Life in Ambridge

 We need two threads, so here’s the second, hopefully

Comments

  1. I don’t know about the Fonze but you are a bloomin’ genius KP and a real life saver
    Roll on Archersfan Mk 2!

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  2. Um, how do I get back to the old blog now?

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  3. Jazzer is trying his best, in getting an income as to his job at Felpersham Kitchens.
    There is one person who could be tempted as to a new kitchen, this is namely Susan!
    She will certainly want to be the first to do such an up-grade.

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    1. Ah but Neil about to lose his job 😕
      Stella testing if Alistair a free spirit? Or if Shula still holding a candle for him….

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    2. That won't stop Susan.
      As for Stella + Alistair - I am just not sure yet, as I think there is more to be known about Stella, also with the dissapeared Joy.
      I think that they both have backgrounds which might never been known. I would love to know more, rather than the Pudding contest.

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  4. A word of warning to everyone
    I suspect that this brilliant lifeboat blog of KP’s will need ‘loading more’ after 200 posts, as the old one did. I think we should be a bit abstemious in our posts to start with, until KP has got the hang of everything and is confident I starting new blogs. We don’t want to overload her at the beginning.

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    1. In other words, just one long post a day from all.
      A good suggestion.

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  5. I Nominate KPNuts, for the Unsung Ambridge "Hero" Award.
    She so deserves this accolade, after the work undertaken, to set up these 2 new sites, which will keep many of us involved with those, who now feel are friends, well of sorts.
    🥇🥇🏆

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  6. I think Chris was totally out of order with Lillian , I hope he apologised profusely after Jakob corrected him. That said I do still feel sorry for him.
    Justin seemed to enjoy the flattery laid on by the kitchen rep, but I don’t think he’ll succumb to her sales pitch, thankfully I haven’t come across anyone like her in my kitchen refurb project that is currently in the planning stage.

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    1. I felt she had him wrapped around her little finger. I expect a new kitchen, complete with statement double island to be installed in the Dower House by the end of next month.

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  7. Many thanks for alerting us to this new blog , OWiaS, it was very thoughtful of you - and hats off to KPnuts for setting it up.. Rescued from the all the scrolling with just a couple of clicks! Ambridge seems to be untroubled by IT problems, which is one good reason for escaping there!

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    1. IT problems, now there's an idea for a storyline.

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    2. There never seems to be a problem does there. This could make a realistic S/L along with a resident being "scammed"
      But Christine was, I think.

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  8. I did not enjoy the awful altercation between Brian + Neil. It was upsetting, although not personal as such, as each were just supporting their son or daughter venhemently. I feel sorry for Martha with her two feuding Grand-dads in that way.
    I am wondering who will have a "medical issue" soon.

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  9. I was impressed by Neil, he really spelt it out to Brian, who I suspect was shocked as **** to be told he was a bully, he (Brian) would not perceive himself that way. Maybe he will be shocked into a bit of self awareness, but I fear not.

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    1. I found it interesting that Thea tor, mild Neil for decades, occasionally annoyed or disapproving but with a voice never raised in genuine anger, could, when it came to it, truly blow his top !
      Well done that man !

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  10. Nobody could be better pleased than me to hear Brian Aldridge getting the dressing down he so richly deserves, but did Neil Carter have to be quite so shouty about it? There are ways of sounding angry and accusatory without yelling your head off, including scarcely raising your voice at all - and I wish someone would tell the TA cast that. I suppose it depends on the ability of the actor.

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  11. I find it very hard to modulate my voice when I’m experiencing any heightened emotion, I then burst into tears! I really don’t do emotion at all well which is why I try to avoid emotive/extreme language.I think on radio, where the audience hasn’t got visual cues vocal cues have to be slightly broader.
    Back before the pandemic there were rumours that Charles Collingwood wanted to retire, could he be heading towards a heart attack or stroke which would really throw the future of the farm into the air?

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    1. I am still hoping that Debbie, who would have to be reacast (which has been done before), will return from Hungary. She is my obvious choice, as I have said before.

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  12. Well I actually enjoyed the altercation (dont know what that says about me!) and was delighted to hear Brian getting the roasting he so richly deserved.
    I think Neil has had to play the mild mannered, compliant bucolic character for so long that his outburst came as a bit of a shock last night and perhaps the acting was a bit over the top. But I bet Brian Hewlett enjoyed being able to let go, for once.

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    1. It was for me, so unlike Neil, who has never been vocal like that before, even with The Berrow Farm problems. Families though, do show so very many different emotions.
      It is a parent just protecting their Young. This is so natural and understandable.

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  13. What I would like to hear now, is an equivalent meeting between Susan + Jennifer.
    I ponder if it will end up in a similar way.

