The Archers Monday 6th June 2011: Phoebe reckons Kate’s her “real mum”

• Harris Hawks are co-operative
• “What this, a bonk buster?”
• Ed is such a gent
• “Jo’burg isn’t like Ambridge”
• Oliver laughed like Walter Gabriel
• Ed’s being watched over?
• David has a nice bit of hay
• “a collective outburst of soppiness”

Harris Hawks are co-operative

I also “didn’t necessarily” know that, so Roy was quite right to mention it on the Falconry bit of the Lower Loxley website.

And seemingly Eleanor came out best in the photographs.

AND Jessica breeds all her own Falcons herself. So none are ‘taken’ from the wild for the great unwashed’s entertainment.

Well done Eleanor. And well done Jessica.


“What this, a bonk buster?”

Emma still has Susan’s copy of Mistress of the Paddocks, when Ed spots it.

Seemingly Emma can’t get even get passed page one.

She reckons it’s because she hasn’t got time.

I just don’t reckon Emma is the book type, regardless of the subject matter.


Ed is such a gent

He and Emma were just settling down for a bit of a sit, when Oliver turns up.

The last thing they wanted was a visitor, but Ed was a good enough chap to not mention that to Oliver, instead made him feel completely welcome.

Good boy, is our Ed.

Sometimes.

As long as it doesn’t involve his brother’s wife …


“Jo’burg isn’t like Ambridge”

Phoebe tells Roy what’s what over a cappuccino.

Roy is trying to persuade her just to go to South Africa for the summer. And how much everyone will miss her if she goes for a whole year. And how Abbie will forget her if she does go for the year. And her mates.

Fairly hefty emotional blackmail, if you ask me.

What does Phoebe reckon?

[Phoebe] “It was really hard saying goodbye … they’re my family too, you know … Lucas’ family really rate me, you know … you could all come over and see me for Christmas!”

But Roy pleads poverty.

[Phoebe] “I want an adventure, right, and all you’re doing is slapping me down !”

[Roy] “I can’t promise … it’s Hayley. She just loves you so, so much, Phoebe, she’d worry every day if you’re away for so long.”

(naughty Roy, blaming Phoebe)

[Phoebe] “I love you both dada and that’s never going to change… you’re my mum and dad … but I’ve got two families … I need to spend time with my real mum now… I want to get to know everything about her. Surely you can see that?”

Well, I think phoebe has a point. She does need to spend time with Kate if that what she feels she needs to do. If only to discover exactly what Kate is like …

… which is why Hayley is so determined that Phoebe shouldn’t find that out while she’s so far away from her and Roy.

Would seem Roy is weakening, though.



Oliver laughed like Walter Gabriel

And woke up Keira.

Quite bizarre.


Ed’s being watched over?

Ed thinks Oliver is keeping an eye on him – that he doesn’t trust him to run the herd properly.

[Emma] “That’s what retired people do, holding you up when you trying to work. Joe’s always doing it”

Eh Emma? What work would you be doing, then?

(I know – she does plenty. But boy, does she make sure we all know about it)

Anyhoo, Ed doesn’t need to be worried.

Oliver is just bored.

As he later mentions to David, he has little desire to return to work:

[Oliver] “If I’m honest, the worrying was the reason I gave up the herd”

David has a nice bit of hay

According to Oliver.

[David] “ …(I have) a sneaking nostalgia for hay making, I must confess”

He sounds a bit happier in his work. Even though it’s 6 months since Nigel died …


“a collective outburst of soppiness”

Has occurred at Brookfield, according to David.

And it’s all Tigg’s fault.

Ah well. Anything to lighten the mood.

The Archers Wednesday 1st June 2011: Tigg arrives at Brookfield

• Why no memory stick?
• “The sponge rubber people aren’t our biggest clients, but they do go back a long way”
• Of course Jessica has perked up!
• Get a puppy – problem solved
• The waterpark isn’t as good as a puppy
• Open Farm at Home Farm?

Why no memory stick?

A presenter, doing a presentation at Lower Loxley, is panicking in case his laptop fails him. So Roy has another one lined up for him.

Any presenter worth his salt surely takes another copy of their presentation on a memory stick?

Planning, people. Planning.


“The sponge rubber people aren’t our biggest clients, but they do go back a long way”

So says Elizabeth. So Roy takes good care of them.


