I hadn't realised that Oliver was living in his + Caroline's, Grange Farm home, along with Clarrie, Eddie, Will, George, the livestock, Mia staying etc.. I thought that he lived in private rooms in GG.But what do I know?
I think Blogger has just been tweaked. I now get an automatic message at the end of the list of posts saying: To leave a comment, click on the button below to sign in with Google. Doing that, brings up the usual space for the comment, a blue underline and Publish button, the Notify Me tick box, and a routine message about terms of service etc.
There are no problems with typing and posting one’s comment - it’s a pain having to sign in.
PS. I’ve been able to post this follow up comment without signing in again - but will it be back to the automatic ‘sign in’ message next time I visit the blog?
I think that Brian has a cheek suggesting that Ian’s redundancy money could be used in the proposed buyout of Alice’s share in Home Farm.I was pleased to hear Adam’s heated refusal which I expect will also be Ian’s opinion,as he is just coming to grips with losing his job at Grey Gables.
I have an idea. Perhaps Ian could set up his own business, as a Private Chef, catering for dinner parties, weddings (Brookfield Barn as an example) and many other opportunities in the area. But then he would be in competition wuth Fallon, a close friend.
It's ironic, isn't it? Brian trying to get his hands on Ian's money in order to stop Chris getting his hands on Home Farm money. Taking advantage of one son-in-law in order to disadvantage another son-in-law. Tells you all you need to know about Brian Aldridge.
Whoa Ladies, Brian is going to ask all of the shareholders to help buy out Alice. Ifthat is not done each will possibly lose one half of their stake in the farm. Perhaps Adam should do a few sums before answering so quickly. Then, most of that family are very self centred
I feel so sorry for poor Tracy. She is desperate to find work and I can’t bear to think of her in the chicken factory after what Emma experienced there. On the other hand such places are crying out for staff at the moment so she may get enhanced rates of pay. How could Oliver been so unthinking of his staff to leave them in this position with next to no notice. It is so unlike his usual caring personality. Caroline would have been horrified.
Surely Tracy knows about Grey Gables.’ generous offer of an ex gratis payment of 3 months salary tax free to all its staff on top of their redundancy money? That’s the equivalent of 3 months’ notice without having to work it out and means staff can devote all their time to finding another job.
Call-Me-Ardil also pointed out the amount was more than could be expected from an industrial tribunal award, so the offer could also be interpreted as a bribe (although he didn’t say it was dependent on staff not taking Grey Gables to a tribunal, so I’m inclined to think the offer sprang from generosity rather than caution).
Oops! Tracy needs to be fully informed of all these benefits. It doesn’t sound as though she has been. Perhaps Roy, who seems to have been investigating staff’s rights, should convene a meeting of all the sacked staff and let them know exactly where they stand and what to expect. I suspect that Tracy is so worried about her family and the future that she has been incapable of thinking logically. She is also upset at loosing what, to her, was her perfect job and a big advance in status to her previous jobs. And, having been almost befriended by Oliver, probably now feels somewhat betrayed by him.
Seems the Grey Gables grapevine doesn’t extend to Tracy, then - despite her trying to give the impression at interview that she had her finger on the pulse. Let’s face it, she’s not the brightest of the Horrobin sisters, and this isn’t the first time at Grey Gables when she hasn’t been thinking logically, to use Archerphile’s description. Remember the ghost episode?
Tracy might not be the brightest Horrobin sister, but to me, she is the most warm hearted, in many ways. She still looks after Chelsey + Brad, but also Susan's and her Dad - the other Bert She is now with Jazzer, so she also gets the influence and advice from Jim. Now I wonder what Jim is making of this situation, and what his advice is to them
What I would like to know is, who is actually paying the 3 months extra salary? I assume it is the new owner, who Adil represents or could it be Oliver, from is 60% share of the sale. No idea.
As to Tracy in the chicken factor and to avian bird 'flu - is it still at full function. But then, this has not been mentioned in Ambridge, which could affect Josh + his Hollowtree egg empire.
Why haven't Tracy + Jazzer talked to the wise old Prof. namely Jim. Surely he can give them some sort of suitable advice, as could Alistair. Tracy + Jazzer, have bonded with Jim, as has Chelsey and Webster 🕸 so perhaps they can talk to him for advice.
If Ian starts his catering business now, it'll be nicely set up in time to do deliveries to guests at the new, improved Grey Gables when they get bored of their generic hotel chain meals : )
BTW, Ardil is a poor disguise for Aldi - they're going into the hospitality business. It's all supposed to be hush-hush, but someone couldn't resist putting teasers out on national radio. Coincidentally, Lidl have similar plans - expect Lizzy soon to be in secret talks about LL.
Five eggs on the Archers facebook plus a sixth one for the Friday 3rd episode. Who knows, I may be persuaded. The question of redundancy was also discussed. 3 months may not apply to all. Has anyone seen anything in writing or been paid?
I am very pleased to learn that Ian can now start his own catering business. He can do this with careful planning and will need a helper - perhaps even Tracy or Roy. Then there is his new friend Susan, san, leaving Tracy over in the dairy
Basia has just mentioned Tamsin Greig on the other board. I would so love to hear a cameo appearance from her, now the problem about Alice, Home Farm share, with Chris, is so prominant. A thought, is what Stella is saying as to her thoughts, a sort of stand in for Debbie?
Having read the synopsis I listened to last night's episode. I liked everything except Ian's pizza toppings but if that's the current trend, more power to his creativity. I'll stick to Margherita.
Recently,my husband &I were fortunate to see Tamsin Greig in a play,’Peggy for you’ at Hampstead Theatre which was a real treat.It would be lovely if she could be tempted back to the Archers to express her views as Denbbie on the Home Farm partners’ shares
I am too eager to listen to 6 weekly episodes again. I was convinced that it started next week but I think I must have mis-read a post.. Thanks for the uo-date.
Tamsin Grieg was in a very lovely serial last year, about her correspondance with a Danish museum curator. It concerned the Tollund Man. I can't remember the title, but had 'museum' in it.
Tamsin Greig also played a character in a 2 parter after Christmas about correspondence between the donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem, and one of the camels of the wise men.
Perhaps we should start a new blog for members of the Tamsin Greig Appreciation Society! She certainly got terrific reviews for her performance in the play Portia saw at the Hampstead, though the critics were less enthusiastic about the play itself (“dated”). I was surprised Brian didn’t turn to Debbie first about the crisis facing the Home Farm partnership - he usually consults her before Adam.
Apart from having to sign in to Google every day, I like this tweaked version of Blogger better than before. The publishing process seems quicker and smoother.
After these Blogger tweeks, I wonder if Gary will still have to start a new blog when we reach 200 comments to avoid going on to a ‘second page’, as before. Perhaps it is time to remind people to try and consolidate thoughts into one longer post than several short ones.. Unlike Facebook, where one is encouraged to make short, almost one-line comments, our blogs are the opposite, with longer ones rather than shorter ones making life easier for our esteemed administrator
Pleased to hear that the Friday episode is about to return i hope this will allow a more smooth continuation of stories than the present start and a couple of weeks limbo method we have had with the present "system?"
Having listened to last night's episode, there are many parallels between the situation at Grey Gables and P&O Ferries - another issue done, albeit with the local flavour. I think Kathy will take on the liaison job and discover the suggested scam. The only question is, why would Adil want to keep her on, to put Oliver off the scent?
I'm not at all sure what's going on behind the scenes with the closing of GG but it's so noticeable that Kathy has such a frontline role now. She was a silent character for so long (I think someone wrote that the actress who plays her had been ill) that it's good to have her back. She was 'wronged' in the past by Jolene and shows no bitterness about that although I don't remember the details. She should definitely take the job offer in my opinion.
Kathy stormed into the office to remonstrate with Oliver and Adil about the manner of the takeover of GG and the plight of workers thrown aside in the process. It would therefore seem that she is being hypocritical in then joining them in the forward planning and also being uncaring about others whilst forwarding her own interests. By her own admission to Pat earlier she will be left not badly off by her settlement and so she hasn't even the excuse that she needs employment. She is also near to retirement age without the obligations of the younger employees at GG..
You were right in your summing up Ev, that's exactly what Kathy said and I'm glad she thought better of the offer. This time they are definitely writing her out. I don't understand though why she and Roy thought he'd be in with a chance.
I thought Kathy’s comment that she wasn’t leaving Ambridge just yet might be a coded message from the actor. I thought her earlier comment about keeping shtumm might be an in joke too, referring to her long silence. Maybe I’m overthinking! Her change of manner towards Advil Shah before and after his job offer didn’t show her in a good light. Roy was also putting self interest first.
As far as I am concerned, the sooner Kathy sets off for Alaska the better! But Pat will miss her I suppose, as it has been made to sound as though they have even keeping their friendship going out of hearing. I reckon Kathy might agree to sell April Cottage to Tom and Natasha, just to get them out of Pat’s hair and prevent Pat doing their washing and ironing ! BUt it does appear that there will be a spare cottage coming on the market, so who do we think will snap it up… or who deserves it most?
As I heard it, Pat was doing Tom and Natasha’s ironing on her own initiative, not because they had asked or expected her to do it. But it would be good for them to escape her controllling instincts.
I thought Kirsty had inherited Phoebe's fill time job at the Rewilding Project so was surprised to hear she still worked part time at Grey Gables (how does the Project manage on only 2 part time staff?) She said her Project salary "barely covered living costs) but didn't mention she also has a regular income from Helen's rent, and could possibly get extra hours at Bridge Farm. So it's understandable she wasn't sounding so worried. as Roy who has no other source of income unless he rents out Phoebe's room at Willow Farm while job-hunting.
I never implied that Pat was washing and ironing under duress! But Kathy obviously thought it was more that Pat should be doing and disapproved, hence my suggestion about AprilCottabe
I had forgotten about Kirsty and the Beechwood property, whifh is rented to Helen etc. Is it mortgaged - I can't recall. My point is, the rent might bebneeded to pay the mortgage, so Kirsty gets no viable income from it.
I do wish that the Nerds who alter site workings when it unnecessary would trial their latest "imrovements" before inflicting them on users. Following the recent rehash i can still post through my iMac and Samsung pad but the new blue button on my iPhone simply reverts me back to the top of the page. I wonder if?when a more useful service will be resumed?
Unless we are about to get the most spectacular personallity transplant ever how can you suggest Hazel? The redundancy package is generous and it seems that the employyes are being reasonably treated. Hazel has never been anything but venal,selfish, grasping and uncaring of other's feelings. This would reall strain the Ambridge fairy's powers beyond a simple extra room here and there.
