Life in Ambridge
Who will win the Tug of War?
Lif in Ambridge
Archer Family tree up to 2000, (pre Helen, Pip & Tom’s off-spring)
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Life in Ambridge
An upcoming storyline methinks!
Life in Ambridge
Let’s hope Fallon’s plan is up to snuff.
MiriamAugust 7, 2025 at 5:57 PM
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Emma + Will picked up on that they are also going to have to pay for Keira's and Poppy's bridesmaids dresses?
Suddenly Amber is mentioning a cousins little girl as another bridesmaid, along with her four closest school mates as others.
So from having no special friends nor family, she suddenly has 7 bridesmaids! 🤷♀️
REPLYDELETE
maryellenAugust 7, 2025 at 8:14 PM
I’m looking forward to George’s poem to Amber, though I’m not sure if it’s coming any time now or not till their wedding day. At a family wedding last January, the bride gave a poem to her mother in law which she circulated. I felt it wasn’t entirely the bride’s own work, in fact she might have had a template, but kept the thought to myself of course. It made me wonder if poetry was the latest wedding trend. I trust George’s poem will be all his own work!
Lady RAugust 8, 2025 at 12:22 AM
ReplyDeleteOMG Amber what a birthday gift 🦷 🪥 😂
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AmbridgesMrsPAugust 8, 2025 at 10:10 AM
So insulting - particularly since Emma feels that her teeth are still quite bright.
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MiriamAugust 8, 2025 at 2:51 PM
This comment has been removed by the author.
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MiriamAugust 8, 2025 at 2:58 PM
The natural colour of teeth is off-white, not "Dulux Billiant White". Somehow I can't see Emma with such, in her normal way of life! Getting teeth polished by a hygenist is all that's needed for a natural bright smile.
DELETE
MiriamAugust 8, 2025 at 3:01 PM
It's the fète on Sunday, so will Amber make her Ambridge debut then, as after all she'll have a great audience and what an opportunity!
I was wondering if we are going to get a story highlighting the dangers of cosmetic treatments carried out by unqualified practitioners? I am currently debating whether to warn a local beauty salon that offering tooth whitening by non GDC registered staff is illegal or just to go straight ahead & report them to the GDC & Trading Standards.
ReplyDeleteI've read something recently about those doing botox etc will have to be fully approved + licenced in the future.
DeleteNo doubt others have read about practitioners using a cheap source of botox. (unlicensed), charging clients the full amount and recipients ending up in hospital with botulism.
As you can tell, I'm anti- such vanity cosmetic procedures.
I think though that Amber hasn't succumbed to fillers etc. yet and just relies on make-up, false eye lashes + nails, tinted contacts, for her new look.
KP report anonymously as who knows, you could be preventing something awful happening to some-one.
DeleteI wondered that KP when Amber said something like she was going to have a perfect smile at her wedding.
ReplyDeleteCC. You must know so well that it only takes a nip in a gum, for bacteria to get into the body and cause infections if procedures aren't done properly + hygienically.
DeleteAfter Nic though, I doubt the SW's will do similar again so soon.
KP………..
DeleteIf you believe your information is anywhere near correct then I too believe that you should inform your local Trading Standards team.
If any one of us is in a position to halt or at the very least disrupt such dangerous activities in this modern world of ‘ I can get away with this ‘, we should report to authorities.
Too many people are prepared to just walk on by with an attitude of’ it’s not my business ‘. What kind of society we have, and citizenship, is all of our business.
I contacted the salon & (it seems quite a small setup) and I think the owner believes she is not doing anything illegal. I printed off the relevant page from the GDC website and left it at her premises. I will check in a couple of weeks and if she is still offering tooth whitening I will report her
DeleteThat's a fantastic photo, KP - where did you find it? For me, it's staginess just adds to its period charm!
ReplyDeleteSorry, KP, I should have checked Wikipedia before bothering you - Women's WAAC team competing in France in 1918. Thanks for choosing it for us!
DeleteLove Wikipedia,!
DeleteMe too!
DeleteNow Stella + Ruth have cut the wheat so Justin has his harvest, is he obliged to pay Home Farm for this work, the contract for which Brian cancelled?
ReplyDeletePlus did Stella do the right thing by immediatly resigning?
Justin will try and wriggle out of paying if he can. As for Stella, I've got no idea Miriam.
DeleteIt was dramatically more effective than simply handing in her resignation and working out her notice.
DeleteAgree with Maryellen- plus Brian will relent.
DeleteWell done, Mrs P, Brian caved in as you predicted!
DeleteThe script writers are definitely on the ball with current story lines.
ReplyDeleteThis morning, on the news, we heard about hundreds of nurses and midwives qualifying but now unable to find jobs - just like Ben. They have spent 3 years or more studying to join the NHS and ‘do their bit’ for the country but hospitals cannot afford to hire them.
What a shocking waste of young talent.
I wonder how long Ben will have to resort to farm labouring before he can do the important job he has trained for.
We were discussing this subject earlier today too. Hopefully Ben will get some interview experience and soon be NHS employed.
DeletePerhaps the NHS cannot afford to employ newly qualified nurses because they are already spending huge amounts of money on agency nurses.
DeleteSo perhaps Ben will need to join an agency in order to get a job.
I would have thought that Adam would be more qualified to manage home Farm than Alice. However, as I recall, he left because of a falling out with Brian so should understand Stella's decision.
ReplyDeleteYes he "borrowed" money from Home Farm, intending to pay it all back as soon as his loan had come through very shortly. I think it was something like £7000 to pay for the rewiring of Honeysuckle Cottage.
