Life in Ambridge
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
SarniaOctober 13, 2022 at 6:16 PM
ReplyDeleteIt's no good, I can't contain myself any longer. Can someone please explain who Mick is.
I've obviously missed a block of very important episodes and I just can't go on not knowing!
REPLYDELETE
OldWomanInAShoeOctober 13, 2022 at 7:03 PM
Joy met him when she was helping Pat sell Natasha's apple juice at the festival. He briefly convinced her he was someone famous, drinks got spilt, he minded the stall while Joy was finding cleaning cloths (and met Toyah Willcox, as did Pat, who didn't recognise her). He later returned with his phone number. Joy went all bashful, Pat talked her into phoning him, they met up at The Bull with Pat as gooseberry in case Joy needed to escape. It turns out Mick can talk as much as Joy, a match made in heaven.
Does that fill you in enough
OldWomanInAShoeOctober 13, 2022 at 6:57 PM
ReplyDeleteOh for heaven's sake! Fortunately our church has neither pillars nor rafters, although we have had at least one visiting pigeon, and another that got stuck in the void above the window in the church hall before finding its way into the loft. All avian visitors were evicted with none of the pantomime shenanigans Alan got up to. I have to say that if OMiaS proposed to do anything so stupid I'd hide the ladder. ('Though not the one he once used to try to get onto the flat garage roof - that broke when he was halfway up. Always check your ladders before use, folks.)
So, is the Jack Wooley Window insured against Act of Vicar? Or perhaps Peggy will be so offended by this obvious act of sabotage that she'll get her window installed at the village hall instead.
Better warn the wedding party to wrap up warm for the service on Saturday. (And review their plans to have the bride's pet Polly as ring bearer.)
REPLYDELETE
ArcherphileOctober 14, 2022 at 8:42 AM
All together now….’When we’re Poisoning Pigeons in the Park’. Tra la la !
Certainly peanuts coated with cyanide would have done less damage to Jack's window and Alan's hand.
DeleteRemember, Alan, 'it's not against any religion To want to dispose of a pigeon'
I thought that was really good of Tracey to let Kenton think she was pregnant to protect Chelsea from gossip. Natasha didn’t take long!
ReplyDeleteDon’t tell me they are going to give us the old, old story of the mother who brings up her daughter’s child as her own!
ReplyDeleteI very much doubt that Maryellen.
DeleteCertainly that went on in the past but as a society we have moved on a very long way from that, even in Ambridge.
It’s got a lot of dramatic potential, though! Not that there was anything dramatic about the only example I’ve encountered - a friend had an aunt who was really his cousin, The fact, once stated, wasn’t mentioned again. It didn’t have any bearing by then.
DeleteJazzer will have to take some ribbing now or will he be the one to set the record straight without thinking!
ReplyDeleteSo, if Chelsea decides to go ahead with a termination, Tracy will have to concoct a miscarriage for herself?
ReplyDeleteOh what tangled webs we weave…………
DeleteI hope that Tracey exposes the Ambridge gossip mill at some point, certainly if Chelsea decides to carry the child to term, explaining her reasons. It would be interesting to hear the village reaction if Chelsea were to offer the baby for adoption, which I personally feel would be the best option for Chelsea &Tracey but also the baby and would bring immense joy to another couple. It would also allow for further plot lines like ben & Beth not being able to conceive & the child seeking birth parents in 18 years time
ReplyDeleteGood gracious KP, I don’t think I can wait until I’m 95 to find out!
DeleteIn fact, wonder if TA will still be going in 18 years time?
Ben and Beth will "adopt" the baby girl, they name Jill after her late, great-grandmother! I do love a fantasy 😉
DeleteOoh AP what a 95th birthday that would be 🤣🤣🤣
DeleteAny further dithering over making her mind up probably means Chelsea will be 95 before we know the outcome!😫
Delete😅😂🤣
DeletePierre 🤣 👏🏻 🤣 🤞🏼
Delete🤣😂🤣
DeleteIs there no happy medium in TA it’s either high drama or dross - come on SW.
ReplyDeleteThe paucity of comments here must reflect the quality of recent episodes.
ReplyDeleteLast night was like listening to an old edition of Children’s Hour with Mia, George and Brad with the hilarious(not) addition of a cooking pot.
Nonsense!
And as for the hot tub incident, the SW’s are very obviously running out of storylines, funny it was not!
Where is Keri Davis when you need him?
Where is anyone?
DeleteJust more padding to extend the outcome of Chelsea's decision.
Hey Guys! The normal gestation time is about 39 weeks!!! Rapidly approaching a time for "Hard luck, too late"
Also we have established that Chelsea is 18 years old (supposed to be an adult of sorts). The SWs want to prolongue the story of the confused teenager. Is that why, whenever anyone asks her a question, she immediately replies as a know all stroppy 13 year old? Cathrine Tate style.
Where is everyone?
ReplyDeleteNobody listening to the Archers any more?
Have the dire storylines put everybody off?
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteBasically, yes. The effort of suspending my disbelief is wearing me out! If you apply critical analysis to TA on Facebook you get called a moaning minnie by the rose-coloured spectacles crowd. I’m glad we accept justifiable moaning here but I haven’t the energy for it!
DeleteI’ve stopped listening for the moment. Am tired of Chelsea. She will probably give birth still not knowing whether she wants to terminate the poor little soul! 17 weeks is very far on. As I recall the baby starts kicking at about 20 weeks. Then it becomes a reality! The other padding isn’t really worth the listen although I was relieved to get back to farming briefly when Eddie and Clarrie sorted the trapped sheep!
DeleteCome on Maryellen! Brace yourself. The direness of the present padding must surely generate sufficient annoyance and energy.
DeleteWorks for me!🤯😫🤮
You’re quite right, Pierre - I should man up! Otherwise, I’m being as weak-minded as Chelsea Horrobin. Tracy keeps repeating It’s your choice, It's Chelsea’s choice, like a mantra. Little does she (or Ben) realise that’s not what Chelsea wants to hear. Hopefully Chelsea’s visit to the PAS will have the desired effect. For me as a listener that would be termination, though I appreciate not all listeners share that view.
