The Archers Thursday 9th June 2011: Sid’s Birthday

• A cow has a grass seed in her eye
• Jamie’s gone walkabout
• Cuts to the bus service
• A fly in the butter
• Elizabeth was rude to Jill!
• Tigg only sleeps outside …
• Sweet peas on Nigel’s grave
• David looking forward to the Three Counties
• Josh films the cows being shampooed
• Alistair hands out dead dogs’ toys

A cow has a grass seed in her eye

But Alistair gets it out for her.

It had gone “pretty deep” into conjunctival sac, which meant Alistair had to use forceps.

Ouch.


Jamie’s gone walkabout

Kathy’s on the hunt for Jamie as he didn’t turn up for his RE exam.

(if you listened to today’s Ambridge Extra, you’d know he was stressed before it, and thinking a lot about his dad).

[Ruth] “Well, it’s not as if it’s English or Maths”

Nice Ruth. Very nice, comforting advice.

Kathy eventually found Jamie at the cricket pavilion.

And Jamie broke down and cried. (must admit I had a wee tear in my eye when I heard him doing so)

[Jamie] “We could have done so much together …”

[Kathy] “Yes, you could. You shouldn’t have lost him like that … No-one could have loved you more”

[Jamie] “I still miss him so much”

[Kathy] “You’re not on your own, love”

It sounded like he might have listened, and actually heard Kathy.

He even thought it would be good for Kathy to take him to school tomorrow.

The rehabilitation of Jamie continues …


Cuts to the bus service

Seemingly Jim is registering concern, on behalf of the Parish Council, about the potential forthcoming cuts to the bus service.

Shula and Alistair are talking about it, and are quite indignant. Even though they never use the buses.

[Shula] “It’s the thin end of the wedge … and I am allowed to feel outraged on others’ behalf?”

Quite right too.

I live in a rural area. My village only has one bus an hour, and it tends to not link up with any other bus times to actually get you where you want to go. I do have a van, but know of many others who rely on the buses – and when the poo hits the fan with the van, without the bus, I’d have an hour and a half walk into the nearest bit of civilisation.

Cuts to the bus service in rural areas? Good god no! Pick on urban areas for once .


A fly in the butter

Well, nearly.

[Shula to Alistair] “Oh, put the lid on the butter love, there’s a fly buzzing round”

Elizabeth was rude to Jill!

How very, very dare she!

Jill had only been trying to help out with the Twins, according to Elizabeth.

[Shula] “It’s like she’s closed ranks with the children and shut the rest of us out … it’s back to square one, she’s acting like she’s invulnerable”

Shula missed Phil (who might have been able to talk some sense into Elizabeth), and isn’t so sure that all will be well, one day.


Tigg only sleeps outside …

… so spends the rest of his time inside (when he’s not being trained).

Wonder if Tigg will ever become ‘just’ a working dog.



Sweet peas on Nigel’s grave

Shula and Jill put some sweet peas on Nigel’s grave, which was a nice touch.

There were also flowers already there. From Elizabeth?



David looking forward to the Three Counties

And will even stay there for the full three days.

[Ruth] “It will be a complete rest for him kipping two nights in a livestock trailer”

David did actually sound a lot chirpier. He was even talking about Phil, and how he managed Hereford’s for Fairbrother.

There’s a point.

Phil managed to ‘get over’ Grace, as Elizabeth will ‘get over’ Nigel?



Josh films the cows being shampooed

And David is his rather unwilling co-subject.

Each to their own, I suppose.

Josh then said ‘laters’ when he was heading off - which David takes the Michael out of him for doing.

Which is exactly what I’ve been doing with the youf language over on Ambridge Extra.

Good god.

Ambridge Extra has made me think like David …


Alistair hands out dead dogs’ toys

Which is a bit spooky and sad – but better that than the toys never get played with. Especially as Alistair gets so many of them from grieving dog owners.

