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Life in Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
Thanks, Gary. This photo is in my Archers book, which refers to Jill (Patterson) when Phil first saw her as "a very attractive girl with blonde urchin-cut hair". What happened???
ReplyDeleteYes, I have always pictured Jill as being dark haired, whatever Phil said in that episode. Unless of course she had been using peroxide when he first met her!
DeleteGary what a great photo - a twin pram, which has to have Shula + Kenton in.
ReplyDeleteSuch a subtle idea, now that a 3rd set of Archers twins are on the way. I bet the newest twin Archers pram, will look very different later in the year.
Indeed. A sister-in-law had one similar in 1957 - pale grey Silver Cross, VERY expensive!
ReplyDeleteCaption contest:
ReplyDeleteDot to Jill: You see dear, once you've soaked the dummy in gin, you just pop it in his his mouth and he'll sleep like a log.
"Is he filling his nappy - again?"
DeleteKenton, of course.
Please, ladies!!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteDan to Phil : Wish my heifers would produce twins like that.
DeleteAs much as I loved Annette Badland in Midsommer Murders, she is now so excelling herself, as Hazel Woolley in The Archers.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awful person, Hazel is now appearing to be again.
I still think, she is just out to some-how get both The Lodge + Grey Gables, plus any extra properties, in whatever way she can..along with her telling "stories" to suit.
I don't agree with you Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI think the acting is terrible.
Her character is so exaggerated and unrealistic.
(Well either that or I am lucky that I have never met anybody like the character Hazel.)
I am finding that most of the story lines are so uninteresting.
Where are all the cliff hangers?
Believe me, Lanjan, you've been lucky. When I was 10 I had to share a desk with someone just like her for a whole year.
DeleteAs a lot of us suspected, Hazel is acting at being nice.
Delete'Poor little me. People are so horrid and nasty to me.' Well, Ms Woolley, you taught them everything they know on that score.
But thanks for the shopping tip: next time I go into a local shop with just one person serving, I shall guilt-trip them into leaving the shop and carrying my shopping to the bus-stop. Or perhaps up some conveniently steep stairs. That'll make me popular : )
That said, I hope she doesn't flounce off too quickly - I want to hear her reaction when the nasty Ocado driver won't carry her tins of pate do foie gras and bottles of vitriol up to the flat. Better still, she'll need to make an emergency trip to Felpersham just before the delivery is due and have to go cap-in-hand into the shop to ask them to receive the order on her behalf.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteIf Jim had been the gentleman he presents as, he would have offered.
DeleteQuite apart from the issue of leaving the shop unattended, potentially inconveniencing other customers, and the question of whether the business insurance would have covered him if he had tripped and injured himself on the steep steps that did not belong to the shop, had he done as you suggest, maryellen, Hazel would have slapped him down in flames for patronisingly implying she was a weak and feeble woman who couldn't manage her own shopping.
DeleteIt turned out to be okay for grumpy Jim to take the shopping up, and we have no evidence as to how Hazel would have behaved if he had offered. Maybe we could give her the benefit of the doubt here.
DeleteI don’t know who irritated me more tonight,Hazel with her poisonous hippocracy or naive Peggy,suggesting to Tony that the former should be invited to Pat’s birthday tea.
ReplyDeleteI can’t agree that Hazel can be considered strictly as ‘family’ and hope that Tony doesn’t bow to pressure from his well meaning mother.
I’m equally confused by Natasha. 🤔
ReplyDeleteI just wish people in Ambridge would develop a backbone instead of bending over backwards to accomodate selfish and self-serving family members and neighbours.
DeletePerhaps I should be wishing the writers would change. I keep forgetting this is all in the imagination, not a real place at all.
I think that the writing is poor and a lot of the acting is too.
ReplyDeleteYears ago when Tom was with Kirsty they were going to buy a house.
Now he and Natasha who are both working were prepared to live in an upstairs rented flat even though they were presumably trying to start a family ..
Would Natasha really have been happy with that situation ?
The "Mike" story as well is ridiculous.
Has Helen bought Kirsty's house or is she renting it?
The trouble for me is that there is no story that really interests me .
I suspect the main one will be the situation at Bridge Farm
I listened to last night's episode ddespite being weary and bored by TA at the moment! I'm sorry but I feel that Annette Badland's acting was badly done. (Not unlike the mournful drama at Jack Woolley's funeral.)
DeleteAnother poster on another websire said 'You'd have to have a heart of stone not to laugh at Hazel!' It was so insincere!
I have watched the actor on several TV shows and she isn't bad. Probably poor scriptwriting! And Peggy seems to have lost her senses!
As to the rest of the episodes I hardly listen to them any longer. I have listened to about four in the past month.
I don't want squabbles and fights amongst the characters. I have had enough in my past and present real life so I don't need any more!
It's all a bit down-spiriting and tedious.
Spicycushion, I have recently started listening after a gap during the height of the Alice drama. I agree wholeheartedly with your comments about the programme, I'm finding the constant angst really depressing.
DeleteThoughts on last night’s episode
ReplyDeleteCan’t understand why Peggy is being so nice to Hazel who has been awful to her ‘stepmother’ in the past, especially since Jack’s death. Surely a wise old woman like Peggy can’t be fooled by Hazel’s ‘poor me’ act? The change in Hazel’s voice between personas was so obvious, surely Peggy could have seen what was going on and not pressed Tony to invite Hazel to the party.
I do think Annette Badland’s acting was a bit over the top, I remember her from her very early acting days as Jim Bergerac’s secretary in Jersey, years ago. She has perfected the art of
portraying difficult women over the years but the current Hazel is a bit over the top for me - a perfect pantomime witch!
Bridge Farm’s Bathroom - surely there can’t be only one bathroom at the farm meaning that Natasha/Tom/Pat/Tony are all sharing shelf space? How on earth did they manage when Helen and the two boys lived there?
Alice looking for work - a good idea to give her something to occupy her mind as she copes with battling her addiction. Surely the obvious answer is for her to help out at the stables? She is good with and loves horses, looking after them, riding etc would give her something else to focus on. I’m sure Lilian would be in favour and Shula might appreciate extra help, especially if it was offered on a voluntary basis.
