Life in Ambridge
A crib sheet for the new volunteers.
Life in Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
Starter kit for Ed & Emma
Life in Ambridge
Nothing to do with the current story-line but rather cute
maryellenMarch 3, 2023 at 8:33 PM
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to hearing Jerusalem sung and all we got were the opening chords!
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OldWomanInAShoeMarch 4, 2023 at 12:26 PM
For this relief, much thanks!
I might have had to turn the radio off it they'd gone any further!
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Sarnia March 3, 2023 at 11:58 PM
It's a bit of an acquired taste, Maryellen.
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maryellenMarch 4, 2023 at 6:20 AM
I acquired it as a youngster going to WI meetings with my mum. I didn’t know Jennifer was a keen
TE
ReplyDeletemaryellenMarch 4, 2023 at 6:20 AM
I acquired it as a youngster going to WI meetings with my mum. I didn’t know Jennifer was a keen member. Perhaps the words aren’t woke enough for today’s BBC !
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Sarnia March 4, 2023 at 9:57 AM
To me, the words are simply a reflection of Edwardian attitudes, and it's a **** to play. I suppose that must count as woke.
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Stasia March 4, 2023 at 10:41 AM
W Blake was a radical and revolutionary in politics and religion. I suppose he was “woke” for his time as the poem evokes an Idealised England. As an individual his radical views condemned the institutions of church, government and state. He was a critic of the industrial situations most workers were experiencing and against wars.
The poem is initially of an idealised land to portray a land of dark satanic mills and the need to fight for change.
Now most people view this hymn/poem as a sort of longing for the past of a green and fertile land but any historian will tell you that such a thing never existed.
All have appropriated it for their own pursuits, Women’s institute, various political parties and of course religious organisations.
Blake would be turning in his grave, if he “woke” up.
Stasia March 4, 2023 at 10:44 AM
ReplyDeleteIt moves from an idealised view to a dark dark satanic reality.
REPLYDELETE
Sarnia March 4, 2023 at 11:16 AM
It's still a **** to play.
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Stasia March 4, 2023 at 11:29 AM
I thing that might be Parry’s fault.
maryellenMarch 4, 2023 at 4:19 PM
ReplyDeleteIt sounded okay on the Church Hall’s upright piano! 🙂
DELETE
Sarnia March 4, 2023 at 5:57 PM
Perhaps your pianist had bigger hands than me. Most people do.
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ArcherphileMarch 4, 2023 at 12:14 PM
And now, for some reason, Jerusalem is sung at the beginning of Test Matches. I strongly suspect that many of the crowd joining in have no religious feelings and would be just as happy singing ‘Sweet Caroline’.
MiriamMarch 4, 2023 at 5:52 PM
ReplyDeleteSweet Caroline is for football, Jerusalem relates to England and not sung in a religious way.
See my post on the other page...
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ArcherphileMarch 4, 2023 at 6:37 PM
I do know Caroline is is for football Miriam. That’s why I was making the difference between the two sports.
MiriamMarch 4, 2023 at 3:50 PM
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed last night's TA with the funeral. It was well done, with just the right of emotion from all.
Keri Davis did Jenny proud as it seemed to include her in true way.
This was my feel of the proceedings. To add my fish 'n chips did end up with a bit more salt than originally.
Miriam
ReplyDeleteIt would be lovely if, Angela Piper had had a say, as to her final farewell, such as the finding of the pie.
Sorry about the run over on the last blog. I checked this morning & realised I needed to open a fresh thread but then got distracted.
ReplyDeleteAs per the other page...
ReplyDelete👋👋👋👋
...and 😢
DeleteI hope that you all, continue to enjoy The Archers as much as I do, and always will.
DeleteMiriam and 🐈⬛. 😊 🤗
Miriam - I think, like me, you are missing the official Archers page on Facebook which recently closed, for some unknown reason
ReplyDeletePerhaps you would like to try Ambridge Addicts Too, which is another page on Facebook. I have been a member for some time and there are many other like-minded members and always interesting discussions. I think you may enjoy it and it is another outlet for our thoughts on the programme. Some of the members also used to post on the now closed Archers page like you and I, so you may see some familiar names. It is a members only page, so you have to apply to join, but it means comments are only seen by other members and not the general public.
Esscee- the original Ambridge Addicts closed when the original leaders decided to give up doing the moderating. Some of the other members have taken over and re-opened the site as Ambridge Addicts Too. I don’t think there is any real bad language, it is one of the rules not to do so. There are also rules about not being nasty about other members or the actors. There was another site which was terrible for swearing and I left some time ago. AAToo suits me and I am definitely against swearing. There are some strongly held opinions which give rise to interesting discussions but also a lot of humour as well.
DeleteWhy not give it a try and see what you think?
Happy St Piran's Day for anyone who doesn't read the other blog. (Gool Peran Lowen, word order is different in Cornish so this translates as Feastday Piran Happy).
ReplyDeleteSpent yesterday afternoon cooking pasties to have instead of a roast today.
Happy St Piran's Day to you too, Janice! I'm imagining you humming Trelawney as you lay the table!
DeleteThere is a similar strange word order in Welsh so happy St David’s Day ( last Wednesday) is Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus. (Day of St David Happy!)
DeleteTantalising cliff hanger last night Any ideas anyone?
ReplyDeleteIndeed KP! Adam seemed happy with the note maybe Jennifer was asking for something specific to be done with her clothing - sell and raise money for Charity maybe or a letter for Lilian?
