered charity.
ReplyDeleteStella is proving to be an asset. I knew she would. She may be too good for Home Farm, though.
Would Jim provide PlayStation like Philip did, I wonder? Blake has his own values.
DeleteI feel sure that Jim would welcome Blake, as a short-term guest, to just try and help Blake out.
DeleteJim has mellowed a lot, since that awful revelation!
He lets both Webster and Tracy stay after all, and even allowed Alistair to bring Mousse home, for a short stay.
I think that the The Prof. likes to be liked - if that makes any sense?
PS I am not sure about providing a Play Station though, but then, who knows as I don't.
I stand by my original thought, that The Ambridge Fairy is not needed, due to the extension built, which Jim was adament, would not be built by Philip + boys.
DeleteThere must be the piano room, previously Jazzers bedroom (as is now in the extension), where Blake can sleep. This might mean a camp-bed or similar, for the interimn period.
I will not say any more.
The Ambridge Fairy is needed though, in a different way, to produce missing persons.
DeleteTom + Natasha
Toby + Rex, along with Bert
...when were these last heard from?
I'd forgotten that Jim turned down Philip's offer to build the extension. It was down to some disagreement about the value of a classical education, or something similar. It seemed quite petty at the time. With hindsight though, Jim made the right choice.
DeleteI bet the "shelves" scenario, along with the breakfast in bed, even though it was served in The Hide, was down to Jim.
ReplyDeleteI wonder, if Jim actually embraces having differing persons, sharing his home, with whom he can help in his own, and different way.
DeleteI have posted too much and too often over the last few days.for which I am extremely sorry.
ReplyDeleteAt least I am giving my differing thoughts about TA, be these liked or not.
I will curtail these.
Next post Sunday, after The Omnibus listening.
DeleteYesterday’s A Month in Ambridge semi-humorous column in the Guardian made the same point as I did about the “ implausible” (their word) non-Rob episode - why didn’t Helen ask Joy what the lurker look like before convincing herself he was Rob and fleeing with the children to Bridge Farm? Granted she had reason to be hypersensitive about Rob’s reappearance, but surely not to that extent. Tony’s normally cooler head didn’t seem to be operating and I don’t think Lee has a head!
ReplyDeleteWell Stella has so gone up in my estimatation.
ReplyDeleteHer alliegance has changed, and she certainly put one over on Justin.
She is starting to understand the Home Farm set up, with Brian et al. She will do well,
Yes, I have done a massive U-turn, well for now, that is....
I also admired Ben, being the go-between with Beth and Vince, in such a great and understanding way.
And why not, for a 3 night hotel stay, by Tower Bridge!
Pigs are very much in the news right now Ambridge pig farmers will surely have to come into the real world soon. Maybe tonight I will not be listening until later!
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to hear Jazzer and Alistair thinking of jobs for Blake to do. Something positive in his life after such a rough time.
ReplyDeleteI admired Jazzer last night, in the way he supported Blake, giving him some self belief. Deep down, Jazzer understands him, due to similarties in both thier past lives.
ReplyDeleteBlake needs a friend, be it short-term as, as he said his only friends are Jordan + Kenzie, but doesn't know where they are.
I hope this is a continuing S/L.
Philip Moss was a rubbish employer - but he clearly taught Blake his trade. Let's hope that with Jazzer and Alistair's encouragement he's able to continue to make good use of those skills he's learnt and earn a good living. I hope too that in time he'll be encouraged to go to evening classes to get his key skills in maths and English.
ReplyDeleteWho knows, perhaps at some stage he will be the one employing ex-homeless lads - properly and legally!
So, who decided where the Brookfield sheep should go?
ReplyDeleteWill Stella end up with egg on her face and having to eat humble pie to Pip?
Has Stella met Hannah? I reckon they'd get on like a house on fire.
Due to a phone call I entered tonight's episode when Stella and 'one other ' were having their ' encounter' I thought at first that the 'one other' was Hannah.
DeleteListening to the complete episode later, I was amused and afeared for the future of TA as Steller gave Brian her observations of the cosy arrangements.
We see, I think a new broom trying to sweep clean.
