Life in Ambridge
An upcoming storyline methinks!
Life in Ambridge
Following todays news
Popular posts from this blog
Lif in Ambridge
Archer Family tree up to 2000, (pre Helen, Pip & Tom’s off-spring)
Life in Ambridge
Let’s hope Fallon’s plan is up to snuff.
ArcherphileMay 12, 2025 at 3:54 PM
ReplyDeleteI wondered how they knew the contents of the will and decided they were just assuming some of it would come to them. But I should think most would go to Tony and Lilian with smaller bequests to her grandchildren. Peggy would have surely have used a solicitor or financial advisor as executors. Not sure she would trust anyone else. I also wonder what items she may have left to friends and family; pictures, ornaments etc. I think Emma might have been left a gift.
REPLYDELETE
maryellenMay 12, 2025 at 5:04 PM
On ArcherphileMay 12, 2025 at 3:54 PM
I wondered how they knew the contents of the will and decided they were just assuming some of it would come to them. But I should think most would go to Tony and Lilian with smaller bequests to her grandchildren. Peggy would have surely have used a solicitor or financial advisor as executors. Not sure she would trust anyone else. I also wonder what items she may have left to friends and family; pictures, ornaments etc. I think Emma might have been left a gift.
REPLYDELETE
maryellenMay 12, 2025 at 5:04 PM
On second thoughts, I think the most likely scenario is that Peggy remade her will sometime ago, probably along the lines Archerphile suggests,, and told her family including Tom, so that’s what he was referring to. I suspect she changed it more recently without telling her family thoughts, I think the most likely scenario is that Peggy remade her will sometime ago, probably along the lines Archerphile suggests,, and told her family including Tom, so that’s what he was referring to. I suspect she changed it more recently without telling her family
(It would be unlike the TA team to forgo the dramatic cliche of the contested will....)
ReplyDeleteKPnutsMay 13, 2025 at 8:13 AM
I hope that Peggy did not appoint her solicitors as executor, my Mother did that along with my brother and myself. This meant that we were tied to working with a firm that we had no links with, based in an inconvenient location and that in addition to their hourly rate charged a percentage of the value of the estate. The result was we were charged around £30k in fees for sorting outa very straightforward and uncomplicated will. I would hope that the executors are Brian, Lillian and Tony and that they can work with the solicitor of their choice.
I don’t think people are aware that if you appoint a “professional “ executor ie solicitor, bank or financial adviser they can end up charging your estate more than just their standard hourly fees so that your chosen beneficiaries, usually family, will receive less. As you might guess this is something I feel quite strongly about.
(repeated from previous blog - I hadn't spotted this one.)
ReplyDeleteI think she left it all to Hilda.
A friend whose executor I was left a 4 figure sum to whoever adopted her cat The new owner (who didn’t know about the bequest at the time) renamed the cat as there was nothing in the will to prevent it, and the cat changed its personality to suit. When last heard of, it was thriving. Which makes me wonder who will finally adopt Hilda or will she become feral?
DeletemaryellenMay 13, 2025 at 10:23 AM
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your helpful advice, KPnuts. It’s certainly given me food for thought.
DELETE
MistralMay 12, 2025 at 9:47 PM
I remember a rift some time ago when Peggy had removed Tony from her will and left his 'share' to Helen and Tom, but I think she changed it when she realised how upset he was.
I think Tom has had a very fair share of her cash over the years, Peggy was always his go-to, rather than the bank.
REPLYDELETE
maryellenMay 13, 2025 at 10:26 AM
He also had a business arrangement with Brian at one point which was basically Brian providing financial backing.
I’ve been discussing this issue with my eldest recently and we decided that it was best to use a solicitor in Bath as that being the most suitable location for all concerned, as well as having chosen my burial site just outside of Bath.
ReplyDeleteHowever I too shall take on board KPNUTS advice, and my eldest is very well versed in property law as well as general law and I shall probably use my youngest’s husband as executor.
Some decades ago a friend asked me to be her death companion, with end of life care, but it was very close to the death of my mother and I felt I could not do it.
I did however offer her therapeutic support and in the event was the only person that allowed her to open up verbally and talk about her end.
She left me a small sum of money, which surprised me when I was informed of it some months later, and to the person that did give her end of life care and kept her dogs, she left her the house. I had also helped with the dogs while she was still alive ( there was a small team of us covering all the small tasks required ) but when she died they, the dogs, were with her on the bed.
For some, the comfort of an animal can be a far better blessing than any human.
I suspect that after losing Jack W, all Peggy’s emotional energy was given to Hilda.
However ferocious others found Hilda she was in many ways a mirror image of Peggy herself, and Peggy saw that.
