The Archers Sunday 9th September 2012
- Jill’s not action packed enough for Freddie
- Freda’s on the sausage casserole duty
- At least Brenda sees the positive side
- What’s Jim doing in his shed?
- Did anyone remember Elizabeth and David still aren’t talking?
- It’s all ready meals, ready meals, ready meals …
Jill’s not action packed enough for Freddie
Jill’s tending to the rather broken Freddie.
He’s not very amused.
She’s brought him a book, but he doesn’t believe it is “action-packed” enough to keep away his utter boredom. Freddie’s the sort of chap who needs to be up an at ‘em, not stuck in bed with a book.
Freda’s on the sausage casserole duty
For Tom’s ready meals.
Bless her.
It’s not as if she’s generally found to be willing to try something new (which is a shame for The Bull regulars).
At least Brenda sees the positive side
To Vicky and Mike’s baby.
Thank goodness someone else does!
[Brenda] “I’ve seen a totally different side to Vicky … I’ve hardly been her biggest fan in the past … but now, whatever she’s feeling on the inside, she just seems so strong and uncomplaining .. .she so wants dad to be okay with it.”
[Roy] “Well he’s not … he’d just got his head around the idea of having a baby, then wham, this hits him … totally panicked.”
Roy can only see a “terrible future” for Vicky and Mike. At the very least, he can’t see how Mike will ever cope.
[Roy] “He was going round in circles. Just can’t seem to see a way out.”
Both Roy and Brenda are worried about Mike getting depressed again (as he did after Betty died).
[Brenda] “I do feel excited too though. About having a little brother or sister. It could be a real blessing for them in the end.”
[Roy] “I can’t see dad ever thinking it a blessing … all he feels is terror. How’s he going to get over that?”
I suspect that when Mike holds his child, he might forget his worries.
What’s Jim doing in his shed?
Seems he’s “banging and bumping”, according to Ruth.
Something to do with the Flower and Produce Show’s ‘men only’ bread making?
Wonder what on earth he could be doing …
Did anyone remember Elizabeth and David still aren’t talking?
I’d clean forgotten about it.
Until today.
Jill mentioned to Ruth that Elizabeth had apologised, and admitted fault, to Shula for Freddie’s accident.
Jill was shocked. Ruth was shocked.
And Ruth mentioned that she needs to find a way for Elizabeth and David.
Though if that involves Elizabeth apologising or admitting fault, I wish Ruth well, but don’t rate her chances.
It’s all ready meals, ready meals, ready meals …
Goodness me, I’d also forgotten how dull Tom can be.
Ready meals is all the chap can think about (though he does apologise to Brenda for going on about it, rather than asking her how her dad and Vicky are getting on. So there is still a glimmer of hope).
Very odd, but both Tom and Brenda were surprised when Fallon insisted they get their own chef, if they want to use The Bull’s kitchen.
Silly Tom and Brenda.
They’re lucky Fallon also doesn’t demand a percentage. Tom and Brenda would if the ample kitchen was in the other premises!
The Archers Friday 22nd June 2012
- Pip gets a nasty phone call
- Freda displays balloons in a rude manner
- Usha’s 50th birthday party
- Adam’s birthday surprise
Pip gets a nasty phone call
As David’s on the phone to Pip, asking if she can pick up some hose clips, she hangs off to take another call (which she though was Spencer):
[nasty bloke] “Is that Phillipa Archer? I’ve got a message for your father …”
Next we hear from Pip, she calls Ruth in hysterics. She’s gone home to Brookfield, but no one is there. Ruth rushes back to her.
[Pip] “They they were watching. Watching me and Josh and Ben … He just sounded ordinary I didn’t really have time to think about it.”
Ruth asks Pip not to tell Josh and Ben. Pip becomes hysterical again as David also rushes in to comfort her.
I’m not too sure how they got hold of Pip’s mobile number in the first place, but it’s academic. The Police also can’t trace where the call made to Pip came from.
When Pip leaves David and Ruth to go and calm down:
[Ruth] “How will you stop them?”
[David] “I’ll talk to the police and get advice.”
[Ruth] “How can you get into the minds of people like that? We don’t know what they’re planning.”
[David] “You’re letting your imagination run away with you.”
[Ruth] “And you’re being too laid back.”
David points out that he can’t sit at the window 24/7 with a shotgun.
[David] “I can’t let Adam down, he could have died.”
[Ruth] “And one of our children still could. It’s not worth the risk … Please. Go to the police first thing tomorrow and tell them you won’t do it. Pull out David. This has to stop now.”
Well, that’s the line been drawn.