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  14. Thanks to a post on a FB site I have found a brilliant chronology of the Archers. Starting in 1896 with the birth of Dan Archer it details year by year, every birth, death and marriage, all the important events in the village as well as family news and farming events. It even gives the date when Dan Archer bought his first tractor and sold his shire horses Blossom and Boxer!
    It’s an invaluable source of information and will answer many questions we often have here.
    The website is: umra.fandom.com, the article is called Peter Hesketh’s Chronology of The Archers.
    You can ignore the offer to cut out all adverts and just scroll on down.

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    2. That is so interesting. I have previously found this site, when trying to find more information about a particular event or situation, so it was limited. As much as I tried, I could not access the main site. I now know hiw to do this. Thanks 🤗

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    3. Thank you Archerfile. I have just been reading through the Peter Hesketh article and it is so good. I find I am remembering what was happening in my own life at the time of the different happenings in the Archers. I had forgotten Aunt Laura.

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  15. Being a bit thick,it took me time to get here KP when In fact it was really easy.Like everyone else, I am concerened about Gary and hope we’ll hear from him soon.Re tonight’s Archers,I hope Chris will calm down and take his dad’s wise advice.

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  16. Testing to see if I can post on my little old, out of date, iPod..yes it works!

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  17. There is another quiz on the BBC Archers website
    Set by an Archers fan and quizmaster it features some of the most often asked questions.
    11 out of 12 for me so I am feeling very smug!

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    1. There was also a quiz about Lower Loxley, which was done
      The score was 10/10 so perhaps my Archers knowledge is not that shabby 🙅‍♀️

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  18. Isn't it great, that the Friday Archers is now happening again.
    I just hope that there will be much more interaction between so many other Ambridge residents, who have not been heard from for a while, rather than the continuing stories being expanded.
    I so want to hear Rex, Toby, Joy, Linda, Jill, Leoard, Clarrie, Eddie, Ed, Emma, George, Poppy, Keira abd so on...even Caroke T. and Kenton, all back in The Archers
    Forget Adil as a prominent character- as Roy can give updates in The Bull and elsewhere.
    Why a new slimy character, when there are so many others who deserve to be heard from.

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    1. Held back until Platinum Jubilee - double celebration ⭐️
      So many of the older characters of course are right near to or in their 80’s now and travel quite some way to record ie Brian, Jennifer and Shula actors come to mind. June Spencer will be 103yrs on June 14th a triumphant Peggy 👏 bless her!

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  19. Along with the return of a Friday night episode there is a definite addition to characters in Ambridge.
    The vet nurse always silent in the past and now rounding out her character with hints of her domestic life. Stella even thinking she was married to Alistair.
    Barry, who is yet to speak but given a personality by both Jazzer and the tale of his pet rat.
    Will there more characters in the near future ?
    Have i forgotten any ?

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  20. I am noticing, that the mention of the steep stairs outside Chris's flat, along with Martha and the access, is still being heard....

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  21. Anyone with access to today’s Sunday Times will find an interesting article in the Culture section.
    It’s about Arthur Hughes who plays Ruairi. He is about to become the first disabled actor to take the part of Richard III at the RSC. He talks a lot about the life of a disabled actor and pleads their cause, saying that they should be cast in a many more roles and not just those of disabled characters. Seems like a thoroughly nice young man.

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    1. Thanks AP. It often takes me all week to read the Sunday Times (and the Saturday one). I'll look out for that article.

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    2. I came across this news a while ago, when I was surprised to learn, that he had a disability.
      This is same with Jazzer.
      I am on my "hobby horse" yet again.
      The Archers have disabled actors, but why is there not a disabled character in Ambridge?
      This has to be addressed soon, with all that it might involve.
      Bethany would have been a good example.
      However, it could well be one of the more senior residents, getting mobility problems, just like another person, and how things have to be changed, to suit.

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  22. Miriam , I strongly agree with you about the total absence of disability in Ambridge . I was extremely disappointed when the Tuckers & Bethany exited & would have loved Nigel to have survived with life changing injuries, that sounds weird but you no what I mean.

    I saw Arthur Hughes in Henry VI Pt3, the prequel to Richard III and didn’t even twig that he had a disability assuming he was just holding his arm as part of his performance. I would certainly hope that his career is not curtailed in any way as a result of his arm, except possibly not casting him as Tarzan😀

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    1. Having had a parent, who needed a wheelchair, I was surpised just how hard it was. It was the parking, getting that person into the chair, pushing it, negotiating kerbs, and the most simple thing, folding the chair up and putting it into the boot of my car.
      It was hard. I wonder if Ambridge is set up to do similar - disabled parking, slopes into premises etc.
      I am sure it is, but it has never been tested, well to my knowledge.
      Yes. This is important to me...but only due to my personal experience.