Hilda was preceded by Sammie, a much more agreeable cat, who was hit by Brian Aldridge’s car and buried in the garden at The Lodge.
ReplyDeleteSo where is Peggy’s money? Has she blown it all on wine & gigilos? Left it to a cat charity or has it simply been eaten up by care home fees? She has already given away quite a lot, I think she has been subsidising Christine and Jack actually left most of his estate to Hazel. No doubt more will be revealed over the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteMy money's still on Hilda!
DeleteIt’s a mild enough mystery to keep us intrigued, but five grandchildren with less than £300 each is a bit of a shock.
DeleteThink it’s five. Ruari not being biological, but if Ruari was left out, then a bit of an insult to. Brian who, for all his misdoings has been a good son in law to Peggy.
Tom, Helen, Adam, Kate,Alice - Lilian’s son, can’t remember his name.
Six, seven if Ruari included.
She must have given an overall figure to be divided equally, hence the odd amount. Less than £3000.
Oops forgot Debby, eight then.
Perhaps Peggy left almost everything to her children - we haven't heard of their messages yet. I must say, it all seems pretty speedy work to get notification of the contents of the will so quickly. And didn't the message come directly from the solicitors? Seems unusual for them to have all the beneficiaries' email or mobile phone numbers.
DeleteThere's Johnny too, if illegitimacy doesn't bar him from inclusion with the rest of Peggy's grandchildren. And Henry's legacy suggests her other great-grandchildren may have been similarly treated. The total mounts up!
DeleteWell I laughed out loud when Helen read her text, then Tom! Lovely Henry was so genuinely appreciative bless him. Natasha did not seem phased either I’ve been impressed with her at times of late 🫢 which is a little unsettling because she used to get right up my nose…
ReplyDeleteLooks like Alice has come in for some zeros on her bequest. I remember she refused (at some point) to take more money than her siblings were offered - Jennifer’s will?
I reckon that remorseful Peggy has left the bulk of her estate to son Tony, and dramatic licence excuses any real life procedural oddities in communicating the contents of her will.
ReplyDeleteOf course, she always spoke highly of Fabrice ....
DeleteI wonder who will subsidise Christine now Peggy is no longer able to help. Maybe Peggy has made provision for that and tied up her money until after Christine's demise.
ReplyDeleteGood thinking, Janice! As long as any bequest to Christine isn’t conditional on her taking care of the dreaded Hilda, remembering how Hilda was particularly mean to Christine when they were both living at The Lodge.
DeleteWell done Helen !
ReplyDeleteI really liked her retort to Natasha.
I also liked the line…. Tom has already had plenty of chickens from gran …..
What a stupid idea - insisting the whole family go on holiday together. They are a farming family so who is going look after everything whilst they are all away. And finding somewhere suitable for such a wide range of ages to enjoy (from babies up to grandparents) will be tricky. They couldn’t even devise an outing the other evening for the whole family as Jack was left out of the escape room outing.
ReplyDeleteIt’s just another example of Peggy dictating her ideas and wanting to be in charge of the entire family again. But I suppose it will be a vehicle for many side stories, travel mishaps, family rows, poor holiday accommodation, accidents etc etc. I can’t wait!! 🥱
Can't say that I'm enthralled by the prospect of this storyline🥱
DeleteI vote for a trip on the Orient Express
DeleteI vote for Gianna's Italian mountain hideaway.
DeleteI vote for Butlins.
DeleteI’d love it to be Butlins, but who would win the knobbly knees contest?
DeleteI vote for Martha.
DeleteOh no a Friday night cliff hanger for the family anyway. I think we were led to believe Alice (?) has received a large chunk or did I get that wrong? As was suggested on here Peggy has ensured Christine can stay at The Laurels but how much has she budgeted not knowing how long Christine will survive her and at the cost of such a home along with other bequests already mentioned she must have been a zillionaire 😂
ReplyDeleteThere is an interesting post on the Archers Anonymous blog about the £278.94 bequeathed to individual members of Peggy’s family. Ingenious listeners have calculated these bequests amount to £5300, which (wait for it!) is the exact sum Peggy and Jack Archer paid for The Bull in 1959. Financial help came from Aunt Laura, wife of Frank Archer, Dan Archer’s brother.
ReplyDeleteThe theory is that Peggy’s will was a way of paying the Archer family back for the early help she received particularly in starting her business career.
I’m impressed by the ingenuity, and failing any other explanation so far, I’m more or less convinced!
Delete..but that doesn't make up for the £250,000 she sold The Bull for to Sid, was it in 1998(?).
