Saturday 31 December 2011

Pat’s Party at the Dower House (c/o Lilian):The Archers Wednesday 21st December 2011

  • Christine’s 80th
  • Home Farm workers’ party
  • Party at the Dower House
  • Damn! Tom’s doing well
  • Casper arrives
  • “He hoped when the visitors went home they felt a bit better about the world”
  • Why is a Panto a good idea?



Christine’s 80th

Seems to have gone well.

Peggy, Shula, Christine and Jim all had lunch at Grey Gables.

[Lilian] “Lucky Jim, lunching with such a bevy of beauties”

I thought it was very uncouth of Lilian to then ask Jill:

[Lilian] “And who’s paying?”

Peter, Christine’s son, as a matter of fact. But why did Lilian want to know?

Odd, and a bit rude.

Anyhoo – they had a great lunch – and Peter called to wish Christine best wishes, and to tell her that he’ll take to a London show when he’s back in the UK.

What’s more – Jim also treated them all to champagne.

[Jill] “So as you can imagine we were all a bit jolly!”

Good good. Christine deserves it after all the Clive Horrobin related stress.


Home Farm workers’ party

[Lilian] “Do you remember when a party for the farm staff meant dozens of people … now they have to get in rent a crowd like me and Matt”


Party at the Dower House

Lilian’s telling Jill of her plans to hold Pat’s 60th at the Dower House (before she’s talked to Pat).

[Jill] “We need some cheering up at that time of year”

When Lilian is later sounding out Pat about what she thinks to the plans, Pat agrees that it all sounds fine.

Up to 60 people, and a “fork supper”.

[Lilian] “Your birthday comes at that rather dismal time of year, if you don’t me saying so … Christmas and new year long time but the winter still got ages to go, the long dark nights and all that … a good party in January, do us all the world of good”

Hmm. Wouldn’t have put it that way myself, but Pat and Tony agree that it’s all a good idea.

When pat has top leave the room, Lilian asks Tony is this is what Pat wants. She seems to have detected a slight undercurrent. But Tony says it’s fine – it is what Pat wants.

Well, Lilian isn’t to know that what Pat wants is her son’s son.



Damn! Tom’s doing well

I can’t help but only wish ill for Tom. But seems my wishes aren’t being granted – he’s up 7% like for like.

[Pat] “Not too sure how we managed it Tony, but all our offspring have seemed to have turned into pretty good entrepreneurs, starting with John”

Seems John sold football cards when he was wee, at school.

Pat and Tony out themselves down. It’s their example of hard work and independence that has influenced their kids.

And Pat seems to be ever calmer after seeing Rich.

[Pat] “I’ve got to stop it. Be grateful for what we do have”

[Tony] “It’s Christmas Pat, let’s make it good for everyone … especially Henry”

Yup. One grandson may not be good as two (!), but it’s better than none.


Casper arrives

Freddie’s been getting his stable ready all day. He’s got new straw laid down, and a bag of carrots

[Elizabeth] “How about a box of chocolates?”

[Freddie] “Don’t be silly mum … if I look out for him, he’ll look out for me when we’re out hunting”

It is nice to hear Freddie genuinely excited and happy about something.

When Casper arrives:

[Shula] “This is when the hard work begins!”

All those early mornings working with Casper before school:

[Freddie] “Won’t bother me. I’m looking forward to it”

I believe him. Freddie will be good at this.

Though Shula tells him he has put too much straw down. Casper wouldn’t be able to get up, and it’s expensive stuff. But he’ll learn.

[Freddie, sounding like he’s giving Casper a carrot] “Here you are Casper, and mind my fingers please”

One boy and his horse …

[Freddie] “It’s brilliant, isn’t it mum. I just wish dad was here …”

[Shula] “Of course you do, We all do, darling”


“He hoped when the visitors went home they felt a bit better about the world”

Elizabeth’s talking about Deck the Halls – specifically the lights on the island – which almost made her cry the first time she saw them.



Why is a Panto a good idea?

Jill was telling Elizabeth that Jennifer is taking Ruairi to a Panto on the 2nd of January.

Cinderella, In Felpersham. With “some comic from the telly”

Jill was wondering whether the twins would also like to go. A full family outing, as a treat from Jill.

Elizabeth gets quite weepy and says it would be wonderful.

Am I missing something?

The first anniversary of their dad’s death. How will going to a Panto help?

I understand that it’ll be a distraction and a laugh – but enough, considering?

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