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
MiriamFebruary 17, 2024 at 8:30 PM
ReplyDeleteAs far as I am concerned, I really enjoy the Archers characters, whatever their skin-tone/sexuality is meant to be. I still prefer my own image of the wonderful characters.
In my simple mind, I just prefer to listen to the acting and characterisations in TA.
REPLYDELETE
ArcherphileFebruary 18, 2024 at 8:44 AM
Yes, it surprises me how much psychoanalysis and speculation goes on in some of the FB sites. There are one or two posters, especially on the Ambridge Addicts Too site that write screeds about the reasons why the characters are behaving as they do and ascribe all sorts of underlying psychoses and backgrounds. I can’t be bothered with reading them any more, it makes listening to a ‘simple story of country folk’ like following a psychology exam syllabus !
ArcherphileFebruary 18, 2024 at 10:54 AM
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I have just belatedly realised I don’t have to read those comments any longer so I have removed myself from that super-analytical group. I shall just stay with the “BBC The Archers - Unofficial “ page which is made up of fans of the old BBC group before the BBC removed it. Far more my type of listener but with an injection of humour now and then.
DELETE
MiriamFebruary 18, 2024 at 3:45 PM
This is why I also enjoy the other Archers group I have belonged to, for over a year now.
Yes, TA issues are discussed in a sort of serious way, but there is banter + humour at the same time.
ArcherphileFebruary 18, 2024 at 8:37 PM
ReplyDelete👍
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maryellenFebruary 19, 2024 at 7:04 AM
I dip into the Unofficial blog from time to time and I’m always pleased to encounter Archerphile and Miriam there, but a few of the regular (male) contributors give me the creeps!
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maryellenFebruary 19, 2024 at 8:17 AM
Hooray! A storyline that genuinely interests me involving two of my favourite characters, both born and bred in Ambridge: Ed and Emma’s quest to house their flock and develop a joint career in tree surgery. (When the Council cut down the huge sycamore growing a metre and a half from the front door, I noticed two women on the tree removal team, though on that occasion at least they only came in at the clearing up stage. The removal itself was pure street theatre!)
I wish Emma and Ed every success.😄
Well done Emma foryour persistence on both the flock homing and tree surgery fronts,revealing a good business head.Good luck on both counts.
ReplyDeleteThe Titchener connection adds an extra dimension to the story, of course. I do hope Miles comes good.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, if that’s the equipment needed for a tree surgeon it looks very expensive. And will there be a training course for Ed and Emma to attend - I do hope so.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if you have to have a formal certificate of competence to set up business as a tree surgeon, and have insurance?
Whatever, with Emma and Ed’s determination I am sure they will be successful
No doubt Emma will have consulted the Arboricultural Association to find out all she and Ed need to know about setting up as tree surgeons, and becoming AA approved , just as she consulted the National Sheep Association about renting grazing land. (How unlike her father-in-law who doesn't know the meaning of the word 'consult'!)
Deletelike the fact they are doing this together, and have every confidence they will follow the correct procedures.
I might have remembered incorrectly, but I thought Ed said grants were available for the cost of the course, but the equipment would cost £17,000. I am not sure if this included the cost of the new transport vehicle.
DeleteWhat worries me is, if both are on the same course at the same time, then what will they live on in regards to food, petrol, other necessary bills.
Then there is Keira and child-care after school.
Perhaps Ed should train first and set up the business. Emma to do the same a year later.
Still if Ed sells his texcel sheep, then perhaps the finances will work.
Fret not, Miriam! Where there's a will, there's a way, especially where WonderWife Emma Grundy is concerned. Courses come in different shapes and sizes - a 4-week intensive course, for instance, or part time. Grants and bank loans have been mentioned, there's the routine income from selling the sheep, and any other work they can fit round their chosen course. As for Keira, who' is now 13 (so may soon be getting a photo on the Characters page of the TA website), she has 4 able-bodied grandparents close by so won't lack for attention, if both parents are away together.. They may decide to train at the same time, but on different courses., if that makes managang thier time and finances easier.
DeleteJust like to add my ‘pennoth - excuse me ‘ ladies’ - EMMA could train first.
DeleteI hope she also joins WAMT - Women and Manual Trades, as I did many years ago when I entered a traditionally male oriented trade.
Emma my favourite TA character after her dad ( who has, sadly been silent for some months now ) is a grafter and comes with a big brain to boot.
Her sheer perseverance will see her and Ed through and I’m sure she will add to her compliment of part time jobs, along with her part time college course.
ME
DeleteLoans have to be paid off and incrue interest...
Can Ed + Emma manage this extra cost?
Miriam - let’s hear what their bank manager says!
DeleteRishi Sunak is giving a very important speech to the NFU this morning, about what help the government is going to give to desperate farmers and the farming policy for the future.
ReplyDeleteHundreds are going out of business and having to give up farming after generations of their families have fed the population and cared for the land.
I shall be very interested to find out if Sybil Rusco will be listening and include some of the information in future episodes.
Too much to hope for a topical insert tonight I suppose.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don’t understand the hold Mikey seems to have over Jolene, what it was in their past that has brought him back in such menacing fashion. Where does Vince fit into this - is it just because he knows a lot of dodgy people and genuinely wants to help Jolene. (It doesn’t help that Vince and the thug sound so similar!) I am not enjoying this story, too menacing for me but I suppose that’s down to good scriptwriting and acting.