Sometime ago, about four or five years, I read an article about Hedli Niklaus, while she was an 'silent person.' She said that they (theTA producer and directors) should either make her a person in TA, or ought to remove or otherwise finish her off! She apparently has not been ill. I think she may have been moved away from TA by a 'certain producer' who then went on to Eastenders but then left after a year because some stars would not work with him. I have my thoughts!
I have begun to listen again but do like the 'Alice' so just read and then listen to what I want.
Spicy - you are quite rights about Kathy’s silent years They were due to the actress falling out with Sean O’Connor, partially over his sacking of various actors eg.’Original Tom’ and bringing in drama school trained actors to replace them. She didn’t like the changes he was making. I believe he was responsible for Kathy being ‘parked’ in the back office of Grey Gables for so any years!
In fact I think the only change of actor thar Sean O’Connor made was Tom Archer. To my mind, we get a more nuanced performance from the current Tom than the previous one, and presumably that was what Sean was after. As TA’s editor, he had every right to take the steps needed to fulfil his vision for the character - although from the way the previous Tom grizzled about it, I always suspected there might be something more to it. It must be difficult for a director when actors get possessive about their roles and/or the programme itself.
Incidentally, Sean was responsible for introducing the (adult) characters of Fallon, Ed and Emma when he was working as producer on TA in the late 1990s, so if any of these are on your favourites list, it’s him you have to thank! I’m grateful to him for his later years as editor when scriptwriting and acting reached a high standard, especially during the Helen/Rob story. It elevated TA from soap to serious drama.
Just to end, I really enjoyed last night’s episode, with believable characters (well fairly believable in the case of Eddie Grundy!) in believable situations saying believable things. More, please!
I think I must be alone in not disliking Cathy - what am I missing I wonder? Anyway she's going soon but the man who sacked the original Tom sounds like a very disruptive person who moved on anyway.
I think the present Kathy is a much more cheerful - redundancy has given her a new lease of life. When one door closes.....etc, and the same for Ian. The previous Kathy was more downbeat needy with a whiny edge to her voice, frequently turning up on Pat’s doorstep just before supper time, to Tony’s disgust!
I just wrote a long and detailed rebuttal of Maryellen’s comments about Tom Graham, the original actor for Tom Archer and other changes Sean O’Connor inflicted on The Archers. Sadly, and frustratingly I just manage to loose the entire text and haven’t time to rewrite the whole lot. Suffice it to say I disagree absolutely that young Troughton was a more nuanced actor than Graham. He had a very annoying voice with odd inflections which was disliked by many listeners. It was one of the most complained about changes made by O’Connor and there was huge support for the original actor. To say that he ‘grizzled’ about being replaced is just nasty and unjust.
Gosh! I've never been called nasty and unjust before. I think I'll survive!!
But I'm happy to change grizzled to moaned, which I think is entirely accurate. Not for Tom Graham and Graham Seed the dignified acceptance of the realities of the acting profession by the actor playing Nic Grundy when she lost the role.
I've no idea how many listeners took a dislike to Will Troughton's voice, or how "huge" their reaction to the change was, but whether it was 10 or 10,00 makes no difference to my personal reaction. His voice is fine by me, and his interpretation of the character is more subtle than the brash and obvious Tom of previous years, which I like. I don't feel I need to know the ins and outs of Tom Graham leaving (or Heidi Niklaus), the end result is what matters to me as a listener, and I'm happy with it.
So I won't be changing my mind about Sean O'Connor's contribution to TA, which I applaud, no matter what means may or may not have been used to achieve it, and I imagine that Archerphile and the "many" listeners in agreement with her won't be changing their minds either.
I agree. I have no doubt that William Troughton got the job because his father was to play Tony. Looking at his records he hasn't had much experience with only four TV shows since becoming 'Tom' in 2014, and a small part in a new film in 2020. I do not think he is a great actor, just a 'jobbing ' actor who relies on many other actors in his family to get connections! Tom Graham said he was leaving and it was not his decision. It was reported in many newspapers but all with the same wording. I have not read of any 'grizzled ' statements from him.
Spicycushion - you may not have read Tom Graham’s comments in the item about him him leaving TA on the BBC website (Entertainment and Arts) back in 2014. They count as moaning - by my standards at least!
I agree Will Troughton is not a great actor, certainly not as good as his father and older brother Sam (who is serviceable but still not as good as their father). Tom Graham was no great actor either and seems to have left the profession. Maybe he was acting in TA alongside another profession, as several of the TA cast do. I just think Will makes a better fist of playing Tom Archer.
I preferred Tom Graham because he had a distinctive voice. Like Maryellen I liked yesterday's episode because it was normal, with no high drama, therefore there are no comments. It was a father and son, sharing their work experience. Eddie comforting Oliver with words and offering comfort food. Mother to be glad of a new home and grandmother becoming sentimental. Kathy going off into the mist and if you look on FB she suggests that Oliver may join her...
As with Annieveggie, I have liked Kathy over the years. She has done nothing detrimental, in my thoughts. In fact she has had horrible moments in her life, such as the rape and finally the trial, losing Kenton on the way (after already losing Sid). At least it has been learnt, that Jamie moved away and so was not stuck in the cupboard! The other thing learnt is, Kathy owns April Cottage, wheras I thought it was rented.
And as I predicted, if not here, certainly elsewhere, April Cottage has been offered to Natasha and Tom! It seems the perfect solution. Somewhere of their own, to decorate and arrange as they like, with room for the twins, a garden for them to play in and not too far from work.
As to the re furbishment of GG, which will be starting soon, I have one thought only. This is that Caroline's Bench stays in place, so Oliver and others, such as Linda can sit and remember.
I hadn’t realised Keeper’s and April Cottages were built together in 1960 and described as “unlovely dwellings”. Still, I don’t suppose Tom and Natasha are troubled by architectural aesthetics. They’ll have Dr Locke next door.
According to one of my illustrated maps of Ambridge they are a pair of semi-detached typical estate workers houses, completely plain, with no frills or fancies. Not even a porch over the front door. Of course this was just the illustrators idea.
There’s a porch in the picture of April Cottage among all the other buildings (including the one at the top of this blog) to be found by googling Ambridge locations.. It’s crying out for roses to be grown round it!
Maryellen. I also recall the lovely Dr. Locke residing in Keepers Cottage. I wonder where he moved to and who took over the tenancy (Hazel as landlord?).
As far as we know, Hazel still owns Keeper’s Cottage and Doc Locke still rents it (I don’t know where his surgery is - no one goes there !). For anyone who’s interested, the gallery of Ambridge properties is on the BBC’s TA website. I rather like the anonymous artist’s storybook style!
You can indeed find the pictures via google. But I knew I'd seen them before directly from the Archers website. It took some hunting! I found 'Take a Stroll Around Amridge' right at the bottom of the blog page. But that link was broken. I finally found them! Go to 'Home', scroll down to 'A look back at The Archers at Pebble Mill Studios' and click 'See all galleries' and 'Ambridge locations' is the second to last gallery. I'd have thought there should be a link in the 'New to The Archers' section. Incidentally, the character section here needs sorting - you think it's alphabetical, but then it goes haywire on p2. It's not a case of adding new characters as they come along, David and Clarrie are in the disordered section. Clearly the local schools don't teach the alphabet properly.
April Cottage gets a mention, but poor Keeper's Cottage only sneaks in at the edge of the April Cottage picture. Perhaps that was to avoid having to call it Casa Nova.
Incidentally, the home page has links to other groups like this, including 5 on facebook. Perhaps Gary could use his contacts to get them to add us to the list. We are, after all, the best, and friendliest forum to discuss The Archers.
Sorry to quibble about cottages, but wasn’t Casa Nove what Emma wanted to call Will’s cottage when they returned from honeymoon? That would have been his cottage provided for the gamekeeper by the estate, in the woods. Rather than the one attached to April Cottage where Joe Grundy, Clarrie & Eddie lived? Perhaps my memory is scrambled!
Shows how well I listen! I'd assumed that since he was the gamekeeper, he lived in Keeper's Cottage. According to the website, he actually lived in Greenwood Cottage. But if Clarrie and co lived at Keeper's then perhaps I can claim a little excuse for my haziness : )
I am very confused as to April + Keepers being described as "cottages". I recall that these are not cottages as such, but more modern semi- dwellings, and idyllic thatched homes.
Yes, but April Cottage sounds more idyllic than November New-Build and December Semi. It's all a marketing ploy to get potential buyers thinking they're buying into the rural dream. A bit like calling a new mini estate on the corner of two busy roads Sleepy Hollow (as happened to the site of my mum's childhood home ...)
Our home is called Hazeldene Cottage but has a roof of Welsh slate! However it is197 years old so probably counts as a cottage. (Originally a line of 3 small cottages for Hazel coppice workers. Divided into 2 homes back in the 1920s)
The definition of cottage is ‘a small house, typically in the country’- so it’s a size thing, not age, position (detached/semi-detached/terraced), building materials, or romantic appeal. It means I could legitimately call my small, late Victorian, end of terrace, brick-built, slate-roofed, unromantic property Corner Cottage, but as it has a street number to identify it, a name would be redundant. (That didn’t stop the last owner but one calling it Wits End;. His successor thought it was groanworthy and took the plaque down, but included it with the sale. It’s the lack of an apostrophe that gets me!). So yes, I think the Ambridge pair count as cottages.
I agree about the definition of cottage Maryellen. When we bought our artisan cottage in London, I understood it to be a cottage, albeit in a terrace. When we went to live in a small Wiltshire market town I was adamant that I did not want to live in another cottage. We bought a substantial late Victorian house. I have now been living in a proper Cotswold Cottage for six years and don’t like it. I think cottage’s generally have small rooms and I find that difficult to feel comfortable with. Of course many of those cottages now have large spaces achieved through knocking parlour, hall and kitchen into one open plan space. Another aspect of cottage’s is the lack of bathroom facilities and with an outside lavatory. I remember visiting some cottages in Surrey, a row of three. At the end of the long back gardens was a row of three privies. Interestingly we don’t often hear of house or cottage renovations in Ambridge, although we do sometimes hear of an extra room suddenly appearing with thanks to the Ambridge fairy. It will be interesting to hear how Natasha will accommodate herself in April Cottage and whether she will want to modernise it and whether Kathy will agree to do so.
According to Wiki, in feudal times a cottage was a small house with enough garden to feed a family and in return for the cottage, the cottager had to provide some form of service to manorial lord. It was a cottage because it housed a cottager, not vice versa, and tended to be small, cheap, and functional, built of whatever were the local building materials. So perhaps, after all, April Cottage and Keeper's Cottage have as much right to their name as those lovely chocolate box houses. (But are the gardens big enough?)
