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.
The Archers: Sid’s ashes are scattered … Lynda takes charge of the whodunit
- I’d forgotten about ‘that’ necklace
- Kathy admits her mistake
- LOVING the Agatha Christie mentions
I’d forgotten about ‘that’ necklace
Jolene’s mention of the necklace Sid had given her all those years ago brought be right back to the time their affair started.
Very strange to think of them back then, compared to the cosy life they built together.
I’ve said it before, but despite what I thought of him, it’s so obvious that many other’s though Sid was top notch.
Including poor heartbroken Jolene.
Kathy admits her mistake
As much as I’ve been very hard on Kenton over the last few weeks, it was petty of Kathy to not even tell him about Sid’s ashes being scattered – and downright spiteful not letting him be there.
Jamie asked if Kenton was coming, and it ended up having to be Tony who went after him when he couldn’t handle being at the scattering.
Bless Tony for trying, though, as he admitted, that whole emotional stuff just isn’t his forte.
As he said:
“Feelings are funny things”
and Kathy has lost someone very important to her.
But Tony telling Jamie to be “strong” for her was a bit too close to something like ‘There, there old chap. Stiff upper lip. Boys don’t cry. You’re the man of the house now …’
At the very least, he did manage to get Jamie to open up a bit about how Kathy’s reaction to Sid’s death has affected him.
And, Tony’s intervention also gave Kathy a bit of a kick up the posterior.
Her mistake (in trying to get “revenge” on Kenton for not going to new Zealand with them) has only resulted in Jamie getting hurt even further.
Question is – will Kathy admit that to Kenton?
Will Kenton, likewise, admit his mistakes to Kathy?
Could this be a turning point in them all being able to pull their family back together?
Or had the damage already been done.
(and I still think Kenton holds most of the blame …)
LOVING the Agatha Christie mentions
But that’s only because I am a huge Christe fan.
It’s also superb to have Lynda back in full flow.
“a lesser person that I might have felt snubbed”
And nice to have Joe there to keep her in check. While Lynda is trying to write in the style of “proper” detectives, Joe prefers a bit of The Sweeney. With Poirot, he finds them so slow, that he nods off half way through.
“The strange affair at Ambridge Towers”
Oh I just can’t wait!
Though, I am still wondering if this ‘pretend’ murder mystery will result in actual murder, a la Christe.
The Archers: Brenda’s job still makes demands of her … Jill’s new cookery video is another hit … the fete plans move forward … Kathy tells Kenton he’s not needed
- “Pure energy – we’ve got it Tubed”
- Does Tom ever think of anyone else?
- Why doesn’t Jenny approve?
- Here comes the food safety officer …
- Does that mean no celeb at the fete?
- At last, Kenton’s making an effort
“Pure energy – we’ve got it Tubed”
Not often I can say this, but I do feel for Brenda having to do field promotion.
It’s a thankless task, where the people you’re trying to ‘sell’ to are more likely to be offended, than grateful, that they’re being offered something for free.
Still, will Brenda’s daily work life improve when she’s working for Lilian and Matt?
Does Tom ever think of anyone else?
What a numpty!
Rather than quality time, he just wants quality brainstorming with Brenda.
I’m always amazed that Brenda can take that sort of nonsense in good humour.
Must be love.
Why doesn’t Jenny approve?
Did I hear that right? Did Jill say that Jenny wouldn’t want more of Jill’s cookery demonstrations to be filmed?
If so – what on earth is the problem?
Here comes the food safety officer …
I’m always suspicious when a (seemingly) small bit person gets a name.
‘Brenda Waters’, the food safety person.
Now what trouble can she cause for (or with?) Tom?
Does that mean no celeb at the fete?
It sounds like this murder mystery at the fete is going to be the big talking point – rather than which celeb is opening it.
I wonder if that means we’ll be celeb-less this year.
At last, Kenton’s making an effort
It’s been a long time coming, but it would seem that Kenton’s finally realised that he needs to be there for Jamie and Kathy.
Seemingly wee things like taking time off to watch the World Cup with Jamie will make a huge difference.
But is it too little, too late for Kathy?
Kenton had to find out from Jamie that Sid’s ashes were being scattered on Sunday.
And Kathy wasn’t entirely receptive when Kenton mentioned that he should be there.
“we got used to propping each other up”
Ouch.
And Kenton’s argument that he wasn’t part of Sid’s family has come back to bite him.
Still – where is Jamie in all of this? He seems to be forgotten during all those ‘adult’ discussions.