ReplyDeleteI think the hold he has over her is that she is aware of how violent he could be in the days before Ambridge when he used to listen to her music, and after the dogfight he came back at night to threaten to burn the pub down if she told anyone she had recognised him. Now having realised from Vince's investigations that she did tell someone he is threatening to harm her family. A very nasty piece of work who hopefully will get his comeuppance, but like you I could do without all the frightening menace. Much prefer the farming stories.
DeleteApparently dogfighting is a lucrative business. The RSPCA estimated that for every month of 2023 there were 30 organised dog fights, in Wales and England and I suppose that was only the ones they heard about.
DeleteWell now, most of us seemed to wonder if, when we first encountered him, Harry was a good un or a bad un.
ReplyDeleteNow we know that he is, at the very least, another nasty piece of work.
Alice does not deserve this !
Harry is one of that unpleasant breed of young entitled rich who think they can lord it over everyone by flashing money or influence.
DeleteI just hope he doesn’t bring Harrison down with his threats.
Ambridge is not a happy place these days. I hope that Ed and Emma's dreams don't come crashing down, which would currently be par for the course.
ReplyDeleteMy concern is - that now Ed has got grazing rights for his sheep, thanks to Miles, how will he manage these with his tree-surgeon training and setting up a new company.
DeleteI do wish a positive outcome, just to prove Will wrong.
My worry is for Martha, as to when Chris hears about Harry and how it affects Alice.
ReplyDeleteI think Harrison has just lost his job in the police.
ReplyDeleteWhy didn’t he consult his boss, the Inspector, and explain he needed to warn Alice as a safeguarding issue?
Why didn’t Harrison consult his boss AP ?
DeleteBecause it would have been too easy for the SWs and would not have resulted in the loss of his position, which I agree would seem inevitable.
I thought the same as you Archerphile, There are laws in place to enable new partners of violent offenders of their past actions, there might well be something similar for driving bans.
DeletePerhaps Harry will managed to get himself arrested and charged for drunk driving this weekend - then the truth of Harrison's involvement needn't come out.
However, Harrison does have one other card up his sleeve - he seems to be the main policeman in Borsetshire. I believe there are others but they appear to be extrememly part-time. They're certainly very rarely around in Ambridge. Would they really appreciate taking on more work to make up for the loss of Sergeant Burns?
That was my first thought Archerfile, when Harrison was debating what to do. It would have been the obvious thing but have less potential for someone else in TA to have problems piled upon them. It's becoming very tedious.
DeleteGood for Will. I thought him talking the idea over with Nick was really nice.
ReplyDeleteOh Will at last you are turning a corner and your darling Nic has guided you around it ❤️ You will now feel the warmth that comes from being able to help someone (in your case your brother and his wife) to achieve a step up in their lives and do a job together that they are both fired up to do.
ReplyDeletePlease SW let it a success even if there is an odd blip along the way. Maybe Jamie will return to work with them and maybe even Mike too - as if🙃
I too was surprised at Will's genuine + generous offer. I wonder though as to how much he has researched this, as after all he is putting his own property "at risk", both now and in the future years.
DeleteI am not being dismissive, far from it, as I too hope it all works out for Ed + Emma.
Another thought though, has to do with who will tend to Ed's sheep whilst doing the training, along with the setting up a new business.
There has to be a way.
I can't remember if Will owns his house outright or has an existing mortgage on it. I also can't remember if he's got a regular job now. If he hasn't would he be able to remortgage?
ReplyDeleteAs far as I can recall, Will bought No.1 The Green outright from an inheritance from an Aunt or a Gt. Aunty. He has been getting rent from this property for very many years, so perhaps he has a good cashpot stashed away somewhere.
DeleteHe might just have the needed money readily available to lend to Ed. and wife Emma, as they go forwards
TBH - not real idea though, and probably wrong again!
I think he owns it outright, brought with the money his aunt left him. I maybe wrong.
DeleteYes he does own it outright, yesterday he said he could raise a mortgage on No I, he didn't say remortgage it. I remember Clarrie thinking it not right at the time that all the money had been left to Will but the great "?" aunt's will had been made before Ed was born. He and son George moved into N1 The Green at George's instigation, and I hope that Will can always manage to repay the mortgage instalments as he doesn't have his steady gamekeepers job any more.
ReplyDelete...but isn't up to Ed + Emma to give him the monthly mortgage repayments instead of the bank loan one, or have I just misunderstood?
DeleteAlso I wonder how long this mortgage will be for, thinking about the future for Will, Keira + George etc
Deleteand will Will be able to pay the monthly sum, if Ed + Emma can't
As I have said before, Will is risking his own + family home.
I suppose if the worst comes to the worst both Will and George could move back home and rent No 1 out again, and the rent could pay the mortgage if Ed and Emma can't manage to give Will enough to pay it.
DeleteSunday morning “lie in” Fallon…… maybe Harrison will be a daddy after all and one without a job! Too good a SL for the SW to ignore 🤔
ReplyDeleteYes, I think an unexpected pregnancy for Fallon was pretty well signalled in last nights episode. Depends how reliable their birth control method is I suppose.
DeleteSurely not another unplanned pregnancy/query termination storyline so soon after Chelsea? 🙁
DeleteI suspect that if Fallon did find herself pregnant the SWs would give her a change of heart ( change of hormones ! ) and she would realise that now she does want to be a mother.
DeleteIt happened to me !
My thought too Mrs P even more so no you have confirmed this can be the case!
DeleteI would think that Fallon uses long-term contraception of some sort (implant, IUD etc). There is a thought that with the upset of The Tearoom, Harrison wanting to work less hours, this was not renewed and as such the efficacy has diminished drastically...so perhaps a surprise pregnancy could be possible.