I'm now wondering what the equivalent accommodation would be for shoe-dwellers? I think a nice, basic moccasin. Or perhaps a well cared for Mary Jane?
I had a much loved favourite pair of Mary Jane's, went to the beach walked back barefoot across the sand and by the time I realised they had been left the sea had swept them away. I even came back the next day when the tide had gone out but no luck. 😣 I think a Mary Jane although a functional cottage would have roses round the door, and herbs in the garden, and be lived in by Carol Tregorran. How I imagine Glebe Cottage to be.
Clarrie was very successful with the garden at Keeper’s Cottage when the Grundys were in exile there. Sadly, we don’t hear anything about people’s gardens nowadays. I hope Stella is keeping Bert’s going.
Nice to know that we actually qualify as a cottage because we have no number. None of the eight dwellings along our road have numbers, just names. All ending in ‘’Cottage.’
Tom and Natasha are so right in moving into April Cottage. Pat was heard to presume that - they would remain at Bridge Farm, as she was the Grandma to twins and her help would be needed. However, Tom + Natasha are soon to become parents, so will want to build thier own nesting site. I would think that, they felt the need to break away at this time.
I didn’t really understand all that business about the quiches last night and why Fallon was in such a flap. It seemed strange not to say what the new flavours were and what it was she had put in, in error? Can anyone enlighten me. It all seemed a bit of a fuss over nothing.
It was obvious Fallon used something in error, which would have made the quiches inedible. She was trying to safe-guard her reputation, as if Jill would have caused a fuss. To me, it was just a good light-hearted extra, to offset what has been happenng in Ambridge recently.
Non-prepacked food must be labelled with the following:
the name of the food the allergens present in the food in the case of a meat product, a meat content declaration (see below) in the case of irradiated food, an irradiated food statement (see below)
Slurry 3/4 times a year, that's not a big deal, the way it sounded before was like every week. Couldn't Jazzer move in and help with the rent but would it cause trouble with the rest of the family and put a strain on the relationship. Mixing business with pleasure...
Well done, Stella! You handled Jim Lloyd with your usual aplomb.
Agree, Basia - Jazzer moving into No.6 and making up the shortfall in the rent caused by Gary’s departure would be an obvious solution. I can’t see his new job lasting, though. Jazzer in telesales sounds very far-fetched to me.
I do hope nobody here is going to start matchmaking between Alistair and Stella! Already, on a couple of FB sites, people are speculating about them ‘Getting together’ over her interest in the abandoned greyhound. They will have them married off before long! If I remember rightly, it wasn’t all that long ago she was being paired up with Will, then there was speculation that she might have her eyes on Ruth! Let’s leave the poor woman alone to do her job, enjoy living inThe bungalow and form friendships without strings.
Perhaps a future friendship between Alistair + Stella, will hopefully be one without strings. There is the possibility of these two people, just being friends such as Jill + Leonard.
I have a feeling that Stella is also hiding a big secret. I know only too well, that I have been told not to speculate from a few here, esp. for kudos, but I can't resist. My idea is silly and perhaps unsuitable, but could Stella be trans-gender?
I suppose some may think transgender might be the next box for TA to tick. Those folk are apparently a tiny minority of the population but seem to get a lot of publicity lately.
Oh dear! Last nights tedious argument between Pat and Tony isn’t goig to help the cause of veteran village cricket! Oh, and Tony was in the right, by the way! It is up to the batsman (OK,I’m old fashioned and won’t use the term ‘batter’) to call for how many runs to take, so stop moaning Pat!
I bow to your expert knowledge Archerphile as I know nothing about the rules. It was terribly contrived and the physio Lee got it in the knee. We can see where the Jazzer story is going, as Maryellen said, it can't last long.
Oh pitiful, in both kitchens. I note that tonight and yesterday there were 7 characters, which is above average and could have been put to a much better use.
Perhaps they are spreading around the available fees to as many actors as possible. We mustn’t forget that they have not been able to earn over the last two years. But agree it’s all pretty dire at the moment.
I badly need some serious relief! Too many of this week’s episodes have been farcical, presumably meant as light relief (the apparently pointless quiche episode may have been an attempt to find a not-too-demanding story for Jill, although I did wonder.if it heralded an early onset dementia story for Fallon!).
Jim can be pretty silly (remembering his mad bunting plot and his childish rivalry with Robert Snell) but the fake kitchen consultation was utterly ridiculous. How is it going to help Jazzer when a few clicks of Fern’s mouse reveals that he and Jazzer live at the same address?
If Fern is a sales rep, she should have no access to other employees' personal details. So unless she mentions somethng to HR Jazza should be OK.
Fern was certainly a caricature but sales reps can b very pushy. I had a friend who was getting a range of estimates. One rep was adamant husband had to join the conversation and was only persuaded otherwise when told husband was working away for 6 months. The next stage - before even discussing designs - was to try to get my friend's signature on the credit agreement, with the full assurance that they would be able to beat any quote from a rival firm. They were shown the door ... But it's not all the rep's fault. My sister had a short-lived summer job selling kitchen knives. She had a very strict script to follow and any reason you could find for not needing her wonderful knives had a scripted rebuttal. (Although the script failed to come up with a suitable response when she tried to book an appointment to sell to a Sabatier agent!) My sister refused to be so pushy and gave up as soon as possible. I think Jazzer has a similar problem with Borsetshire Wonder Kitchens. Lily has no such qualms, she would happily sell coals to Newcastle, and even talk them into making a regular order.
Although they would have been better to find a 'volunteer' who didn't live in the same house. I vote for Jill - Borsetshire Wonder Kitchens would have a field day redesigning the Brookfield kitchen in gleaming chrome (or what ever is de rigeur in kitchens these days). Then Fern could suggest the old, inefficient Aga could be replaced by a state-of-the-art carbon neutral NASA approved super oven, and Jill could throw the flapjack at her : )
“A sales rep...should have no access” - things may be different in ‘reality challenged, Ambridge! In any caseI, I’m sure Felpersham Kitchens is capable of putting 2 and 2 together and realising the Jazzer/Jim appointment with their sales rep was a scam.
Jim, Alistair and Jazzer were the authors of the scam, ie.obtaining money (Jazzer’s commission)) under false pretences (feigning interest in purchasing a new kitchen). Eddie Grundy would been proud of them!
Getting Shula to join in the deception was putting her in an awkward moral position. I imagine she thought it was simply a way to get rid of a pushy rep and didn’t realise she was contributing to a scam.
Probably not the first time Felpersham Kitchens have had an employee try connning money out of them like this.....
Daft! Pick the first three people who reply, get guilt-tripped into allowing a fourth, realise you can't allow a fifth. At least judging will be easy - gold to the first pudding tasted, silver to the next, bronze to the third and, um, diamond to the fourth. A wooden spoon to the fifth. I can't decide whether such a random approach is typical of Fallon or whether she would have had the sense to have some sort of selection process. If nothing else, Jill's angling should have reminded her that such high honours are not to be handed out lightly.
As for LL Orangery, anyone would think the servers are expected to go around in floor-length black dresses with white lace-edged aprons and mob caps. Perhaps they do?
What a load of codswallop that was!! Entitlement all around, hostility by the bucket load. Although Mrs. P's comment has made me wonder if it wasn't all a great send up of wokery.
I thought Lee and Ed’s haranguing (bullying?) of Fallon into including Henry and Keira as pudding judges was quite out of character for them. The whole episode was boring and unlikely and very unlike previous scripts by Nick Warburton who is normally an excellent writer. (Yes, I know it’s the Editor who sets the story, but Mr Warburton has written excellent scripts in the past as well as good radio plays like the Mardle Fen series)
Perhaps they should have wheeled Mary Berry in as pudding judge and she could have chosen a lemon and amaretti trifle!
We could turn it all on its head: mindless automatons from telesales fixed on a bonus: Lily for recommending Jazzer, he for getting a booking. (My sister once received an offer for a cut price funeral service to be used within the week - she did not succumb...) Jazzer talks to friendly people as he did on his milk round - what happened to it? Chelsea gets the job Tracy badly wants, because she's "cheaper", having no work experience. Freddie is Trent's "shadow", firm but approachable. Children judging some unfamiliar sweet concoctions. Quiches with secret ingredients thrown in at random - anything else? The only good outcome was a greyhound from a slurry pact.
I am sure that these more light-hearted and slightly silly episodes, are just the prelude of far more intense things to come in the near future. Things seem to be changeing for so many Ambridge residents, which will become more prominent. The Alice + Chris divorce along with the custody of Martha is just one example. I feel many other story plots have been recorded. These will be surprising in so many ways and there are too many to suggest. A hint for one is, The Stables, with Justin + Lilian I wait in eager anticipation..
I always like to be surprised as to TA. Yes, I am still optimistic, as there is the upcoming Show, with Ed and his texcels for instan.t. Then there is who is the new 60% shareholder of GG, and what all the redundant staff do next. I am still listening
Surprised to see no comments on here since Friday! Has everyone given up listening or has TA become too mundane to bother posting about.? Due to technical problems I havent been able to listen to Sundays episode yet so it will be 2 episodes to take in tonight.
No! I still love it. I don't post when it goes so quiet, when I seem to be the only person doing so. It's Swings and Round- a-bouts, but in a different way.
Perhaps I will start a new topic -The Pudding Competiton. It is lovely that Ambridge is doing something for the Jubilee weekend in this way. I was amazed to hear that Henry loves baking, and wants to become a cook. Is this the influence if his god-father, Ian, if I remember correctly
I am looking forward to hearing Henry again. He is now 11yrs old and will change to a senior school in September, having just taking his Sats. I wonder where he will end up?
And Jack will be 6 years old on Saturday! From the occasional comments we hear he sounds the more dynamic of the two. I’d like to hear more about how their characters are developing.
Fantastic! Aldridge the Arch-hypocrite revealed in his true colours! I don’t usually enjoy confrontational drama TA-style, but when it’s Brian getting the worst of it, I’m all for it. Well done, Chris!
Good to hear Chris standing up for him self and not being bludgeoned into submission by Brian. No wonder Alice grew up as a self-entitled pain, hearing her father go on in that manner during her formative years. Wasn’t very impressed by the valuer or whatever he was, and what on earth accent was he using?
Sadly I am the opposite, in that Chris is now being far too demanding and far too money-grabbing. He is not "squeaking clean" having had that liasion with Amy. Doesn't he own in his forge + farrier set-up, ans if so, will this be included in the settletlement?