This is a profit of £244,700, so perhaps not so altruistic..
Ah, so she forgot to allow for inflation — though I think it was more of a symbolic gesture than a serious business settlement. That’s assuming the theory is correct, of course (and not a leg-pull!)
DeleteSo what on earth is Martin Gibson doing on a dating app when 5 minutes ago he was griefstricken at his wife leaving. Another relationship disaster approaching for Helen methinks, and more disturbance for her children.
ReplyDeleteTotally gobsmacked that Helen has even considered doing such a thing after all her romantic disasters. Better to concentrate on buying a home for herself and her two boys and leaving any potential love interest to occur naturally. Hopefully well into future so the boys avoid any more “step dad” heartbreak until they are much older.
DeleteAlso, hasn't Natasha got enough to do with the house, her family and all her her business interests without running Helen's love life for her?
DeleteWell, no prizes for guessing who Helen is going to match with on the app ...
DeleteBut good to hear a plug for Angela.
Helen really doesn’t learn lessons, does she.
DeleteAnd now lots more will know about the ‘ Angela ‘ plea for help.
Another social first for TA ?
Or have other soaps featured it ?
Well I did not know about it! When I looked it up I see there are a couple of hand signals too! All very sensible but dear me what a world….
Delete10/10 for Lilian’s script writer describing her feelings in the loss of her mother. Especially with regard to Peggy’s age many people seem to think that because a great age was reached you will not have to go through the grieving process but of course you do because it is your world that has changed and will need readjusting. Also when a loved one passes in older age it is very likely that a spouse, daughter etc will have been heavily involved with care either at home or visiting and that when that suddenly stops it really does take some adjusting to it did for me when I lost my mum when she was 91 yrs after 11yrs of being so close to her throughout her years in care, taking her out and for as long as we could bringing here to our home for a meal. Mr R has surpassed her but no matter how difficult times can be…….❤️.
ReplyDeleteI agree Lady R. My mum was almost 94 before she went and I found that the stress and exhaustion (particularly during hospital admissions when the staff would warn you to expect the worse) that you somehow keep at bay while they are alive can suddenly hit you when they are gone.
DeleteAm trying to think who it was that said Life is not for the fainthearted.
DeleteApparently Nicky Verd do not who she is only know this because I googled 🤭
DeleteThank you for your very understanding reply to my post Janice everything you wrote so very true!
ReplyDeleteAlso I hope Lilian does not leave Ambridge was it just a throw away line or does another older actor want to retire or possibly needs a break for a while ? Or just an innocent current SL.
Correction Sunny Ormonde is only 3 months older than me a virtual youngster 😊👏🏻⭐️🤣
ReplyDeleteIt certainly sounded as though they were preparing the audience for the departure of Lilian. Has she become tired of Justin’s ways too, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteShe might want to move to be closer to her little grandson.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the scriptwriters thought the character was due her own storyline and this was what they came up with?
DeleteRex + Naomi? Freddie + Naomi? Johnnie + Naomi? (The scriptwriters could bring him back - and/or dispense with Rochellel - at the touch of a keypad!)
ReplyDeleteI’ve lost it - who is Naomi?
DeleteThe girl who asked for "Angela" in the Bull.
DeleteOf course thank you!
DeleteThe end of tonight’s episode has left me with a smile on my face, and a warm feeling of optimism inside.
ReplyDeleteIt would be lovely if they got back together again.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSorry Maryellen, but have to say that while listening to last night’s episode I was reminded most acutely how much I really really dislike Hannah.
ReplyDeleteI find her to be exceptionally abrasive, but mostly i think it’s her voice that just grates for me.
I can understand your feelings, Mrs P - it's how I feel about Freddie's voice which, coupled with his drug-dealing past, makes me uneasy about him.
ReplyDeleteIn a recent podcast “Chris” said he hoped he and Alice would get back together at some point in the future but of course all in the hands of the SW’s.
ReplyDeleteAnd those SWs do love to play with us Lady R!
ReplyDeleteOver the years, reading the blogs, I’ve sometimes felt there’s an ongoing contest between the scriptwriters and the listeners, with ‘them’ trying to catch ‘us’ out, and ‘us’ trying to catch ‘them’ out, by proving ‘they’ had got something wrong!
DeleteSame on here last post yesterday lunchtime! KP will think we are deserting her!
ReplyDeleteCome on Alice let Chris in, or is she afraid of her own feelings for him and backing off realising he is using the let’s get together as much as possible for Martha’s sake, or really fearful that the school request to see them together is going to be more pointed in her direction than Chris? Are they not on half term this week anyway? Also are the teachers seeing all parents.