The Archers: Jude isn’t very supportive … Jolene’s back …and so is Lynda …Pip auctions her life ... Eddie gets ripped off
- Jude’s uncle is going to hospital.
- One mug … *sniff*
- Where was Jazzer to wave Harry goodbye?
- Pip up for auction
- Hurrah! It’s Lynda!
- “She must have had some kind of gift. She saw Eddie a mile off”
- Do I sense an Agatha Christie homage?
- Jokes about a new meaning to ‘The Ashes’ aside …
- Izzy - just tell Pip to ‘do one’
Jude’s uncle is going to hospital.
Does that sound like a wee white lie, or not?
Considering he’s more concerned about his first coffee of the morning, rather than wishing Pip could luck with the job hunt. That’ll help pay for the trip. Which he seemingly should want her to go on (according to Pip).
Do we detect that Jude would rather avoid the conference/confrontation with David and Ruth?
No surprises these, I suppose, and Pip (as per) is utterly oblivious to Jude’s lukewarm attitude.
So, as Pip plans to show her parents just:
“how serious we are”
Jude’s started digging his escape tunnel.
One mug … *sniff*
I’ve not been that upset over Sid’s death, but tonight had a very poignant moment.
So simple. Jolene’s making tea, and automatically starts to ask Sid if he wants one.
Then she realises she’ll only ever need one mug.
Oh so sad.
Where was Jazzer to wave Harry goodbye?
It’s not like Jazzer to miss Harry moving out of the Bull.
Surely a great opportunity to jeer, take the mick, make sure he didn’t leave anything behind …
Then again, we all missed Harry moving out.
Bit of a damp squib?
Pip up for auction
While we’re all been thinking of ways to get rid of Jude and Pip, we were missing a trick.
Auction sites!
“Two healthy ‘young’ people, under the age of 30 (we think), one willing to work hard, the other might be able to fix your website. If he can be bothered. Both house trained and partially educated.”
That must be worth at least a reserve of a few pounds.
Of course, it’s only a matter of time before David and Ruth notice that Pip’s sold jewellery that they gave her for Christmas.
Queue shouting argument.
Hurrah! It’s Lynda!
Lovely to have Lynda back.
I eve did a wee ‘whoop’ when she launched back into the-Ambridge-we-can-hear with:
“It makes such a difference, Robert - being able to enjoy lunch al fresco”
And it wouldn’t be fair to not also welcome back Robert. Poor man gets sidelined at the best of times …
“She must have had some kind of gift. She saw Eddie a mile off”
So Felpersham Fox turned out to be “Felpersham Lead Balloon”.
Eddie loses his money, and Mystic Jodie gets away with a gallon of cider plus free camping.
Not so bad after all. Clarrie might only fall out with Eddie for a few days, rather than weeks!
Do I sense an Agatha Christie homage?
There has been recent the talk of a ‘big’ happening in January 2011 – rumoured to be a murder (which I personally think is very remiss of the BBC. If they know an Ambridge resident is going to be murdered, surely they should put a stop to it. Aiding and abetting?).
But, Lynda and Robert were talking about staging a ‘whodunit trail’ at the village fair.
Seemingly, at another village fair, the
“body by the lake created a huge sensation”
and there was also some sort of
“business by the boat house”
Surely that’s the plot line of Dead Man’s Folly by Agatha Christie?
Only, they’d better beware – in Dead Man’s Folly, the girl cast as the murder victim is found to have actually been murdered for real.
Will the Ambridge murdered take their chance to strike early?
Jokes about a new meaning to ‘The Ashes’ aside …
Jolene’s decided to scatter Sid’s ashes on the cricket ground this Sunday.
Interesting that her original list of folks who’d need to be there included herself, Fallon, Jamie and Tony.
But no Kathy.
Fallon had to point out that Jamie would want Kathy and Kenton there.
Will Kenton turn up this time?
Izzy - just tell Pip to ‘do one’
What a horrid little snob Pip is.
I’d forgive her for looking down on a job in a supermarket because of principles about local producers, but Pip simply thinks that kind of work is beneath her.
And to say all she did in front of her ‘friend’ Izzy! Who does work in a supermarket.
Little madam!
It was a different story when Pip first wanted to leave College to join Izzy and co. at the supermarket. Now that Pip thinks she’s going travelling, she’ll only demean herself to work there for a few weeks.
Seriously Izzy. Don’t help Pip get that job. She doesn’t deserve it.
