Life in Ambridge
So will it be a “Fête worse than Death?”
Life in Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
Nothing to do with the current story-line but rather cute
Stasia August 19, 2022 at 8:45 AM
ReplyDeleteWhat a Joyless and cringe worthy evening.
Pat acting as chaperone for a grown up woman,
Mick thinking he was at the Edinburg fringe instead of TB,
Pip and Stella co counselling in an empty swimming poo, and only needing one session?
A complete waste of time.
ArcherphileAugust 20, 2022 at 7:26 AM
ReplyDeleteLet’s hope it’s not ‘death by nicotine poisoning’.
Not that I would miss George but it would mean Brad being involved and I reckon he is basically a good character with potential for a bright future.
(Written somewhat tongue in cheek, before anyone thinks I am being cruel to George!)
Lanjan.August 21, 2022 at 1:39 PM
ReplyDeleteLost the plot a bit in the conversation between Brad and George.
Not sure who was who .
REPLYDELETE
MiriamAugust 21, 2022 at 2:28 PM
Brad was the one talking sense, George didn't...😀
DELETE
PortiaAugust 21, 2022 at 5:35 PM
You are right Miriam,Brad is the more sensible of the two but it was sometimes hard to differentiate their voices.George hadn’t the first idea about health and safety,refusing to invest in protective gloves. Typical Grundy only thinking about his ‘empire’.Hopefully that will now have been knocked n the head by Will and Ed and that Grandpa Eddie gets his knuckles well and truly rapped for his collusion and letting them use the shed.I’m sure Clarke will have something to say too!
Agree re the voice comment- here we go again!
DeleteSorry for typo in last sentence should be Clarrie of course.
ReplyDeleteWell that’s the fete done with for another year!
ReplyDeleteWhat's next - is it the Flower and Produce Show?
DeleteI would like a repeat of last year's Scarecrow event, if I remember it correctly.
Isn't it the Christmas show which I always look forward to?
DeleteSorry, of course we’ve got the Flower & Produce Show next, silly me! I think I was blanking it because it’s been a somewhat disappointing episode in recent years. (I do miss the references to gardens - Carol’s, Jennifer’s and Bert’s, for instance. I do hope Stella is keeping Bert’s up!)
DeleteWhat I miss is silly - Jill's bees and fancy chickens.
DeleteThe Flower & Produce is normally held in mid September which always strikes me as a bit late, where I used to live it was the first weekend in September, as is the nearby Alresford show.
ReplyDeleteIs that the one featuring local watercress, or is that a separate fete?
DeleteCouldn’t listen to the episode last night so the excitement of Ambridge’s fete still awaits!
The Watercress festival is a separate event, quite a lot goes on round Alresford.
DeleteI came across and listened to, an Archers Omnibus from August last year. This was interesting, for many reasons.
ReplyDelete1) It was the Scarecrow event judged by Jackie Weaver (remember her from Lockdown and a zoom event)
2) Chelsea had just got her GCSE results which were not very good.
In a conversation with Russ, Tracy told how Chelsea was dyslexic and was going to Felpersham college to resit her english and start her hairdressing course.
Russ was very supportive to Tracy, advising her, and saying what help was available for Chelsea.
Perhaps this is why Russ is still helping Chelsea, such as writing the letter to Gemma, as he understands her problem.
One other thing I noticed which is missing from current episodes is, background noise - such as "chatter" in the background, be it in The Bull or elsewhere. This made such a difference when, as there is now, just two characters in any one scene.
I was thinking the same thing about background noise earlier Miriam. I was also trying to find reasons to continue listening to TA and couldn't think of any. I probably won't be listening much over the next couple of weeks due to being busy with visits from grandchildren. Will be interesting to see how I feel about it when life gets back to normal.
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ReplyDeleteI thought Eddie Grundy was utterly despicable last night, first evasive and then trying to wriggle out of his involvement in the Cider Club incident. His repeated attempts to change the subject by wheedling a slice of cake from Clarrie only served to belittle the seriousness of the incident even further. Clarrie’s response was unusually feeble too. Denying him the cake was the kind of punishment given to a child, and simply added to the belittling effect.
DeleteI don’t go along with ‘lovable rogue’ applied to Eddie Grundy (or his father). He’s much worse than a rogue and much less than lovable. I haven’t seen any listening figures for TA since before the pandemic, but wouldn’t be surprised if they had now dropped significantly below the 5 million plus that they were then.
👏👏Very well said Maryellen.
ReplyDeleteConcur!
DeleteGeorge is being portrayed as a really nasty little toe-rag, I was pleased to hear him being blackmailed by Chelsea, who would have some credibility with Harrison having come clean about keying Gemma’s car.
ReplyDeleteI still find Julie-Ann & Rauri’s relationship very unbelievable, I would have imagined “employing” someone a bit older with a little more sophistication.
Knowing R version of telling the truth I would doubt JA is spending so much money on him just for being a good friend “without benefits”. If that really is the case then there is something brewing in the wings I’m sure it will all end badly and not only for R I have a feeling that R is being used as a pawn somehow in a bigger game and possible that Brian and Home Farm will become involved somehow.
DeleteAren’t we seeing a parallel being drawn between George and Ruairi? They have the same aim in life: to make money and enjoy the material rewards and lifestyle it brings. Their different starts in life mean different approaches. For George, it’s home-grown, get-rich-quick schemes of dubious legality: for Ruairi, it’s moving in the right circles to pick up career opportunities and a plum job. That’s where Julianne comes in. (Though I have to say I was surprised when he turned her down last night- last we heard, he was doing just the opposite. Has something happened there?)
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DeleteShe was a lot more forgiving than at the time of Brian's heart attack, when she expected Ruari to drop everything and come to her. She sounded almost needy in her repeated requests for him to join her. Something vey odd is going on.