Does this also mean a new direction for the interacting families in Ambridge, or was it just two feisty young woman testing the boundaries between them ?
Yes, Mrs P, two feisty young females locking horns to see who comes out on top!
DeleteI thought shades of Hannah too!
DeleteThe scriptwriters were unable to resist the temptation for a bit of confrontational drama. Pity the characters involved. Hopefully this bad start won’t prejudice their future relationship.
DeletePerhaps Hannah and Stella are one and the same actress! Can you imagine her having an argument with herself!?? Only kidding. Just a comment on the similar voices, male and female which makes it difficult sometimes to sort out who is talking! I think Blake is an interesting character and hope he figures largely in the future and succeeds with help into making a life for himself. There are many Blakes out there, intellectually challenged, abandoned by their family and open to exploitation. He sounds like a gentle giant but it won’t be an easy ride for him. Although Philip did a great wrong I couldn’t help feeling at least he gave shelter and security to Blake and the others when they could have been on the streets but I am not excusing his behaviour towards them. The trouble is they all needed guidance even if it was wrongly given.
DeleteI’m not a fan of Pip’s usually,but I was pleased to hear her hold her own against Stella’s demands for the sheep to be moved to another field immediately. Afterwards when Stella was telling Brian about her Unsatisfactory Brookfield Visit and clash with Pip,he initially down played the situation,but then threw in the bit about Pip’s disastrous past ‘mistake’ with the herd,which I thought was unneccesary.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy hearing the interaction between Blake,Alistair and Jazzer,gradually,drawing him out and giving him confidence.I hope that he will find a happy home.In the village
and a chance to use his carpentry skills.
I agree Portia.
DeleteThat was a lovely scene with Alistair and Jazzer encouraging Blake to stay for lunch and gradually realising people could be kind and helpful to him.
It is almost heartbreaking hearing how cowed he was before and seemed to think he has to stay in the cold bird hide because that is his lot in life.
I think this storyline might follow a similar pattern to the earlier one of Darryl, the carpenter with mental health problems who Shula took into her home and tried to help, after his wife and daughter gave up on him. Living at the Stables didn’t work out with Alistair and Daniel, and some of the village men did up an old camper van for him. Eventually social services found him a flat in Felpersham and he vanished from our airwaves. So not quite the fluffy pink ending we might have liked, but not a bad one.
DeleteYes. There are lots of similarities.
DeleteI just hope that this S/L has a more positive and acceptable outcome.
I like to think Darryl went on to have a positive outcome that was acceptable to him, but who knows? We were never told!
DeleteI loved Jazzer and Alistair and how they are trying to show Blake, what a normal life is.
ReplyDeleteI have had one of my thoughts!
Chris owns a forge, Blake has carpentry skills, so could an artisan enterprise develop, for the two of them?
This would be bespoke made garden furniture, such as tables and chairs, along with window boxes with hand-made brackets,etc.
In other words, a combination of both metal and wood-work, using two persons skills.
Stella, has certainly got Brian to tell her all about the Home Farm inheritance, or then not, his family life, his personal feelings etc.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I thought that Stella was now 100% Team Brian, I am now having some more doubts.
I wonder if Stella is playing "devil's advocate", with Brian along with Justin/Demara/BL..
It's intriguing, and it is just focused on Home Farm, in many ways.
How I would like hear a Hannah, Pip.and Stella meet-up, when Alice also suddenly appears.
DeleteI predict "hubble, bubble, toil + trouble" etc...
This will be made worse when Phoebe, the grand-daughter of Brian, so a potential heir of Home Farm, gets involved....
I enjoyed tonight's episode. I think things are on the up.
ReplyDeleteChelsea is priceless.....
ReplyDeleteRuss is a teacher, you just sell kitchens!
A real chip off her mother’s block.
I just bet the SWs are really enjoying developing that character.
DeleteAnd a very good foil for the oppressive Stellar.
What a brat! Are they developing her to add to the very small pool of working class youngsters in Ambridge? It’s thanks to Chelsea that we now know Johnny’s hair hasn’t grown back.
DeleteChelsey has appeared, but what about George?
ReplyDeleteDidn't he also start at college at the same time, and where are the Button sisters?