Ambridge Extra Tuesday 7th June 2011: Alice and Chas go to bed

(to watch a film on Alice’s laptop. Still a bit icky, though)

• Don’t take the Michael out of Jamie’s bear
• Chas gets told where to go. Twice.
• Fallon’s still got the hump
• No more boom boom!
• We all need quadratic equations, Steve
• A year since Sid died

Don’t take the Michael out of Jamie’s bear

Steve was wondering why Jamie never invites him and Marty over to his house. While he had turned up unexpectedly. At Jamie’s house.

Jamie probably hasn’t invited Steve over because he’s a bully and an insensitive prat.

Steve then pushes Jamie too far. Not only is Steve interrupting him while he’s trying to study, but he then takes the Michael out of Blower (sp?). Jamie’s bear. Which Sid had given to him.

And hurrah! Jamie kicks Steve out!

[Steve] “I’ve been standing up for you .. .you’re a right little runt sometimes!”

Aye. Right then, Steve. Off you toddle, now.



Chas gets told where to go. Twice.

Chas is up in Newcastle trying to find Jackie (who disappeared from Uni without paying him back his ‘loan’).

He tries to hassle someone called Rachel (who is in the flat he thinks Jackie is staying at). But he doesn’t get anywhere.

[Rachel] “You can believe what you like. I don’t know where she’s gone”

Rachel threatens to call the Police. Chas backs off.

[Chas] “Fine … stick up for your friend. She stole from me, remember!”

Then Mr Parker (Jackie’s dad) tells Chas where to go when he calls up to try to see if he can get another address for Jackie.

Chas doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere with the great hunt for Jackie.

And, considering Lesley is protecting Reggie, where else can Chas turn to get enough money to keep Vince off of his back.

Chris?


Fallon’s still got the hump!

Looks like Fallon still isn’t happy with Kirsty and Rhys.

She’s even changed her shifts to never work with Rhys (or so it seems).

Nic has the bright idea of Rhys and Kirsty making up with Fallon by “doing something nice” for her birthday on the 19th.

Which Rhys and Kirsty take on board with aplomb!

Glamping, it would seem, is the answer. Up on Lakey Hill.

Kirsty has a friend with a Bell tent. They can get rugs, lantern, “maybe a bean bag or two”.

All very nice.

But is that a fatal mistake I spot?

They’ve decided to fool Fallon into the whole glamping trip being a surprise.

It’s fallen to Nic to do the deed. Because no-one else had the bottle:

[Rhys] “What is this? Kill Bill? Has Fallon got a grudge against the whole village?”

A whole bunch of Fallon’s make, about to play a trick on her.

It may be a nice trick, but could this all go horribly wrong?


No more boom boom!

That was very unwelcome, indeed.

I know Ambridge Extra is a bit of a youf experiment – but the clips of loud music really doesn’t impress.


We all need quadratic equations, Steve

You’ll find out later on, which may be too late for you …


A year since Sid died

It’s a year, on Wednesday, since Sid died, and it would have been his birthday on Thursday.

Which is why Jamie reacted so firmly to Steve when he took the Michael.

Natalie also doesn’t seem too sympathetic.

Over the phone, she kinda gave Steve an excuse by saying he couldn’t have known about Sid’s anniversaries coming up. And that rushes off the phone with a “sorry about your dad”.

I’m not too sure about that Natalie.

But, then again, I’m not too sure about most teenagers!

The Archers Wed 15th Sept 2010: Harry unveils the We Love The Bull website

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The Archers: Brian tries to tackle Matt ... Fallon is overwhelmed by the "community support" ... Nic's working more shifts

• Will can't keep track of his birds
• I want to know how much
• Cremated steak
• Is that Harry being butch?
• www.welovethebull.???
• Come on Nic, he's a nutter!
• Sid was great at arranging guest spirits?

Will can't keep track of his birds

Which is odd, considering Nic can't even pass wind without him thinking it's a sign she wants another bloke.

Do we detect the supremo gamekeeper is starting to slip a bit?

That'd be just typical. Nic will run off with Harry. Emma has her baby. Will loses his job and goes utterly ballistic at Ed for having a nice tidy life.

I think we should lock him up now, just to be on the safe side.