DeleteI know he left Home Farm under a cloud after a big falling out with Brian who wouldn't listen to him
As such I'm glad Stella told him how Brian had insulted her - saying she was incompetent and that she'd lost her mind!
Adam then understood her reaction
‘ Adam then understood her reaction ‘
DeleteDidn’t he just !
And hopefully will take the subject up with Brian, with an emphasis on Bs temper.
I don't think Alice is ready to take on Home Farm yet.
DeleteMartha is starting Year 1 at school in September and Alice is still very focused on her and her development. She couldn't give Home Farm full commitment just yet.
I was surprised when Brian sounded out Alice as his potential successor, and could only assume it was because she was (a) his legitimate flesh-and-blood, (b) his favourite daughter, and (c) didn't gainsay him. (Her drunken rant seems to have been entirely forgotten.)
DeleteI agree that Alice wouldn’t be up to managing Home farm alone, but maybe Adam and Alice working together could be a possibility, and together they might be able to stand up to Brian.
DeleteThis weeks podcast was brilliant, what with the quiz about the fète and the archive clips. Definitely a good 'un.
ReplyDeleteHearing Barry Crier took me back to when we went to watch a recording of ISIHAC which was one of the last ones with Humphrey Littleton. It had all the old favourites including Barry Crier, Graham Garden, Jeremy Hardy and Tim Brooke-Taylor. They were all brilliant.
DeleteI loved his brilliant Jack Woolley impersanation + the extras he added in...pure genius.
DeleteThe podcast is always a brilliant listen and great to hear so many of the old distinctive voices. Someone said recently and it may have been Tim Bentnick “David” that he wished some of the Ambridge characters who are “virtually” still around could come back at least from time to time - they are missed….. interesting!
DeleteWell said Brad!
ReplyDeleteOh Brad 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 good on ya!
ReplyDeleteBrad said what I was thinking. How is this going to affect his friendship with George? Will his comments to Amber make her realise that her behaviour was like that which she was criticising Chelsea for, or wil she go to to George and tell him how horrible Brad was to her?
ReplyDeletehmmmm that is the question cc!
DeleteThere are enough individuals who have experienced the nasty side of Amber.
DeleteThey need to speak with each other and compare notes.
They then need to reveal their findings to George.
Never tell a man the truth
DeleteAbout the one that he adores
George wouldn't listen, he would say they didn't know her as he does.
Yes, ME, Amber does indeed have her good points. But her behaviour to Chelsea was just vindictive.
I'm reminded of one of the girls who set out to make my life a misery at secondary school. At Sixth Form we were in the same tutor group. Away from her gang of friends she turned out to be a reasonable, pleasant human being. People change, Amber. They grow up and see the error of their ways (or, at least, some do). Let go of your grudge and give Chelsea a chance to make amends. You might even find you like her.
They could also compare their experiences of the good side of Amber and reveal their findings.....
ReplyDeleteI had lunch with a friend at a Garden Centre today. I mentioned that they would be getting the Christmas stuff in soon and was admonished for mentioning Christmas, then I go and hear the word on TA this evening!
ReplyDeleteHenry reluctantly playing cricket ?
ReplyDeleteMemories of R. Tichener I imagine
That thought passed through my mind too Mrs P!
DeleteAm I in a minority of one in finding Zainab.fairly insufferable?
ReplyDeleteWhy and in what way ME ?
DeleteShe hasn’t, so far, made any significant impression on me.
I'm pretty neutral regarding Zainab
DeleteShe strikes me as a cocky little madam. I didn’t think much of her telling Martyn that she was good at any sport she tried. It might well have been a statement of fact, and maybe modesty is no longer in fashion, but even so! I much prefer Mia.
DeleteI like Zainab. She's feisty and seems honest + hardworking.
DeleteI'm looking forward to her meeting Amber 😉
I can understand about why Zainab might seem to be cocky, to me I just see her as confident.
DeleteI'm finding it difficult to realise this new Martyn is the same one who made Kathy Perks life such a misery, at the Golf Club.
ReplyDeleteQuite Miriam and we've got Justin's conversion to things environmental. Has someone been putting something in the coffee at BL board meetings? If they have Brian hasn't been drinking it!
DeleteSo it’s to be lodgings for Chris and Martha at Fallon’s and not Chris with Alice (also suddenly Fallon is looking forward to having a proxy daughter around!)
ReplyDeleteI share your thoughts re a proxy daughter Lady R, but then thought again and realised that Fallon has never said that she disliked children, only that she doesn’t want one of her own.
DeletePerhaps it’s motherhood that she has an aversion to.
As to Zainab being cocky, I rather feel as Miriam does, that she is confident and un afraid to be outspoken.
Zainab certainly doesn't suffer from self-doubt and is straightforward and matter of fact in all her dealings. Perhaps I've been unfair, but like Freddie, I find her difficult to warm to.
DeleteTo me being cocky equates to bragging - which I don't think Zainab does, well not that I've picked up on this so far.
DeleteWell, to me Zainab’s comment that she was good at every sport she tried sounds perilously close to bragging, but she may have meant it simply as a matter of fact explanation of why she was so good at golf. I thought the scenes on the driving range were rubbish.
DeleteZainab said she'd played hockey, tennis, badminton when young and assumed Chelsea did the same - astonishing - she's her friend but forgot Chelsea lives in a council house and was brought up by a single mother. Yes, the Martyn - Lawrence exchange was very outdated.