DeleteI agree with Maryellen that Chelsea would benefit from more directed advice along the lines of “you may feel bad but the risk of long term infertility is small and you should have a child when you are ready for all that entails”. I am still hoping for an adoption but if I was in Chelsea’s position I would have had a termination. This is something I did think about when I was younger, but fortunately never had to act upon, I was always very careful. I also remember thinking when I had graduated & was working that if I became pregnant even unintentionally I would become a parent..
DeleteWhy does Brad even bother talking to George?
ReplyDeleteHe was fould to him when they were working together on the farm.
He badgered Brad into working on the vapes with him, and expected Brad to contiune even after Gruesome George's trip to hospital.
Now Brad's doing his homework for him!
Why on earth is he even going near the guy, let alone accepting match making from him?!?!
That said, perhaps George is right for once and they would make a good couple.
The Button girls, on the other hsnd, should sue for slander.
I despair!
ReplyDeleteLast night’s episode hit rock bottom for me.
But I refuse to be thrown overboard as a loyal listener since 1952, by the current editor and his hopeless bunch of scriptwriters. So I will grit my teeth, listen with one ear closed and hope for an improvement. But it’s taking all my resolve not to turn off for good!
🙄
Agree 100% AP
DeleteThe Brad/George/Mia interaction was pretty dire. I guess we might be hearing from the Button girls soon, hopefully giving George a slap for his foul manners.
ReplyDeleteThanks, KPNuts, that’s cheered me up a bit! Molly Button is one of my favourite characters and I’ve long hoped she would find her voice. Fingers crossed she’s given something to say that’s worth listening to.........
DeleteThe padding of Archers S/L's will take on another meaning soon, as Tracy continues with the charade that she is pregnant.
ReplyDeleteThe current story that I can't work out is, as to why it is included, is the Hot Tub. I can't see the point, unless it is to introduce Mick, who I think is leading Joy on, in some way...
I am actually enjoying hearing the younger generation. It makes a difference from Peggy and the window, and the decorating of the Brookfield bedrooms.
I miss hearing from Kate, Rex, Adam and Ian, Hannah, Stella, Johnny, who have been silent for too long now.
I wasn't listening in the years when the previous generations were teenagers, although I vaguely remember something about Lilian canoodling with someone at the back of the school bus. Were there no silly teenage episodes in those days?
ReplyDeleteThe teenage years I remember most were Fallon, Jazzer, Tom and Kirsty, Ed and Will...
DeleteA lot of the teenage stories of this generation, were expanded on Ambridge Extra on R4ex immediately after the Sunday omnibus. It was a good 30mins listen, for those who were interested in the expanded S/L's.
DeleteNatasha redeemed herself tonight I thought.
ReplyDeletePauls last sentence raised a laugh from me
How come Denise never mentioned she had a son?
ReplyDeleteAlastair didn’t mention his adopted son either. I guess it just didn’t come up.
DeleteWell, she did speak about her husband and his going off on cycle trips and they have been quite chatty in recent months. I just find it surprising she never mentioned having a son who was training to be a vet nurse, you’d think it was a natural subject to mention.
DeleteDo you think Denise’s not telling Alastair she’s got a son has some sort of plot implication, then? What else has she not told him? ( Doesn’t sound very gripping!)
DeleteBrilliantly done, Natasha! I remember when you were similarly sympathetic to Kirsty and accompanied her when she was madly and dangerously searching the streets for Blake, Kenzie and Jordan.
ReplyDeleteTake no notice of listeners who’ve called you a busybody and gossip, both unfounded. I think you’re an asset to Ambridge!
I thoroughly concur,Maryellen,Natasha was a star last night.Let’s hope their chat has helped Chelsea to now reach a decision on her pregnancywhile she still has options.
ReplyDeleteDecision perhaps before Christmas? Let's hope so.,🤞
DeleteWe'll probably find out about Chelsea's decision soon but expect that the consequences of the decision will be long and drawn out whatever it is.
ReplyDeleteI just wish that Brad would keep well away from George.
Here here, CC.he is a poisonous young oik.
DeleteYou are entirely correct C.C. George is a total and utter carbuncle on the bum of the world!
DeleteCorrect and so eloquently put Pierre 🤣👏🏻🤣
DeleteI’ve only heard yesterday’s episode this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteLike others I applaud Natasha. So well done that girl !
But Paul ?
He is so close to sounding like Lee, I was confused for several minutes.
Do the production team ever listen out for comparisons in actors voices and delivery ?
Two males did sound the same I agree and one was Lee but Paul (?) who is that!
DeleteNatasha redeemed herself with Chelsea with thier talk, but she had to do something right. I still think she was wrong to tell Helen + Lee about seeing Tracy at the clinic, and she is certainly very involved with Peggy and the window.
ReplyDeleteNatasha to me, can be very understanding at times, but can also cause problems. Remember the bathroom and kitchen issues with Pat + Tony, when she and Tom lived at Bridge Farm...
That's me finished.
Oh come on, Miriam! Is there anyone in Ambridge who doesn’t cause problems at tomes? No problems = no drama. You can’t single Natasha out.
DeleteCome on Alan, you broke the window so you should be contributing the amount above what the insurance will pay out. Don't expect Peggy to pay it. I think that possibly Alan was engaging in some subconscious vandalism.
ReplyDeleteAnd Alan don't be such a misery about the "star" window, all it needs is to persuade Peggy just to have a small simple plaque on the wall saying the money was kindly donated by her. Doesn't have to mention it being created because of the Archer twins. Family can tell them that one day. There are many beautiful passages about stars in the bible that can be incorporated in the design; and how many beautiful art works wouldn't exist today if the artist hadn't had a patron backing them. Think about the Medici family of Florence who supported Michaelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci .... Now the Medicis may have been a corrupt violent lot but without their patronage the previously mentioned artists would probably have been starving and dying in a garret. Peggy may be a pain sometimes but the beauty of the window will still be there in a few hundred years - as long as some vicar/custodian of the future doesn't put his foot in it.
Can't agree that Alan should pay anything it was an accident.
DeleteAs for how he put things to Natasha, who marched in with her "it will all be settled to my plan " attitude, i had a great feeling of schadenfreude imaging the smugness wiped off her face. She swings from one extreme to another being understanding one instance then assuming that membership of the Archer's clan makes her some sort of village monarch (replacement for Peggy?) Perish the thought.
