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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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ReplyDeleteMiriam - January 22, 2022 at 4:12 PM
I am thinking aloud again, as to the Valentines Day "Bash at The Bull".
Surely all that is needed is :-
Good Pub Grub which is cooked by Wayne. This will be served in a more intimate way in the restaurant. The same to be also served in the bar, to those individuals without partners, who just want a great night out together.
Why should there be a difference?
I wonder what Grey Gables will be also be doing? This could mean that Tracy will not be with Jazzer, Linda with Robert, and Ian with Alistair and so on.
Miriam - January 22, 2022 at 5:35 PM
I have only just realised, that Tuesday, 25th January is Burns Night.
There has been no mention of this in the recent TA episodes. This has been celebrated in previous years, with a traditional Haggis Supper.
Sadly, it seems it won't happen again. 🏴
Miriam - January 22, 2022 at 5:41 PM
I hope Jazzer mentions this day, in some way, even without his bagpipes!!!
Ev - January 22, 2022 at 6:47 PM
I hope he sings as he has a lovely voice. I caught a song in the mystery plays although I didn’t listen to them in full. Every year at the Bull they agonise over what to do for Valentine’s but I agree all that is needed is a lovely dinner and the one you love! The best one we ever had was our last one. We went to a hotel in Seaview which had a Michelin star chef. The meal was excellent and they gave each lady a single red rose. We stayed the night so no driving home afterwards. Perfect! They could do the same at the Bull and I imagine most people would be able to walk home! I can’t recall they have any stay over rooms but in a building that size you would think maybe one or two.
In my book of Ambridge edited by 3 of the cast many years ago the The Bukk hitel has SIX guest bedrooms along with Jack, Peggy and their three children!!
DeleteSeems a shame that Adam had to share with stacks of crisps when he had a break from Ian!!!
Sorry! Double vision catching up on me 'The Bull hotel'
DeleteThanks Gary - new blog………. Knitting for twins ?
ReplyDeleteThat’s clever, Gary! How did you know the twins are non-identical - Inside information? (Haha!)
ReplyDeleteOn second thoughts, they could be identical twin boys in matching, blue-and-white striped jumpers. Sweet!
DeleteSimilar thought as to the twins..obviously posting at about the same time.
DeleteTwin boys could certainly cause problems, in many future years...
Twin girls though, will be equally problematic in a different way.
All that is now required, is the safe arrival of Tom + Nat's offspring, and that they find a home of their own.
Or identical twin girls maryellen
DeleteAbsolutely, CC! How could a feminist free thinking woman like me have beenso conservative!!😀
DeleteWhat a brilliant heading, with the own brand Ambridge, knitting yarns!
ReplyDeleteI wonder which farm has produced this yet, unknown cottage, industry.
I have visions of many, sitting at a spinning wheel, quietly producing this yarn.
I have a thought - yes another one - about the new "twins". All other Archers twins have been mixed sex, so why not a twist with a pair of identical one's?
My main post has now gone, but to precis:-
I am concerned about Chris.
This is his total separation from Alice.
Is the flat suitable for Martha, as she now grows and becomes more active, with that it is an upstairs home
Does Chris have a residency order for Martha
I still think Chris + Alice will get back together again, at The Nest, along with Martha, but in a different way - well to begin with.
Is Chris is still happy about his divorce petition, not sure, and Alice is only encouraging him, as she feels that this is what he truely wants.
I am having my doubts!
I have done just a single long post, as is required.
I hope it is not too long + boring.
Good spot Gary.
ReplyDeleteWill there be another knit-off - or did Lillian get her fingers (and needles) burnt when she tried to match Lynda's skills when Mungo was on the way?
I had forgotten that.
DeleteThe Ambridge knitting needles, might just be getting "sharpened" again!
A true "cliff hanger" again, be it on a Sunday.
ReplyDeleteOH nooooooo!
DeleteI hope it wasn't a cliff! But it sounded a pretty deep puddle : (
Goodness me, what happened there ?
DeleteCould it have been a sink hole ?
DeleteAh, could be. I thought I heard a bump before the splash. But it was rather quiet for a bash with another vehicle. I suppose it could have been the car tipping up.
DeleteThe other explanation is the Brookfield flooded yard is a bit worse than Pip realises. But we've done the flooded Ambridge storyline before.
I didn't hear any footsteps ; )
I suspect he's hit an unexpected hole. I hope Ruth is OK. Such a pity after a fun evening for them.
DeleteFor me, the suspense is not what’s happening to David and Ruth, but what’s happening to Toby and Rex. Apparently they have gone on holiday together. Just Ike that In one sentence. Written out of the current crisis, but temporarily or permanently? Not have made ‘moving’ noises, Does that mean the Fairbrothers are leaving Ambridge as suddenly as they arrived?
ReplyDeleteI expect the pigs which were Neil’s and mysteriously became Rex’s, would revert to their previous owner’s field and become his retirement hobby, but I’d feel sorry for Rosie losing the father who has had such a large.part in her upbringing and who she adores. An au pair would be no substitute.