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  23. Why on earth did Roy feel he had to make such a toe curling confession to Adil about his youthful racist actions? I thought the response was decidedly chilly.

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    1. I wondered that too Portia. I suppose he was worried that some of his Ex ‘friends’, like those who graffitied his car, might leak details of his youthful crime. They might hoped it would spoil his chances of working with Adil and get him sacked.
      So rather than risk that happening he decided to tell Adil the whole story himself. And I agree, the reception was frosty and I wonder if Roy might find his job at GG is even further downgraded now.

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    2. I half-thought TA might be having another stab at the racism issue again. I liked Adil’s plan for a library in the reimagined Grey Gables - every country house hotel should have one!

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    3. This does perhaps give an idea as to the clientelle he wants to attract?
      Many of us love books, but a library in a hotel, does not sound that realistic as an ongoing venture, in 2022.
      It surely has to be - The Spa facilities, The Golf course - whilst keeping the "feel" and ambience of GG, as a type of a Manor House Country Retreat.

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    4. I still think that it is being re-vamped, into a very expensive Retirement Home, which no-one can now afford!

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    5. Regarding a library at Grey Gables, I think it is an excellent idea.
      Indeed, all of the cruise ships I have been on have had a library and reading room.
      Unfortunately, on our last cruise, last September, the books were out of bounds due to Covid restrictions!

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  24. Portia. Roy was right to mention this. It was, after all, very many years ago. Surely the current hatred is due soley, to the loss of employment, the loss of a regular income, loss of esteem,) - which is being experienced by the many redundant GG staff (or their families).

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    1. My main suspect, still remains as Brad, based purely on my own personal criteria, as to "Who Did It"?

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    2. There is one clue - it has to be someone who can spell Judas....🤔

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    3. Aah, Tracy found spray can of paint, of Brads ??

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    4. maryellen, do we know for sure they spelled it correctly?

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    5. Yes, I think so, because we haven’t been told otherwise - and although that isn’t
      a very good principle for real life, it works for Ambridge. As Keri Davis said: If it hasn’t happened on air, it hasn’t happened....




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  25. 'What’s the story with Adil?' - the website had me all geared up for an exciting revelation! All I discovered was his fondness for sweets. What a let down!

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    1. The entire episode was ‘something and nothing’, as my granny. would have said. It doesn’t bode well for Friday!

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    2. Adil is a mystery.
      Is he an actual investor, or just the puppet, who has just over-stepped his position.
      Either way, is Roy a candidate for a managerial position in the future GG, I am not sure.
      This though depends on what GG now becomes.

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    3. I do not feel good vibrations about the future GG.

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    4. Mrs P. I am with you as to your thought, but I am remaining optimistic, well for now.
      There are so many different possibilities as to how GG, will arise again, like The Pheonix out of The Ashes.
      ..and I don't mean the Ambridge Veterans Cricket Team winners ones!
      I wonder if Peggy or Kate, who live in The Lodge at the end of the drive, could give hints as to what they see with binoculars 😉🤫

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  26. I think the editor and scriptwriters are getting a bit desperate about what to do with the Archers at Brookfield.
    First there was that almost unintelligible episode a couple of days ago with a shrieking bride, David turning photographer (!) and Ruth egging him on.
    Then last night the big event was shouting at Josh for demolishing a shed and the loss of a cow en route to the farm!
    Oh, it almost makes me long for the days when Dan Archer was leaning over a fence, chewing a straw and contemplating his pigs!

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    1. Anybody looked up at the moon last night? I'm sure I saw a vaguely bovine shape moving around the top of it.
      (And I'm struggling to find tableware with which to eat my porridge this morning.)

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    2. You’ve lost me, OW! I got the reference to the cow jumping over the moon but the missing tableware........? My boring theory is that Brookfield got the wrong consignment.

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    3. And the cow jumped over the moon.

      And the first line has spoon in it Miriam …..

      At some point later today I imagine the complete rhyme will jump into my consciousness, but hopefully before then one or other of you will supply the full nursery rhyme.

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    4. Sorry, OW, have belatedly realised that the 4th line of Hey diddle, diddle is The dish ran away with the spoon. Apparently, the verse was only ever intended as inconsequential nonsense, and didn't have some political significance or other like some nursery rhymes. once had. I still feel 'wrong consignment' is the most likely explanation for Brookfield's missing cow.....

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  27. Hey diddle diddle the cat and the fiddle
    The cow jumped over the moon
    The little boy sat ……………………..
    ………………………. With a spoon

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  28. The little boy laughed
    To see such fun
    And the dish ran away
    With the spoon.