Archerphile I agree with you about Alice, the stables would be the ideal option.
ReplyDeleteI think the limited bathroom capacity at Bridge Farm was highlighted when Johnny moved out, but I agree that adding a second bathroom would be sensible.
Like you I can’t understand why Peggy is being so nice to Hazel. I can just about accept her giving Hazel the benefit of the doubt when she returned but once she evicted Tom and Natasha….but I do like the pantomime wicked witch!
Annette Badland has also turned up in Midsomer Murders as a tetchy pathologist with a penchant for powerful motorbikes. I looked at her and thought: Hazel Woolley in leather gear. Wow!
ReplyDeleteNot tetchy, as such, just strong, confident, knowlegdable and fun.
DeleteI think as Hazel Woolley, Annette B. is just brilliant. Her character shows confindance but not a fun element, just a scheming one.
To add - Alice will work well with her Aunty Lillian and can control Justin, as she can.
ReplyDeleteThis was a reply, so an extra, to a long post I wrote.. This was long, relating to Alice, her future and The Stables.
DeleteI had the usual "your comment has been published", but it hasn't, just the addendum.
What a waste of my time, thoughts + ideas..😱😭
Oh well. I will keep my thoughts + ideas, re all things Ambridge + TA related quiet, as they don't post!
DeletePS It makes no difference whether I use my main PC, or my android 'phone, when I write my posts. For some reason these still do not "post" even when the "your comment has been published" appears..🤷♀️🙀 ❌❌
DeleteYes they do, Miriam, you've just scored a straight four! Glad you like AB's pathologist, as I also think she's fun.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, far too much again! I get your hint, which I accept, acknowledge and will keep a much lower profile now.
DeleteI will definitely keep my TA thoughts to myself, from now on, but they don't publish anyway..😅
It’s very frustrating isn’t it Miriam when you’ve written a thoughtful post and it either floats on your screen saying it’s publishing, then doesn’t do so. Or it simply disappears, sometimes not even telling you it’s a Whoops. Almost worse than when you do get a Whoops.
DeleteI know how you feel.
Makes you wonder if it’s at all worth bothering.
What are we going to do about it fellow bloggers ?
Anything !
It wasn't a hint at all, Miriam, it was intended to allay your negative feelings about your posts not being published. Instead of reassuring you, now I've made you feel worse!
DeleteI guess you can still read the blog, though, which is the main thing. I don't have these problems myself, although I do think Blogger is clunky - but you get what you pay for (or in this case , don't pay for!)
DeleteDoes LanJan feel she has her cliffhanger this evening.
ReplyDeleteIs it enough LJ ?
Maryellen.
ReplyDeleteWhat have you got againstJim?
We only have Hazel's side of the story anyway and maybe Jim said -though why he should have done beats me- that he would take her bags upstairs when his shift finished.
I find it difficult to believe that she has rented the flat to someone else so quickly too.
Stella?
Why would Tom want a first floor flat now ?
Where will they put the all singing ,all dancing double buggy?
What, ask Ms Woolley to wait?!?!
DeleteHer ice cream would melt. Or perhaps the frosty atmosphere would keep it safe for hours.
LanJan - I don’t disbelieve Hazel’s story. Jim is quite capable of being ungracious if not downright rude to an older woman. I’m trying to get past the pantomime witch caricature we’re being given by scriptwriters and actor to a ‘real’ person, clearly a deeply unhappy one trapped in the persona she has created (like Kate in the Taming of the Shrew),
DeleteNot sure why Hazel expected to be welcomed in Ambridge, after all she has never exactly courted popularity.
ReplyDeleteI am struggling to understand why Tom and Natasha would want to go back to a small flat accessed by steep stairs, Natasha has already had one fall related scare.
Tom: “who to”
ReplyDeleteHazel: “Stella”
QED
Stella wants to have a dog and I don’t think the flat would be suitable. Also, judging by her mention of a mortgage at her interview, she’s looking to buy rather than rent. She could change her mind on both counts of course. What was tat appointment she was in a hurry to get to when Ed bearded her 2 or 3 days ago?
DeleteMaryellen
ReplyDeleteYou do not seem to be having the same trouble with Blogger or getting posts published as many of us are.
Would you mind letting us know what sort of computer/tablet you use and how you access the site
It could well be helpful to the rest of us. I was able to use the Chrome browser on my iPad quite successfully but that is playing up now.
Any info you are able to give us might be very useful.
Many thanks. 😃
I only have a laptop or phone and I have no problems either. I seem to remember that OWiaS has said the same. I get the impression that the difficulty lies with tablets.
ReplyDeleteI have a tablet and normally have no problems, but a few days back on the other blog I could only get short comments of 2 or 3 lines to publish but longer comments just vanished. 😣
ReplyDeleteI use Chrome as recommended by Archerphile when I was having problems with Safari on my tablet which is now quite old so I blog on my new laptop. If anything goes wrong, it’s me (like accidentally signing out!)
DeleteI think Janice may be on to something re shorter comments - and at least if you keep them short, it’s less aggravating when they fail to post than if you’ve spent ages typing them.
Crikey, Hazel's got efficient letting agents!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they've got a branch in Southampton?
Bet it’s Stella!
DeleteQu'est'ce que vous dire?
ReplyDeleteMoi? Je suis surprise qu'un agent could get a property listed, photographed, advertised and shown to a potential client all in one day. The fact that the client has also managed to make an offer, had that offer passed to Hazel and been accepted in less than 24 hours either shows incredible professionalism or is an indication that rental properties in Ambridge are so rare that the Felpersham agents have a waiting list as long as your arm and have preferred clients' phone numbers on speed dial.
DeleteOr would Hazel spurn the Felpersham amateurs in favour of la creme de la creme in London? Perhaps a certain out-of-favour royal is looking to retire into quiet obscurity.
Thank you. I just wondered where Southampton came into it.
DeleteI know of agents in Southampton who would struggle to organise their way out of a paper bag : (
DeleteI use either a laptop or Android phone, no problems here, using Chrome.