ReplyDeleteBit of a damp squib but I did enjoy listening to Adam, Alice & Kate, I’ve got both my daughters’ milk teeth, and I could tell each set apart…admittedly I am one of a probably small number of parents who said to their daughter “if you don’t behave I won’t take your wobbly tooth out”
ReplyDeleteAgree I thought Adam said he had found a note but not so - well until he found Jennifer’s list!
DeleteDidn’t know Lily had split with Russ. Thank goodness for that. Anything major brought that on?
ReplyDeleteGoing through old stuff and squabbling was pathetic. Surely no family talks in such a way. I used to like Adam but now, when I know how old he is, I think he’s a like a wet dishcloth.
You call that
Deletesquabbling? You should have met the younger of my two sisters - her sons reckon she had a cauldron and a broomstick!
I still have my girls milk teeth.
ReplyDeleteWill they want them I wonder !
I've still got my three girls' milk teeth as well.
DeleteStill got my son and daughter's, in two separate little jars. Unfortunately I didn't label the jars so don't know which is which.
ReplyDeleteWhen a child at their primary school had a wobbly tooth the headmistress would tie a long piece of string to the tooth and the other end to a door handle and then shut the door quickly. Surprisingly she was a very popular teacher.
That was precisely the method preferred in my mothers family Janice.
DeleteShe often talked of it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWe keep hearing references to Jim’s campaign to stop the electric car charging station, but. not from Jim himself which is unusual. Should we be worried?
ReplyDeleteUmm food for thought! Not in this weeks cast list and no mention of him in next weeks headliners…John Rowe is 82 yrs similar to Angela Piper oh dear so many in their 80’s and 90’s now still ‘‘twas ever thus” another changing of the guard I guess.
DeleteIs Ambridge situated is position where there would be enough passing traffic to justify such a major charging point?
ReplyDeleteI think I remember having heard the words ‘ the bypass’ from time to time, so possibly near enough CC.
DeleteThank you for that info Mrs P
DeleteGolly Clarrie is still with us ! I’m very pleased to hear her.
Deleteand Eddie next week !
DeleteI wonder if the man in the portrait (a Pargetter ancestor?) is dark-skinned. There has been comment in the papers recently about slave-owning families making reparation.
ReplyDeleteConsidering it was Nolly who is following up on this I would put money on you being right maryellen, so very of the moment too as you say.
DeleteSusan and Clarrie’s reaction to the ‘Viewing Window’ was entirely predictable.
ReplyDeleteClarrie is horrified at the thought of being on view to the public.
Susan, after a bit of flattery from Helen, has stars in her eyes imagining herself in the role of super-communicator . I bet she’ll be wanting a special new tabard with a name badge.
But I do think Helen should have discussed this move with her workers first, very unfair to launch this new idea as a done deal without even getting their consent to be on view whilst working.
I agree AP !
DeleteI also agree that Helen should have discussed the changes with her staff.
DeleteBut then it would not have been a very good SL I suppose.
I was expecting Susan and Clarrie to ask for a pay rise!
DeleteSo why did Lily split up with Russ?
ReplyDeleteRuss found out she had been unfaithful to him - on one occasion, with a work colleague who liked her, and at a time a year or so before when things were a bit unstable re. his divorce taking a long time. Russ was so angry that for his art exhibition he put a title like Betrayal, can't remember exactly perhaps someone else remembers, on his very good painting of Lily, which greatly annoyed Lily and Elizabeth. Russ left and Lily sold the painting. I think I was one of the very few people here who thought it was a shame he left as I thought he was improving as a character and was doing a good job developing the art gallery.
DeleteTo add to Janice explanation - Elizabeth bought the painting as both she and Lily liked it and thought it was a very good painting.
DeleteI'm one of the few too, Janice. Elizabeth's ungrateful attitude to Russ's departure lowered my opinion of her. I hope he will return. Who is running the art gallery now, btw, and is the accommodation that goes with the job still vacant?
DeleteRuss split up with Lily.
DeleteTracey accused him of being the father of Chelsea's baby. Russ was affronted that Lily could mistrust him enough to believe this claim. If I remember rightly, Lily also accidentally let slip that she had had that one-night stand some months ago. It did not all resolve happily and Russ departed in high dudgeon.
Thank you all for the info.
ReplyDeleteWhat are people’s thoughts on tonight’s offerings.
History happened so no point in trying to hide it Freddie use it to show that time is highlighting past injustices and that most people are now (hopefully) aware of others just as fellow humans beings and that everyone deserves to be treated with respect no matter which cog in the wheel of life they are.
ReplyDeleteJenny’s mountains of clothes where did she keep them all in their small rented cottage. We’re some still packed up in a barn at Home Farm maybe? Adam’s father before my time, my listening started about early 1970’s. Many will remember though, is Paddy still alive I wonder and it seems Adam maybe having this thought too 🤔
Could the picture stuck on the wall conceal the door to a secret room (or have I been reading too much Enid Blyton?) If the officer is nothing to do with the Pargetters, as I think Freddie said, what is he doing there?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree Lady R on all 3 points.
ReplyDeleteFor someone who isn’t interested in his father he sure made a song and dance about it.
Take the picture down and put it in the attic til nolatando sods off back to africa, then put it back up. What’s done is done. Move on and learn from it.
Susan was definitely coveting that silk scarf. Lol.