DeleteI didn't see yours until after I pressed publish OWiaS, but I agree with you. I think she has become infatuated with him and the balance of power has altered.
DeleteDrat my first comment has totally vanished!
DeleteMy first comment was along the lines that Rhuari will probably always look for mother figures having lost his own so young, and then having Alice making the point that Jenny was not his real mother; and that I thought his relationship with Julianne could go one of two ways, either it would develop into a real relationship and commitment, or Rhuari would begin to feel oppressed and she become so emotionally involved that she becomes some kind of stalker. She sounds desperate for his company already. Bet she turns up in Ambridge looking for him at some point.
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DeleteApologies for the speculation....but it followed on from a previous comment.
DeleteMy comment earlier has also vanished.
ReplyDeleteTo put it simply,
Ruairi and George have similar sordid backgrounds and both are underhand, nasty and liars.
One is moreis upper middle class, posh background and has the language to cover his personality traits.
The other, poor language skills uses throwing muck as a defence when being confronted about his unpleasant personality.
Two sociopaths in the making.
One will make money and the other go to jail.
But which one?
I do wish George was not being drawn as so unrelentingly unpleasant, it just seems like lazy writing to me.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone remind me whether Will & Poppy are living with Eddy, Clarrie & Oliver in the Grange Farm farmhouse or are in his own place. I can unfortunately imagine him being pretty nasty to Poppy.
Yes they are..
DeleteThanks Miriam
DeleteGeorge is a troubled young person, who is currently being shown as a wayward teenager, which is certainly what he is at the moment.
ReplyDeleteTo my mind, this stems to his life as a youngster which was alluded to last night when talking about Nic
When Will and Nic got together and then married, he must have been about 6 or 7yrs. As such he must have felt his Dad was deserting him, whilst living with Emma, stepdad Ed and Keira (either as a bump or a new born babe).
He must have thought he didn't belong anywhere, so idolised grandad Eddie and Grwat grandad Joe, who had time for him.
I think he is trying to prove his worth, in the eyes of The Grundys, by fair means or foul.
I think Eddie is the one person who can help him out long term and try to sort him out.
This is my opinion, which will be different to others, I know 😆
Good analysis Miriam but why did you spoil it with your last sentence. Why should your opinion be the same as everone else's. We are all individuals. Don' t always seek to be a victim especially when you have only predicted a slight!
DeleteThe episodes from George’s childhood that stick in my mind are all discreditable, though not all down to him. He can’t be blamed for being taught to poach by his grandfather, and I was never clear whether his great uncle Alf had actually stolen money from the vestry or just confessed in order to shield George from suspicion (George had splashed on a flashy new toy, there was.an alternative suggestion that he used saved up birthday money). The other unpleasant episode was entirely down to George: posting images of Ambridge’s drunken vicar on social media solely to cause embarrassment and perhaps trouble for Alan with his superiors. As listeners said at the time, at least George didn’t try blackmail! I don’t remember much else above George’s upbringing, like most Ambridge childhoods it was largely silent, but he was certainly well looked after by his mother and all the other adults in his immediate family. Maybe my memory is at fault and I’ve only half-remembered- maybe there were happier episodes with George that I’ve forgotten, Otherwise it looks as if the TA team have been setting George up as a wrong ‘un (and unpleasant with it) for years.
ReplyDeleteOn a positive note, I enjoyed hearing the Grundy brothers having an amicable and mutually supportive discussion of George’s behaviour. Time and tide have sorted their troubled relationship!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteGeorge was the obvious suspect for the post box fire as both his grandmothers knew.,but hey,that was ok because it saved Susan from being revealed as a black mailer.
Never mind Joy losing precious family photos,Kenton his driving licence and any other important mail.
I am realising what is different in The Archers at the present time, compared to previous years. This is that a S/L is concentrated and so focused on, for one week only, then dropped for a while. In previous years s/l's continued for weeks at a time, slowly and surely.
ReplyDeleteAn example of this is The Stables, the riding course and Alice. Justin and Lilian want someone to join forces with them to help run it all, asap. This has not been mentioned for over a week now, when the last heard were the opposing thoughts about the suitability of Alice.
I find it strange that this is not featuring, as is also, what is happening at the Dower House and the new kitchen.
In conclusion I find the continuity, or rather the lack of it, quite disjointed at times.
I agree Miriam, I find it very disjointed these days.
DeleteWell said Mitiam. I share your and CC's thought exactly.
DeleteA friend's grandson has just taken his GCSE exams .
ReplyDeleteApparently the grades are A* ,A B etc.so what was all that about with Brad getting 7s ,8s and 9s for his results?
As far as I am aware it is A levels that are A*, A, B, C, D and U
DeleteGCSE’s have changed to a numbering system where 9 is the top grade and they go down to, I’m not sure what! But the higher the number the higher the grade.
I am replying on the other page.
DeleteIs Ben being (a) judgmental, (b) jealous, or (c) both, over Ruari's business arrangement with Julianne?
ReplyDeleteTo me Ben is just concerned.
DeleteI think that Ben is being both judgemental and concerned for his friend.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Portia -
DeleteNot for one moment is Ben jealous.
I felt Ben's vehemence was out of proportion to its cause, and wondered why. What Ruari is doing is not illegal, and in any case, he can argue that sex with Julianne is outside the contract, so comes free because he likes her (and it). He is in no real danger (that's to say, I've no reason to suppose she will involve him in anything sinister, and nor has Ben). I thought Ben might see the exclusivity of the relationship as a threat to Ruari's other relationships, including his own, and this might cause a twinge of jealousy.
DeleteOn reflection, I think it was simply a case of over-writing and over-acting, possibly egged on by the producer who wanted to finish Friday evening on a confrontational high!
Going back to George, I would have expected his mother Emma to have featured in the story more than just a mention. An example of why I think TA has become disjointed.