ReplyDeleteMrs P.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember what last night's cliff hanger was.
Was it the fact that Hazel has let the flat so quickly?
Yes.
DeleteBut the cliffhanger is… to who?
More of a door step hanger than a cliff hanger! I can't imagine anyone is holding their breath.
DeleteOr perhaps a steep flight of stairs hanger ; )
DeleteIf Hazel is short of funds she would have offered the flat back to Tom and Natasha
ReplyDeleteThe story of bringing her back to Ambridge is a silly one.
Why not let us know more about those people who are apparently still living in or around Ambridge - Carole Tregorran, Kathy Perks ,Auntie Christine ?
Not meaning to be too harsh but they could kill off Carole and Christine and get Kathy to move to be with her son Jamie
I think that as usual,Tom jumped in too quickly to plead with Hazel for the flat,without e even giving Natasha a head’s up.I don’t think she would be jumping at the chance to return in their current circumstances anyway.
ReplyDeleteIs it only me,(perhaps unfairly,)thinking that Tom was hoping that Peggy would offer to pay or contribute to the cost of the super buggy when he was Raving about it’s cost?
It didn’t occur to me.
DeleteMust admit that did cross my mind. Remembering how many times she has helped him out financially in the past. Good old Gran is always good for a loan!
DeleteYes Portia. I think so too.
DeleteI think the best thing about Blogger is that it doesn’t have the like/dislike option which used to cause so much grief on the BBC blog, and the worst thing is not displaying the most recent posts first, which means a lot of scrolling down. But apart from the problems reported by Archerphile, Miriam and Mrs P, I think Blogger serves us well ( not forgetting Gary’s contribution!)
ReplyDeleteThé problems started for me ( and one or two others, like Lady R) when our iPads were upgraded to iOS 14. We had been on 12 before with no problems but the newer iterations have caused a lot of snags.
DeleteUnfortunately I don’t have a laptop and find my phone is very small for typing on so I will continue with the iPad as long as I can. I see there is an even newer iOS15 available now but am reluctant to update in case I get further grief!
But I was having many problems as my old IPad was failing. ARCHERPHILE.
DeleteNeeding to change my email address when changing to my new IPad created more problems ( even tho’ my blogger address is not the same as my normal email address, but is still g ) but then endless problems since on my new IPad.
Since this was a joint Christmas present from daughters last Christmas which due to COVID restrictions I didn’t get until late last autumn, will have to suffice for several years yet.
I find it very frustrating that it is so difficult to get help, either from Apple or from Google.
DeleteThere must be other people having problems when using Blogger from iPads and I have searched the Internet and Google help pages with no success.
I have just updated again today Archerphile to 15.2.1 see how it goes. So far all upgrades have been up and down regarding our blogs and often newspaper articles , so many adds on them hard to see the story! Mainly I keep updated to keep security top notch.
DeleteThere are definitely people just like Hazel in real life. I worked with someone like her and it was not fun.
ReplyDeleteI agree with others asking why would Tom and Natasha want to move back into a small flat with steep stairs. How will that work with twin babies and their huge pram?
Mike's story has come to a swift end and I think it was nice to hear him again.
Agree the Stables would be an ideal workplace/volunteer spot for Alice.
I have no idea re the flat, except it should not be Alice. She is not ready yet for this independant lifestyle, especially above a shop which sells alcohol.
DeleteMy thought it is Kirsty.
Stella will end up in the Brookfield Bungalow, which will suit her more, as to her status as the Home Farm Manager, alongside her friendship with Ruth.
Sorry. I am meant to be on a "no posting" week 😱
DeleteOh you are funny Miriam.
DeleteBless you !
The new flat renter, has got me really thinking.
ReplyDeleteI still favour Kirsty, at the moment.
I am still not sure if either Rex or Toby are in the position to be able to take it on.
I have already dismissed Alice, and Amy hasn't also a viable job, to be a contender.
Stella is a true possibility, but as I have already said, she is more suitable for The Bungalow.
Josh - No - as he thinks the bungalow is his already.
I thought of Kate, but then she has a great place in The Lodge with Peggy, and also owns a cottage.
Who is left?
Pheobe is also a possibilty.
But how about it is Beth, so along with Ben, will just create another "love nest".
This will so annoy Josh, especially when he doesn't get the bungalow, and then sees Ben + Beth in their new pad together.
Oh well, my wittering ideas again.
I do love an intrigue though.
Also the new flat resident/s, will have had to put a substantial deposit down, plus also pay a months rent in advance...
DeleteJust thinking aloud, which is dangerous.
Another out loud thought - what about Hannah as the flat renter?
DeleteIt is about time she re-appeared, and by now, she must be fed up living in No.1 The Green, with whoever still resides there.
I have no recollection who Will is still renting his property to, at the moment.
So much for being on a no comment week Miriam!! 😂😂😂😂
DeleteIt starts NOW!
DeleteThanks for the reminder. 😃🤣
I know I post too much, which irritates many others, along with my "wacky" Archers + Ambridge thoughts.
Now no more.
I know
To end:-
DeleteThe Ambridge Fairy is having a great time, what with making the Bridge Farm house smaller, and she will I think soon be moving many Ambridge residents, into different properties.
Rex, Toby need a new "pad", and where will Josh end up?
Then there is Rob 😱😣
Delete......or Matt Crawford (assuming he regained full use of his legs!)
DeleteActually I favour Molly Button. I don’t know why the scriptwriters invented Beth Casey when they’d got Molly waiting in the wings. Maybe they are reserving her for a better fate than Ben Archer!🙂
DeleteTalking of whom - did anyone hear ‘Ben’ on Saturday Live yesterday?
DeleteHe had a very interesting interview with Rev Richard Coles about his work. He does poetry readings up and down the country as well as being in TA. Sounded a thoroughly nice young man.
Remember, as I have already mentioned, the new tenant of The Flat above the Shop, has to put down a deposit, etc.
DeleteWho is in the position to be able to do this, less than 24hrs after Hazel re-listed it?