I want to know how much

So Brian puts only a financial offer on the table to Matt, but we didn't get to hear a price. What, are we talking hundreds, thousands, hundreds of thousands?

Anyway, Matt had a grand old time using a good old-time villain sneer.

Brian tried to argue that Lilian being on the board was a conflict of interest. Which is true enough. Even if Amside is tiny at the moment, it could use her insider knowledge to steal the march on BL.

But then again, Matt seems quite capable of doing that without a mole.

At his old tricks again, Matt's now saying that this is all Lilian's idea. That she wants to "play a part".

Funny. I could have sworn she doesn't have a clue.

Especially since Matt's bought the land outside of Amside. Lilian probably doesn't even know he has it, let alone knowing anything about him pushing to be on the board of BL.

So here we go again. Matt's lying. To Brian. Who will tell Jennifer all. Who, in turn, will side with Brian. And shout at Lilian. Who is completely oblivious!

Despite Brian trying to play the 'you're a de facto director', which could put Matt back in jail, Matt's not budging.

Claiming "money's not the issue", and happy to sit on the land even if Brian's mart has to go elsewhere, Matt obviously thinks he's onto a winner.

"it's a cheap enough punt"

and a perfect way to get back at all those BL directors who vanished when Matt was caught by the law, and are still snubbing him.

You know - I can't help but admire Matt sometimes ...



Cremated steak

Jazzer actually helped Harry move into his new flat, but obviously charged him, and get a free lunch/pint at The Bull.

And of course, he prefers his meat done extremely well. What a stereotypical Scot that man is.


Is that Harry being butch?

It was a wee bit subtle, but Harry did sound quite irritated by Jazzer.

Finally!

I couldn't work out whether Harry has managed to master the fine art of turning the other cheek, or whether he's naive and oblivious to Jazzer's jests.

And I'm still not sure about Harry. He didn't make that much of a fuss about Jazzer having a dig, but why is he reacting now? Jazzer's said and done far worse before.

To Jazzer's:

"you don't need to weasel your way into every part of the village"

Harry came back with:

"You always say kind things"

But Harry did snap at Jazzer when, after poo-pooing the website, he then tried to get involved to also get in Fallon's good books:

"if there's something you'd be good at, we'd ask"

Oh steady there Harry! It's almost as if you have cajones.


www.welovethebull.???

Well, I'm not sure what Harry was unveiling to Fallon, but I can't find his website.

Whatever it actually was, Fallon was over the moon.

Harry asked Ed and Mike to put up messages of support:

Ed

"if mum didn't have somewhere to send dad and grandad, she'd have killed them years ago"

Mike

"Always been thee with a kind word and a smile"

Aw. Fallon was chocked up.

Of course, Jazzer reckoned it was all a waster of time at first (until he realised Fallon was impressed). He reckoned:

"I show my support every time I plonk my backside on one of these stools"

Which is a fair point.

The Bull is quiet, so where have all the loyal punters gone?

It might be "like a morgue", but money where mouth is methinks. They'll soon all be complaining if it shuts for good.

Anyway, Fallon now feels supported, and is also asking for practical support.

All seems very positive indeed:

"for the first time in ages, i feel like The Bull might finally have a future"

Excellent.

But still don't forget to sign up to the Facebook cause page (click here) to show your support, and keep an eye on #welovethebull if you're on Twitter.


Come on Nic, he's a nutter!

Why on earth can't Nic see that Will isn't just being 'nice', He's trying to control her.

Maybe he hides it well at home.

Will didn't sound too enamoured of Nic offering to do more shifts at The Bull to help Fallon out.

So when is he going to finally blow?

More importantly, when is Nic going to run off with Harry?!?


Sid was great at arranging guest spirits?

I know Fallon also said Ales, but did she actually mention spirits?

Maybe it's just me. I have been chatting away with @sidperksghost on twitter.

News 15th September 2010: Save The Bull on Facebook

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Twitter’s buzzing with efforts to show our support for The Bull.

I’ve also created a Facebook cause page – join now to show your support and Save The Bull!

