Life in Ambridge
George plotting?
Life in Ambridge
An upcoming storyline methinks!
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JaniceFebruary 11, 2026 at 7:50 PM
ReplyDeleteInteresting one. I wonder if whoever the culprit is, or whoever is protecting them, will be desperate for George to say nothing and let the court case go ahead. In which case they would be as bad as George originally was.
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AmbridgesMrsPFebruary 11, 2026 at 8:49 PM
I thought I heard Lilian’s voice upon the door opening.
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Lady RFebruary 11, 2026 at 11:25 PM
Well who was it George was after? One minute Jazzer speaking then a door opened and an unrecognisable voice (to me anyway) shouted “well what do you want?” George seemed like he was after Fallon earlier but it didn’t sound like her to me .
maryellenFebruary 12, 2026 at 9:41 AM
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed Lilian’s door, according to the spoiler and the BBC synopsis,should confirm it this afternoon.
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BasiaFebruary 12, 2026 at 11:14 AM
There was 'lager' knocking on Jazzer's door and George on Lillian's who opened it: he said Lillian can I come in - he had earlier seen Fallon passing and mentioned it to Amber.
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ArcherphileFebruary 12, 2026 at 11:39 AM
The synopsis has confirmed it was Lilian who answered the door but I hadn’t recognise her voice at all. She sounded a bit like a harridan and I had thought it maybe a very cross Joy. Perhaps I shouldn’t listen late at night! So are we suspecting Lilian or Justin?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBasiaFebruary 12, 2026 at 2:10 PM
ReplyDeleteNo, I think Fallon, who left the bar to throw away empty bottles and was very vague about it to Lilian.
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ArcherphileFebruary 12, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Maryellen - post for you from me on the other blog about word games.
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AmbridgesMrsPFebruary 12, 2026 at 7:19 PM
It is19.18 and I for one am about to have a sherry to celebrate.
Well done George !
BasiaFebruary 12, 2026 at 7:23 PM
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed that he was tempted to ask for money.
Brian's aftershave, as noticed by someone at the Bull on NYE.
As Janice said, Brian is doing the same as George by letting another take the blame.
I was hoping that G was recording the whole account.
DeleteSo I’m inclined to believe he was giving B the opportunity to dig the hole he was in even deeper.
And he did !
Scriptwriters =1, Listeners = 0 ( re.George knocking on door). What the synopsis carefully says a door (which Lilian and were). Sorry, fell9 w lis tenders, my mistake!
ReplyDeleteGeorge’s detractors are already accusing him of actual blackmail. I think George was simply stringing Brian along with his talk of compensation and rattling him, for the sake of the recording.
Well I didn’t recognise Lilian’s voice when she answered the door she sounded like a really old harridan (no doubt someone will say that indeed Lady R you got it in one🤣) also I had not suspected Brian and thought it all a bit of a damp squid until George’s recording was revealed. So now what another resident off to prison 🥱 Charles Collingwood will be 83 yrs at the end of May an easing off maybe although he has stated he would like to follow in June Spencers footsteps and stay in the drama very long term 👏🏻 I enjoy the character of Brian and Charles Collingwood as an actor, with both an attractive and recognisable voice!!
ReplyDeleteWell, there’s a thing! Never, ever, would have thought of Brian being the bottle cosher!
ReplyDeleteAnd clever George, making the recording. Does he go to the police with his evidence or use it to blackmail Brian? If Brian is convicted of actual bodily harm, would he go to prison or have to undertake umpteen hours of community service. What an embarrassment that would be - wearing a yellow tabard and clearing litter along the roads of Ambridge! 😂
If George has learnt anything from all that's happened he can't let someone he knows is innocent go to trial. Brian is obviously happy to do that in spite of his criticism of George for doing what he did to Alice.
ReplyDeleteIf Brian gets his comeuppance it will be poetic as well as actual justice, because it can all be traced back to him and his treatment of Alice resulting in her alcoholism and George’s culpability. Not that I’m ruling out the suggestion that he’s shielding another member of his clan. I wouldn’t have thought bottle bashing was his style, but either way the hypocrisy of.letting an innocent man face trial certainly is.
ReplyDeletePS Ap9ls for my messy typing earlier..
DeleteSeen lots of comments on another site saying Brian was just covering up for someone - probably Ruairi who was viciously anti-George. By putting George off the trail with the ‘gentleman’s agreement’ he hopes to take suspicion off Ruairi. And he probably uses Brian aftershave which would account for the scent.
ReplyDeleteNow I am confused - a very unlikely Brian, or a more likely Ruairi?
I find it hard to believe it was Brian. Just doesn't seem his style.
ReplyDeleteI wondered for a moment if the aftershave had been a christmas gift from Alice and if she might have given Chris the same, but I can't see him having done it either.
So much for my theory it was Mick!
I am wondering if George will hang on to his recording until the court case is settled and only use it if Marky's gang member is found guilty, or he could cause absolute confusion and a moral dilemma to send copies of the tape to everyone in Brian's family and then to see if they would behave any differently than he and his family did.