Which side will David decide to stand on?
Freda displays balloons in a rude manner
Alan and Ruth are decorating Upstairs at The Bull for Usha’s party tonight.
[Alan] “Freda offered, bless her cotton socks, but I wouldn’t put it pass her to cover the tables in doilies and hang balloons in the corners in groups of threes …”
[Ruth] “Two round ones and a long one!”
[Alan] “That’s what she did for Mr Pullen's ninetieth. But the giggles from the over 60s went right over her head!”
Usha’s 50th birthday party
Minus rudely arranged balloons, Alan’s arrange for banners which say “Keep Calm and Party on”, a dozen bottles of bubbly, and a cake (which Elizabeth is collecting. She does do nice things for other peoples sometimes).
Ruth’s then called away by a phone call from Pip (see the first entry above). But the party goes on (Ruth didn’t mention to Alan that, or why, she was leaving).
Later on, as Alan and Usha get ready to leave home for the party, Alan reckons Usha looks fantastic. And he gives her a surprise present, which sounded like pearls.
(if it was, I didn’t see Usha as a pearl necklace type of a lady. I’d have though a modern piece of jewellery – bespoke, clever, subtle – would be more her style)
[Alan] “Like they say, I saw this and I thought of you. You deserve spoiling.”
(well, I stand corrected. Alan knows Usha better than I!)
At the party:
[Usha] “I feel like the Queen standing here as they arrive.”
[Alan] “Well stop it and have a bop!”
They’re playing You’re The One The I Want from Grease. Usha remembers hearing it for the first time when it was first on at the pictures. Which would have been in 1978, when Usha was 16.
Amy then shows up at the party. Usha has forgiven her before Amy even speaks.
[Amy] “I’ve been so stupid.”
Yes you have, but the first step is to be able to recognise it.
Adam’s birthday surprise
Was Amy remembering anyone else exists to wish him a happy birthday!
I jest …
Ian’s plan is to take Adam for a meal at the very posh restaurant of an old chief friend of his, who has done incredibly well for himself, including a Michelin star.
[Ian] “It might act as a springboard to my imagination. You can never rest on your laurels!”
Adam sounded knackered. And was later back in late from work. He has to rush to get ready.
[Adam] “Please don’t say you’ve ironed my shirt, it’ll have more creases in it now than when you started!”
(nice ploy Ian. That’s exactly what I do. Iron badly once, you’ll never be asked to do it again)
But Adam won’t need his shirt, tie and jacket. Ian’s laid out a t-shirt and swimming shorts.
Twigging that the last thing Adam needs is a formal dinner, miles away from home, Ian’s organised a barbeque at home. So it’ll be margaritas, filet mignon, a backrub and a hot tub (for desert).
[Adam] “Yes chef!”
Ah, that Ian really is a marvellous man indeed.
- Lily is on a “sarcasm break”
- Helen, Sarah, Henry and Rowan
- Felpersham Guild Hall Christmas Food Fair
- Casper wouldn’t fit in the car!
- Proper winter stew cooked by Helen
- Pat and Tony’s anniversary
- Lilian to organise Pat’s 60th
- Better coffee at The Bull
Lily is on a “sarcasm break”
Freddie is spending time with Casper (his new horse). Seems they have to get to know each other before Casper moves to Lower Loxley – practical, and also because Casper’s current owner really likes him and wants to be sure all will be well (quite sad that she’s had to let him go due to depleting finances).
[Elizabeth] “She wants to get use to you before he leaves home”
[Lily] “Freddie takes a lot of getting used to!”
Casper is a Welsh Pony (so should I not be calling him a horse?), who are usually very friendly.
And while Freddie gets Casper, Lily gets new clothes, a new camera and her trip to France. Though seems she needs to avoid having to sit beside her teacher, Mrs Richards, on the trip as she talks about her Dalmatians all the time.
Later on, Freddie thanks Lily for “not being mean about Casper”.
[Lily] “It’s alright. I’m on a sarcasm break. Only for our birthday. You can see mum wants us to enjoy it”
[Freddie] “Christmas will be the same … We just have to make out we’re having a really great time, for her sake”
How heart-breaking is that?
Poor wee twins, making nice so that their mum doesn’t get upset.
That’s another one to add to the list to discuss when they’re older, at therapy.
Helen, Sarah, Henry and Rowan
Helen met Sarah at a new mums group. They have an arrangement that Sarah babysits Henry when Helen is working, Helen babysits Rowan when Sarah is working.
It’s going to be a busy year for Helen, Tom and co with the new product launch, so Helen’s already back to her practical self in organising her baby care.