DeleteAn autumn baby then. That's nice.
ReplyDeleteI see “one of the best pantomime dames” in. the land has been cast as Robert Snell. It seems appropriate for Lynda who can be abit of a pantomime dame herself on occasion!
ReplyDeleteAs the editor has re-cast Robert Snell I wonder if they will find a new actor for Roy too?
DeleteYou beat me to it, Maryellen, but I imagine you have 'inside info'.
DeleteAlas, Sarnia, my source of inside info is no longer available. I got this info from another blog!
DeleteWell done Alice!
ReplyDeleteI hope she follows through with an immediate call to her AA sponsor - I would imagine that times like this are particularly dangerous for recovering alcoholics.
My spoken out loud words at the end of tonight’s programme too OwiaS.
DeleteShe really was focussed and decisive.
And what a miserable specimen of a man Harry turned out to be!
DeleteI can’t help wondering if Harrison was too quick to confess all to his boss. After all it is not certain Harry will report him to his ‘contacts’ in the police.
Still at least it’s out in the open which is probably better than suddenly being called in to face an accusation of unprofessional behaviour.
I think Harrison made the right move in bringing his action to the attention of his boss.
Delete( incidentally I’ve wondered why we are hearing this character- the boss - is she being drawn as a new Ambridge resident ? )
If Harrison is to leave the police service and if Fallon does become pregnant, as an established young Ambridge couple, this scenario could develop into a completely new SL
F and H could set off in a new direction in their lives as Emma and Will are trying to do now.
My one speculation might be that Harrison seeks ‘ The Cloth ‘ !
Oh - but wait…… No, Shula has already trod that path !
No. Fallon + Harrison to take over The Bull + restaurant...
DeleteAP He had to. It would be far worse if he had kept quiet and Harrison now complains.
DeleteI still don't quite understand exactly what confidentially Harrison has leaked
Harrison was at one time thinking of getting work in a conservation role, maybe the Ambridge fairy will create a nearby full time paid vacancy for him, although Kirsty seems to have got that type of storyline covered.
ReplyDeleteI think he will do a brilliant job of tackling the nefarious dog fight organisers when they threaten Jolene again, and he will get away with a reprimand.
I like that suggestion Janice.
DeleteAn all round good solution.
That would be good but what about the previous offence that Harrison was let off with a reprimand so long as it never happened again….
DeleteWELL! what was all that about. A new scene about every 20 seconds very bitty and mostly drivel.
ReplyDeleteI thought the same Lady R but wasn't going to say anything. I feel like all I do is complain about TA these days so it might be better to say nothing.
DeleteSpot on, Cheshire Cheese! My new resolution is not to blog about TA unless I can say something nice.....
DeletePraise where due, Thursday’s episode was full of support and caring about each other and their village and much enjoyed. So if any of “the team” ever read our blog - good for them to get an overall picture on the programme through our comments varied as they will be naturally!
ReplyDeleteWhat I find so interesting, both here + else-where, is how differently all listen to TA
DeleteAs such so many have very many different thoughts + ideas.
None are neither good nor bad, but just different..
I hope Maryellen will still keep posting with her views.
Miriam 👍
Delete👍 Lady R
ReplyDeleteWell it’s certainly hit the fan now for Harrison! Job loss on the way I feel and worse could he also lose his pension 🤔 Alice really does need to consult her mentor quickly now (as was recommended here very recently because this situation is going to test her alcoholism big time.
ReplyDeleteI was really annoyed by Alice. Thinks she knows best and pushes herself in despite pleadings from Fallon and Harrison not to interfere. Made things even worse for him and done nothing for her own peace of mind.
ReplyDeleteI did wonder when Alice went into the village shop and said that she had forgotten what she had come in for if she had been on the brink of buying some alcohol. Jim saying how well she was bringing Martha up may have helped her avoid it.
ReplyDeleteWARNING: have just read that the BBC, in their wisdom, have decided to move the Sunday Omnibus from 10 am to 11 am. Swopping places with Desert Island Discs.
ReplyDeleteGoodness only knows why. All part of a reorganisation of programmes apparently.
So much for my 60 years+ habit of listening in the bath! Can’t wait that long…….🛀🏼
It would be nice to know how Bridge Farm’s Edible Garden Project is progressing. It hasn’t been mentioned for quite a while, understandably quiet during the winter months, perhaps, but I’m concerned it may have gone the way of Helen’s Cheese Educational Project which was failing to attract would be cheese makers when last we head of it so I assume it’s been abandoned. What has happened to it’s purpose-built premises, funded by the sale of the Beechwood land if I remember rightly?
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I have heard is mention of the veg boxes being made up and delivered but I’m not sure if those veg come from the garden project or from elsewhere on the farm
DeleteME. I am still patiently waiting as to the making, production and marketing of the Cheese Easter Eggs!
DeleteI wonder if has gone the same way.
Sorry about the wrong information re timing of the Omnibus. It was signalled on FB that the time is going to change but apparently, not yet! That wasn’t made clear in the announcement and now I look stupid!
ReplyDeleteApologies all round.
Marion Higgs.
ReplyDeleteInformation
https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2023/bbc-radio-4-refreshed-schedule-new-commissions.
This should take you to the announcement about the revised schedules coming up in the spring. I have only just found it. Makes interesting reading
Just read TA omnibus will be released on Sounds ahead of linear broadcast so maybe you will be able to still listen soaking in your bath AP 🤞🏼😊 🛀
ReplyDeleteTBH I personally don't mind what time the TA omnibus is available or broadcast, as long as it is not cancelled, always a worry.