Jamie’s not doing much better, Kathy talks to Pat … Elizabeth comes clean to Ruth
- No more secrets in the Archer clan
- Jude’s described as …
- “Talking just a big waste of time – can’t change anything”
- Kenton doesn’t notice, Kathy shouldn’t have to tell him
- Yes Kenton – a trip to NZ is just what Kathy and Jamie need
No more secrets in the Archer clan
Well, one side of it anyway. For now.
Elizabeth’s told Ruth about knowing Pip had missed that exam, and that Pip also asked for more hours at Lower Loxley.
Well Elizabeth, that really wasn’t that dramatic, was it?
Ruth was rightly annoyed that she hadn’t told them before, but I think she was a wee bit off in saying that Elizabeth should’ve come to her when David wouldn’t listen. It’s not exactly Elizabeth’s fault that David can be a tad touchy when it comes to his parenting skills.
Though I noticed Ruth’s now saying that they’re not going to give Pip any travel money, after saying they would the other day.
It’s a plan to try and stop her going, but I can’t imagine they’ll stick to it if she does go. A young women, other side of the world, no money and a plonker for a boyfriend. They’ll surely have to step in at some point?
Jude’s described as …
“reckless”
“selfish”
By Ruth.
Elizabeth on Pip:
“You could see the child and adult side by side”
Ruth on Pip
“No idea what letting herself in for”
So we have a irresponsible manchild with a woman who hasn’t yet left being a girl behind.
If I was Pip’s parents, I’d be worried sick too …
“Talking just a big waste of time – can’t change anything”
Aw. I feel so sorry for Jamie amongst all of this.
As awful as I think Sid was as a person, he was still Jamie’s dad.
How sad was Josh’s mention that Jamie would have to watch the football alone if he didn’t watch it at Brookfield?
Surely Kenton could spare 90 minutes.
Kenton doesn’t notice, Kathy shouldn’t have to tell him
As well as being Sid’s dad, it’s also worth hearing that Kathy saw him as a ‘rock’ to their family.
With him gone, and Kenton acting like he couldn’t give a hoot, there’s a big gap in her and Jamie’s life.
While I agree with Pat that a relationship has to be give and take both sides, I don’t think Kathy going along to Jaxx (for the first time since the refurbishment) will make that much difference.
Kathy sees Jaxx as one of the main problems in her relationship with Kenton – but surely it’s all about Kenton being so blind to her and Jamie?
Yes Kenton – a trip to NZ is just what Kathy and Jamie need
Idiot.
The Archers: A cow gets hurt by a bottle … Eddie’s winning on the horses … Kevin Bacon … Kathy won’t go to Jaxx … some land might be bought … David shouts at Kenton … Ruth to invite Jude round
- An Ambridge resident wouldn’t do that!
- Eddie and Mystic Josie
- I think she did say Kevin Bacon
- Kathy’s starting to sound like Kenton
- The Battle of Hastings?
- Now that one wasn’t Kenton’s fault
- An evening with Jude
An Ambridge resident wouldn’t do that!
I’ve never understood folks who think it preferable to chuck their litter out of their car than hold onto it until the next bin, but I’m assuming none of the Ambridge set would’ve chucked that bottle, which then hurt one of Brookfield’s cows.
Dramatic times …
Eddie and Mystic Josie
Good to hear Eddie’s getting a few more quid into his pockets, but what’s the scam?
Is it Eddie that’s going to be taken for a ride (for once)?
Yes – I think she did say Kevin Bacon
Possibly heard last week, but it did sound like Pip’s tutor is called Kevin Bacon.
Isn’t that taking the Six Degrees too far?
Kathy’s starting to sound like Kenton
I’m still firmly on Kathy’s ‘side’, but her excuses for not going to Jaxx are a tad tenuous.
I reckon it’s because Jaxx is now synonymous with all that’s wrong between Kathy and Kenton (as far as Kathy sees it).
And even though Kathy should be more supportive, it’s special circumstances at the moment.
With Jaxx so busy, isn’t it just a matter of time until Kenton decides a grumpy/demanding partner, and rather morose kid (though understandably so) are too much baggage? Surely he’ll be meeting lots more woman nowadays …
Or, will Kathy just get fed up of coping alone?
The Battle of Hastings?
So, as far as I understand it, Beth Saunders and Mr Duffy won’t be a problem – but Mr Hastings might not
“be motivated by money”
Yikes! I’m not sure Brian and Annabelle can cope with such a chap.