Sorry, Pierre, but that's rubbish about Natasha assuming being part of the Archer clan makes her some sort of village monarch and a replacement for Peggy. That's Lilian's perceived role, and in her interactions with Alan over the window, Lilian has behaved in just the way you describe (and Miriam too, I think, on FB). I was surprised it was Natasha speaking to Alan when it had previously been Lilian taking the lead, but guessed it was a case of who was going to be in the studio.....
DeleteI agree with your second point but not the first. If someone damages something even accidentally then they surely have at least a moral responsibility to make good the damage. Alan said that the insurance company were unlikely to cover the full cost - maybe as with cars an excess amount that isn't covered - so is he then expecting his congregation to cover the cost of something that was his fault?
DeleteHi Maryellenand Janice,
DeleteIt may be rubbish or has Natasha caught the attitude from Lillian? I agree that Lillian has assumed that entitlement - ptobably hereditary from Peggy.
I was too snooty in szying that Alan should pay nothing. Janice's point is correct. I was lost in thought of what would a vicar be able to affoed.? They are not well known for being overpaid..
Standig in corner with dunce's cap on!
I think the pigeon should foot the bill : )
DeleteOur church has no stained glass,and no likelihood of ever doing so - some time ago the Diocese vetoed putting up blinds on the windows because it would change the look of the building. (It might also have made it possible to use a projector during the day time but that's by the by. I gather projectors are more powerful now and would cope - if the church had the money to pay for one!)
I hope Alan remembered to record his little prang in the accident book. Probably should be an entry for the pigeon too - I gather it died of a heart attack, caused by the shock of hearing Alan's language as he fell ...
Hurrah, Chelsea finally made a decision, nice scenes with her, Tracey & Brad
ReplyDeleteI failed to understand what she was doing with the cards and like Brad felt it was not the best way to make a decision, but nevertheless she has now made that decision and I am pleased for her, Chelsea and for the rest of the family.
DeleteI hope that she will feel able to turn to Natasha if and when she has difficult emotions to negotiate as a result of her decision.
I have often used an element of chance to help make a decision, but my decision has been based on how I feel about the 'chance' choice, rather than sticking to that choice. (not about anything as important as Chelsea's dilemma).
DeleteWell thank goodness for that! A decision at last, and the best one, in my humble opinion.
ReplyDeleteCan't bear the thought of a 4 month old baby being aborted. 😥 For me a baby exists from the moment of conception.
ReplyDeleteI am going to stop listening until it is over with.
DeleteI'll keep listening, but I agree with your first post, Janice.
Delete('Though does a fictional baby exist from the moment the writer conceives the idea of one, when the character learns they are pregnant, or when we hear/read of the pregnancy?)
The cards did help you Chelsea because as soon as the red cards were the predominant colour which meant you should keep your baby you knew that deep down you had been hoping for black so that the decision would be made easier for you! At least a decision has been made, will Ben be relived or forever wonder if he would have had a son or a daughter especially if a future SL is that Beth cannot have children!
ReplyDeleteThis story line is obviously causing a great division of opinion and distress for many listeners.
ReplyDeleteI don’t share Janice or OWIAS’s misgivings but can fully appreciate the pain it must be causing.
I wonder if the Editorial team really thought the effects on listeners through before embarking on such a potentially controversial subject.
When you say “many”, Archerphile, you are about a small minority of the infinitesimally small minority of the 5 million listeners who choose to express their disquiet on the blogs. That tiny vocal minority have the obvious choice (which Janice has sensibly made) of not listening and sparing themselves distress.
DeleteSurely it’s down to the individual listener to decide what s/he can take, not some Nanny BBC. I was annoyed that the TA team decided to flout reality and protect us from Covid (although I think that may have been more for their convenience than anything else). Why should we be treated differently from other radio audiences? I don’t want my listening content censored and am glad we were given the potentially unsettling stories around domestic violence, historic abuse, modern slavery, and chronic alcoholism.
I think we all realise that the roses round the cottage door come with thorns (unless they are Zephrine Drouet!). To avoid thorny issues, .listeners can choose to restrict their listening and blogging. TA is right to deal with social problems as it has, knowing listeners have that choice.
Will she go through with it though? It would have to be surgery at this stage and she did mention the heartbeat which pains me too. Pip turned away, Annette had a medical abortion early on which may have prompted Helen to have a baby. Elizabeth had an abortion. Ruth and Kirsty had miscarriages.
ReplyDeleteTherefore it opens up a myriad of possibilities if she keeps the baby, for drama's sake. If she's eating garlic mushrooms that means she's past morning sickness, so quite advanced.
Why this homophobic comment from Martyn Gibson, I thought that belonged to the 70s, if it was a way to out Paul then so outdated too. I find him quite rude, but not as flamboyant as a bloke who used to visit a garage in an official capacity and forestall all comments with hello boys, ready? or words to that effect.
I also find Chelsea sounds demented most of the time, she just can't get into the council house mode, the way Tracy and Brad do.
As for Natasha she sounds condescending most of the time, perhaps it's her Welsh lilt. She was only sympathetic to Chelsea because she'd had an abortion herself.
Back to Howards End for now, Katherine Mansfield had written she thought Helen became impregnated by the umbrella;)
My mother did not want a fifth child when her fourth (assumes to be her last) was all but twelve years old, but gritted her teeth and got on with it.
ReplyDeleteI grew up to the tune of, 'I didn't want another baby and I was ashamed to be expecting at the same time as my daughter-in-law, but I wouldn't get rid of you because I don't believe in it.'
Other women plunged into unexpected pregnancy are not necessarily quite such noble creatures.
Thank goodness for that Sarnia where would we be without you 🤗
DeleteMy point, Lady R, was that the child is often made to grow up taking the blame for a situation of which they are the innocent victim.
DeleteI was never sufficiently grateful for the magnanimity of her decision, but her explanation certainly answered a lot of questions!
ARCHERPHILE speaks of distress to some due to the current story line re Chelsea.
ReplyDeleteI have felt very distressed by the number of comments on this thread regarding what some felt was a ‘tiresome, long drawn out decision making process’, and the dithering and padding that accompanied it.
I wrote about this process on the previous blog as I had been in Chelsea’s shoes sixty years ago and it took me many many weeks to make my decision, and like Chelsea I finally made that decision to have an abortion very late.
And those comments have continued right up to this week.