I really really hope he doesn't sink to blackmail. Letting the family know would at least ensure they treated him better in future.
Miranda bought the aftershave for Brian.
DeleteThat is an interesting possible solution from JANICE
DeleteMight it have been Ruari ?
And would Brian cover for him ?
I not sure. Not sure if it’s likely to be Brian himself either.
Since it’s Friday ,we may have the correct answer this evening….
On the other hand, we may have yet another cliff hanger.
Whatever it is, I am still pleased that George had the foresight to record his conversation with Brian.
That was an unexpected twist, which I'm accepting for now.
ReplyDeleteWhether I actually believe it...😉
As for the aftershave, the trigger for George was smelling it on Martha. This could easily have been transferred to others on NYE, a hug here, a peck on the cheek there and Lilian did remark how pungent it was.
Though I couldn’t help smiling at the thought of Brian using a wine bottle as a weapon - it seemed peculiarly apt! I think the point he made to George about calling the ambulance is probably true because it can be checked even if he withheld his name or gave a false one. Which makes me wonder what evidence the police do have for charging the man they’ve got. (Sudden random thought - both Ruairi and Amber have Irish connnections.... )
ReplyDeleteBrian hesitated when George said he was smart enough not to use his own phone but George's.
ReplyDeleteGeorge smelt the aftershave on Martha whom Alice had picked up from Chris.
Brian did sound very casual about all this.
I repeat I'd said Ed who was nowhere to be found and I'm suspicious of Fallon who took out the empty bottles and was hesitant when explaining to Lilian.
DeleteIf it wasn’t Brian, who do you think he would lie for, knowing what his ‘confession’ would cost him? My guess is Alice or Ruairi.
DeleteWhich doesn’t necessarily mean he.knows who did it but only who he suspects.
DeleteI think that Amber won't be happy about George not telling her what he was going to do, but then she was haranguing him so much that he hardly got the chance to.
ReplyDeleteSo it was Chris’s aftershave George smelt on Martha? Which could be the same as Brian”s (expensive Christmas present from Alice?) Did George know that and why would he assume his attacker was Brian rather than Chris? Am I overthinking this? And/or missing something?
ReplyDeleteGetting in a right old middle, like me, Maryellen! It never occurred to me that Brian could be covering for someone until I read it on the other site.
DeleteWell now we know !
ReplyDeleteBut what are we going to do about it ?
We'll have to wait and see, but George will use the recording at some point.
DeleteAs he told Brian, he's no better than him if he lets another go down and Brian has no qualms, but he's not sure if George will take it further.
The man may be found not guilty.
Is George a witness? If so, he can say he doesn't remember.
There's a mystery guest on the podcast tonight, please tell me who it is as I can no longer listen.
BASIA
DeleteThe mystery guest was Ruari.
The presenter and Hannah discussed why they had not heard last night’s broadcast and explained that they were to hear it on air, which they did. Both were shocked at the revelation.
Then Ruari appeared and in his explanation he revealed that he had known for months that he was the culprit.
Later they read out listeners guesses as to the culprit.
Only one listener guessed the correct person, and for her it was confirmed when Ruari was so vile to George during the ‘ apology ‘ scene.
I hope that gives you enough information.
Are you unable to access podcasts ?
MrsP - thank you, I can listen to some podcasts but not to Sounds in general.
DeleteActually, having looked at the schedule for tomorrow, Sunday, there will be a 15 minute version of the podcast, so I'll try and catch that.
Anyway, I'd said Ed, so wrong. I still think Fallon is aware of something because she took out the empty bottles and was very shifty about it.
Fallon thought Harrison was guilty which made her act suspiciously.herself, we don’t why Jazzer was acting peculiar or why Mike and Joy were so unconvincing, and Alice sounded evasive. More to come? Or having achieved their objective of keeping us guessing, will the scriptwriters leave it at that? The big question now of course is what will George do next? Take his tape to the police pronto - I hope!
DeleteThe podcast this week was brilliant and I loved all the interesting background info. given.
ReplyDeleteIt's well worth listening to.
BASIA
ReplyDeleteJust to reassure you, the repeat of the podcast after the omnibus today did contain the essence of the podcast as I listened to it on Friday evening.
Hope you managed to hear it this morning.
Yes, MrsP, I listened to the short version after the omnibus, they seem to put it out for general listening when something major happens.
DeleteBrian Aldridge and Clive Horrobin are on the same wavelength. Our sort go to prison, their sort don’t, said Clive - and Brian clearly thinks the same. I’ve never disliked him as much as I do now. His lack of morals has evidently been passed down to his son who has shown himself to be weak and reckless before.
ReplyDeleteBrian seems to be angling for retirement, to join Shula at home. However it happens, I hope George is not responsible. It could be Ruairi, doing the right thing, going to the police and contributing to Brian's deterioration, if he must start at the bottom.
ReplyDeleteI've just seen a short video which was filmed in the recording of the Podcast, when Emma F. and "Hannah" hear Ruairi did it and he then walks in.