ReplyDeleteI imagine 'Emma', being a talented actor & very personable, is in demand elsewhere, but very awkward & totally unconvincing to highlight a storyline where normally she would have had a prominent role !
ReplyDeleteAs it is, I suppose Ed & Will are doing their best...
I’m going to have to give up reading the BBC’s FaceBook TA pages - the contributors are all besotted with Tracy Horrobin!
ReplyDeleteHaving been away all week I had to listen carefully to the omnibus this morning.
ReplyDeleteMy conclusions are:
George is a devious, unmitigated little oik who manages to twist his family round his little finger.
Clarrie was out of order not sticking up for Ed re George’s behaviour.
Brad is a really bright and sensible lad who will go far, if he can escape George.
Tracy was probably sacked from the chicken factory and pretending to go out to work to save face
Chelsea can be really thoughtful when she tries
Ben is not jealous of Ruairi, why should he be when he has Beth, but he is judgemental and disapproves of what Ruairi is doing both on moral grounds and for wasting his opportunities at University.
Alistair is just embarrassing!
That makes Ben sound a right little prig! Could be he’s jealous of Julianne (or ‘that woman” as he called her with childish rudeness) because ihe thinks Ruairi will prioritise her claim on him above the claims of family and friendship. Just saying! Don’t have strong feelings about either of them
DeleteBen may well regret that Ruairi has someone else to occupy his time out of University (is he still actually attending University? Or has he dropped out?) but I doubt Ben is jealous. He has his own girlfriend and is doing a job he loves.
DeleteI’m wondering what will happen if Brian and/or Jenny find out what Ruairi is up to. Always assuming Jenny is still alive, of course! Do we know who is paying for his course and accommodation in London?
Jennifer is alive and back in Ambridge. Ben mentioned she had spoken to him, that morning.
DeleteI have always thought Ben was a prig.
ReplyDeleteIt was all that being locked away for ages until he found his new voice.
George has found his new voice.
For about two episodes a while back it was a very posh voice and then the Powers that be decided that it should be more rural so that when he was talking to Brad it would be difficult deciding who was who.
Ruari lost his Irish accent very early on.
He just sounds like Ben or Josh to me.
I have only been listening off and on to the programme but wondered why Archerphile thinks Tracy was sacked from the chicken factory.
Because she had that interview with the HR manager who told her that Gemma had made a complaint about *her* and accused Tracy of bullying her! Tracy tried to explain things had been the other way round but was unable to give convincing reasons. I don’t think the manager believed her. And there was the incident of the private prosecution Gemma was going to launch but then didn’t.
DeleteI think the manager came down on Gemma’s side, she had worked there longer and was a supervisor.
Tracy told the family the solution was that she and Gemma were going to work on different shifts but I think that may have been a cover-up for not telling the family she had been ‘let go’b
No, that wasn’t a Freudian slip at the end! 😂
DeleteOlver catching sight of Tracy in the park when Chelsea maintained she was at work seems to bear that out.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Ben is a prig.
ReplyDeleteHe is just not liking what Riuari is doing, and says so. I can't see anything wrong with that.
Often it’s not what you say, so much as how you say it. IMO, Ben was judgmental, vehement and offensive. That’s not good.
DeleteOh my goodness I did not recognise “Jill” tonight sounded like she had a very bad throat at the recording (plus of course Patricia Greene now has the health issue with her eyes) and is herself now 91yrs of age.Oh dear so many older actors now makes one aware of our own passing years when we remember these characters as younger then middle aged people 🥺
ReplyDeleteAll things considered “Shula” is off early will “ Brian” follow? Maybe a second heart attack…still no “Jennifer” either not looking good or do the older cast members cost more?
I would like Ben & Beth to be a Dan & Doris, loving, respectful of each other and determined to take the rough with the smooth. Now wouldn’t that be a novelty for these days!
What a snake Justin is,making out to Shula that he was all for offering Alice control0f the Stables although Lillian wasn’t so keen when it was the other way round.I hope we get to hear Lill’s reaction when she finds out.
ReplyDeleteTo give Justin his due, he did suggest Alice to run the Stables after Lilian had proposed a man we’d never heard of. Lilian had reservations about Alice: she said she could never forgive herself if the job put too much pressure on Alice and caused her to relapse. (A lot of listeners expected it to be the other way round with Lilian pro-Alice and Justin anti. )
DeleteI think Lilian is right. Alice can’t handle pressure. It was the pressures of her high-powered job (not to mention the pressure of parental expectations) that started her drinking in the first place. It will be interesting to see if she recognises this herself and turns down the Stables job.
What I don’t understand is why they don’t advertise the job.......
I’m mentally changing the label on my knickers drawer to underpants - must keep up with TA! I first thought Ben was talking about male underwear. Do you think the editor ruled out the k-word? If so, why not panties?
ReplyDeleteHappy Bank Holiday Monday everyone!
And to you Maryellen!
DeleteI’m afraid I thought the whole story about the “underpants” was ridiculous. If that’s all they can write for poor Paddy Green to have to croak out in her declining years she may as well give up acting now!
I'd be interested to know how many farmers are spending their time burying underwear on their land 🤔
ReplyDeleteTalking about Ben, his actor Ben Norris is interviewed in the Sunday Times business section this week. It’s all about his career and money management.
ReplyDeleteHe says Archers actors (well, radio actors generally I suspect) earn less than TV actors but more than Theatre actors.
He has written a play which he is producing in Edinburgh. He feels privileged to be given in a role in TA and hopes to carry on for as long as Peggy Wooley but concedes he could be killed off at any time!
They record TA during one week per month and get through 3 episodes a day.
He sounds a throughly pleasant and grounded young man and certainly not a prig!
I was quite sad hearing Patricia Greene aka Jill, sounding almost frail.
ReplyDeleteI loved the humour of the underpants, or should that be bloomers, which was so light hearted after last week's George's escapades.