Miriam - Chris is only asking for what he is entitled to, a fair share of Alice’s assets. He made that very clear. Brian is trying to disguise the true extent of those assets in order to deprive Chris of his rightful share. Fortunately. the evaluator was on to Brian’s fudging. Brian was then extremely unpleasant to Chris in the same way Alice was unpleasant to Ruairi except that Brian wasn’t drunk.
You say Chris is not squeaky clean because he spent one night with Amy (when he was the separated husband of a wife whose fidelity to him was questionable) and didn’t pursue the liaison. Maybe so, but how then would you describe Brian, the serial adulterer with a faithful wife, and a money grabber with no qualms about housing toxic waste illegally?
Yes, Janice - faithful at the time! Jennifer briefly "grew close" to John Tregorran - any romantic feelings were largely on his part according to my book . Roger T-M was also a brief reunion, past history at the time of Brian's liaison with Siobhan.
Speaking of Jennifer, she's been surprisingly quiet in recent months ...........
My argument is not Jennifer v, Alice in the fidelity stakes, but Chris v. Brian - and there’s no doubt who is most at fault there. Interesting comment from 🌶 Spicycushion about Jennifer’s affair with Brian while married to R T-Mas that’s not quite how my book puts it. It says the marriage had failed and she had moved back to Ambridge to live with Christine when she met and was proposed to by new arrival Brian Aldridge.....
Why is Lily being so nasty and negative towards her brother? She is denigrating his attempts to try and learn how to manage the running of Lower Loxley. She should be supporting and encouraging him, not sniping and undermining him. Is it because she is jealous of his inheritance rights, I wonder? Or because she is supposed to be going on some estate management course and doesn’t want Freddie to beat her to it? And what, exactly does she contribute to the family pile? I can’t imagine Russ’s efforts bring in an enormous sum, running the gallery and do they pay rent for their accommodation? I know Freddie has been a bit flaky in the past but I do think he is trying to turn things around and make a positive contribution to LL And where is Elizabeth’s contribution to what Freddie is doing?
Yes I thought that Archerfile, there doesn't seem to be any obvious strategic plan for the future of Lower Loxley. Maybe Elizabeth is letting Lily and Freddy slog it out and see who comes out on top.
It isn’t very subtle is it? The twins spelt it out for us - Freddie confessed his.envy of Lily’s superior organising ability and she admitted her envy of his entitlement to the estate. Seems to me they are destined to work in tandem like Elizabeth and Nigel did, capitalising on each other’s strengths (still waiting to be told what Freddie’s are!)
Surely it is up to Lizzie to decide, what happens at LL, not Lily! At least Freddie is starting to take an interest. It is his inheritance after all, and like his father, he will embrace it, eventually.
Who actually is Trent at LL? I know he worked elsewhere in Ambridge, but no idea where this was, nor how he ended up as the Catering Manager in Lower Loxley. I am sure that some-one can clarify this for me. I wait for those with better memories, to let me know 😁 🤞
Oh Ardil, you're slippery. And why are you so reluctant to be on the website? I know you just claim to be an agent for the buyer, but you're behaving as though you own the place.
I don't trust all this secrecy. Be up-front Oliver and tell us who your co-owner is. If nothing else, Roy has a right to know who's employing him.
Roy was very unwise to allow himself to be 'put into the picture' as it were for the GG website. He sounded a bit pathetic saying he didn't want people to see him. As if the website wouldn't be available for public view! Ardil is very smooth talking and I get the feeling he definitely has surprises up his sleeve.
Another rubbish episode: Pathetic ex-hotel manager accepts mystery job offer, and Teenage waitress and customer spat in stately home tearoom. I know Ambridge and reality are strangers, and for some listeners that’s part of its charm (fair enough), but I’d expect a job description in the first scenario, plus better selection and closer supervision of new staff in the second.
Chelsey should have been thrown out on her ear for talking to a customer like that! But at least Freddie ‘had a word’. I think she is developing a thing for him - watch out Freddie!
For his “big” birthday Mr R was given (by my niece and partner) a gift voucher for Afternoon Tea at The Audleys Wood Hotel - which you will know of AP we are still anticipating this event but sincerely hope Chelsea will not be our waitress on THE day 🤣
My late parents were given an Afternoon Tea, from a grand-daughter, for their 60th wedding Anniversary. I was then included, as I was the much needed driver. The Tea was brilliant, but the service was awful. This was due to a "hen party" of 10, who were having a Champagne Tea. We were the more senior persons, sat in a small window alcove. The difference was that one was a "voucher" event, vs a "no expense" event. The food and experience was brilliant though, and it was so well enjoyed. I know, that this is the wrong site, but it is just a reply to a comment. The staff were very apologetic, after I quietly pointed out about the wait and as to the reason, why we were there. We had wonderful service then. Things can be done in a subtle way - to get the expected service.
Slippery ? When ‘ call me Ardil ‘ sloughs off his outer skin I do hope there is no surprise expressed by anyone. Roy, pathetic and confused, took me back to the time in that tent at a festival with Elizabeth some years back. ‘Don’t know how to deal with this, so I had better say yes !’
And agree with Maryellen, very poor employment practices at this small stately home.
Roy is making a big mistake, but if a salary is included, then I understand what he is doing. I am sure that his decision, will come back to affect him - and not in a good way!
What I don't understand is how dictatorial, "bombastic", self-centred etc, Adil is. I found this strange, as to some-one who supposedly to be just the agent for the new owner.
I smell a red herring, starting to go slightly "off", now or perhaps a Big Rat. I don't trust him.
Perhaps Linda can learn more, when He takes up residence in her B+B. Linda, the secret weapon.
Archer Fans might like to have a go at the Archers 70th Anniversary Quiz on the BBC’s Archer’s website. I managed to get 14 out of 15 correct and just slipped up on which village the Morris Dancers at village fetes come from.
12 out of 15! I am getting a bit fed up with Chris saying he is entitled to half of Alice's assets. He may be by law, but morally I don't think he is. He has contributed nothing to the building up of Brian's estate, so why should he benefit from it.
Brian will resort to anything to discredit Chris.For all he thinks he knows Chris may still declare the cash payment.Although I am largely sympathetic to Chris,like Janice I am not convinced about the amount of Alice’s share in Home Farm he is claiming.
Yes. I have also pondered this. As far as I can recall, there are 5 partners, namely:- Brian (with Jennifer), Adam, Debbie, Kate and Alice. If this is correct, along with my maths, then Chris's claim is half of a 5th share in Home Farm. This would still be quite substantial.
I hadn't realised that Oliver was living in his + Caroline's, Grange Farm home, along with Clarrie, Eddie, Will, George, the livestock, Mia staying etc.. I thought that he lived in private rooms in GG.But what do I know?
ReplyDeleteThen there are Ed + Emma, Keira and the dog Holly, in a static home, on the property..At least Oliver is amongst friends.
DeleteI think Blogger has just been tweaked. I now get an automatic message at the end of the list of posts saying: To leave a comment, click on the button below to sign in with Google. Doing that, brings up the usual space for the comment, a blue underline and Publish button, the Notify Me tick box, and a routine message about terms of service etc.
ReplyDeleteThere are no problems with typing and posting one’s comment - it’s a pain having to sign in.
PS. I’ve been able to post this follow up comment without signing in again - but will it be back to the automatic ‘sign in’ message next time I visit the blog?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think that Brian has a cheek suggesting that Ian’s redundancy money could be used in the proposed buyout of Alice’s share in Home Farm.I was pleased to hear Adam’s heated refusal which I expect will also be Ian’s opinion,as he is just coming to grips with losing his job at Grey Gables.
ReplyDeleteIan will need his redundacy money, to set up his dream. This is a mobile food stand, just like the burger van which Kirsty + Tom had.
DeleteI have an idea. Perhaps Ian could set up his own business, as a Private Chef, catering for dinner parties, weddings (Brookfield Barn as an example) and many other opportunities in the area.
ReplyDeleteBut then he would be in competition wuth Fallon, a close friend.
It's ironic, isn't it? Brian trying to get his hands on Ian's money in order to stop Chris getting his hands on Home Farm money. Taking advantage of one son-in-law in order to disadvantage another son-in-law. Tells you all you need to know about Brian Aldridge.
ReplyDeleteWhoa Ladies, Brian is going to ask all of the shareholders to help buy out Alice. Ifthat is not done each will possibly lose one half of their stake in the farm. Perhaps Adam should do a few sums before answering so quickly. Then, most of that family are very self centred
DeleteWhat independent funds do Ruairi and Jennifer have to buy out Alice and increase their stake?
DeleteI feel so sorry for poor Tracy. She is desperate to find work and I can’t bear to think of her in the chicken factory after what Emma experienced there. On the other hand such places are crying out for staff at the moment so she may get enhanced rates of pay.
ReplyDeleteHow could Oliver been so unthinking of his staff to leave them in this position with next to no notice. It is so unlike his usual caring personality. Caroline would have been horrified.
Surely Tracy knows about Grey Gables.’ generous offer of an ex gratis payment of 3 months salary tax free to all its staff on top of their redundancy money? That’s the equivalent of 3 months’ notice without having to work it out and means staff can devote all their time to finding another job.
DeleteCall-Me-Ardil also pointed out the amount was more than could be expected from an industrial tribunal award, so the offer could also be interpreted as a bribe (although he didn’t say it was dependent on staff not taking Grey Gables to a tribunal, so I’m inclined to think the offer sprang from generosity rather than caution).
Tracy needs to stop wailing and use her wits!
Tracy needs tobe fully
DeleteOops! Tracy needs to be fully informed of all these benefits. It doesn’t sound as though she has been. Perhaps Roy, who seems to have been investigating staff’s rights, should convene a meeting of all the sacked staff and let them know exactly where they stand and what to expect.
DeleteI suspect that Tracy is so worried about her family and the future that she has been incapable of thinking logically. She is also upset at loosing what, to her, was her perfect job and a big advance in status to her previous jobs. And, having been almost befriended by Oliver, probably now feels somewhat betrayed by him.
Quite right AP. Roy is another one who has gone off at half cock.. it is good advice to make sure brain is engaged before operating gob!
DeleteSeems the Grey Gables grapevine doesn’t extend to Tracy, then - despite her trying to give the impression at interview that she had her finger on the pulse. Let’s face it, she’s not the brightest of the Horrobin sisters, and this isn’t the first time at Grey Gables when she hasn’t been thinking logically, to use Archerphile’s description. Remember the ghost episode?
DeleteTracy might not be the brightest Horrobin sister, but to me, she is the most warm hearted, in many ways. She still looks after Chelsey + Brad, but also Susan's and her Dad - the other Bert
DeleteShe is now with Jazzer, so she also gets the influence and advice from Jim.