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  29. What are well thought out nursery rhyme
    I can relate this as to Ambridge - be it Adil, Vince or another!

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  30. The little DOG laughed in my version.

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    1. Of course it was the little DOG. Silly me!

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  31. Despite writing the little boy…
    I think it was the little dog …..
    in my version too.

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  32. Who was it who predicted Brian leaving or dying ?
    It wasn’t me.

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  33. Well if I remember correctly someone here predicted Brian’s possible exit from TH could this be it?
    (R secret life will no doubt now be exposed) if Charles Collingwood departs then what about his wife in real life “Shula”.

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  34. Thank you to Cheshire Cheese who pointed me to this new blog after I wondered why no posts were appearing on the old one.

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  35. I imagine Brian will survive but drop Berrow. It's the situation there that's been stressing him (as well as Alice's divorce), Stella has been his confidante in recent weeks, replacing Jennifer and Debbie on our airwaves. I don't know what's happened to 'Jennifer,' we know about Tamsin Greig. I think Stella has become 'the new Debbie' - Debbie herself has outgrown Home Farm and made her life and career in Hungary.

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  36. Should be an interesting first Friday (for a long time) episode.
    Surprised they didn’t leave this cliff hanger for tonight!

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    1. Also a test for reality when we hear how long it takes an ambulance to reach Ambridge!

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    2. This is but one of four cliff hangers this weekend!
      Will Brookfield find its missing cow?
      Who is Ambridge's Unsung Hero(Ine)?
      Who is the Ambridge Jubilee Pudding winner?
      Will Brian Aldridge live?

      (You need strong nerves to be a TA listener!!!)

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  37. Replies
    1. Hooray Pierre! Lovely to see you again. 😃

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    2. That’s splendid, Pierre! I was missing you - also Basia and annveggie. Hope they join us too!

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  39. As I have said before, no point speculating - what will be has already been written!

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    1. You have said it before ARCHERPHILE, a number of times and I take your point, but we have all come to realise that Miriam enjoys speculation.
      I for one have got used to her speculations and am content to tolerate it.
      It is a pointless waste of emotional energy to allow it to annoy one.

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    2. Don't worry. I get the massive hint, so I will wait + see, who else gives ideas which are "allowed" rather than my thoughts + ideas, which are not 🤐🤐

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    4. I think speculating about what might happen is what a cliffhanger is about (apart from keeping us listening) , and second guessing the scriptwriters is part of the fun of following TA. Like multiple choice quizzes, it helps to keep the little grey cells ticking over!

      We are all free to speculate if we want to, and quite a few of us do. Those who think speculation is a waste of mental energy are equally free not to - and can easily avoid posts containing speculation from other bloggers. So vive la speculation, and each to their own!

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  41. Miriam, I don’t think AP was criticising your speculation, merely pointing out, correctly, that the script writers will send the plot line in what so ever direction they wish. Speculation is very much part & parcel of this blog as it is on most of the groups I see.

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    1. Exactly KP. My comment was not meant personally but simply to say that whatever we, as listeners and fans might guess or, indeed, want to happen, the script will have already been written and acted and there is nothing we can do about it. Che sera, sera!

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  42. So Brian lives to fight another day, Alice seems to be really trying and Rauri is going to let everybody down.

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  43. What an uncaring awful woman. Do people like that really exist?!

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    1. Yes Janice - they do exist !

      The woman in question, -her name didn’t connect in my brain - is clearly paying Ruari for the services he supplies. She pays for his services as a business arrangement and there are clear boundaries, ( and that does not apparently include his body, since he spent the night in a separate room to her ) and she presumably expects him to keep to the rules or expectations agreed by them both.
      I understand the reason for your question Janice, but in this world today, and probably in the world for centuries gone by, a business arrangement does not usually allow for sentiment or compassion.
      If Ruari was an employee he would have employee rights and responsibilities, and his employer would be paying taxes as well as his contributions laid down by state legislation.
      It seemed clear tonight that that was not the case.

      What is sad as far as I’m concerned is that this young man should feel so inadequate that he feels he needs the good life that this woman is providing, and is prepared to give his soul to get what he wants.

      Mephistopheles comes to mind !

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  44. Take heart Miriam by the fact that you have more supporters, including me, than detractors.

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    1. I've only just noticed your picture. Sweet little figures.

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  45. Miriam.
    I am sorry you took my comment about speculation so personally and I most certainly did not want you to delete your comments or stop commenting.
    As said in my answer to KP above, whatever we might think will happen has already been decided by the Editor via the scriptwriters…..and because of the 6 week gap between recording and broadcasting will , by now, be set in stone.
    We, unfortunately, have little influence on what’s happening in Ambridge, though if the SWs can get into our blog and read our comments there may be some chance that they pick up on one or two of our ideas!
    So please carry on with your ideas and I will try not to comment adversely in future - though, please believe me, that comment was not aimed at you personally but was intended to be a lighthearted remark about the inevitability of what happens in TA, speculation or not! Perhaps I should have put a smiley face at the end to show it was a joking remark 😊

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  46. WARNING: This post contains some possibly wild speculation. (I will tell the 'wait and see-ers' when to stop reading.)