Felpersham Guild Hall Christmas Food Fair
Is where Tom is heading for the next few days.
At which he seems to think he can sell a lot of cheese.
Casper wouldn’t fit in the car!
Surely Freddie knows that, even though he is keen to get him home.
And worrying that they went buy a fast car with a broken headlight. We don’t need this time of year made any more depressing due to death anniversaries.
Proper winter stew cooked by Helen
Blimey.
And there’s enough for Tom to take home to Brenda.
Pat and Tony’s anniversary
Is a meal at The Bull.
Seems their ploy to keep on as normal has worked on Tom and Helen. They think them going out for a meal is a sign that Pat is moving on.
But for Pat and Tony, it’s not the easiest anniversary they’ve ever had.
Even though Tony sees it as far more than just another date in the diary:
[Tony] “It’s a reminder of the best decision I’ve ever made in my life”
And as they reminisce about the good and bad times, Pat says she isn’t so sure that they’ll pull through it this time.
[Pat] “Suppose there’s a point where you’ve been knocked down so often that your hopes just fizzle out. What if one day you run out if the fight to keep going?”
Oh dear. Pat really isn’t a happy bunny. Not at all.
When they get back home, Pat is away in her own world again. She keeps asking Helen if she wants her to check in on Henry before she goes to bed. Helen keeps telling her it’s fine, that she’ll do it herself later.
Once Pat goes to bed:
[Helen] “You don’t think, she might slip back, into a real depression … it’s not like her to ask everything 2 or 3 times”
[Tony] “I simply won’t let it happen”
Tall order, Tony. I don’t think anything less than having Rich in her life will stop Pat falling this time.
Lilian to organise Pat’s 60th
Hurrah!
I’d love to have Lilian organise a party for me.
She might even help Pat crack a smile.
Better coffee at The Bull
So says Tony.
[Tony] “Freda’s finally mastered the machine”
Thank goodness for that!
- Josh turning into Jamie?
- Willow Wands
- It’s not just about Trolls
- Caddisfly larvae, Crayfish and crush?
- It’s all Boules
- Ain’t no sunshine when he’s taken
- So Llamas need crooks?
- Hurrah! The Bull has new Specials!
- Fallon shouts at Kirsty
Josh turning into Jamie?
Josh isn’t looking forward to the school summer holidays. He’s already bored, and is complaining that there’s nothing to do in Ambridge.
He’s still in a grump about not being allowed to day off of school to go to the Borchester Show, and is showing no interest in helping round the farm. Which is not like our Josh.
Actually, he is starting to sound like Jamie (of latter days).
Let’s hope that we don’t have to go through all of that shouting and slamming doors again.
Willow Wands
[Lynda] “they’re strong but flexible, you can bend them anyway you like”
Seemingly they’re for Lynda’s Little Bo Peep scarecrow, but I think Robert should also be a bit wary … or delighted … whatever floats his boat, really.
It’s not just about Trolls
Lynda’s making a Little Bo Peep.
Vicky is doing Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Caddisfly larvae, Crayfish and crush?
Kirsty bumps into Josh, while he despondently skips stones in the river (though he did manage an impressive 8 skips).
Kirsty is doing a species survey – she’s found Caddisfly larvae and crayfish (amongst others).
Josh sounded super interest in what Kirsty had found. Especially the crayfish being edible.
I wonder.
Josh was later making something in the shed at Brookfield.
Something for Kirsty? More interested in her than the wildlife?
Wonder if he’s going to now stalk her, as he did Emma.
It’s all Boules
Would seem Harry and Zofia had a wonderful night out (so Fallon).
And now he’s teaching her to play Boules at The Bull.
Lucky Zofia.
But, as we find out later on, unlucky Fallon.
Ain’t no sunshine when he’s taken
[Fallon] “It doesn’t feel like there’s a whole lot of sunshine in my life right now”
Fallon’s down in the dumps, Kirsty tries to cheer her up.
Kirsty suggests a night out clubbing. Going to a movie. Even just going round to hers for wine and chat (with Kirsty driving both ways).
[Kirsty] “All you have to do is sit there and breathe”
But oh dear – Fallon just wants to stay in with a DVD (yikes! I haven’t heard that phrase since before Helen became a mum).
So Llamas need crooks?
Ruth thought Lynda wanted a shepherdess crook for the Llamas.
Is that normal? Or was Ruth just being a bit dense?
Hurrah! The Bull has new Specials!
Looks like Kenton and Jolene have worn Freda down.
The Specials board now has grilled sea bass.
Though seems Freda still doesn’t sit well with the concept of warm salad.