One thing that struck me - when Jill was talking to Beth about Ben, that she was reminiscing about her and Phil. I hope that this isn't a bad omen and she is following in June's footsteps, in some way.
My post of yesterday evening echoed your comments here Miriam - great minds 🤔 🤣
DeleteTo add - I felt Jill was giving Beth her blessing, as a suitable and long term partner, for Ben.
DeleteLady R. On rereading your post, I hadn't realised how similar my post actually is. As you say, great minds with a sad thought.
DeleteI tend to forget, by the magic of radio, how the ages of Ambridge characters are changing.
I wonder how much Ruairi is being paid by Julianne. If she's putting the money into his account rather than cash in hand could that have tax implications?
ReplyDeleteIs this arrangement now a private one, or are "bookings" still made through the agency Ruairi signed up to. I don't know if this is significant or not....
DeleteJulianne said to Rhuari after their night together something along the lines of "I have transferred the money/allowance into your bank account". So I would think it has become a private arrangement now.
DeleteWhat a moving and powerful episode. Beautifully written and acted and showing the importance of food banks in our society today.
ReplyDeleteOliver played it just right, helping Tracy without making her feel beholden to him and the helper at the food bank explained the system in a very understanding manner.
Now Tracy has to face explaining her situation to her children which won’t be easy but I am sure they will be supportive.
Yes, a great advertisement for the good food banks do, and a timely reminder to listeners to contribute if they can. A scene in the village shop perhaps, with a reference to food banks would reinforce the message. We had Emma using one in the early years of her marriage.
DeleteGood idea. Susan could provide a collection box for contributions to the food bank - I’f she doesn’t already.
DeleteYes, and she could make what I think is an important point: I generally forget when I’m supermarket shopping and only remember when I’ve been through checkout and set eyes on the food bank box - by which time I’ve had enough! They need reminder notices at the end of the aisles, so I see them while I’m still shopping. Susan doesn’t have aisles but could still have a reminder notice (even if she doesn’t have a box).
DeleteThe episode was a reminder to me to get some things for the food bank this morning when i went to the supermarket to stock up for the next set of grandchildren (arriving today).
DeleteThe episode was also of course very topical.
ReplyDeleteT A not being topical is often complained about.
I agree about Oliver having just the right touch but would also wish to applaud Tracey in that actors portrayal of the desperation that many must feel, with an equally moving performance. So very different from the bubbly Tracey we have come to know.
A memorable episode !
I find it hard to believe that I once really disliked Tracy when she was very loud mouthed, crude and incredibly rude to people such as Roy.
ReplyDeleteIt is a tribute to the actress (and SWs) that she has turned into a much more likable character and someone for whom I have great sympathy.
This isn’t going to win me the Most Popular Blogger of the Year award - but if I had to choose which Horrobin sister to be shipwrecked with on a desert island, it would be definitely be Susan. Susan would tackle a difficult situation with her usual stalwart competence. Tracy may have had a character makeover (though I don’t see it myself) but still relapses into helplessness when things get tough. (I wonder if the “new” Tracy still believes in ghosts?). You could have a general conversation with Susan, whereas Tracy only talks about herself and hers.
ReplyDeletePS. Sorry Tracy, I forgot you also talk about village cricket!
DeleteTracy was very supportive, in her own inimitable way, of Emma when she was going through a major marriage crisis a couple of years ago.
DeleteI’m with Maryellen here.
DeleteSusan would be my first choice too, but if Maryellen got there before me, I wouldn’t turn my nose up about second choice Tracey.
Last week one of us suggested reminders in the aisles in supermarkets would be better than reminding us after checkout.
Yet again this afternoon I was reminded after the check out and regretted not having two of something.
Totally agree maybe a mention of this when visiting our stores might produce results 🤔
DeleteListened to TA at 2pm, because of all these positive comments. Couldn't agree more about the acting & scripts.
ReplyDeleteIt's obvious that many people, who, though by no means well off, have never had to resort to foodbanks before, will now. Tracy's shame & despair were totally understandable, but Oliver & the volunteer were so encouraging & sensitive - nothing of the smug & patronizing 'do gooder' attitude at all.
And, yes, a timely reminder to everyone to pop some useful things in the box after checking out at the supermarket.
I don’t care if Ben is a prig, I’d far rather listen to him than Josh, whose voice and attitude I found extremely annoying last night.
ReplyDeleteDon't much like either brother,Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteSusan or Tracy?
Tracy every time.
Susan's voice would get on my nerves after a while.
Re Food Banks wouldn't it be better if there were a collection box at the tills and then at the end of the day that money could be used to buy whatever food is really needed .
It is a pity many of us don't use actual money when out shopping because people might pop loose change into a collection tin.
A good idea, Lanjan, & many shops do take cash. London is the worst place for demanding card payments for small sums.
DeleteWouldn’t work for Ambridge, though - George would steal it!
DeleteAt last it seems that Tracy has found her ideal job, just as long as Jazzer doesn’t keep asking her for free samples!
ReplyDeleteYes, following in her.big sister’s footsteps! Susan started working full-time as barmaid at The Bull in 1983 and was described by Tom Forrest as “nice and fresh-looking, not a bit like the other Horobins”. She met Neil at the church fete that summer when she won a pig, was pregnant by Christmas and married him I the following year. Hopefully, there are.no other similarities for Tracy.despite mutterings on FaceBook about her being pregnant because she went to the loo (which fictional people rarely do).
DeleteSo glad that at last Tracy has had some good fortune,although I feared at one point ,when speaking to Kenton that she was going to talk herself out of the job for which she is so well suited.
ReplyDeleteSeems like the National shortage of staff in the pub/restaurant industry is being reflected in Ambridge and has come at the perfect time for Tracy.
ReplyDeleteWonder how she would react if her chicken factory co-workers turn up for another drinks night at the Bull?