Life will never be the same again if we can no longer eavesdrop on Ambridge residents having a pint of Shires …

More information: clikc here for the We Love The Bull page on this blog

Save The Bull! 

Join Us:

twitter

Hashtags:
#welovethebull
#savethebull
#archers
#TheArchers

Profiles:
@welovethebull (154 followers and counting)
@thearchersfan
There is a @savethebull, but there’s no tweets under that account as yet

Facebook causes:

We Love The Bull : http://www.causes.com/causes/526294

The Archers 12th September 2010: Jolene goes to a cricket match

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The Archers: Jamie’s first full team cricket match … Kathy and Jolene find comfort ... Harry starts a website .. Jamie's back to shouting

• Fallon gets Jolene out of the house
• Roy lost his wicket
• Group hug?
• I know him so well
• I really do hope Jamie’s shoulders are that broad

Fallon gets Jolene out of the house

And along to a cricket match.

This could have gone either way – it could have sent her into a deeper depression (memories of Sid playing cricket, and that it is a cricket match … oh how dull!), or made her realise that life does strive on.

Has Fallon actually tried a good hard slap? I don’t advocate violence, but needs must …


Roy lost his wicket

And then Fallon mentioned the score. But I only have to take her word for it that they weren’t playing too badly.

It’s all cricket to me …


Group hug?

Was Harry a youth worker in his previous life?

I know he means well, and he’s right in that The Bull’s punters should try and show Jolene how much she (well … the pub actually) means to them.

But a group hug? Even as a metaphor, it sends shivers.

Ever on the ball with new media, Harry decides that they need to create a website for everyone to show how much the pub means to them. He also made mention of a Facebook profile of a Twitter account. But, I wonder if this will all go the same way as Harry’s blog (which has been quiet for some time now).

Poor Nic sounded a bit perplexed at getting roped in, and goodness knows what Will will say when he hears Harry’s been teaching her new skills.


I know him so well

Probably just me, but I had Elaine Page and Barbara Dickson playing in my head as I listened to Jolene and Kathy reminiscing about Sid.

Despite Kathy’s clarification that she doesn’t miss Sid “like that”, I think Jolene knows that they’re both mourning for a man they loved.


I really do hope Jamie’s shoulders are that broad

Jolene thinks Jamie’s got the same broad shoulders as Sid had.

I hope so.

As well as coping with him mum’s over protectiveness, and her arguments with Kenton, and his dad dying … Jamie’s might now have to also be a beacon of hope for Jolene.

Seeing so much of Sid in Jamie doesn’t bode well.

And right on cue, Jamie starts shouting at Kathy again.

Damn it! With Kenton gone to Lower Loxley, I thought we’d have far less shouting from that corner of Ambridge. Especially as Kathy and Jamie seemed to be getting on.

19th August 2010

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The Archers: Pip gets her exam results … Brian shows Debbie his project site … Kathy’s in a panic … Jennifer’s making special preparations for the party

• Pip’s not being a madam!
• “Catering company is the least of my worries”
• A party on Friday, picnic on Sunday
• Debbie couldn’t be happier
• Kathy goes bonkers

Pip’s not being a madam!

Pip took her rather disastrous exam results really well. There wasn’t a shout or whine to be heard!

B music
C chemistry
B one of biology
D in the other
E business studies

David took it quite calmly as well, but he was right in saying:

“Things would be pretty bleak if this was really the best you could do”

Let’s just hope there’s no other Jude characters lurking to put Pip off this term at College.


Catering company is the least of my worries

After all that fuss about Tom’s burger van, Jennifer seems to be utterly preoccupied by the chance that Clive might be coming to the party.

After Brian discovered his malt whisky had been moved, then noticed a painting had also disappeared, Jennifer confessed that she’s been locking “things of value” out of sight.

Claiming it was to avoid damage, Brian pointed out that the Horrobin’s will only be getting drunk, and that

“The only Horrobin who’s a real head case is safely banged up in jail”

Isn’t he?

Jennifer didn’t seem convinced …


A party on Friday, picnic on Sunday

How spoilt we shall be!