    Ruari's dependence on Julianne is easy to understand. It's as not just the allowance, the free meals and and the flow of presents, but the doors she can open to the lifestyle and career opportunities he craves. She represents a glittering future, whereas Brian represents a burdensome past. tainted by Alice's 'in vino veritas' outburst. Home Farm simply cannot compete.

    (Scroll down now to avoid speculation!)

    However, I think the situation may be, or could become, more complicated than that: the fact that Ruari didn't share Julianne's bed in Birmingham (a fact made abundantly clear), doesn't mean he's celibate. Did he share his own bed there? Is there a third party involved in his calculations? Does his 'contract' with Julianne allow for a third party or is he keeping that a secret from her, as well as keeping her a secret from Home Farm?

    Or, in one of those complete turnarounds that happen in Ambridge, will Brian's imminent death (of which this week's heart scare may have been warning) convince Ruari that he was meant to be a farmer in the West Midlands after all? I don't think so!







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    1. I confess that I find the “relationship”between Rauri & Julie-Ann difficult to understand. I can see the appeal for him as Maryellen outlined, especially the prestigious paid internship she mentioned (so we can conclude that he is maintaining his studies) but I don’t really get the the appeal of some hired eye candy, but then that whole networking scene is my idea of hell so needing a plus one at my beck & call is outside my imagination.

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    2. I agree with you KP in the ‘ my idea of hell’ aspect, but that scenario is not outside of my imagination or indeed out of my experience.
      I can also see Maryellens argument regarding the opening of doors, and see the relevance of Ruari taking that direction.
      However I reiterate my point of R selling his soul as being as legitimate in the long run.
      Of course I may be wrong in my assertion that he is.
      Perhaps he knows precisely what he is doing and where it may lead to and might well have put in place another action, which we are not aware of, to mitigate his current situation.
      As ARCHERPHILE says, it is already written in stone by the script writers.
      We simply have to wait until they reveal the results to us.

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    3. Archerphile’s repeated reminder comes as.no news to us - we’ve all been exposed to fiction in its various forms since babyhood, and know how it works. The storyteller controls the story. But one of the supreme advantages of fiction is that it stimulates the imagination, which in spun-out stories like TA’s, results in imagining the story’s possible outcome before the storyteller reveals the ending. So speculation is inevitable - but not for all the listeners all the time! Some might be up for a game of ‘guess who’s the Easter Bunny’ or a debate about ‘ what Ruari might do next’, others are happy to simply wait and see, as recommended by Mrs P. If everyone did that, the blog would shrink dramatically!







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    5. Just to be clear Maryellen, I can speculate along with others, as well as waiting to see.
      But please don’t think I’m offended…….. I’m NOT !

      I was about to write that I can speculate along with the best, but then realised that was not true. I can’t. And I certainly cannot beat Miriam who seems to me to have a fantastically fertile imagination, and as I have said before ought to submit scripts to the TA team.

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    7. Maryellen’s theory about being used to fiction is interesting. Being an only child with very few friends living near, I spent much of my childhood reading. Always had my nose in a book and most of my information about other people and the world came from books, rather than actual experience.
      But I never, ever wanted to know the outcome of a story, or ‘who dunnit’ in advance. I never, ever peeked at the final page and even slowed right down towards the end of a book, hiding the next page with my hand in order to extend the anticipation as long as possible.
      So this might explain why I hate spoilers and dislike speculation.
      I know this is just my problem and no one else’s, and I will just try to live with it without complaining.

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    9. Gosh, you're self-controlled Archerphile! I would never slow down to prolong the anticipation of a book's ending. I'd be far more likely to sit up half the night reading 'just one more' chapter, or ten.
      The question is, which makes an unsatisfying conclusion more irritating - slow reading to extend anticipation, or missing out on sleep to reach the denouement ASAP?

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  47. If Home Farm is going to continue to play a part in the Archers and if Brian is going to be forced to retire then Home Farm is going to need a central strong character around whom dramas can be woven. Debbie seems settled in Hungary, so that leaves dippy Kate, steady and hard working but not hugely exciting Adam, or capable Alice but she has problems to contend with, so it might be down to Rhuari to develop into that central charismatic character. I agree he could probably fly higher into a more exciting lifestyle but maybe the pull of family will be stronger. I wish they had left him with something of his Irish accent. Or do we have to wait for Xander to grow up I wonder.