DeleteCould the Lawrence + Martyn exchange have been done, to show how Martyn has changed and moved forwards.
DeletePerhaps at one time when he was in charge of the golf club, he would have acted exactly the same, but not now.
Martyn + Lawrence were certainly the juxtaposition of each other.
If Zainab had been a boy, would she still have been perceived as cocky. or just self-confident?
DeleteKhalil shares his sister’s cockiness (IMO).
DeletePS. Cocky = “brashly or boldly self-confident”.
DeleteAgree Maryellen- however cocky sounds defamatory, whereas boldly confident seems to me to be complimentary.
DeleteI would choose the latter to describe the siblings of a confidant mother as Ashra seems to be.
So far, I have not yet come to a firm conclusion of their father except to say he has a very calming effect upon listening to his presentation.
Whether Zainab is cocky, over confident, brash,
Deleteto continue -
Deleteshe is at least a seemingly pleasant person and far better than a certain other one, and I don't mean Chelsea.
I'm looking forwards to Zainab meeting Amber!
Me too Miriam me too !
DeleteI would hope that ‘ cocky ‘ Zainab makes mincemeat of Amber.
Amber needs putting in her place and Zainab has no connection to George , therefore no requirement to cow tow to Amber for fear of upsetting George.
That makes Zainab sound like a bully, Mrs P,, and although she can be insensitive (as Basia points out), I don’t think she’s that. She’s secure enough in her own environment.
DeleteAre golf clubs having a national drink to impress their elitist and predominantly male image, which TA has picked up on? The point was rather laboured at the cricket match when Linda raised her eyebrows in surprise at Chelsea playing golf!
Sorry, impress should be improve. I missed how Chelsea and Zainab are paying for club membership to play there. Are they guests of Martyn? Or is the club offering a freebie to attract more players, with TA’s characters representing. the old and new images?
DeleteOh dear, should actually be drive to improve, not drink to impress which could imply the opposite!
DeleteI wondered who was paying for Chelsea and Zainab maryellen. I'm not a golfer but I don't think it's a cheap hobby.
DeleteI don’t think Zainab is any kind of bully.
DeleteShe is as you say ME, secure in her self and able to speak up for herself when she needs to.
I was suggesting that if and when Zainab encounters Amber, who might be in a mood to be nasty - as we have now witnessed on more than one occasion - she, Zainab, might be able to take Amber down a peg or two by challenging what she says.
But then again…… Amber is clever, understands bullying and has learned how to bully others. And in my experience bully’s are capable of sniffing out those susceptible to bullying and those not.
She did however come unstuck with Brad, who she perceived to be weak, when in fact he is strong and able to calmly tell her what he thought of her behaviour.
An interesting trio. Zainab from a secure and comfortable background, sure of herself and her place in the world. Chelsea from a more deprived background but with a loving family who was a bully but has seen the error of her ways. Now more confident but still has some insecurities about her place in the world. Amber from a seemingly uncaring background who was a victim of bullying who has now created a carapace of an online persona but still not really sure of her place in the world. It remains to be seen what the future brings for them.
DeleteNot forgetting passionate, caring eco-warrior Mia, my favourite of the four, who supported her bereaved father and little stepsister while in her teens and coping with her own grief, and helped Brad develop into the confident character he is today. I predict an interesting future for her, hopefully with Brad.
DeleteOops! STEPfather.......
DeleteAs annoying as current Archers SL is once again the team are spot on in highlighting the current trend for a lot of youngsters to regard being an influencer as a career (and if one of the elite few yes you can make a packet) When asked at school they would they would like aim for this is often a given answer!!!!
ReplyDeletelike to do being an influencer
I agree that “ being an influencer” seems a pretty flaky career choice but I think it is partly a reaction to the current job market where there are fewer options for the average person to make enough to get their own home. My brother-in-law was a postman and his wife a hospital secretary, thirty five years ago they were able to buy their own house. These days that wouldn’t be possible so I can’t blame someone for wanting to to eschew a stable (although that is often not the case) low paid job in favour of something that at least on the surface looks fun and easier. I suspect that quite a few of these people are, like Amber ,supplementing a regular job.
DeleteBack to the golf briefly. Martyn signed in Zainab and Chelsea as his guests, so I assume no cost esp. as they were only on the driving range not the course.
DeleteHere comes the Turkey teeth storyline highlighting the dangers of going abroad for dental treatment, in this case clinically unnecessary. I shouldn’t be so pleased!
ReplyDeleteI don't want Amber to suffer as such, just a slight bodge job but enough for her to postpone the wedding..
DeleteTo add I hope Amber has full travel insurance that includes overseasmedical/cosmetic procedures This could lead to problems if anything goes wrong.
DeleteLady R ?
ReplyDeleteWe were correct in thinking Robs influence on Henry re cricket, was the reason for his hesitation around his prowess at cricket.
Why couldn't or rather didn't Henry talk to mum Helen about it?
DeleteThank goodness for Uncle Adam + Granny Pat.
Editor Sean O'Connor said at the time that the repercussions of the Rob/Helen storyline would be felt in years to come (a gift to future scriptwriters, I thought!) I've always imagined that Jack would be the focus of later storylines, so wasn't immediately expecting Henry though it makes sense from the point of view of the narrative. We've heard very little about Jack's development as regards looks, temperament and characteristics. I picture him as a robust and self-confident child,
DeleteTalking of Jack, I wonder what happened + how the Grange Farm barn conversion went, which Miles was overseeing and is managing, as part of Jack's inheritance from Rob.