Even though my experience was many decades ago I have felt very hurt by the flippant remarks I’ve read here about spinning out the process.
I can assure you it is not an easy decision to make and then live with for the rest of one’s life, whatever the circumstances at the time.
Personally I feel that the TA team have shown great sensitivity towards the subject and covered it well, whereas in contrast some contributors to this blog seem to have viewed it as an irritant.
We probably need to walk a mile in others shoes at times Mrs P to fully understand such a heartbreaking situation as you have pointed out 😞
Delete✔️
DeleteThat's not fair to your fellow bloggers, Mrs P! The way you are telling it makes it sound as if we would have reacted to the real life situation you describe in the same way we reacted to the fictional situation of Chelsea's pregnancy. Obviously in real life we would have approached the situation seriously and sympathetically, recognising that the issues involved would need to be gone over many times before a decision could be made. I'm sure I speak for us all when I say how very, very sorry we are that you underwent such torment and still feel the effects,
DeleteBut fiction has the power to 'improve' on real life, by presenting events and issues in a cogent and disciplined manner, including speeding them up. The repetitions, delays and general messiness we would accept in real life, become too much for us in drama. We need light relief, which includes providing our own!
If we were flippant , it was at TA's expense - we were laughing at their presentation, not belittling the agonising situation an unplanned pregnancy can create in real life. For me, a little of the Horrobins goes a long way, and regardless of real life pros and cons for termination, in this fictional setting I welcome Chelsea's decision as the end of this particular storyline and the return of characters I prefer. I hope that explains my seemingly callous behaviour, I'm sorry it upset you.
I see your argument Maryellen but TA is presented in real time.
DeleteThe controlling and coercive behaviour of Rob towards Helen was in real time and was not speeded up. And I seem to remember that some, though certainly not all listeners and observers of the programme wanted it to be speeded up, as has been the case in this current storyline.
I accept there has been flippancy shown but I do not feel that I have accused any one of being callous.
I did say that I felt that the decision making process in the case of Chelsea had been covered with sensitivity as it should be IMO, but i do also feel that it has been covered in a cogent and disciplined way as you believe it should be. We have heard Chelsea herself in her waywardness towards her mothers fears and concerns. We have seen how it has affected her brother a teenager himself needing to grapple with the complexities he sees in his mother and sister. Jazzer and Jim have come into the picture and have seen the difficulties on both mother and daughter reflected in their response to the situation.
I have certainly been able to see the irritation caused by Chelsea herself, with her carapace of an outgoing and upfront with attitude personality whilst the turbulence within was probably only apparent when in her room alone, which we were not witness to since she always firmly shut the door.
As Lady R has said, at times we should try to walk in others shoes to appreciate and understand. I felt that was sometimes lacking in some of the comments, nevertheless thank you Maryellen for apologising.
Thanks for your thank you, Mrs P. No point in continuing except to say that Sean O’Connor introduced real time listening to TA and handled it brilliantly,, despite some adverse criticism at the time. The inferior editor we have now has tried to to imitate him and imo failed. The only thing is please skip any posts from bloggers you find unsympathetic, we have a right to express ourselves (as I remind myself whenever I encounter some excruciatingly unfunny or unpalatable post on FB!)
DeletePS. I remember now that listeners supplied their own additional light relief during the domestic violence story too. All those jokes about Tunagate didn’t mean lack of respect for Helen”s dire situation. (The official light relief was Lynda, the Grundys and the shepherd’s hut, quality drama in its own right, not like the
Delete(Cont.) rubbishy light relief we get now.)
DeleteBetter not to be responsible for bringing another human being into the world that you feel you could neither love nor provide for. Awful torment Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteThe SWs are probably exploring the argument for bringing down the time limit which is being raised in some quarters.
ReplyDeleteI agree that is possible Sarnia, I’ve thought of that possibility myself.
DeleteAnd of course educating the listeners at the same time, just as with the coercive behaviour towards Helen.
A most interesting and well expressed set of posts. As a mere male i cannot even imagine some of the difficulties you have expressd.
ReplyDeleteMy problem has been the long drawing out to the solution with the pregnancy only inserted in fleeting moments. I do resent the padding with twaddle especially as TA is supposed to occupy a 15 minute but in reallity lasts only 13 mins.
I am truly sorry if anything i have posted has caused distress to any of you ladies
Perish the thought Esscee! I still find it hard in this day and age that a 18 year old girl didn't even understand how the progress of pregnancy was calculated. Ben's daft idea to accompany Chelsea had already made me lose the will to live. 🤯
ReplyDeleteReturning to my original post on 22 Oct at 12.06 which was disputed by Maryellen:
ReplyDeleteI should have expressed myself more carefully as I was actually only referring to members of this blog being distressed rather than other listeners on other blogs.
We had just had posts from Janice and OWIAS about their distress at the thought of abortion and I was sympathising with them and anyone else *here* on our blog who found the storyline upsetting.
I certainly did not purport to speak for the many thousands of other listeners.
I do not hold the same views on abortion so I do not find the story as distressing as some do, but feel it is simply dramatising the situation that some teenagers could themselves in. It is a legitimate story to pursue in the Archers, especially as they are now featuring more and more teenage characters and we are likely to hear more about situations they may face in life.
I’m not sure about the real time initiative introduced by Sean O’Connor which is being followed by the current editor. It may be the modern thing to do in drama, but it does mean that stories go on for a long time and are diluted by other happenings in the village and the so-called ‘padding’. It also may result in listeners loosing interested in a particular subject and even switching off which would be a great shame.
No, the likelihood of it being Ben is the same as before. Chelsea says it’s Ben either because he is the only man she had sex with during the crucial days between ovulation and the rave. Or, because she did have sex with someone else not long before (or at) the rave, but it was protected and with Ben it was unprotected. (Which raises the question of condom failure - as happened with Rosie).
ReplyDeleteAre we about to have an animal rights activist in Mia ?
ReplyDeleteListening to the recent ‘horse discussion’ I am afraid I suspect so.
I could be wrong, and I rather hope I am and she could genuinely be wanting a job.
But listening again this afternoon to last nights episode my cynical antennae are quivering.
As the blog is quiet, and in memory of Bert, I'm reprising the poem I wrote to him back in December 2016. I had called Bert two-dimensional (which I now repent) and Pedro replied with a poem from Bert beginning : It's harsh of you to mention, I'm lacking a dimension.....