Put some laxative in their drinks perhaps! It couldn't be anything too obvious like accidentally on purpose spilling a glass over the Gemma or she might up the repayment cost for Chelsea.
DeleteThe job may be ideal for Tracy - allows her to talk a lot, which is what she does best - but she’ll never be as ideal for the job as T❤️O❤️B❤️Y, not only a successful gin manufacturer and inventor of cocktails to die for, but also faultless behind the bar )and with the customers. TA seems.be shedding characters at the moment - please not Toby! (Jill, yes.)
ReplyDeleteOh dear Maryellen, I think your character prejudices are showing just a tiny bit. 😊 😉
DeleteI agree Toby was a good barman but couldn’t comment on his ‘cocktails to die for’ as I have never tasted one! Actually, I don’t much like cocktails anyway, apart from a Gimlet.
I hope he doesn’t leave TA completely either, because he has been an excellent Dad to Rosie and I hope he is still around while she is growing up. I’d like to hear that he is being successful at his new job too.
As for Jill, she has been my inspiration since I became a farmers wife many years ago. I always wanted to be just like her, a good wife and mother, competent at the farming side and an excellent cook. But Paddy Greene has not aged well and now finds it difficult to act (with the eye problem) and has become rather difficult to listen to for some time. I think it is time she retired and a suitable, kindly way for her to be written out is found. Perhaps, like Phil, she could be found ‘asleep’ in an armchair with a pot of tea and a slice of lemon drizzle by her side.
Never mind Maryellen, perhaps there will be an occasional episode when he returns to visit Rosie.
DeletePrejudiced? Moi?? Surely not??? I'm not anti-Jill as a character, though I found her jealous streak rather trying. But I do think the actor should have voluntarily retired (or been tactfully 'retired by the BBC) when her voice started to go. I think we first noticed the deterioration in her vocal delivery after the flap-jack throwing incident. Now she is becoming semi-intelligible, which is doing TA no favours. A voice that is easy on the ear must surely be the main criterion for all radio actors.
DeleteI can't think of any other circumstances in which an employee would still be employed at such an advanced age when they can no longer meet the demands of the job. 'Jill' has been very lucky. IMO.
How about Peggy? Was she kept on just out of respect for Junes Spencer’s age and long standing in the programme, do you think? Personally I thought she should also have retired quite some time ago, before she became involved in some rather ridiculous and improbable stories. I think the deterioration stared with the actress’s wish for an important story to mark her 100th birthday - hence we got the half-million prize for an environmental scheme which caused family friction.
DeleteThe last few scenes before her retirement were also played with a very croaky voice, not as bad as Jill’s but still difficult.
I am beginning to agree with Maryellen that it is not necessarily a good thing to continue with the very elderly characters, just because they are long-serving members of the cast.
New younger actors should be given the chance to carve their niches in TA, which I think is beginning to happen
It seems that a crossroads has now been reached in The Archers, which I describe as the changing of the guard. This is that some of the most senior characters are now retiring or taking a far lesser role.
ReplyDeleteThe Archers started out as a farming information programme {so I believe} but although farming is still very much an integral part of Ambridge, the emphasis seems to be changing to include more of todays modern life with some of the challenges, this brings.
I am embracing this, as long as the traditional village life and its events continue, and are not overlooked.
I wonder what is happening to the Flower and Produce show normally held in September? There has been no mention of this so far, well as far as I can remember.
I do like your ‘changing of the guard ‘ MIRIAM
ReplyDeleteI’m happy to embrace that too.
And agree also with what ARCHERPHILE says.
However…… I do think this has been happening at a much lower level for quite some time. Given its longevity I find myself unable to believe that the production team have not foreseen the need for these changes for at least the last decade.
We have had new characters appearing in Ambridge and some actually moving in and staying throughout that time, I’m thinking of the brothers including Maryellens beloved Tobee, Stella, and Alistairs partner at the vet practice and the nurse as well.
The Horrobin family have been developed and Chelsea and Brad are with us a great deal now.
I suspect that the long term planning in outline at least is now coming to our attention in actual characters.
A very valid comment and I agree. Times are changing and in The Archers, this has been happening slowly but without actually realising it. This also reflects on life in general, thanks to the pandemic, which has seemed to change so many lives and outlooks.
DeleteListen up Chelsea Horrobin…… if Jennifer Archer reached her senior years having made ‘that’ mistake and respected in the village to boot….. you can make it too.
ReplyDeleteOh - but poor Tracey !
Oops! Is it just me, or........?
ReplyDeleteChelsea did not actually say she is pregnant (unless she silently nodded her head). The scriptwriters are keeping us guessing. (Boring,)
ReplyDeleteTrue, she didn't say she was.
DeleteNot boring, just intriguing as to what she is so upset about.
DeleteAs you say, Miriam! It’s probably only me that can’t be doing with Chelsea Horobin.
DeleteWe haven't heard of Chelsea having a boyfriend. It wouldn't/couldn't be Russ could it?
ReplyDeleteOoh Janice….. what a thought !
DeleteHere we go again!
ReplyDeleteIs she, isn’t she?
If she is, who is the father?
FB contributors have named just about every male in and around Ambridge from Russ to Johnny!
Surprised if TA will go down the unmarried mother root again though, it’s been done many times, starting with Jennifer
No speculation here, just waiting, patiently, for the explanation.
Another ongoing saga of the Horror in the Bins.
DeleteVery clever Stasia ⭐️
Delete😆😆 You couldn't resist that, could you, Stasia ?!
DeletePerhaps this makes the title for this page even more apt! 👏
ReplyDelete🤣
DeleteI like the Horrobins. This is that, they might not have the same privileges, homes, finances as other residents in Ambridge, but they are a united family who are trying to work hard to support each other.