ReplyDeleteTheir reactions were just brilliant...😆
by that I mean - facial expressions.
DeleteWhere did you see this Miriam?
DeleteIt was posted in an Archers group I belong to.
DeleteGo to the BBC Radio 4 Facebook page, and you'll find it there.
It’s ok I googled it and it took me to the Facebook video and I could view it which pleased me as I am not a member but thank you anyway 😊
DeleteDid you find it Lady R ?
DeleteThanks Miriam.
Emma Freud will be on Front Row tonight discussing 75 years of The Archers.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt there'll be reminders around the episode.
Thanks for the alert, Basia. I thought the questions were more interesting than the answers.
DeleteIs Akram's mismanagement of his jobs at Bridge Farm going to be a recurring theme? Will they be forced to replace him? Will they need to swallow their feelings and approach George? How satisfying if he turns them down!
ReplyDeleteAkram seems to be getting a lot of flack just because he decided to try something different, which might have worked well. Tom knew what he was trialling but didn't stop him and tell him to go back to the old system.
DeleteBTW What are the other jobs he's mismanaged? There was the time he re-arranged the jars in the dairy, but that was just waiting for Susan.
I wonder if he has a tyoe of OCD?
He damaged a polytunnel - he's a plumber, so knows about precision.
Delete...but he was only helping out as a friend then, not an employee. He also said he'd pay for the damages which wasn't needed. Without him trying to help in the gale force winds, the polytunnel might have been completely lost.
DeleteBridge Farm didn't hold this against him, otherwise they wouldn't have employed him.
Wasn't his keeness to help out + why, part of the reason he was approached by Helen?
Apologies for being so vocal yet again! I should learn...🤭
ReplyDeleteI wasn’t querying his motivation, just the possible significance of two episodes in which, with the best of intentions, he made a situation worse. If h happens a third time at the farm, I’ll definitely think I’m on to something! 🤔
ReplyDeleteMiriam, no need to apologise, but perhaps he's too keen to make his mark?
ReplyDeleteAs for Rex and Alice, she seemed disappointed, but I think it's better if they go out as a group, it won't be an obvious date and she'll be more at ease to make an approach.
Ruairi - Neil said he may not stay very long and he confirmed it, who knows it might be prison for him next, as it should be, just like for George. He is after all doing his old job.
Miriam's mention of Akram rearranging stuff in the dairy makes me think this was also part of the pattern, with Akram doing what he thinks best (or "challenging the system" is how tonight's spoiler writer put it!)
ReplyDeleteIs anyone like me, as to feeling a bit dubious about Zach?
ReplyDeleteNot really, I think he's there to show an outsider's point of view.
DeleteI think the scriptwriters are manipulating us! I’d been wondering what the point of creating Zach was, and Basia’s comment seems a fair one. It’s another way of introducing the farming content we moan about when we feel we’re not getting enough of it. I dread Zach getting involved with one of Ambridge’s unwed because I don’t think I can take another doomed relationship and I’d much, much rather spend the time on George’s story and its ramifications for the village.
DeleteOK. I just had differing thoughts.
DeleteYes Miriam - I feel very dubious about Zach !
DeleteDidn’t like his voice.
Didn’t like his attitude.
Also …….. reminded by this evenings TA, that I failed to post my thoughts on Zach last night…. Which were ‘oh, another troublemaker visits the village ‘.
DeleteMaryellen, are you onto something? I really didn't expect Akram to mess up again.
ReplyDeleteHe planted tulips himself, so he thought they were pointed vegetables, he sounds like an idiot.
I think, more kindly BASIA, that perhaps he is a man with farming in his blood but with little actual experience of practical farming in his fingers.
DeleteSurely Tom is definitely part of the problem, as what guidance or instructions did he actually give Akram?
DeleteTom is meant to be his manager so he should give exact + concise instructions whilst someone is still in the training period.
No doubt I'll regret voicing this....🤣 😆
Pointed green stalks don't look like salad.
DeleteAkram is his own boss and not very good at accepting orders.
I knew I shouldn't have spoken!! 🤣🤣
DeleteHow is Akram his own boss - surely Tom and Tony are his line managers...Akram is just an employee + worker.
DeleteAkram is also a self employed plumber
DeleteThat's why Tony directed him to the leaking tap, something in his line of work.
DeleteI know not many will agree with me, but I’m beginning to feel a bit sorry for Josh.
ReplyDeleteNormally I cant stand him, he’s done some pretty dodgy things in the past and was determined to go his own way. But he does seem to have been overlooked in his parents will.
Pip gets the farm, farmhouse, all the advantages of owning a very valuable farm. - fair enough, it was never going to support all three children.
Ben gets one of the cottages (Rickyard?) and financial support for his nursing career.
What does Josh get? The tumbledown farmhouse and a bit of scruffy land at Hollowtree. He is told he is capable of looking after himself, has his egg business, was good at buying & selling machinery and doesn’t need any help from his parents will.
Think I would be feeling left out & a bit unloved too.