ReplyDeleteDear Bert, I do apologise.
I didn't mean to take a rise
Out of you, or even worse,
Your facility for verse.
I much admire your fingers green
For in your garden can be seen
Hydrangeas blooming out of season,
Though your rhyme may have no reason,
It's always thoughtful, kind and true,
Wise and gentle, just like you.
Happy Christmas, Best of Berts!
May Life bring no further hurts,
And Freda's rose stay sweetly-smelling.
Yours sincerely, Mary Ellen.
😊 ✔️✔️ 🥹
DeleteBrilliant maryellen 👏🏻
DeleteAnd now to Bert's polar opposite - Jazzer McCreary. Instead of skiving off work and lying to Neil in the process, why couldn't he have asked Neil for the morning off, and arranged to make up the hours if he didn't want to take it as leave? Another example of his dodgy moral sense and a glimpse of what a poor role model he would be for any hypothetical children!
ReplyDeleteI’m beginning to think next weeks “appointment “ may not go,ahead - just a feeling 😏
ReplyDeleteAt least Ben was true to his pledge to ‘be there’ for Chelsea and brave enough to stand up to the expected opprobrium of Tracy. He is a basically a good lad finding himself in a difficult situation but has shown his integrity in my view.
ReplyDeleteHypothetically, another testing situation could occur if the baby was born looking obviously not Ben’s. I don’t think this will happen but it is a just possible plot twist.
DeleteOh dear Archerphile a hard listen for you tonight - cackle time on steroids 😱
ReplyDeleteGood gracious! My ears are hurting after tonight’s episode!
ReplyDeleteYou were right Lady R, how on earth does Lilian make such a dreadful noise without damaging her throat?
I think it's part of an actors skillset - like being able to fall flat on your back without damaging yourself!
DeleteA skill used a bit too often in Lilian’s case! 😂
DeleteCan recommend a good listen on BBC Sounds A Social History of The Archers.
ReplyDeleteLillian’s cackle not mentioned !
Lilian agreeing to be Halloween Witch when noone else wanted to reminded me of Russ agreeing to be Easter Bunny when noone else wanted to - no doubt she'll make as good a job of it as he did. Although I have a feeling Kirsty may end up as the Witch after all! Because of all the screeching, I missed why she wasn't doing it in the first place.
ReplyDeleteBecause she is too busy organising everything else including presenting the results of the knicker-burying competition.
DeleteMaybe Kirsty should reconsider her managerial priorities? Was it wise to volunteer the Project to host a free soil-testing service to local businesses, given the strain it would put on staff and office capacity? And speaking of local businesses, it it wise for the Project to infringe on their commercial activities? Kate has already complained, next it will be Elizabeth re the woodland walk etc. It's beginning to sound to me as if Kirsty has been 'promoted beyond her ability'.. It would explain her unusually hectoring tone last Tuesday.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAh, so Kate is okay now she knows Spiritual Homes will be contracted to do the Project’s yoga thing. But will Lowe Loxley tolerate the potential competition
DeleteI don’t want to think about fox hunting.
Jazzer sounded wistful about a wee bairn and Tracy seemed too. Perhaps they'll be bringing up the child. Tracy is officially pregnant, Chelsea is not. Many ways to play it out or end all next week.
ReplyDeleteI think on Tuesday Tracy's delivery was intentionally ambivalent, it sounded very much like - now that she's (not) going ahead with the pregnancy, even on second and in my case third hearing...
Or that’s what the editor wants us to think? Are they being fiendishly clever?
DeleteRuth is going to take Ben some home cooked food over this week! As Chelsea would say “Your aving a laugh ain’t ya” or will she be delivering a 😇 Jill offering!
ReplyDeleteOr. one of Leonard’s! Now he’s moved in, I predict he’ll be taking over the cooking like Russ did at Lower Loxley....
DeleteDum de dum de Dim Wits.
ReplyDeleteEveryone will know it’s you Mia.
Mia being a hunt saboteur is too, too obvious.
Poor silly Brad will take the blame, “it was me your Honour, I done it??”
Does that mean more Tracy squawking for the rest of us?
Brad may be a mathematical genius but what a thicko. Now he is, not just George’s, but Mia’s stooge.
Mia and George are two of a kind.
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ReplyDelete‘No one will know it’s us’…..famous last words?
ReplyDeleteMrsP - you were right about Mia's animal rights activism.
ReplyDeleteI have faith in Brad that he will not join in, he should have learnt his lesson with George.
He has matured and expressed his doubts. He may find out more about animal rights and resign if it makes him uncomfortable or protest in a peaceful way. He knows there's no money at home with Chelsea's debt still outstanding. I can only hope he doesn't give in.
It sounded to me a re run of the Kirsty and Tom story yet again and a generation further on.
ReplyDeleteAre you thinking of when Tom and Kirsty went crop-trashing, Mrs P? T same comparison was made on FB but the writer didn’t explain and that was all I could come up with!
DeleteYes Maryellen, precisely that, the crop trashing.
DeleteThe Archers were on Feedback today. There'll be someone from the team in a future programme to answer questions and comments about Chelsea's storyline.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness that was a hard listen tonight. Hearing Ben being so distraught, Beth trying to reassure him and finally Ruth learning the truth. I think he has been as badly affected by this accidental pregnancy as Chelsea has. Neither of them were prepared for this situation.
ReplyDeleteA somewhat different take on such a story than one normally hears in drama, when the woman usually suffers all the heartache and the man gets away with little emotional upset.
I do hope Ben finds a way through his remorse and emotional turmoil and can continue his friendship with Beth and his career.
I do feel that generally fathers get overlooked in these cases.
DeleteYes, some really couldn't care less about their offspring, existing or potential. But others care deeply, as Ben clearly does.
The received wisdom is that whether or not to continue the pregnancy is the woman's choice. But if she chooses an abortion, he loses his baby. If she does not, he can be spending out on maintenance payments for the next 18 years.
There has been a welcome conversation recently about how miscarriage emotionally affects men as well as women. Perhaps the same conversation needs to be had about abortion.
Of course, if people kept sex within committed, established relationships, where the couple could at least come to a joint decision, there would be fewer unplanned pregnancies. But I realise such ideas are unfashionable these days : (
Agree 100% OWIaS…..