Still, with Brian already planning retail development as well as the mart, I think we can look forward to lots of wheeler dealing, leading to Lynda (who’ll hopefully be heard soon) mounting a campaign against the development, or possibly a Matt Crawford size spike in Borchester Land’s wheels.
Now that one wasn’t Kenton’s fault
Size ten’s getting in the way again, but David was a bit harsh on Kenton.
“Everybody thinks they can do a better job with Pip”
Yes, Elizabeth think she could – but I don’t think Kenton would have even been aware of the whole Jude/Travel hoo-ha.
And who is David to tell Kenton that he can’t talk about what, he reckons, was “the best thing he ever did”?
David needs to wind his neck in. What a very rude man.
An evening with Jude
I’d even choose an evening with Vicky over that!
Poor Ruth now seems to be clutching at straws, but at least some sort of plan is a plan.
David, Jude, Pip and Ruth all in one room … I’m not sure if my speakers will cope with all that screeching and shouting.
Business is booming at Lower Loxley … topical insert alert! …Brian and Annabelle hatch their plan … Elizabeth and Nigel v. David and Ruth?
- Jelly people, Methodist ministers with karaoke and Paper plate men
- Just how exciting can celery be?
- Nigel sums up England’s 1-4 loss to Germany
- Brian takes the easy approach with Alice
- Nigel’s on a roll: now he sums up Jude
- Who does own that strip of land?
Jelly people, Methodist ministers with karaoke and Paper plate men
Life is never dull at Lower Loxley …
Just how exciting can celery be?
Quite exciting indeed, if everyone’s reaction to Jill’s latest cookery demonstration is to go by.
Nigel sums up England’s 1-4 loss to Germany
“Quite dreadful”
Indeed.
Freddie is seemingly now a lost soul, and even Elizabeth (who said herself that she never watches football) knew about Lampard’s goal not being given.
Still, Nigel does have high hopes for the England cricketers.
But I am a bit surprised that there’s been little to no mention of Wimbledon (though there was a slight ‘I need to catch up with the tennis’ today).
Surely tennis is more of an Ambridge sport than football?
Brian takes the easy approach with Alice
Never mind whether Chris is suitable for Alice, Brian just wants them both out from under his kitchen table.
As he said himself, Brian’s far from being a relationship guru, but at least he’s letting Alice just get on with her own life.
But it does sound like Jennifer’s not exactly on-side.
More trouble to come? Jennifer and Susan – handbags at dawn?
Nigel’s on a roll: now he sums up Jude
“29 and still can’t finish college – not very impressive”
Spot on old chap!
And at least Nigel’s’ providing a bit of common sense for Elizabeth, not that she’ll take any notice if she does make her mind up to not “reject” Pip “as well”.
While I still don’t understand why Elizabeth feels the need to be so involved with Pip (don’t aunts just pick out the fun bits, leaving the real problems to the parents?), she does seem to be the only one who sees Pip’s side of it.
As Pip’s so smitten with Jude, the thought of him travelling by himself for a year is more than enough reason to give up College and join him. Quite simply, he wouldn’t come back still her boyfriend if he want alone.
So no A levels, big fallout with her parents and a desperate drive to make enough money to at least get to Europe. All utterly against any common sense which might have survived Pip’s hormonal tsunami.
Considering Elizabeth also sees David and Ruth’s point of view (that Jude isn’t exactly the most reliable of folks, yet Pip would badly need him to step-up if anything went awry), what should she do?
Refuse Pip more work so that she’s not seen to take sides?
Give Pip work, supporting Pip’s wishes, yet damning herself to David and Ruth?
Try and persuade Pip that this is all mere folly?
It’s all academic depending on whether David and Ruth do choose to fund Pip’s travelling, but this might just end up with a rather nasty stooshy between the Pargetter’s and the Archers.
My money’s on Nigel …
Who does own that strip of land?
So Annabelle and Brian need to find out who owns a strip of land, if they’re to pull off a big deal for Borchester Land.
Has Matt beat them to it? Was it the one he and Lilian were looking at a few weeks back?
Or is there a wee windfall about to fall into the lap of another Ambridge resident?
Ruth’s worried about the fete’s beer tent … Eddie’s latest plan to make his fortune … Jude doesn’t sound all that pleased … Josh is quite literally taking up the reigns … David and Ruth might have to give way to Pip’s travel plans
- Eddie has a ‘real’ clairvoyant in his ‘real’ campsite
- If Jude thought that Pip was about to tell him she was pregnant …
- “Miserable little weasel”
Eddie has a ‘real’ clairvoyant in his ‘real’ campsite
Oh dear Eddie. Can you not see what’s about to happen? I’m sure your clairvoyant does, and it’s not because she has any special powers.