DeleteAh but think of AP hour soaking in the bath without TA for company after so many years
DeleteMiriam ☹️
Thank you for you understanding Lady R. My bath will be a lot quicker now!
DeleteI hear that when the new schedule starts, Desert Island Discs will be increased to an hour long. So our omnibus will start an hour later than now…….and also, the Friday night episode will be repeated on Saturday - so TA will be on 7 days a week.
That's how I understand it also AP.
DeleteHas everybody switched off? No comments for 2 days!
ReplyDeleteIs this a sign that the programme has be come boring, uninteresting, or that nobody likes the characters in the stories at the moment?
Personally I am fed up with the Alistair/Denise situation, especially because it seems so unlikely that Alistair would give up his practice for the sake of a woman.
Also cheesed off with Alice/Harry and furious that between them that will probably cause Harrison to loose his job. Harry is just a thoroughly unlikeable character.
I keep listening because I will never give up, but honestly, it’s difficult being patient and waiting for something interesting to happen with other, much missed characters.
No, but no realistic comments for the Alistair/Denise situation.
DeleteI think though, that Denise is very conflicted and it showed by cancelling the meal together.
She still is concerned + so supporting John and his Mum. My interpretation that this is a head over heart situation, which will resolve itself.
To add. I just don't trust Harry in quite a few ways.
DeleteSorry, Archerphile, my resolution to post only when I’ve something nice to say about TA has effectively sealed my lips! I can’t work up any enthusiasm for the current storyline’s apart from Ed and Emma, although I can put in a word for Harry. It seems to me his real ‘crime’ is immaturity (he sounds at least 10 years younger than when we first met him) and this accounts for his inappropriate reactions. I think he is genuinely fond of Alice, and hope she can help him to acknowledge and seek help for his drink problem without imperilling her own recovery. I would still like her to return to Chris.
DeleteThe good news is the hint of at least one new storyline on the horizon involving characters I like and have been missing - and there’s the cricket to come, of course (although I didn’t think the scriptwriters handled it very excitingly last summer).
ME I so enjoy anything to do with the Cricket Club.
DeletePost your thoughts, the bad with your good, as it's great to read other thoughts to ponder.
Whether others agree or not does thay matter, if explanations are given.
It should be a discussion, after all...
I am getting more confused as to Harrison/Harry/Fallon/Alice.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea why their input as to giving statements into Harrison's investigation, is needed.
Isn't this meant to be only an internal police enquiry as to Harrison giving out information??
I must be misunderstanding it all.
To add. The confidentially broken by Harrison, has not caused any untoward problems. After all he didn't give Harry away as to his arrest, for drunk + disorderly.
DeleteI wouldn’t worry about authenticity, Miriam, not where Ambridge is concerned. Dramatic licence reigns there. Best to let it all wash over you! 🙂
DeleteAnd now he's told Chris too ...
DeleteWhy didn't he save time and just tell Susan? Then the whole village would know.
My worry is that Chris will confront Harry, and so making Harrison's situation worse.
DeleteOf course he will..
DeleteIt will add to the drama.
Miriam - did you hear ? Alice is going over to the forge tomorrow to “sort all this out”
ReplyDeleteDo you think Chris is likely to be at all honest and admit he still loves her ?
I think the Ambridge Fairy is winding us up. S/he isn’t going to let Harrison or The Bull and its staff suffer permanent harm.
ReplyDeleteHope you are right maryellen.
DeleteNever had much of an opinion about Fallon and Harrison before but, at the moment, they are the only characters that interest me. Hoping Harrison taking over the Cricket Club will ensure better coverage of games this summer. Fish paste sandwiches anyone?
I seem to remember that Fallon (with Emma's help) took Ambridge's cricket club teas to a new level when she succeeded Shula as caterer!
DeleteHopefully, when Brian Aldridge sees Emma's revised business plan, he'll be inspired to offer financial backing, thus eliminating potentially bossy Will and interfering George.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHow interesting that in the news today there was concern about very high prices charged by vets and how 60% of vets are owned by just 6 huge companies. - Just like the Ambridge practice. And the fact that Alistair was told to increase the sales of pet products. Very much against Denise’s wishes. The cost of pet prescriptions are un reasonably high too.
ReplyDeleteJust shows that at least the SWs are bang up to date on this story line
I am so lucky as my vets is still a individual one. They only have a few products available, basically just feeds for dogs + cats with specific dietary needs.
DeleteThey are brilliant and I always see the same vet.
Lovely Kate! There are times when she reminds me of her mother, but with her own brand of humour combined with flashes of self awareness, which I like.
ReplyDeleteAgree ME - Kate seems to be getting less wacky as she ages. I used to dislike her intensely but she’s growing on me now.
DeleteOne of the reasons I like Jakob is that he appreciates Kate’s true worth, and vice versa.
DeleteChannel 5 “The Love Rat” features TA Helen (Louiza Patlkas) as a Cypriot police woman so obviously not recognisable by her voice but I did recognise her as years ago in the days of following Corrie she played a part of someone working in the medical practice….
ReplyDeleteI have it on record for later viewing, so will watch with an extra interest.
DeleteAahaa is Brian about to upset the family applecart by getting back into the dating game in his early 80’s❤️ and why not provided he doesn’t change his will anytime soon…or it may just be that he enjoyed Miranda speaking freely and warmly of Jennifer and wants to talk about her more.
ReplyDeleteAs I recall Miranda was pretty catty to Jenny, but Brian may not have realised,
ReplyDeleteIf the storyline demands an ex-wife, I’d have preferred Oliver’s (who I’ve always been curious about). Miranda sounds like a Julianne replay.