There you are Miriam Archerphile has given her thoughts with no apologies for doing so and so must you we are not here to necessarily agree with each other otherwise there wouldn’t be much point to a discussion blog…..So ponder away 😉
ReplyDeleteThe SW this week is very predictable. As soon as Tom gave the hurried instruction to Akram, I knew it was going to go wrong. Zac and Josh discussing inputs leading to IHT- a slightly clumsy approach to the subject. I agree with AP that Josh has been hard done to. Only 30 acres is only about £500K. Wasn’t there mention years ago that the building at Hollowtree was no longer owned by the Archers and the SWs had forgotten. I think that Josh should get one of the cottages as well once both D & R die. Why can’t he have the event barn?
ReplyDeleteI thought Ben was getting Rickyard and the bungalow, and Josh was getting the Hollowtree acres and Glebe Cottage, which he called tumbledown - first we’d heard of it. Happy to be corrected! It reflects the amount of work they’ve each committed to the farm, I feel.
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ReplyDeleteI thought Glebe Cottage belonged to Jill. D & R have done nothing to mitigate IHT as this all applies when D&R die. They should be getting professional advice and gifting as much as possible before 6 April 26 when limit of £2.5m comes in.
ReplyDeleteYes, that’s right, it definitely belongs to Jill, who rents it to her friend Carol Tregorran. Could she have gifted it to R&D, without mentioning it in our hearing, or does that just show l little I know about gifting property to adult children???
DeleteI am very glad that Josh has come up with some definite plans for his future. As I said before, I think David & Ruth were very hard on him & more or less left him to sort things out for himself instead of offering practical help as they did to Pip & Ben.
ReplyDeleteAnd it’s almost a tradition for an Archer to go off abroad to gain ‘experience’ . I do hope he comes back one day to Ambridge, with a successful lucrative business - but, please, not with a new voice like Tom did!
Or not at all like Johnny - the weirdest exit ever considering how much he loved farming and especially loved his very special monbeliard cows he was over the moon when they arrived then all of a sudden it was “life at sea for me” 🙃
DeleteZach has certainly served his purpose. How cleverly the S/L used him to make Josh realise that he needs to have a break away from Brookfield + Ambridge.
ReplyDeleteHow quickly though he's forgotten about Esme + Meadow Farm and how can he afford to pay for a manager in his absence, when he said the business only just gives him a living.
Now might this be a position for Rex?
Josh + Rex + hens AGAIN?
DeleteI was thinking more of his + Toby's duck business that they had at Hollowtree. As such Rex knows about and has experience of bird husbandry, avian 'flu etc.
Deleteor was it geese?
DeleteNo doubt I've got it all wrong AGAIN!
DeleteSorry , Miriam - I thought you were referring ironically to the time when Rex worked for Josh on the machinery business as well as their shared interest in the hens, and it wasn’t always a smooth ride. Now Rex has two businesses of his own plus part time work at the rewilding project which he seems to enjoy a lot. How does he manage it all!
DeleteIt was never made clear how Neil’s pigs, managed by Rex (Toby suggested he applied) morphed into Rex’s pigs owned him. Same as we don’t know what’s happened to Neil’s 6 acres (do we?) apart from building Ambridge View and keeping the pigs nearby till Rex took over. Has he been renting the land out all these years or did he eventually sell?
DeleteShow be owned by him! His only qualification for pig manager at the time was that. Neil thought he seemed a nice young man. He’s certainly got nicer since he’s no longer competing with Toby and is having his own ideas eg. the boat.
DeleteIf it turns out that Ruiari is going to be off the scene maybe they are setting up Alice and Rex to eventually take over the running of Home Farm.
ReplyDeleteWhere would that leave poor Adam?
DeleteI suppose it would leave Adam in the same position as he would be if Ruairi was to take it over. In don't know what Brian has in mind for Adam.
DeleteOne thing which is bemusing me, is how Glebe Cottage seems to be in such a poor state of repair now. Jill is the owner, (or should that be was if she's gifted it to Brookfield), so why hasn't it be maintained.
ReplyDeleteAs a close friend of Jill's I'd have expected Carole T would have her there for coffee/lunch/afternoon tea, plus Carole's daughter Anna often visits, so why haven't any property concerns been raised?
Leonard is more than capable to have done any running repairs plus the rent paid by Carole since 2014 (?) must pay for tradespersons to do more extensive works.
I expect it needs re-thatching now as Mark Hebden last did this when he + Shula lived there - costly!
Bemused you may be Miriam, but you are correct.
DeleteIt seems to me that the TA team have neglected to pay attention to the last twenty years or so of Glebe Cottage, perhaps because Carole Tregorran has herself been largely forgotten as a resident of Ambridge.
We only have Josh's word for it, said in a fit of sour grapes so likely an unreliable witness. I've always imagined Glebe to be on a par with Rickyard and the farmhouse and outbuildings as regards upkeep, One thing we do know for sure is that Glebe had and hopefully still has a lovely and well-tended garden, from hearing Carol and Bert at work in it.