Yes, dropping hints like mad, wasn’t she? I was convinced Adam (or was it Ian) would offer it to her as a thankyou for her help.
DeleteBut then I thought, why was she so keen on helping to sort out Jenny’s old clothes? It was hardly her place to do that job. Couldn’t help thinking she reckoned there would be something she could get her hands on, a handbag, some gloves or a brooch perhaps.
Possibly my long antipathy to Susan coloured my rather ungracious thoughts!
Perhaps she just genuinely wanted to be helpful?
Probably both AP 🙃 🧣
DeleteOf course Susan was trying to be helpful - it's typical of her community spirit. True she was admiring the staff a lot and Adam should have been aware enough to offer it to her, but she was quick to relinquish it when he said which pile it was to go on.
DeleteBecause she can then buy it at the charity shop ?
DeleteAnd then, possibly (?) claim that Jennifer had given it to her ?
Oh Mrs P - you and I have similar thoughts! Susan can be genuinely helpful but I certainly don’t regard her as the village saint who never has an ulterior motive!
DeleteHear hear. 👍
DeleteWho is the village saint then?
DeleteThat makes Susan no better or worse than her neighbours or us when it comes to ulterior motives, so it’s unfair to imagine selfish motives for her and not others.
DeleteI think Susan is more of a candidate for Village Fairy. She was pitch perfect with Adam last night and it was easy to see why he turned to her as a friend to share his dilemma.
(If the TA team waned a storyline fo Adam I wish they’d stuck with the Edible Garden and not gone chasing after a long gone father!)
Well done Elizabeth for speaking out about history as she did.
ReplyDeleteKnew Adam would fish the letter out of the bin.
My thoughts precisely to both of yours Ptby.
DeleteWhy plant the letter there. Way back when I once said somewhat spitefully, oh, what about Adam looking for his father and now he is. Spicycushion replied that he turned up once and shared some memories with Jennifer but Adam wasn't interested.
What I don't understand is why he said that it can't hurt Jennifer now, if she kept the letter, to me it seems for sentimental reasons and wanted Adam to see it and not forgot to throw it out.
I was once asked to find someone's birth certificate, with a name and dob I went to Aldwych and obtained a copy, his father was a teacher and I contacted the Teachers Union and the son got in touch and I passed on his details.
Very odd, two complete strangers communicating on behalf of a third party.
Just had what maybe (or not ) a lightbulb moment. Could Skyesy be Adam’s father? No sooner has he appeared than out of the blue the search for Adam’s father is about to begin and seems like he is the right age and has talked of knowing Brookfield…….
ReplyDeleteOooh. Interesting!!!!
DeleteOne off comments, as only logged back in purely to know how all are doing as said on other page.
ReplyDelete1) Am hating the slavery aspect as to the painting
2) Am loving Adam will now want to know about his father, as Xander and Henry will want to do eventually.
3) Syksey as Paddy? Paddy was Irish but then accents can change over time.
4) Ben realises that nursing is his true vocation
5) The 3rd lodger at The Stables has to be Paul.
Apologies to All for posting again, but couldn't resist the opportunity whilst still logged in.
Logging out again, be it permantley or not 🤷♀️🤷♀️😰😰
Miriam, you really don’t have to apologise. Your thoughts are just as valid as anyone elses.
DeleteDid you have a look at that FB page I recommended? I think it makes a good alternative to the BBC page which closed recently and we both used to comment on. It’s called Ambridge Addicts Too, you may recognise some of the names and I find it very congenial
To add, I am a member of another Archers site with a total limit of 600 members.
DeleteIt gives so many interesting and differing ideas about The Archers, in very many ways, be these good or bad, but is also fun! 😀
Perhaps others are also there 🤷♀️
AP Have you find the equvalent - BBC The Archers- Unnoficial?
DeleteIt has all the same posters and is just the same in so many ways.
No, I haven’t come across that one Miriam. Thank you for the recommendation, I will certainly look for it. I’m always interested in reading Archer’s comments and some sites are better than others, aren’t they. I left one very rapidly because it was full of heavy swearing and bad language!
DeleteI am hoping that in their treatment of the slavery issue the s/ws don't forget to mention that the majority of slaves of the transatlantic line were in fact sold to the traders by other black people
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be conveniently forgotten by the "woke" brigade.
DeleteVery good point Janice.
DeleteMiriam, thank you for the message about The Archers- Unofficial. I went straight off to find it and have left my first comment. Very clever of someone to reproduce the old BBC site so closely. And you are right - I do recognise many of the names! See you over there sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI can't find this site, how do you access it? I used to read fb comments sometimes, it's been reported in the press that it has been paused.
DeleteThere is an official site but with no comments.
I can't find it either.
DeleteFreddie told Lily Lower Loxley is where I live and work.
ReplyDeleteYou prefer to live and work away from it.
Just heard Tony telling Helen she ought to warn Susan and Clarrie about the viewing window scheme. She replied that she wanted to confirm the builder’s timetable first.
ReplyDeleteSeems she was determined to go ahead with the idea as quickly as possible whatever their reaction would be. Nor surprised it came as an unwelcome move to Clarrie, she had no warning Helen was even considering such an idea. Not ideal worker management for a team that are also friends.
Agree AP - but that is how Helen operates isn’t it, formulate a plan and inform others ( or not ) afterwards.
DeleteIf she had discussed her plans with Pat, Pat would have advised her to talk to the duo to sound them out, before contacting a builder.