And sorry for myself, of course, at losing my favourite character - though we hear so little of him nowadays that I wonder if the actor is otherwise engaged.
,
I am still confused, as to why Chris was so upset at not finding his + Alice's wedding album. He then learnt that Alice had destroyed it, yet he was very reminicent to find such a small piece of a Las Vegas "wedding" photo.
ReplyDeleteI am still not convinced that Chris + Alice should divorce.
There surely, could be a different outcome before all becomes final.
Like Romeo + Juliet - they are star-crossed lovers. They each are doing what they think is best for all, but they have their wires crossed, in many ways.
DeletePerhaps Jennifer + Susan have some wedding photos - so all is perhaps not totally lost.
DeleteTo add - this Chris/Alice/Martha SL, so reminds me of the long Helen/Rob one. This is that it is being done in real time, with us listeners hearing so many different conversations, relating to the divorce + relationship.
DeleteThese give a very different perspective as to the situation, and to what the main characters perceive + fully understand, about each other.
Chris and Alice married secretly in Vegas and didn't tell anyone until they got home.
DeleteNot sure what photos they might have had. Perhaps some photographer outside the chapel?
Good point Spicycushion.
DeleteSo, Ruth and David are walking wounded. Phew.
ReplyDeleteBut did they find the deer? The last 'deer' to get knocked down in Ambridge turned out to be an inebriated Tiger.
They're really shaken up and sore, poor things. I wonder if they had x-rays taken? When I was hit in the face by an exploding airbag I didn't get black eyes but did feel as if I'd been punched in the face.
ReplyDeleteEnter Adam? Seems the logical move to me but there again isn’t he working for Pat & Tony now 🤔 Poor Jill she forgets her little David is on the brink of becoming a pensioner!
ReplyDeleteHave I missed something?
ReplyDeleteI don't always listen to all the episodes
Were the police called?
Was the deer killed or just wounded?
Was David breathalysed?
Were they taken to hospital?
My understanding is that they did go to hospital Lanjan which is where the pills were dispensed from. I think someone came out to them (?) The deer was obviously hit but again I think Daveeed said it ran off? Other than that……🤔
DeleteJosh went and collected them from the hospital.
DeleteHe gave Ben the medication and mentioned what the doctor had said.
I am still not convinced, as to the cause of Ruth + David's car accident - ie hitting an animal.
ReplyDeleteIt seems too simplistic, and so just accepted in such a rural area.
🤷♀️
Deer do suddenly appear. When we lived in Cornwall we were going along a country lane and three of them leapt out of the hedge and across the road. Fortunately we were able to stop in time. It seems believable that David was not as lucky and a deer was the cause of the accident. It is doubtful that his one drink affected his driving but maybe he was a bit too relaxed after having a good time at the party!
DeleteMany years ago Mr CC hit a deer on the M6 motorway. It emerged from trees, crossed the other carriageway, jumped over the central reservation and landed on his car in the outside lane. It was on the Staffordshire section of the motorway.
DeleteA friend of mine's wife was driving on the edge of Ashdown Forest, not thickly wooded trees but willows and saplings when a deer jumped out of the the hedge, landed on top of his wife's car and she was killed instantly.
DeleteIt's the same as kangeroos on Australian roads. Those big animals do much damage and death.
How awful Spicycushion.
DeleteHow absolutely terrible Spicy!
DeleteI loved hearing David with his brothers + sisters, laughing together again at Brookfield. There have been many ill-feelings between them, so many times.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this means that things might be changing, in both the short + long term.
I enjoyed the episode for exactly the same reason Miriam, however the cynic in me is asking “for how long” 🤔
DeleteThe other brother and sister, in the family,Josh and Pip also deserve praise for how well they worked together during the family emergency.David and Ruth should be proud.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think David and Ruth will be shocked to hear about what Josh and Pip had to deal with while they were playing games inside, oblivious to what was going on.
DeleteI noticed that Ruiari was mentioned again, with his very genorous Christmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteI still think that he has left university, to be involved in "money making" schemes, which will soon end in disaster.
Just listened to tonight’s episode and I throughly enjoyed every moment - that’s two lighter episodes in a row. It was good to hear Pip and Josh having a heart to heart about the future of Brookfield and exchanging inner thoughts. Troubles will be back around Ambridge soon enough because that’s life but as we have often said here moments of happiness do come along too.
ReplyDeleteNice that Alastair was invited and Leonard such a lovely man and he knew of course that she was jealous of Iris (who reminds me of Joy in nature)
“She” being Jill 🤭
DeleteTo be honest, I’m finding Leonard’s loveliness a bit cloying! And I’m very uncomfortable with Jill, Her voice is getting more unnatural, and I thought the jealousy storyline the scriptwriters came up with for her was pathetic. If that’s the best they can o for the character, it seems to me its time to retire.
DeleteJill sounds terrible.
DeleteSeems like there may be some changes afoot at Brookfield
ReplyDeleteJill acted like a silly teenager, how daft at her age. Leonard is a bit too good to be true isn't he but sounds like a lovely person.