DeleteMy book (mid 1980s) describes the early Victorian brick cottage in detail and it really is small. The illustration of the 17th century-looking, wattle and daub cottage on the current BBC site seems marginally larger. Perhaps the age-related unevenness of its timber frame inspired Josh's (scriptwriter's) word for it?
I am puzzled. It has been said more than once by Ruth and David that they had been pushed by the new agricultural inheritance rules into deciding which part of Brookfield each child should have. Presumably this would only work if they are following this through and having it done legally through a solicitor using the 7 year ruling ( if the giver lives 7 years after gifting something it is then exempt from I.T. ) or there would be no point in doing a division now, it could just be left to a later will. ( I think Anrol made a similar point earlier).
ReplyDeleteBut the thing that is puzzling me is that, as a way of perhaps mollifying Josh and Ben, Ruth said that although Pip would be having the farm she would have to bear the burden of the future Inheritance tax.
Doesn't make sense. Both David and Ruth, at their age. are likely to live another 7 years so there wouldn't be any I.T to pay.
Am I missing something, or are the scriptwriters talking a load of old cobblers?
If Ruth and David were just passing over some things to Josh and Ben in order to mitigate future tax, and retaining the main farm so it was still theirs to control then that might have made some sense, but that is not what they said.
I didn’t think David and Ruth were passing things over to Josh and Ben now, it is what they will get, via the wills, when they both die. That could be years ahead, and one could outlive the other. What, for example, if Ruth were to die first. Would David retire from living at the farm and pass things on to the children early. Iam quite mystified by this whole will business. I can see that passing the farm to Pip needs to be done now, hoping that 7 years will pass…but Josh & Ben shouldn’t be getting their bequests until their parents actually die
DeleteOr am I completely wrong?
The strange thing for me is the fact they said they were doing it ahead of the new rules in order to avoid IT, but in the same breath saying Pip would have the burden of paying the I.T.
DeleteIf they want to avoid the tax then they have to pass things, or at least the bulk of Brookfield, over now. Looking it up online 500 acres plus houses plus farm buildings and equipment, depending on the quality of the land and houses, could be valued at between 5 and 10 million which would result in an astronomical Inheritance tax bill. I don't think that land should be valued at its monetary worth unless that land is sold.
AP
DeleteAs far as I understood things, David + Ruth are immediately putting a partnership in place - 40% David, 40% Ruth and 20% Ruth.
Like you I also thought the rest was on their deaths, which is when the actual inheritance takes place.
It seems I've heard or interpretated things differently.
Carol Tregorran and Jill attended the barn party.
ReplyDeleteOh right !
DeleteSo they haven’t completely forgotten her then.
Thanks BASIA
I have no opinion on the Brookfield inheritance SL as I have no understanding of any of its rights, wrongs or repercussions.
I’m happy to leave the subject to those who do understand the ramifications.
I was delighted to hear that!
DeleteI think they had to mention Carol Tregorran, since Glebe Cottage is to go Josh, so they can dispose of her in due course.
ReplyDeleteThose who feel strongly that the IT does not reflect real life could write to the podcast, at least the message will get through and they might bring the agricultural advisor to explain.
So far it has coincided with the engagement and has created a family rift, just as it often does in real life.
When Jill and Phil left Brookfield to David and Ruth, Elizabeth felt hard done by, but it was taken into account that she was already at Lower Loxley. This also happens in real life, children who are financially stable are given less by their parents. I really don't know how it should be as have little experience of such.
I find sorting out my own finances taxing enough without worrying about Brookfield or Home Farm!
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DeleteI wish Chelsea would stop squealing and put some thought into making the horsebox accessible, - or is she envisaging only young and fit clients in her glam van?
ReplyDeletePlay Chelsea some rope Maryellen, she’s excited.
DeleteYes, MrsP - like an excited 15=year old. Let’s hope the latest turn of events sobers Chelsea up or she will become as notorious for her squeal as Lilian is for her cackle!
DeleteWhen first looking at the horse box I think she mentioned that the ramp would make it wheelchair accessible,
DeleteBut would it? Has she asked an accessibility expert? And even if it did, how about clients with mobility restrictions who don’t use a wheelchair?
DeleteThe mobile post office van which graces the village twice mornings a week has the same problems. It has two fairly wide steps up and a rail, but on the rare occasion there is someone in a wheelchair she has to come out to them.
DeleteMaybe two fixed rails each side of the ramp might work for everybody. Chelsea is probably better keeping her older clients as home visits.
Maryellen- there are plenty of us with mobility restrictions who don’t use a wheelchair.
DeleteWe manage !
And it really isn’t the end of the world.
Quite often it’s the necessity of needing to overcome the challenge presented to an individual that keeps them alive and thriving.
That’s my point. I’m in a similar position and I manage by choosing alternative routes and venues. In any case Chelsea’s horsebox sounds too claustrophobic for me despite her ccncern with decor and the promise of fake foliage!
DeleteWow, that was a happy solution, well done all four of you.