DeleteI agree a hard listen and good to hear from the man's perspective. (Well acted Ben Norris). Is it possible that the promised holiday to New Zealand (from Vince) might come into play for both (or one) at some stage? You never know . These pesky SW's have a way of resolving situations that wouldn't happen in the real world! Meanwhile Chelsea has her family (not to be sniffed at) for comfort. However, I feel the ramifications through the years will probably rest mainly with Chelsea. It was ever thus.
ReplyDeleteBen’s slobbering tantrum was not about the pregnancy it’s about him and his goody two shoes persona. He is incapable of understanding the fact that another persons suffering ( Chelsea/ Beth) is not about him.
ReplyDeleteHe wasn’t supporting Chelsea when she asked him not to tell anyone, so he immediately tells Josh. She didn’t want him to accompany her to the clinic, so he turns up, uninvited. Did he mean it when he said, ad nauseam, “ I’ll support you whatever….” Then actively does the opposite going against her wishes.
He knows he has no rights regarding Chelsea’s decision, to terminate the pregnancy. So instead of being honest about his view on abortion he slobbers and whines in some sort of identity crisis.
Then Mumsy turns up and the whining and self-pity continues.
Beth didn’t have a choice to stay as he unceremoniously turfed her out claiming she she would be better with out him.
Beth run for the hills from this spineless twit and leave him with the lasagna and his Mummy.
Unless he grows up god help his future patients.
A slobbering nurse with no understanding of confidentiality is the last thing an Ill person wants.
Let me hold your hand and give you a hug young man.
You clearly need help.
I blame the parents.
Interesting points made by ladies above but i am afraid that Stasia says it like it is for me!
DeleteBen's disregard of Chelsea's wishes by turning up at the clinic was unforgiveable and non of last night's sob fest was not about anything but himself. His treatment of Beth disgraceful.
How on earth will he ever qualify as a nurse with such a total lack of confidentiality?
Not walking a mile in someone else's shoes then.
ReplyDeleteCertainly not in those of such a self centred unreliable manchild.
DeleteBen has the right to have feelings and express them. Some argue that the male did the deed and so can just walk away without a backward glance.
ReplyDeleteBen said that he would, and has supported Chelsea, even turning up at the clinic. This was his way of supporting her, as she discussed a very significant time in her life, and what it entails with a doctor.
Ben admits it was all a mistake and feels responsible/guilty for the resulting situation. This obviously must have affected him in some way or another and now it is showing. He has only told Josh and Beth, his "family" he lives with in the Stables house, and now Ruth his mother yet Chelsea and her family have let others known:- Russ, Lily, Freddie, Susan, Brad, Jazzer, Natasha not forgetting Blake (who she ran away to).
Beth has tried to support him, but he has now spurned her for trying to do this.
This situation is no different to when Beth did the same to Ben, after the Steph situation, and looked where that led. Beth certainly made her feelings known at that time.
Beth and Ben should stay together, and perhaps this actually will happen.
I was in admiration for the writers, showing Ben and his "breakdown". I would hate that Ben gives up his nursing degree and his vocation, which came about due to the covid pandemic and Leonard, with his time capsule photo.
A good post Miriam 👍
DeleteI think both Stasia and Pierre are being very harsh. I don’t think that Ben is only thinking of himself at all. This whole situation has hit him very hard, he has tried to do the right thing by Chelsea and Beth. He could have denied everything and refused to have anything to do with with Chelsea as many young men do these days, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteHe may not have come up to what you consider the right standard of behaviour but he has tried his best with little help or advice from anyone more knowledgable.
Cut him some slack.
I agree AP I think that although Ben has been so supportive of Chelsea it is now sinking in that as a man (and the non baby bearer) it is mostly the woman’s sole decision whether to terminate the pregnancy or not especially if no actual relationship exists but of course it is his child too that Tracy is carrying and one he will now never know - or will he?
DeleteToby was also supportive of Pip and let her decide, but she went on her own and when back from the clinic he asked if it was time for grapes and sympathy but she said she couldn't do it, yes, they were together at the time. No high drama.
ReplyDeleteI don't like Beth and Ben set up, I don't like the Casey lot. Beth didn't trust Ben over her sister, so he found consolation in the arms of the first one who came along. Sex has its consequences.
It looks like many want this "Ambridge baby" to come along to be passed around the village.
Sadly for Ben, he seems doomed to go through life getting things wrong. (This is the opposite of Toby who practically always gets things right.) There is amiss with Ben's antennae - otherwise he would have realised that turning up unexpectedly in the clinic and the imminent prospect of an altercation with Tracy, was only going to add to the stress Chelsea was already experiencing It's a tribute to Chelsea that she overcame the shock and handled the occasion well (I felt she aged from 14 to 18 in 10 seconds!) even if she did need to escape to the loo afterwards. It was the same misreading of the situation that caused the original with Steph.
ReplyDeleteBen desperately wants to be the responsible and capable "good lad" that others see in him; but deep down, he doesn't know, and/or can't admit whether he's got the ability or the will to do whatever is the right thing in this case.. Hence all the tension. It's caused him to thrust away the two people who have tried to help, Beth and Josh, and avoid others who could have advised if he admitted to the situation.
That's my reading. I think he may become quite reclusive.
....I can imagine Ben as a sheep dog breeder in later life......
DeleteYoungest child. Always the bottom of the pile.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest was never bottom of the pile, she made sure of that!
DeleteMy youngest brother was certainly never at the bottom of the pile! As for Smallest Person in a Shoe, they had the rest of the family wrapped round their little finger from the word go.
DeleteNo, Ben's problem is that he spent severeal months (or possibly years, I don't recall) locked up in his bedroom unable to be heard by anyone outside his immediate family. Being sent to Radio Coventry tends to do things to impressionable young minds ; )
Depends on the nature of the pile.
DeleteI think Ben’s reaction shows that he is a deeply caring person maybe to his own detriment. He will probably make a very good nurse as a result although he will need to toughen up a bit in order to not be shattered by the inevitable sad circumstances of some of his patients. Chelsea has had a lot to cope with and her distress has come through but it has also been interesting to see things through the reactions of the male partner in these circumstances. Some of them turn a blind eye but it must be very stressful for those who care.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree Ev.