Smoking behind the bikesheds ; )
DeleteMartin Gibson deputises while Ambridge Fairy takes well-earned break??
ReplyDeleteI hope Martin is not going to exploit Blake, to become another "Mr. Moss", even though he said he will be on the books, like any other employee. Blake will not know otherwise.
ReplyDeleteAt least Jazzer will be around...
Could Martin Gibson be Blake’s ‘Grey Man’?
ReplyDeleteWell, Google has suggested a fictional American serial killer, John Major, or the Scottish monster Fear Liath.
DeleteNot sure any of these is a particularly close fit for Martin...
Please release me from my ignorance Archerphile : )
Blake mentioned being told what to do by a ' grey man '.
DeleteYes, Mrs P. That was exactly what I was thinking of.
DeleteVery perceptive of you AP - didn't think of it myself but was undoubtedly suspicious. ( as I'm sure we were meant to be )
DeleteYou are all joking, aren’t you?
DeleteOther fans on alternative websites have thought about the Grey Man and Martin Gibson!
DeleteAnother blogger myth - like Ian being Henry’s biological father!
DeleteA positive end to the week. Good for Chelsea, Jazzer and even Martin!!
ReplyDeleteI can’t help thinking that Gibson’s motive for offering to employ Blake is to purely to gain good publicity for the company. It would look very good in the press ‘ local company gives proper employment to victim of human slavery’ and provide kudos for himself.
ReplyDeleteBut publicity will be the last thing Blake would want.
There are too many people who might want him silenced , Victoria, the ‘grey man’ and who knows how many others. I hope that Jazzer and Brian will realise this and ensure Blake’s new employment remains a private matter.
I so agree. Martin seems to have a heart of stone, so to me, he is not doing this not out of compassion as he claims, but will exploit Blake to suit BL, in some way...
DeleteI don't trust him, in any way.
This could damage Blake, far more than helping him.
Jazzer is on hand and will be nearby.
I've been reading about a re wilding project on an estate close to my daughter on the Lizard. ( she visited there this week )
ReplyDeleteIt's brought up a pod cast and blog / website - by a photographer, focusing on re wilding.
More info if of interest !
Is that the place where they are releasing red squirrels and thinking of bison!!?
DeleteThink it must be Janice, as daughter said they had reds when I pointed her to the 'blog' as above.
DeleteTrellowarren !
Of the three scenarios in Thursday’s episode, the one I liked was the conversation between Josh and Pip about planting more trees on Brookfield land. Because this will create the woodland+water landscape that would be ideal for Toby to introduce beavers to Brookfield (my dream storyline!)
ReplyDeletePS. Could be a slight delay while the trees mature!
DeleteThey'll be silent characters until they do ; )
DeleteA nice dream Maryellen, but unlikely I think.
DeleteBorsetshire not wooded enough for beavers.
Nice idea, but what about the Brookfield Land stream/river etc. needed to build the dam.
DeleteDid any-one see about the two beaver sets, found at Longleat, as seen in Animal Park??
It was so fascinating, and unexpected.
Brookfield borders the Am and if the Ambridge Fairy hasn’t already organised a handy backwater for the beavers (as the Farm’s name suggests), I’m confident one could be created. Josh’s tree planting scheme will supply the nearby woodland. What more does your average beaver want???
DeleteI would suggest ..... a very well established woodland.
DeleteIn the region of centuries old, as opposed to a few years ?
Keep on dreaming Maryellen !
Thanks for the heads up re beavers at Longleat Miriam.
DeleteBeen reading up, fascinating ! - and also found a lovely you tube account of beavers in the States.
Lots of ' natural ' efforts for holding back the water around the heavily wooded hills here, ( flood management initiatives ) and I'm hoping to hear one day of some beavers taking up home, or being ' introduced'.
Otters are here already, and can be seen right in the middle of town, though not by me, so far, unfortunately.
One of my daughters and her husband bought a small patch of land, bordered by a river, to manage for wildlife. They recently saw a video of a beaver on their camera trap which was very exciting for them.
DeleteOh ! ! Congratulations to your daughter CC
DeleteVery exciting indeed.
How wonderful.... very envious.