ReplyDeleteRex will meet with Miranda and Brian at the Bull and then Alice to go to the drive-in cinema.
Yes-great to hear a good result instead of doom and gloom.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t think that drive in cinemas were open in the winter. If it is held in a field then the land would will all be churned up. Perhaps Rex’s taxi will get stuck overnight.
What happened to cause Tracy to leave the chicken factory as I can’t remember?
ReplyDeleteHer manager was unpleasant to her, so Chelsea scratched her car, or was it because she sacked her? I still don't know how they managed to pay for the damage. Didn't Tracy pretend she was still going to work and Oliver noticed her on a park bench?
DeleteSo Kirsty was gooseberry twice!
ReplyDeleteIf Helen disappears to Scotland, I hope she leaves Henry behind!
ReplyDeleteOMG Helen will you never learn 😡 The best and most enduring relationships come from much more than just sex you don’t even know Finlay, then there is Rex and Alice where did this all spring from… Don’t mind me I’m just a grumpy old woman 🫢
ReplyDelete‘‘Tis spring and young men’s (and women’s) fancy turn to love…..
Delete🤣😂🤣 of course!
DeleteAs to a post seen elsewhere:-
DeleteIt's Spring and the sap is rising!
What's with Brian match-making for Alice, whom he's normally so protective about, along with Martha?
ReplyDeleteYes Miriam, I too thought it was out of character.
DeleteHow old is Helen ?
ReplyDeleteMight she find herself pregnant in a month or two ?
Mid-40s. Dane’s or Finlay’s?
DeleteNot another surprise pregnancy, please! Didn't we have one recently? I can't remember who it was, just that she was keeping it. Or perhaps I simply imagined it.
DeleteAmber.
DeleteHelen is nearly 47yrs.
DeleteI doubt there'll be a pregnancy as she's probably has long term contraception such as an IUD or implant. Implant is the preferred way these days.
Well, I was thinking Finley’s of course, but take Miriam’s point.
DeleteI notice that F is played by a notable actor with a Scots accent.
I do wonder if that means he is to be in TA long term.
If the character of Finley was to be short term then surely any actor with a suitable accent would do.
Finlay is played by a very fine Scots actor called Mark Bonner. He’s a regular character in the Shetland series and has been in dozens of TV productions and films. I suspect his work schedule wouldn’t allow him a long run in TA. (He is also very good looking!)
DeleteHe's lovely, isn't he..😍
DeleteI've never heard of him so will take your word for his good looks. He is certainly playing Finley as a smooth talker - I distrust him already! (The character not the actor.))
DeleteAgree his work schedule would disallow being consistently featured in Ambridge.
DeleteHowever, listening again today to last nights episode I had the distinct feeling that although Helen told Kirsty that they ‘ had said their goodbyes’, I could envisage a long term long distance relationship being formed to allow for the inevitable problems facing two people each dedicated to their current lifestyle commitments.
To continue:-
DeleteWhich would allow for Mark Bonner to make regular appearances in Ambridge or on telephone calls.
George and Amber wanted a baby, so not a surprise for them, though they didn't expect it so soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually glad it did, to keep Amber with George and Brad stepping away.
DeleteHow long this situation will last, that's for the future now.
I wonder if Pat & Natasha will be celebrating St David’s Day today? But good wishes to all Welsh friends and relatives from me! 🌼
ReplyDeleteFor listeners bored by too much middle aged, middle class bonking, the very good news is that tomorrow we are back with George and his continuing struggle for acceptance , plus. of course the question of the future of that tape...".
ReplyDelete👏🏻✔️👏🏻✔️👏🏻✔️
DeleteIf George has got evidence and doesn't present it to the police he could be guilty of perverting the cours of justice.
DeleteBrian is already guilty of perverting the course of justice by protecting Ruiari. All we can do is wait to hear how it will all pan out with the ensuing repercussions. I guess that this storyline has away to go yet.
DeleteI'm still perplexed my Brian and am thinking something is going on with him.
ReplyDeleteHe's now 82yrs or thereabouts. He was very quick to admit he bashed George (the 'phone recording George now has) to protect Ruairi. He also suddenly started pushing Alice towards Rex, plus he is getting so forgetful.
The latter was heard not remembering Rex's background as a rugby player and that he didn't go into the family business. He also forgot to put petrol in his car, forgot to take his mobile with him, forgot Miranda's U3A group name and that they were interested in the flower rewilding walk...
It jusn't sound like Brian...
Has he had some news he's not sharing but is starting to show? 🫢
Mmmm, food for thought in your post Miriam.
ReplyDeleteplus he's now desperate to move back into Home Farm, the place he loved so much with Jenny Darling and family, and where he lived for such much of his life...
DeleteIs it another jigsaw piece of a large puzzle or just a River Am red herring...Mmm 🤫
I don’t think Brian will be moving back to the Home Farm farmhouse or if so, not for long.
DeleteMaryellen, my thoughts are that it's Ruairi who won't move back in because he'll crack and own up.
ReplyDeleteWhen the case comes to court George will testify.