ReplyDeletePathetically silly. She is definately no longer a teenager. If Leonard was not even a little put off her he is not the man he's been made out to be. As one of very few male subscribers I felt embarrassed for him.
DeleteIt’s true Jill has a history of jealousy where her men are concerned. It resurfaced a few yeas ago in connection with the Fairbrothers. So it wasn’t out of character for her to be jealous, but it made for a very feeble storyline.
DeleteShe’s clearly feeling estranged from her family’s modern lifestyle - not all gathering round a laid table to eat their celebration takeaways, for instance. Leonard is going to have his work cut out, being a link between her old way of doing things and their current one. Good thing he’s so devoted!
I seem to remember that there was also a wee bit of jealousy,years ago when Phil,innocently,had a rapport with Ruth’s mother Heather when she came on a visit after her husband died.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cheshire Cheese, in that things may be changing at Brookfield.
ReplyDeleteHow about Ruth + David moving into The Bungalow, as are now going to work part-time. This leaves Pip, Rosie + Josh, taking residence in Brookfield Farm, where Jill will continue to live, unless Leonard whisks her off else-where.
That leaves Ben, to take up residence in Rickyard.
That's my Archers S/L...🤣🤣
My imagination has gone a bit OTT, I know. 🤐
What will happen to Toby + Rex? I admit that I had not thought about them!
DeleteA possible solution is that, Carole T. moves to Cheltenham to be with her daughter.
Jill then rents Glebe Cottage to the Fairbrother brothers, at a low rent to suit them.
After all, Toby is Rosie's father and Rex is involved in the Re-wilding project.
This is so meaningful for Ambridge, along with Phoebe and of course, Peggy who financed it.
This is after all her personal legacy, and what she wants to be remembered for.
Peggy, not Jill. 😀
DeletePrivate Rental properties in Ambridge...
ReplyDeleteThere are several :-
a) Glebe Cottage, owned by Jill
b) No 1. The Green, owned by Will
c) The Flat above the shop, owned by Hazel
d) The Beechwood house, owned by Kirsty
I have a thought, as to why there have been no major problems for a long time, re maintenance etc. so causing no problems for the landlords.
Aren't they lucky 🤷♀️
That, or their tenants fail to report minor issues until they get worse. If, for example, a boiler needs attention, the owner won't hear about it until late one Sunday night - probably on the coldest day of the year - when the tenants complain to the letting agents that they've been without heat or hot water since Tuesday and there are now icicles growing on the baby's cot.
DeleteThere is one person who I really want to hear more about.
ReplyDeleteFreddie..
He has been missing for too long.
As I have been so castingated, on the other page of this lovely blog, I feel that I have to keep my TA thoughts to myself, for at least a while.
ReplyDelete..spelling mistake, I know 🤷♀️
DeleteHopefully we will hear from Lower Loxley soon, we heard from Elizabeth last week and she is obviously still involved with Mr Casey. I have heard elsewhere speculation that he could involved with the modern slavery story, he certainly seems to be doing very well.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this week’s episodes more than I have for a while.
Yes, where is Freddie hiding?
ReplyDeleteHaving listened to the Omnibus I realize that I found Jill irritating and not only for the way she was ridiculously jealous over 'the other woman' (can't remember her name). She's so needy and whiney over wanting to be useful and help when she needs to take a back seat and count her blessings in having such a devoted manfriend.
As well as making it to 91 and in reasonable good health, mobile and still at the heart of her family.
DeleteI was thinking along the same Ines - Jill was sounding like a miserable old biddy in he making, and I wondered if a storyline about the age issue was looming, then realised that the twin problems of age, deteriorating health and loneliness, Jill didn’t have. Far from!
DeleteOld age ain’t no place for cissies, said Bette Davis. Is Jill a cissie?
So what do we think Pheobe is up to? I’m reckoning it was a job interview.
ReplyDeleteSelling her share of the re-wilding project??
ReplyDeleteMy final post, in this page, is simple.
ReplyDeleteAlice is back living in her cottage, at last.
Chris + Martha are now living in a very unsuitable upstairs flat.
My simple thought is this -
Chris + Martha move back into The Nest, purely as lodgers.
Chris will pay half the the bills, so not to cause problems with the ongoing divorce.
It will also give Martha more stability and she will see her Mum more often, that is if Alice wants this...which I think she does.
Martha is the pawn in this situation, esp. as she will be 1yr old in what about a month.
Jazzer + Jim, will certainly remember Martha's Birthday, when it comes around.
I would so love to hear that The Nest, becomes a love nest again, as it once was.
Ooh 🐖 🐖 are flying past, or are they?
I don’t think Martha is a ‘pawn’, Miriam. Everyone, including Alice, seems perfectly happy with Chris bringing her up on his own. He’s obviously a natural at parenting and has got the domestic skills for it as well. He may not be on his own for long! (Amy?)
DeleteI hope the divorce settlement works out in his favour. What a hypocrite Brian Aldridge is - coming over all sorrowful and sympathetic to Chris when all he really wants is to find out if Chris is going to make a claim that will dent Home Farm finances. I’m glad Chris is keeping his distance.