Ambridge has several woods (eg. Leaders Wood), admittedly all a bit of a trek for beavers based at Brookfield! The Farm covers some of the 4 open fields of medieval Ambridge (Brook Field and Lakey Hill Field) which were cleared of ancient woodland, but a map I saw showed mature trees bordering the Am where it ran by Brookfield land (near Bert’s bungalow). These could be supplemented by Josh’s new ones.
DeleteI need some clarification, and any help is very appreciated.
ReplyDeleteShula said to Lilian, that The Stables was still needed to give her a good salary.
My query is, in going to be ordained, are previous incomes and properties still allowed?
I thought, rightly or wrongly, on ordination all wordly goods were given up, but that might be not the case.
I think you're thinking of monks, Miriam.
DeleteVicars etc tend to live in tied accommodation. This ensures that they can afford to live near the church they serve, regardless of the local property prices. In the Church of England they are then paid a stipend, rather than a salary, which is more or less the same wherever they are in the country. I believe this was originally designed to be adequate to support a family. Nowadays, many clergy spouses are also in paid employment.
Strictly speaking, once you have been ordained and served in the Church of England, you your and spouse are guaranteed a home for life following retirement. But I'm not sure how many such homes are actually available, nor how much choice you get. So many clergy keep the houses they lived in before ordination and rent them out until they are ready to move back in or sell them to buy a retirement property. (This also provides valuable extra income - unless you have nightmare tenants in which case it can become a financial black hole ...)
This all applies to stipendary (paid) ministry. There are also non-stipendary ministers who are ordained but not paid by the church. They continue to need another job to bring in the bacon. I don't recall what the plans were for Shula.
Many Thanks for the reply, as I had not a clue about it all.😃
DeleteI’m up to date listening to Ta! I’ve enjoyed recent episodes, especially hearing Jazzer’s kindness and empathy.
ReplyDeleteHe's always been a favourite of mine and I am liking him being so sensible and understandig, for once.
DeleteWhen I was young the October half term holiday was known as "Potato picking week"
ReplyDeleteI think I was about 14 years old when I first did it.
It was back breaking work and we had quite a long to walk to the farm early in the morning and I think we finished about 4pm
However we were paid 16/- a day - plus we could take home as many potatoes as we could carry - so it was worth it.
We had tea in metal mugs that was stewed and sweet .
Couldn't drink that now
Why don't youngsters do that sort of thing nowadays?
Perhaps they do
Tom and Tony could try to rope in some of the local teenagers .
Don't think 80p a day would attract them though.
Tom needs pickers, Adam needs employment - simples!
ReplyDeleteHubris !
DeleteI have no empathy for Adam, at all.
DeleteHe has made his many many mistakes and decisions, so now has to live with the consequences as to these actions.
Most apples fruit between three and four years. As they were planted in Decenber 2018 I doubt very much as if Bridge Farm Fresh would have many apples to sell! Especially with hired pickers!
ReplyDeleteAnd I have picked farm in rain as well!
Sorry. Doctor just rang and I didn't check!
Delete'I mean I have picked apples in the rain. The only trouble is that the rain runs down your arms when reaching up for them.'
Why am I still so very concerned, about Blake working at Berrow???
ReplyDeleteI am not sure why, but to me it just seems, too much, too soon.
I hope that he just doesn't disappear again, being the last time he is heard from.
That would be so sad and uneccesary.
From a plotting point of view, it's the best way to create scenes between him and Jazzer - there are only so many jobs to be found around Jim's house.
DeleteJazzer really is a natural with him, perhaps due to a similar childhood. I do hope he helps Blake rebuild his life.
But yes, I'd like to see him employed somewhere other than Berrow Farm.
I agree with you about Justin and Jazzer Esscee.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking that it's more likely that Tom will be grateful for any help he can get though.
Have decided that, as I have already missed 3 episodes this week through being away I shall not read any of the recent comments and will catch up via the Omnibus on Sunday and comment then. Ooo, but I have missed keeping up, be it only for 3 days! I must be addicted to TA!
ReplyDeleteAh but the Duchess of Cambridge said we can all be addicts so you're not alone! 🤣
DeletePerhaps Blake could also help out at Bridge Farm if Berrow Farm is not a nine-to-five job!