This now narrows the field. It could be done with generous parents, or those who have just done well, so their personal savings can be accessed..and now put to good use.
I bet it will be a sort of stranger, or a previous resident of Ambridge. This person will cause upset to a resident, and perhaps more.
DeleteThen there is Chris, in that - he moves out of The Nest, so allowing Alice to move back into her own property, along with the full care of Martha.
Perhaps it's the Ambridge Building Fairy! He or she must have pretty good access to ready cash to be able to do all those free extensions. If subsequent tenants are lucky, the fairy will do something about the steep stairs whilst living there.
DeleteNot sure who would write their references, though, Santa perhaps? Given that these were presumably requested and written, along with all the other stuff, all within 24 hours, it would need to be someone expert at doing an awful lot within an impossibly short space of time.
I don’t really care who lives over the shop. I care even less to hear more of the Damascene conversion of Harrison.
ReplyDeleteWhat a waste of an episode
Much as I love episodes that are chatting between characters and not necessarily ‘big drama’ I thought last night was really boring.
DeleteJazzer to keep his accounts in a flowery note book? Who really cares.
And as you all know, I am not of the Christian religion so I found Harrison going on about his baptism or non- baptism after his experience in the mystery plays another piece of religious propaganda which I could do without. First Shula’s agonising over being ordained, then those plays and now Harrison seeing the light?
Too much, even for a traditional English village.
(Putting my tin hat on now 😏)
AP, I'm just uneasy about a tendency to apply the word 'propaganda' to other people's beliefs that we don't agree with, that's all. No tin hat needed here
ReplyDeleteI thought it was an interesting dramatic contrast between the scenes concerned mainly with externals (summed up by the bee in boots) and the glimpses of someone's inner life, which we don't often get on TA. It was also revealing about Harrison and Fallon's relationship.
ReplyDeletey scenes
But I have to agree with Pierre that it wasn’t what you’d call compelling! Maybe with different actors..........
DeleteIt may not have been compelling for you Maryellen and others may have felt that too.
DeleteBut I found Harrison’s inner concerns to be genuine and thought provoking.
I also felt that Fallons reaction to be alarmed revealing too.
It’s good that Harrison wants to be baptised to reflect his views. I can’t really understand Fallon’s reaction as we don’t always have to agree with the beliefs of a loved one! It doesn’t mean the marriage will be rocked unless she steers it that way with too much opposition. The church is important in the village and it is appropriate to weave it into the story without preaching to the listener too much!
DeleteWhat I find hard to understand is how the mystery plays were staged in a small village without too much preparation and that Clarrie ran up all the costumes in about two weeks!
Hang on, Mrs P! You’ve misinterpreted me It wasn’t what Harrison said but how he said it that made it less compelling to listen to, for me that is. I’ve no doubt Harrison is utterly sincere. It was the inconsequential scenes with Jazzer that I really found a waste of time. I don’t think Jim is going to evict him for non-payment of rent though I wouldn’t weep if he did!
DeleteI think Fallon should suggest that Harrison talks to Alan
ReplyDeleteI didn’t like Fallon’s initial,derisory reaction either to Harrison’s feelings about a possible baptism.and can’t understand why she considers it as a future threat to the marriage.Hopefully, she might remember that Harrison,although disappointed , bowed to her feelings about not wanting to have children,and support him in this if he decides to take the matter up with Alan.
ReplyDeleteHarrison is not alone in this reassessment after playing the part of Jesus. I recently watched a series of 4 programmes in which Robert Powell traced archaeological and historical evidence of the real Jesus and the political and social background against which life at the time was set.
DeleteThere were also clips of the 1970s film during which he gave the most moving account of how the experience had changed him - altogether a deeply perceptive and thoughtful analysis. A pity Harrison wasn't able to watch it!
Sorry to appear to have misinterpreted your comment Maryellen, but take your point. Harrison was certainly not compelling in the sense of being fulsome, but was for me somewhat lost and questioning which I found to be rather more realistic than you did.
DeleteI too am concerned at Fallon automatically assuming trouble ahead in her marriage because of Harrison’s questioning of his reality. And too I disliked the derision expressed.
And Portia’s point about remembering past agreements should not be dismissed by the SWs.
Sarnia - could you point me to that series of programs with Robert Powell please, I’m sure I would find them interesting, and I agree with your point regarding the use of the word propaganda.
Fair enough, Mrs P!🙂
DeleteIt was on TV, not radio, Mrs P , Smithsonian channel, I think.
DeleteThanks Sarnia.
DeleteNever heard of Smithsonian.
But never mind. I can always google.
Freeview 56. Overall it seems to have an unhealthy obsession with WW2, but every now and then it comes up with an absolute gem.
ReplyDeleteI apologise for using the word propaganda in my last post which seems to have upset some of you.
ReplyDeleteI was trying to say that I feel TA has been covering several stories with a religious themeover the past few months and I was beginning to feel preached at. I don’t know how else to put it without offending somebody.
For the record, there have been several similar comments on other Archers sites.
If you would prefer me not to comment in future please let me know and I will withdraw.
I hold no religious beliefs and I was not being anti christian but fed up with the rather exagerated pushing of Harrisons somewhat ludicrous "seeing the light"
ReplyDeleteI am now hoping this SL is not developed to such a point that Lynda will be able to claim some credit and promote herself a couple of ranks above te Deity.
I'm not upset,AP, I'm irritated.
ReplyDeleteI have difficulty understanding why some people of other religions or none are prone to expressing such hostility to Christianity. I'm equally irritated by all- consuming following of sport which, for some reason is considered much more acceptable. Summer TV is unbearable, with its relentless pursuit of cricket, tennis, a football season which no longer seems to take a break and the horrible cacophony that is called motor racing. However, belief in cricketers, footballers, tennis stars and racing drivers is considered socially acceptable whereas expression of belief in God calls forth at best impatience and at worst, derision. In comparison with many I'm not a wildly religious person, but nevertheless I would appreciate a little .
more respect.
Without being angry or irritated, I too would like to express my dislike of derision and lack of respect for the Christian religion, as it was portrayed by Fallon in TA
ReplyDeleteand suggested by one or two comments here.