Adam certainly seems more relaxed in his role as jobbing farmer rather than boss. But I find it rather strange him trying to out-gossip Susan, even if he is trying to win over his sister's soon to be ex mother-in-law. (And don't such toe-curling revelations threaten to curdle the yoghurt?)
ReplyDeleteIt was certainly a reminder that it takes two to gossip, eg, Susan and Clarrie (definitely), Adam and Ian (apparently), and now (incredibly) Adam and Susan Still, I enjoyed hearing about Molly Button’s parents (Fleur and Archie, would you believe) so I guess I’m just as bad!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the silent Button family will ever be included as speaking characters?
DeleteAnd I wonder if Molly's mother was French, or perhaps her grandma had just read the Forsyte Saga. It would be nice for roles to be developed for the Button girls
DeleteAlso their younger brother - is he Billy, or did I imagine that?
DeleteIf she is French, have we be pronouncing the surname wrong? Shades of Hyacinth Bucket perhaps?
DeleteI predict a repeat of the Kate/Roy/Phoebe scenario. only this time it’s Chris bringing up Martha with a new partner (I nominate Amy) and Alice drifting in and out of her daughter’s life while following her own path.
ReplyDeletePoor little Martha, I hope she gets over her spots quickly. Not sure that Chris will be over his shingles so soon though, it can be nasty for adults.
ReplyDeleteSmallest Person in a Shoe decided not to be left out when their older siblings all got chicken pox. Didn't read the baby books and managed to catch it at a month old! No wonder they were grumpy through-out older one's birthday party.
Only had a few spots so we wondered if the infection had been bad enough to count. It was - SPiaS went on to get shingles at age 8 or thereabouts. Very localised - the left eye swelled up like a tennis ball. Fortunately, children don't tend to suffer the long-term effects that adults can. But for several years afterwards the scars on Smallest Person's forehead would should up whenever they cried.
We kept a look out for repeat flare-ups, because we'd been told they would need anti-viral asap. We only had one suspected bout - it turned out to be midge bites from a campfire the previous evening!
We found out later that if you've had chicken pox under a year old you are more likely to develop shingles later. I hope this isn't a future story line for little Martha.
Poor Chris, shingles is horrible. I had it on my face and it was very painful and scary too as it can travel to the eyes. I hope that he and little Martha heal well and quickly.
DeleteShingles can be horrible. Once you reach 70, you can get vaccinated against it on the NHS.
ReplyDeleteIt is horrible and I was vaccinated 3 years ago. It started in early October and although the rash has gone, the irritating sometimes painful sensation is still there. In the daytime, when I’m busy it isn’t so bad but in the evening and at night the crawling sensation is awful. Sleeping is difficult and I end up digging my fingernails into my skin. I’m on low dose antidepressants but they aren’t really helping.
ReplyDeleteSorry this should be on other blog. I do hope Chris doesn’t get it badly.
I wonder if Alice is going to want to hand Martha back when Chris is better.
ReplyDeleteIt was good that Jennifer refused to take Martha. Every parent goes through this sort of thing. After the excitement of having a baby reality kicks in and the awesome responsibility of looking after and nurturing a helpless human being becomes overwhelming. Of course Alice has additional problems but Jennifer did exactly the right thing and having got through this, Alice should be very much more confident around Martha. Having her to help overcome the drink problem will be invaluable.
DeleteI feel this storyline isn’t quite coherent. Isn’t the case for.a divorce built on Alice’s unreasonable behaviour, eg. dropping Martha when drunk? On that occasion, Chris whipped Martha and gave her to Susan. But now, even though we’ve been told, mostly by Alice herself, that alcoholism is for life, everyone seems to think it’s reasonable to leave her in charge of Martha. Chris did suggest his mother but didn’t protest (he wasn’t well).
ReplyDeleteI don’t have an opinion on whether they all, including Jennifer, were right or wrong, but it does seem to me that they are undermining the grounds for a divorce.
PS. We never found out fro certain who was responsible for The Bull’s ‘drunk Alice’ scarecrow.....
ReplyDeleteI don’t usually post corrections of my typos because I feel it’s an unnecessary waste of blog space - it’s generally possible to see what’s meant - but I feel I should correct Chris whipped Martha by adding ‘away’. I wouldn’t want to leave an unintentional slur on his character!
I enjoyed the seemingly unlikely friendship which has sprung up between Ian/Adam and Susan. Brings a much needed lighter tone to T/A.
ReplyDeleteI still stand by wacky thought, that Alice, Martha + Chris, will end up together again in The Nest.
ReplyDeleteThis could work out well, or end in disaster, so speeding the divorce along.
It is only a month away from Martha's 1st Birthday, so I hope Chris + Alice can be united for this day, even if it might be for the last time.
To add.. An alcohlic is certainly one for life, and after time in re-hab, along with counselling and a mentor, things do change in a very positive way.
Alice is going forward and should be applauded for her efforts, so far.
She after all, did not open the Vodka bottles bought...
March 11th is the date. Hopefully, both Jazzer + Jim, will some-how be included in the 1st Birthday party celebrations..
Delete..or is it?