I wonder which bit of "school ready" Martha hasn't achieved. There's have been things in the press recently about children starting school not being toilet trained, able to use cutlery and not knowing how to use a book. When I used to do child development clinics in the late seventies there were local authority nurseries. If we had any concerns there were free places for children with support for their parents.
DeleteI would have thought that if Martha was having such problems, this would have been spotted by Alice, Chris, Susan, Brian and all the others who look after her.
DeleteHopefully it is something simple like struggling putting on her shoes, which is needed for changing into PE kit.
In my day, the only nurseries were private ones so most children were at home until they went to school, but then you had to be 5yrs before going. As I was born in September, I was nearly 6yrs when I started school
I was nearly always the eldest in my class. In upper 6th, A'level year I was 18yrs 10days after school year start. I could vote and go to thecpub, but still at school!
I wonder if the school will one day think Max doesn't use cutlery correctly because like his philippino mum he doesn't use a knife. They use fork and spoon which is just right for rice, and meat is usually cooked as small pieces so no need for cutting.
DeleteWhen still in London I became friendly with a Muslim young mum from Afghanistan. She was educated during the Russian period.
DeleteI did wonder how her children fared at school since at home they didn’t possess a table, and all meals were eaten seated on the floor, as was her cultural tradition.
Is Helen going over the top again, as she has in the past ?
ReplyDeleteOr can we have some hope that this one might work out in a positive manner ?
But if it does, how will Ian cope ?
Helen sounded like an excited teenager with a crush on her first date. Pathetic to keep phoning Ian every few minutes to elicit information from her date. I found the first part of tonight’s episode very irritating and unrealistic.
ReplyDeleteThe second half however, in the shop, just showed how unaware Susan is of her own personality.
I reckon Joy would make a far better manager. She understands how to treat customers.Time for Susan to retire perhaps?
What’s been said about Susan could equally be said of Jim, plus he can be pompous and patronising with it, which Susan never is. If retirement beckons anyone, it’s hum. Which reminds me, I wonder how the cricket scoring with Brad is going....?
DeleteI’m happy that Helen’s happy though I suspect It will end when Dane’s temporary contract does.
Why is Dane temporary ?
DeleteI wasn’t aware of that.
Apparently he is Mrs P but I can’t remember why, maybe just to feed a SL for Helen. If she has another disaster especially for her boys I shall want to spit!!
DeleteHe's there for 3 months, sent by Head Office, but why?
DeleteI smell trouble ahead in a big way and changes afoot! He's supposedly a trouble-shooter.
All the build up to Harrison's 40th birthday party makes me think that he's not going to turn up. Or am I just falling prey to the SWs intensions?
ReplyDeleteUmmm you could be right CC!
DeleteI’m guessing that we have had a new / different SW this last week or so.
DeleteDid not recognise the name.
As for spitting Lady R. I would wring her neck if I could get near her.
Just heard Writer this week was Liz John.
DeleteA name from the past I seem to remember.
I so agree Cheshire C. A 40th party without the birthday boy seems possible. There is another thought, he's late leaving Yorkshire (or Corrie) but turns up eventually, just after everyone has left.
DeleteThat way he returns to Ambridge but can still remain silent.
I so hope that the SW's don't give Martha FAS. Highlight it yes, but not to the detriment of Martha and particularly Alice.
ReplyDeleteI don't want Alice to do anything drastic, which almost definitely would happen.
When the teacher said Martha had problems concentrating I was certain she was going to mention the possibility of ADD. One of my grandsons had great problems concentrating at school and was often told off for staring out of the widow during lessons. Eventually he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (no hyperactivity whatsoever). He was given treatment which helped tremendously, he became a different, normal boy. He has since grown out of the disorder, no longer takes medication and is currently sitting exams for his Int. Baccalaureate I’m not sure if children as young as Martha can have ADD but if diagnosed, Alice would no longer have to blame herself for harming the child during pregnancy.
DeleteIt seemed a very formal meeting to me - I reckon most pre-schools would ask to have a quick word at the end of the session, something along the lines of 'Martha seems to stop listening attentively during story time, have you noticed anything similar at home?'
DeleteMy ADHDer always seemed to be away with the fairies - once it became clear how much was whizzing around inside their brain it was hardly surprising there was not enough processing space for staying focused on a task as well!
I don't think we've had anyone in Ambridge with ADHD, and the jury's still out as to whether Jakob is autistic or not. That would be a storyline worth following.
Mind you, I would imagine there are several other children in the pre-school who are equally inattentive - many of them will have learnt it from their parents. At toddler group it is very hard to get the children to sit and listen at storytime when their parents and carers are sitting there either chatting to their neighbours or scrolling on their phones ....
