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Life in Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
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ReplyDeleteOldWomanInAShoe - October 28, 2021 at 8:04 PM
Ambridge's response to Trevor seems rather mean-spirited to me. OK, so he goes on and on about subjects that most people have no interest in. But they matter to him, and he clearly knows a lot about these admittedly rather esoteric topics.
He comes across to me as being on the autistic spectrum. Granted, Bert has never mentionned this, but then, given Trevor's age, it is highly plausible that he has never been diagnosed. Awareness is improving now but historically, many people will have gone through life never quite fitting in and not understanding why.
I wouldn't expect Eddie to act particularly empathetically, but I do hope someone in the village will pick up the signals and show Trevor genuine acceptance rather than dismissing him as a terminal bore who is best avoided.
That said, the last scene was lovely: Trevor may not be able to recognise the norms of two-way conversation but his words to Rex were priceless. Stop trying to win the approval of your distant, ever-disapproving father Rex, and know that someone was genuinely proud of you. The esteem of Bert Fry is worth 100x more than the grudging attention of Robin Fairbrother.
Lady R - October 28, 2021 at 10:30 PM
I experienced all sorts of emotions during tonight’s episode, irritation with Trevor then laughter at Eddie’s cunning plan (or Jolene’s?) followed by repentance for both when Trevor was so genuinely kind to Rex.
I knew a person just like this (a work colleague no longer with us) but many of us would at times want to avoid a conversation with him as he could let’s say “go on a bit” but when the chips were down for anyone but particularly myself at one period in my life he was the kindest, most thoughtful and helpful person on a mechanical level you could wish for checking my car in his lunch hour and general giving general advice plus offering lifts to any of us that had trouble of that type even if meant going right out of his way, and he certainly thought the world of his wife and son which shows underneath the bluster he was ok!
maryellen - October 29, 2021 at 2:07 AM
I didn’t realise Trevor was supposed to be boring until the Ambridge residents said so - a bit rich coming from Tony, I thought, having heard him boring on about his trainset. I was quite enjoying the alphabetical pairing game until Eddie Grundy appeared and I knew it would all get ridiculous, which sure enough, it did. But the lovely last scene, with just the sound of companionable footsteps on the walk home, redeemed it. TA at its best.
Well said OwiaS -
DeleteThere were many around long before any form of recognition of ' neuro divergence ' - my dad - probably- on the spectrum.
I did recognise Trevor as being on the spectrum immediately he spoke, but agree too with Maryellen, it's a bit rich coming from Tony Archer who is IMO, the most boring character in TA.
I also have a son in law and a female friend of well over twenty years, both on the spectrum of neuro diversity.
I thought though that Trevor was extremely well acted, and if 'our' take on here is correct, then the production team should be praised for such a well performed episode.
All I hope is that Trevor does Bert proud, as to his funeral.
ReplyDeleteBert was a grand member of Ambridge - a church warden, a guide at Lower Loxley, loving his pint and games of cribbage in The Bull, along with the produce show.
I hope it is simple, yet meaningful service, to represent Bert how he loved his Ambridge life, and shows how much he touched others lives, in so many ways.
..and his ploughing contests, in the Ambridge Soil.
DeleteThe TA and BBC need to produce a book...Berts Odes + Poems from Ambridge.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to read your feelings about Bert Miriam and to realise that for you Bert was solid Ambridge.
ReplyDeleteFor me, Bert has always been an outsider, having come to Ambridge relatively recently.
I would not want to imply that Bert had not made his mark in Ambridge, he certainly was a fully paid up member of the Ambridge community, and was well regarded by all.
As a rival to Joe Grundy he was thrust into the 'popularity ' polls I suppose. But for me, he and Joe were poor relations to Walter Gabriel and even Jethro, Clarries dad.
I think I agree with you Mrs P.
DeleteTo me the older ‘salt of the earth’ countrymen of the village, the real agricultural workers, were the Larkins and Walter.
Ned, Jethro & Walter were the ones who knew how nature and the seasons worked. They were real sons of the soil and could turn their hands to any job that needed doing on a farm, including animal husbandry.
Bert arrived as a replacement to work Brookfield when Jethro retired (or did he die in harness, I can’t remember) and I didn’t take to him at first. He made a place for himself and Freda but somehow I never had the interest in them that I did with the older farm workers.
So what will Brookfield do now for Labour on the farm? Engage Eddie more often, or Ed or will a new character be introduced.
And what will David & Ruth do with the Bungalow? There are many possibilities for new tennants, both inside and outside the family.
I always felt Walter Gabriel was a cartoon character. He was so unlike any of the countrymen I grew up among, who would never have dreamt of addressing people as me ole pal etc, or anything like it, and wouldn’t be seen dead sucking a straw, as Walter is in the publicity photos in my book - which describes him as inefficient. Tom Forrest was more believable.
DeleteBert Fry was was certainly an asset to Brookfield. Remember his eggmobile a few years ago, one of various little handyman jobs he took on after retiring from official farm duties there.
I assume Ruth and David will allow Rex to continue living at the bungalow.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with OWIAS about Trevor. Quite silly for Tony to sit in judgment of who is interesting and who is boring. As someone said, Tony could bore for England on his train set. Agree also that Trevor was kind to Rex. I wonder if he is to become a permanent character or is just passing through.
ReplyDeleteLynda was awarded the MBE in this years, New Year Honours list.
ReplyDeleteI wonder when she will receive this, where and by whom?
This has never been mentioned.
I hope that this is not going to be a forgotten S/L.
Miriam, my cousin was awarded the MBE in this year’s New Years Honours List,,but because of the Pandemic,the usual ceremony at Buckingham Palace was cancelled andhe received his medal by post.Probably the same for Lynda.
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ReplyDeleteShouldn’t Ambridge residents be heard to be getting their booster jabs? It doesn’t require an entire storyline, just enough of a mention to give the campaign the PR it needs.
ReplyDeleteHere, here Maryellen.
DeleteRex could offer a free taxi service to take elderly Ambridge residents to Borchester vaccination centre where they can also get their flu jabs.
Doctors and medical conditions have always been almost completely absent in Ambridge. With the exception of doctors wives having affairs.
DeleteOr the doctor himself having romantic liaisons.