It seems to me that if similar comments were made regarding the Hindu or Muslim faith, or indeed any other recognised faiths, angry comments would be made regarding a lack of respect.
I am not able to remember the precise events, but I do remember the upset caused when Shula expressed negative opinions about an object of her faith which Alan’s wife had placed on display, because it was not a Christian object.
I hope I am an objective person and consider all faiths as legitimate and believe that each and every religion should be treated with equal consideration and respect.
I try to practice the tenets of the religious faith in which I was raised.
That happens to be Christianity, but my understanding is that most faiths uphold the same hopes and aspirations as each other, and see no reason why Christianity should sometimes be treated with a degree of derision.
And I certainly have not felt that I have been preached at.
ARCHERPHILE
Please, no need to feel vilified.
I don’t think mild irritation at your comments equates to offence, and certainly does not warrant departure.
Thank you for your comments Mrs. P. My feelings put more eloquently than I ever could.
DeleteI had a friend who had a very high earning job with lots of traveling overseas etc, very sporty and 'a bit of a lad'. When his first child was born he had a revelation, gave up his career and retrained as a vicar. His wife had no religious views but supported him throughout his new career, they seemed very happy and he retired last year. No one doubted his absolute sincerety, but it surprised a lot of friends at the time.
ReplyDeletePersonally I am very irritated at being taught how to keep accounts, surely the s/w can think of something more interesting?
Thanks for that
Deletenicely balanced response, Mistral. Only goes to show that we all have things that irritate us, but it's simple enough to ignore them. I've often wondered why the racing tips on the Today programme, but I think the sports report is about the same length as Thought for Today but I wouldn't dream of demanding that it be taken off air. I'm too much of a skinflint to place any bets, though.
There's a 'but' too many in there somewhere.
DeleteHaving read the various comments above, especially the one implying that I had expressed hostility towards Christianity (WHICH I MOST CERTAINLY HAD NOT) I have decided that I shall no longer comment here on my life-long love, The Archers. I felt my comment, echoed on other sites was legitimate and not hostile.
ReplyDeleteI shall continue to follow one or two Archers forums on FB but I no longer feel comfortable here.
I’m aware that I am one of the very few non- Christian members of this group and I’m feeling very outnumbered by the rest of you.
Please be aware that this is not a Miriam type flounce, and I shan’t be back on this Archers page. It’s become difficult to post anyway, involving a lot of online fiddling about and I no longer feel it is worth the effort.
I would prefer NOT to be contacted by anyone, including those who have my email address and phone number.
Thank you for your past friendship and tolerance and I wish you all well and many more years of listening, happily, to our much loved Archers.
Archerphile.
So sorry. I'll miss your views.
DeleteWell.
ReplyDeleteI a speechless.
And sorry.
DeleteVery sad to read your last post Archerphile.I will miss you🙁.
ReplyDeleteI’m very sad to read your latest post ARCHERPHILE, and very sorry indeed that you have decided to leave us.
ReplyDeleteYou will be missed.
I also recognise that for you this will also be a very sad occasion.
I hope you feel able to continue on the other sites that you visit.
Mrs P
I clearly have to take responsibility for AP's reaction, so I will also leave the blog. My Christian leanings are not so strong that I wish to oppress anybody who does not share them. I would just prefer that they didn't appear to be oppressing me.
ReplyDelete.......by dismissing Christian beliefs as 'propaganda'
DeleteI am so sad that you have decided to stop posting. I respect your decision. If, however, you would like to contact me I would be only to glad to hear from a friend I have known for years. You have my facebook name and I would love to have a 'good old chat!'
ReplyDeleteSpicy xx
When Archerphile left the old BBC blog, she came back - so here’s hoping!
ReplyDeleteArcherphile and Sarnia you are both intelligent, caring women; please rethink your initial reactions to leave the blog. If you had been having an actual conversation face to face, the issue would have been sorted straight away because neither of you meant any malice and both of you could have apologised for any unintended hurt.
ReplyDeleteAs a ‘wavering Christian’ ~ brought up in a family where faith was considered important ~ I would like to see all faiths respected. As Dave Allen said at the end of his programmes “ May your own God be with you”.
This is a life boat and you two are essential oarswomen to keep us all afloat!
👍👍👍
DeleteArcherphile,
ReplyDeleteI will miss reading your interesting and thoughtful comments.
If you can find a way to comfortably continue on this site I'm sure we would all welcome that enormously.
Shalom Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteHello Stasia, I was amused to realise you are still here reading.
DeleteShe's not the only one, Janice !
DeleteGlad you are still with us.
DeleteSarnia - and the same message from me to you as well as to Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteI wish when people put forward thoughts which are then commented on by others with opposing views that the former would not take such offence. There is room for all to express themselves without feeling they are treading on eggshells. As far as religion goes, my travels with my late husband taught me that there is a lot of sincerity out there. We met Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists, their religion largely decided on where they were born and into what families. I’m sorry Archerfile feels she is in a minority but actually she is and that doesn’t stop us from having a lot of respect for her and her beliefs. We are in a Christian country but I would guess many of us here do not strictly follow that one religion. It is good to live in a tolerant society and we must always tolerate and embrace our differences. Please don’t leave, AF and Sarnia as we do value your views. Let’s try to maintain the friendly feeling of this blog.
ReplyDeleteArcherfile and Sarnia stop being daft happuths! Debate and differing opinions are part of life and interesting.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that rather rude? How does taking responsibility for causing AP's upset make me a daft happuth? I'm continuing to read for the time being, but remarks like this only confirm my inclinations.
DeletePlease don’t leave us, Sarnia! There’s really no need. Archerphile made her own decision (partly based on her blogging difficulties) for which you are not responsible.
DeleteSarnia, where I come from "daft happuth" is used affectionately amongst family and friends. I meant you were both daft happuths for deciding to leave the blog over a simple difference of opinion.