Fallon shouts at Kirsty
Fallon doesn’t want to go out. And she especially doesn’t want to play Boules with Harry and Zofia.
Kirsty keeps trying to cajole Fallon – until Fallon loses her temper, and shouts at her to stop.
Then the penny drops.
[Kirsty] “Harry … you, still like him don’t you?”
[Fallon] “Even if I did, it wouldn’t do me any good, would it … it’s too late now. I’ve missed my chance, haven’t I?”
Aw. Poor Fallon.
But what on earth has she been thinking? Why all the flirting before Christmas – a quick peck during Panto rehearsals – then …. Nothing.
How was Harry supposed to know Fallon was still interested?
Silly woman.
- Jamie discovers empathy
- Kathy accepts Kenton and Jolene
- Even Phoebe’s teacher wants her to go
- False hope, Kathy?
- Poor Freda
- I thought Freda was about to speak!
- South Africa AND Wales
Jamie discovers empathy
Blimey.
He really has turned the corner.
Jamie couldn’t sleep last night for worrying about Marty – what he was feeling right now, how scared and worried he’d be (and so on).
Course, Jamie is also terrified about maybe having to give evidence on Friday …
Kathy accepts Kenton and Jolene
Double blimey!
Kathy told Jamie to call Kenton, and go and spend some time with him and Jolene.
For his sake.
I’m suspicious, but this all seems rather perfect.
Even Phoebe’s teacher wants her to go
Which Hayley sounded disappointed about.
Phoebe’s teacher also thinks it will be an amazing year for her in South Africa. Though Hayley insist that the important bit is when Phoebe’s coming back in September (2013), and that she has a place to return to at the school.
But, after Roy has been to see the teachers, he comes back with the bad news that it is “likely” they will have a place for Phoebe – but can’t guarantee it.
It’s one worry after another for Hayley.
Especially as Kate then “guaranteed” that Phoebe would have a fantastic year … oh dear.
False hope, Kathy?
Worried about Jamie and the court case on Friday, Kathy pops in to see Usha to get her professional advice.
Usha explains that if (that’s IF) Steve and Marty plead guilty, Jamie would have to testify.
They are likely to plead guilty, but Usha stressed that they could change their mind.
But, what Kathy hears is that Jamie is likely to not have to give evidence.
And that’s what she says to Jamie.
Also she did mention “wouldn’t have to, if”, I think she’s built up Jamie’s hopes far too much.
Poor Freda
Kenton might have said that this was a delicate matter – but he certainly wasn’t delicate about describing what he thinks of Freda’s menu to Jamie:
[Kenton] “I’m trying to bring in a few subtle changes around here, makes the specials board a bit less like the work’s canteen … it’s all very nutritious I’m sure, but you could die from boredom just reading the menu … a bit less Grey old Borchester and a little more dash of the med or a touch of Tuscany”
[Jamie] “Freda won’t like it”
[Kenton] “I’ve discovered that already, I mentioned a warm goats cheese salad and you’d think I’d suggested getting a pole dancer in …this might be austerity Britain, but we don’t have to run this place like a soup kitchen … you are to be my secret agent …Freda’s problem, with all due respect to her, is that she and Bert don’t get out that much … they haven’t caught up with the age of cheap flights, apart from that trip to India of course, and I can’t fault Freda’s chutney …”
Eh? They’ve been to India, but that’s dismissed because they don’t put themselves through the horror of low cost air travel?
Anyway – Kenton wants a “touch of sunshine”, and he wants Jamie to drop subtle hints about the food he likes.
You know, the stuff that teenage lads normally go for – like mozzarella Panini …(!!!).
Jamie is making quite well out of it. He gets a free meal at Jaxx for him and Natalie to do a bit of “research”.
And nice to hear Jamie and Kenton having a laugh together.
I thought Freda was about to speak!
But it was only Kathy.
South Africa AND Wales
Come on Phoebe.
Roy and Hayley are taking you on a caravan holiday to Wales.
Why on earth do you need South Africa?
(and I declare that I’d far prefer to holiday in Wales …)
( … another author)
- Who is going to open the Village Fete?
- Clarrie going to have “a bit of time to myself”?
- Susan is so naughty
- Who is Corinthia Hart?
- Pies or salad?
- Garden Festival
- Usha’s stuck right in it
- “Distinct lack of inspiration on the specials board”
- The Llamas should be on Crimewatch!
Who is going to open the Village Fete?
Cripes – it’s all hotting up in Ambridge!
The Village Fete may be the ‘usual’ affair – but what a line-up!