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  48. Thank you Janice (your comment at 10.06pm yesterday refers). It was made by my elder daughter over 30 years ago. I re-discovered it during lockdown and thought it was quite appropriate with the rainbow background and the little old couple (me and her Dad?) content with each other's company until the pandemic passed, which hopefully it has 🌈.

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  49. Maybe Brian will decide to sell up after all. Remember he came into the show when he bought the farm so Home Farm can continue to play a part in the Archers under a new owner, Brian has said recently he wanted to leave something more solid than just cash to his children, but if none of them want to take up that legacy then he may have to sell regardless.

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    1. SPECULATION ALERT!,
      It isn’t just Brian’s decision, though. It’s the Partnership that decides and although he notoriously said that the family always came round to his way of thinking in the end, this may be the time they don’t. The Partnership could eidetic to contract managers and workers without direct involvement y any of them. Stella could become that strong central figure.....

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    2. Good speculation there Maryellen, and Stella has become a stronger character since her quiet beginnings in Ambridge.
      She has a distinctive voice too, which does help in embedding a character in the listeners ear.
      After a full week of episodes I enjoyed listening this morning to a full week, the first time for a very long time.

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    3. I was, as usual, listening to the Omnibus in the bath, the radio set to LW on the opposite side of the room. Suddenly, about half way through, the Test Match Special music started up! I had forgotten TMS is also broadcast on LW so I missed the end of the programme which was annoying, because I am still trying to figure out the Ruairi situation and wanted to listen again. But I did enjoy the Cricket. 🏏

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  50. Archerphile, June 4th 5.37pm, I’m the same as you regarding books! I never read the blurb on the back of novels as it might reveal the existence of a plot twist or even just give an idea of the story. I prefer to discover everything page by page. All I need to know is that it isn’t going to be frightening or harrowing!

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  51. Not a fan of Julie-Ann at all.
    But Sugar Daddies have been a thing for some time. I gather they're still popular - I read an article about a young woman who found it a very convenient way to have a comfortable life at university without being saddled by student debts. The implication was that she was far from alone in taking this approach.
    I suppose you *could* argue that this way of funding yourself was no worse than a life-time of student loan repayments. In which case, we can expect it to become more common as interest rates go up. Of course, it's not so nice when the 'contract' starts to impinge on the rest of your life. It will be interesting to see how the noose begins to tighten for Ruari.
    Question (or perhaps speculation) is this the next 'big issue' that the script writers want to address, or just an interesting little storyline to make life difficult for Brian's favourite son?

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  52. Am I alone in seeing that Lucy Speed/Stella, is now appearing on stage in a play?
    This is NOT a speculation, just facts - I think, but not too sure.

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    Replies
    1. Miriam - I just looked up Lucy Speed on Google and the only thing I can find is that she is in a production called The Ballad of Olive Morris, a story about a police woman. It says it is in post production and the release date is July 13th. I’m not sure if this means it is a play or a film. You can find details on IMDB. Didn’t realise she had been in Casualty too.

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  53. Lots of actors appear in Casualty, when we get a theatre programme Mr Nuts & I always check to see how many of the cast have been in Casualty, along with The Bill & Holly City. I think the only times we haven’t seen those programmes listed is in one or two hand plays & musicals.
    Stella doesn’t want Brian to sell up as she fears she will lose her job, but it is perfectly possible that a new owner would want to keep on the existing manager.
    One thought that struck me was that JulieAnn could buy the farm, although I admit unlikely!

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  54. My thoughts are going into wondering how Brian ( considering his own past exploits) will react when he discovers what his son is up to with his arrangement with Julie Ann.

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    Replies
    1. ..a chip of the old block..

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    2. Precisely Miriam, but I can imagine Brian being rather hypocritical in this instance.

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    3. There was a comment on the Dumtedum tweet-along yesterday that made me laugh: JulieAnn “Ever since being mistreated by a total cad I haven’t been able to form functional relationships…….I wonder what happened to Brian Aldridge”

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  55. Thé Great Ambridge Jubilee Celebration seemed strangely subdued to me and not very exciting at all. The only element typical of an Ambridge event was the sound of a brass band playing The Floral Dance in the background. Where was the tea tent manned by the WI, the micro-management of Lynda or the grand opening by a minor celebrity? The only amusing item was an over-fed child throwing up over Joy’s shoes! 😂

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    Replies
    1. I haven't listened to the episode yet as we were at our the celebration in our close the rain having finally stopped at 5.30pm. Must listen later and compare notes!

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    2. ...Poor Joy. She is some-one who is now silent, but I wished I had heard her reaction...🤑

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  56. Trembly lip time for Jim! Perhaps Chelsea could become a Jazzer substitute?