DeleteThis no doubt will not surface until Jack reaches 18yrs.
I'm just surprised it's never been mentioned property to ow a neighbouring to Grange Farm.
Posted too soon whilst correcting. It should read:-
DeleteI'm just surprised it's never been mentioned, as it's a neighbouring property to Grange Farm.
I am loving the friendship and comradeship between Zainab + Chelsea, as they are alike in many ways. However I can foretell a future problem with the golf. No doubt Azra + Akram will pay for lessons for Zainab and get her starter golf clubs, which sadly won't happen with Chelsea. The only hope is that Martyn takes her "under his wing" like Oliver did with both Ed and then George.
ReplyDeleteBack to Amber.
I'm now beginning to wonder if this wedding is now becoming more like a promo. job, a great photo opportunity etc. to enhance her social media/influencer profile rather than an actual marriage.
Is she really in love with George and understand what marriage actually is and what their married life will actually be like - or just in love with the idea of getting married?
Cynical, I know!
But true!
DeleteAmber made it very clear that it was George she loved and just wanted to be with. This was before marriage was mentioned and it was George who first mentioned it, not Amber. I believe her.Unlikely as a may sound, I think they would be good for each. other so I’m looking forward to the wedding.
DeleteMust admit I had no idea what George was talking about re. the veneers Amber is going to get for the wedding. It seems ridiculous that she is going to Turkey with the idea that all the wedding luxuries will fall into her lap for having completely unnecessary dental work carried out..
ReplyDeleteI’m also concerned that he thought a teeth whitening session was a suitable birthday gift for his Mum! They really have no idea of what is important in life or marriage do they?
I have horrific visions of Amber ending up looking like Katie Price, mangled face, swollen lips and all.
Could someone please reply to this so I can see whether my iPad connection is still working.
ReplyDeleteI can’t believe nobody has left a comment here for 3 days! Perhaps all are on holiday, have guests or are so fed up with current story lines they are not bothering to comment…..
Or perhaps it’s just technical problems at my end?
I'm reading you okay Archerphile. Everyone must be busy.
DeleteStill here Archerfile, just been busy with grandchildren. I have a few episodes to catch up on.
Delete
DeleteIt’s reason no. 3 in my case, Archerphile! I can’t work up the enthusiasm to comment much on current storylines, or what I think the scriptwriters are up to. I find George a very interesting character, share Emma’s understandable concerns for him, and look forward to his safe return to Ambridge and reintegration into the village community. Will Fallon eventually remember that it’s usual to show some gratitude to people who’ve saved your life at risk to themselves?
AP your IPad is working.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that there has been much activity.
This is my first post. I have listened to The Archers since about 1976 when my parents moved to a farm and decided to not to have a television. I have been reading this blog and Mk1 as well as the BBC blog. I am a lawyer working part time as a Locum.
I think Amber is like a lot of young women who have no confidence in their own appearance and wear makeup as a mask. To me, they all look the same. My niece has lost an enormous amount of weight (possibly with fat busting jabs but we don’t ask) has now had a breast lift because of the weight loss.
I think Amber is here to stay, Brian has the start of cognitive problems. My favourite characters at the moment are Ben Brad Zainab & Chelsea
Lovely to hear from you Anrol. When someone new posts it makes me wonder how many other people are reading the blog and not posting.
DeleteHello Anrol, it's nice to meet you. I like the way Brad is shaping up, and hope that Brian doesn't disintegrate and become unrecognisable. Won't mention Amber as my cousin phoned me up earlier to have a grumble about her!
DeleteJanice - you could reassure your cousin that just as Amber unexpectedly came good on haymaking day at Grange Farm, she will come good in her larger role as wife, possibly mother, and workmate. 'Influencer' has been giving some listeners palpitations, but not necessarily so, when allied to worthwhile advice and carried out in harness with a safely paying job.
DeletePS. I think Emma’s description tonight of Amber patiently making a very good
Deletejob of explaining Keira’s maths homework to her, bears out some of what I was predicting earlier, Just like the haymaking! (Is there a teacher training ciollege in Felpersham??)
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, I am like Maryellen, not engaged enough at present to offer any comments, and usually someone else has beat me to it. Otherwise enjoying the heat, dreading the winter, (single glazing), and generally relaxing. I should of course be pruning, re-potting, taking cuttings and creosoting the fences....but there is always tomorrow!
Yes Archerfile just been busy. A funeral of a local villager, and also did another lot of cooking for the installation service of the benefice's new vicar on wednesday evening. The committee who chose him did so deliberately as a way of shaking things up here. The symbolism was interesting with the bishop taking him around to different parts of the church, font, altar, pulpit, door keys etc and telling him his various duties. All very archaic until they got to a bit about fun in the church and he was presented with a wand. Very Harry Potterish, and I was puzzled until I read the foreword on the service sheet. His hobbies were photography, circus skills, illusion and he belongs to the Christian association of British magicians. So a very different rector.
ReplyDeleteA young man wandered in, possibly intending to sleep the night, and tucked into the food. I don't think he could quite believe his luck!
DeleteSo relieved my WiFi is OK.
ReplyDeleteAnd such a pleasure to welcome Anrol to our group. It will be very interesting to hear your opinions about the programme. Perhaps your post will encourage other ‘just readers’ to join in too.
Regarding George, not sure if I am being naive, but I did think he sounded sincere in his phone call the other day and not such an angry, aggressive young man as he used to be. Perhaps his time inside really has helped him calm down and plan for his future.
I too felt that George sounded sincere and along with AP hope that I’m not being naive in thinking so.