ReplyDeleteAs one who frequently claims that TA frequently ' washes over' her, I have to say 'not tonight ' !
ReplyDeleteAlready alert to the unprincipled M Gibson, I was extremely alarmed by the call from him to Blake and his blandishments that all would be OK.
Fortunately Jazzer was keeping a weather eye open and was able to rescue Blake, but I fear the damage has been done, and he will abscond. He is after all adept at keeping his head down.
Shame on you Martin Gibson.
As for Shula.
Was intending last night to post with words to Shula about the danger of stirring any pot with Lillian.
Lillian who can't keep her itchy fingers off dodgy men.
Most of Lils liaisons are with unprincipled men of means. Does she never question how they got those gains ?
Ill gotten Lillian ! Most often.
Do not give in to Lillian's blandishments Shula.
Find another way of investing. Please.
....but didn't these monies that came from selling a barn, related to the re-wilding project.
DeleteIt is still Justin's money, who wants an investment project, but not The Stables!
After the way he spoke to Martin Not-The-Grey-Man Gibson, I suspect Jazzer’s days at Berrow Farm are numbered, so both he and Blake could end up working for Tom (again, in Jazzer’s case).
ReplyDeleteMartin employed Blake for only one reason, to promote himself.
ReplyDeleteI hope the journalist delves more into this S/L and Jazzer can find Blake.
Lilian has her own business, namely Ameside Properties, so can she take on The Stables as well?
ReplyDeleteThe answer is yes, by selling Ameside, to Justin and then using the proceeds, towards The Stables. which is far more suitable to her.
There has been so much happening at Home Farm, but it is now time to hear more about Bridge Farm, residents and obvious problems starting to happen.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all it was Lilian who started off the stables but she sold the stables to Christine, I believe when she got marriage No 1! I don't think the scriptwriters have cottoned on to that!
ReplyDeleteMy next jaw-dropping moment was when Jennifer told Adam it was 'degrading' for him to pick apples! At least he told her the truth although she did decide that it was all Brian's fault. Perhaps Jennifer might agree that her husband is not always trying to bring her children down!
Jaw dropping I agree, but also highly predictable.
ReplyDeleteI was actually waiting for her to use the words.
And thank you SWs, you didn't disappoint me...... Jennifer in all her snobbish ' I am the Landed Gentry of Ambridge' ( publicans daughter ! ) glorification. My son could not possibly be doing something so menial, so beneath him !
Up yours Jennifer, your son said he was happy.
Don't think Adams ever been happy with responsibilities. They weigh heavily for him.
I also found it amazing that Jennifer would say that apple picking is degrading! Whatever happened to honest labour for monetary reward. What would she say if Adam decided to become a dustman!!
ReplyDeleteI must admit my original suggestion that Adam should help with the apple picking was made slightly tongue in cheek! But as I heard it when it happened, he was simply mucking in to help in a family crisis (Tom being his cousin). Plus he had already made the point to Ian that he needed money, and there was the lure of easy cash during the day while presumably job hunting in the evening. Jennifer's over reaction was just the scriptwriters playing the the gallery and laying it on thick.
Delete...playing to the gallery....
DeleteYes, I suppose your right about that Maryellen, but typical of her anyway.
DeleteSurely Jennifer should just be happy, that Adam is now relaxed and viewing life in a different way.
DeleteIt is the interlude he now needs. I cannot see a problem with this, along with a better relationship between Ian + Adam.
Xander is well loved and provided for, which is always their main priority.
Jenny Dahling, so loves to try to rule the roost, with all her family, as shown with Alice, Martha, Adam, Xander, Kate, Ruiari over the years. The only one who seems to have escaped - is Phoebe, another grand-daughter.
I am confused again.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise Bridge Farm had an apple orchard. I thought the apple picking related to Natasha's juice enterprise, which is not local ...not sure. 🍎
They were planting apples in Ambridge in December 2018.
DeleteThey were certainly picking apples at Bridge Farm last week! Even though apples are not ready to fruit for about three or four years.
Must be the Ambridge Fairy at work again
I have forgotten that, so Thanks Spicy.