I'm surprised he had the time (or the energy).
DeleteDid Trevor sound a bit sad in his last comment ending the omnibus - about Bert being proud of Rex?
ReplyDeleteI wondered if he felt that Bert wasn't proud of his own son
I thought it must have made Rex think about his own father - who had let him down over visiting the rewilding project to have lunch with some famous personality or other.
DeleteI think Rex wishes his father could be proud of him too.
Yes, I agree that it definitely applied to Rex, especially as that was part of the storyline for the week. I just thought I detected a hint of wistfulnes in Trevor's voice when he spoke about Bert being proud of Rex 'like a father should be', which made me wonder about the relationship between Bert and Trevor.
DeleteI felt that wistful tone in Trevor's voice too Zoetrope.
DeleteAnd I connected that with his various conversations in the preceding days emphasising how he and Bert had many things in common.
All created retrospectively as it were, since can anyone ever remember Bert even mentioning Trevor, or the granddaughter that apparently is very fond of her grandad.
To me all of Trevor's utterances throughout this last week have been wishful thinking.
I felt so at the time of listening and his comment to Rex confirmed it for me.
After listening to the Omnibus yesterday, I still found Trevor a bit wierd. His Dad had just died, but he didn't seem to show any emotion to this sad event.
ReplyDeleteI think Brookfield Bungalow is a must for Pip and Toby. They need somewhere less cramped than Rickyard Cottage.
ReplyDeleteYes Maryellen, I agree, and Rex could move into Rickyard ?
DeleteI thought tonight's episode was very good.
ReplyDeleteThe first half must have thrilled Maryellen and was very well done in bringing to the fore the difficult relationship that Pip and Toby have formed.
The second part was a good illustration of the further problems arising from the slavery story, yet more empathy from Jazzer and practical assistance from Harrison.
Despite Blake being in fear, he is emerging from his shell and making decisions for himself by having the confidence to insist that Harrison helps him in the way he wants.
What he wants may not work, but Blake is gaining agency.
This story line becomes more interesting by the week.
The problem is, by and large Philip did treat Blake and the other lads better than their subsequent 'employers'. They had a roof over their heads, food on the table (usually), and did not have to worry about bills, forms, etc that they did not have the literacy and numeracy to deal with. And, as we saw from the work at the Llloyd household, he clearly taught them their trade. Moreover, towards the end Gavin was really trying to make things better for them. So it's easy to see why someone like Blake would continue to think of Mr Moss and Gavin as the good guys.
DeleteJazzer and co were gradually teaching him how just employment works, until Martyn PR Gibson stomps in and subjects poor Blake to yet another form of abuse.
Just wondering as I type, perhaps he will get to see the miscreants in prison. Philip will be as unrepentant as ever, but perhaps Gavin will be the one to help Blake understand they are not candidates for sainthood.
Agree wholeheartedly OwiaS.
DeleteBlake cannot see what we in society see, that Philip and Gavin were wrong in their treatment of those they ' employed ' because his experience of other slave masters is so very bad in comparison.
In some ways I see the comparison of tied agricultural peasants in the past. A roof and a small plot of land to grow vegetables was their lot and many did not complain.
Blake did not complain at the hands of Philip and Gavin because his expectations were of far worse conditions than they supplied.
And because he felt that he was looked after - and he and the others were looked after far better than they are able to look after themselves - he cannot see that the treatment of him and his mates was wrong.
Blake lives outside of society and from the point of view of his values
he is correct.
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DeleteDid Pip and Toby ever consider replacing the double be with two singles? They wouldn't take up that much more room, and I don't recall any mention that the bedroom was particularly tiny. Failing that, a decent sofa bed downstairs?
ReplyDeleteCan't quite see the attraction of sharing a bed with someone if you're going to spend all night making sure you keep six inches apart. Unless one of them snores of course, then it's helpful to have the culprit within kicking distance. Although a different room/house/town is preferable. (We get complaints from Air Traffic Control about a certain shoe-dwelling snorer.)
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ReplyDeleteThe sudden reintroduction of Leonard Berry after his long absence from our airwaves makes me think he has a story in the offing, or a big share in one. Meantime, while he’s around the studio, he’s a useful filler in. I suppose if anything happened to Jill, he would be a candidate for Rickyard Cottage (assuming Pip and entourage move to the bungalow) unless Brookfield employ another full time farm worker with a bigger claim on it.
ReplyDelete;Isn’t that bungalow just asking to be flooded??? But a good HQ for the Brookfield Beaver Project (currently existing only in my imagination!)
ReplyDeleteI suspect there is an element of availability of characters in current story lines.
ReplyDeleteBert has shuffled off his mortal coil due to the choice of his actor choosing to retire.
Leonard B - his actor known for his variability of work - is available and therefore in the frame to support the return of Jill I imagine. But there have been questions ( on this site at least) regarding Jill's long term viability as the actress herself is ageing.
We haven't so far heard from Jim, though his presence is evident through hearing from Alistair and Jazzer.
Perhaps the introduction of newer characters who may or may not be ' passing through ' is a reflection of the difficulties during and post Covid. ( if there ever is a post Covid ! )
It was lovely hearing Leonard again. It was him talking to Ben, and showing him the photo of his 1st covid jab, which then went into the time capsule, which got Ben thinking about a nursing career.
ReplyDeleteBen seems a bit down about his nursing career now, as he felt inadequate when Vince played that cruel trick and recently witnessing the sad demise of Bert, with his Mum doing CPR.
Perhaps Leonard is back, to help him overcome his doubts and inspire him again.
Perhaps with Bert going, then it will be all change, as to who lives where, as to Rickyard and The Bungalow. An simple thought which has come to mind.
ReplyDeleteMiriam - the suggestions made so far for future occupants are: your suggestion of Rex and Josh, or Rex and Stella; LanJan’s suggestion that Rex stays on; my suggestion that Pip, Rosie and Toby upsize from Rickyard to the bungalow, plus Mrs P’s suggestion that Rex could then swap to Rickyard; my suggestion that Rickyard could eventually become a home for Leonard Berry.
DeleteNow Rex says he wants to move on - does that mean leave Ambridge, or just find a new home (and job?) there? We wait to see!