Especially after the fillers of the last few episodes. Brian showing Debbie round his project site, and Kathy’s calls to Kenton and Jamie, were a bit of a waste of time.


Debbie couldn’t be happier

Hmmm. What’s the catch?


Kathy goes bonkers

Kathy wasn’t able to get Jamie on his phone. He’d left in the house. Shame Kathy didn’t notice the ringing as she was trying to call him – we could have had at least 2 minutes of our life not wasted!).

Also unable to get Kenton on his phone (quell surprise!), Kathy goes completely doolally. Lucky Clarrie was around to calm her down.

As Jamie calmly pointed out later on, she knew where he was. He was just a bit late. I’m just grateful that neither he nor Kathy ended up shouting at each other again – nice to see them being a bit reasonable with each other.

This has been building for some time, but Kathy’s becoming increasingly open about Kenton just not being up to Sid’s standard.

Where Kenton is “like a big kid himself” and is “not solid and dependable”, Sid was “so good with Jamie …always there”.

Kathy’s seemingly lonely and lost without Sid.

“You Mustn’t talk yourself into believing it can’t be mended”

Says Clarrie.

I don’t think Kenton can compete with the sheer height of the pedestal Kathy’s put Sid onto. What’s more, I don’t think he’ll even try to fight for Kathy against a dead man.

5th July 2010

The Archers: Jolene’s finding ‘normality’ a bit difficult … Kenton distances himself from Kathy … David and Ruth want their girl back … Lilian simply adores Jaxx

• Aw … poor Jolene
• Surely that means separate beds?
• Kathy should’ve admitted it
• “Give Tom credit”
• That’s why Pip’s a snob about supermarkets …
• Jaxx must be alright if Lilian approves
• Reasons or excuses Kenton?
• David’s got the measure of Jude

Aw … poor Jolene

I’m getting more and more upset for Jolene. Way much more so than I’ve felt for Sid actually dying.

She’s doing that ‘we all need to get back to normal’ thing, where all that’ll end up happening is her breaking down. She’s just not ready to cope.

Still, with Lilian on hand, backed up the rest of the Ambridge crew, here’s hoping she’s in safe hands.


Surely that means separate beds?

Maybe I’m reading too much into this – but it sounded like Kathy and Kenton have separate rooms.

Not that I’m judging a relationship by the sleeping arrangements, but it doesn’t necessarily bode well.

Even a cuddle goes a long way to repairing damage done during the day.


Kathy should’ve admitted it

Even more telling is that Kathy can admit to Tony that she was wrong over shutting Kenton out of the ashes scattering – but she can’t admit it to Kenton.

What is she thinking?

“He really needed you … I wish you’d been there Kenton”

Hmmm. You forgot to say ‘I’m sorry it was my fault that you weren’t’

Kenton’s response of

“too late now, isn’t it”

Could mean a whole lot more than just the ashes.

That Kenton also wasn’t willing to talk to Kathy about her stopping him for supporting Jamie at the ashes – and his “don’t wait up” – would seem to signify that he and Kathy are either in big trouble, or are indeed over already.

Dearie me. Kenton on the pull, Kathy in ‘woe is me’ overdrive. How will we cope?!?


“Give Tom credit”

Never!

Especially when he’s actually taking the credit for an idea someone else created.

You simply aren’t going to get away with your veal and ham pie, Tom. Vicky doesn’t strike me as a lady to underestimate …


That’s why Pip’s a snob about supermarkets …

… she gets it from her parents.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m well aware that few people have an ambition of working in a supermarket, but it’s also a bit much to dismiss such work as being ‘boring’.

Then again, what can you expect of David and Ruth when they have such high expectations for their ‘girl’ Just a shame they have to drag everyone else down around her.

They are right that half day training, while the supermarket is ‘processing’ Pip’s application is a bit sneaky. Many moons ago, I went for a job in a chip shop where I had to work for 4 hours one night, then they wanted me to come back the next to do the same again, before they’d say whether I had got the job or night.

It was worth it though. One hour in, I still couldn’t fold the paper round the suppers.