She has learned a great deal from her relationship with Rob and the after effects but has not improved her people management skills very much at all.
There used to be another builder in Ambridge who used to be available at a moment's notice for surprisingly cheap prices. I can't quite recall his name or what happened to him.
DeleteAh, yes, his name was Phillip Moss....
🤣 😱
DeleteI thought the scene between Alice and Brian was lovely this evening.
ReplyDeleteI am curious as to where Brian is thinking of going, will Lillian find him somewhere locally or is he looking to move further afield?
Aha! I think Lewis Carmichael’s cottage at Lower Loxley should suit Brian fine! Unless he’s disappearing into the sunset as KPnuts suggests.
ReplyDeleteIs Charles about to join his wife In retirement if not thoughts on his next abode?
ReplyDeleteMemories held in the heart and mind are a wonderful thing and a great comfort for many, but that can take time for some. Alice’s experience very understandable, a colleague once queued up to buy a jumper in a M&S sale which she knew her mum would love then just as she was next to be served like a bolt of lightening she remembered she had lost her 😥
Eddie back being his typical Grundy self 🙃 leaving poor Clarrie to battle on. Susan still in understanding mode, although not quite so much regarding Clarrie and the issue of the viewing window…and of course Joy being caring too as we would expect)
The Aldridge children will all have the jolt of Mothering Sunday at the end of the week, the realisation that I didn’t need to arrange anything for my Mum went on hurting for several years after her death.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Xander is being told about his Mother?
Very very true KP 💔
DeleteA friend of mine lost her Mother on Mothering Sunday some years back now but forever a double whammy as she has the anniversary date itself and then MS whatever date it happens to be that year 😥
It's Father's Day that must be a minefield for Helen!
ReplyDelete✔️😳
DeleteSurely Lee has been around for long enough now to be a stand in father for Helen’s boys.
DeleteOn further thoughts tho’ Henry might well have disturbing memories
of ‘call me daddy ‘ Rob.
The business of the distinctive scarf being recognised by family members has brought back memories for me.
I drove across London to give my mothers clothes to a charity shop. Having thought ahead and not wanting to bump into anyone in my area wearing my mothers dresses. I did keep two of her dresses that I always liked her wearing and they are still in my wardrobe.
Jennifer’s brood have had there pick of her ‘things’, though it has not been specified what, but the use of the scarf has been a useful trope for the SW to illustrate the dilemma of disposal of the deceased clothes.
Although Charles Collingwood wrote a few months ago, after his wife Judy Bennet had left the series, that he just wanted to carry on playing Brian for as long as he could - I wonder if he new feels retirement calling too? Perhaps Judy would like him at home more, or to do some of the bucket list things they have always dreamed of?
ReplyDeleteIf he does retire, it will leave the Aldridge clan entirely in the hands of the younger generation which could give rise to many story possibilities. And will it affect Stella’s position?
Meanwhile, what is going on at Brookfield? Haven’t heard from there for some time, I’m keen to hear the latest on the feud between David and Vince. Has the money Vince demanded been paid yet?
One final piece of news - apparently, due to budgets cuts, the number of actors in each episode has been reduced. The maximin was 7 but he didn’t say how many are allowed now. I suppose this means even more lengthening out of stories and leaving listeners wondering what has happened to so-and-so.
🤔 🙄
Thinking back to LadyR’s comment about whether “Sykesy” was Adams Dad, would using Jasper Carrott be the scriptwriters joke about red hair? Sykesy told Ben that his full name is William something, I might go back to find that episode but I don’t think it was Redmund. I reckon Sykesy might be related to Vince as I have seen posted elsewhere.
ReplyDeletePaddy Redmond was Irish, if I remember correctly. Would he have lost his accent entirely and picked up a Birmingham one?
Delete✔️😮
ReplyDeleteThe BBC have updated the Archers site, & about time! Also some interesting teasers about the upcoming episodes. I won’t say any more as spoilers are considered bad form😉
ReplyDeleteI am furious with Helen and the way she is treating her workers. Clarrie’s misgivings and uncomfortable feeling about being on show, when working, are summarily dismissed. Even Susan seems not to care about Clarrie as long as she gets her starring role as commentator.
ReplyDeleteI fear for Clarries health. She is pushed to the limit at home, no help from Eddie, trying to get her vegetables planted, expected to work overtime at the dairy so that Helen can get her precious window installed. I think she may be in for a heart attack or breakdown. Open your eyes Helen, your staff deserve some consideration. And a day off on full pay is not enough!
I agree with you about this Archerfile.
DeleteI’m also in agreement and actually thought last night that we might be seeing the end of Clarrie pretty soon.
DeleteClarrie has always been stretched to the limit but often shrugs it off as if she was born to be a workhorse, but her burden is not usually accompanied by the anxiety she is experiencing regarding being on show in the window.
Where is Pat ?
Clarrie should look at the bigger picture. Bridge Farm is trying to attract visitors in order to keep afloat in a competitive market. If it fails, Clarrie’s job may go too. Actually, I think she should get herself transferred to the Edible Garden Project, as gardening is her thing. It might cure her negativity which (combined with her terrible accent) makes her tiring to listen to - let alone work with!
ReplyDelete“Don’t shoot the messenger” says Susan to Clarrie.
ReplyDeleteSomeone needs to put Clarrie out of
Her misery.
DeleteAre you suggesting a horrible accident, accidental poisoning, or just retirement? 😉
DeleteThis whole window thing is a very badly written story, especially it being achieved so quickly.