DeleteEv , I didn't think that Jennifer did do the right thing because had Alice hurt Martha she would never have forgiven herself.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I took my baby home from the Maternity Hospital that I thought they were wrong to let me because I really hadn't the first idea of how to look after a baby and I had no friends or family living nearby to help.
How my son survived I will never know but at least I didn't take to drink .I hadn't the money to buy any in any case.
Yes, Jennifer did take a risk which in the worst event could have been very bad but she did go back later, probably not too much later, to see Alice and found she was much calmer and Martha was fine. Alice has done well in keeping away from the drink. I think Jennifer must have been worried but Alice needs to be trusted at this point to go forward I think. I felt the same as you when I came home with Katy although a week in the Maternity home with guidance from the staff and times of rest gave me a good start in caring for her. I didn’t have family or close friends due to our nomadic life with the Navy so just had to feel my way.
DeleteI felt the same as both Ev and LJ.
DeleteOh Jennifer, what a risk, I thought, then my second thought was, but your also giving Alice permission to take that risk herself, and adding that you have confidence in her.
And it worked.
It might not have done, but on this occasion it did, and from tonight’s episode it would seem that Alice did gain some degree of confidence in her own ability.
Oh yes……got it in one. Was right about the job interview.
ReplyDeleteGrab it phoebe and get out of ambridge whilst you can.
Good grief I thought Phoebe was off to the other side of the world at least- but no only Scotland!
ReplyDeleteWhy worry about Kate she has gone her own way all her life, but I guess you have your fathers more considerate way (even so off you go Pheebs)
Alice has been doing well this week asking for help when needed and for once darling Jenny’s advice was firmly given but with underlying support. Susan suggested the visit to take Martha to see Chris but was that wise on the health front 🤔
"Your father's more considerate way", Lady R?? You're talking about the man who said "Oh, they'll get over it", when asked about his wife and children if he left them, as he proposed to do. (Wonder if Phoebe ever got to know about all that...)
DeleteMy simplistic prediction is that, Alice + Chris will get back together again at some time.
ReplyDeleteThey could do a Clarrie + Eddie, in that they renew their marriage vows, and so also replace the destroyed Las Vegas wedding photos.
A combined christening of Martha Jasmine Carter, plus the vow renewals, along with the church bells ringing (Neil as father/grandfather/bell captain) - would make a lovely TA episode.
The opposite scenario is:-
The divorce happens so Alice either has limited access to her daughter, or just leaves for a new life elsewhere, as Riuari suggested.
I know what I would prefer.
This is the only SL I will be commenting on, as it so intrigues me, as much as the Helen/Rob did.
DeleteOne last + final question:-
Why has Joy been side-lined? I had great hopes for her, to match up with Linda (there were signs) and be antaganostic towards Susan.
I still think Joy has a secret past, as her daughter + grand-children have never yet visited her new home. Could Joy be in witness protection?
I think a custody battle over Martha is looming Miriam
DeleteYou may well be right about that Cheshire Cheese.
DeleteMiriam - thank you for Paw Tracks in the Moonlight which I have really enjoyed.
I am particularly liking the Alice/Chris situation as it is being portrayed, in true real time..which makes it so more realistic. I mean that - there is not a quickie divorce, there are different living abodes, there are separate lives etc..
DeleteI have made my silly thoughts known, which will not be repeated again.
Tum de Tum de Tum 🎶
That's All Folks.
"Looney" Tunes in two different ways to just represent..🤗
Glad you're still here Miriam : )
ReplyDeleteI too would like Chris and Alice to get back together. But it won't be a quick or easy process.
There has been a lot of hurt, and a lot of trust lost. I'm sure marriages can be restored in circumstances like these, but also that many others sadly can't.
Joy on witness protection? She'd blow her cover in minutes!
But there is definitely a back story about her daughter and grand-children. Either there's been some major falling out, something worse has happened to them, or they exist only in Joy's lonely imagination.
There again, perhaps they all turned up in Ambridge incognito and have been staying with the silent Buttons for the last year or more. (Wearing dark glasses and the obligatory mask in case Joy should spot them.)
My wish for the young Carters is also simple but different. I would like the divorce to go through and Chris to find a partner who can give him the.stability and support he and Martha need, especially if she is diagnosed with. FAQ. Alice is inherently flaky, made worse by. alcoholism. Chris rescued her from her earlier instability, but now needs to devote all his available energy to Martha. It’s a vicious circle, which Chis is trying to break in the way Alice suggested,.
ReplyDeleteI’m not criticising, just saying! This is Ambridge where miraculous solutions are more than possible!
Rex can't possibly run the rewilding project on his own, not to mention the little matter of his pigs. A job for Lily or Toby perhaps - or even (fingers crossed) Molly Button! I've never been clear how Phoebe and Rex are employed. Self-employed director/managers of their Ambridge Rewilding business, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, Ambridge is brimming with under employed or unemployed members of the Archer clan plus others who could be in the running for a rewilding job when Phoebe heads north, eg. Adam, Alice, ,Kirsty, Beth and (the one with the least aptitude, I think) Freddie. The Trust might like it kept in the family as was Peggy’s idea and money originally.