I find it interesting the way the s/ws are following Blake's storyline through, showing different degrees of abuse and how Blake is still exposed to it. Martin Gibbs tried to make use of him and now Harrison and his colleagues are doing the same, their motives may vary but it is still abuse of a vulnerable person.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you all the way Janice.
DeleteLike you seeing all the different ways to use Blake for their own reasons, yet
- apparently- also legitimately.
Social constructions writ large !
But also seeing how the vulnerable individuals in society invite such interventions by displaying their needs.
I appreciate these thoughts on Blake but wouldn't it be wonderful if the other unpaid workers' bosses were caught and prosecuted. The woman sounded particularly hard hearted and richly deserves to be stopped.
DeleteI agree Annieveggie, it would be wonderful.
DeleteIt would also be pretty good if we knew that in reality these people were being apprehended. I remember, I think, that those responsible for the Chinese workers on the sands in Lancashire ? I think, were apprehended and given prison sentences, and at least one couple in London, but I don't recall any other such cases, although I could have missed them.
I would be interested to know why the Archers team have decided upon this particular problem in society in preference to many others. Perhaps someone on the team has had or knows of a particular case.
We are exhorted to look out for such incidences at our local car washing station or in local nail bars, but I'm not sure how many, or who, might be apprehended.
In the meantime we have this SL to chew over and I suppose some of us are more interested in the philosophical and sociological aspects, others in the criminal.
The sad thing with the Morecombe Bay disaster, was the loss of so many innocent lives.
DeleteWell, Miriam, we got the continuation of Lynda’s MBE storyline you were hoping for, and remarkably silly it was!
ReplyDeleteOh well I tried, and again I was silly to have mentioned it, as was my comment about The Bungalow sleeping arrangements.
DeleteI will keep my thoughts and ideas to myself.
Sorry, Miriam, I didn’t make myself clear - I meant the Lynda/Lilian episode was silly, not you!
DeleteMiriam, I thought of you as soon Lynda mentioned the ceremony to Lillian 😁
ReplyDeleteArrrgh!
ReplyDeleteLynda !
MBE gone to her head and made her even more insufferable than before!
Just too ridiculous for words. 🤦♀️
ReplyDeleteAnd what's more..... the researchers have not done a good job again, because according to someone on here the ceremony is not taking place this year !
DeleteFor the first time ever I almost turned tonight's episode off.
I read that the royal investitures resumed last June with a reduced number of guests at each. Apparently there are usually about 30 such ceremonies every year with about 60 guests, now reduced to half that number. I dread to think how Lynda will behave!
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DeleteI should have said recipients rather than guests, who were also reduced in number.
DeleteI have an apology to make.,for wrongly saying in my previous post that my cousin’s inclusion in the Honours List was as an MBE when in fact it was an OBE for services to his community.He did receive his medal by Royal Mail, being in a lower category to Li da’s fictional honour..
ReplyDeleteI have known several recipients of similar awards. Never have I heard one use their own name suffixed with the abbreviation for the award in the ridiculous bragging fashion that Lynda used last evening. For one who likes to insist that she is more proper than everyone else.
ReplyDeleteBig booboo! Script Writers to stand in the corner wearing dunces caps !!!
Have to agree Pierre les C.
DeleteThe only time that Linda has acted like a normal human being was when in recovery from the accident.
Despite her sometimes being reasonable, and occasionally kind and considerate towards others, I really do like her less and less.
Last night I actively disliked her.
Linda was so absurd that she me laugh. Sadly there are people like her who desperately need to boost their own self esteem in such a way 😕
ReplyDeleteHow ironic! Listeners were convinced Natasha would try to take over Bridge Farm (which she’s never shown any sign of doing) and now the boot is on the other foot, with Bridge Farm planning to take her over! I had to sympathise with her.
ReplyDeleteYes Maryellen, I thought as you did.
DeleteIrony indeed considering the outrage on here when she first appeared to (apparently) snare Tom.
I actually cheered her on this evening.
Closing ranks indeed !
Good on yer Natasha.
What it seems Pat and Tony haven’t planned for is labour. Who’s going to do the juicing and bottling? Are they expecting Natasha’s current workforce to relocate with the business, or does she have to make them redundant and either rely on Bridge Farm to supply labour or herself recruit locally? Who do we know of, who is currently unemployed or up for a change of job?
DeleteAdam? ; )
DeleteBlake? But that would be far less varied and more boring than building work.
DeleteAnd on the other hand ...... what very interesting paths the SW seem to be taking us on with P Moss, Blake and indeed Kirsty.
ReplyDeletePhilip Moss was convicted and sentenced, accordingly. I did not appreciate hearing his re-appearance, well just yet.
DeleteAll I wanted to hear from him, is telling Blake the truth...as to him and Gavin, with Jazzer nearby to help + support Blake.
Well done Natasha!
ReplyDelete👍
Kirsty please realise that you cannot sort out the world’s problems single handedly. You have dropped a real clanger! 🤬
I was so infuriated with Lynda the other night I forgot to say:-
ReplyDeleteWhen she announced she was going to produce the mystery plays for Christmas I groaned out loud!
I don’t think I can bear listening to weeks of arguing who is going to take which role, the endless rehearsals, the stress over locations, costumes etc etc. There was more than enough of all that last year.
And now the BBC have announced they are going to be broadcast as individual plays on Radio 4 over Christmas too.
They can manage to do all that but still cannot produce 6 episodes a week as before Covid.
I am just thankful I shall be out of the country!
And why cannot someone else in the village offer to produce a light hearted Christmas entertainment, not necessarily a panto but something fun and uplifting for the holiday season?
I for one, will not be listening to the extra broadcasts of The Mystery's. Linda has just gone too far this time.
DeletePerhaps Kenton or Lower Loxley, can put on a more seasonal event, even without Bert, but FUN. 🎄🎉🎄
Why is everything in Ambridge put together in the last few weeks before an event. I’m sure in real life these occasions are planned many months in advance 😡
DeleteI wonder if Lynda and/or Kirsty would consider inviting Amy to take the role of God in the Mystery Plays - thereby fulfilling the BBC’s diversity and inclusion commitment? Lynda might argue this was alien to the original plays, but so is performing them outdoors in midwinter instead later in the year. Our medieval ancestors weren’t silly!