ReplyDeleteFor a start, It would require planning permission, including conditions for public safety.
Building materials, including a large window, would have to be ordered in advance. Building materials are in short supply at the moment. The large window, especially, is not the sort of thing a builder would have lying around.
Builders are in such demand at the moment with people having to wait weeks to get small building jobs done. How convenient, the builder having a cancellation - did he have no other jobs on his waiting list? This part of the story is particularly unrealistic.
As said before, this is typical of Helen (and the Editor) trying to push something through quickly.
Suggesting the entire Bridge Farm enterprise could fail without the window is ridiculous. It is simply another visitor attraction which may entertain customers for a few minutes but, once seen, will probably not attract them again. Who, for example, is going to stand outside in the winter watching yogurt being potted up? They go to the farm shop, probably quite regularly, to buy their products not watch them being made on every visit.
As for Clarrie’s negativity, I am not at all surprised, considering what she is dealing with at home, and her wretched husband. She deserves some compassion, not criticism but I agree working in the gardens would probably suit her much better. Let Susan take window the glory, Clarrie doesn’t need or want it.
I think you are over-interpreting, Archerphile. Ridiculous I may be, but I wasn't suggesting the future of Bridge Farm depended solely on the installation of an observation window in the dairy. Just that Clarrie has an investment in Bridge Farm's future too. How much of people's support for Clarrie is driven by antipathy to Susan? Personally, I pity Clarrie's work colleagues for constantly having to jolly her along.
DeleteAren't the frustrations of employing a builder in real life something that listeners turn to Ambridge to escape from?
Perhaps I have been exceptionally fortunate with my electricians. I had an appointment for the assessment within four days of my initial phone call. The system was tested the following day, with an estimate two days later. The work started on March 8th and finished today, with the whole process, including external socket and connecting up garden water features, taking just under 3 weeks from my initial enquiry. It can be done.
DeleteI can see Susan playing to the gallery, chatting overlong to the viewers, while Clarrie has to try to work faster to maintain their normal work output. I don't get the impression Helen cares.
ReplyDeleteThere is a pasty shop in the village (it has several competing pasty shops) with a large viewing window showing the working kitchen, and it does seem to draw visitors to watch and into the shop, but there is no running commentary.
Interesting Janice, maybe your shop will head hunt Susan in order to add commentary 🤣
DeleteI can well imagine it being popular Janice, but you are in a tourist area, famous for a particular product. Are there as many visitors in the winter looking through the window?
DeleteBridge Farm is not in such an area (as far as we are aware) and sells a variety of products. I can’t thinking the novelty of seeing cheese and yogurt being made will wear off, especially amongst regular customers.
Will the expense, reorganisation and upset to a long serving employee be worthwhile?
You may well be right Archerfile. In winter it is dead here with just a few retired folks wandering through. Income has to be made in the summer months. I suppose Bridge Farm will have a steady all year round footfall but they will tend to have the same customers who once they have watched the making process once won't necessarily want to do it again.
DeleteArcherphile. Winky smiley face back. Sometimes one has to spell things out.
ReplyDeleteI think all three solutions would work, perhaps the first two might be a touch drastic. Also we can’t have another heart attack, so soon after Jenifer.
Perhaps a metaphorical stereotype change from nagging , moaning ‘life’s awful, look at hard done by I am’ to positive strong women confident enough to set boundaries in her home life.
I don’t know about awful Eddie but she’s doin moi ed in.
On second thoughts the Vet is the best option.
😂
DeleteOK everyone.
ReplyDeleteI give in!
Helen and Susan are right.
The shop window is a good idea. It has been facilitated so quickly by The Ambridge Fairy
It will bring in loads more customers and income for Bridge Farm
Susan is a paragon and will become a star. Demonstrating cookery on TV perhaps
Clarrie has an awful countryside accent from Lord knows where, is constantly bemoaning her luck and will probably snuff it soon from hard work (Whereupon we and Eddie will probably miss her)
That’s all I have to say on the subject of the wretched window.
Now, onwards and upwards to stories anew.
What has been the point of Paul with his crass remark - she'll be safe with me (Hannah) for Martyn Gibson to reply with - what about the rest of us. To be supposedly paired off with Ruairi who nearly assaulted him. Miriam put him at the Stables which was offered to him but then we found out he's on the way out for Denise to come back because Alistair has a crush on her. Perhaps she'll be prevented and he'll stay.
ReplyDeleteOf course, it must be much milder in Abridge. Down here in the 'subtropical' Hampshire basin the ground's still too cold and hard for planting taters.
ReplyDeleteAmbridge, that is. To my surprise my phone keeps changing it to a hymn tune!
ReplyDeleteMrNuts has just calculated that Brian would have needed to bet £1000.00 on the main race in order to win £300.00 The winner was the shortest odds ever, 11:4 !
ReplyDeleteLovely episode tonight. Brian and Adam getting on so well. Susan coming up trumps for Clarrie.
ReplyDeleteBut only 4 voices?
Archerphile…..I’m with you on the window/bridge farm carry on.
ReplyDeleteI reckon Neil and Eddie are up to something for clarrie and Susan knows all about it.
Ah could be and why Susan made sure Clarrie was taken out when a work day suddenly became a paid holiday!
DeleteI wonder if they are going to paint the bathroom or something as Eddie texted Clarrie to ask if she preferred green or white.