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    Replies
    1. ..or a Webster one. By that I mean a Jazzer one, in that he has a new "princess" to help and support, in her life choices, if he can.

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  57. Did catch up with last night's episode - it was rather upbeat, wasn't it ? A welcome break from the Alice generated troubles.
    As for Jim, despite being a staunch fan of his, idiosyncrasies & all, surely the reaction to Jazzer moving out was decidedly OTT - the man isn't going to the outer Hebrides ( like Phoebe ??), basically just down the road, so to speak. Of course, it won't be quite the same, but they're still friends & will often meet, I imagine.

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    Replies
    1. ..aren't they just across The Green from each other, or is my Ambridge geography wrong? I bet it is 😔

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    2. You are right Miriam according to my Map of the village. Jim lives on the same side as the Bull and Shop, whereas the Horrobins house is in the close on the opposite side. But it’s only a stroll across the Green.

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    3. My Ambridge geography was wrong - I had imagined that the Bull and the shop were on opposite sides of the green!

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  58. Well that was a load of emotional , Loren ipsum, consectetuer, sed diam non jimmus et jazus.

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    Replies
    1. 😀😆😆 Still, whilst agreeing it was all daft, I remain warmly attached to Jim. You have to hand it to the actors - they carried it off as well as anyone could.
      Quite like Jazzer these days, his heart's in the right place, though still can't understand most of what he says (no great loss, that..doubt he says anything riveting!)

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  59. I liked the fact that Jim insisted on giving Jazzer a key to his bungalow.

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  60. It’s all “trembly lip” doggerel. As commented above.

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  61. As Portia has said, I too was touched how the Prof. insisted Jazzer had a key to Greenacres. He is obviously showing his true feelings for him (plus Tracy as his partner), alongside Alistair, giving the thought as to it is still his home.
    I don't know how old Jim is, but is he also thinking that for another to have a spare key, is in case of an emergency.
    Perhaps it is just a comfort thought, alongside the heartfelt emotional one.

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  62. I have just realised that June Spencer, the wonderful Peggy, will be 103yrs, this time next week.

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    Replies
    1. Wow! That’s two years older than the Queen Mother was. Wonder if HM will go on so long? Perhaps June will e given a Damehood for services to Acting.

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    2. I agree. She so deserves that accolade, which many have received for similar, or less. She should have been honoured with this, when she reached 100yrs of age, and still in The Archers...aa she is now.

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  63. I am a bit betwixed + bemused, as to how Beth was so instrumental for Ruth buying 35 new cows.
    What have I sadly missed, as I just can't recall, but I am sure some-one can remind me.
    Thanks, in advance. 😉
    .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ruth wanted to pick Beth’s brains about the auctioneers at the dispersal sale. Beth revealed that they were the rival firm to Rodway & Watson, her employers. She was keen to see how they operated too and accepted Ruth’s invitation to accompany her. (Info checked in the daily synopsis on the BBC TA website and the fuller synopsis from The Ambridge Reporter - also available daily. They save having to listen to the repeats or iPlayer.)

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    2. Thank you Maryellen.

      Can we expect some interaction between Beth and Shula, since the latter also worked for Rodways many decades ago ?

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    3. Thanks Maryellen for that interesting information, which passed me by some-how.
      I knew some-one could explain this.

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    4. I meant Sounds of course, not iPlayer!

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  64. That Steph should be banned from appearing in TA again! That awful screeching down the phone and the excessive me, me, me, attitude is really grating.
    In my opinion she adds nothing to the story, and I care nothing about her and Liam or their on/off marriage.
    Lasts weeks appearance at Brookfield was more than enough for me! 😤

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    Replies
    1. My comment is that, this is to purely reference the differences between Beth, sister Steph, and their father Vince, alongside Ben.

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    2. Totally agree AP.
      I think you make a good point Miriam. Now that difference has been demonstrated i do hope with AP that is the last of it we have to suffer.
      Stuffing to fill the episode time we've just got back?

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    3. ...to add...This will leave Ben + Beth to do and live, in their own way and to do just what they want to.
      This is in a similar way as to Tom + Natasha..

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    4. Was this another set-up in another restaurant, involving both Beth + Ben.
      The first - an appalling "allergy" attack - faked.
      The second - an awful sister interlude - faked.
      Perhaps Beth + Ben have now passed Vince's tests.

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    5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  65. I need to ask a question, as to those with brilliant Ambridge knowledge, and far greater than mine.
    This relates to The Bull.
    I have recently read in an Archers Book, that it has a ghost, still active, known as The Little Drummer Boy.
    Love to know more.