Now I wonder what Jim is making of this situation, and what his advice is to them
What I would like to know is, who is actually paying the 3 months extra salary? I assume it is the new owner, who Adil represents or could it be Oliver, from is 60% share of the sale. No idea.
ReplyDeleteAs to Tracy in the chicken factor and to avian bird 'flu - is it still at full function.
DeleteBut then, this has not been mentioned in Ambridge, which could affect Josh + his Hollowtree egg empire.
Apologies for typo's, as still having problems.
DeleteFree range eggs are available in shops next week according to the Government. It was announced at the beginning of the week in the newspapers.
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DeleteIs this for all, or is it in just certain areas? I sadly didn't see that newspaper item. I know that by me, there are still restrictions.
DeleteNo It said that all free range eggs will be available all over the country. Beginning next Monday.
DeleteWhy haven't Tracy + Jazzer talked to the wise old Prof. namely Jim. Surely he can give them some sort of suitable advice, as could Alistair. Tracy + Jazzer, have bonded with Jim, as has Chelsey and Webster 🕸 so perhaps they can talk to him for advice.
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear Jim + Oliver having a chat, with a whiskey glass in hand.
DeleteIf Ian starts his catering business now, it'll be nicely set up in time to do deliveries to guests at the new, improved Grey Gables when they get bored of their generic hotel chain meals : )
ReplyDeleteBTW, Ardil is a poor disguise for Aldi - they're going into the hospitality business. It's all supposed to be hush-hush, but someone couldn't resist putting teasers out on national radio. Coincidentally, Lidl have similar plans - expect Lizzy soon to be in secret talks about LL.
Very observant OWIAS! That never occurred to me!
DeleteGood old Jazzer - congratulations to him and Tracy too. They seem so well suited and happy together.
ReplyDeleteEnter Roman stage left........!
DeleteFive eggs on the Archers facebook plus a sixth one for the Friday 3rd episode. Who knows, I may be persuaded.
ReplyDeleteThe question of redundancy was also discussed. 3 months may not apply to all. Has anyone seen anything in writing or been paid?
Friday 3rd June.
DeleteTamsin Greig reads book of the week next week.
I thought the 3 months wages was an extra, on top of the redundancy entitlements. Not sure to be honest.
DeleteI am very pleased to learn that Ian can now start his own catering business. He can do this with careful planning and will need a helper - perhaps even Tracy or Roy. Then there is his new friend Susan, san, leaving Tracy over in the dairy
ReplyDelete...along with Adam. It is time for a change.
DeleteBasia has just mentioned Tamsin Greig on the other board. I would so love to hear a cameo appearance from her, now the problem about Alice, Home Farm share, with Chris, is so prominant.
ReplyDeleteA thought, is what Stella is saying as to her thoughts, a sort of stand in for Debbie?
Having read the synopsis I listened to last night's episode.
ReplyDeleteI liked everything except Ian's pizza toppings but if that's the current trend, more power to his creativity. I'll stick to Margherita.
The pizza van is just a start.
DeleteIt may be there are fewer posts because some can't find a way in.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see you back again. Your comments have been missed well by me..😀
DeleteHear, hear!
DeleteJust think, that this time next week, their will be a TA episode to listen to on Friday. 🎉 🎆 🎭 🥇
ReplyDeleteRecently,my husband &I were fortunate to see Tamsin Greig in a play,’Peggy for you’ at Hampstead Theatre which was a real treat.It would be lovely if she could be tempted back to the Archers to express her views as Denbbie on the Home Farm partners’ shares
ReplyDeleteContinued.Pressed the publish key too soon!Hope the Scripwriters will give Debbie a voice ,even if only for a for a short time.
ReplyDeleteMIRIAM - Friday 3rd of June - another 5 weeks.
ReplyDeleteI am too eager to listen to 6 weekly episodes again. I was convinced that it started next week but I think I must have mis-read a post.. Thanks for the uo-date.
DeleteTamsin Grieg was in a very lovely serial last year, about her correspondance with a Danish museum curator. It concerned the Tollund Man. I can't remember the title, but had 'museum' in it.
ReplyDeleteSorry, should read.... 'her CHARACTER'S correspondance...etc.
ReplyDeleteWas it Meet me at the Museum? It was a lovely serial. I caught a few bits while driving and then listened to the whole thing on Sounds.
DeleteTamsin Greig also played a character in a 2 parter after Christmas about correspondence between the donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem, and one of the camels of the wise men.
ReplyDeletePerhaps we should start a new blog for members of the Tamsin Greig Appreciation Society! She certainly got terrific reviews for her performance in the play Portia saw at the Hampstead, though the critics were less enthusiastic about the play itself (“dated”). I was surprised Brian didn’t turn to Debbie first about the crisis facing the Home Farm partnership - he usually consults her before Adam.
ReplyDeleteApart from having to sign in to Google every day, I like this tweaked version of Blogger better than before. The publishing process seems quicker and smoother.
ReplyDeleteShould have said....sign in on every day I want to make comments. Like others (I think) I don’t have to sign in just to read comments.
DeleteAfter these Blogger tweeks, I wonder if Gary will still have to start a new blog when we reach 200 comments to avoid going on to a ‘second page’, as before.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it is time to remind people to try and consolidate thoughts into one longer post than several short ones..
Unlike Facebook, where one is encouraged to make short, almost one-line comments, our blogs are the opposite, with longer ones rather than shorter ones making life easier for our esteemed administrator
Sorry I just did 3 short(ish) posts - will think of Gary and not add PS's and typo corrections in future!
DeleteAP Don't worry, I get the hint and I did own up as to this infuriating problem, I do constantly.
DeleteZoetrope, 29/4
ReplyDeleteYes, it was Meet me at the Museum. So lovely. Missed the Christmas one though.
Pleased to hear that the Friday episode is about to return i hope this will allow a more smooth continuation of stories than the present start and a couple of weeks limbo method we have had with the present "system?"
ReplyDeleteHaving listened to last night's episode, there are many parallels between the situation at Grey Gables and P&O Ferries - another issue done, albeit with the local flavour.
ReplyDeleteI think Kathy will take on the liaison job and discover the suggested scam. The only question is, why would Adil want to keep her on, to put Oliver off the scent?
I'm not at all sure what's going on behind the scenes with the closing of GG but it's so noticeable that Kathy has such a frontline role now. She was a silent character for so long (I think someone wrote that the actress who plays her had been ill) that it's good to have her back. She was 'wronged' in the past by Jolene and shows no bitterness about that although I don't remember the details. She should definitely take the job offer in my opinion.
DeleteKathy stormed into the office to remonstrate with Oliver and Adil about the manner of the takeover of GG and the plight of workers thrown aside in the process. It would therefore seem that she is being hypocritical in then joining them in the forward planning and also being uncaring about others whilst forwarding her own interests. By her own admission to Pat earlier she will be left not badly off by her settlement and so she hasn't even the excuse that she needs employment. She is also near to retirement age without the obligations of the younger employees at GG..
DeleteStill having to post on my computer! I think the latest update has rocked the boat on my IPad!
DeleteYou were right in your summing up Ev, that's exactly what Kathy said and I'm glad she thought better of the offer. This time they are definitely writing her out.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand though why she and Roy thought he'd be in with a chance.
I thought Kathy’s comment that she wasn’t leaving Ambridge just yet might be a coded message from the actor. I thought her earlier comment about keeping shtumm might be an in joke too, referring to her long silence. Maybe I’m overthinking! Her change of manner towards Advil Shah before and after his job offer didn’t show her in a good light. Roy was also putting self interest first.
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DeleteAs far as I am concerned, the sooner Kathy sets off for Alaska the better!
ReplyDeleteBut Pat will miss her I suppose, as it has been made to sound as though they have even keeping their friendship going out of hearing.
I reckon Kathy might agree to sell April Cottage to Tom and Natasha, just to get them out of Pat’s hair and prevent Pat doing their washing and ironing !
BUt it does appear that there will be a spare cottage coming on the market, so who do we think will snap it up… or who deserves it most?
As I heard it, Pat was doing Tom and Natasha’s ironing on her own initiative, not because they had asked or expected her to do it. But it would be good for them to escape her controllling instincts.
DeleteI thought Kirsty had inherited Phoebe's fill time job at the Rewilding Project so was surprised to hear she still worked part time at Grey Gables (how does the Project manage on only 2 part time staff?) She said her Project salary "barely covered living costs) but didn't mention she also has a regular income from Helen's rent, and could possibly get extra hours at Bridge Farm. So it's understandable she wasn't sounding so worried. as Roy who has no other source of income unless he rents out Phoebe's room at Willow Farm while job-hunting.
DeleteI never implied that Pat was washing and ironing under duress! But Kathy obviously thought it was more that Pat should be doing and disapproved, hence my suggestion about AprilCottabe
DeleteI'm now considering another visit to Ambridge. Do you think Pat would notice if I smuggled some of my ironing avalanche into her basket?
DeleteUndoubtedly.
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DeleteI had forgotten about Kirsty and the Beechwood property, whifh is rented to Helen etc. Is it mortgaged - I can't recall. My point is, the rent might bebneeded to pay the mortgage, so Kirsty gets no viable income from it.
ReplyDeleteSorry The blue line got in the way. 😒
DeleteI do wish that the Nerds who alter site workings when it unnecessary would trial their latest "imrovements" before inflicting them on users. Following the recent rehash i can still post through my iMac and Samsung pad but the new blue button on my iPhone simply reverts me back to the top of the page. I wonder if?when a more useful service will be resumed?
ReplyDeleteIs Adil working for another (my thought Hazel) or is he the new 60% shareholder?
ReplyDeleteUnless we are about to get the most spectacular personallity transplant ever how can you suggest Hazel?
DeleteThe redundancy package is generous and it seems that the employyes are being reasonably treated. Hazel has never been anything but venal,selfish, grasping and uncaring of other's feelings. This would reall strain the Ambridge fairy's powers beyond a simple extra room here and there.
Sometime ago, about four or five years, I read an article about Hedli Niklaus, while she was an 'silent person.' She said that they (theTA producer and directors) should either make her a person in TA, or ought to remove or otherwise finish her off!
ReplyDeleteShe apparently has not been ill.
I think she may have been moved away from TA by a 'certain producer' who then went on to Eastenders but then left after a year because some stars would not work with him.
I have my thoughts!
I have begun to listen again but do like the 'Alice' so just read and then listen to what I want.
Same for me with the listening Spicycushion
DeletePlease tell me who Stella is and what is the bungalow she lives in?