ReplyDeletePS I think I know what Chelsea is so upset about, but daren't say. This came from a clue I came across elsewhere...
DeleteChelsea’s, are you pregnant question reminded me of the following rhyme.
ReplyDeleteGeorgie Porgie puddin and pie
Kissed the girl and made her cry
When she then came out to play
Georgie Porgie ran away.
Slight amendment to fit the S/L
George is developing into a, never take responsibility for your actions, adult. Indeed a nasty piece of work. He managed to coerce Brad, why not his sister into sex.
If Chelsea is with child, it could be him.
Or it could be anyone else.
The FB crowd have already condemned Russ- and we don’t even know if Chelsea is pregnant. I reckon he could sue them for libel!
ReplyDeletePerhaps the supposed pregnancy question was a red herring to whet our appetites for tonight,. as there have been some revelations come to light about the vaping enterprise ,involving George and sadly,Brad.As I understand it,and I may be wrong,Ed and Will didn’t seem to know about ‘ingredients’ for the vapes were stored in the shed at Grange Farm,,and George mentioned recently that they should find another home for them,even suggesting that Brad should use Tracy’s key to get into a cupboard n the Cricket Club.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the problem is that made Chelsea so upset,I hope it will not burst Tracy’s new happiness bubble already.
ReplyDeleteThe Horribins are my favourite Ambridge family.
ReplyDeleteTracy,Brad Chelsea. In that order.
I doubt the latter is pregnant.
Hope not.
Think it might be something to do with the chicken factory supervisor.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. LanJan! There are more Horobins - George, Susan, Keith Stuart, and Gary, plus Emma and Christopher. Yesterday the Guardian’s monthly Ambridge column suggested TA should be renamed The Horobins. I think the columnist has a point for once!
DeletePS. How could I have forgotten Clive?
DeleteProbably best forgotten maryellen
DeleteIs it significant that they have put the happy storyline for Russ and Lily next to the Chelsea pregnancy reveal?
ReplyDeleteYes !
DeleteI agree. I think Lily’s world is about to come crashing around her!😒
ReplyDeleteWell so much for my brilliant comment that Chelsea was not pregnant .
ReplyDeleteOh it gets more like a Soap every day.
I gather that the thought is that the father is Russ .
I am sometimes quite quick on the uptake.
The whole thing is ridiculous if so .and that will be the end of my listening to the programme for the foreseeable future.-not that I do much listening to it now anyway.
,
I got it wrong too.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I hoped it would be something else. At least Chelsea realises she has put another burden on her mum. Can't help but compare this with Pip blithely expecting her family to think her pregnancy wonderful news, and taking it for granted that everyone would help.
ReplyDeleteWell the conversation’s between Lily & Russ have confirmed that Russ is the father of Chelsea’s baby! All loved up and ready to buy a property couldn’t be clearer imo (and others on here in the last day or two) Jazzer is a diamond and Tracey is fortunate to have his love and support.
ReplyDeleteI thought last night’s most telling comment came from Chelsea - “I always do” she said when Tracy was talking about using a condom. It makes you wonder how often and who with?
ReplyDeleteI hope it’s a false alarm - she sounded pretty careless with the test (or are you more likely to get a false negative than a false positive?).
Yes, in the real world getting a false positive for a pregnancy test is possible but rare (less than 1%, says Google). In Soapland, the chances are probably much higher. Let’s hope!
DeleteI’m not the first to suggest him, but given last night's focus on Lower Loxley (which may or may not be significant) then if Chelsea is definitely pregnant, the father is likely to be Freddie. Think about it - age, unattachedness, plenty of opportunity, even notions of droit de seigneur. (I’m not too serious about that last one!)
ReplyDeleteThat’s my final guess.
Chelsea seems to be suffering from pregnancy sickness/nausea so unlikely to be a false positive unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteMessage for Miriam - did you hear Russ’s reference last night to the forthcoming Flower & Produce Show? I hope we’re going to hear more than just a reference!
ReplyDeleteYes Maryellen- I picked up on that comment from Chelsea - I always do - and like you thought - oh yes, and how many times. I didn’t go so far as to speculate who with, but that is because I’m focussed on Russ like most others.
DeleteOn the other hand felt very strongly that last night episode was a tease, and the loved up scenes with Russ and Lily could well be a red herring.
and less about pants in the soil!
DeleteFor heaven's sake can we get over the agonising over a decision. We had enough of that with Pip' s dithering. Chelsea said she had taken the morning after pill so she obviously doesn't want a child and she has first hand experience of her mother's difficulties. Get her to a doctor PDQ.
ReplyDeleteWell my thought was so totally wrong. I thought that a pregnancy was far too obvious and was thinking Chelsea had been in contact with her father, which she knew would be upset Tracy.
ReplyDeleteAs for Russ as the father I don't think so. I have re-listened to the episode at the rave, and Russ seemed far too spaced out and alsoLily wasn't away from him, for that long.
It is going to be interesting listening.
The rave might not have been where things happened, it is just a likely possibility. Chelsea does visit homes to cut hair so thats another scenario.
Delete,...and she cuts Russ's hair, so he's now back in the frame. I am confusing myself, so I will sit back until there is a revelation, if at all. Chelsea might never say.
DeleteSudden thought - the child Chelsea is (probably) carrying could be the heir apparent to Lower Loxley! Lots of interesting storylines jostling for attention there!
ReplyDeleteThat would be interesting maryellen.
DeleteOnly just heard the great denouement at lunchtime.
ReplyDeleteI was wrong, thinking her not pregnant.
But I think the juxtaposition of the loved-up Lily and Russ scene too much of a red herring on the part of the SW’s- they couldn’t be so obvious, could they? Possibly, but it’s an old dramatic trick.
And like Maryellen I was a bit taken aback by Chelsea’s ‘I always do’. How old is she? How many boys has she been with?