ReplyDeleteChildren learn by copying.
DeleteCopying parents forever on their phone whilst at the same time completely ignoring the child, seems to me to be storing up very serious problems in future generations.
Not surprising to me that many are not school ready.
It bothers me that Max's mum is constantly on her phone, she has a blog which earns a little bit of money when you reach a certain amount of followers, and of course Max at 3 years old has either a phone or computer screen on which is used to keep him occupied. His dad does try to take him out for a play in their garden some time during the day but of course he works online so Max sees him in front a screen as well. Myself and daughter do our best and get him up in the field playing when he is here, but it is not enough.
ReplyDeleteI read that the numbers of children at primary school with eyesight problems has increased and it is being linked to screen use.
Max has needed his hair cut for a while but has declined to let his mum cut it because he says he wants to have hair like hers (very very long, jet black and people comment how beautiful it is). So they took him to the nearest town where in the men's barbers the little perisher howled so much the poor man said he couldn't cut it, so then they thought maybe a woman in a ladies hairdresser might have better luck, but despite the fact she had children herself he created such a fuss she only managed to cut a little bit off before giving up, and my son still had to pay the full £17.
They are off to the Philippines for 2 months as usual in just over a week and he would have stayed cooler out there with shorter hair.
Two things I’d like: to hear if and how the business idea George discussed with Eddie is progressing, and how George is doing; and to hear some of Ambridge’s silent population instead of all the.popup characters we get. Incidentally, who’s chairing the Parish Council now? Is it Jean Harvey or one of her ilk? I think whoever it is merits a voice!
ReplyDeleteGeorge could possibly be released in August as long as he doesn't do anything daft so maybe we will have a storyline about him then.
ReplyDeleteI think they are handling the EV charging station storyline in an even handed realistic way, showing both the threat it is to the village shop but at the same time how it has provided a job for Clarrie.
I am wondering why it is so impossible for Clarrie to retire. If she is 71 and Eddie 74 they must both be getting their government pensions, and I would have thought there would have been some kind of pension provision made for Clarrie during those 30? Years at Bridge Farm dairy, even if Eddie probably hadn't bothered to take out or couldn't afford a pension plan.
I suppose they will be paying rent to Oliver, and household bills can be exhorbitant nowadays.
Just musing as I feel sorry for Clarrie.
A lot of people who rent are having to work longer. Rents are going up all the time and they don't have the cash investment of owning a property.
DeleteIt’s also possible that Eddie may not always have paid his stamp, if ever.
DeleteMy husband, self employed, rarely paid his stamp. I kept on top of it when I had spare cash to do so, which wasn’t often.
As a result I’ve never had a full pension.
He went off to live in Australia and I do not know if he ever received any pension from the UK.
I don’t suppose it is a stamp from the post office any longer, but whatever may have replaced that stamp, ( I don’t know ) that is the equivalent of it for the self employed nowadays.
A bit late in the day but I wish a very happy birthday to The Earl of Portland, Tim Bentinck, known to us as David Archer. It is his 72 birthday, round about the same age as his character. Now one of the longest serving members of the cast.
ReplyDeleteWhat 72 😱 how can this be! I do like Tim.
DeleteI'll join you in wishing him a Happy Birthday. He was nice during covid when he showed us his workshed and what he did in there.
ReplyDeleteLooking up Alice’s fears on the NHS website this may well be the start of an ongoing SL following on in real terms from the warnings given during the pregnancy 😔 Chris so lovely as always.
ReplyDeleteAre dogs in general able to go in shops? I didn’t think so…..
Dogs in shops Lady R.
DeleteA year or so ago, perhaps more, John Lewis I believe pioneered allowing dogs in shops. I remember asking at Waitrose when in Stroud, if the ruling included Wt’ rs.. it didn’t.
I believe that this trend has been extended but how widely I do not know.
Certainly here in Minehead most shops allow dogs, but then the town knows full well how reliant it is on visitors to the town and many many dogs accompanying their owners can be seen.
Interesting Mrs P, general shops I can understand but I thought food stores only allowed assistance dogs? So as the village shop sells food ……🤔
DeleteI see and In general would agree with you.
DeleteBut in this instance I think it would be a positive move.
Most people now would be very cautious about leaving their dog outside a shop.
So many dog thefts !
Brian get your credit card out In order to save Alice’s sanity no waiting for months NHS or the worst scenario could raise it’s ugly head once again… This may well be the ongoing SL mentioned in a podcast as a few years hence was mentioned by the Dr for clarity re Martha’s possible condition.