Beer tent, tea tent, dunk the vicar, Susan’s swap stall, Kathy’s white elephant, Pat’s ice cream, Tom’s burgers … phew!
And there’s more … a Scarecrow competition. To be judged by Lewis (it takes a real arty type, don’t you know). With the theme of nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
While at first a bit disappointed that the Fete was again to be opened by an author (no offense, Mr Colin Dexter. You were marvellous), my interest perked up again when Susan said that the Fete will be opened by … .drum roll please … Corinthia Hart!
Clarrie going to have “a bit of time to myself”?
Not likely. Though I wish her warmly well in her attempt.
She’s already mentioned she’s first “to catch up on a few jobs”, and tidy the garden – what’s the chances of her then having time to have time?
Susan is so naughty
Susan knows all too well about who Mistress of the Paddocks is based on.
Despite her valiant efforts to save Jennifer’s blushes at the Book Club, she's now to be found actively encouraging folks, including Clarrie, to read it!
[Susan] “She’ll have to keep it nice, though … you know what Eddie and Joe are like. I don’t want to get ketchup over it”
And Susan also sounded quite gleeful that Corinthia Hart is opening the Fete,. Despite knowing that Jennifer won’t be feeling too happy about it.
Still she goes on … she’s even told Emma that Byron is Brian:
[Emma] “I saw Brian in the village the other day, and I could hardly look at him. Do you really think he got up to those ‘things’ with Mandy Beesborough?”
Naughty, cheeky and actually quite spiteful. In a way.
Who is Corinthia Hart?
According to Susan (for what it’s worth!), Corinthia Hart is a “really good” friend of Mandy’s.
[Susan] “So it’s from the horse’s mouth, so to speak”
[Emma] “Don’t. It makes me feel sick”
Pies or salad?
Emma and Ed have chosen 17th of July for Keira’s baptism. Which isn’t far away, according to Clarrie and Susan.
So the debate begins.
Having the ‘do’ at Ed and Emma’s is vetoed in favour of Susan’s (more room).
The catering seems slightly contentious – with Emma happy with Clarrie’s famous spread of Scotch eggs and mini pork pies, but Susan wants some salad.
But before Susan and Clarrie could start finding a proper squabble, Emma neatly steps out of the frame. She seemingly wants to “concentrate on something pretty for Keira to wear”.
Lazy madam!
Next on the list is who to invite.
“All” the family, reckons Emma.
Does that include Will and Nic, I wonder …
Garden Festival
A week after the Village Fete, Lower Loxley’s Garden Festival is more of a toffs ideas of a fete.
Bee keeping display, plants and seeds for sale, the allotments will be open to sell their surplus, food hall … not a damp vicar in sight!
As Usha said, at least it’s got Elizabeth a bit more enthused.
Usha’s stuck right in it
Well, right between them. Elizabeth and Ruth, that is.
Usha also tried to persuade Elizabeth that she should go for bereavement counselling.
Although Elizabeth doesn’t shout at her, she does refuse.
Maybe Usha should wheel out her best weapon – the very calm, and nearly always right, Alan Franks.
“Distinct lack of inspiration on the specials board”
According to Jolene, talking about The Bull.
Kenton’s been roped in to try and come up with better ideas.
But the problem isn’t ideas … it’s Freda.
[Kenton] “How to get Freda away from tried and tested … “
(and later on, after Usha confirms that the veggie meals at The Bull all taste the same)
[Kenton] “Freda is somewhat limited in her approach”
The Llamas should be on Crimewatch!
Lynda is putting up posters around the village, appealing for witnesses to the pinkification of the Llamas.
Susan rightly points out that it was probably done in the dead of night – but I suppose it’s worth a go. It might even make Spencer and Pip speak out …
Susan agrees that it’s outrageous. She even didn’t blink when Lynda said she’d already put a note up in the phone box ALREADY, without asking her first.
Wowzer!
[Susan] “Clarrie says they’re going a paler pink everyday now anyway”
[Lynda] “I shan’t rest til I’ve found the culprits!”
Lynda’s even been asking round the chemists, to see if they remember who bought pink hair dye.
But the lads stole them.
(Is Crimewatch still on? With that bloke who told us not to have nightmares, after showing an hour’s worth of crime …?)
The Archers: Lynda stresses ... so does Freda ... Jolene seems happy ... Kenton is helpful
- So it begins …
- Black balloons and Monster mash
- Kenton and Fallon?
- Ambridge has gone ‘little black dress’ crazy!