DeleteThis is why I love this site, as questions are answered so easily and readily.
It really helps.
I wonder if Stella is on a trial period, so can be released without any major problems.
ReplyDeleteI ask this, as Adam is doing a short term job, Alice is still in recovery, but in a few months time, could they take control of Home Farm again, as joint managers....🤷♀️ but then perhaps not. 🤦♀️
Miriam - Adam doesn’t want to return to Bridge Farm,, so Jennifer’s suggestion that the partnership could find him some role there (other than farm manager) doesn’t apply - and may not have been practicable anyway.
DeleteI wonder if Adam could go down the self employment route and do contract work for farms. He wouldn't be able to afford the machinery himself, but as a partner presumably he has some share in the Home Farm machinery, and could maybe borrow/rent it.
ReplyDeleteThat could be a very good option for Adam, Janice.
DeleteHe has so much experience which he could share in that capacity, but he would be without the responsibility which he finds so onerous.
Have just caught up with the week via the omnibus & spent ages recording my thoughts. Tried to post 3 times but all floated off into thin air - not bothering again.
ReplyDeleteBut anything you like this post will get through!
Ha! Thought so! Don’t think Archerfan blog likes me or my opinions! 😢😠😤😡
ReplyDeleteDid anyone else think as I did ?
ReplyDeleteAn odd episode.
As though a new SW was familiarising themselves with Archers history on air.
Or was it about familiarising new younger listeners with Archer family history ?
Are there younger new listeners ?
I thought is was nice hearing families getting together amicably. The four Archer siblings getting on well for once and Tony being so considerate to Adam the other day.
DeleteJill seemed to be on good form tonight, with no shrieking and I was grateful that we were spared listening to Bert’s poem, despite a few quotes from others.
The whole episode, though not much happened and stories were not advanced, was enjoyable, peaceful and reminiscent of the Archers of old.
Don't disagree with any of your thoughts Archerphile, but still feel it was an odd listen, for me.
DeleteSomehow out of keeping.
And perhaps that is telling in itself.
I agree Archerphile that the episode was more like the Archers of old. Not much happened but that was OK and a peaceful family gathering is a very good thing.
DeleteJust logged on to say exactly what Archerphile and Anneveggie have already posted 🤗
ReplyDeleteWith Jill featuring in episodes once again I googled Patricia Greene and she is now 90yrs old (nearer to 91yrs actually) I know she has to use special scripts with large type due to her eye condition but wow TA cast certainly appear to have good genes and good on ‘em I say!
Yes, I noted how strong her voice sounded, and as a result pondered on her age.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if she has been doing some voice work during the last two years, as we're we not commenting previously on how squeaky her voice had become ?
I enjoyed last nights episode. Yes, it was like the Archers of old.
ReplyDeleteAfter Ruth urging Stella to come to Harvest Supper, I was expecting some interesting interactions between Stella and the locals, especially Rex. So I was disappointed by the amount of time given to Jill’s speech (two or three sentences from it would have done me!) and the siblings demonstrating their Archer solidarity.
ReplyDeleteIt was too sentimental for me (though I appreciate others wouldn’t agree’j and also lacking in atmosphere. It was difficult for me to believe we.were in the crowded barn with Harvest Supper in full swing, when the locals’ applause sounded miles away and obviously a sound effect. Perhaps that’s why it sounded odd to Mrs P.
But it made a change from the usual run of TA drama - typical of the ‘new’ Sunday episodes I think.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeletePS> I wondered afterwards if Jill's speech might be the actor's unofficial farewell to Ambridge, like Prospero's 'Our revels now are ended' speech is often taken as Shakespeare's unofficial farewell to the stage before retiring to Stratford? (The quality of the Stratford audience's silence always changes and deepens when we get to that speech - it sends shivers down my spine!)
DeleteI'm still bemused, and can't say, and therefore cannot agree with others, that it was like The Archers of old.
ReplyDeleteIt was the rehearsal of what the siblings had done, achieved, in their younger years that bemused me, and struck me that it was almost like an advertisement of/for the Archer family, designed to fill gaps for new listeners.