ReplyDeleteI still feel for Blake, as he is being manipulated again, this time by Harrison and his superiors. Harrison is a police sergeant, who should have handled his meeting with Blake, in a far better way.
ReplyDeleteAs for Kirsty, words just fail me.
One minute she was cheering on her divorce, then next talking to Philip, who she vowed to have nothing to do with ever again.
She should have let the prison system, block any request from Blake, as to a visit.
I do acknowledge the programme of the victim meeting the prisoner, but Blake is vunerable so needs to be excluded, but to blackmail Kirsty, like that?
What a mistake Kirsty has made.
I am not at all sure what happens with prison visits. Can certain people be excluded from visiting a prisoner if someone, Harrison in this case, were to say that it would be detrimental to the police trying to build a case? Blake is so vulnerable and it is too tricky for Kirsty to try to handle all this on her own. She is now in a very difficult position but at least she tried to help Blake.
ReplyDeleteBlake is also being manipulative - you arrange for me to visit Mr Moss and then I’ll help you with your enquiries, is what he told Harrison, which puts Harrison and his colleagues in a very difficult position. It will be interesting to hear how they resolve it. Once again, Kirsty has laid herself open to a charge of impeding police procedures.
ReplyDeleteThe persona of Philip has been written very well. From the phone call he appears plausible and of good character, looking after vulnerable people but we have seen his ruthless side when he was discussing the “horses” with Gavin and when he saw them as mere commodities and offloaded them without thought for their onward welfare. He has the gift of putting up a good facade on top of a dark and in some ways a weak personality.
ReplyDeleteBoth Janice and me were discussing the manipulation being shown from Blake as well as Harrison and formerly from Philip last week.
ReplyDeleteKirsty too is manipulating in her way.
Manipulation is a key skill for all sentient beings to survive.
It is often perceived as an evil, but is, often a necessary evil.
We learn as babies, as do all infant beings, to manipulate our mothers to feed and care for us until such time that we are able to care for ourselves.
I see this as the nub of this SL.
Blake and the other boys have been used by Philip and others to work for them with, in the case of Philip, a basic roof over their heads and food in their belly. In addition they were given games and videos and television for entertainment.
These are commodities for living an admittedly basic life style, but better than these vulnerable individuals would be able to provide for themselves, and crucially with the element of safety thrown in. Being transported to and fro from the work place, thereby not having to encounter street violence which they may well have had to contend with previously.
So from the POV of Blake, Philip is a good and kind man, as was The Squire in agricultural areas in former times.
It is our moral compass, shared by Kirsty, Jazzer and Harrison among others that sees Philips philosophy from a different angle and labels it wrong.
I am appreciating the opportunity to examine this moral conundrum that the TA team are offering.
Indeed Mrs P, and there are many other examples of manipulation in TA - Russ’s early manipulation of Lily being just one and, more recently and supposedly humorously (?) Lilian with Justin and Lynda with Lilian.
ReplyDeleteI’m finding this story very interesting and am very pleased the SWs went back to it and didn’t just leave it at the Mosses being jailed. I feel much more invested in this storyline than the woes of Alice and Chris who seem to have gone quiet recently.
One correspondent on an Archers FB page said they were bored with hearing about Blake, Kirsty and Philip! I personally feel the opposite of being bored, I want to see this through to the very end.
Actually it was Lily who manipulated Russ! As with Blake and Harrison, it was a two-way thing. I don’t know what the very end of the Moss story will be (or exactly what I want it to be) but at least fiction has the bonus of being able to give us a very end, which real often doesn’t..
ReplyDeleteAll more or less in agreement then, it's a good SL ?
DeleteAgreed, not at all boring.
Lost track of Alice.... has she gone walk about again ?
Has Chris moved back to the cottage ?
Sorry Maryellen. Absolutely cannot agree that it was Lily who manipulated Russ but cannot go into all the arguments now!
DeleteUnderstood, Archerphile - it would take some time to argue away the fact that it was Lily, on the brink of adulthood, who made the first move in Russ’s direction!
DeleteEven if it was Lily who made the first move Russ as a teacher should have sent her packing and should not take advantage of her youthful hormones. He was a teacher, she was a student and that’s a no no!
DeleteThe point I was making was that Lily was manipulating Russ, as we’ve heard her do since.
DeleteI can understand why listeners find it difficult to forget, let alone forgive, Russ’s past error.because I feel the exactly same about Roy Tucker.
.
What was that discussion earlier about manipulating humans ?
ReplyDeleteI've come to really dislike Lynda.
Yes, sending Kirsty to do her dirty work! Surely Lynda is in a better position at GG to manipulate Oliver? However, Roy doesn’t see his family much and has been further hindered by the virus and that should have precedence over her mystery plays. Agree as well that in real life it is a bit late now to start the first reading!
DeleteBe fair Ev, surely you realise that *nothing* is more important than Lynda's latest production.
DeleteAnd as for the Bridge Farm Archers, they are so dumb, failing to realise that Natasha is simply, or rather cleverly, playing them at their own game.
ReplyDeleteWell done Natasha.
I agree and have been rather amused at her game. She needs a new purpose built building for her business, and if she sufficiently worries the others about losing their space she might just get it.
DeleteMaybe Bridge Farm could convert Helen’s new-build cheese teaching centre for Summer Orchard’s use, since it doesn’t seem to be much used, even allowing for lockdown, and I seem to remember her early cheese making lectures there weren’t that well attended. It certainly sounds more suitable than the old packing shed, which strangely no one else at Bridge Farm wants.
DeleteI agree that Lynda was at her least likeable tonight trying to get Kirsty to thwart Roy’s plans to visit his family ( nice to know they haven’t been abducted by aliens)
ReplyDeleteI’m afraid my patience was fast running out with tonight’s episode.
ReplyDeleteLynda is becoming a complete caricature of a pushy self-aggrandising snob. Her behaviour and self- regard is way over the top and I am surprised that Kirsty stands for being bossed about by Lynda in such a way.
As for the re-emergence of Natasha, it is obvious there is going to be a big falling out at Bridge Farm and I just hope the family don’t allow her to take over lock, stock and barrel.