- Panto *snort* moments #2
- Lynda forgives easily
- Harry wins again
- “Bonfire night was always one of Sid’s big nights”
- The Panto cast (so far) #2
So it begins …
The Panto rehearsals begin in earnest, with Lynda being very earnest indeed.
[Lynda] “So any questions, comments criticisms …”
[Nigel] “That’s very brave Lynda!”
[Lynda] “ … I was just joking”
I’m not sure why Lynda outs herself through this (almost) every year, as she gets so tense.
She’s stressed about Nigel having to leave early. Josh being late. Vicky being a bit dim.
[Lynda] “Oh dear. This will be Oscar’s first theatrical experiences and the highlights of Coriander’s stay”
Phew! That’s a lot to ask of a village Panton Lynda.
Maybe slim down those expectations a wee bit?
Black balloons and Monster mash
It must be Halloween at The Bull.
Jolene seems to be well and truly ‘perking’ up.
(sorry)
She refuses the hat and cloak, but is happy to don the gloves and glittery make-up.
Is our Jolene back for good?
Kenton and Fallon?
Just a passing thought, but Kenton does seem ever so keen to help with The Bull.
I know that might be because he wants to prove himself to Jamie.
Or that he might bump into Kathy (possibly)?
But you just never know with Kenton
Ambridge has gone ‘little black dress’ crazy!
Yesterday, Nigel was trying to get Elizabeth into hers.
Today it’s Fallon encouraging Jolene.
Panto *snort* moments #2
[Nigel] “I can stick the sausages in”
[Lynda] “Puts one sausage into each other of Idle jack’s hands”
[Vicky] “Waiting for one of them to get the pie in their face”
Lynda forgives easily
After Vicky being a bit of a bad mate when she sided with Brian over the Peregrines, I’d have thought Lynda would have given her the frosty treatment for weeks to come.
But all Vicky had to do was (a) be completely oblivious to Lynda being angry at her and (b) mention ’tactics’ in relation to the Panto.
Lynda was right in there!
Harry wins again
Despite Kenton making such an effort, and Frieda being in a “Simon Cowell mood”, Harry wins the prize for best costume.
Jazzer at least had a go (by splashing tomato sauce on his shirt … which actually could have just been because Jazzer hadn’t changed his shirt from the night before). And I actually think dressing as a Hammer Horror monster shows a great taste in horror film (hurrah to 1970s horrors, ya-booo to modern slasher ones).
After a deeply tense moment:
“If daylight doesn’t kill us, the suspense will…”
As per usual, it’s Harry who ‘wows’ the crowds. Jazzer seemingly said he looked:
“like a cross between Pete Docherty and a supply teacher he once locked in a stationery cupboard”
(Fallon “Well I think you look dreamy”. Oh for goodness sake Fallon – just ask him out for a cup of tea and an iced bun already!)
Quite surprised that Freda (the sole judge) chose Harry
“I think she’d more into knitting patterns than twilight books”,
Kenton was more concerned that Jamie hadn’t been at the party.
Ah, poor Kenton.
It’s a lesson learned very late in life, but he might have at last got the point that actions have consequences.
Especially the ones involving sex.
“Bonfire night was always one of Sid’s big nights”
Oh.
Maybe Jolene isn’t quite over Sid yet.
Are we going to remember the 5th of November?
The Panto cast (so far) #2
Jill: fairy beau bells
Vicky: Mrs Fitzwarren
Sabrina: Whittington’s cat
Nigel: Sarah the Cook (The Dame)
Harry: Idle Jack
Richard Thwaite: King Rat
Nathan Booth: Rate Henchman 1
Eddie: Rat Henchman 2
Jim: The Imperial Majesty
(but still no Dick or Alice!)
Robert and Neil constructing the sets
Daniel is helping with set and lighting
And Vicky is going to work on getting Mike to act (“It’s be great fun getting to play husband and wife”)
But still looking for two leading ladies …
Fallon? For
“A girl who can really belt out big numbers for the part of Dick”
Brenda as her lady love?
The Archers: Kathy changes The Bull's menu ...Kirsty tells Kathy ...Phoebe tells Hayley
- Tackling Freda
- "I don't give a toss who he sleeps with"
- Kirsty gives Jamie what-for
- Roy feels inadequate
- Hayley did call Kate a Liar
Tackling Freda
It takes a brave soul to tackle Freda about a menu change.
I mean to say – Freda does yatter go on, and on, and on, and on ...(!)
But Kathy seems to have done the trick, and Jolene is seemingly happy.
All we now is to teach Fallon that "sticking" up a banner does not maketh a marketing strategy.
Maybe she's been listening to Brenda "make a flyer" Tucker too much.