Seemingly, she
“Senses a horse’s cosmic aura”
and proved it by picking a winner.
Eddie reckons he’ll be able to turn up to work at Brookfield in a roller, now that he’s being more spiritual.
I can foresee a scam, Joe and Eddie losing money and Clarrie in a fearsome mood …
If Jude thought that Pip was about to tell him she was pregnant …
… that means Pip has not only let the slimy manboy get especially intimate with her AND she’s been daft enough to not take proper precautions.
Could that lass be any more stupid?
First off she’s now believing that Jude did call or answer her texts because he was getting drunk with his uncle (he must surely have a few more ladies on the go, despite me being unable to see why any woman would fall for his nonsense),
and she really can’t see that he doesn’t really want her to travel with him. Despite having to ask him that he does really want her, she’s easily satisfied with a few grunts from Jude.
But wait – she’s given him another excuse to not let her tag along. If she can’t get into America without her parent’s permission before she’s 18 (or at least not be able to do it as easily), surely he’ll grab onto the opportunity to bang on about how dull and tedious Europe is, therefore desperately needing to go to America without delay?
Or, will David and Ruth actually make it all so much easier for Pip?
“Miserable little weasel”
Despite David’s best intentions to thwart Pip’s plans to go away with Jude, Ruth is the ever present voice of reason.
Ruth is terrified at the thought of Pip having no money, and therefore being utterly dependent on Jude.
So, while neither of them like the idea of having to “bank roll” Pip’s travels, they also can’t cope with the idea that Pip wouldn’t have her own money – especially if her and Jude spilt up while on the other side of the world.
It’s a shame they don’t realise how lukewarm Jude is to Pip. If they did know, they’d be able to actually work with him to stop Pip leaving her education. As it is, they’re actually going to help Pip do the exact opposite of what Jude (seemingly) wants her to do.
Just when Jude thinks he can escape, mum and dad step in.
Whoops.
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 ;-)
Fallon’s back … Hurrah to more ‘learning about bees with Jill and Josh’ … Brenda is not match for Matt when it comes to negotiating
- A swarm of bees in May is worth a load of hay; A swarm of bees in June is worth a silver spoon; A swarm of bees in July is not worth a fly.
- Fallon returns, so Harry finds his voice
- Tiger stalks and lands his first prey since prison
- But can he get away with it?
A swarm of bees in May is worth a load of hay; A swarm of bees in June is worth a silver spoon; A swarm of bees in July is not worth a fly.
Seriously – I didn’t start listening to The Archers for the drama of it – I started because of these lovely wee moments.
I learn something (tonight, about queen substance), while listening to a lovely warm, summer scene.
Hurrah for the bees!
Fallon returns, so Harry finds his voice
Good to hear Fallon back and not entirely in pieces.
Though she didn’t sound sure about whether she and Jolene would carry on running The Bull.
Ominous.
But, never fear, as where Fallon treads, Harry will appear
Tiger stalks and lands his first prey since prison
I don’t suppose any of us would have put money on Brenda managing to get more out of Matt than he’d be happy to give.
Bless her for giving it a go – and an extra £1,000 is nothing to be sniffed at – but she did fall for all the usual pressure techniques.
It’s as if Matt simply threatened to take his ball home if she didn’t play nice.
And it worked.
Despite all her good reasoning – that her current job brings better links, could take her over the world and has a formal career path – she was obviously not going to turn Matt down.
Matt had a point that she’d be saving more by not having to travel plus rent a room, and that a ‘career’ with a large company could mean:
“Five more years, you’ll be on teaspoons”
So Brenda gets £19,000, and Matt gets … Brenda.
Actually – I think Brenda might have won that battle after all!
But can he get away with it?
So Matt’s told Brenda she’s an essential part of the business, but told Lilian that she’s nothing more than an office girl.
But Lilian was then rightly horrified that £19,000 is a lot for Brenda’s wages.
Just what is Matt up to?
According to Matt, Brenda is:
“Loyal .. [has a] little bit of nous and drive”
And that the “whole essence is [of the business is ]teamwork”
Hmmm. Something doesn’t quite add up there.
Alice sells more strawberries than Brian … Very groovy ‘topical insert’ about the World Cup … Kathy, Jamie and Fallon arrive home … Jude might go away
- Defoe scored, Rooney hit the post
- Kenton remains oblivious
- Now don’t tease us. We’ll all put in a fiver for Jude to go travelling
Defoe scored, Rooney hit the post
I will fully admit that I was utterly delighted about the football chat tonight.