DeleteI am so sad about Sarnia and Archerfile leaving this blog. It's so much more difficult sorting out these situations on a blog than face to face, I really hope to hear from both of you in the future.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I was planning to comment on T/A today but, having read the above comments, I am left feeling sad. I would appeal to everyone on this blog to keep up the friendship here and continue to contribute.
ReplyDeleteI agree..
DeleteAlthough I am not "flouncing off" described as such. I know when I need to step back for a short while, when I irritate others again.
I am amazed at both Sarnia + Archerphile for their reactions, as I think of them as both strong women but just with differing views.
I am always anti- , both religion + politics coming into this type of blog.
It always causes angst + upsets, to those with their own very personal, and strong individual beliefs.
I blame Linda, with her Mysteries!!
DeleteThese were not suitable, for all the TA listeners.
The SW/s should not have given this knock-on effect, as a result, as it does not relate to all.
I realise my many comments, as to replies to Anneveggie, could well irritate others again.
ReplyDeleteI only wanted to give my thoughts.
I know that this is the wrong page - but these had to follow on.
Hope to see Archerphile + Sarnia, back soon.
I can’t believe it. 2 grown women spitting their dummies out over such a trivial disagreement in the world we are living in at the moment ( and over the last 2 years)
ReplyDeleteYou should both be ashamed of yourselves. You have both said that this blog has been a lifeline for you.
Both just continue on the blog and put it behind you. 🤦♀️
How rude!
DeleteNot rude at all. Realistic.
DeleteI agree. I’m fed up with these disagreements and also if you take out anything which might offend delicate ones the blog becomes boring, repetitive and bland. I’m all for lively discussion whether it is at home, in the workplace or on a blog. When others counter your observations for heavens sake just shrug and get on with it instead of throwing your toys out of the pram.
DeleteHear hear P tb Y.
DeleteMe too, Lan jan and ptby.
DeleteGot a nerve after such a long silence, but am strongly moved to stand by Archerphile on this issue.
ReplyDeleteShe can't feel safe any more here. You've lost a good friend, who posts interesting, honest comments, despite difficulties in getting online. Can you not see that the Jewish people have endured persecution & vilification since the crucifiction of Christ, first by the Christians, then by others, & doesn't that account for an extra degree of sensitivity on her part ? Can you not allow for that very real & understandable sensitivity on her part, when, in her perception, she sees 'propaganda' in the programme ?
Ok, it's a programme she loves, & we all know it is an old style English village, where C of E. is the only religion referenced, ( upart from Usha), but sensitive areas in people can be triggered unreasonably at times & you need to see that is what happened to Archerphile, & have the human decency to allow her to vent her feelings in safety, without comment or criticism. You are all endlessly tolerant & attentive to Miriam, who publishes many apologies for nothing & continues to write many short posts, when she's said she won't, yet you won't extend any consideration to other companions here who simply say what they feel.
Sarnia offers an excuse of an apology( so what, if she is a bit 'irritated'?), &, even when she responds to someone's post, it always concludes with some reference to herself. Sometimes, we all need to leave ourselves out of the equation, just take account of how another person feels, no more than that.
Ok, everyone agrees that it behoves all of us to be tolerant & respectful of others' faiths, or lack of; that should go without saying. Can that not extend to being empathetic to another's feelings ?
Spicy, I understand you may not think you have a right to do this, but if you do, please send me Archerphile's email, despite what she said, as I would like to register my support of her position.
I should stop right there, but I won't. You have all made this an unsafe place for a very worthwhile companion, I mean Archerphile, & I hope you will reflect on that. Jews, alongside people of colour (from the 17th century onwards in that case), have been written about as a sub human species until quite recently, so of course it has an effect on them. I hope she continues to enjoys the safety of other Archer sites to express her thoughts on what goes on in the drama
Please try to understand.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at some of the recent comments recently made on this blog
For Pete's sake why take umbrage so easily?
We aren't in the school playground now.
Esscee ,I was also one of Miriam's bullies.
I agree entirely with what you wrote .
Let's all sleep calmly tonight. This is to think about todays posts + comments - after another TA 7.00pm listen, whether agreed with or not.
ReplyDeleteHopefully It will still give a new topic to discuss, in a civil + friendly way.
Tomorrow is another day, when hopefully, things will be put into a new + different sort of perspective.
If not - then GG might have to make a difficult decision.
I for one, would miss this site if it goes, as it has kept me sane over the last 2 years. 🤗🤣
Let’s resume normal service, shall we? Did anyone else think Paul Copley was channeling Tom Wriggleworth’s Dad when Leonard was explaining the rules of his living board game? I thought that was genuinely funny, especially the pay off line about Filey!
ReplyDeleteI loved that listen to series, with Paul Copley as Tom's dad.
DeleteI get what you posted..✅
Nice to meet another Tom Wrigglesworth addict, Miriam! My all time favourite for pre-Archers listening has to be Cabin Pressure, but I’ve also enjoyed Olld Harry’s Game and Elvenquest. I went off John Finnenore after going to a live show of his, which was a big disappointment!
DeleteAnother addict here maryellen, Tom Wrigglesworth and Cabin Pressure.
DeleteAnd yet another here.
DeleteI love Tom Wrigglesworth as well as Cabin Pressure.
But I’ve been a fan of Paul Copley for many years since the schooldays series, quite possibly before even that.
Pleased to share the pleasure.
Cabin Pressure is a very firm favourite, which I never tire of listening to.
DeleteI am enjoying now - Mr + Mrs Smith, which is of a similar type of humour to me.
I forgot to mention Clare in the Community!
DeleteOoh yes Maryellen. Another great series. And not for the over sensitive either.
DeleteI would like to say that after the year I have had had I have been grateful for the support my blogger friends have given me.
ReplyDeleteThey know who they are.
In particular I have to say that one of them has stood out -a woman young enough to be my daughter ,whom I have met up with several times both where I live and in Yorkshire and with whom I in regular contact.
She is of course P tbY.
A woman who calls a spade a b****y shovel and who has been kindness personified.
A friend has a pot on the table when she gives a Dinner Party .
If mention is made of illness or Grandchildren £1 is put into the pot.
Excellent idea.