I expect it all to come out but when and how remains to be heard.
Ruairi wouldn't want his senile father to go to prison.
Brian could claim diminished responsibility on health grounds, but Ruairi will not live with his secret for ever.
I'm still puzzled as to what evidence the police must have that is strong enough to warrant bringing an individual (who we know is innocent) to court.
DeleteI just have to tell you all that I have been contacted by Nicola Holloway who is co-ordination the Archers 75 celebrations. Apparently a film crew is hoping to interview very long term Archers listeners for a feature on Morning Live TV. The podcast team had requested stories about how long people had been listening and what it has mean to us throughout our lives. I wrote in about having been listening since the very 1st episode but I never had a reply until today and they now say they would like to interview me on TV!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have declined appearing in person on TV but said I would be happy for a telephone interview that means I wouldn’t have to travel anywhere. It might be included in a podcast.
I’ll let you know if anything further happens…but I am dead chuffed so far 🤩
That's absolutely brilliant!
DeleteWhere do we queue for autographs?
Archerphile, so you should be and you said that being a farmer yourself you could see parallels with Jill Archer when she first came to Brookfield.
DeleteHow exciting Archerfile
DeleteAP Would you agree to a video-link so you'd just be seen on a screen in the studio, which would just show your lovely smiling face, which I'm sure you have..😃
DeleteThey’ve made an excellent choice!, Go for the video link if you can, and see and hear yourself as others do.
DeleteThanks for the encouragement! I really don’t want to be seen on screen, I am so ashamed of my appearance at present. I don’t even like my family seeing me on What’s App calls since I have put on so much weight with being unable to exercise. But we’ll see what happens, so I’ll just keep listening until they decide. Now to listen in to tonight’s episode….
DeleteExciting times Archerphile. Keep us informed and I’ll keep a lookout.
DeleteYour brave anyway AP doing WhatsApp video links I have iPhone/Pad and now watch mainly for the falls protection (and apparently it has crash protection too) but do not use any of them in this way 😱 the very thought of it - my older by 6 yrs sister whom I have not been able to see for years feels the same but we do talk on the phone every morning….I also hate having photos taken.
DeleteCongrats on being invited to talk of your many years of Archers commitment though 👏🏻 ⭐️
Sorry, Archerphile, I was thinking in terms of mirror images and so on. I bet your eyes and smile are still as winning as I’Ve always imagined them.
DeleteExciting! Well done Archerphile!
DeleteCongratulations, Archerphile. Keep us informed when it happens.
ReplyDeleteThis is the second time I’ve tried to post so hope this publishes.
Yikes I have just completed wordle in 2!
ReplyDeleteHooray Archerphile. I hope you succeed where some of us failed on 'Feedback' all those years ago. I alerted everyone I knew to listen, ended up feeling very silly and cross with Roger Bolton.
ReplyDeleteI am very photophobic, hate it when people video call me, try not to answer if I notice in time.
Please explain, why is Ruben trying to poach Helen from her own business?
ReplyDeleteAlso, very good acting from Ruairi, I felt he was on the brink of confessing but wouldn't and was saved by the bell.
Agree 100% although I think the wrong blog - we’ve all done it 🤣
DeleteI didn’t think it was an either/or situation for Helen and she could opt to do both, but I can see that having to choose between them would make for more drama, especially with the Finlay affair still in the offing.
DeleteNo I’m the wrong one oops!
ReplyDeleteLadyR - yes, ha ha, I did look like the odd one out with all the congratulations!
DeleteI'm just not trusting Celia and this job offer. It just sounds too good to be true.
ReplyDeleteApparently, Pat’s goats weren’t included in the farm audit. Perhaps, as a hobby herd, they count as pets. Not so the Anguses!
ReplyDeleteGoats not included, but they did keep trying to butt in!
DeleteWhy doesn’t anyone in Ambridge ever enjoy a good pun in thecourse of conversation?
DeleteOh owias 🤣😂🤣😂🤣
DeleteI think Helen really upset Tony with her comments about his Anguses. They are his project and he loves them, part of what makes him want to keep on farming at his age. So what if they don’t contribute to the overall profit of the farm, there are plenty of other enterprises that do. I think she could have been more understanding and not so brusque. Gone off Helen even more!
ReplyDeleteWell said + I agree 💯
DeleteTony needs his Anguses.
Helen was hard and extremely focused on the money.
DeleteHer ambitious nature is taking the farm away from what Toney and Pat created.
They still own it though. As such they must still have a valid say, as after all Tom + Helen are only managers not owners, so can be overruled, surely.
DeleteGeorge being calmly supportive again...
ReplyDeleteOh dear it’s all going a bit too well all round right now. Which would be great but let’s not get carried away just yet after all we are in Ambridge 😂
ReplyDeleteI think there’s quite a lot riding on the blood test too, so fingers crossed for next week’s results - possibly timed for Friday?
Deleteplus Azra is in the cast list for next week... I just want an all clear result only, but think it might not be that clear cut as to a potential problem or then again not, as it's far too eatly in the pregnancy for anything to be definite.