DeleteAlso take MEs point in applauding Ambers good intentions.
However, taking the two side of Amber’s personality as presented to us I remain cynical about her.
Like CC, I too often wonder how many silent followers we have when another ‘ new voice ‘ opens up and decides to join us.
Welcome Anrol ! I hope your posting becomes regular.
I too am cynical about Amber, but this is down to my ideas about her background + life. As a result of this she's re-invented herself with a fake/false facade that she puts on and then becomes a different person.
DeleteEmma, well for me, summed it up when she said - Amber is a funny girl, who shows a different side in different ways and is a bunch of contradictions.
That sounds such a good description.
I'm standing by my thought that Amber was brought up in foster care.
DeleteWhen Amber first appeared on the scene, Will (or maybe Ed) said she lived with her parents, identified their house and said her father was a posh car dealer. Amber hasn’t said anything to contradict any of that, nor has anyone else in Ambridge, so it’s your instinct versus local knowledge, Miriam!
DeleteI suppose it’s possible that she was adopted and never felt that she fitted the image that her parents wanted.
DeleteJust another speculation !
I just can't accept Ambers "poor, little rich girl" portrayal of herself.
DeleteEnd of my thoughts on the subject.
'Adopted' would make a plausible storyline, Mrs P, particularly if Amber's adoptive parents regretted their decision and Amber grew up with their regret. It would explain their attitude to her now, and also her evident enjoyment of being part of Grundy family life which brings her what she lacked herself, including siblings (witness the time she spent helping Keira with her homework and watching the Disney film with her).
DeleteThe locals wouldn't necessarily know she was adopted. (A close friend and her husband adopted a boy when he was 3 days old - they fostered him first to comply with social services requirements. it was an unusual case. The fact he was adopted was very rarely mentioned by them or him.)
I don't think Amber portrays herself as a poor little rich girl. It may be a fake personality created by bloggers. (There was an interesting post about that on the Unofficial blog.) For the daughter, adopted or not, of presumably well off parents, her low paid job at the agricultural supplies firm and fixation with discounts and freebies, seems out of keeping.
That's my week's worth!
I
Your first para expanded on my speculation in precisely the way I would have done myself ME, echoing my thoughts.
DeleteI don’t think Amber portrays herself as poor rich girl either, but neither did I get the impression that her job was poorly paid.
But the need to chase freebies and such, does ring true with her background if the car business is used cars, which it is in my imagination.
So many different thoughts and different reasons being proposed - this is what keeps our blog interesting.
ReplyDeleteMy only dislike at the end of the week was the way Emma harangued Kenton and Jolene about Mikey +1 being arrested after a tip off. The way she vented her anger was way over the top in my opinion. Yes, I know she is worried about her son in prison but anyone would think him a totally innocent little boy. Which even he admits he is not.
Actually, I think 'Emma's acting is the best thing about these clumsy storylines. Usually I feel pretty detached when listening to TA, but hearing her, I too felt sick with worry about what could happen to George, and furious with Kenton for his selfishness and stupidity, and Jolene for failing to stop him. It was like being in the theatre!
ReplyDeleteYes Emma’s acting was very good, but like AP I was uncomfortable with E haranguing K and J.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Emma is very aware of George’s culpability, she does regularly fall into the trap of placing him as victim, which he is not.
Nor is he a child.
Once ‘ children ‘ become drivers they take upon themselves the accompanying role of responsibility. IMO their parents then are no longer entitled to class their offspring as children.
Welcome Anrol. I suspect there are several lurkers ' I cannot evisualise George and Amber tying the knot. And l really hope that Mia and Brad reconnect as well as Alice and Chris. Personally l like Chelsea and Zainab. A great pair of wee lassies.
ReplyDeleteWhile I did understand Emma’s concerns over George’s offer of possible help to apprehend Kenton and Jolene’s tormentors,I can’t agree that Kenton was at all selfish especially after the months of terrorising they had endured.George insisted on carrying out his plan to catch Mikey and his mate and I’m glad it worked,but hope,of course that it can’t be traced back to him as Emma fears.
ReplyDeleteI suspect the scriptwriters are shunting Kate out of Blossom Hill Cottage to make room for Ruari...... Last heard she was telling Kirsty she couldn't leave her poor old Dad on his own, next heard she's packing her bags to go, despite Brian's worsening situation - or did I miss something?
ReplyDeleteIf you missed something MaryEllen then so did I.
DeleteI was confused too.
Last I remember was her telling Kirsty that she couldn’t come and stay because of Brian.
Then she is, as you say, packing her bags.
Has she told Kirsty ? I don’t think so.
I was waiting with baited breath for ….dim de dum de dum dum dum …this evening.
That dreadful, full on, haranguing and challenging voice of Amber.
And poor Chelsea, having to watch her every word and nuance for fear of upsetting or insulting Amber
GRRRRR !
I thought that Kate was moving because she knew Adam was taking up Stella's job which would relieve the stress for Brian.
ReplyDeleteKate said she thought 3 heads would be better than two and she didn't mean herself or Alice. I wondered if by any chance she meant Debbie. It could be Ruairi but he wouldn't know so much about farming.
It’s true Ruari has never shown any interest in farming as a career - but who knows? That could change at the touch of a scriptwriter’s mouse!
DeleteI also wondered if the reason Justin was thinking of buying more land was so that BL then wouldn't need to use the land that Brian relies on for contract work.
ReplyDeleteMmmm that’s a point Janice.
DeleteCould be !