I am not interested in reading about relatives who live abroad who I will never meet and although sympathetic with people who have illnesses ,I do not need to know every detail of what part of someone's body hurts after the Covid jab so I ignore those posts and move on.
I am not going to be upset if someone comments that something I have written is uninteresting
I might learn not to do the same next time.
👍👍😊
DeleteMay I give one extra post?
ReplyDeleteThis is to say:- Posts which have been published, resulting in one or two person/s at least, are now feeling so down-graded and upset, that they are leaving for good.
Perhaps posts were not as meant as written.
I know what it is like:- to be a person disliked, picked upon and also hounded out.
It is possible to return..
Congrats, Miriam! You suggested Chris and Martha for Hazel's flat. Guess Susan will let him park the buggy at the back of the shop. Should work out quite conveniently for them both.
ReplyDelete...but then I did also suggest, almost every youngster in Ambridge at the same time, so it was odds on I would be closei!n
DeleteSarnia please see my comment above re your comment of 1.21pm.
DeleteI’m very sorry to see the upset caused today on this blog.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that one mild complaint from ARCHERPHILE, with an equally mild response by Sarnia, followed by a mild endorsement from me, has blown up into pistols at dawn.
What a very great shame.
However sensitive any one person might be, it can be a choice to take offence, or not.
I do hope that decisions and attitudes will be reconsidered.
So do I Mrs P
DeleteAs Maryellen predicted I have popped back again for two reasons
ReplyDelete1) to apologise profoundly for starting a big kerfuffle on this blog today, for raising people’s ire or frustration or annoyance. It was never my intention.
2) to give my wholehearted thanks to Caroline who broke her self-imposed silence to stand up for me and explain, very accurately, my feelings on the subject of religion in The Archers. She was absolutely right in what she said and I thank her for her sympathetic post.
To explain further - As I child I was often taunted at school with ‘your lot killed Jesus’, ‘dirty Jew’ and other things I cannot write here. Swastikas were scrawled on my exercise books, I was refused entry to the local tennis club as a teenager because they ‘didn’t accept Jews’. Such things have gone on for most of my life, culminating very recently in downright anti-semitism in my own oh-so-English village when a lay-reader in the village church made a very anti-Semitic remark in front of me, not knowing my background.
This is why I had become sensitive to the frequent stories about religion in TA, especially the mystery plays and particularly the Passion, and since. I should not have used the word propaganda, I accept that. But it was NOT an attack on Christianity as such, just an injudicious use of language. The criticisms all blew up in my mind making me feel unwelcome and out of step with many of you.
I overreacted and I apologise to Sarnia, Mrs P, PtbY and anyone else whom I annoyed. Sarnia please do not leave on my account.
But my great thanks go to fCaroline for understanding and to Stasia for the ‘Shalom’
It was very greatly appreciated.
I hope so too. Two years of isolating has left many of us on edge - nerves are raw and sensitivities delicate.
ReplyDeleteI have gained much from Sarnia’s and Archerphile’s inputs and will miss them if they go.
We are a group made up of people of different faiths, politics, obsessions, sizes, etc etc..
And most of the time we’ve survived harmoniously. Does a family exist that has no disagreements?
By the way Cabin Pressure is definitely my favourite.
Archerphile I wrote my post before I had read yours.
ReplyDeleteA reply to Janice:
ReplyDeleteThank you for your explanation - I see now that your comment was not unkindly meant.
However, I grew up in home in which religion (they meant Christianity, not knowing there was any other sort) was dismissed as rubbish and I was called stupid for believing church propaganda. In my teens I had to defy my mother to attend church and eventually she began to come with me to make sure I wasn't seeing men behind her back.
When I first met my husband he was flirting with Catholicism but eventually he adopted the same view as my family. As a consequence I endured decades of mockery for being weak enough to embrace the 'propaganda' he was too strong to need.
Towards the end of his life I watched him gradually going mad, when he clung to me terrified of dying and was then angry with me for the faith he didn't have.
I accept the accuracy of judgement from Lanjan and Carolyn. Without ever having met me they know me better than I know myself.
Archerphile and Sarnia,
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I apologise for addressing this you both, rather than individually, but...
You have both given detailed and distressing explanations of your childhood and life experiences that explain why certain comments, words and opinions provoke difficult feelings.
I think I can understand your reactions and decisions to leave what has been a friendly group.
Your inputs on both Archers and non-Archers topics are interesting, insightful and a valued part of the conversations that make this blog what it is.
I still hope that you will both find a way to continue.
All apologies accepted. Thanks to Mrs P for a succinct and accurate summing up. Maybe this blog could now go back to being the blog where we talk about about TA, please? I understand how it came to be used for personal discussion just now, but this would be a good moment to transfer across to the other blog which exists for that very reason.....
ReplyDeleteWhich Ev has already done.
DeleteWhat has Ev already done, Zoetrope?
DeletePut a reply on the other blog re yesterday's discussion.
DeleteI don't read the other blog so that's good news. Thanks Ev for starting the transfer across.
DeleteIn last night’s Archers,I thought that Tom had a cheek challenging Chris’s right to the tenancy of Hazel’s flat on the basis that he had been given first refusal.I couldn’t, have been paying attention when that offer was made.Anyway,I was glad that in the end ,he and Chris ended up on good terms.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, why on earth would Tom assume he had priority. I must admit I was surprised that he a Natasha rolled over so quickly when issued with that somewhat dodgy eviction order. They could have easily just refused and forced Hazel to take them to court ( I’ve been watching too much Channel 5 daytime TV)
ReplyDeleteI bet Hazel has increased the rent for Chris.
Portia and KP ✔️
ReplyDeleteHow did Chris find out so quickly that the flat was available?
I can only assume that he went to an Estate Agent who told him that the flat had just been put onto their books.
LanJan - Chris said Susan told him.
Delete'Though that begs the question, how did she know? I can't imagine Haxel going into the shop and saying, 'Oh, by the way, I've put the flat back on the market. I've instructed my agent, naturally, but would you be so kind as to put this little card in the shop window? Thank you so very much.'