And like Pierre I do not relish the long drawn out ‘what is she going to do’ like Pip went through, keeping us all guessing.
Been there, done that, it’s getting boring.
It’s not been drawn out this time.
ReplyDeleteLess than twenty four hours and she’s done a runner.
I hope she has done her research and has taken herself off to a big city to get herself ‘sorted’.
And yes I do know that my statement will not go down well with everybody.
Hooray! Long-time-not-heard-of Bartleby is alive and well! Hopefully, his soulmate Gem, the rescue horse is, still with him.
ReplyDeleteI thought Chelsea said she has already taken the morning after pill. She has already made her decision I think. I believe that if you take the morning after pill but the pregnancy continues a medical termination is advised. I felt so sorry for Tracey this evening.
ReplyDeleteChelsea needs professional help to talk through her situation and help with making a decision about how to proceed.
ReplyDeleteShe has most likely arranged a termination at a clinic or hospital.
ReplyDeleteA positive decision given the implication of the morning after pill being unreadable.
Could be Stasia hence her disappearance!
DeleteI do hope you have it correctly ladies. But was this drawing out of the angst necessary?
ReplyDeleteIn the words of the late lamented Anthony Aloysius Hankock, "Stone me!" 🤯
I meant unreliable. Predictive text.
ReplyDeleteOf course Chelsea could have been already pregnant before taking the MAPill. She may not have known and the pill would not evict any speck of another already there. How long has she been menstruating? Periods at that age can fluctuate.
She also needs to get herself checked out at the SDT clinic. If it’s George!!
I think even the most anti-Tracy listener could not fail to have been moved by her heartache and worry last night.
ReplyDeleteExcellent scriptwriting and acting. I really hope Chelsea is found soon,
ReplyDeleteI have never been a fan of Tracy,but the Script Writers are certainly putting her through the wringer at present between one thing and another,just when it looked like her luck had changed.I think she has done the right thing in confiding inHarrison about Chelsea’s condition although her daughter might not agree.
The Archers is so much back to a better normality, after such a long time. There are far more characters appearing, along with the mention of other "silent" ones, such as Carole T and even Bartleby. There was also an indication of the SSI meadow at Grange Farm, totally forgotten by me.
ReplyDeleteThe S/Ls have a much better structure and meaning, plus the SW's are developing and building these for months and weeks in advance, without any indication as to where these will eventually lead.
I just hope this continues.
I thought I might be wrong as Grange Farm is an SSSI, not SSI as posted.
DeleteInterestingly (and perhaps significantly), the BBC's gallery of TA characters has at last acquired an entry for Russ (not there a week or so ago, now grouped with the Pargetters). I hope that means he's here to stay. He's got a nice 'official' write up - but has a moustache. Ughsome!! (Apologies to any reader whose nearest and dearest also sports a moustache).
ReplyDeletePS .Before anyone points out that villains traditionally twirl their moustaches - Russ's isn't the twirlable sort!
DeleteWell after that nice write up he couldn't possibly be the father of Chelsea's child! I shall have to think again.
DeleteMuch prefer Toby to Russ, far more handsome!
DeleteSo why is Russ’s actual photo in the gallery when so many other newcomers are just shown as yellow silhouettes?
Not that I’m all that keen on seeing actors photos, they rarely look like my head picture, but just had to take a peek at Russ, then couldn’t resist looking at the others too.
I felt that last nights episode was full of warmth and security for the village.
ReplyDeleteEvery body coming together in some way in the effort to find Chelsea.
Not all actually appearing of course but being name checked by others in true Ambridge style.
Can anyone remember if this happened when Ed disappeared ?
I certainly remember Clarry and Eddy in their distress but cannot remember how or if the rest of the village participated.
It showed the warmth and esteem the village of Ambridge, has for Chelsea, Tracy and family.
DeleteIt would help if Chelsea knew this, so sge would then come out of hiding.
I was left with the impression that Chelsea was a four legged furry animal lost by one careful owner
ReplyDeleteAll those posters, over kill after only just over 24hrs..
We seek her here, we seek her there, those Archers+ seek her everywhere.
Is she in a clinic, is she with a friend?
That now famed disappearing Chelsea gel.
B.Orczy says she likes the new borchestshire wallpaper installation using a beautiful young smiling (nearly) woman.
Is she a pimply scarlet disappearing teenager.
Or the terminator crying, ‘ I’ll be back’.
Chelsea is probably lying low at a mates house/home. She took her phone charger and a rucksack full of the clothes, so has planned to stay away for a short while.
ReplyDeleteThese plans must have been put into place, when she was supposedly cutting Harrison's hair.
She needs space and time to consider her options as to what she wants to do next.
In Chelsea true style she will reappear, as if nothing has happened and not understanding the fuss.
Just a thought, could Chelsea have gone to Amy? I can't remember if they had any contact but she might have thought that a safe place where she could perhaps get non-judgemental help!
DeleteDreadful, dreadful woman! Tracy Horrobin gets no more sympathy from me. She has reverted to the loud-mouthed, ignorant female I originally thought she was. I'm not impressed with Brad either,. Two people's happiness wrecked on a false supposition.
ReplyDelete[SPOILER ALERT] I see the headers for forthcoming episodes are predicting surprises for Josh and Jim, following the shock tonight's header predicted for Russ tonight. J and J had better watch out - they may be next in Tracy's firing line! Has anyone mentioned Trent as a possible father?
After tonight’s episode I think it unlikely that Russ is the culprit, ( I thought the SWs were laying a false trail anyway) but if he & Lilly split up some good will have come out of this sorry affair. I never felt comfortable with the dynamics of that relationship & Russ is pretentious as anything, even if he has a nice voice & good teaching skills.
ReplyDeleteI just hope Chelsea returns safely & has an abortion in a timely manner, she is not ready to have a baby & I don’t believe she wants one. As far as I can remember the last abortion in the Archers was Elizabeth after Cameron abandoned her, 25+ years ago, so a topic that is due to be aired I feel.