DeleteA granny I know has learnt to keep quiet when she gets to see her grandchild master a new skill before his mum does. I suspect it might be politic for Alice to adopt the same strategy for a bit ...
ReplyDeleteI agree with your granny friend - we looked after our eldest granddaughter on a regular basis from her being 3 months old and we never let on to her mum if she achieved a milestone while with us.
ReplyDeleteI shall remember both of your tips when it comes to my turn.😊
DeleteAgree with what you say about Chris ,Maryellen.
ReplyDeleteI would like him to meet somebody who will be able to share her life with him and his daughter
The problem with the younger Aldridges is that they did not exactly have the best parental role models
I think Alastair would be ideal for the rewilding vacancy. Rex manages his pigs as well as the rewilding so possibly Alastair could continue at Bridge farm as well. Alastair showed by his experiments with the leys that he was interested in conservation of the soil, and he would be free from Brian hindering his ideas. Also, it would probably please Peggy to know her grandson was involved in the project. The other alternative would be for Rex to take it on as a full time job, but I am not sure he would want to give up his pigs, and whether he would actually want to be in sole charge. I think it was Phoebe who provided the dynamism to carry the project forward.
ReplyDeleteRe. Chris if he pairs up with some one else I think for him it will only be a second best. I think the love he and Alice have for each other is too strong to break. It might make for drama for him to start a relationship with someone else, e.g Amy, and then to break her heart when he eventually returns to Alice.
Do you mean Adam, Janice? I think Alastair's still pretty busy being a vet.
DeleteNeil to work with Rex, if Berrow Farm simplifies it's pig unit?
DeleteHannah + Jazzer would manage Berrow well.
I have been thinking that Alice might suit the rewilding job. A step away from her previous career but she is intelligent enough to adapt. She is used to work on the land having been born into a farming family. I think eventually she will get back together with Chris but it will take some time.
DeleteSorry, silly me, yes Adam.
DeleteThe one comment I want to make is, about Kate.
ReplyDeleteShe is so self-centred and as such, thinks that Pheobe, should stay with her in Ambridge. She has basically lost her other two children now living in S.Africa. She is being selfish, in that she doesn't want another daughter to leave her, even if it means, a big + brighter future for her. This is surely what a mother would want for a daughter.
I now fear for Brian + Jennifer, who will be both not only supporting Alice and Martha, but also "Me-Me" Kate!
But are the Aldridges currently supporting Martha? No word from Brian about contributions to Chris for the rent of the flat and Martha's general upkeep. In fact, he was ready to claw back anything Chris had taken from The Nest to furnish the flat, that Alice might want (eg. the big television) regardless of which of them (or both) had paid for it.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts.
DeleteMine were along the lines of simply, Jennifer is just supporting Alice with the care of Martha.
As to Chris, he decided to move into the flat, so why should Brian be contributing to the rent. Chris seems to want to support himself and Martha, in his own way. Chris also has Susan + Neil as his parents to help him out, not forgetting his sister Emma.
My point is that, it is not only up to the Aldridges to help out, but also the Carters..
Can't be doing with Mia and her accent ,to me sounds very false.
ReplyDeleteMrs P would know better than I do but she sounds as if she has just come off the set of "Cider with Rosie"
It took me a couple of minutes to work out who Mia was talking to. I would have thought their Dad would have just found someone to keep a loose eye on Jake and Mia who must be 17 and 15/16 rather than asking Will and Clarrie to have them stay in Ambridge, it all seemed very contrived.
ReplyDeleteMy brother is 3 years older than me, I remember a couple of girls in the year above me were quite keen on him and told a girl in my class with whom I clashed to lay off or they wouldn’t invite her to their parties. My brother also threw her out of his party when she tried to gatecrash, more because he didn’t want anyone the same age as his little sister there I suspect.
I’d like to hear about Toby and Rex’s holiday. Are they back, where was it, did they meet anyone interesting? It’s so rare for someone in Ambridge to go on holiday, you’d think the village would be buzzing with it. People do go to other countries to live, work or escape justice,, but I can’t remember the last time anything went on holiday abroad or here, apart from Chris and Alice, Las Vegas, 10 years ago.
ReplyDeleteMaryellen, you got me thinking. I remember Josh going away a few years ago. Did Susan and Neil get away or just talk about it? Eddy & Clarrie managed a few days in Paris but not many trips.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, KPNuts, shows how poor my memory is! But it’s possible to go a whole year in Ambridge with no one taking a holiday. Perhaps the Fairbrothers have only gone to Brighton which is too ordinary to mention.
DeleteMaryellen, recently it has been possible to go two whole years with half the country not taking a holiday!
DeleteIn Ambridge it’s been nearer 100% even though it’s a coronavirus lite world there!
DeleteSo many youngsters were heard - but where was George?
ReplyDeleteHe is the great grandson of Joe, the grandson of Eddie, so will I am sure take after them, in his own way. He has already shown very similar traits, to become a true Grundy in the future...
...and to think he will be 17yrs of age on April 7th, so can then start to learn to drive..I expect S/Ls to follow.