Of course Jessica has perked up!

It would be sometimes easy to think that Elizabeth is just a bit dim.

She seems surprised Jessica is happier since was told that the Falconry wasn’t closing.

But – it’s not being Elizabeth dim – she’s just being her usual self-centred self.

She has no idea that her making a decision can impact on someone else. And that some folks actually depend on their jobs to earn a living.

Silly moo.

But at least Roy got a nice moment.

[Roy] “When Jessica hugs you, you stay hugged”

Get a puppy – problem solved!

David sounded so happy with Tigg.

In fact, that’s the happiest David has sounded since Nigel died.

Tigg is short for Tigger, as they reckon he “bounces all over the place”.

And he also listens. David was already getting him to respond to some basic commands.

Right. So we leave David in a room with Tigg for a few months, and problems solved?



The waterpark isn’t as good as a puppy

According to Freddie.

He’s miffed that he thought he was going to Brookfield to see Tigg.

But Elizabeth takes them to waterworld instead.

They take ages to get there (bad traffic), and they have to leave early as it’s too busy, and Freddie is still in a grump.

Or at least, Lily reckons that Freddie spoiled it for everyone.

Roy offers to take Freddie over to Brookfield, Elizabeth doesn’t sound keen, but eventually relents

(during their conversation, Lily was playing up a bit:

[Lily] “Does anybody care that I’m starving?

“Oh dear, I’ve just fainted. Nevermind …”)

And Lily doesn’t want to with Roy and Freddie to Brookfield. She reckon she’s had enough of Freddie’s company already …



Open Farm at Home Farm?

David pops over to Brian’s. He has the ulterior motive of trying to persuade Brian to take on Open Farm Sunday, instead of Brookfield.

After chatting about mice hiding in combines, the initial signals from Brian aren’t good. He thinks David is asking for his usual help at Brookfield for Open Farm Sunday – namely taking machinery over

[Brian] “So the great unwashed can see what a real combine is like”

And when David eventually asks him outright:

[Brian] “You’re must mo0re trusting than I am … you’re happy to have all and sundry clamouring around your farm, working out the best way to come back and pinch your diesel or nick a tractor”

David reassures that it isn’t all that bad.

Nobody steals anything (if they’re marshalled), it means cash in the pocket from folks signing up to buy meat (and such direct), it creates goodwill and educates, and there’s also good PR to be had.

Brian still seems unconvinced. Seemingly the venison virtually sells itself.

But, actually, the fishing lake numbers are down this year … so Brian is at least going to ask Adam …

Yup.

You heard it.

Brian has to ask Adam about a Home Farm decision.

He said himself it was going to take time to get used to – but how very odd that Adam is now taking over the reins, bit by bit.

The Archers Sunday 29th May 2011: If Shula can still be friends with Caroline …

… why can’t Elizabeth be as humane?

• “Hay, David’s getting ready to cut”
• New sheep dog for Brookfield
• David bumps Shula
• “Oliver is living and breathing hunt puppies at the moment”
• Who left the gate open?
• Shula and Caroline
• No appetite for Open Farm Sunday
• At least Jill has the grandkids
• A delightful Canadian lady wants Lower Loxley wine
• “Thank heavens. I haven’t let my heart rule my head”
• First half century of the season

“Hay, David’s getting ready to cut”

Was what the announcer said before today’s eavesdropping episode.

Must let him open the early sherry for the live Sunday experience …


New sheep dog for Brookfield

And David’s at pains to make sure Josh (and Ben) know it’s not a pet.



David bumps Shula

Shula seems to be having no luck with her siblings at the moment.

She clip-clops up to Josh and David, but David moves her on quick sharp (with the excuse that he and Josh need to do some halter training).

But Shula seems to be an oasis of calm while the rest of her family fall apart.

I suppose she’s been there, done that.



“Oliver is living and breathing hunt puppies at the moment”

AND he’s got a brand new panama hat.

Must be marvellous being Oliver, sometimes.


Who left the gate open?

That’s bad country code, that is.

Though, it’s just as bad country code to shut a gate you find open. The farmer could have left it that way on purpose.

Leave it as you find it …



Shula and Caroline

Obviously Caroline and Shula have many years between Mark’s death, but they are living proof of how friendship (and rationality) can rise above blame.

Shula often finds herself thinking about how Mark will never get older, and Caroline often thinks of Guy.