So maybe it’s worth Pip trying out the training session, to see if she can cope? After all, she’s not exactly been dazzling in her academic pursuits. Maybe a more ‘hands on’, structured career path would be better.


Jaxx must be alright if Lilian approves

Though her cred slipped a bit when she told Kenton to ‘surprise’ her, then pointed out she was driving.

Mocktails do not make a lush.


Reasons or excuses Kenton?

I’m still not entirely convinced, but maybe it’s true that Kenton hasn’t just been throwing himself in to Jaxx to avoid Kathy and Jamie.

Maybe it really just his way of coping.

I did feel for him finally discovering

“what [he] wants to be when [he] grows up”

And his sadness about Kathy not understanding was palpable.

More signs that he finally gets that Jamie needs him was his call to Jamie to apologise for not being at the ashes, even though that wasn’t his fault.


David’s got the measure of Jude

“He’s got no intention of coming round”

“He’s either Fobbing us off, or couldn’t give a damn”

A bit of both, methinks.

Pay him to go away, shoot him, run him over with a tractor … whatever it takes David. We won’t tell anyone.

11th June 2010

… Sid’s funeral to take place in New Zealand … Jaxx is quite ‘abstract’ … Kenton still doesn’t get it

• What about Jamie?
• I’m a sophisticated professional and I feel at home here
• “Sid wasn’t my family”

What about Jamie?

Maybe it’s Lucy’s influence, but does Jolene really think that having Sid’s funeral in New Zealand is right?

What about Jamie? Kathy? Fallon? Everyone else?!?

They can still have a memorial when Jolene returns for Sid’s ashes, but that’s probably not enough for most folks.

Still, it’s easy to make judgements on the actions of someone who’s just lost their partner.


I’m a sophisticated professional and I feel at home here

Hmmm. Or is Jaxx just “abstract”?

I’m just not convinced that the Kenton/Jim combo will have resulted in anything classy or akin to (what seems to be their plan) of a London City-boy trend spot.

Time will tell.


“Sid wasn’t my family”

I can accept that Kenton finds it hard to cope with emotions at the best of times. I can also accept that he’s still in mourning for his dad. I can even accept that some folks just can’t handle death or being able to provide support to others who have been bereaved.

But.

Seriously.

Kenton’s being utterly rubbish!

I can see why he’s stressed about the timing, and feels he needs to be at Jaxx, but he surely can think before he speaks.

Kathy’s absolutely right in saying that the bar is more important to him. Can’t he see that Kathy and Jamie are having a horrific time, and badly need his support?

Or, does Kenton really just not care?

10th June 2010

• When is a farm open day not a visit to Steptoe and son?
• Seriously – watch out for Patrick!
• Right not to tell Jack about Sid?
• While Brenda’s away … Tom goes to his mum for his dinner

When is a farm open day not a visit to Steptoe and son?

When Clarrie gets involved.

Sounds like she’s managing her menfolk well enough, but how long before she ends up having to ‘clear up’ after them?

Will she have to pry Vicky and Joe apart when Vicky realises that her cut is only a percentage of the takings that Joe admits to (the main bulk of it being hidden under a cider barrel)?

Will their campers revolt after finding themselves stuck in the middle of an open day when they expected a quiet retreat?

Will Joe finally get caught by the Police selling alcohol without a licence?

Waiting with each anticipation …


Seriously – watch out for Patrick!

He keeps being mentioned, and is a regular visit to Bridge Farm.

Patrick’s now become my ‘next man for Helen’ about Greg from Wales, the Veg Man’s son and Harry.


Right not to tell Jack about Sid?

I think that Peggy and Lilian were right not to mention Sid’s death to Jack.

After all – what would it achieve? Does Jack even remember Sid?


While Brenda’s away … Tom goes to his mum for his dinner

Steady there Tom. You don’t want to have to readjust back to a normal, hum-drum life when Brenda returns to normal life.

Mind you, that should be ‘if’ Brenda returns …

9th June 2010

• Arse. Jude’s back
• Matt’s foot in the pub?
• Kenton. Stop it. Stop it now.
• Map Sticks
• Jazzer didn’t get them from the garage!
• And on Sid …

Arse. Jude’s back

I really didn’t realise what a relief it was to have days sans Jude until he turned up again.