Apparently the Soiled Pants experiment has been going on since at least 2017. If you google it you can even see the pictures 😬.
ReplyDeleteCan you gain a head start by using an old pair - starting to fall apart without the help of microbes ....
Anybody doing an environmental project that involves odd socks? They tend to breed in this shoe.
Alternatively - this being the 21st Century and not the Middle Ages - you can use a soil testing kit,, do laboratory-based chemical analysis, or carry our a scientific study of crop growth. None of these would appeal to a scriptwriter trying to raise a titter, though!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI hesitate to post because I don’t want to get into a big online argument
ReplyDeleteBut I’d just like to say I cannot let the description of Tracy as a dreadful, dreadful woman, pass without comment.
I think her action, though not yet justified (we just don’t know yet) was perfectly understandable given the circumstances and the extreme worry and pressure she has been under.
It might not have been the action that most of us would have taken, but this is a worried, out of her mind, Tracy, not a sensible, considering, mild tempered woman such as Shula for example.
Personally, if this brings the situation between Lily and Russ to deeper consideration about whether they are truly suited to spend the whole of future lives together, then I think this is a good thing.
I don’t want to argue either, Archerphile, so I’ll just say that to my mind, nothing excuses Tracy’s appalling behaviour which bears out my general view of her.
ReplyDeleteAlso I disagree with the opinion widely shared on FB that ‘good’ will come out of it, if it results in a permanent split between Russ and Lily. I think they are good for each other and have all the potential for a mutually rewarding life together. I very much hope that Tracy’s venemous intervention can be forgotten and harmony restored.
Tracy is an upset and worried mother, and anyone in a similar situation would probably react in a like-wise manner.
ReplyDeleteTracy must have a feeling of guilt, about Chelsea leaving. She was trying to talk calmly to her daughter,but Chelsea was not wanting to listen, lost her cool which then made Tracy lose her temper.
As a result Chelsea has disappeared.
I don't condem Tracy, as she is showing herself her caring, worried and very anxious mother, eho just wantd answers and her daughter back.
That's my point of view.
I'm surprised Chelsea didn't leave a message for her mum.
ReplyDeleteShe could easily have done that, just a simple "I'm going away for a few days - don't worry."
DeleteBut then there wouldn't be these revealing epidodes.
As Archerphile so rightly says, a different woman, though equally worried and upset, would have handled it better, simply asked Russ if, as a friend of Chelsea's, he had any information that would lead to discovering her whereabouts. But Tracy went completely over the top, made false accusations and was vehement and vitriolic - in other words, dreadful! Perhaps she was temporarily insane?
ReplyDeleteI think it's generally agreed that Tracy is loud-mouthed (correct me if I'm wrong).I could list examples of what I've called ignorance, not to mention her moral dodginess , but it would take too long and fall on deaf ears. So let me end with a quote from my 1986 Archers book. It's from the entry for Susan Carter who "grew up in a council house on The Green with her terrible brothers Keith, Stuart and Gary, and her poor little sister Tracy". So in what way was Tracy wanting? I throw the question open!
I do hope that steps have been taken to record todays very sad event in TA tonight.
ReplyDeleteThe Editor and SWs must have prepared for this event and have probably already recorded a conversation between residents to mark the Queen’s passing.
I shall be greatly disappointed if they have not
Well said. I think that you are right, that a slip in snippet has already been recorded, just in case.
DeleteI would love it to be Eddie and Clarrie.
The Archers cannot let this moment in history, be passed by.
There won’t be any Archers tonight it seems.
Delete..and rightly so.
DeleteOf course, I had forgotten that most programmes would be cancelled this evening, but you can find tonight’s episode on BBC Sounds .
DeleteOliver and Brad, Alistair and Jim are all out looking for Chelsea and we are introduced to Tracy’s horrible ex husband.
I imagine tonight’s episode will be broadcast tomorrow with a suitable insert.
ReplyDeleteAfternoon or evening?
DeleteIt's available on SOUNDS now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. It doesn’t sound gripping. I think Archerphile’s one sentence synopsis is all I need!!
ReplyDeleteIt probably is Maryellen. The only thing I might add is that Chelsea and Brad’s Dad is a real piece of work - pretended to be pleased to see Brad again, then tried to con money out of him (or Oliver who was with him)
DeleteLet's hope he's one of TA's pop up characters who don't merit even a surname in the cast list!
DeleteI am not impressed by the lack of reference to the Queen’s death in tonight’s episode. Poor show
ReplyDeleteYes, the "this show was recorded before...'" excuse sounded very lame. A case of not pulling the finger out, I reckon.
DeleteI'm not usually that bothered about inserts, but I was expecting one tonight. I even relistened to yesterday's episode in case they'd added one before the lunchtime broadcast.
DeleteYes, everyone is worried about Chelsea and so rather preoccupied, but even so they wouldn't be oblivious to the news. Someone could have said something ...
Let's hope they manage an insert for tomorrow.
Perhaps as more is known about the lying in state and the state funeral, then this will be included in a suitable and meaningful way.
DeleteNot good enough Miriam like us Ambridgers are just everyday folk and as such would have been shocked at the rapidity of the Queens death. Yes very frail on Tuesday but beaming away and still serving her Country by accepting BJ resignation and inviting LT to form a government and then whoosh gone. I for one was totally thrown. A comment was called for and always prepared for such a necessity way back 2 actors contacted to quickly add a suitable link to be added to asap!
DeleteI am angry and disgusted with the BBC what is the matter with them in latter years they appear to have lost all sense of decency and respect! A fictional drama it maybe but the death of our reigning Monarch of 70yrs surely deserved a slot in comment, such an insult worse even than the denial of Covid.
ReplyDelete😡😡😡 Grrrr