Neither are unhappy with their current chaps, but can’t help sometimes pondering what could have been.

[Shula] “That’s what’s so frustrating with Elizabeth … I understand so much of what she’s going through”

No appetite for Open Farm Sunday

Crickey.

David is indeed in a bad way.



At least Jill has the grandkids

Shula was telling Caroline that Jill is beyond distressed with the state of affairs between David and Elizabeth.

But Jill does take solace in her various grandchildren getting on so well.

Bodes well for the future.

But, then again, there’s plenty time for rivalries and fall-outs.


A delightful Canadian lady wants Lower Loxley wine

Good news for Elizabeth, and proves Lewis’ worth (the sale came from the free samples he was giving away at the gallery).



“Thank heavens. I haven’t let my heart rule my head”

Aye, so you are, Elizabeth.

She’s talking about the Falconry.

She was checking to see what Lewis thought she should do. Whether Roy was right that they should try at least another year.

[Lewis] “There’s no point in hiring Roy if you don’t trust his judgement on something like this”

Lewis has also looked at Roy’s figures, and reckons he’s right.

At which, Elizabeth is relieved. She’d actually already told Jessica that she could stay, after she saw her flying Hector.

[Elizabeth] “Thank heavens. I haven’t let my heart rule my head”

Hmmm.

Not so the case with how Elizabeth is dealing with David’s revelations.

And also not the case when it comes to Freddie wanting to go and visit Brookfield’s new puppy (doesn’t sound like she’s going to let him).



First half century of the season

By Alistair.

Well done, that man.

The Archers Thursday 26th May 2011: Jazzer and Adam return!

(not that either have been anywhere in particular – just nice they’re near the hidden microphones again)

• “The Garden Festival is being wrinkly”
• Adam and Brian gossiping over the lambs
• Welcome back Jazzer!
• Weddings, Edible Fats and Quakers
• Jazzer’s belter of an idea
• Birds get more photo coverage

“The Garden Festival is being wrinkly”

So says Roy.

But not to worry. Elizabeth reckons she’s “back in gear” now.

Which sounds true enough – but it also sounds like she’s micromanaging again.

Ah well. Roy had to find out what he’s really got himself into, sooner or later.


Adam and Brian gossiping over the lambs

Nice to hear Adam back. And that he and Brian still sound like two washer women when they get together over the lambs (washer women with home county accents and without swearing).

Ruairi’s been showing the new pickers round the farm (and there’s still the chance he’ll end up at Boarding school)

[Brian] “he’s a very level headed young man, is Ruairi”

It’s seemingly Jennifer’s turn to choose the Book Club. She wants her choice to be better than Lynda’s (of Cranford), and Brian has a pop at Susan for persisting to go to the Book Club:

[Brian – taking the Michael] “we must do something to impress the in-laws!”

Neil has been practising hard for the Sticky Wicket.

March lambers have had a great spring – but not so much so “up north”

Ah. The gentle murmurings of Adam and Brian. Nice.


Welcome back Jazzer!

I was starting to worry that Rhys was warming up to be Ambridge’s classic-one-liner chap, but Jazzer roars up on his … well, whatever he was driving today that sounded rather unwell.

[Jazzer] “I’m here to do you guys a wee favour”

Oh aye … what’s he after this time?


Weddings, Edible Fats and Quakers

The forthcoming bookings at Lower Loxley include one green wedding – one normal wedding – 2 days with the Edible fats folks – and the Regional Quakers for a day.

Roy asks what the Quakers are like:

[Elizabeth] “Much quieter than the Methodists”

Jazzer’s belter of an idea

As he explains to Brian and Adam, Jazzer’s idea came to him when he was in the pub with Harry (who he? Long, long time since we heard from Harry).

[Brian] “It’s not a hair brained scheme then. It’s based on proper scientific research …”

[Jazzer] “They kept to themselves the whole time. They didn’t speak to any of the locals. The one time I did go over the guys just circled round like Rottweilers”

[Adam] “ … you’re saying you didn’t meet any of the Hungarian or Polish girls … ”

Jazzer reckons his idea is not just about the girls, although he did spot one particular young lady he might like to be acquainted with:

[Jazzer] “Long Chestnut hair, fantastic legs, and a smile you could warm your hands on …”

So – Jazzer’s belter is that locals should be invited to the socials Home Farm organises for their pickers. Just to be sure they all feel welcome …

Brian and Adam don’t quite seem to believe that Jazzer’s intentions are purely altruistic:

[Brian] “Well see you Jazzer, if the UN doesn’t poach you first …”

[Adam] “I think the pickers are probably quite capable themselves of deciding how much they want to integrate”

Never mind Jazzer.