ReplyDeleteMartha doesn’t sound an engaging child to me. I’m pretty sure the scriptwriters won’t go down the FAS route, so I hope this storyline, wraps.up quickly because Alice on yet another
ReplyDelete.....’self centred guilt trip (“do you hate me, Chris”) is a grim thought!
DeleteAlice has been living with this fear for years. Even if, as I hope, she doesn't have FAS, every time she fails to keep up with her peers, Alice will worry it's because of her drinking. That's a huge weight to carry.
DeleteAs far as I'm aware, there is no link between drinking while pregnant and ADHD or autism. Perhaps the script writers will go down that route. Or perhaps Martha is a normal little four year old who would rather be running around being active rather than sitting quietly listening to a story.
Wise words OiaS
DeleteI don’t think my.views on modern day parenting would be welcome so I’ll pipe down!
DeleteA wonderfully written eulogy Jill, respectful, yet warm and amusing, and beautifully read by David.
ReplyDeleteNow we have heard it in full on the day they may start and then do a fade out as there will be much to cover in that episode. I felt for Patricia Greene who is now 94yrs and sounding understandably
frail as David read Jills words she must have felt many emotions both Archer related memories and
of dear June Spencer too 🙏🏼
As expected Harrison did not make his “surprise” party, what I am wondering though is why was Fallon was at the Dr’s at the same time as Alice & Chris? If I recall correctly she and Harrison did have an unbridled night of passion just a while back 🫣 🤔
My first thought was Oh how lovely that would be, but then my second thought was if there is a likelihood of James Cartwright leaving the Archers completely then Fallon having an abortion might be a way of conveniently ending the marriage remembering how very upset he was after the accident and miscarriage,
DeleteMy thoughts were how lucky Fallon was to be able to get any appointments at all, regardless of what may be amiss.
DeleteYes that did stand out I agree. It was mentioned in a recent podcast that this is so in Ambridge but I think it is poetic licence for SL’s to progress….
DeleteI thought she was checking on her contraception ahead of her reunion with Harrison. She seemed too cheery for it to be anything as major as a prospective termination with all that implied in terms of her relationship with him.
DeleteAnother thing I’d like to hear is more about residents’ gardens. We used to hear about green-fingered Carol’#, Jenny’s, and Clarrie’s, as well as Joe’s prizewinning (or not) vegetables and of course Bert’s. True we heard Robert and Lynda in their garden not so long ago, but little else. The flower and produce show is mainly cakes and village politics and rewilding and tree surgery are no substitute for country gardens. Sad face!
ReplyDeletePS. I should have mentioned Bridge Farm’s is Edible Garden with a message but Joe and Bert’s idea of an edible garden is more to my taste (😀).
DeleteThank you for your card, Maryellen. Details are available today.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarnia. I googled you, got them, and ordered via The Great British Bookshop, to come by Royal Mail. Hooray x 3 !
DeleteI have just spotted there is a new series of Conversations From A Long Marriage available. That'll give me a couple of days of good listening 😊If memory serves me right, I have a few fellow fans in here. Although perhaps you have already discovered the episodes. If not, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the alert, OWIAS, I only discovered it belatedly,, partly due to the change from the pre-Archera evening slot to Monday lunchtime, I wasn’t expecting another series after the way the last one ended so was delighted to find it was back and still as good.
DeleteGood on you Peggy a very worthy cause to donate your money to, especially in respect of your dear Jack ❤️
ReplyDelete...and also June Spencer herself, whose husband also suffered. This was one of the reasons the Jack Woolley story was so good, as she had first hand experience and I believe had an input in what actually happens in this situation.
DeleteDoes Peggy’s donation completely explain the low bequests to her family? Must have been an extremely generous one. But an excellent decision I think in view of Jack’ illness. And I suspect a few more at the Laurels are sufferers too. Hopefully, once the family know about it they will stop speculating and (privately) bemoaning the fact they they haven’t inherited a fortune.
ReplyDeleteI agree the individual family bequest a strange amount why not at least a round amount of £500
DeleteThe listeners' theory is that the total of the individual bequests is the exact sum Peggy and Jack paid for The Bull (including £4000 help from Aunt Laura), and in a symbolic gesture, Peggy is now repaying the Archer clan for their support in the early years of her career.
Delete.so how many Archers to pay out at least 20 or so?
DeleteI think 22 was mentioned but must admit I haven't double-checked that myself.
DeleteME Whose theory is it about the paying back the actual initial amount borrowed?
Delete...wouldn't that theory include the Brookfield branch of Archers, with Phil being her BIL by marriage and so might have contributed?