ReplyDeleteSeems to be a lot going on between Eddie and Neil if it’s only buying paint. And it wouldn’t need two of them would it?
ReplyDeletePerhaps they are going to install a whole new bathroom and were thinking about tile colours?
Avocado?
DeleteWould Oliver really allow that? I'd have thought he'd want a professional bathroom company in.
Sage green or crisp white, just checked.
DeleteWell! Anyone else find Brian's new perspective on life a bit overwhelming?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it's sage green for a pergola. Eddie and Ben share a birthday then.
ReplyDeleteThe story of the POW camp is in the prequel novel “Ambridge at War” by Catherine Miller. The two evacuees who helped the Italian prisoner were called John & Billy, they were billeted with the Horrobins & had an elder sister called Peggy.
ReplyDeleteI have that book KP and thought when I listened tonight why wasn’t that in that book I read ? I don’t recall the POWs although I do remember the boys finding someone hiding in bushes.
DeleteWas the boys' elder sister Peggy Woolley?
ReplyDeleteSomeone on 'Mustardland' reported that there wasn't a camp in Ambridge but then I read this that it's in Ambridge at War so now the scripwriter's use this as a resource! Pity there are some ( about my age, 70 years plus!) where new back stories are being invented who are unhappy about this.
ReplyDeleteI read 'Ambridge at War' and yes, it was Peggy Perkins who Jack became interested in. However I gave it to charity shop as it didn't seem like the Archers as I knew new it.
Not sure if I mentioned this but since my stroke but please excuse spelling mistakes and typos. I have difficulty in rememnering words and punctuation !
So despite my checking there were some mistakes ! Peggy Perkins became Mrs Archer and then Woolley!
DeleteLast line please delete second 'but' and it should be 'remembering.'
My Ambridge at War is at present sitting in a box with other books about to go to the church second hand book stall. Feel a bit guilty as it was originally a present but I felt the same way about it as you did Spicy.
DeleteSpicey, I have a friend who has had several strokes since multiple heart operations and he has exactly the same problems. Believe me, you are doing extremely well.
ReplyDeleteLike Spicycushion I don't like these invented back stories, but I don't pay much attention.
ReplyDeleteBut Basia, it's all an invention, isn't it! You could trace the existence of Ambridge back to the Domesday Book and it would be just as valid as what happened yesterday.
ReplyDeleteYes, I know, any back story can be invented/embellished according to circumstances but it grates all the same, I'll try to put up and shut up.
DeleteI'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause offence. I just didn't understand the difference.
ReplyDeleteNone taken, take no notice, I wonder where Brian will go.
DeleteI think I can see what BASIA means.
DeleteShe said it’s just invented, and although TA is invented, it’s invented for real time every day of the week, whereas the fictionalised ‘ back story ‘ is an afterthought- therefore not the ‘real thing’ ergo…… invented !
And I might add not even by one of the authorised TA writers.
I can understand Ambridge folk reminiscing - it happens all the time in real life. But this seems to me to be a cheap and easy way of filling air time: a storyline of sorts with minimal cast requirements and not much demand for dialogue. I'd much rather hear about events happening now than 70+ years ago!
DeleteThe Archers invented? Ooh noooo! It's a documentary 😀
DeleteIs it merely a means of establishing the legitimacy of Sykesy's connection to the place and people - shared memories with regular characters!
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, but that begs the question, why do we need the Sykesy character at all? Is he a way of spinning out the Ben story. by showing how good Ben is with elderly people? We already know that from how good he is with Jill. Is Sykesy destined to be a substitute for Jill? I can’t say I’ve taken to him.
DeleteA way of getting a well-known ‘star’ into the programme? Like Eleanor Bron as Carole perhaps. Kudos for The Archers?
DeletePerhaps being in TA has been a lifelong ambition, like Patrick Stewart and Desert Island Discs?
ReplyDeleteTold you so, Denise would be prevented and Paul goes to the Stables.
ReplyDeleteOnly Alistair is disappointed but better this way.
I've no idea what this wild goose chase was all about.
It was a game like a Treasure Hunt (except there didn't seem to be any tangible reward involved). Players had to make their way through a series of locked rooms. Each room contained a puzzle. The correct answer unlocked the door to the next room.
DeleteI believe these escape games are becoming very popular, such a venue has recently opened in my nearest town. They seem to be replacing things like paint-balling or go-cart racing for group activities such as a lads night out or birthday bash.
DeleteMaryellen and Archerphile - thank you both for your explanations.
DeleteGoodness, the Ambridge Fairy has been very busy lately. First arranging the Bridge Farm window so quickly and now finding Brian a Cottage with a flick of her fingers!
ReplyDeleteJust hope a previous resident doesn’t come a calling!
I was invited to an Escape room with my Cub Leaders and Jon some while ago (before Covid) and I just couldn't work fast enough to get my Cub Scout leader (who is a policeman) and Jon taking over the whole business! It was fun though.
DeleteYesterday I went to a Music Quiz with Jon and Rob and dil at the Cricket Club and didn;t answer a single question. But the wine was nice !
Good to hear you got your priorities right Spicy 🍷 🤣 🍷
DeleteI think Brian taking on the tenancy of Blossom Hill Cottage, is just brilliant.
ReplyDeleteHe is still in Ambridge, but now has his own space, which still gives him happy memories of Jenny, without the angst.
He will still be close to his family, so it sounds ideal for now.