DeleteThe next generation of Ambridge residents in TA, are now becoming known. It has to happen, but this is just little foosteps to begin with.
DeleteThe early rebels in Ambridge, such as Tom, Kirsty, Fallon, Jazzer, Ed, Emma etc. are now settled into very different lives in their 30's + 40's.
DeleteA new generation is so needed to do similar antics.
Life in Ambridge, has to go onwards, in whatever way.
That was quite an emotional listen.
ReplyDeleteKirsty + Tom have finally shared their thoughts, even though it was after 5 yrs.
Now they can go forwards in their own separate lives, in whatever way they decide to do.
I was surprised that it was 5 years ago - it hardly seems like yesterday. Mind you, poor old Kirsty has certainly packed a lot into those five years.
DeleteI loved hearing her reasons for calling him Wren.
I thought that was a moving well acted episode. I wonder if it is too late for Kirsty to have another child.
DeleteI liked the way the scriptwriters introduced various comments so that the listener realised that Kirsty often came to visit the garden to sit and mourn. It added to the sadness and rounded out her character more.
DeleteBoth (last night)and today’s episode were wonderfully written and acted. My eyes were very blurry at the end of last nights offering because although TA is not real life - for many people such a SL sadly is only too true and a heart rending listen for them whether a recent loss or one from many years ago. I feel for them all 😥
DeleteI agree with comments made that these two episodes were very well acted and touching. Such a sad story and it was really meaningful for both Kirsty and Tom to visit the remembrance garden. I'm pleased that this helped both of them.
DeleteThe loss remains.
DeleteI think Natasha is coming out of this very well - 100% empathetic with both Tom and Kirsty, showing her understanding in practical ways as well as giving emotional support. Well done, Natasha!
ReplyDeleteI liked the scene in the Remembrance Garden too, especially all the birdsong - I thought Sound Effects had really gone to town! But I was disturbed by the fact that Tom was never told his son’s name. I felt it showed just how determined Kirsty was then to push Tom away and keep their baby all to herself. Hopefully time has brought healing, helped by Tom’s grief-sharing initiative and Natasha’s intuitive approach.
Tom did know Kirsty had called the baby Wren, just not why she had chosen that name. She said to Tom "did I never explain that?" when he asked her why.
DeleteI even thought I heard a wren chirping away amongst the birdsong. Brilliant episode.
I agree with you about Natasha. She is becoming nicer.
DeleteOh good, I can stop thinking Kirsty didn’t tell Tom Wren’s name. She was adamant she was going to bring up the baby without Tom,. She softened towards him in hospital but was unpleasant with everyone, even Roy, afterwards (which people put down to hormones).
DeleteNatasha has always had a nice side - as Kirsty remembered.
I can see a bond forming between Natasha + Kirsty. They are both strong + fiesty females.
ReplyDeleteNow that Natasha is moving her juice enterprise to Sawyers, is now pregnant with twins, she will need some-one to oversee her empire.
Why not Kirsty?
Lily could also be a candidate, though.
It seems that TA is to remain at just 5 episodes a week.
ReplyDeleteWould I prefer a Friday night one, instead of the Sunday one?
Not sure just yet.
No Sunday episode, could then well mean no cricket as to the team, the teas, and all that this involves.
DeleteThen there is the church - Alan with his services, the bells and just a meet up with others.
Not sure...
Why can't all listen to 6 nightly episodes, once again?
DeleteNormality in TA, should now be able to return to as what is once was, pre Pandemic..or is this too optimistic even now?
To my simple thoughts, another 12min episode can now easily be recorded. 🤷♀️
DeleteIt’s probably down to money, Miriam.
DeleteAs I have said on many previous occasions, I always pick up a lot more whilst listening to the sunday Archers Omnibus, due to the seamless continuity.
ReplyDeleteToday, it was the very emotional talks between Tom + Kirsty.
Their talk in the Remberence Garden was brilliantly done, with then seeing a young boy about 5yrs old and the sun suddenly appearing.
Tom + Kirsty suddenly seem to accept what happened, both individually and together, so they can move on, but will never forget Wren.
This was shown with Kirsty visiting Natasha with the blankets.
I think Natasha + Kirsty, could finally become friends - of sorts.
It was well written, along with the Peggy and Pheobe chat.
Things seem to be starting to change in Ambridge..in very many but simple ways.
DeleteIf I seem to be posting too often, yet again, please realise that there was a 48hr gap 😉
ReplyDeleteI agree Miriam, the scenes with Tom and Kirsty were very well done,
ReplyDeleteI wonder how Alice is going to feel when Chris says he is ready to have Martha back? Is there going to be more discussion about custody and is it going to get awkward?
I wondered about that too KPnuts. Alice has now gained in confidence in her ability to look after Martha and how will she feel about handing her back? She may feel a bit relieved but also regretful and will miss her little daughter.
DeleteAlice said something like, she feels like a true Mother to Martha.
DeleteI wonder if she can just hand her back to Chris?
It seems too little, too late sadly for Alice, with the imminent divorce, which is being instigated by Chris with Alice's approval.