"I don't give a toss who he sleeps with"
Oo-er. Strong words from Kathy when Kirsty asks to talk to her.
But it's not Kenton she wants to discuss. It's that loutish son of her, Jamie.
Kirsty gives Jamie what-for
Good on Kathy for making Jamie apologise so quickly, and in person too.
[Kathy] "It's either that or the police"
[Jamie] "You wouldn't ..."
[Kathy] "Try me!"
Which was more than enough to convince Jamie to go to Kirsty to apologise.
Kirsty also did a grand job of not letting Jamie off with a shallow 'sorry' over vandalising the bird hide. After verbally slapping Jamie around the room for a bit, Kirsty then gives Jamie Patrick's number so that he can also apologise to him.
Considering Patrick wanted to call the Police, I can't imagine that will be a fun conversation either.
And I'm happy that Kirsty also failed to see how graffiti cared into a bench could be done accidently. I'd started to think I was missing out on a whole world of subconscious whittling ...
But - will any of this change Jamie?
Granted, him and his mates will have to find a new den (den? Is that what kids still call hideout places?), but Jamie didn’t sound too chastised at the end of Kirsty's lecture.
"What more do you want?"
*sigh* I suppose we can't really ask for much more of Jamie right now. He's just an upset teenage lad. With Kenton as a father figure and Kathy as his personal guard.
Don’t get me wrong - he's a complete pain right now - but this too (hopefully) shall pass ....
Roy feels inadequate
Ah, wee poppet!
But then again, I think most men (and women) would feel their attempts at celebrating anniversaries are a bit feeble in comparison to Nigel's "big production number".
I have to agree with Roy that I can't see where Nigel gets the money to pay for such lavish surprises. Maybe he just has a lot of credit cards.
But not to worry Roy. Hayley would:
"rather have a fish supper with you than a banquet with Nigel anytime"
Hayley did call Kate a Liar
Lots of 'whoops' moments when Phoebe got back home to Roy and Hayley after her week with Kate.
"No, I didn't go to school"
(big whoops - Phoebe dropping Kate right in it by telling Roy and Hayley that Kate and her went shopping instead of Phoebe going to school)
Another 'whoops' over all of the new stuff Kate has bought Phoebe - including £100 trainers that she'd be told by Hayley and Roy that she couldn't have.
Followed on by Roy being a bit dim, and making a whoops of underplaying Hayley's obvious rising fury over Kate:
"I know it's a bit annoying"
And the biggest 'whoops' of all - Hayley more-or-less calls Kate a liar to Phoebe, which she then tried to cover up with:
"Sometimes Kate just does what she wants to do, and doesn't think about consequences"
Too late. In suggesting that Kate might not have entirely told the truth to Phoebe's school to get her the day off, Hayley's only going to make Phoebe annoyed at Kate (her biological mum) being criticised.
Phoebe storms off, already using the 'I wished I stayed at Home Farm" shouty routine.
Give a child a choice between a groovy adult who helps you bunk off school, and buys you lots of gifts - and everyday parents who don’t have cash to flash ... guess who'll win every time?
Well, that's until the groovy adult lets the child down. As Kate is destined to do. Again.
I also thought it interesting that Phoebe calls Kate 'Kate'. Does that make it even easier for Phoebe to see her as anything but a mum?
"Is this what it's going to be like ... until next summer?"
Yup. That's the price of having Kate home.
The Archers: Emma can’t hide from Clarrie … Ian and Adam have a busman’s Sunday
- Simply ooooooooooooozing
- “Grey Gables gourmets are going to have to wait”
- You can’t fool Clarrie
- “Get rid of Freda and change the menu” – oh my!
- Clarrie keeps the secret for less time than it takes …
Simply ooooooooooooozing
Joe’s decided he wants Clarrie to bake him a cake for his birthday.
It needs to be a plain Victoria sponge “oooozing with jam and butter cream”.
And he’s timed it well (or at least his mum did!). Clarrie’s on cooking overdrive ahead of the flower and produce show.
“Grey Gables gourmets are going to have to wait”
How nice to hear from Adam and Ian again.
Off on a trip to have a look at a fruit producer for Adam, Ian also managed to get Adam to go to lunch at a pub famed for its great food.
In telling Ian that he can’t have certain food produce for his restaurant until it actually grows (“delayed gratification), Adam already foresees that Ian will
“be taking half of my cherries”
Terribly uncouth of me – but didn’t that happen years ago?!?
You can’t fool Clarrie
After years of sniffing out Eddie and Joe’s cunning plans, Clarrie spots that Emma’s pregnant (after she keeps throwing up).