My other thought was that Brian would rent The Lodge, as Peggy still seems to be residing at Bridge Farm..
DeleteI preffered this idea, but not to be.
I can understand Brian wanting some family free time right now. Family should wait for him to rejoin in his own time. Of course Brian being Brian may with time find a new Jenny !
DeleteI don't think he will, as he seems content now in his own way along with his family nearby, but not on his doorstep.
DeleteIt seems Paul is here to stay long-term at the vets, as he is now appears on the BBC website as to an Archers characters 🫰
ReplyDeleteBack next week..
DeleteI knew Debbie was back this week but didn’t dare let the cat out of the bag because we don’t do spoilers! I’m sure Miriam will be pleased as she has often said she’d like Debbie to return, but how long for, I wonder.
ReplyDeleteAnd now we know why Justin was so keen on helping out in the shop. So he could spy and hear all the village gossip.
The s..t really will hit the fan when the village realises that he (Demara) is behind the charging station plan. It’s Route B all over again! ….. or was it Route C?
Justin back to being the evil businessman again, and about time! That was what he was brought in for after all.
ReplyDeleteI had also realised Debbie would be back but belong to the the no major spoilers school of thought, speculation is fine but even quoting Radio Times teasers or cast lists is more than some readers like.
Now that we know Sykesy used to work at Brookfield could he provide Adam with information about his father Paddy, they would have been contemporaries so possibly friends.
I also knew Debbie was back. I hope she'd be back for Home Farm managerment but I suspect it's only a visit.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard that Sykesy was at Brookfield. (I think I'll have to starting listening again and not just reading catch-up!) The only other workers was Jethro and his father Ned Larkin. Don't remember anyone else!
No great surprise that Justin is behind the charging station but shouldn't there be another set of plans as if the original plans were for stables and paddock?
And what was Justin and Stella being all friendly when Stells was applying for the job at Home Farm. That's all forgotten about!
There most certainly should be another set of plans, especially as public buildings and road access need to be included and all the owners of any neighbouring land would have to be notified.
DeleteBut perhaps Damara/Justin haven’t actually submitted any plans yet but have just been testing the water. Once plans are submitted a notice would have to go in the local press too.
Debbie was a bit of a disappointment. She gets a lot of hype from bloggers so maybe I was expecting too much. I've never quite understood the hype!
ReplyDeleteCould it be that voice Maryellen- it is for me !
DeleteI must admit I was disappointed too. She sounded very hesitant with lots of ums and ers. Perhaps that was her way of interpreting grief?
DeleteIt was like some bad pantomime in two places at the same time.
ReplyDeleteJim at his worst (well, not his absolute worst, at least he didn't quote Cicero!) Effectively blackmailing David into signing his petition while claiming the moral high ground. Makes Justin look positively saintly. He's not blackmailing anyone. His undercover research methods actually benefitted the village shop, which is more than can be said for Jim's protest crew, who are probably mainly concerned about the effects of the proposed development on property values.
ReplyDeleteI suspect some mistakes will be made with the yoghurt, at least until Clarrie and Susan get used to being watched. I went to the pasty shop with the viewing window on Saturday. There was a new young woman by herself making pasties and while I was in the shop I asked her how she felt about the window. She said being watched gave her stage fright and then she would make a mess of her crimping.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the real life input Janice, which is truly reflected in the Archers.
DeleteAt least the new woman at the pasty shop doesn't have to explain what she's doing which would add to her anxiety.
I don’t think I have ever heard DAVID so angry. And I don’t blame him, especially over the savaging of the lamb.
ReplyDeleteAs for the protestors, they need to focus their anger on the right people, not Brookfield.
Jim is wrong and needs to do his homework - firstly by contacting the local council to ask if a planning application has been lodged and by whom.
If the planning application has been made to the council, they are obliged to notify all nearby residents so they have the chance to inspect the plans and make objections. The fact that this hasn’t been done yet leads me to think a formal application for the charging station et al has not yet been lodged. Justin just testing the ground so far.
DeleteActually Justin is planning a huge Amazon distribution hub. The charging station is just a blind - he's planning on the residents using up all their energy on protesting that. Then they will be so euphoric at having one that the 'small communications point' will go through on the nod.
ReplyDeletewon, not one.
DeleteNot funny OWIAS! That exactly what have been fighting for the last 3 years - a mile down the road from here. Permission was not given (too large, in open countryside, effect on wildlife, traffic etc etc).
DeleteSo they tried to get a Lidl one on the site instead because it would be a bit smaller, Now, thank goodness D of Environment has thrown the whole plan out and we can breathe again……..for now!
Oh dear, OWiaS, I fear his revenge when he finds out you've told us!
ReplyDeleteNow we know why they've brought Debbie back, to supposedly "expose" Brain.
ReplyDeleteIt's the first time I've heard her, what a disappointment.
Brian said he didn't need any tape, so why did she go out to buy it?
It's a very clumsy plot line, nothing like when she found out about Siobhan.
Now these wild accusations, how stupid.
Anyway, why did she go away after the funeral, to come back and cause trouble?
And Joy with the scarf and now a brooch...why is it spelt like this anyway?
You've taken the words out of my mouth, Basia! Why did they drag Debbie back from Hungary only to give her this banal storyline? Given her reputation, I was looking forward to some words of wisdom on the future of the Home Farm partnership, not this cheap stuff.