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMessage for Nigel fans - you may have picked up that the actor who played Nigel (Graham Seed) is due to feature in the podcast. I'm doubtful there's anything new to say about Nigel and his demise but no doubt they'll replay the scream.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to hear some clips of Nigel as Mr. Snowy, how he asked Phil for Lizzies hand in marriage whilst dressed in his gorilla outfit and their wedding which was recorded in the church near Inkberrow which is St.Stephebs in Ambtidge.
DeleteThen there is Nigel emulating Mr Darcy, swimming in the lake. There's so much to choose from even in his shortened life span.
Plus Graham Seed did return to The Archers in 2017(?), when he was a juror in Helen's trial.
DeleteI was right about Zainab being too big for her boots. Tipping her orange juice over Lawrence was appalling behaviour, however odious he was being. I imagine her parents will be mortified when they find out and offer to pay his cleaners’ bill. She threatens to be a bad influence on Chelsea (imo).
ReplyDeleteAt least she had the insight to realise that she shouldn't have done it.
DeleteYou’re right, Cheshire Cheese, that does exonerate Zainab to a certain extent, but I’m disappointed in those who applauded her action, especially Oliver. I sympathised with the upset guest and was shocked by Oliver’s dismissive attitude. Was keeping staff happy more important than customer satisfaction?
DeleteI didn’t hear Oliver trying to keep a staff member happy nor ignoring a customers complaint.
DeleteBoth Oliver and Linda ( IMO) were choosing to be against the display of racial insult from Laurence towards Zanaib, but rather standing up for a village family member and perhaps subconsciously attempting to build further solidarity towards a family who have chosen to leave the city and to feel integrated enough as well as confident, to move into a typical English village.
Lawrence's racial and misogynist taunts were far more appalling than anything Zainab did.
DeleteLynda and Oliver were showing their disgust at this.
Was Zainab meant to sit quietly and accept Lawrence's ideals?
A young family member of mine who is of mixed race, has until recently been racially bullied + taunted, due to her darker skin, jet black hair and eyes.
She retaliated on the final occasion with the flat of her hand. She was in trouble but this problem had been reported many times previously. She was punished for one day at school, whilst her tormentors were suspended fully, for a week. I understood why Zainab did what she did and it was only orange juice.
Yes, "appalling" and Zainab realised it, but not those who applauded her. She acted on impulse but at least she stood up to Lawrence, unlike Lynda who has a guilty conscience and gave in to blackmail. She'd better sort it out - "once and for all". At least Lawrence's odious taunts were just that compared to violent and life threatening attacks on Usha when she first came to Ambridge.
DeleteNo, Miriam, Zainab isn't "meant" by me to sit quietly and listen to Lawrence's offensive comments without any response. She has a tongue in her head as we know well, and could have used it - or simply walked out. But resorting to physical violence and property damage, even as mild as thrown orange juice or a playground slap, is never, ever acceptable, or at least not in my book. It sounds to me as if the school you mention got it right.
DeleteAnd now we have the Kate +Amber chat!
ReplyDeleteAmber had better be careful in what she posts on her socials. If she goes too far she might lose her sponsorships, her freebies and her followers so no fancy wedding.
(Just musing!) It puzzles me why Alice was never charged with the motoring offence of which she was undoubtedly guilty - drunk in charge of a motor vehicle (when she was comatose in the lay-by). It can attract a prison sentence of up to 6 months though a fine, points, or disqualification are more likely. So, ironically, George’s subterfuge was “sending an innocent young mother to prison” (quote from listener), when she was heading in that direction under own steam, had the law been applied.
ReplyDeleteAmber has managed to ingratiate herself into the Grundy clan and some parts of the wider extended family but still refuses to apologise to Susan and Neil.
ReplyDeleteNow she has met Kate.
That didn’t go well, did it ?
I don’t remember George having any animosity towards Alice. I think he actually had some compassion towards her. He did after all find her comatose in her car and had the good intention to get her home safely.
We have not heard George telling Amber ‘ what happened ‘, but I have felt from the moment she, Amber, assaulted my ears that she made her own mind up about ‘what happened’ without George giving her chapter and verse, whether he did tell all, or not.
We have all accepted that G is not all bad.
We know he is capable of compassion.
Does anyone else feel as I do, that Amber seems to have missed this element of Gs character.
She does not seem to me to have any compassion herself.
Now having met Kate after several weeks of living in the village she is likely to meet other members of the Ambridge community. What will happen when she meets Fallon ?
Fallon who was saved from the water by George, but who also has a close friendship with Alice.
Joy who was also in the accident and is very close to Susan and has seen how Susan has been affected by the very unfair accusations by Amber towards S and N.
And how might Alan react to the Amber we are getting to know ?
And then of course there is Chris !
Amber is so adamant that she'll never forgive Susan + Neil. I just can't see how this will be overcome. There is always Joy who's quite good at smoothing things over, but even she would find this difficult with Amber.
DeleteTo add. My worry is that Amber will have a go at Alice, who then gets tempted again.
DeleteMine too Miriam, that’s why I hope she comes up against Chris soon, as I rather think ( hope) he will put her put her in her place before she has a chance to abuse Alice.
DeleteChris lodging with Fallon might be advantageous as Alice will be able to get support from them both at the same time, which she'll need after Kate tells all.
DeleteWith Adam departing to Home Farm, Bridge Farm will need a replacement farmhand, and who better than George who becomes available next month? They valued him as a good and willing worker before and relied on him for IT support. It would tide him over while he and Eddie develop their green coffin business (or not), while reemploying him would send a positive message to the village, which has accepted drug dealing, ex-con Freddie back into the. community and why not George? (Rhetorical question!)