ReplyDeleteThat’s promising! Justin evidently thinks Ed and Emma have the potential to get their project off the ground if he’s asking for their labour in lieu of his consultancy fee - and then they can quote him as reputable client in their marketing. Or maybe he is simply being kind, but disguising it with in his well-known businesslike approach - combined with a lesson in business for Emma. She has no relationship with Justin that matches Will’s with Brian.
ReplyDeleteI would so love to hear that both Ed + Emma have booked into the tree surgeon training course, have been accepted and their grants for this have been approved, for them both.
DeleteIt's one thing getting a brilliant business plan together, but they still need to attain the required qualifications.
Miranda + Brian.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with two adults, who have similar back-grounds, likes etc.along with known friends/acquaintances, to just enjoy each others company.
Companionship is just probably what they both need, both now and in the future.
Hmm either way I think it will unsettle the family when the meet ups come to light especially as Alice thinks tonight’s his was with the boys!
Deletehe boys tonight!
A muddle at the
Deleteend but you get my drift…
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI removed my comment, as it was to do with predictions as to the Easter Ball. I forgot that these are not allowed 😵💫
DeleteThere are no rules against plot predictions or speculation Miriam. Some people don’t like spoilers so I think it is reasonable to avoid information from sources such as Ambridge Diary in the Radio Times, but feel free to speculate.
DeleteAnd so we have Simon Williams and Lucy Flemming, real life husband and wife, back playing husband and exwife in the Archers. Convenient nepotism?
ReplyDeleteI would be very annoyed if I thought this banal and repetitive ‘will they,, won’t they’ storyline was inspired solely by Simon Williams (and/or his agent) engineering a neat little retirement job for his wife!
DeleteYour life must be full of annoyance ME since the BBC must be the one organisation who seem to prioritise nepotism to be of the highest order.
DeleteI googled Lucy and found.she was the original Miranda Elliott back in 2016 (Justin was first heard 2 year earlier) so this particular example of “nepotism” isn’t new. Which was chicken and which was egg this time, storyline or actress, who knows?! 🙂
DeleteIf anyone is interested, the most recent edition of Feedback discussed the upcoming alterations to the Radio4 schedule, and in particular, the change of time for the Omnibus. As usual, the head of R4 tried to make out it was all for our own good, what everybody wanted etc etc. He said they had consulted the public about the changes but he couldn’t give any statistics about public opinion or how they gathered it. I certainly never saw a questionnaire or received an email asking for my opinion!
ReplyDeleteNepotism ?....... well what do you know!!....Tony & Tom Archer mentioned many times on this blog. Shame on those in control. RIP. The real and genuine Tom Archer. Also what public opinion (re: Archerphile) was gathered for changes? Obviously the listeners are considered too stupid to have any opinions. Makes you weep. 😪
ReplyDeleteI’ve always found Robert Snell rather bland and boring (except when he was stroppy with Jim after Lynda’s accident) so it was refreshing to see another side to the character this evening. Well done to the actor for his brave interpretation.
ReplyDeleteI was also delighted to hear that Bartleby is still with us, last heard galloping off into the sunset with Gem, and also Robert’s useful nugget of information about horses’ lifespan. I had no idea they could live so long. More of these please, scriptwriters! 🙂
He doesn't sound like Robert and he doesn't seem like him.
ReplyDeleteAs suspected Robert lives on as a foil to his Lyndi, no disrespect to the late (local to us) actor but for me he was never one of the major characters and I found myself last night struggling to recall how he actually sounded as Robert so no need to adjust to a new actor. Now Colin Skipps (Tony) replacement was a smooth one for me the voice a very close match.
ReplyDeleteMiriam - I’m speculating your prediction about the Easter Ball is that Miranda will take Brian to it......am I right???🙂
ReplyDeletePS. And I predict that Miranda will have complimentary tickets to the Easter Ball because she has work connections with the non-Oliver owners of Grey Gables!
DeleteBrian takes Miranda. He also takes up Justin's offer to share his + Lilians table...I love my wooden stirring spoon.
DeleteAh, yes! I think you could be right!
DeleteI did not like the new Robert last night.
ReplyDeleteHowever on reflection, I personally think this was well done by TA.
The reason is that as he was getting fed-up with cooking his usual fabulous breakfast for unappreciated guests, so a new side to Robert appeared.
Now there is a new personna of Robert, which might be the best way of doing this recast.
I wait though to see/hear.
I like that view point Miriam, my initial reaction was slightly knee-jerk, voice not right & a bit of a personality transplant to boot! I know Robert has has shown a petty/peevish side before, so I agree we should give him & the SW’s a fair hearing.
DeleteAgre with the two points above - Miriam and KP - but nevertheless feel it was a clunky introduction to the new Robert.
DeleteIn my view a gentle lead up over a few days to Roberts ire might have made his entrance more realistic and less of a shock.
That’s why I called it a brave decision. The new man has been hired as an actor not an impersonator, and it was obvious he would meet the knee-jerk reaction that KPnuts describes. So opening with Robert’s less attractive (and less well-remembered) side was going more than halfway to meet his potential critics, and tackle them head on!
DeleteNow the shock of the encounter is over, he can get on with the job of showing us Robert as the three-dimensional character we’ve had glimpses of before. I think that has to be a good thing.
ME My thoughts also.
DeleteIt was a short, sharp shock, to hear Robert again after so long.
I too look forward to adapting to the new Robert.