ReplyDeleteStella is Home Farm’s new manager who took over from Adam and she rents Brookfield Bungalow, which was Bert’s until his death.
DeleteThank you Maryellen for filling in the gaps for me.
DeleteSpicy - you are quite rights about Kathy’s silent years
ReplyDeleteThey were due to the actress falling out with Sean O’Connor, partially over his sacking of various actors eg.’Original Tom’ and bringing in drama school trained actors to replace them. She didn’t like the changes he was making.
I believe he was responsible for Kathy being ‘parked’ in the back office of Grey Gables for so any years!
Good for him!
DeleteFor once Maryellen, I agree with you!
DeleteAbout Kathy that is, not the sacking of Tom Graham and his replacement with Troughton junior.
In fact I think the only change of actor thar Sean O’Connor made was Tom Archer. To my mind, we get a more nuanced performance from the current Tom than the previous one, and presumably that was what Sean was after. As TA’s editor, he had every right to take the steps needed to fulfil his vision for the character - although from the way the previous Tom grizzled about it, I always suspected there might be something more to it. It must be difficult for a director when actors get possessive about their roles and/or the programme itself.
DeleteIncidentally, Sean was responsible for introducing the (adult) characters of Fallon, Ed and Emma when he was working as producer on TA in the late 1990s, so if any of these are on your favourites list, it’s him you have to thank! I’m grateful to him for his later years as editor when scriptwriting and acting reached a high standard, especially during the Helen/Rob story. It elevated TA from soap to serious drama.
Just to end, I really enjoyed last night’s episode, with believable characters (well fairly believable in the case of Eddie Grundy!) in believable situations saying believable things. More, please!
Is Oliver having one of those personality transplants that are quite common in Ambridge?
ReplyDeletePoor cows, I hope they'll be comfortable on their rubber mats.
ReplyDeleteI am concerned about Oliver, as he seems to be so depressed.
ReplyDeleteI think I must be alone in not disliking Cathy - what am I missing I wonder? Anyway she's going soon but the man who sacked the original Tom sounds like a very disruptive person who moved on anyway.
ReplyDeleteI think the present Kathy is a much more cheerful - redundancy has given her a new lease of life. When one door closes.....etc, and the same for Ian. The previous Kathy was more downbeat needy with a whiny edge to her voice, frequently turning up on Pat’s doorstep just before supper time, to Tony’s disgust!
DeleteI just wrote a long and detailed rebuttal of Maryellen’s comments about Tom Graham, the original actor for Tom Archer and other changes Sean O’Connor inflicted on The Archers.
ReplyDeleteSadly, and frustratingly I just manage to loose the entire text and haven’t time to rewrite the whole lot. Suffice it to say I disagree absolutely that young Troughton was a more nuanced actor than Graham. He had a very annoying voice with odd inflections which was disliked by many listeners. It was one of the most complained about changes made by O’Connor and there was huge support for the original actor. To say that he ‘grizzled’ about being replaced is just nasty and unjust.
Gosh! I've never been called nasty and unjust before. I think I'll survive!!
DeleteBut I'm happy to change grizzled to moaned, which I think is entirely accurate. Not for Tom Graham and Graham Seed the dignified acceptance of the realities of the acting profession by the actor playing Nic Grundy when she lost the role.
I've no idea how many listeners took a dislike to Will Troughton's voice, or how "huge" their reaction to the change was, but whether it was 10 or 10,00 makes no difference to my personal reaction. His voice is fine by me, and his interpretation of the character is more subtle than the brash and obvious Tom of previous years, which I like. I don't feel I need to know the ins and outs of Tom Graham leaving (or Heidi Niklaus), the end result is what matters to me as a listener, and I'm happy with it.
So I won't be changing my mind about Sean O'Connor's contribution to TA, which I applaud, no matter what means may or may not have been used to achieve it, and I imagine that Archerphile and the "many" listeners in agreement with her won't be changing their minds either.
I agree. I have no doubt that William Troughton got the job because his father was to play Tony. Looking at his records he hasn't had much experience with only four TV shows since becoming 'Tom' in 2014, and a small part in a new film in 2020. I do not think he is a great actor, just a 'jobbing ' actor who relies on many other actors in his family to get connections!
DeleteTom Graham said he was leaving and it was not his decision. It was reported in many newspapers but all with the same wording.
I have not read of any 'grizzled ' statements from him.
Spicycushion - you may not have read Tom Graham’s comments in the item about him him leaving TA on the BBC website (Entertainment and Arts) back in 2014. They count as moaning - by my standards at least!
DeleteI agree Will Troughton is not a great actor, certainly not as good as his father and older brother Sam (who is serviceable but still not as good as their father). Tom Graham was no great actor either and seems to have left the profession. Maybe he was acting in TA alongside another profession, as several of the TA cast do. I just think Will makes a better fist of playing Tom Archer.
I preferred Tom Graham because he had a distinctive voice.
ReplyDeleteLike Maryellen I liked yesterday's episode because it was normal, with no high drama, therefore there are no comments. It was a father and son, sharing their work experience. Eddie comforting Oliver with words and offering comfort food. Mother to be glad of a new home and grandmother becoming sentimental. Kathy going off into the mist and if you look on FB she suggests that Oliver may join her...
As with Annieveggie, I have liked Kathy over the years. She has done nothing detrimental, in my thoughts. In fact she has had horrible moments in her life, such as the rape and finally the trial, losing Kenton on the way (after already losing Sid).
ReplyDeleteAt least it has been learnt, that Jamie moved away and so was not stuck in the cupboard!
The other thing learnt is, Kathy owns April Cottage, wheras I thought it was rented.
And as I predicted, if not here, certainly elsewhere, April Cottage has been offered to Natasha and Tom! It seems the perfect solution. Somewhere of their own, to decorate and arrange as they like, with room for the twins, a garden for them to play in and not too far from work.
ReplyDeleteAs to the re furbishment of GG, which will be starting soon, I have one thought only.
ReplyDeleteThis is that Caroline's Bench stays in place, so Oliver and others, such as Linda can sit and remember.
I hadn’t realised Keeper’s and April Cottages were built together in 1960 and described as “unlovely dwellings”. Still, I don’t suppose Tom and Natasha are troubled by architectural aesthetics. They’ll have Dr Locke next door.
DeleteAccording to one of my illustrated maps of Ambridge they are a pair of semi-detached typical estate workers houses, completely plain, with no frills or fancies. Not even a porch over the front door. Of course this was just the illustrators idea.
DeleteThere’s a porch in the picture of April Cottage among all the other buildings (including the one at the top of this blog) to be found by googling Ambridge locations.. It’s crying out for roses to be grown round it!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteJust goes to show different artists have different ideas!
DeleteMaryellen. I also recall the lovely Dr. Locke residing in Keepers Cottage. I wonder where he moved to and who took over the tenancy (Hazel as landlord?).
DeleteAs far as we know, Hazel still owns Keeper’s Cottage and Doc Locke still rents it (I don’t know where his surgery is - no one goes there !). For anyone who’s interested, the gallery of Ambridge properties is on the BBC’s TA website. I rather like the anonymous artist’s storybook style!
DeleteYou can indeed find the pictures via google. But I knew I'd seen them before directly from the Archers website. It took some hunting!
DeleteI found 'Take a Stroll Around Amridge' right at the bottom of the blog page. But that link was broken.
I finally found them! Go to 'Home', scroll down to 'A look back at The Archers at Pebble Mill Studios' and click 'See all galleries' and 'Ambridge locations' is the second to last gallery.
I'd have thought there should be a link in the 'New to The Archers' section. Incidentally, the character section here needs sorting - you think it's alphabetical, but then it goes haywire on p2. It's not a case of adding new characters as they come along, David and Clarrie are in the disordered section. Clearly the local schools don't teach the alphabet properly.
April Cottage gets a mention, but poor Keeper's Cottage only sneaks in at the edge of the April Cottage picture. Perhaps that was to avoid having to call it Casa Nova.
Incidentally, the home page has links to other groups like this, including 5 on facebook. Perhaps Gary could use his contacts to get them to add us to the list. We are, after all, the best, and friendliest forum to discuss The Archers.
Sorry to quibble about cottages, but wasn’t Casa Nove what Emma wanted to call Will’s cottage when they returned from honeymoon? That would have been his cottage provided for the gamekeeper by the estate, in the woods. Rather than the one attached to April Cottage where Joe Grundy, Clarrie & Eddie lived?
DeletePerhaps my memory is scrambled!
Shows how well I listen!
DeleteI'd assumed that since he was the gamekeeper, he lived in Keeper's Cottage. According to the website, he actually lived in Greenwood Cottage.
But if Clarrie and co lived at Keeper's then perhaps I can claim a little excuse for my haziness : )
The Archers Friday comeback falls on the extended bank holiday, so perhaps we have the Queen to thank for it.
ReplyDeleteor another stalwart fan of TA in the royal circle, namely a duchess related to Cornwall 🤫
DeleteI am very confused as to April + Keepers being described as "cottages".
ReplyDeleteI recall that these are not cottages as such, but more modern semi- dwellings, and idyllic thatched homes.
I meant - NOT idyllic thatched homes.
DeleteYes, but April Cottage sounds more idyllic than November New-Build and December Semi.
ReplyDeleteIt's all a marketing ploy to get potential buyers thinking they're buying into the rural dream.
A bit like calling a new mini estate on the corner of two busy roads Sleepy Hollow (as happened to the site of my mum's childhood home ...)
Our home is called Hazeldene Cottage but has a roof of Welsh slate! However it is197 years old so probably counts as a cottage. (Originally a line of 3 small cottages for Hazel coppice workers. Divided into 2 homes back in the 1920s)
DeleteThe definition of cottage is ‘a small house, typically in the country’- so it’s a size thing, not age, position (detached/semi-detached/terraced), building materials, or romantic appeal. It means I could legitimately call my small, late Victorian, end of terrace, brick-built, slate-roofed, unromantic property Corner Cottage, but as it has a street number to identify it, a name would be redundant. (That didn’t stop the last owner but one calling it Wits End;. His successor thought it was groanworthy and took the plaque down, but included it with the sale. It’s the lack of an apostrophe that gets me!). So yes, I think the Ambridge pair count as cottages.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the definition of cottage Maryellen.
DeleteWhen we bought our artisan cottage in London, I understood it to be a cottage, albeit in a terrace.
When we went to live in a small Wiltshire market town I was adamant that I did not want to live in another cottage. We bought a substantial late Victorian house. I have now been living in a proper Cotswold Cottage for six years and don’t like it.