ReplyDeleteThis presupposes that Bridge Farm can overcome any negative attitudes of the ‘never darken my doors again’ type first voiced by Tony, and that they can avoid an Archer/Aldridge family split whereby anything pro-George is seen as anti-Alice. Knowing how the scriptwriters love confrontational drama, I can’t see a peaceful return for the lad!
"What happened to forgive and forget" Amber expects it from Kate but isn't prepared to do it for Neil and Susan.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope Amber’s coming out celebration for George is a success, wherever it’s held, and the episode includes a reconciliation with Susan and Neil.
DeleteAmber also only told Brad some of the confrontation with Kate, leaving out her very negative comments about Alice that so infuriated Kate.
DeleteClever with her tongue that one !
Yes, Amber said Kate threw her out when she found out she was with George. I think it would be a very bad idea for George to attract attention to himself when he comes out.The prison arms are very long. Also, Amber sounded clearly distressed last night when pressed by Brad about her trip to Turkey. She's doing it for the money and not at all sure about the outcome. So both: beware; I don't like either of them, but will not rejoice if they fall.
DeleteHer comment to Brad about Kate..... she's giving me this massage then all of a sudden she stops and throws me out ... and I'm like what have I done to deserve this... seemed to show a complete lack of insight as to the effect of her own words.
DeleteAnd then there was Brad's, I thought interesting, comment that there were other things at school she was good at.
DeleteWhat intrigues me is why was Amber so defensive and got so upset that she burst into tears and ran off. Is she being "bullied" or pressurised in some way, perhaps by the follower she has to immediatly DM after a receiving a comment or message?
DeleteNormally I enjoy listening to Kate, and she and Jakob are one of my two favourite couples, but not during her recent screeching match with Amber when she struck me as highly unprofessional. It was no way to treat a client, especially one as young and impressionable as Amber.
DeleteI think what made Kate so vehement were the comments which were too near the bone as regards the uncomfortable question of Alice’s share of responsibility for causing the car accident. It’s a question the Aldridge family have studiously avoided, although Alice herself said at one point that she felt a bit guilty. She evidently gave up her recall therapy sessions before remembering how her drunken behaviour caused George to swerve. Luckily for her, he was a good enough driver to bring her car to a halt after the impact without a scratch to her, the car, or himself. (Well, it is fiction!)
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DeleteNigel 😇 would never have behaved like Freddie and Lily did, sneaking out and letting Linda take the blame at the cricket club.
ReplyDeleteNor would Elizabeth. She was the backbone of that family.
DeleteI know I’m old now, and my hearing isn’t what it was, but…..I was totally confused last night about who was speaking. So many young girls with similar voices. I worked out Lily was being asked to jazz up the F&F show by Dane, but who was she discussing it with later? I did recognise Fallon but was there someone else as well? I mentioned this on another Archers page and several people agreed with me that it was too confusing. Perhaps a few. Regional accents would help!
ReplyDeleteI am the same as you, and apparently others AP.
DeletePerhaps someone at the Beeb needs to take notice.
Couldn’t distinguish those female voices at all, with the exception of Fallon.
It’s a bit the same with the young men, all sounding very similar. There seems to be a universal accent these days, not Estuary English, but a sort of characterless English, especially amongst the young.
DeleteAzra was mentioned in the BBC header for the episode so that was helpful, and the scriptwriters had done the advisable thing, I think, and introduced speakers’ names early on and then during the conversation. There’s the BBC synopsis next day for information about where and who, though that doesn’t help at the time, of course. It’s a problem fairly often raised by listeners with no easy answer, it seems. Too many other constraints affecting casting, plot and script decisions, I guess.
DeletePS. It might help matters if the cast spoke a fraction more slowly. My poor old brain could do with the extra processing time, even if it does mean losing one of our precious thirteen minutes!
DeleteI feel as you do ME.
DeleteI find young people in particular often speak very fast nowadays.
I was stopped in Taunton recently by a young female canvasser, couldn’t understand a single word she said. When I suggested she tried to speak a little slower she told me cheerfully that others had told her the same.
She clearly didn’t think it was important.
It's not that they speak quickly, they just don't pronounce words clearly esp. the last constanant, so run words into each other. That's my thought as to my experience.
DeleteWhy can’t there be 3 judges for the cakes. It’s good publicity for Farming Today a bit like when Sheila Dillon was on from The Food Programme when Helen was up for a Food and Farming Award. I cannot remember if she won.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that Ben was off to work in Darrington but I thought he had graduated and could not find a job-so what is he doing?
When Brad was waxing on about the moon, I was worried that Amber might get the wrong end of the stick.
I thought there was a slight hesitation by Ruari when Brian said Ruari must be busy with his work placement. Is he going to get back together with Paul. There’s been no mention of the Vet practice but I am not missing Denise and the way she pronounces Alastair’s name.
Perhaps Ben is still working at the surgery in Darrington as a HCA as he was whilst still training.
DeleteWill Brad be able to talk to Amber and find out more about her - I hope so.
ReplyDeleteAs for Rosie, does a 7yr old now in Year 3 at school, still need a soft toy giraffe as a "special friend" who has to stay by her side at all times as it sounds not natural to me!
I would have thought Rosie should already have been used to dogs and how to act around them because of Ben's Beth.