I hope TA also recast Roy, as to my mind, he is still integral to Ambridge. This is his job at GG, living in Willow Farm alongside Kirsty, plus sharing a daughter with Kate.
His father, step-mum and Bethany have moved away, as did his ex-wife Hayley and their daughter Abbi....and as for his sister Brenda?
I personally would not like Ambridge without Roy, the last true Tucker..
Well done Miriam for sticking up for the last of the Tucker family.
DeleteAlong with Neil, Betty Tucker was always a favourite character and I still miss her decades after her death.
I very much agree, especially as Roy has been mentioned by Oliver as managing the new look Grey Gables. Plenty more storylines could involve Roy and his circle but perhaps the Editor is leaving a decent gap between the death of Ian Pepperel and engaging a replacement. I just hope we don’t suddenly hear that Roy has been offered a better job in a big hotel in Birmingham and has gone to live nearer his family.
DeleteI have to say that I am still not liking the Pip and Stella relationship. It nothing to do with a same sex partnership, but that I still can't relate to Pip being so.
ReplyDeleteI have always suggested that Rosie is an innocent pawn in this set-up and relationship.
I wonder how this will all work out?
In my mind Stella has had her fling and can't adapt to being in a proper family situation.
Perhaps she will consider Justin's offer which is her test 🤷♀️
I think Rosie is innocently manipulative - as children often are, starting as babies when it’s part of their survival instinct. It seems to work with Pip, less so with Toby I imagine, but not with Stella (who can be manipulative herself). I’m no fan of Stella, but I sympathise with her not wanting her free time dominated by a child’s whims.
DeleteI can never sympathise with Stella, but then I just can't warm to her. The only time I had any empathy with her was when she lost Weaver. This was perhaps not that it was Stella per se. just any-one else who had experienced similar in losing a beloved pet/companion.
DeleteRosie is just used to a lot of attention, and so Stella as Pips partner, should so do the same.
DeleteRosie is not old enough to be manipulative as such, but just expects all that she is used to...which Pip etc Al. always do.
This is just normal to Rosie.
I should have said unconsciously instead of innocently - Rosie is certainly old enough to unconsciously manipulate in order to get the attention she wants, and you are right, the conscious manipulation comes later. Pip will (I hope) eventually realise that (a) she can't let Rosie have her own way all the time and (b) expect that Stella will automatically do the same. At the moment, she is only concerned with how Rosie will take to Stella and not vice versa. I'm sure that when she twigs that Stella is not naturally child-oriented, she will adjust her approach accordingly.
DeleteAnd Pip just steamrollers ahead without it even crossing her mind that Stella is trying to have an important conversation about anything other than how wonderful Little Miss Rosie is.
DeleteI’m another who has never taken to Stella, and I still find it incomprehensible to distinguish between Stella and the other woman ( who she was drinking with this week and who has made so little an impression upon me that I cannot remember her name ).
DeleteAs for Pip and her apparent obsession with her star of a toddler Rosie, I’m afraid I’m allowing it all to pass me by without caring much at all.
It might be supposed that as a lesbian myself I might find them of interest.
Afraid not !
It's Hannah. She has been in Ambridge awhile now as the indoor manager at Berrow and who George had problems with.
DeleteWhen she was evicted from No1 by Will (thanks partially to George), she now lodges with Stella in The Bungalow.
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DeleteLike Miriam, I feel Stella’s heart in not in her relationship with Pip. I suspect she was still hankering after her ex and smarting from being dumped when the ex went back to the man she had been engaged to, when Pip came along as a distraction.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think Rosie will become a deciding factor in any breakup, though. It’s more likely to be another attraction.
Just one of my silly thoughts!
ReplyDeleteDoes Miranda know Eve Chilcott, from a previous time and knows the family + business?
This could give a twist in the Harry story.
As said, just a strange thought.
I was rather hoping Miranda would dematerialise as swiftly as she materialised!
Deletebut she must have been brought back for a reason, but what?.
DeleteMiriam - the same idea came to me.
DeleteI feel there is bound to be some tie up with these storylines.
I thought Miranda was brought back to provide a love interest for Brian which would have ramifications for Justin and Lilian and kill three birds with one stone - or cater for three major characters with one storyline which is handy for the recording schedules. Once all the drama has been wrung out of that situation, she’ll be gone (fingers crossed!)
DeleteMiranda returning has given Brian some valuable information, in that, it was Miranda's money which set up Justin, as to his now "empire".
DeleteNow I wonder what else Miranda will let slip, which will be well planned.
She seems to be setting Justin up for a fall in her own way, and using Brian as her stooge to do so.
Brian will have various facts for him to use against Justin, if he so desires.
Cunning Miranda - is how I see her as revenge is sweet, even if done by another.
Sorry, Miriam, I don’t follow you - in what way would the knowledge that Miranda’s money set Justin up (if that’s true, we only have her word for it) benefit Brian? Apart from rubbing Justin’s nose in it if they were having a slanging match.......
DeletePS. Or do you think Miranda was dropping a subtle hint that if Brian took up with her, he wouldn’t have to live in a rented cottage?
DeleteDon't get this.
DeleteBrian and Kate seem perfectly happy and content in Blossom Hill Cottage at the moment. Their family is all around and they still need each other, for very many reasons.
I don't understand the need for Brian to suddenly leave Ambridge to join Miranda , who after all has to be just passing by, and leaving thoughts as she disappears again.