DeleteI’m not sure that the divorce is that imminent.
ReplyDeleteYet another mix added to the scenario this evening.
I may have said before that I think this divorce is likely to be a long drawn out affair, with both Chris and Alice realising eventually that they both love each other and want to be together with their child.
I think Chris is now really only focused on Martha. The divorce will go through, despite any residual or further feelings for Alice, as she said "tell all" which he is doing. This not helped with Amy becoming so close to Chris. in a scheming way.
Delete(Sorry, accidentally clicked on wrong blog for this message, have deleted post there)
ReplyDeleteJust to say Happy Valentine's Day and O's and X's all round! Join you tonight in The Bull!
I'm just about to start baking some heart shaped biscuits so will bring some along tonight.
DeleteExcellent, Janice! Maybe I could mind the biscuit tin while you are speed dating??
DeleteAs a singleton, Valentines Day is not a day for me.
DeleteHowever - I am loving what The Bull is doing, so I will meet you all there.
My contribution is, just me 😄🤗
Well Maryellen leave me a few of the biscuits just in case it's true the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. 😉
DeleteKate was “talking the talk” to Peggy last night but I wasn’t convinced, I think she sees the rewilding site as a scenic extension for her business and cheerfully expects Rex to do all the actual work. I think Phoebe has in fact been pretty hands on ( which I don’t think she liked as it didn’t fit in with her aspirations) I hope Peggy brings Kirsty or possibly Adam into the scheme instead.
ReplyDeleteDoes it have to be one of the small pool of characters that TA is using at the moment? Kirsty would be hopeless, she has no relevant skills or experience apart from the short lived junior job with the countryside organisation that she couldn’t hack. She successfully organised people in a litter pick, and the cast of the Mysteries, so she’s good with people when they’re behaving nicely, but that’s not what Phoebe’s job is about. Adam has no a better combination of business and land management skills and experience but I favour Kate.
DeleteI vote for Kathy Perks or Molly Button.
DeleteI still think Alice is a possible!
DeleteGood point Maryellen, they could widen the net. I am not sure the scheme works, presumably Phoebe and Rex have been drawing salaries and some income is generated by the camping, but how else do they make money, £250k sounds a lot but would go pretty quickly with set up costs and salaries.
ReplyDeleteWho to take on the rewilding project from Phoebe, to understand its ethos, and to bond and work with Rex?
ReplyDeleteKate - no way
Kirsty - a possible candidate
An outsider - as Home Farm did with Stella
Whoever takes on this project in Ambridge, has to be committed, understanding it all, in such a way to help to improve this project moving it onwards + forwards..
Is there such a person??
..duties to include sorting out the composting loos, running an eco friendly camp-site, plus giving a true enviroment for all the animals. Then there is caring for the hedgerows in the natural enviroment, to help the birds etc.
DeleteIt will need a special person.
I had been prepared to believe that Brian's offer of rent free accomodation had been made out of genuine concern for the well-being of his granddaughter and soon-to-be-ex son-in-law. Well, it was possible ...
ReplyDeleteThing is, I don't see Chris as the sort of guy who'd want to take his ex for every penny she's got. And I doubt his pride would let him anyway. He's built up his business and earnt a good reputation, does he really want to end up well off only thanks to the largesse of the local squire?
Not sure about Amy. Yes, there is an attraction for Chris, and it may be reciprocated. But she's also Alice's friend and confidante.I think any romance at this stage could cause an awful lot of fall-out. Later on, when the dust has settled, possibly, but not a good idea at present.
I don't think she is scheming, Miriam. I think she realises the attraction and is trying to fight it. But she also wants to support and help Chris. A difficult balancing act, I imagine. But I may well be wrong, perhaps she does have her sights set on being the next Mrs Carter. THat will cause some interesting episodes ...
I have to agree with OWIAS’s analysis of Amy. No scheming just circumstances.
DeleteI think Amy is meant to be the polar opposite of Brian Aldridge - completely straightforward, guileless and well-meaning, but maybe not as adept at managing social relationships as she is at professional ones. As I suggested earlier, BA is being a total hypocrite - every time he cosies up to Chris, my skin creeps! I hope Chris’s lawyer points out that Chris needs all the money he can reasonably expect In order to safeguard Martha’s future,
ReplyDeleteOn the face of it,when Brian mentioned to Neil that he hoped to offer Chris rent free tenancy to one of the holiday cottages,it seemed an ideal solution,as there is no getting away from the fact that the flat above the village shop has severe limitations for the upbringing of a toddler.It was obvious,though that Neil,while seeing the advantages in Brian’s suggestion,had some reservations about relaying the details to Chris,especially at the moment when he is still recovering from shingles.However,Chris may think it is a good plan,but as he is usually,fiercely independent I guess he will only accept on the condition that he pays rent and not feel completely beholden to the Aldridge’s.
ReplyDeleteAs others have said before,I don ‘t think Chris would intend to lay claim to Alice’s share in Home Farm in the divorce settlement as feared by Brian.
I thought I detected a spark between Amy and Rex at The Bull on Valentine’s Day.
ReplyDelete