ReplyDeleteMost of the dogs encountered in my country childhood were working dogs rather than pets. We children were told always to keep our distance from any unfamiliar dog unless the owner said we could engage with it. We knew the family Jack Russells from puppyhood and peacefully coexisted. We sometimes took the current one when we paddled up river in our old punt.
DeleteMy best boating story (indulge me!) is the time we rescued a sheep which had fallen down the steep riverbank into the water and was struggling to find a purchase. It was large and recently shorn, and we couldn't get a hold on it, until we folded the old picnic rug lengthwise to make a sling. Those in the punt passed the ends under its midriff for those on the bank to haul it out, whereupon it raced up the hillside to join its mates, and we raced home to impress our parents with the tale!
What a lovely story Maryellen. I can picture it exactly, it would have made a good incident to be included in the book Three Men in a Boat!
DeleteYes a lovely tale.
DeleteI was always taught to respect dogs, if on lead to ask if it was possible to pet it.
If off lead, and many dogs were in earlier times, to keep a distance until there was an adult about.
But most importantly, never to run past dogs or if near dogs.
Do wish todays children were taught this. They don’t just run, but scoot past on scooters with no regard for humans let alone dogs.
Lots of dogs to become familiar with in relatives homes, but because we lived in a council flat we were unable to have our own.
I sincerely hope this is a breakthrough with Amber and she chooses to become normal. If she does, I hope she will drop that irritating silly voice.
ReplyDeleteShe has already shown that she has a nice side and is willing to roll up her sleeves and muck in, and with a good attitude too.
George will benefit from a wife who can both help him in any farming jobs as well as being very able at online stuff, while in addition be able to scrub up well when the occasion arises.
As you know I've never been a fan of Amber but I was pleased to hear her admit that she is a fraud and the image she puts out is not real.
DeleteI think George will still love the new Amber, particularly when he sees how she is with the Grange Farm lot, Will plus Poppy + Keira.
I just hope they take their time to really get to know each other in this new way of life, before committing to marriage.
I foresee a future for them after a St. Stephens wedding, a Clarrie + Susan made wedding dress, Joy doing the flowers (I bet she can) with the reception either back at Grange Farm or at Upstairs at The Bull.
This is next spring obviously..😊
Quick extra. First though she must accept exactly what George did and realise why Susan + Neil did what they did and apologise in a sincere way.
DeleteI agree, Miriam. I think we all twigged early on that Amber was consciously projecting (her idea of) a more positive image of herself than the unappealing image life had lumbered her with. I wouldn't call it fraud, though, more like self-improvement. If it's fraud, then I guess most of us are fraudsters from time to time, and to a lesser extent, presenting with a pleasant smile when we're feeling anything but!. She and George have quite a lot to learn about each other, but I'm confident love conquers all!
DeleteAmber called herself a fraud when she was talking to Brad. It wasn't me saying that just repeating what she called herself.
DeleteYes, in her distress, she's being too hard on herself. She'll come to see that because she deliberately created this positive image of herself, it doesn't make it less real. She is genuinely talented and attractive .
DeleteBut she is a fraud. I say this in that she has got others following her, believing in her "brand" who then go on to purchase things that she is supposedly promoting.
DeleteShe has said she gets paid for this, so to my tiny mind this is fraudulent earnings, since she is coercing others into buying goods on her recommendation which perhaps she actually doesn't believe in.
Although I see Maryellens POV I agree with Miriam that Amber has behaved fraudulently in her projections of herself hitherto both to George and the wider public, her followers. I feel that she has not been fraudulent with the family tho’, but rather found her true self poking through the carapace.
DeleteI suspect the nastiness that we have heard is to do with her insecurities, determined to not be ‘done down’
Perhaps together Amber and George will manage to find their real, and true, selves within their relationship.
'She has said she gets paid for this, so to my tiny mind this is fraudulent earnings, since she is coercing others into buying goods on her recommendation which perhaps she actually doesn't believe in.'
DeleteHm, I suspect on these grounds we'd have to arrest a large proportion of the advertising industry.
('Though I think 'coercing' is too strong in both cases.)
My thoughts exactly,, OWIAS! Nicer coming from you, though.
Delete😊
DeleteDon't forget, most of us had the privilege of growing up without the sometimes pernicious influence of social media.
DeleteThe job market was probably kinder too - when even graduates can send off hundreds of applications without being called for a single interview, is it any wonder that 'influencer' can seem an attractive career prospect?
I wonder what Brad will do about the cricket, refuse, continue or try and defuse?
ReplyDeleteAnd Jim? Or is Brad the new Jim now? The previous one has gone strangely quiet!
DeleteBy the sounds of things, there won't be a cricket team next season! Time will tell though.
DeleteDid anyone watch today's Countryfile? It was based around The Archers, presumably to coincide with the appearance of Charlotte Smith on this evening's episode.
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DeleteWhat a ridiculous storyline! Would wedding guests really be that daft? Presumably they had their own dedicated area for the reception, and presumbably it would have been pretty obvious that the Flower and Produce Show was a separate event - if nothing else, the 'medieval' tents and costumes should have given the game away.
ReplyDeleteAnd if they're expecting a sit-down meal at somewhere as posh as Grey Gables, would they really jump to the conclusion that their kind hosts had decided to throw in a hitherto unmentionned lavish buffet too? As an apetiser perhaps?
Either the reception really is as boring as Paul seemed to find it and the guests have all wandered off to find alternative entertainment, or the guests are all members of Densa, or they've all been kicked out of Weight Watchers for being just too greedy, or the free bar has been so lavish that the guests are all totally plastered and have lost every ounce of common sense.
Bah, humbug!