Differing thoughts, ideas and interpretations as to TA again. 😵🙀😵💫
I understand now - you weren’t thinking how Miranda might be thinking when she flashed her wealth at Brian. I got that wrong. So how do you feel that knowledge is valuable to him? She is obviously using Brian in some way. Is it only to annoy Justin?, I
DeleteIt could be of course a perfectly innocent friendship developing between Brian and Miranda, with no malicious intent from either party.
DeleteI'd hesitate to apply the words "perfectly innocent" to Brian Aldridge, but in this case Mrs P,, I think you're right. Miranda's motives are more questionable (imo).
DeleteIf George tells his followers he can't afford Bartleby's treatment and if they have become emotionally invested some crowdfunding for the medicines and special fodder might materialise. Hopefully George would use the money for the pony and not for himself.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly seems to be going that way Janice, and I fear the plan is for another attempted scam from George.
DeletePretty predictable !
... just like his Hay Bale stacking with his QR code for sponsorship and donations?
DeleteLuckily Lynda sorted that one out.
I’m hoping Bartleby will be the means of George’s redemption - like he brought out Joe Grundy’s nicer side.
DeleteDidn’t sound like George had had any redemption last night - the nasty way he spoke to Jolene in the pub. Back to his previous agressive self. And speaking like that was bound to wind Jolene up and ensure she would chuck him out. Pity it included Brad though.
ReplyDeleteGeorge’s poor behaviour frequently includes Brad, who despite being academically bright does not seem to learn the lesson that his friendship with George leads him into sharing the trouble that it brings.
DeleteAnd now the same attitude towards his mother !
DeleteEmma seems to be challenged by her son, often advocating for him only to find that he backchats her when she seeks to lead him in the correct way to behave, yet championing him outside of the family.
A mothers way I suppose.
No Emma, the sun does not shine out of your son's backside.
DeleteDidn't it even occur to her to ask for Jolene's version of events before launching into her tirade?
Ooh George you make me so 😡 I’m with Jolene in your case and I do wish Brad would give you the elbow!
ReplyDeleteChris liking the jokes 🫢
Reckon George is jealous of Chris, getting all the admiration from the video feedback.
ReplyDeleteChris sounded a much better broadcaster than George, to me. 😉
I agree with you AP, Chris has a warmth and a sense of being genuine, whereas George comes across to me as being a cheeky chappie.
DeleteBut surely that difference was the point being made by the SWs
I thought George’s broadcasting style was upbeat and contemporary, and likely to appeal to his generation, who I assumed were his intended audience, while Chris sounded like an old-fashioned television lecturer, so perhaps more likely to appeal to an older generation. I think it was Chris’s looks that were getting all the admiration. I knew Emma was attractive but didn’t realise Chris was too. I guess they both take after their mother.
DeleteYou remind me of a very old programme which was shown nightly on Southern TV,
Deletecalled Out Of Town with Jack Hargreaves. It is being shown again on Talking Pictures TV.
Jack Hargreaves’s was a true countryman and each programme showed him tackling a countryside skill: fly fishing, bee keeping, horse shoeing etc. Just in black and white, accompanied by soothing music and a quiet but authoritative commentary. Very enjoyable, but as you say, perhaps not ideal for todays youngsters.
What happened to the £5000 Oliver gifted to George on his 18th birthday, to set up his own business?
ReplyDeleteThe proviso was he attended + passed his course, which it seems George has now done.
Perhaps my memory is playing tricks again 🤷♀️
Possibly, with Oliver's guidance, it has been (or will be) wisely invested?
DeleteCredit where credit is due, George is doing well in his job at Bridge Farm, as Emma pointed out. There he’s regarded as hard-working.and reliable, and the initiative and skill he has shown in developing the Farm’s website have been genuinely appreciated. Sadly, not enough to remedy his low self-esteem, dented by his schoolmates jeering at his irregular conception.
ReplyDeleteI still don't know how his schoolmates knew about this and why this has only become an issue recently.
DeleteIs it just George telling porkie-pies, so wanting empathy to manipulate Ed/Emma/Emma, which he is doing well.
...meant Ed/Emma/Will.
DeleteLittle pitchers have big ears. It’s conceivable that the village observed and commented on the Grundy love triangle, sometimes in the hearing of their children. And the children the shared the knowledge with classmates, some of whom taunted George over the years.
DeleteWhat we heard was George’s suppressed pain and anger directed mainly at his mother, the cause of it all. It may also explain his problem with women in authority. And his subconscious need to compensate for low self esteem. Poor George! Like Brad, he needs a Mia to big him up.
As to why now, I guess the scriptwriters have decided it’s time to focus fully on George, leader of the next generation of Grundys, and what makes him tick. His childhood and adolescence haven’t been as silent as TA children in general but he’s only had a limited presence. One thing’s certain, he’s inherited the Grundy gift o’ the gab!
I know that Brad hasn't got very good social skills but I wish he could find some nicer people than George to hang around with. Real friends who wouldn't use him to big themselves up.
ReplyDelete✔️100% CC
DeleteHe still has Mia, though she is absent at the moment...
DeleteI still think that why Brad spends time with George, is due to that he realises that George is a loner, and needs support as they are family.
Brad, is so sensible and will go far, leaving George far behind, as will Mia in her own way.
Brad spends time with George because there is no one else !
DeleteI imagine that due to financial constraints the TA team aren’t in a position to introduce any other teenagers apart from the Grundy and Horrobin families as there have not been any other ‘visible’ working class families evident in Ambridge. Even the silent Button sisters must be older than George and Brad by now.
There’s Willie Button, possibly the right age, but wrong class and no voice!
DeleteSorry, but I don’t buy George’s vindictive nature being caused by his somewhat unusual upbringing.