Swearing Clarrie to secrecy, Emma’s a bit worried that her pregnancy is already difficult compared to when she was pregnant with George.
Clarrie reckons that means it could be a girl this time.
Hmmm. She’ll be cracking out the needle and thread next to see which way it spins.
“Get rid of Freda and change the menu” – oh my!
As they’re having their lunch in this wonderful pub with wonderful food, Ian reckons that The Bull needs to shape up its own food if it’s to survive.
Seemingly Freda’s habit of serving tomato ketchup sachets on the side of everything just isn’t good enough, and
“it’s not the most tactful thing to say considering the circumstances … but the atmosphere is like a morgue”
I can see what Ian’s driving at, but surely it’s Jolene that should go rather than Freda? Even if the food was stunning, how would one be able to enjoy their bruschetta with Jolene’s vacant stare haunting your every move?
Still, I hadn’t thought that Caroline and Oliver might be interested in The Bull again, and at least Ian later had a chat with Lilian to finally put to bed the idea that she’ll save The Bull single handed.
“people seem to think I have some sort of obligation”
Lilian doesn’t have the money, nor does it seem like she has the implication.
And worse still, she even sounds like she’ll also pull out of the pub if Jolene leaves. Quite simply, it was the “chemistry” between Jolene and Sid that made The Bull a success
“if Jolene can’t pull through with this, we might have to call time on the bull”
Yikes!
Clarrie keeps the secret for less time than it takes …
… to soft boil an egg.
She told Eddie the first chance she had!
“I was starting to think Edwards was firing blanks”
says Eddie, when he learns that he’s about to become a grandad again.
But ever canny, Clarrie knows that it’s our old psychotic friend Will who’s going to be the tricky one.
Whereas Eddie thinks Will “won’t be bothered”, Clarrie knows that he’s not exactly going to crack open the champagne.
Well, maybe he will. If it’s over Ed’s head.
Freda buckles under pressure … “Kenton needs cheering” … David critiques Jill’s new cookery demonstration video … Pat talks up Brenda … Pip quits
- All that stress over a salsa verde?
- “Kenton needs cheering”
- “Once you get past that rather gauche exterior, she’s much less limited than you’d think”
- What sort of work can Pip be doing that’ll pay for a trip to Australia or America after only a couple of weeks???
All that stress over a salsa verde?
Poor Freda.
Will she have a complete breakdown if Nathan Booth keeps up his jinks?
“Kenton needs cheering”
According to David.
Maybe he can cheer himself up by behaving like a half-decent human?
Pat was telling Lilian about how upset Kathy is, and that Jamie is glued to his video games.
As we all know, Jamie needs Kenton. Seemingly Kenton is the only one Jamie will open up to – but he’s simply just not there (physically as well as emotionally).
Lilian reckons it’s because of Kenton starting up a new business.
But, as it’s been said before, I reckon it’s just a matter of priorities.
Jaxx is more important than Kathy or Jamie.
But just how long will they be willing to put up with coming a very poor second best?
“Once you get past that rather gauche exterior, she’s much less limited than you’d think”
*snort*
That’s a backhanded compliment if I ever heard one!
Lilian just can’t quite seem to rise to Pat’s utterly positive opinion of Brenda and her abilities.
“In an ideal world, we looked around a bit longer – seen who else was available”
Though as Pat was waxing lyrical, Lilian did mention that she’d no doubt that Brenda could
“manage basic office jobs”
How long before that gets back to Brenda? And just how vitriolic will Tom be about it?
What sort of work can Pip be doing that’ll pay for a trip to Australia or America after only a couple of weeks???
The mind does boggle and worry …
It was a long time coming, but Pip has quit College before David and Ruth even had a chance to persuade her otherwise. And she finally admits that she mucked up some of her exams (will that keep Elizabeth quiet now?)
As Ruth put it, Pip’s basically
“Giving up education for a long holiday”
And let’s face it, even if Pip had got rubbish grades at the end of College, as long as she passed overall, it’d never matter. Unless she was aiming for academia, all that she needs to show is that she managed to stick with it, get a qualification and learn some stuff.
Instead, she’s wasted the last year.
Though, did I hear Pip started to say ‘Jude’ as David and Josh do (along the lines of ‘Ruuuude’)? Is that the tone of dissent with the manboy?
Ah well. The best we can hope for is that both Pip and Jude goes away for a long while, with Pip then returning solo and a less whiny person.
Either way, the fund to pay for Jude to go (and stay gone) is swelling up nicely in an offshore account. Feel free to contribute at your leisure ;-)