DeleteThe latest People's Friend magazine, dated 14th March, has an article in it called 75 years of the Archers. Apparently there is a real place in America called Ambridge,
ReplyDeleteWell done Amber and George 🤞🏼 the family making up lasts! Not long now until Rory cracks imo!
ReplyDeleteat last!
ReplyDeleteThis morning on R4, heard Steve Rosenberg, on home leave from Moscow, playing the Archers theme in the style of Rachmaninov! A masterly performance to celebrate the 75 years. 🎶
ReplyDeleteAP. What programme was that so I can find it on Sounds, as I'd love to hear it. 🎶
DeleteIt was in ‘Broadcasting House’, Radio 4, this morning. Starting at 9am.
DeleteThere was sad news at the end of this weeks podcast, that Eric Allen who played Bert Fry so brilliantly, has passed away.
ReplyDeleteAlice + Rex = Boring. Thankfully, I don’t think it will last, especially as Lily is back and may have her eyes on him, given Ambridge’s shortage of options. They’ve always got on well.
ReplyDeleteIt may last because boring - which I like - but no good for the drama, of which Alice's had a fair share. Strangely Rex doesn't seem to be mourning Rochelle. There's still Martha and Chris to accept the situation and Brian will no doubt congratulate himself on the match.
DeleteThe one thing I can say in Brian’s favour is that he’s not unduly snobbish. On the other hand, Rex is hardly a typical taxi driver, with his ex-professional rugger playing background and family in fine wines.
ReplyDeleteThe only other thing I liked about Brian was his penchant for one liners, but they’ve dried up in recent years.
Oh - so what is a typical taxi driver?
DeleteI always use taxis when go to + from hospital appointments and I've met some lovely drivers, from all sorts of different backgrounds.
DeleteRex also has the rewilding and his pigs as well as taxi driving.
DeleteRex is supporting himself as his taxi driving is to help his income. Last year he would have preferred to play cricket but he couldn't afford to give up his Sunday taxi earnings, and stepped back immediately when Vinces expenses payment started to raise an issue.
DeleteHe has his ways and principles to stay independent + good on him. At least he isn't milking Daddy Robin or brother Toby, unlike other other Ambridge residents.
namely George × Amber with Will.
To answer your question, Miriam, the typical taxi driver here in St Albans is Asian and not geared up to opening doors for passengers or lifting their luggage in and out the boot. Like you, I’ve met more helpful drivers over the years but I doubt they went to public school any more than I did. Re CC’s point, I expect that’s how Brian would introduce Rex rather than as the local cabbie.
ReplyDeleteHaving said all that, I still gratefully remember the Asian driver who came back to my hotel next morning with the purse which had slithered onto his cab floor as I got out after paying.
I'm liking Alice with Rex as they seem to be in-tune with each other and very suitable, plus they already know each other reasonably well. Not every relationship has to have fireworks, disharmony or issues so if this is boring, that's totally fine and is probably what they want.
ReplyDeleteIt may last or there again not.
I am one who still wants Alice + Chris to get back together.
At least Rex isn't another Harry, for which I'm very greatful.
I think Chris’s hesitation about Alice and Rex’s fledgling affair could be more to do with his relationship with Martha than his relationship with Alice. How might it change when she gets another Daddy figure in her life? Will she play new Daddy off against old Daddy, for instance?
ReplyDeleteShe might well do so ME, as some children do, but if so that will have to be managed, along with all the other consequences that happen as a result of a marital separation.
DeleteSo far Chris and Alice are doing pretty well at co parenting.
True, Mrs P, although its success has depended a lot on Chris’s unflagging availability when Alice was doing her own thing, plus having Susan and Neil as backup. Susan’s role in Martha’s very early development shouldn’t be forgotten as she did much of her parenting.
DeleteMartha was fine being with Chris + Carly when they were together. I think she'll be fine with Rex being in Alice's life.
DeleteChris will always be her Daddy, whoever Alice + Chris end up with. The reason being that they co-parent and always will, and this would only change if one of them moves away.
Rosie play's Toby against Pip, but that's a completely different set-up.
Now we know what the passing car was for. George is only worried about his image and it brings on his aggressive side.
ReplyDeleteJosh doesn't want a party nor attention drawn to himself, what for, to celebrate his departure?
I just heard of micro-dramas - just a few minutes - sounds like cliff hangers from the Archers, it seems that our attention span has narrowed.
I like Reg It would be good if he moved to Ambridge.
ReplyDeleteWill we find out who turned George in? I predict Lillian or Tracy. They’ve both got mean streaks!
Brian or Ruairi because they hold it against George for having something on them.
DeleteThe others might think that George has already got what he deserved.
I’m simply delighted to hear of an antisocial activity that has bothered me throughout my life, being brought to the attention of the public by such a programme as TA.
DeleteMen who consider it perfectly reasonable to relieve their bladders whenever and wherever they may be has always disgusted me.
I shall be interested to see how this plays out.
New thread opened
ReplyDelete