DeleteOr maybe the TA team are oh-so-cleverly contrasting Brian’s present relationship with his two stepchildren: a new togetherness with Adam after years of rubbing each other up the wrong way, and unexpected alienation from Debbie after a decade of mutual support. Presumably Jennifer’s death has taken Debbie back to pre-Hungary day’s when she was was disgusted by Brian’s treatment of her mother (weren’t we all?).
DeleteStill think it’s abysmal, though!
Debbie is grieving too - and perhaps like Ruari, consumed with guilt for taking her mother's existence for granted by staying away for so long.
ReplyDeleteI see - like Lilian venting her anger on Tony for a perceived slight as an expression of the guilt and anger at herself caused by her inadequacy in helping Jennifer in her final moments. Now it's Debbie venting her anger on Brian for a perceived slight to her mother's memory as an expression of the guilt and anger at herself she feels. Yes, but I think the scriptwriters could have stuck with the Jennifer's clothes and not involved poor Joy!.
DeleteShould end: not involved Joy in an imaginary affair! The poor woman was already suffering from having charitably bought some of Jennifer's belongings in the WI sale.
DeleteAt first Debbie seemed appalled that Brian was considering buying an electric recliner armchair (obviously old man mode to her) but then equally appalled to think that the reason he needed one would be to sit in and recover after rampant sex with Joy! The second time Joy has been accused of this - Tony the first time…anyway has she not still got her own man, or did that finish?
ReplyDeleteThese misunderstandings seem to be a recurring theme in TA these days. I hope that they can come up with something more original in future. After listening to last night's episode I was glad that I now listen while doing something else.
ReplyDeletePerhaps that's what I should do, instead of sitting in front of the screen in case I miss something, absorbing every word, better let it go past my ears.
DeleteBrian said he didn't want any more tape.
"you are sure you've got a Mrs?" what was that in there for?
After a death in the family all sorts of buried tensions come bubbling to the surface. My mother died in 1989 but the repercussions still fester: due to anger vented on me by a sister, now also long gone, I and my last surviving brother have been kept apart ever since by his wife. Other people do get dragged into it, so I feel sorry for Joy.
ReplyDeleteI felt sorry for Joy and was pretty cross with Debbie.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, the paragon of common sense and down to earth management skills.
This listener very disappointed.
A paragon whose Achilles' heel is her mother.
ReplyDeleteBRIAN seems to have recovered remarkably quickly. Couldn’t wait to find somewhere else to live, dispose of Jenny’s things, buy new furniture rather than use pieces he already has either at the cottage or in storage, begin a new phase of life. Debbie’s return seems to be less than successful with her jumping to the wrong conclusion and embarrassing Joy. Disappointed me too!
ReplyDeleteIt got even better today. Yes, I know, forgive but not forget, ah, perhaps she and Brian will part for good.
ReplyDeleteIf this is a permanent estrangement, perhaps it is a way for Tamsin Grieg to also leave the luke-warm soap.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly Mistral!
DeleteSome of us don't want to live in the past, AP. In 3 1/2 years since my husband died I've had a deck built on the terrace, disposed of the armchairs, re-furnished three of the rooms and re-designed the garden. The house has just been rewired and once the smart meters have been installed there will be a new downstairs cloakroom in part of the hall. Then the outside loo will be demolished and the outbuilding incorporated into a back porch and veranda.
ReplyDeleteIf circumstances demand that you begin a new life in your 70s there's no time to hang about, you just have to get on with it.
My children were very keen for me to form a new relationship ASAP; I'm the one who's not interested!
Yes Sarnia, you have achieved a tremendous amount in those 3 1/2 years which is admirable. But Jenny has only been gone for a very few week and considering how devastated Brian was at first, he does seem to be moving on very quickly.
DeleteThe argument with Debbie tonight was probably their final confrontation. Debbie obviously hasn’t forgiven Brian for his infidelities and probably never will. I don’t think she will ever return from Hungary while Brian is still alive now.
I knew that there would be a huge amount to do and as there was only ever going to be one outcome I had started planning before he died.
ReplyDeleteI can’t believe it has been 3 and a half years Sarnia!! How well you have done - you forgot your new front door though 🙂 seems I may have the memory of an elephant, or 🤞🏼 just a keen interest in fellow blogger’s accomplishments.
DeleteYou are so kind, Lady R, and there has been many a time when your interest and encouragement have lifted my spirits and kept me going. Thank you.
DeleteIt's not going to be easy for Brian, either. He is having to live with the guilt of his poor treatment of Jenny in the past and the knowledge that his stepdaughter still doesn't trust him has brought it home very forcefully.
I see a great future for George as a velvet-tongued con man smooth-talking lonely women out of their savings.
Very clever of George to get both his grandmothers on board, I still have to remind myself that he's both Susan's and Clarrie's grandson.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those who live in the past, remembering things that happened 60 years ago,what's the point, or is it a sign that the end is near, if so, it's been taking its time...
I can understand why Brian would want to ove out. Where he's living is a constant reminder of how it was his fault that Jenny had to move out of the house that she loved so much.
ReplyDeleteThey sneak up on me occasionally too, Basia, sometimes things so long-forgotten that I wonder if I'm making them up! Whatever it is gets me down for a day or two until I've assimilated it and then I can go and look at my garden or scruffy back porch area and get back to working out what needs doing next.
ReplyDeleteThat's the only way, not to burden others.
DeleteGeorge has Martyn Gibson as his role model, so far, so devious.
New thread opened, it’s all change
ReplyDelete