It would not have been usual, in the past, for the siblings to ' remind' each other, ( as they did in this episode) of their individual pasts, as though each had forgotten what the others might have done.
On a second listening I still found it odd.
As soon as Ruth spoke to Jolene, I knew.
ReplyDeleteI suppose the actor has decided post Covid, that the huge gap in working, has brought his career to a natural end.
And prior to that ending, Russ did not endear himself to me by his sour comments regarding Bert.
Actually there is nothing in the personality of Russ, and even less in his voice, that lends any sympathy to his character for me. And I don't even feel that he lends anything at all to TA.
I simply dislike him
However, Bert's ending precludes Jill departing as well in the near future, I would think.
Well, I think most of us saw that coming.
ReplyDeleteThe unstinting praise of Bert’s Harvest poem when we had hardly heard anything of him for months.
The very fact that we didn’t hear him reciting ourselves.
I think it was an obvious indication that Bert was soon to leave us
Hadn’t meant to publish yet..
DeleteI just hope Maryellen’s prediction for Jill is wrong. I’m not ready to loose Jill yet.
As for Russ - I just find him such an unlikable character. His superior view of everything, the way he speaks to Freddie, just his very voice all make me cringe. I find myself hoping he does try it on with Chelsea so he gets found out and gets the old heave-ho from Lily!
Not nice, I know, but anything to get him written out!
Poor Bert. Yes it was obvious over last 2 episodes that his end was nigh. I liked his character.
ReplyDeleteI can’t stand Russ…he’s a bloody creep and pompous! Deffo needs the old heave-ho.
I like Russ (and his voice) a lot when the scriptwriters allow his good side to shine through. At least he makes a significant contribution to the Lower Loxley household and business, which is more than can be said for that poisonous little twerp, Freddie. Quite my least favourite among the young men of Ambridge. No job, no friends, no interests (apart from a mild one in horses).
DeleteWhat does Freddie actually do while Elizabeth, Russ and Lily are working? Hangs around the house and grounds, coming up with the occasional not-very-brilliant idea, or being found a little task by his mum.
This is the Freddie given the task of helping organise Russ’s life class, who found a life model without making sure he knew what was involved (admittedly Lee isn’t the brightest button in the box) and was nowhere around in the crucial hour before the event, when disaster struck.
The demise of Bert will now bring to the fore Rex and where he might live.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I recall the bungalow belongs to the farm ( others will correct me if wrong !)
As a tied property. Can Rex stay on, or should it now become a home for another member of the family. Perhaps Josh ?
I was beginning to change my opinion of Russ,when he offered course advice to Chelsea,but last night’s high handed,highpitched voiced put down of Freddie’s suggestion to Include Bert Fry in the Halloween events,put him back in my bad books.I was also annoyed at Elizabeth and Lilly for backing Russ up.In view of the subsequent sad news,at least Freddie didn’t have to reluctantly,tell Bert that he wasn’t required to take part after all.
ReplyDeleteI still find it unbelievable that Elizabeth worships at the shrine of Russ! Isn’t this the creep who seduced her teenage daughter while in the position of trust as her teacher? I would find it difficult to talk to him let alone work with him and bow to his opinions.
ReplyDeleteIs it really possible to just fall asleep and be dead without any sign of pain? What a way to go!
Yes I think it is possible Ev. Lucky for those who do. Back in the early 70's my godfather was happily chatting to my dad, my great aunt and two friends in his home when he suddenly slumped forwards in his chair and was dead. It was a great shock for those who were with him, especially for my great aunt who was his cousin and who had kept house for him for many years. My brother and myself drove our mother up to help, and we joined them in the front room (doctor had been and gone) and he looked so peaceful sitting there. Our lovely great aunt then came to live with us for the rest of her life. I now live in his house and believe it or not the chair he died in is still here. I am glad Bert had such a peaceful end among friends.
DeleteMy mother died in much the same way aged 99
DeleteHow lovely CC 🌹
DeleteI’m extra pleased now that the Freda Fry Cup was won by Bert, at the Flower and Produce Show,fair and square in spite of Eddie Grundy’s schemes.
ReplyDeleteMrs P. at 10.28am, has had the same thought re The Bungalow.