I agree with everyone,that Lynda’s behaviour tonight was abominable,issuing orders to an already hassled Kirsty about the dreaded Mystery Plays,and insisting that Roy should change his New Year family plans to take the part of Judas.I do hope that Oliver refuses to intervene and Roy sticks to his guns.It may transpire anyway that the date chosen by Lynda will not suit some of the other cast members and she might have to reschedule (albeit against her will).
ReplyDeleteRegarding her ongoing hunt for someone suitable to play God,I wondered if she had considered her Robert or even, Leonard Berry.
Does the personification of God need to be an elderly white male? The one thing about Lynda’s recent behaviour I did approve of was her willingness to. accept a woman in the role - rather like giving the role of Chaucer to Ruth in The Canterbury Tales. I seem to be the only listener who is looking forward to the Mystery Plays, I always enjoy Ambridge’s theatrical productions, and really liked the Tales in which I thought the actors shone, with only their voices in character. Kirsty was especially good , imo.
DeletePS. It does seem that Bridge Farm expect any compromises involved in Natasha moving Summer Orchard there (their idea, not hers) to be on her side, not theirs. I don’t blame her for rejecting the old packing shed and looking for a more suitable space - she’s only copying them, as Janice pointed out!
DeleteI am beginning to suspect that Natasha is actually being quite clever.
ReplyDeleteShe is showing Bridge Farm ( well, Tony, Pat & Helen) what it’s like when someone tries to interfere in your business and make plans they don’t like to take over Tony’s shed or the barn.
If they don’t like her apparently eyeing up the various barns and spaces for her fruit business, perhaps they will leave her alone and stop interfering.
She can then go on running the business from wherever it is without their interference.
She’s not daft - job done!
I had that same thought too Archerphile. Natasha is indeed just demonstrating how she was made to feel when being 'organized' in a way she had not planned. The penny will drop eventually I suppose.
DeleteLynda has gone a bit batty over her Mystery Plays and should not be allowed to put the kibosh on Roy's New Year plans. She just has to re-cast and move on.
It is already known that The Mystery's will go ahead, as TA has announced that they will be heard, as two separate episodes. Well, I think so.
ReplyDeleteGood on you Natasha.
ReplyDeleteWhy doesn’t Lynda put up herself to play God. After all it would be type casting!
I can just see it, with her MBE in full view!
DeleteNice one, PLC! 😀
DeleteMikes daughter would be perfect to play the part of God
DeleteIt would be nice to hear Mike and Vicki over the New Year, very generous of Oliver to provide a solution for Lynda, I assume that is what has happened.
ReplyDeleteI think Eddy has been given an inch and taken a mile, ever happy to take advantage of Oliver.
Is there a reason why that kind soul Oliver hasn't been asked to play God.
ReplyDeleteSeems obvious doesn't it Janice !
DeleteWell he has been busy answering prayers! I 😊🙏
DeleteI find the scriptwriters’ pretence that Kathy still manages Grey Gables irritating, and a little bit creepy. In real life, she would have passed retirement age by now (and quite possibly moved away). So what’s their problem?
ReplyDeleteMaryellen, it really jars with me too.
ReplyDeleteIf they want to keep the character, they should revive her or else just forget completely.
I did have to think for a minute about who she was in that context, spoiled the flow for me.
Totally agree. It’s almost becoming a rather sick joke that Kathy is still in charge at Grey Gables.
ReplyDeleteAs Maryellen says, she would be beyond retirement age now. Keeping the fantasy alive that she is is still hotel manager is ridiculous and becoming as unconvincing as the other silent character that have pervaded TA for many years.
I agree with the above comments about Kathy. It's getting weird to keep referring to her silent, never to be heard from again character. Someone could just mention that now that Kathy's retired and perhaps moved away.
DeleteI felt really angry that the SW wrote Kathy back in just like that totally ridiculous!
DeleteAfter Wednesday episode:-
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is we had better hear Mike & family during their visit to Ambridge especially at the play starring Roy. What’s the betting though that Bethany will be poorly right at the last minute and they won’t be able to make it after all 😡
According to the records Bethany will be NINE 😱 in January yet we do not know how her life is panning out at all what a missed opportunity for the SW I am still annoyed to this day that the SL was introduced only to completely abandoned ….
Yes, it was a missed opportunity as to how some-one with Downs, could be accepted in a community, and live a relatively normal life with help.
DeletePerhaps they'll enjoy being back in Ambridge so much they'll decide to stay.
DeleteThe main issue was suitable provision for Bethany. Could somebody tell them about the other child with Downs who is absolutely thriving at the local primary? (We haven't heard about him or her before because the family are in-comers on the Brookfield estate. But Joy knows them, of course, and will be talking about them non-stop as soon as she sets eyes on Bethany.)
It occurs to me that Heidi Nicklaus, previously such a stalwart of books and fan clubs pertaining to TA, may have some hold (?) over the team. Rather like the originator of a desert Island discs, Roy Plomley, who's name is still attached to the programme, and always announced as such, decades after his death.
ReplyDeleteOr perhaps, if that theory is too far fetched, she is still there out of respect for her involvement in the past ?
I am beginning to think that Kathy is a mind worm. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, you clearly haven't yet discovered Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series.)
DeleteI'd like to hear Mike and family too and hope that does happen. I always regretted that they moved away and were out of TA.
ReplyDeleteAnd just as Vicky was making her mark, in Ambridge Life.
DeleteMike was always a stalwart character in TA, and now might have taken over from Bert, without the poetry, that is.
It is said that Bert and Joe have now gone. I wonder if there is any-one to take over the mantle, of the Village Elder, in quite the same way.
ReplyDeleteBrian, Tony, Leonard or Oliver do not seem to fit the bill, so I can only think of Jim or then perhaps, Neil.
....as long that is not Lynda, Justin or Lillian!
DeleteKirsty, should have just enjoyed her presecco celebrating the news of her divorce, and left it at that!
ReplyDeleteJustice for Philip was done as to the law, and so it should have remained.
She certainly has caused so very many problems, which is affecting many, quite uneccesarily.
Kirsty has always represented the disaster zone in T A and now she has done it again.
ReplyDeleteIrritating beyond belief !
I felt sorry for Harrison to be hauled over the coals like that. Kirsty plunges headfirst into disasters doesn't she!