DeleteI read it on one of the blogs, possibly the BBC Unofficial blog, but can't remember the blogger(s) involved, I'm afraid. They didn't list the beneficiaries but it seemed to be her children and grandchildren, maybe great grandchildren? I'm not sure about this theory because it sounds such an odd thing to do, but what other explanation is there? Surely someone must have a sight of the actual will - who are her executors, I wonder?
DeleteThe executor is her accountant.
DeleteI’ve always liked Justin, ever since he was kind to a toad - and this evening’s episode reminded me why.
ReplyDeleteI loved Justin + Lilian laughing together after the pond dipping...a rare moment.
DeleteSo Fallon doesn’t miss Harrison, in fact she quite likes being on her own? Are the SWs trying to prepare us for a marriage break up? What a shame, but if that happens I hope Harrison will find a new partner who does want children. He’d make a good Dad.
ReplyDeleteI thought that was a clever episode with Fallon saying she doesn't know howl long Harrison is going to be away, but hopefully not a year. I thought it might be a subtle message from TA as to it's not known if the actor will return to Ambridge from Wetherfirld (Coronation Street) or go further afield.
Delete...so to add, even the SW's don't know what they will be writing about. It could go either way.
DeleteI had the same thoughts as you Miriam, is this a forecast of the end of the marriage, and will Harrison find someone who does want children ?
DeletePerhaps he will find someone when on his ‘ special commission ‘ and not return to Ambridge ?
It would be a neat conclusion !
I want Harrison back. If he doesn't reappear, then Fallon won't be able to pay the mortgage on her own so will have to live elsewhere. The only way she won't is if Harrison is killed, be it in the line of duty or in a road accident and his life insurance will pay it off. That is something I don't want to even think about.
DeleteFallon could always take a lodger -lots of story potential there!
DeleteMore for David to worry about on Farm Sunday. Reports of cryptosporidium outbreaks around the country, many stemming from children cuddling or just touching farm animals. Hope he has lots of hand washing stations around the farm.
ReplyDeleteBridge Farm is more of a concern if they allow petting of the goat kids, which had been talked about before.
DeleteI hope neither farm has problems on this score.
DeleteWell done David for sending folks Bridge Farm-wards
Kind David !
DeleteI’m beginning to wonder if this low level anxiety of David Archer is the beginnings of the long long story line recently predicted.
ReplyDeleteIs anxiety an early sign of Alzheimer’s ?
I rather wish we had not been given this hint.
It’s certainly causing me to speculate at every conceivable twist or turn with any of the characters.
Ditto Mrs P!
DeleteHow is your recovery progressing and more to the point are you behaving 🤭🤣
I think the long story is Martha and Alice's concerns/worries/guilt. As Dr. Azra said a proper diagnosis if there is FASD woukd be possible for about another two years ie 2027
DeleteI think your probably right Miriam.
DeleteThat SL could continue on into Martha’s adult years.
I know of someone who was diagnosed with FAS in his 40s 😞
DeleteHow I hope you’re wrong, Miriam! The thought of a 2+ year storyline centred on Alice again fills me with dread. I would so much rather it was Henry.
DeleteI like Henry. However, the thought of a 2 year storyline for him fills me with dread because it wouldn't be likely to be a happy one given the track record of TA.
DeleteHenry is also a possibility as to his starting to question his biological father. January 2027 is his 16th birthday but not sure if this is of any significance.
DeleteI'll sit back, relax and carry on listening and see what the developing story lines are, as we know it's a 2yr one.
Oops sorry last line on wrong blog, serves me right for being cheeky 🙃
ReplyDeleteVery entertaining episode, I wouldn’t want Kate in my life but she makes great listening.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I actually laughed at Kate, this was definitely a first.
DeleteKate doesn’t usually go in for slapstick, but she’’s far from humourless, and not lacking in self awareness either, even sending herself up sometimes. That’s why I like listening to her.
DeleteFor Kate to panic like that when someone faints is worrying given that she is running a place like spiritual home. To then phone Jacob instead of 999 is ridiculous. I was exasperated rather than amused.
ReplyDeleteThat was the first time I have ever laughed out loud listening to Kate! A very amusing episode and just deserts for Farther Crispin for showing off and being a total bore. At least this hopefully means Alan will conduct Peggy’s funeral, though I wouldn’t blame him for finding an excuse.
ReplyDeleteI have never laughed aloud at anything in TA. Does this make me a sad person? (That’s a strictly rhetorical question!!!) I might have smiled at the occasional shaft of wit.
DeleteMe too Maryellen !