Where’s there’s a pretty lady, Jazzer will find a way …



Birds get more photo coverage

Hayley slightly dropped Roy in it by mentioning that he had ideas for the Falconry, before had had a chance to talk to Elizabeth about it himself.

Elizabeth sounded a bit put out at first.

But, as she and Roy take a stroll round the Falconry, she seems to warm to at least listen.

Roy’s done his homework good and proper(ly). He points out that birds get more media coverage (regardless of what the event is actually about). That he reckons they can fix some of the Falconry completely with their own material and staff – the rest for about £600. And that he can work on all the promotion, including updating the website, and putting signs up around the state (“I’ve got my eye on you” with a hawk – sounds a bit terrifying!).

He pushes to give the Falconry a year’s reprieve, which Elizabeth will ponder.

Of course, Roy has to be careful to not push Elizabeth too far into making changes that Nigel wouldn’t have made, but he also sees that there’s are ways to improve.

Seems Elizabeth thinks the same:

[Elizabeth] “Never be afraid to make suggestions Roy …even if it feels like sometimes you’re criticising the way things were done before .. I’m trying to draw a line under the past … everything that’s important to me … they’re all here. I’m determined to make Lower Loxley a successful as it possible can be. It’s more or less my whole world now”

Fine.

But if I was Roy, my boss telling me that my place of employment was ‘their world’ would cause one or two alarm bells to start tinkling.

The Archers Tuesday 17th May 2011: Peggy makes a brooch

click the title above, or the'read more' link below the bullet points, to read the full post on this eavesdropping episode

• (… I’ll say this in a whisper, but seems Jamie is being normal again …)
• The pigeon fanciers annual do
• A “really rather nice” brooch
• Brooch of doom?
• The fight for the Falconry
• Nae luck – Jamie has to introduce Natalie to Kathy
• Peggy has always loved duck egg blue, and Elona was right

(… I’ll say this in a whisper, but seems Jamie is being normal again …)

Kathy’s taking Jamie to the first of his exams. He’s a bit moody (which is fair do), but he does say ‘thanks’ to Kathy for taking him.

Later on, he also compliments Kathy on making a “great fish pie”.

But most amazingly – he doesn’t go ape when Kathy suggests he might want to spot working at The Bull during his exams. He actually listens, and seems to agree (though his grunts can sometimes be hard to translate).

Could this be the new dawn? Probably is down to the new Natalie …


The pigeon fanciers annual do

Is at Lower Loxley.

Elizabeth won’t be there, so she’s prepping Roy that they are a “nice bunch”, but they can also be a “bit intense”.

Seemingly Nigel had to pull a couple of them apart after one accused the other of cheating.

Fancy!



A “really rather nice” brooch

Peggy’s absolutely chuffed to bits with the brooch she made at ted’s workshop.

She reckons it’s:

[Peggy] “really rather nice”

Bless her wee socks.

Jill, in her usual brusque manner, manages to make (what I imagine was meant to be) an encouraging comment sound like a put-down:

[Jill] “You actually finished something”

But no mind. Ted reckon’s it’s 5% talent and 95% application – so Peggy is bound to create further masterpieces.



Brooch of doom?

Lest we forget Nigel finding that old brooch of Julia Pargetter, which then become the last gift he ever gave to Elizabeth.

Wonder of Peggy’s brooch will wind up featuring in a similar way for one of her brood.

A far cleverer thought came from @eatcakebehappy over on Twitter … “.or the agent of doom...that shed might not be too hygienic.....”

Oo-er!


The fight for the Falconry

Roy’s barely found out where the peg is for his jacket is at, but he’s already (potentially) getting controversial).

He wasn’t convinced that Elizabeth had made the right call to shut the Falconry, so he’s been back through the books.

It would seem that when the Falconry is sold/promoted as part of a package, it gets far more folks.

(see – I said it would come down to marketing!).

Hayley’s also a fan of the Falconry for the guests:

[Hayley] “it is a really good focus activity”

for the school kiddies.