Delete✔️✔️
DeleteI am so confused with Natasha.
ReplyDeleteSurely the orchard which produces the required fruit, cannot be transported, unless she doesn't own this, but just buys in what she needs.
To move her empire, would surely be very costly, but would it be cost-effective just now?
Is Natasha's business so profitable, so she can do this and cover the finance involved....Not sure. 🙅♀️
I hope that this means, she has cleared her credit card debts at last. These show on any credit check.. as to if she needs further financial help with the move of all her required equipment to Bridge Farm.
DeleteBut then it might be a hoax!
Ooh yes Miriam I had forgotten about her debt - was it £50,000 at the time? Another SL that has melted away!
DeleteJust an early warning to all Omnibus listeners-
ReplyDeleteTomorrow’s Omnibus will be an hour earlier, starting at 9am, due to the Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph
Thanks AP. I had forgotten that the TA omnibus, has a time change on Rememberance Sunday.
Delete✔✔ for the reminder...
Am just listening to the omnibus and when hearing Eddie manipulating Oliver it struck me that give an inch take a mile is an apt description! It won’t end well and the worst of it is that Clarrie just doesn’t want it.
DeleteA solution might be to have the renewal of vows service with just family, and then open it to everyone else for the party afterwards (poor Oliver!)
DeleteI have come on here just to try to distract myself from bidding online at a wonderful farming bygones auction happening this morning at Hatherleigh. We were there yesterday evening for the carnival and tar barrel run ( wonderful that things seem to be getting back to normal after two years of nothing) and all the auction things were on show outside the auction house. To keep somewhat on topic they were all the kind of granite troughs and old corn grinding millstones that would have been lying around Brookfield in Dan Archer's time. Far too heavy for me to get home. Maybe I'll just have a peek to see what they go for.
DeleteI’m intrigued to know whether you were strong enough to resist temptation and not bid. On the other hand , if you did bid what was it for and were you successful!
DeleteI did resist temptation Soz, mainly as I was cooking dinner for the family so had to get on. I went on line in the late afternoon and the bidding was still going but the things I liked had been sold by then - just as well as one went for £600 and the other £550. Beautiful large circular granite feeding troughs, that nowadays are being used to plant flowers in. I have an oblong granite sheep feeding trough in the field, and am looking at it with new respect now! although they don't fetch as much as the circular ones. I love a good auction and old well made things, but have never before thought of bidding online. More fun actually being in the auction room I think. My son says I have to start selling stuff, not collecting more! 😣
DeleteOliver must be dreading Eddie’s ‘Knees Up’ and wishing that he had never mentioned
ReplyDeletethe Grey Gables ballroom.Clarrie seems to be the only sensible one Involved so hope she will be able, eventually,to rein Eddie in before he goes over the top with the guest list and some of his wilder ideas.
I was listening to the omnibus as I'd missed a few episodes this week. However, when it came to the scene where Lynda told Roy that her production was more important than seeing his family I found it so distasteful that I turned off.
ReplyDeleteYes that was just over the top, they seem to be turning Lynda into a caricature.
DeleteWhat’s completely turned me off Eddie Grundy for life is not just his ignoring what Clarrie most wants (a simple family celebration) in favour of what he most wants (a big loud knees up which doesn’t cost him), but his blithe assurance to Oliver that Clarrie would clear up afterwards. It makes renewing his vows seem a bit ironic. I’ve never had much respect for Eddie, ever since I learned that he walked out on Clarrie when she was pregnant with Will, now I’ve none. Even the white limo, bought (he said) for Clarrie’s special occasion, is partly self-indulgence, partly dodgy money spinner, and hardly special to Clarrie when half Ambridge has ridden in it!
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if Natasha is being very clever, This is just winding all the Bridge Farm, measuring various buildings , and
ReplyDeletetalking taking over the old orchard!.
My opinion after the Omnibus, is that she is a cunning Little Minx, who has no intention of moving her juice enterprise - well just yet that is.
Exactly what I sad a few days ago Miriam!
DeleteAnd, thinking further about Natasha’s latest proposal, it’s hardly green to rip out all but one or two apple trees and concrete over the rest of the area is it?
DeleteDefinitely a wind up by the scheming Welsh woman and so uncaring to say that Fallon will have to like it or lump it when her outside café area is obliterated.
Yah, boo, sucks to Natasha!!
AP.
DeleteI missed your post on this, but it is good idea though, and a feasable one.
Then it’s down to Bridge Farm to come up with a better offer than an old packing shed noone else wants, isn’t it? Otherwise, Natasha is better off staying where she is, or looking elsewhere in the locality if she really wants to avoid commuting. Stick to your guns, Natasha!
DeleteYes Miriam, Natasha is being a cunning little minx, which is what Archerphile suggested and what I suggested the week before she did.
DeleteIt struck me immediately when I heard her go to Tony and suggest his train shed would work well for her, that she was attempting to turn the tables on the family who were insisting that she moves her business to the farm. She obviously doesn't want to do so.
My comment was made on November 4th evening in agreement with Maryellen and I said something about Natasha turning the tables on the Bridge farm gang.
Instead of “a cunning little minx” with its anti feminist overtones, I’d describe Natasha as “ a clever, medium-sized operator”- she’s certainly cleverer than anyone else at Bridge Farm and a potentially a tremendous asset.
DeleteSorry for my anti-feminist tones, whatever these were and are. I just said as to how I felt. Perhaps a 'sly fox' is better description, if correct.
DeleteShe needs a purpose built place and as a successful business woman shouldn't settle for anything less. Also if she and Tom are still living in the shop above the flat they need somewhere on the farm where they can build their own house. The two could be built in the same area. Didn't the family get paid a lot of money for selling some land for development? it can't all have been spent.
DeleteA definition of minx is a cunning young woman which fits Natasha nicely.. Very well described, Miriam!
DeleteDepends if you are using cunning positively to mean clever and ingenious (as in ‘a cunning plan’) or negatively as in sly or devious. I would use it positively of Natasha especially as no one in Ambridge has called her cunning in the perjorative sense, or little, or a minx.
DeleteIt's common patois Maryellen.
DeleteI grew up with the expression and perhaps Miriam did too.