ReplyDeleteMany children (including me) were bullied and taunted at school and not all have turned into unpleasant natured adults who like to threaten and intimidate.
His manner with Hannah at Cricket nets was downright nasty. He obviously holds a grudge against her as he holds her responsible for his sacking from the pig unit, never mind the mobile phone incident.
But things could get really dangerous if he sets out to ‘punish’ her. Fortunately Hannah is not likely to be intimidated by George’s words, but if he goes further than that, causing physical harm I just hope Chris will take action.
Emma needs to wake up to the fact that her son has not become all sweetness and light but is still
unpredictable and capable of causing trouble.
George has no history of causing bodily harm. It’s not his modus operandi. (Correct ma if I’m wrong!)
DeleteI was thinking of an accident with a badly aimed cricket ball either with the bat or thrown when fielding.
DeleteI can't understand why Emma is funding George's mobile phone bill, as he is now 18, working and living with Will. Also how can she afford to give up her job at the Bull when money (or the lack of it) always seems a problem for her and Ed?
ReplyDeleteVery good points Patricia
DeleteShe is cutting of her nose to spight herself.
DeleteGranted when she + Ed do their tree surgery training, pass, and then set-up the business, then she would probably have to.
However, none of this has been finalised yet.
How could she do owt else when nasty-wasty Jolene won't even accept her angelic son's apology? Not that he should ever have had to apologise in the first place since the evil publican was clearly picking on him and finding spurious reasons for kicking him out. In all fairness, Jolene should be apologising to *him*. At the very least. Probably free drinks for life to assauge his hurt feelings (and to stop him trying to get the under-age Brad to pay for him).
DeleteAnd while we're on the subject, almost as evil Hannah should, of course buy him a brand new iPhone 600 *and* pay for his contract for a year with unlimited calls and data. It's only right after she so maliciously trashed his current one. She ought to rsign from the cricket club in shame, too. Not even Darington play such nasty tricks.
Or she could take her blinkers off and listen to someone other than Gorgeous George for once.
Brilliant post OWiaS! I love a bit of irony, it’s so British. My French daughter in law doesn’t get it at all. Oh, and I agree with every word!
DeleteDiscussion time.
ReplyDeleteHow will Harrison's disciplinary hearing go, such as:-
Will Harry do good
Will Alice accept what Harry says
Will Harrison still be a police officer.
So many thoughts as to what
might happen + why.
Any thoughts any-one?
Mine is, Harrison will be demoted back to constable, and has a beat well away from Ambridge.
Mine is that Harrison will leave the force and he and Fallon together will forge a new life in some as yet unknown new initiative.
Delete( possibly still only a kernel of an idea in TA teams collective mind )
I’m sorry, Miriam - I can’t work up enough interest in this storyline to speculate about it, but I don’t think it will result in Harrison leaving the enclave because that would mean saying goodbye to Fallon too, and I suspect she’s a permanent fixture. Perhaps she will eventually become landlady of The Bull.........
DeleteEmma is not stupid. She knows George is far from angelic. That’s why she’s paying his phone bill for him, to give her a means of control as we heard last week. Her difficulty is not being unable to admit it to herself, but being unable to admit it to other people. True, her support for him following the Bull incident was over dramatic, but so was Jolene’s instigation. Another example of the scriptwriters’ fondness for confrontational drama.
ReplyDeleteI was really hoping we wouldn’t have to hear that.
ReplyDeleteBrian and Miranda, lovey-dovey at breakfast.
✔️ maybe they just wanted to let us to know that no little blue pills are needed in Ambridge🤭 I really thought that Kate was going to retune early and if that had happened it really would have hit the fan big time…..
DeleteOops return!
DeleteGood! Another scriptwriter this week, and Emma is her more usual reasonable and sympathetic self, lovely with overwrought Jolene. No wonder Jolene wants her highly experienced and attractive barmaid back, rather than face the prospect of finding a willing.but raw recruit among the locals or advertising for a professional barman/maid, in her current state of mind. Maybe Tracy would welcome extra shifts or Toby would help out (yes, please!)
ReplyDeleteI was not surprised that Harrison wasn't dismissed but I thought he would have lost his stripes and demoted.
ReplyDeleteA good result.
So Alice you are Helen all over again visit to Dr/hospital with a man you are not meant to be with lets hope he doesn’t drag you down with him although you sound very strong right now.
ReplyDeleteObviously something will happen at the pub before the panic alarms are fitted and there is always “the burning down” of The Bull that Jolene was threatened with - and if so would J & K be inside asleep…..
Oh dear Lady R! You make life in Ambridge sound like a disaster! We need something cheerful to happen. An uplifting story for once, it’s all a bit gloomy at the moment (apart from Harrison's reprieve)
DeleteYes indeed Archerphile otherwise we could risk losing you off this blog as well - now that WOULD be a disaster ☹️
DeleteI'd like nice cheerful things to happen as well. There is enough sad things happening in the world without them happening in Ambridge too.
DeleteMy cheerful story line (which I've mentioned before) would be countryside-related rather resident-related, eg. the introduction of an endangered species to the Am - beavers or water voles. Fellow listeners convinced me that the AM might not provide the ideal environment for beavers, so I'm rooting for water voles which are the latest conservation project I've read about.
DeleteFailing that, there's my proposed archaeology-based storyline, which brings in new characters at the dig, and puts Ambridge on the tourist map with all that implies for the village's infrastructure. I got very excited when a team arrived to dig at Brookfield but the storyline fizzled out into another doomed relationship. What a waste of an opportunity!