DeleteBen's allowed his emotions to stop him from respecting Chelsea's wishes regarding his attendance at the clinic. He'll need to control that in his chosen profession, we shall see.
DeleteI went off Ben when he made Evie cry. He said “She.cried’, full stop, without sounding at all caring. (Though to be fair to the character, that might have been inadequate acting.)
ReplyDeleteI wonder if we'll hear anything about how bird flu is affecting the the Grundy's turkeys, or is Ambridge immune?
ReplyDeleteIn reality, the worst infections are in Suffolk and East Anglia, also chicken farms on the Welsh border. But it is almost bound to spread so I don’t see how Ambridge can possibly remain immune unless the Ambridge fairy has invented a unique inoculation for the local hens!
DeleteI rarely listen now to the programme mainly because there are so few characters I actually like but I would like to know whether Chelsea is going to keep the baby so would some kind person let me know ?.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Will do, LanJan. I bet you’re missing Johnny who hasn’t spoken for ages. Last we heard of him was Tony (?) saying he had helped move Natasha and Tom’s stuff Into April Cottage.
DeleteThanks Maryellen
ReplyDeleteYou are right.
The characters I liked most have vanished (first one was Hayley).
Where is ❤️Your mate ❤️for example ?
T❤️O❤️B❤️Y is now based in Stratford-upon-Avon developing the restaurant market for the wines his father imports. Rosie and I both threw major Wobblies when he left Ambridge. But he comes back to take her to ballet and on special occasions - only referred to at the moment of course, but I live in hope that he’ll remember to pack his voice for his next visit!🙂
DeleteMessage for LanJan: Chelsea didn’t change her mind. The termination was straightforward. Tracy was with her all the way. Back home now, and Tracy says she has a bright future ahead of her.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maryellen.
ReplyDeleteNot surprised.
The script writers took the easy way out.
Ben is one of my least favourite characters ,spoilt by his doting parents.
I expect him to become Ambridge's answer to Florence Nightingale soon
No doubt he will become a hero and save someone's life .
A beautifully scripted and acted episode.
ReplyDeleteMother and daughter so tender with each other and even David finding some empathy with Ben after his initial anger.
I just hope all concerned can learn about themselves and their loved one from recent events, and go on to have happy and fulfilled lives.
I thought Chelsea's regression to her 14-year-old self was rather worrying - but do agree that the strength of the acting prevented the mother/daughter scenes from becoming overly sentimental.
DeleteI find it difficult to escape the conclusion that Ben is better with dogs than people - it's why I can imagine him ending up as a semi-reclusive sheep dog breeder!
Perhaps, in a BBC twist, we’ll see competing in One Man and His Dog!
DeleteExcellent idea, Archerphile! One of my favourite TV programmes of all time!
DeleteI’ve never watched One man and dog but loved to watch the shepherds bringing the sheep down the mountain when in North Wales, recently watched a fantastic short film of shepherds and dogs bringing the sheep down from Scafell Pike and am reminded that we went every year when a child to Hyde Park to watch the sheep trials.
DeleteDoes that still happen I wonder ?
Ben's problem is that he confuses the 'correct' thing to do and the 'right' thing to do. Once again, he turned up unexpectedly, this time on the doorstep, to accompany Chelsea to the clinic even though she had said no to his offer. He was so anxious to do the correct thing, which was to give practical help by accompanying her, that he was oblivious to the right thing which was to respect her wishes. Plus he has to deal with the fact that she really didn't want to share any more with him than she already had.
ReplyDelete(I don't actually think that 'Ben' is that good an actor, and I find his voice grating like Freddie's - but that's obviously a personal view.)
My view too regarding both Ben and (particularly ) whiney Freddie,Maryellen.
ReplyDeleteThey are not the only ones though who ,in my opinion ,sound as if they are just reading a script
I'm just glad it's all over.
ReplyDeleteBASIA
ReplyDeleteIt may not be all over.
You might be right and both Chelsea and Ben are able to put this episode behind them, but it’s just as possible that there are repercussions for either of them, and there is also the damage to Ben and Beth’s relationship to deal with.
I found last night’s episode very moving and found myself crying, not for Chelsea or Tracey but for myself sixty years ago. The tenderness between mother and daughter that I heard last night but which I had denied myself to enable my situation to remain a secret, brought forward very painful memories for me.
Personally like ARCHERPHILE I found this episode to be well scripted and well acted.
MrsP - what I mean is that there's no going back but I understand this will stay with them both.
ReplyDeleteI have no first hand experience but live with the repercussions of other women's abortions which I do not wish to go into.
As for Beth and Ben, I'm not much concerned. Lily and Russ also separated as a result.
I wonder how the TA team will tie up the loose end of Tracey’s own ‘pregnancy’ which all the village knows about?
ReplyDeleteFor the benefit of the gossips,it could be put about that on Tracy’s case it was a false alarm.
ReplyDeleteThat could be the second Lower Loxley relationship wrecked as a result of Chelsea’s condom-less encounter, plus Ben and Beth makes three. Phew!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cheerful week this is turning into. Bring back the hot tub.
ReplyDeleteLizzie and Vince’s reunion? Far to much information thankyou!
ReplyDeleteHe'd have been better advised to sleep off his jetlag.
DeleteAdults acting like children is an insult to the young.
Adults have sex and money but have lost their innocence.
Post brexit butchers to come from Manila now.
Vince The Raging Bull, he was definitely snorting and stamping his feet.
ReplyDeleteNext a visit to Brookfield, ‘you owe me £40,000 squids you numptys.
Your slobbering whinging son has done the dirty on my Beth. I’m recalling the loan.
David had better get his Matador cape out.
Vince’s behaviour was really an insult to Beth. It is obvious he still regards her as his property, and Ben had damaged his property so had to be punished.
ReplyDeleteI think (hope) Lizzie has had her eyes opened to the type of man he is and I doubt Beth will forgive him either.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteVince reminds me of Jazzer. They have the same nmmmprimitive instincts. Jazzer’s first reaction was to go and beat up the man who abused Jim; Vince’s first reaction was to go and beat up Ben for maltreating Beth. Fortunately, neither succeeded.