It was used by my mother when speaking to me, and it was used about me to describe me to myself, as rather too clever for my own good.
My mother would use it to describe others in a similar vein.
When it was said to me, I knew that it was a compliment and also at the same time as a warning, in that I might be too clever for my own good, and come unstuck at some point, probably by going too far.
Actually on further rumination - yes it does mean clever and ingenious, and I certainly thought Natasha was being both. Hence my expression ' good on yer Natasha'. And I was not alone Janice agreed and thought she (Natasha) was playing a clever game, which I believe she is.
DeletePierre le C seems to think so too.
And since she is I think playing a game against the Bridge Farm family that she has married into, yes she is a damned sight cleverer than any of them !
Of course if we are correct, then the SWs are also playing a game against the Bridge Farm lot.
Mrs P - I’m sorry I missed your original post about Natasha, which I then repeated as if I’d had a brilliant insight into the storyline - just as Miriam missed mine. I know I shouldn’t, but sometimes I do feel a bit irked when someone repeats something I have recently said! Stupid of me because I do miss others comments sometimes myself. 😉
DeleteI didn’t actually call Natasha a cunning little minx but I do hope we have not got to start scanning everything we have written in case it has anti-feminist or anti anything else overtones. I’m sure we all try to be polite and would never ever express racist or homophobic views, but honestly, for those of us who are older and grew up in different times, I feel I am treading on eggshells sometimes. It’s enough to put one off writing anything at all in case it offends someone.
Hear hear!
DeleteHear hear on your last two sentences Archerphile!
DeleteAnyone else think that Kirsty sounded like a pain in the ........ last night when Roy was trying to talk to her?
You seem to be referring indirectly to my post about what I’d call Natasha instead of cunning little minx (a phrase I’ve never heard said in real life and probably first encountered in a Georgette Heyerdahl Regency romance). I’d call her clever instead of cunning to make it clear I didn’t mean sly and devious. I wouldn’t call her little because that’s belittling for a woman of Natasha”s age and achievement (whatever her size!). I wouldn’t call her a minx because that’s also ambiguous (a good word for Scrabble, though).
DeleteSo those are my preferences, for giving my perception of the truth about Natasha and her position at Bridge Farm. Others might have a different truth. and different wording. It’s only if I was called little that I’d be offended!🙂
Yes Annieveggie, she did, but on the other hand she does seem to have realised what a mess she has made of several situations by her interference.
DeleteAn interference that derides from her need to rescue the world.
And Roy actually pointed that out to her in this episode.
But then I'm not at all keen on Kirsty at the best of times, and struggle to feel very much sympathy for her whenever she gets in a pickle.
Is there any hope do you think, that she might actually reflect upon her interfering nature, wonder what causes it, and do something to look after herself rather than avoiding doing so by her rescuing strategies towards others.
Archerphile - your not the only one who misses things in TA then picks it up later after seeing someone else's post. I do it too.
And I agree wholeheartedly with your wish, followed by Spiceycushion's agreement that we shouldn't need to feel that we are treading on eggshells.
We had enough of that when we were with the BBC and it's been a pleasure for most of us to be able to feel we can be frank about our thoughts.
It's particularly galling to be picked up on simple matters of speech used by many for a lifetime, - and probably their parents before - which have now become banned as a form of insensitivity by the ' woke' brigade.
And i speak as a feminist !
My post above @ 2.42 ( now 2.44 as I write again ) was being written as Maryellen was posting and I hadn't had the opportunity to read Maryellen before posting mine.
DeleteI almost also wrote that IMO being offended is a matter of choice.
It seems to me that in your answer Maryellen, you are suggesting that is so, since you say clearly that you would only be offended if you were called little.
As said in a previous post, I was flattered to be called a cunning little minx when a child, not offended, because I could see from the context that it was a form of a backhanded compliment.
Absolutely agree with Archerphiles last two sentences. Nowadays paying a compliment to a woman may be interpeted as "inapropriate behaviour" It wasn't when I was a youngster some 70+ years ago. N.B i used the term woman not lady as of old.
DeleteKirsty is already a pain in the.... she doesn't just sound like one.
She would do well to ponder on the advice, "When you're in a hole - stop digging".
Mrs P - okay, I”ll think of it as a backhanded compliment paid to Natasha by her admirers, which doesn’t need rewording by me!
DeletePlesC, you may pay me a compliment whenever you wish and it will be graciously received! In general society I am also delighted to be referred to as a 'lady' rather than a 'woman'. My mother was a 'daily woman' and had to scrub other people's floors and take in their washing and I am very grateful that by virtue of education I don't have to do that. I'm not quite in the 'Lady R' sort of bracket I fear, but I've definitely risen the ranks. Anyway, the kind of ladies my mother used to 'do' for now navigatewith their own speed-mops!
DeleteSarnia,
DeleteLovely to hear from you.
The history you relate is somewhat similar to my own. I am sure that should the occasion arise I shall have no difficulty in paying you a compliment and one to your splendid mother too.
M'sieur Les Corbeaux, you are too kind.
DeleteWhere are you from, M. Stone de Croze?
DeleteWhenever I hear the words "The Old Orchard", I think of the various, long forgotten apple crops, such as Joe with the Tumble Tussocks, or whatever he found.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that Adam is going to become the Bridge Farm manager.....
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts too Maryellen, and pleased we're on the same page about this.
DeleteLet's hope it happens.
✔️ 🤞🏼
DeleteI thought Tom sounded very unhappy about seeking Adam's advice.
ReplyDeleteFirst year student nurses used to be called 'little first yesrs' I hated that when I was training
I suspect Tom was having the same thought as Mrs P and me, and that’s why he was being so grumpy.
DeleteMe too. Tom certainly didn’t like Adam’s experience of ordering large farm machinery being referred to by Tony.
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure what Adam’s status is at Bridge Farm. He first offered to help with harvesting the potatoes as he had nothing else to do, now he’s working in the shop too.
Can they afford to pay him much? Can he afford to only earn a small wage for very long? Is he going to seek a better paid position elsewhere or is it just too convenient working locally, for family?
He is probably getting a casual labourer’s wage and giving his consultancy skills for free. It seems to be storyline with potential for development.