DeleteWellness centres are required to have first aid trained staff including basic life support. Obviously Kate hasn't got that qualification as she is unable to check if someone is breathing and has a pulse.There should have been a member of staff on duty who was qualified who she could have called on. It makes me wonder what sort of set up spiritual home is.
ReplyDeleteI was equally unimpressed by Kate's response. Perhaps we should have a whip-round for all Spiritual Home staff to have first aid training. Better still, let's get them a defibulator too - or will that upset the chakras?
DeleteI’ve never wondered what sort of set up spiritual home is, because I’ve always been sure it’s not in the least kosher, any more than Kate is kosher.
ReplyDeleteShe is, to me, an utter fraud, though I will admit to her being passionate about her business.
Dangerously so IMO !
And boy did she prove it last night.
She reminds me of all the frauds who went off to California in the sixties to ‘ find their spiritual homes ‘.
California or the hippy trail to India, returning with their Afghan coats.
I bet she still wears hers now !
I have just been watching our very own Ruairi on television!
ReplyDeleteHe is playing the title role of Shardlake, the Tudor detective in C J Sansom’s series of books.
He was excellent I thought, Arthur Hughes playing the hunchback was very convincing. The only problem I had, as with so many TV dramas these days, was the lack of light - scenes so dark you couldn’t see what was going on. I know castles and monasteries were dark in Tudor times but this was a bit too realistic. And well done Ruairi/Arthur.
Thank you for that Archerfile. I have read all of Sansom's books and am now looking forward to watching what the television interpretation is like. Hopefully I can get it on catch-up. I hope they remain faithful to the books.
DeleteWell I didn’t expect that news tonight - our Phoebe pregnant, and when Kate expressed her sheer delight her voice sounded to me just like (Angela Piper’s) her own mum Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteThe funeral a lot to cover in a short time but a moving and funny farewell to our Peggy the wonderful June Spencer
I must admit I am enjoying the BBC podcast especially the scenes from past episodes lovely to hear such dear friends again Martha Woodford etc it seems as though they happened only yesterday when they are played.
A different Phoebe, I think, not in this week”s cast list.
DeleteI have a very good ear for recognising voices, and although it’s a different voice it is remarkably similar to the previous Phoebe IMO
DeleteI thought it was the same actor so if not very good indeed ⭐️
DeleteI could well be wrong as I don’t have a particularly good ear and it was more her demeanour that made me think it wasn’t the Phoebe I remembered. Plus not being in the cast list, though Hugh Dennis made it as popup character Crispin. Perhaps he can afford a better agent!
DeleteI think they sometimes leave someone off the cast list so as not to spoil the surprise for listeners. They may think it makes the reappearance of a past character more dramatic.
DeleteYou could be right, Archerphile - I hadn’t realised Phoebe’s return to Ambridge for her grandmother’s funeral was meant to be a dramatic surprise, I just thought at the time that the sudden sound of her voice without any previous introduction (‘Oh, here’s Phoebe too’) was poor editing. I imagine we won’t hear much more of her until November when the baby’s due.
DeleteRight Brian give Miranda the heave ho I never wanted you to get together with her anyway! A
ReplyDeletephilanderer you have been it’s true but as Dick Emery would have said “but I do like you” especially
your voice (Charles Collingwood) at least you are instantly recognisable.
I guess a nice voice is a common feature of philanderers - or serial adulterers, to put it bluntly. It's what Brian was, as an entitled and selfish man used to getting what he wanted. His only redeeming feature for this listener was his witty one liners, which have become much rarer in recent years. He's welcome to Miranda, and she to him, as far as I'm concerned. I don't care for her either, mainly because I find her voice and manner chilly, and think she is poorly acted.
Delete‘Miranda’ is married to ‘Justin’ in real life. I think they are both pretty unlistenable to.(Pardon my Grammer)
Delete…and my spelling!!!
DeleteWhat an excruciating episode tonight! The voices of Kate and Pip set my teeth on edge.
ReplyDeleteKate going on and on about the expected grandchild and trying to force grandpa names on poor Jakob, in those shrill, overenthusiastic tones. Then Pip, who voice I also dislike, carrying on about Rosie and her possible bad language. I’m surprised Stella didn’t walk out.
I found the whole 12 minutes very uncomfortable, the only saving grace being the voice of Brian.
✔️✔️✔️
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI was hoping the Rosie situation would bring T❤️O❤️B❤️Y back - it may do yet! Also that Jakob had more to say and Brian less, partly because I prefer Jakob’s voice and partly because I find. Him a nicer and more interesting character.
DeleteJakob has grown on me in recent times common sense combined with some humour mostly unintentional 😃 What is going on in Ambridge first Martha and now Rosie having
DeleteSchool problems🤔