“All a bit biz at the moment”

You utter cretin.

While trying to get Pip to have ‘one more’ before the bar shuts, Jude was waxing lyrical about Ibiza.

Ibiza? Isn’t that, like, soooo late decade?

Still. That makes sense, considering Jude’s a man trying to be a teenage boy.

Pip. Please dump him. I don’t know how much more we can take …


Matt’s foot in the pub?

The more cynical listeners-in to Ambridge might see Matt’s attempts to help out at The Bull are just his way of worming into the setup now that Sid has departed us.

True? Or is this indeed the new caring, sharing Matt Crawford?


Kenton. Stop it. Stop it now.

Okay – so I can accept Kenton is handling Sid’s death in his own way. That means he must be coming across as insensitive because he really isn’t good at handling a personal crisis.

But, that really doesn’t excuse his eagerness to get Jamie out of the house and back to school, the day after his dad has died. Poor wee lamb ended up crying in the middle of a lesson.

And what about Kenton escaping to the pub to moan about Kathy’s ‘wallowing’?

Kenton reckons that Kathy shouldn’t be that upset, as it’s been many years since she spilt up with Sid.

Eh?

What about all the time they did spend together? That they had a son together? That Sid was still a part of Kathy’s life? It’s not as if they split up and moved continents apart.

But, then there have also been signs that Kenton does ‘get it’. While he was in the middle of berating Kathy for ‘influencing’ Jamie to be grief-stricken (hmmm. I think Jamie can find his own feelings about this without Kathy’s help) – he did tell Kathy to give Jamie a big hug and tell him he was thinking of him.

Maybe that’s the problem? Kenton can only hug metaphorically?

Either way – get a grip Kenton and be a husband and a step-dad. You running away will only mean your family will end up running away from you.


Map Sticks

Pip’s getting back into the swing of being part of the family, and shall be at Open Farm Sunday.

Though she did explain it – I don’t entirely get the concept of Map Sticks …


Jazzer didn’t get them from the garage!

Good on you matey. Nice flowers, nice gesture, and (seemingly) meant without any romantic undertones.

Has Jazzer seen the light and realised he’d be better off being Fallon’s mate?

Or, more surprisingly, has he realised when it is and isn’t appropriate to put the squeeze on a lady?


And on Sid …

Here’s a reason ‘why’ from Tim Bentinck on Twitter (@timbentinck):

“In answer to kind questions about Alan Deveraux, he's decided to retire after over 30 years of being probably the best actor in the show.”

8th June 2010

Sid Perks...


... is dead

All the discussions that have been going on about Sid only making it back from New Zealand in a box seem a bit ghoulish now.

I really didn’t expect that to happen so quickly.

I can’t say that Sid was ever one of my favourite Ambridge residents, but he was certainly one of the more ‘interesting’ folks at times. He silence over recent months was highly suggestive of what has now happened.

I really feel for Jolene being out in new Zealand, and having to deal with the practical side of the post mortem and getting Sid’s body back home, all without Fallon and her friends.

Still, it was nice to see Caroline back behind the bar, and at least Fallon had everyone to help.

But what was Kenton up to? As he said to Jamie, he knows exactly how he feels. So why was he being so flippant about having a ‘kick around’, how this was a chance for them all to spend time together, that they could have Chinese … does he not realise that Jamie’s a young lad who is far from ready to cope with losing a parent?

And what on earth was he blundering on about when he said:

“What lovely weather … ironic isn’t it?”

Was that irony in an Alanis Morissette way?

Kathy should have let him get back to Jaxx. I thought he was doing more harm than good.

Now then - what about the Bull? Will Mat turn it into flats?

Will Harry choose mum over daughter?

What where on earth was Jazzer?!? Missed your moment, matey ...

NB: lots of rumours about whether Sid Perks' death has anything to do with Alan Devereux being ill, fallen out with the BBC etc etc. Nothing official that I can see, but if Alan is poorly, I hope a speedy recovery.