DeleteIs it me, or did he sound almost cheerful last night? I thought of the complaints in here about his dourness as he and Tony discussed the other guy's lack of conversational skills!
DeleteSo, was Adam's glum monotone a deliberate choice to build up our impression of just how unhappy Adam was in his job? Will this stint of casual labour provide a breathing space in which he considers what he really wants to do? Will we see a new, improved Adam in future?
Perhaps he'll opt for a total carrer change. Predictions for a new direction for him? I go for librarian.
Plus the fact that he, Tom, already has super manager Natasha in his life.
DeleteIf Adam joins the firm as another level of management he might be feeling overwhelmed by the talent of those around him.
Why librarian, OWIAS? (You’re blogging with an ex-librarian aka information manager here, so watch it!!!). (JOKE!!!)
DeleteTrying to thing of a job as far away as possible from farming : )
DeleteMy favourite librarian navigates L-space and has opposable toes. Ook : )
Yes, the gorilla librarian of Unseen University. My fictional favourite is Mrs Phelps.
DeleteAstronaut for Adam if getting as far away from farming as possible is the objective.
Orangutan, please!!! ('Though I suspect calling him a gorilla would be marginally less dangerous than suggesting he's a monkey!)
DeleteAs far Adam, a hydrophonically powered trip to Neptune perhaps?
Yes, but same difference! Both have the long reach and climbing skills needed for shelving books at ceiling level without a ladder.
DeleteChildminder.....
ReplyDelete😂. I take it was a joke!!!!
DeleteYes it was!
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope Fallon goes to see Pat, Tony or Helen to ask if they are in full agreement with Natasha’s plans, or are even in full knowledge of what she is proposing.
ReplyDeleteI can’t see Helen, or Pat being too happy with the possible closing down of the café. It brings customers to the farm shop for one thing and I believe they consider it to be a considerable asset to both the farm and the village.
There is still some possibility that the cafe suggestion is part of Natasha’s plan to give the Bridge Farm Archers a taste of their own medicine.
ReplyDeleteWell, I live in hope! 👍
I'm with you Pierre !
DeleteFallon’s wild over-acting (and over-reacting) made Natasha sound all the more calm, professional and reasonable in contrast. The only stakeholder who’s space has so far been sacrosanct is Helen, and I still think the answer lies there - unless Bridge Farm have aa pocket of unused land available for new build. As you say, the Fallon situation may force them to reconsider their priorities and make the necessary compromises. Subtly done, Natasha, with no shouting matches!
DeleteI don’t think she was overacting. Like many small businesses she has struggled through Covid and now sees Natasha’s plans as a real threat to her recovery. She was quite right that N is sacrificing F’s business in favour of her own. Professional? Not in my opinion, more like ruthless. I don’t blame F for her near hysterical reaction. I find N a nasty piece of work who only has time for her own interests. This sort of attitude is too prevalent nowadays.
DeleteIt’s probably in Natasha’s best interests to stay with the status quo, despite the commuting, so it’s she who is sacrificing her interests to Bridge Farm/Tom’s if she goes through with their offer. The tearoom is run by Fallon on a concessionary basis: what’s to stop her going elsewhere, or Bridge Farm offering the concession to another business? Judging by the number of small food outlets springing up here post-pandemic, there’s no lack or opportunities. Fallon needs to get a grip (and improve her acting skills)
DeletePoor Fallon. Poor trees. Poor customers.
ReplyDeleteI read a poem once that was basically - if all else fails, go to Wales.
I wish Natasha would.
(Think it was Roger McGough).
Hello Mistral
DeleteI would love to see that poem if you can find it. I hope it was by Roger McGough.
Ah, Alison, it was in a compilation by ?Daisy Goodwin ?
ReplyDeleteI will have a look tonight :)
Thank you
DeleteI am still not sure about Natasha.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the scene between her + Fallon though, was far too intense as not to make me think again...
As agreed earlier with Pierre, I am still of the opinion that Natasha is playing the game of turning the tables on the Bridge Farm family idea of bringing her into the fold.
DeleteA place she does not want to go.
She ain't no sheep, Natasha !
If I, and others are right, she is making a thoroughly good job of making sure they never entertain the idea again.
However, like Miriam I'm not altogether sure ...... of Natasha, her motivation, or my opinion.
I do agree with Ev, N is ruthless. She does see the other view, and how her advantage creates a disadvantage for the other party, yet still goes ahead with her plan, regardless of the hurt and damage that will be caused.
That surely Maryellen, is ruthlessness at its most basic.
It may also be professional from your POV, but again like Ev, I do not see such behaviour as ethical, and therefore cannot be described as professional.
I don't think Pat Archer saw Natasha's behaviour as ethical either this evening, although perhaps for a different reason.
I do not feel either that Fallon was over reacting.
Fallon has always shown considerable gravity in all she says and does.
To be emotional when given the brutal news from N, without any warning letter from her landlords, that she is about to be thrown out of the business premises that she has worked so hard to create, seems to me to be entirely reasonable.
What's more, the tea rooms at Bridge Farm has brought increased business to the Bridge Farm Shop and Pat, and I would have thought Helen too, will certainly be aware of the damage to their customer base should it disappear.
I think also it is important to remember that this is a rural community we are discussing here, not big city employment rights or business practices.
Mrs P - I don’t think there’s any point in discussing this further because we are not going to change each other’s minds. I’ve no evidence that Natasha is ruthless, but I do have evidence to the contrary., so I’m sticking with that. I certainly do not associate Fallon with gravity,, as I’ve witnessed her being volatile and emotional on various occasions - and loud with it! Where Pat is concerned, I think it’s a female version of the ‘old bull, young bull’ scenario. I feel Bridge Farm aren’t coming out of this well.
DeleteMaybe the argument between Pat and Natasha will put an end to the new business venue plan which would really please Fallon. I thought she was quite understandably upset and angered over Natasha's plans.
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased that Clarrie voiced her feelings at Mia's prompting and will now have the celebration that she wants.
And to think that I posted a while ago, that I was missing Tom + Natasha. I now withdraw that feeling..as I am not liking the Bridge Farm upset and arguements, at all.
ReplyDeleteHome Farm seems like a quiet idyll in comparison, with the now silent Stella, in charge.