I think cottage’s generally have small rooms and I find that difficult to feel comfortable with. Of course many of those cottages now have large spaces achieved through knocking parlour, hall and kitchen into one open plan space.
Another aspect of cottage’s is the lack of bathroom facilities and with an outside lavatory. I remember visiting some cottages in Surrey, a row of three. At the end of the long back gardens was a row of three privies.
Interestingly we don’t often hear of house or cottage renovations in Ambridge, although we do sometimes hear of an extra room suddenly appearing with thanks to the Ambridge fairy.
It will be interesting to hear how Natasha will accommodate herself in April Cottage and whether she will want to modernise it and whether Kathy will agree to do so.
According to Wiki, in feudal times a cottage was a small house with enough garden to feed a family and in return for the cottage, the cottager had to provide some form of service to manorial lord.
DeleteIt was a cottage because it housed a cottager, not vice versa, and tended to be small, cheap, and functional, built of whatever were the local building materials. So perhaps, after all, April Cottage and Keeper's Cottage have as much right to their name as those lovely chocolate box houses. (But are the gardens big enough?)
I'm now wondering what the equivalent accommodation would be for shoe-dwellers? I think a nice, basic moccasin. Or perhaps a well cared for Mary Jane?
I had a much loved favourite pair of Mary Jane's, went to the beach walked back barefoot across the sand and by the time I realised they had been left the sea had swept them away. I even came back the next day when the tide had gone out but no luck. 😣 I think a Mary Jane although a functional cottage would have roses round the door, and herbs in the garden, and be lived in by Carol Tregorran. How I imagine Glebe Cottage to be.
DeleteClarrie was very successful with the garden at Keeper’s Cottage when the Grundys were in exile there. Sadly, we don’t hear anything about people’s gardens nowadays. I hope Stella is keeping Bert’s going.
DeleteNice to know that we actually qualify as a cottage because we have no number. None of the eight dwellings along our road have numbers, just names. All ending in ‘’Cottage.’
DeleteTom and Natasha are so right in moving into April Cottage. Pat was heard to presume that - they would remain at Bridge Farm, as she was the Grandma to twins and her help would be needed.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Tom + Natasha are soon to become parents, so will want to build thier own nesting site.
I would think that, they felt the need to break away at this time.
I didn’t really understand all that business about the quiches last night and why Fallon was in such a flap.
ReplyDeleteIt seemed strange not to say what the new flavours were and what it was she had put in, in error?
Can anyone enlighten me. It all seemed a bit of a fuss over nothing.
It was obvious Fallon used something in error, which would have made the quiches inedible. She was trying to safe-guard her reputation, as if Jill would have caused a fuss.
DeleteTo me, it was just a good light-hearted extra, to offset what has been happenng in Ambridge recently.
I think she used spices, and not the intended herbs as a simple guess.
DeleteCharmaine and Summer Time, why not stick to tried and tested rather than use secret ingredients which you forget yourself.
DeleteI don't think you are allowed to put 'secret' ingredients nowadays!
ReplyDeleteNon-prepacked food must be labelled with the following:
ReplyDeletethe name of the food
the allergens present in the food
in the case of a meat product, a meat content declaration (see below)
in the case of irradiated food, an irradiated food statement (see below)
Slurry 3/4 times a year, that's not a big deal, the way it sounded before was like every week.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't Jazzer move in and help with the rent but would it cause trouble with the rest of the family and put a strain on the relationship. Mixing business with pleasure...
Well done, Stella! You handled Jim Lloyd with your usual aplomb.
ReplyDeleteAgree, Basia - Jazzer moving into No.6 and making up the shortfall in the rent caused by Gary’s departure would be an obvious solution. I can’t see his new job lasting, though. Jazzer in telesales sounds very far-fetched to me.
I do hope nobody here is going to start matchmaking between Alistair and Stella!
ReplyDeleteAlready, on a couple of FB sites, people are speculating about them ‘Getting together’ over her interest in the abandoned greyhound. They will have them married off before long!
If I remember rightly, it wasn’t all that long ago she was being paired up with Will, then there was speculation that she might have her eyes on Ruth!
Let’s leave the poor woman alone to do her job, enjoy living inThe bungalow and form friendships without strings.
Perhaps a future friendship between Alistair + Stella, will hopefully be one without strings. There is the possibility of these two people, just being friends such as Jill + Leonard.
DeleteI have a feeling that Stella is also hiding a big secret.
DeleteI know only too well, that I have been told not to speculate from a few here, esp. for kudos, but I can't resist.
My idea is silly and perhaps unsuitable, but could Stella be trans-gender?
I haven’t listened to the archers for over a week now. It’s just getting too “radio 4 Eastenderish”.
DeleteNever thought I’d stop listening.
I suppose some may think transgender might be the next box for TA to tick. Those folk are apparently a tiny minority of the population but seem to get a lot of publicity lately.
DeleteOh dear! Last nights tedious argument between Pat and Tony isn’t goig to help the cause of veteran village cricket!
ReplyDeleteOh, and Tony was in the right, by the way! It is up to the batsman (OK,I’m old fashioned and won’t use the term ‘batter’) to call for how many runs to take, so stop moaning Pat!
I bow to your expert knowledge Archerphile as I know nothing about the rules.
DeleteIt was terribly contrived and the physio Lee got it in the knee.
We can see where the Jazzer story is going, as Maryellen said, it can't last long.
Oh pitiful, in both kitchens.
ReplyDeleteI note that tonight and yesterday there were 7 characters, which is above average and could have been put to a much better use.
Perhaps they are spreading around the available fees to as many actors as possible. We mustn’t forget that they have not been able to earn over the last two years.
DeleteBut agree it’s all pretty dire at the moment.
I badly need some serious relief! Too many of this week’s episodes have been farcical, presumably meant as light relief (the apparently pointless quiche episode may have been an attempt to find a not-too-demanding story for Jill, although I did wonder.if it heralded an early onset dementia story for Fallon!).
DeleteJim can be pretty silly (remembering his mad bunting plot and his childish rivalry with Robert Snell) but the fake kitchen consultation was utterly ridiculous. How is it going to help Jazzer when a few clicks of Fern’s mouse reveals that he and Jazzer live at the same address?
Exactly Maryellen, Jazzer wanted a new kitchen for himself! No bonus but departure in full disgrace and hopefully no repercussions for Lily.
DeleteIf Fern is a sales rep, she should have no access to other employees' personal details. So unless she mentions somethng to HR Jazza should be OK.
DeleteFern was certainly a caricature but sales reps can b very pushy. I had a friend who was getting a range of estimates. One rep was adamant husband had to join the conversation and was only persuaded otherwise when told husband was working away for 6 months. The next stage - before even discussing designs - was to try to get my friend's signature on the credit agreement, with the full assurance that they would be able to beat any quote from a rival firm. They were shown the door ...
But it's not all the rep's fault. My sister had a short-lived summer job selling kitchen knives. She had a very strict script to follow and any reason you could find for not needing her wonderful knives had a scripted rebuttal. (Although the script failed to come up with a suitable response when she tried to book an appointment to sell to a Sabatier agent!) My sister refused to be so pushy and gave up as soon as possible. I think Jazzer has a similar problem with Borsetshire Wonder Kitchens. Lily has no such qualms, she would happily sell coals to Newcastle, and even talk them into making a regular order.
Although they would have been better to find a 'volunteer' who didn't live in the same house.
DeleteI vote for Jill - Borsetshire Wonder Kitchens would have a field day redesigning the Brookfield kitchen in gleaming chrome (or what ever is de rigeur in kitchens these days). Then Fern could suggest the old, inefficient Aga could be replaced by a state-of-the-art carbon neutral NASA approved super oven, and Jill could throw the flapjack at her : )
“A sales rep...should have no access” - things may be different in ‘reality challenged, Ambridge! In any caseI, I’m sure Felpersham Kitchens is capable of putting 2 and 2 together and realising the Jazzer/Jim appointment with their sales rep was a scam.
Delete...and how lovely it was to do do a reverse scam, of sorts. I thought that this episode of The Archers was just fun. Shula did so well.
DeleteJim, Alistair and Jazzer were the authors of the scam, ie.obtaining money (Jazzer’s commission)) under false pretences (feigning interest in purchasing a new kitchen). Eddie Grundy would been proud of them!
DeleteGetting Shula to join in the deception was putting her in an awkward moral position. I imagine she thought it was simply a way to get rid of a pushy rep and didn’t realise she was contributing to a scam.
Probably not the first time Felpersham Kitchens have had an employee try connning money out of them like this.....
I thought tonight’s episode was a wonderful sendup of woke culture.
ReplyDeleteOf course it’s possible that it wasn’t meant to be what I perceived it to be.
I shall be interested in other reactions.
Yes MrsP, human rights in short skirts and puddings in the face of class system.
ReplyDeleteDaft! Pick the first three people who reply, get guilt-tripped into allowing a fourth, realise you can't allow a fifth. At least judging will be easy - gold to the first pudding tasted, silver to the next, bronze to the third and, um, diamond to the fourth. A wooden spoon to the fifth.
ReplyDeleteI can't decide whether such a random approach is typical of Fallon or whether she would have had the sense to have some sort of selection process. If nothing else, Jill's angling should have reminded her that such high honours are not to be handed out lightly.
As for LL Orangery, anyone would think the servers are expected to go around in floor-length black dresses with white lace-edged aprons and mob caps. Perhaps they do?
What a load of codswallop that was!! Entitlement all around, hostility by the bucket load. Although Mrs. P's comment has made me wonder if it wasn't all a great send up of wokery.
ReplyDeleteI thought Lee and Ed’s haranguing (bullying?) of Fallon into including Henry and Keira as pudding judges was quite out of character for them. The whole episode was boring and unlikely and very unlike previous scripts by Nick Warburton who is normally an excellent writer.
ReplyDelete(Yes, I know it’s the Editor who sets the story, but Mr Warburton has written excellent scripts in the past as well as good radio plays like the Mardle Fen series)
Perhaps they should have wheeled Mary Berry in as pudding judge and she could have chosen a lemon and amaretti trifle!
We could turn it all on its head: mindless automatons from telesales fixed on a bonus: Lily for recommending Jazzer, he for getting a booking. (My sister once received an offer for a cut price funeral service to be used within the week - she did not succumb...)
ReplyDeleteJazzer talks to friendly people as he did on his milk round - what happened to it?
Chelsea gets the job Tracy badly wants, because she's "cheaper", having no work experience.
Freddie is Trent's "shadow", firm but approachable.
Children judging some unfamiliar sweet concoctions.
Quiches with secret ingredients thrown in at random - anything else?
The only good outcome was a greyhound from a slurry pact.