So, Roy’s just got to pick his moment.

Save the Birds! (and Jessica!!!)


Nae luck – Jamie has to introduce Natalie to Kathy

It could have been worse. Kathy just bumped into them when she was out shopping (no snogging or other stuff to really get Jamie embarrassed).

Natalie does again seem to be a nice lass. She chats with Kathy as if she’s just another human being (not an alien monster, as Jamie’s blokey mates tend to treat her, and any other parent they slope across)

She also calls her Mrs Perks. I must be getting old fashioned, as I really like it when young ‘uns do that.

AND Natalie’s gran also makes fish pie.

Later on:

[Kathy] “ I was so surprised … seeing you with someone … it would have been nice to know you had a girlfriend”

But she says it in a very no-confrontational way.

And Jamie doesn’t seem to mind.

Blimey! Looks like we’re on the final straight (but still whisper it, just in case).


Peggy has always loved duck egg blue, and Elona was right

Seemingly Peggy has always found it be a calming colour,

Elona has also seemed to have done a grand job of calming Peggy down in her thoughts about her friendship with Fred.

[Peggy] “I suppose Jack wouldn’t mind my friendship with him … I spend so much time worrying about Jack, trying to care for him, not that I resent it it’s as if one part of you gets totally neglect, I don’t think that can be good for me or Jack”

And what’s more – Jill can join in the fun! Jill also has a lot on her plate, so taking time out to be “creative”, and enjoy the company.

The Archers Monday 16th May 2011: Kate drops a clanger

click the title above, or the 'read more' link below the bullet points, to read the full post on this eavesdropping episode

• Kate hasn’t even done anything yet
• Elizabeth is also back to herself
• Roy is also cheerful
• Eddie’s not going to let it lie
• Oliver prefers letters to emails
• Now the birds leave Freddie!
• That was particularly evil. Even for Kate.

Kate hasn’t even done anything yet

But Hayley is already in a mood with her.

[Hayley] “Kate just winds her up, that’s the trouble … wish she’d just let her be sometimes … what state Phoebe will be in when Kate goes off again, I don’t know”

Then Kate calls to say that she’s going to collect Phoebe from school, and take her out for tea. She and Phoebe seemingly have something to talk about.

[Hayley] “She just wades in and hijacks her again and again”

Oh Hayley – the worse is still to come.


Elizabeth is also back to herself

Looks like all of the Jill/Phil side of the Archer clan are all bouncing back at the same time.

After David feeling a spring in his step yesterday, both Lewis and Haley reckon Elizabeth is also a bit more like herself.




Roy is also cheerful

It’s joy abound in Ambridge at the moment.

Roy is also feeling chipper, as he’s getting up in the morning to something new.

He and Hayley are also looking to getting their new car (which comes with Roy’s new job). Especially as Hayley had to “really yell” at her current “old banger”.


Eddie’s not going to let it lie

[Eddie] “It doesn’t seem fair”

Eddie’s on about Will again. Though Will doesn’t know it as yet, Nic isn’t going to have a baby with him.

Eddie reckons it’s really rough on Will. He looks after Jake and Mia as if they were his own, and he has to cope with his son only being “on loan” to him.


Oliver prefers letters to emails

Despite having the puppy show to organise, Oliver seems to be at a complete loss with himself at the moment.

Seems to be wandering about Ambridge, randomly banging into other residents, who then (randomly) ask his advice.

Today it’s Kenton. He wants advice on what present to get Jolene for not smoking for a whole month (ah … more like a couple of weeks, unbeknownst to Kenton).

Anyhoo, Oliver was chuffed that some of his puppy show invitations were answered by emails, not sounded not so chuffed that Caroline seems to be thriving with her new increased workload at Grey Gables.

He’s taking her away for a short break, to remind her that there’s a world beyond Grey Gables, but looks like he might have to continue wandering Ambridge on his own for a bit longer …



Now the birds leave Freddie!

I didn’t spot this until Roy found Freddie in the Falconry (as Roy was going to have a word with the very despondent Jessica).

But, Freddie is surely going to fall to pieces when they take the birds away from him. His dad, the horse, some of the cattle … not his birds.

Everyone leaves Freddie.

Freddie was telling Roy about how he and Nigel used to work a lot with the birds.

[Freddie] “It seems like they’ve always been here”

Oh dear.