ReplyDeleteWe men did not come well out of the last few days. Ben insisting that he wanted to support Chelsea (entirely fo his own glory) then completely ignoring her wishes and Neandertahl Vince throwing his toys out of the cot on a percieved insult to him. (It takes 2 t0 play you numpty)
DeleteYes, Maryellen, your point connecting Jazzer to the same collection of primitives is well taken. I think i shall look into "transitioning"
Pierre, isn’t that a bit extreme. You’re already an honorary member in my book.
DeleteBen had better watch now that Vince has his Manila butchers, fresh mince meat for the Brookside dinner table!!
Jazzer also ran off to confront Alistair for not telling him Chelsea was pregnant, just like Tracy to confront Russ, like Brad hitting a gatepost instead of Ben, to me it's just an impulse to do something. I don't see the butcher who likes throwing money around in any of them.
ReplyDeleteBasia - when I said Vince’s reaction yesterday reminded me of Jazzer’s reaction earlier it was because the circumstances were so similar, and no other confrontation was similar enough to occur to me.
DeleteBut you’re right - Tracy’s vicious verbal attack on Russ was prompted by the same primitive instinct as theirs. (I expect some would say words rather than fists is typically female......). I don’t think the other examples you give are comparable, for different reasons which I won’t go Into
I doubt if Vince and J&T have much else in common,, certainly not money- making ability.
What a contrived story - Tony’s message in a bottle!
ReplyDeletea). Why would Lynda keep all her Christmas cards for years
b) Why would Tony be writing them rather than Pat - definitely my job in our house!
c) unlikely Tony’s childhood handwriting would be exactly the same as his adult writing
d) can’t believe the writing was still that legible after about 60 years in a hedge.
But here we go with another ‘poor Tony had an unhappy childhood with an alcoholic father and a mother who didn’t love him much’ story. Arguments between him and two sisters about their childhood and consequences for Peggy?
Um a) I do! Admittedly I plan just to keep the letters and cards with notes inside. In practice, I tend not to get around to weeding out the rest. (Although I sometimes do the following year when I'm rereading the letters before sending our annual Chronicle.)
DeleteI think Ambridge should opt for Macbeth as its next big Christmas show - it's got a ready-made witchy trio in Lynda, Lilian and Kirsty!
ReplyDeletePS. In all my years round theatres including several productions of Macbeth, I have never once heard it called 'the Scottish play' (except by laymen - oops, layfolk!)
Amazing what the power of pink wafers can do. Compared to the Wyrd Witches I thought the Chelsea and Natasha cosmetic interaction was well written.
ReplyDelete“Rescue me before I fall into despair”
I’ll send an SOS” to the S/W please put the bottle back, complete with note?
Thank you to the Police.
Just look what happened when Lilian tracked down Matt's mother and he in turn contributed to his half-brother's death. I expected it to be something about the village, but no.
ReplyDeleteTony gets a guitar for Christmas, but who will be his teacher and how will they bond together?
But did he? I strongly suspect his desire for a guitar was turned down by F.Christmas Esq. via Peggy wouldn’t want to be disturbed by the noise of his practising! 😂
DeleteI meant he will get one belatedly this Christmas - use of present tense often criticised...
DeleteSorry Basia, misunderstood! Perhaps Lilian will give him one for Christmas and explain how she knew he wanted one, then the secret will be out!
DeleteStill no word from Aldridge, B.
ReplyDeleteCan we now assume that he
Has departed Ambridge life,
Following his Ambridge wife
Into silence week on week?
The answer mayn’t be far to seek.
Retirement beckoned to the pair,
And finally they’ve gone off air.
I am far more concerned about the missing Jennifer and the very few inputs from Jill.
DeleteHow long is it since Jennifer was actually to speak?
If the actress has left the programme I'm afraid you're in for a long wait, Miriam.
DeleteBrian/aka Charles, is probably having a sabatical along with his, now retired wife and so are enjoying time together, at last. I read that due to their schedules in TA they were never recording at the same time, so passed each other going back + forwards to recording sessions.
DeleteIf Brian/Charles decides to also retire, then others can step into his shoes.
It's normal life, and it also is happening in TA.
I would so like to hear so much from Stella and Hannah, as they step up into more managerial roles.
Very good maryellen 👏🏻
DeleteMiriam I echo your thoughts regarding “Jennifer” had the actor retired as she is now the second longest serving cast member I’m sure it would have been mentioned as with “Shula” I wonder (but hope not) if she maybe I’ll - having treatment and does not want it to be generally known. Nothing to be found on the net anyway 😞
'Twas Jennifer of whom I wrote.
DeleteNothing has she said of note
For months and months. So I fear
Her radio demise is near.
Let's hope it was the actor's choice
To deprive us of her voice,
Compelled perhaps by cruel Fate
Whisp'ring don't leave it too late.
What soapy end is being planned?
Will she and Bri walk hand in hand
Into the sunset's rosy glow?
How long before we get to know?
(Product of a sleepless night!)
W
I rather feel that Vince will try to rescind his loan agreements, for the monies he "lent" to Brookfield, for the loo's/kitchen and updates etc done in the barn for Steph's wedding, plus the solar panels, as a result of the Ben/Beth situation.
ReplyDeleteOoh yes I’d forgotten about that Miriam…..
DeleteAt least last night and tonight’s episodes featured (apart from Ben) totally individual and recognisable voices - what a joy!
ReplyDeleteNot the yearly Christmas Show debacle again 😡 and why in Ambridge do they do everything village wise at the last minute, no show, no cast, costumes or scenery under way with barely six weeks to go! Not that Beth or Vince will be around to see it even if one materialises as they will be in New Zealand I predict 🫢
Agree Lady R, highly improbable to put something together in that time frame especially when people are so busy at this time of year.
DeleteOne Christmas John and Helen asked Peggy for money rather than presents and bought their parents a tea maker because they were always arguing (though not about tea making specifically) and Pat and Tony questioned themselves as to why they saw them like that.
ReplyDeleteIf Tony'd had a guitar Lilian'd have remembered and since his message didn't get through then he didn't, so she can go and buy him one.
I wonder who will confront Vince, I know who I'd like it to be but who knows.
The actress who plays Usha on Woman’s Hour today, talking about her one woman show.
ReplyDeleteSouad Faress plays Usha, does Sudha Bhuchar sound like her?
DeleteNew blog opened 🎅🏻
ReplyDelete