I have been trying to get back into listening to TA on a regular basis. What's been on offer recently hasn't helped in that attempt.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that these more light-hearted and slightly silly episodes, are just the prelude of far more intense things to come in the near future.
DeleteThings seem to be changeing for so many Ambridge residents, which will become more prominent. The Alice + Chris divorce along with the custody of Martha is just one example. I feel many other story plots have been recorded. These will be surprising in so many ways and there are too many to suggest. A hint for one is, The Stables, with Justin + Lilian
I wait in eager anticipation..
I'd like to have your optimism Miriam
DeleteI always like to be surprised as to TA. Yes, I am still optimistic, as there is the upcoming Show, with Ed and his texcels for instan.t. Then there is who is the new 60% shareholder of GG, and what all the redundant staff do next.
DeleteI am still listening
Surprised to see no comments on here since Friday!
ReplyDeleteHas everyone given up listening or has TA become too mundane to bother posting about.?
Due to technical problems I havent been able to listen to Sundays episode yet so it will be 2 episodes to take in tonight.
No! I still love it.
DeleteI don't post when it goes so quiet, when I seem to be the only person doing so.
It's Swings and Round- a-bouts, but in a different way.
Perhaps I will start a new topic -The Pudding Competiton.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely that Ambridge is doing something for the Jubilee weekend in this way.
I was amazed to hear that Henry loves baking, and wants to become a cook. Is this the influence if his god-father, Ian, if I remember correctly
I am looking forward to hearing Henry again. He is now 11yrs old and will change to a senior school in September, having just taking his Sats.
DeleteI wonder where he will end up?
Will the Pudding contest usurp the Flower + Produce Show? I hope not. Both these need to have equal space.
DeleteHenry 11yrs old good gracious. I wonder if he will still sound like a 5yr old if indeed he actually gets to the airwaves 😅
DeleteAnd Jack will be 6 years old on Saturday! From the occasional comments we hear he sounds the more dynamic of the two. I’d like to hear more about how their characters are developing.
DeleteFantastic! Aldridge the Arch-hypocrite revealed in his true colours! I don’t usually enjoy confrontational drama TA-style, but when it’s Brian getting the worst of it, I’m all for it. Well done, Chris!
ReplyDeleteWatch out Brian. That amount of stress could lead to a heart attack! Good for you Chris!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear Chris standing up for him self and not being bludgeoned into submission by Brian.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder Alice grew up as a self-entitled pain, hearing her father go on in that manner during her formative years.
Wasn’t very impressed by the valuer or whatever he was, and what on earth accent was he using?
Sadly I am the opposite, in that Chris is now being far too demanding and far too money-grabbing. He is not "squeaking clean" having had that liasion with Amy.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't he own in his forge + farrier set-up, ans if so, will this be included in the settletlement?
Miriam - Chris is only asking for what he is entitled to, a fair share of Alice’s assets. He made that very clear. Brian is trying to disguise the true extent of those assets in order to deprive Chris of his rightful share. Fortunately. the evaluator was on to Brian’s fudging. Brian was then extremely unpleasant to Chris in the same way Alice was unpleasant to Ruairi except that Brian wasn’t drunk.
DeleteYou say Chris is not squeaky clean because he spent one night with Amy (when he was the separated husband of a wife whose fidelity to him was questionable) and didn’t pursue the liaison. Maybe so, but how then would you describe Brian, the serial adulterer with a faithful wife, and a money grabber with no qualms about housing toxic waste illegally?
Hmmm. Faithful wife? John Tregorran? Roger Travers Macy?
DeleteJennifer also had an affair with Brian when she was married to RTM. When the affair was noticed she divorced RTM and married Brian!
DeleteYes, Janice - faithful at the time! Jennifer briefly "grew close" to John Tregorran - any romantic feelings were largely on his part according to my book . Roger T-M was also a brief reunion, past history at the time of Brian's liaison with Siobhan.
DeleteSpeaking of Jennifer, she's been surprisingly quiet in recent months ...........
My argument is not Jennifer v, Alice in the fidelity stakes, but Chris v. Brian - and there’s no doubt who is most at fault there. Interesting comment from 🌶 Spicycushion about Jennifer’s affair with Brian while married to R T-Mas that’s not quite how my book puts it. It says the marriage had failed and she had moved back to Ambridge to live with Christine when she met and was proposed to by new arrival Brian Aldridge.....
DeleteWhy is Lily being so nasty and negative towards her brother? She is denigrating his attempts to try and learn how to manage the running of Lower Loxley. She should be supporting and encouraging him, not sniping and undermining him.
ReplyDeleteIs it because she is jealous of his inheritance rights, I wonder? Or because she is supposed to be going on some estate management course and doesn’t want Freddie to beat her to it?
And what, exactly does she contribute to the family pile? I can’t imagine Russ’s efforts bring in an enormous sum, running the gallery and do they pay rent for their accommodation?
I know Freddie has been a bit flaky in the past but I do think he is trying to turn things around and make a positive contribution to LL
And where is Elizabeth’s contribution to what Freddie is doing?
Yes I thought that Archerfile, there doesn't seem to be any obvious strategic plan for the future of Lower Loxley. Maybe Elizabeth is letting Lily and Freddy slog it out and see who comes out on top.
DeleteIt isn’t very subtle is it? The twins spelt it out for us - Freddie confessed his.envy of Lily’s superior organising ability and she admitted her envy of his entitlement to the estate. Seems to me they are destined to work in tandem like Elizabeth and Nigel did, capitalising on each other’s strengths (still waiting to be told what Freddie’s are!)
DeleteI don't think that Freddie + Lily will ever be able to work together.
DeleteI forget at times that they are twins.
Surely it is up to Lizzie to decide, what happens at LL, not Lily!
ReplyDeleteAt least Freddie is starting to take an interest. It is his inheritance after all, and like his father, he will embrace it, eventually.
Who actually is Trent at LL? I know he worked elsewhere in Ambridge, but no idea where this was, nor how he ended up as the Catering Manager in Lower Loxley.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that some-one can clarify this for me.
I wait for those with better memories, to let me know 😁 🤞
I’m with you Miriam 🤔
DeleteOh Ardil, you're slippery.
ReplyDeleteAnd why are you so reluctant to be on the website? I know you just claim to be an agent for the buyer, but you're behaving as though you own the place.
I don't trust all this secrecy. Be up-front Oliver and tell us who your co-owner is. If nothing else, Roy has a right to know who's employing him.
Roy was very unwise to allow himself to be 'put into the picture' as it were for the GG website. He sounded a bit pathetic saying he didn't want people to see him. As if the website wouldn't be available for public view! Ardil is very smooth talking and I get the feeling he definitely has surprises up his sleeve.
ReplyDeleteAnother rubbish episode: Pathetic ex-hotel manager accepts mystery job offer, and Teenage waitress and customer spat in stately home tearoom. I know Ambridge and reality are strangers, and for some listeners that’s part of its charm (fair enough), but I’d expect a job description in the first scenario, plus better selection and closer supervision of new staff in the second.
ReplyDeleteI agree maryellen
DeleteChelsey should have been thrown out on her ear for talking to a customer like that! But at least Freddie ‘had a word’. I think she is developing a thing for him - watch out Freddie!
ReplyDeleteFor his “big” birthday Mr R was given (by my niece and partner) a gift voucher for Afternoon Tea at The Audleys Wood Hotel - which you will know of AP we are still anticipating this event but sincerely hope Chelsea will not be our waitress on THE day 🤣
DeleteMy late parents were given an Afternoon Tea, from a grand-daughter, for their 60th wedding Anniversary. I was then included, as I was the much needed driver. The Tea was brilliant, but the service was awful. This was due to a "hen party" of 10, who were having a Champagne Tea. We were the more senior persons, sat in a small window alcove. The difference was that one was a "voucher" event, vs a "no expense" event.
DeleteThe food and experience was brilliant though, and it was so well enjoyed.
I know, that this is the wrong site, but it is just a reply to a comment.
The staff were very apologetic, after I quietly pointed out about the wait and as to the reason, why we were there. We had wonderful service then.
Things can be done in a subtle way - to get the expected service.
Slippery ?
ReplyDeleteWhen ‘ call me Ardil ‘ sloughs off his outer skin I do hope there is no surprise expressed by anyone.
Roy, pathetic and confused, took me back to the time in that tent at a festival with Elizabeth some years back.
‘Don’t know how to deal with this, so I had better say yes !’
And agree with Maryellen, very poor employment practices at this small stately home.
Roy is making a big mistake, but if a salary is included, then I understand what he is doing. I am sure that his decision, will come back to affect him - and not in a good way!
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't understand is how dictatorial, "bombastic", self-centred etc, Adil is.
I found this strange, as to some-one who supposedly to be just the agent for the new owner.
I smell a red herring, starting to go slightly "off", now or perhaps a Big Rat.
I don't trust him.
Perhaps Linda can learn more, when He takes up residence in her B+B. Linda, the secret weapon.
I think Justin is involved in some way, along with other investors!
DeleteArcher Fans might like to have a go at the Archers 70th Anniversary Quiz on the BBC’s Archer’s website.
ReplyDeleteI managed to get 14 out of 15 correct and just slipped up on which village the Morris Dancers at village fetes come from.
I was 13 out of 15. But I was still pleased with that score. It is surprising just how much is actually remembered.
Delete12 out of 15 - clearly I should have taken a leaf out of Mia Grundy's book and done more revision : )
Delete12 out of 15!
ReplyDeleteI am getting a bit fed up with Chris saying he is entitled to half of Alice's assets. He may be by law, but morally I don't think he is. He has contributed nothing to the building up of Brian's estate, so why should he benefit from it.
Well, Brian Aldridge, horrid little man, it takes one to think he knows one! Bet you took cash in hand for the toxic waste deal and.didn’t declare it!
ReplyDeleteJust what I was thinking Maryellen.
DeleteThe phrase “pot, kettle, black” came to mind.
Spot on maryellen 👏🏻
DeleteBrian will resort to anything to discredit Chris.For all he thinks he knows Chris may still declare the cash payment.Although I am largely sympathetic to Chris,like Janice I am not convinced about the amount of Alice’s share in Home Farm he is claiming.
ReplyDeleteYes. I have also pondered this. As far as I can recall, there are 5 partners, namely:-
DeleteBrian (with Jennifer), Adam, Debbie, Kate and Alice.
If this is correct, along with my maths, then Chris's claim is half of a 5th share in Home Farm.
This would still be quite substantial.
Miriam,I think that Ruiri is also a partner.At one time when he was younger Ruth Archer was appointed to look after his interests.
ReplyDelete