Freddie could even reassure Roy that Hector (the bird) wasn’t really angry:

[Freddie] “it’s just his normal expression”

That was particularly evil. Even for Kate.

Kate’s at Roy and Hayley’s, after having dropped Phoebe back:

[Kate] “She’s just loads more confident since she came to stay with us over Easter …”

(meow!)

[Kate] “Oh, by the way, Phoebe was telling me how she’s like to come over to South Africa to live me with for a while. I said it was a great idea. We’ll talk it through when I have more time. I’ll see myself out. Thanks for the coffee. Bye”

What! What what what!!! I know Kate is an evil witch sometimes, but that was pure, cold, evil.

What a female dog she is!

[Hayley] “Can you believe her, because I can’t”

[Roy] “I’m afraid I can, yeah”

[Hayley] “She’s actually encouraged Phoebe in this fantasy … she shoots her mouth off without a second thought … I mean how irresponsible is that. I don’t want her to go and live in South Africa, Roy”

[Roy] “Look, Hayley, this is Kate, remember. She’s full of talk. She flits from one thing to the next. It’s never going to happen”

I don’t know why Roy reckons he’s not surprised by Kate’s behaviour, yet can so grossly underestimate her.

Hayley reckons that, even if Kate goes off the idea, Phoebe will still be impossible about it.

[Hayley] “Honestly, if she hasn’t gone when she did,. I don’t think I could have controlled myself”

We’d all have been there with you Hayley!

The Archers Thursday 12th May 2011: Clarrie’s birthday

click the title above, or the'read more' link below the bullet points, to read the full post on this eavesdropping episode

• Who will give Jessica and her birds a home?
• Nic’s not herself
• At least Will appreciates Nic (sometimes)
• Joe is haunting the mobile library
• Clarrie doesn’t approve of book clubs
• Regional Wine status
• No Ed and Emma

Who will give Jessica and her birds a home?

So Elizabeth has made her final decisions about the Falconry:

[Elizabeth] “We’re just not going to be able to offer her and the birds a home after summer”

Roy is concerned about what will happen to Jessica (though they are checking other stately homes), and reckons there will now be a gap. Seemingly a Falconry is well liked by visitors – giving an air if aristocracy, and a link with heritage.

(so why doesn’t it make more money?)

Couldn’t they try and make the Falconry make money, rather than just ditch it?



Nic’s not herself

It would seem that all Will’s talk of he and Nic having a baby has put her right on edge.

She seems to be frightened of Will arriving with flowers (which were actually for Clarrie).

Then was again very nervous when he brought out the champagne.

She must have thought Will was about to announce he wanted a baby – but it was all fine. It was ‘just’ for Clarrie’s birthday.

Then, while Eddie has a nap in the corner, Clarrie talks of babies. That she reckoned George looked like Will when he was born. And the day she Clarrie fell for Will – not long after he was born, when she saw him with his finger in his mouth.

Nic can’t take it.

She literally runs away from the room.


At least Will appreciates Nic (sometimes)

It’s an odd relationship, that Nic and Will.

He’s such a boorish, ignorant man at times. But she’s very good at calming him down, making sure he can’t always force what he wants through.

Will often takes Nic for granted, but was very grateful to her for making a cake for Clarrie. He actually said thanks.



Joe is haunting the mobile library

Which is a tad premature (!), but he’s ever so keen to make sure he doesn’t make a fool of himself at the next Book Club.

That involves actually reading the book. Which it would seem he is doing.

Wonders will never cease.


Clarrie doesn’t approve of book clubs

Clarrie is a tad dismissive of Susan’s efforts to read the book, and join the Book Clun:

[Clarrie] “Ain't so much keeping up with the reading, it’s keeping up with the Aldridges”

And also reckons “once a book is read, it’s done with” – so what’s the point in talking about it.

Years of drudgery mean Clarrie sometimes (just sometimes) doesn’t get anything beyond the kitchen sink.


Regional Wine status

So while parts of Lower Loxley aren’t faring so well, at least the wine is fine.

It’s got Regional Wine status again – and English wine week is approaching.

Make money out of the wine, give it to the birds.


No Ed and Emma

Very odd that Ed and Emma weren’t at Clarrie’s birthday party.

Even more odd that non-one seemed to notice. Or care.