ReplyDeleteAs long as Rex + Toby can still pay a rent, then why not let them stay.
Is Toby still around?
Josh and Rex to share it, or then perhaps, Rex and Stella...
DeleteI thought the demise of Bert, which seemed pointed to when he won the Freda Fry cup, was on the cards.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased he went simply quietly, in The Bull, thinking about cribbage and sarnis, and amongst true friends.
I also like the way that Bert's demise was in the pub surrounded by friends and familiar faces. What a blessing that quick way of death would be.
ReplyDeleteAlong with some others, I do not like Russ at all. He sounds as if he considers himself superior to everyone and has a flat tone too. Plus the fact that he left his wife to be with his student which was totally unprofessional amongst other things.
Pleased to see that I'm not alone in my dislike of Russ.
ReplyDeleteI also share the feelings of Ev and others regarding the seduction of Lily and the subsequent ' getting his feet under ( Lizzies ) table '.
But then I have to admit that us Aries characters do now and again make crashing mistakes in our assessment of character, and in this case ELIZABETH PARGETTER
your mistake is glaringly obvious to us listening public.
Oh for the gentle end decided upon for Bert.
And so very very different to Freda's dreadful end.
BERT FRY A Life well lived and well ended.
Ditto to all of your comments, Mrs P.
DeleteI think the prime example of someone getting their feet under the table is Leonard Berry at Brookfield. I’m not aware that LB does anything for Brookfield in return, apart from dabbling in the kitchen on one occasion - whereas Russ does a lot of the household catering and takes on business activities outside his job description. Remember him stealing in when no one else was willing to be Easter Bunny? Lee is another feet under table example.
DeleteWell that was a bolt from the blue! Our Bert gone as he was only spoken of in his last “broadcast” does that mean the actor died a while ago? Is his son set to become a new Ambridge resident or part of a pass through SL? As so many of the cast are now in their 70’s and beyond I guess they really have to try and bring the younger generation to the fore.I just hope some of them pull themselves together as at 30 plus many of them are pretty useless……
ReplyDeleteAccording toFB. It was simply a case of Bert’s actor wishing to retire, not that he had died.
DeleteAnd you can read about it in ‘Farewell to Bert’ on the official BBC Archers website.
Delete✔️ Thanks for that Archerphile 🤗
DeleteI fear for Ben. He chose his vocation to train as a nurse. Twice now through, a mistimed joke, then a real life situation, he is doubting himself as not knowing what to do. He is not yet trained, and is only starting his nursing degree course..
ReplyDeleteI hope he doesn't question, as to if is this what he really wants.
Beth at least, is a great girl-friend, who will do her best to keep him motivated, and spur him on...
Perhaps Lee can help him.
Dear Bert.....
ReplyDeleteYou went gentle into that good night
Which shall be ours anon.
No rage against the dying light,
Yours was a gentler song.
Sleep gently now in Ambridge earth,
Where you and your dreams belong.
(With thanks to D. Thomas. R. Kipling, and A. E. Houseman.)
Lovely Maryellen, Bert would have loved it.
DeleteThanks, Archerphile! I think the only difference between Bert’s poetry and mine is that he could keep going longer!!
DeleteWell done Maryellen, doesn't matter that it is short.
DeleteIt is apt and well intentioned.
Not well intentioned is the awful Russ.
Does anyone else think that he is deliberately being made to be so horrible in order to enable Lily give up on him, and by doing so relieve us of his most unpleasant personality.
I thought Russ’s description of Freddie’s recent behaviour was spot on! Russ is a Lower Loxley employee. Breaking up with Lily wouldn’t change that.
DeleteI still do not know why, Lily is so fixated on Russ. She can do so much better for herself, and be far more supportive to Freddie, her twin and the heir of Lower Loxley.
ReplyDeleteYou have hit the nail on the head, Miriam. Freddie is weak and will always need support. Let’s hope he finds a committed and capable partner, as his father did, leaving Lily free to get on with her own life, wherever that takes her. At the moment, Ambridge’s choice of a female partner for Freddie seems limited to Phoebe and the Button sisters. I can certainly see Phoebe in the job!
Delete