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    Replies
    1. Miriam - my book simply says: A ghost who ‘taps’ on a back bedroom window is reputed to be that of a drummer boy from the Civil War.

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  66. Tonight’s closing comment from Beth - I have an appointment with the real world - must have resonated with every TA listener who, like me, couldn’t believe that what they’d just been listening to was actually The Archers!

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  67. Vince is boring enough without bringing his spoilt daughter into it! Elizabeth would do well to steer clear of being her stepmother! Beth is OK being a good partner for Ben.

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  68. Tonight was the first time ever that I turned off the Archers. I understand that they might be trying to get a younger audience, but would anyone over the age of 10 find that garbage interesting? For goodness sake, Editor, get a bloody grip.

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  69. What a load of old cobblers 🤯

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  70. Absolutely agree with Maryellen's comment and the 4 replies to it.
    Who on earth authorised the broadcasting of such utter piffle unde the cloak of TA

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  71. All I can say is, was that The Archers I love?
    I am not sure. However I will continue to listen, as who knows whether this madness (which is being heard on a nightly basis), signifies things to come.
    I am keeping my ideas to myself.

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    Replies
    1. I thought that I had read somewhere that Keri Davies was the writer for this week.
      I have to be so wrong for obvious reasons.

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. Sorry. "A problem has occured" so I can't delete the duplicate post, and not sure why it posted twice. 😒

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    4. Yes, Keri D is this week’s writer. My respect for him has plummeted!

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    5. What ever has happened to him to make him produce that aberation!

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  72. Sorry everyone, totally out of contact with the outside world for 2 days due to workers digging through fibre optic cables in Basingstoke so no phone, mobile or wifi and no means of catching up with TA. Even both local hospitals were affected. So will be doing a 3- episode catch up tonight and reading all the comments then.

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  73. Should Brian be taking part in Kates therapy only a week after the angina attack? He is
    78yrs of age, and is only just starting his pills which will take time to be fully effective, and so preventative.

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    Replies
    1. I thought Kate was really sweet and considerate with Brian during his yoga session. It was one of the times when I've found her unexpectedly likeable. Brian was verging on likeable too. A contrast to the Casey father/daughter relationships!

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    2. It was only Yoga.
      I know 78 year olds doing Zumba ( not me ! )

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  74. I did Zumba once! Never again! It was too much like hard work! Yoga could be good for Brian as it encompasses relaxation and breathing techniques. Just lately he needs some calming down! There’s no doubt recent family upsets have brought this attack on.

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  75. What a dull week it has been in Ambridge When will the youngsters become more solid and interesting characters.

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  76. I have just caught up with the last three days Archers episodes (at 2.30 am, not being able to sleep)
    And I don’t think I should have bothered!
    Apart from a brief few minutes on Wednesday when Jim and Robert were talking about Kingsfshers and and a short interlude between Kate and Brian, I don’t think I have ever heard so much claptrap in The Archers!
    Whoever decided to foist such a ridiculous, screechy, self-entitled, unbelievable character as Steph on the programme should be sacked. And what has happened to big bad businessman Vince - he has turned into a big, pink, wobbly blancmange when it comes to his eldest daughter. Unbearable to listen to. Even dear Jazzer slinking back to Jim’s was almost as unentertaining.
    Three days of rubbish and I certainly shan't be tuning in to the Omnibus on Sunday to pick up on things I may have missed. I find it very difficult to believe that this weeks episode have been written by the usually brilliant Keri Davies

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    Replies
    1. Maybe they’re running out of ideas but you would think more interesting characters and storylines could be possible. After all they have kept us fixated for 70 years! Miriam you should step up to the plate! Fresh thoughts are needed!😊

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  77. i am in complete agreement with all the points in your post,Archerphile.The Steph character is a monster who I pray will not be around for long.The other self entitled person that raises my hackles is Chelsea..She behaved atrociously when serving tea to Will and Mia at LL,and took my breath away last night when,using the key given to Jazzer by Jim,gatecrashed the latter’s evening,demanding cake or biscuits..I think a change of locks is needed!

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  78. Ben and Beth seem to be getting on well, I wonder what disaster awaits them.

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  79. What has happened to Jenny? She has been mentioned a couple of times but I miss her dulcet tones!

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    Replies
    1. My thought is simple, in that Angela Piper has simply not been available to attend recording sessions, for a reason. I have thought that the Brian health scare scenes, were not as expected and not coherent, as would have expected
      This tallies with the awful Steph "interlude", as new episodes had to quickly written, and recorded to replace the original written scenes.
      These are just my individual thoughts.

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    2. Oh yes Miriam that makes total sense and the only reason I could forgive such a disappointing Archers week.

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    3. Miriam thar is an elegant solution to explain this weeks debacle .

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