DeleteOr perhaps, 'new, improved, I'm so grateful to be in Ambridge' Hazel would have re-surfaced long enough to do exactly that.
The only other answer I can think of is that the letting agent came in to take photos, etc, popped into the shop for a quick snack and got collared by Miss Marple herself. 'Though, as I said before, that would have been remarkably swift service from the agents.
Susan saw Tom and Natasha moving out.
DeleteTold Chris.
Chris phoned Hazel.
Deal done !
Is the flat the right place for Martha, along with her buggy? There is no outside space for a start, just when she is about to start walking.
DeleteBet Grandma Susan, downstairs will arrange things to suit.
.....or is the twist in the tale, that Alice moves back into The Nest with Martha, who is staying put!
DeleteI think I might have already suggested this idea..if so Sorry.
I’m back to address yesterday’s discussion on religion in T A.
ReplyDeleteFrom my perspective there is fair amount of preachiness coming from Shula and her desperate need to be a vicar. The cicadas is desperate not to have her and agonises over his guilt.
The Vicar himself spends time officiating over baptisms, wedding vows, sermons and the collective guilt of the Ambridge residents. Now we have Harrison, Mr plodding, having the wobbles over not being baptised.
The mystery plays seemed to go on forever with the Sarg dunking himself in the Am to experience being cold on the cross and agonising over his role as the crucified Jesus.
I wonder if the S/W’s have a fixation with pushing major Christian rituals. Next it will be Easter and we shall be subjected to Shula fetishising over the washing of feet 🦶 to expunge her sins. The vicar fretting over his sermons presented to the Bishop.
Shall we have the experience of hearing the reborn again Harrison preaching on the green shouting Repent, repent come and let me wash away your sins in the Am.
Will Harrison conversion become another issue?
We are however allowed to have a token non Christian, who most of the year is silent. That caused much hoohaaa.
The centre of the universe that is Ambridge consists of two institutions The Anglican Church and the The Bull.
I know where I’d rather be! At least I can eat home made sourdough bread and indulge in a glass of wine.
I believe it is heathy to make light of some issues.
Yesterday's TA made me quite miserable. A couple of days ago my daughter was telling me how much her baby son likes being with his mum. Chris talking about his situation made me think about Martha seing so little of her mother.
ReplyDeleteNot to worry, Cheshire Cheese, Chris is better at being Martha’s Mum than Alice is and he’s the mother figure in her life. I expect she shows her appreciation in the way babies do.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYes Stasia I agree - humour is a good way of diffusing a situation. Trouble is when people don’t share the same sense of humour and there is sometimes a fine line between laughing with and laughing about something or someone. We have to take care.
ReplyDeleteAmbridge is no longer a typical English village imo. Yes, it has a church, pub and village hall but the residents are far from typical. In my village the majority of the inhabitants are from towns and they travel back to those towns for work. We no longer have a village shop and our pub is struggling to make any money. As he grew up my husband knew nearly all the villagers by name - now only a few. We no longer have a vicar : instead we share one with several nearby villages. A sign of the times as our congregation is gradually shrinking.
Is Jolene’s ex husband still cheffing at the Bull? The occasional tantrum from him would liven things up there! I was remembering Jean-Paul at GG who I seem to recall had a powerful personality. I think we need a bit of colour in Ambridge!
ReplyDeleteJazzer was once a bit of colour in Ambridge, wasn’t he Ev ?
ReplyDeleteJean- Paul certainly was I agree.
Completely agree with you about Matt Crawford, Esscee! Hope he perished in the ganglands of South America.
DeleteI want Joy to appear again. She is a feisty person who can "woo" Linda, and then take over from her.
DeleteThis was a sort of S/L a while ago, which came to nothing spectacular.
I recall a meeting of Linda, Joy and Shula discussing in Linda's garden, whatever the next Village event was, but can't recall it.
And what about Joy + Tony, with a joint love of a type of car, which I also now can't recall.
Wayne as the chef in The Bull, is another of these persons who have not even been mentioned in a passing conversation.
...and where is Hannah?
DeleteI would so love to hear Stella + Hannah, having a chat together, in The Bull.
Who knows:- joint renters of The Bungalow?
Thinking aloud again - a bad habit of mine 🤷♀️😱
Wayne’s rabbit pie was mentioned very recently.......
Delete...and rightly so...as it is such a delicious meal.
DeleteI wonder who provided the rabbits??
Jean Paul - a past person.
ReplyDeleteI have a Jennifer Aldridges - Archers Coolbock from quite a few years ago.
This has some wonderful + tasty recipes from so many Ambridge residents, both now and departed
These are:-
Jean Paul with quite a few dishes.
Lilian,
Sabrina Thwaite,
Pip,
Freda Fry,
Clarrie,
Pat with Ruari + Bridge Farm, plus Eva the au-p
Ivy Horrobin,
Alan cooking for Usha,
Carole T.
Martha Woodford, along with Walter Gabriel, Marjorie Antrobus.
Jill Archer,
Robert Snell.
This is not only a great cook-book, but it is also a type of Archers History.
I have left the best until last...Nigel's salmon pancakes which he made for Lizzie, which he learnt how to do, from Jill.
...plus others, far too many to mention, such as Aunty Pru, Julia P, Kate, Helen, Tom, Caroline + Oliver etc. etc.
DeleteMy favourite Ambridge recipes are, a Pat - Venison stew, plus an Earl Grey Tea cake from Lady Goodman, whoever she was (think a Pargetter connection).
I found it interesting that Lily is going for a course in rural estate management but couldn’t help wondering why it isn’t Freddie doing this. Is he so hopeless?
DeleteI am thinking aloud again, as to the Valentines Day "Bash at The Bull".
ReplyDeleteSurely all that is needed is :-
Good Pub Grub which is cooked by Wayne. This will be served in a more intimate way in the reataurant. 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.
I have only just realised, that Tuesday, 25th January is Burns Night.
ReplyDeleteThere 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. 🏴
I hope Jazzer mentions this day, in some way, even without his bagpipes!!!
DeleteI 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.
Delete