The Archers Tuesday 10th May 2011: Ed put his foot down

click the title above, or the 'read more' link below the bullet points, to read the full post on this eavesdropping episode

• Ed’s not having Will have his will be done
• Meriel is 10
• Bye bye blackbird
• Single Wicket!!!!
• Nic’s never bored working in The Bull
• Ed’s a coward
• Shula is in the ménage all afternoon
• Puppy Show
• Nic wears the trousers

Ed’s not having Will have his will be done

Ed’s a very unhappy chappy about George spending more time at Will and Nic’s.

As he tells Oliver:

[Ed] “It’s not good for him. He’s not spending enough time at home to get to know his baby sister properly”

Ed reckons he needs George at home, as he wants George and Keira to be a “proper” brother and sister. Oliver agrees that them spending time together is “essential”

[Ed] “Should I put my foot down?”

[Oliver] “You should do whatever’s right for your family”

So, off Ed trots, to sort it all out. For the family. Which doesn’t include what his brother may want. Who is family …



Meriel is 10

Wonder if we’ll ever met her or hear from her mum?

They both are surprise guests at Kenton and Jolene’s wedding? (if they ever do get married).


Bye bye blackbird

Well – bye bye hawks (and co.), to be absolutely correct.

Jessica from Lower Loxley’s Falconry needs Elizabeth to invest more in the Falconry to bring it up to scratch.

Elizabeth had been avoiding the Falconry, as she had a suspicion that it wasn’t paying for itself. As one of Nigel’s pet projects, she didn’t want to have to make a financial decision about it.

But there’s no avoiding it now that Jessica has spoken up.

Elizabeth goes through the books, and finds that yes – the Falconry is a money pit. Nigel has been shielding it.

So, despite Eleanor (Nigel’s favourite bird – a Harris Hawk), all the other birds and Jessica – Elizabeth has decided.

[Elizabeth] “the birds will have to go”

That’s a shame. I bet Jessica will wish she just made do, rather than asked for more money to refresh the falconry …


Single Wicket!!!!

Hurrah! Single Wicket time is back with us.

Shula’s putting up posters, and Nic reckons that Harry is “dying” to get signed up, so that he can defend his title.

(where oh where is Harry? He’s been quiet for so long, one does wonder if he and the currently also silent Jazzer have eloped).



Nic’s never bored working in The Bull

I quite like Nic, but one does have to wonder at her enjoying The Bull even when it’s deadly quiet.

I suppose anything is better than an evening in with Will. Especially when he wants to procreate.



Ed’s a coward

Ed putting his foot down, and sorting out matters on behalf of his family, is to go and be form with Nic, rather than Will.

What a wuss!

Of course, Nic is very understanding. She can see that Ed wants Keira and George to be close:

[Ed] “I think it’s best all round, don’t you?”

[Nic] “Actually. Yes. Yes, I do”

So after gaining Nic’s vote, Ed then asks Nic to tell Will.

She’s a tad reluctant, but agrees. Nic can be too nice for her own good sometimes.

We all know what can happen to the bearer of bad tidings.



Shula is in the menage all afternoon

That sounded like a wife-swapping session to me, but seemingly it’s something to do with horses.
Puppy Show

Oliver is organising the puppy show.

What puppy show?

I recall no puppy show from previous years.

Anyone else know what he’s on about?





Nic wears the trousers

On telling Will that Ed has said George had to spend more time at home:

[Will] “He said what? What right has he got to go marching into The Bull giving you orders …who does he think he is …”

[Nic] “Oh please don’t take it personally”

[Will] “Of course I’m going take it personally when it’s my life he’s interfering with”

[Nic] “He really didn’t come over as someone who wanted to interfere or stir things up”

[Will] "Don’t you know him by now … and why are you sticking up for him”

(at which Nic slightly loses her temper, and shouts at Will that she was only trying to pass on what Ed had said, and she agrees Ed should have done it himself)

[Nic] “I do think he had George’s interest at heart”

I agree that it’s important that George does have a home. I agree that he shouldn’t be passed around. And I agree that he needs stability.

But why does that have to all be with Ed and Emma? Surely he could have all of that by staying at Will and Nic’s?

Considering Emma is such a selfish wee madam, why not let George stay with his dad?

Anyhoo – Will does eventually agree that this is all in George’s best interest. But I think we can hardly expect it to end there.

I’ve said it before – where there’s a Will, there’s a way.