That was a very groovy moment, worthy of much Twittering.
Jolly good show, folks.
Kenton remains oblivious
Just when is the penny going to drop?
Kenton didn’t get it when they first found out when Sid had died
Still didn’t get it when he chose to put Jaxx above going to New Zealand with Kathy and Jamie
Give them a lift to the airport? Nope, Kenton didn’t work that one out
Call them on the day of Sid’s funeral? Don’t be daft, they should have been calling him about the re-opening of Jaxx
Be appropriate/tender/supportive (and on) when collecting them from the airport? Mais non – still didn’t get it.
And when Kathy made slight digs about the lack of people at the funeral and the lack of support she had – did Kenton even notice?
Did he Jaxx!!!
Jamie’s obviously in pieces after an “awful funeral”, and all Kenton can think to bang on about is the traffic and the football.
I know – that might just be his way, and he did sound nervous – but surely enough’s enough?
How come he doesn’t have a clue about his step-son’s life (forgetting that Jamie watched the football with Sid at The Bull), and can he not actually hear Kathy when she was talking?
And adding insult to injury, he then heads off to Jaxx when Kathy and Jamie have gone to bed.
You know what. I can accept that some folks just can’t cope with grief but, as I’ve said before, can Kenton not even muster enough empathy to realise that Kathy and Jamie just need him to be there?
Now don’t tease us. We’ll all put in a fiver for Jude to go travelling
There’s a surprise. Jude’s Head of Department doesn’t like him.
Chris also seemed to find Jude a bit of a dud:
“It’s like talking to a depressed undertaker”
I think Jude has missed the point about College. It’s a choice and a privilege, quite unlike a prison.
Can’t say I’m surprised to hear he’s going to quit. Isn’t that what weak-minded control freaks like him do when they don’t get their way?
But thrice hurrah! His plan is to go travelling. For a year. Which means that Pip couldn’t go with him, and she’d be bound to find a better young chap while he’s away.
Or, will she chuck her College in as well and head off with him? Would she manage to even make it past Borchester without David shooting the tyres off of Jude’s car???
Mind you, had to *snort* over Jude’s idea of ‘real travelling’. Seemingly Europe is too small minded, but it’s real in Australia.
Idiot.
Tom’s pigs get out … Jazzer is ‘that sort’ of Scot when it comes to the English football team … Kate’s one step closer to returning … Tom and Brenda are arguing (yet again)
- Yet more classic Jazzer moments
- An aside about Scots and the English football team
- So it was Matt that split Tom and Brenda up last time
Yet more classic Jazzer moments
(on the sows escaping)
“[they could have been] sipping Pina Coladas on a beech somewhere”
“[they’ll have] false passports waiting in Penny Hassett"
(on football and Harry)
“I don’t know what bothers me most … wee English flags all over the place, or young Harry bouncing about like tiger … grinning like a bampot all the time… hand him a tambourine and he’d pass for Saly Army”
“It almost makes me want to paint my face blue and grab my sword”
(on Vicky)
“Don’t take too much notice of that one. Or you’ll be farming free range teddy bears next”
(on Brenda needing to urgently talk with Tom, which Jazzer reckoned must mean she’s pregnant)
“I don’t know what you’d be staring at Tom and looking so happy otherwise”
An aside about Scots and the English football team
I know Jazzer is a stereotypical Scot.
Dour, sarcastic, pessimistic and focused on booze (lots of it) and money (not to send it).
But, I really can’t abide that he’s also one of ‘those’ Scots who automatically hate the English football team.
There’s a lot of them about, so you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re more prevalent than they actually are – but some of us don’t use football as an excuse to be bigoted.
Jazzer didn’t take it too far, thankfully. But can I apologise on behalf of all my fellow Scots who are currently wearing the football strips of any and every team playing against England in the World Cup. The vast majority of them aren’t into football, and they must be pitied for having to carry such a huge chip on their shoulder.
So it was Matt that split Tom and Brenda up last time
Erm. No. You got that wrong Tom.
Wasn’t it you who split up with Brenda because she’d tried to help you out, yet you wouldn’t listen to the reasons?
Yes – Matt did have Brenda over a barrel, but it was you who decided to take the high moral ground and chuck Brenda when all she’d really done was use a bad situation for your benefit.
Mind you, I hate to say this, but Tom’s right about Matt promising the moon.
This isn’t going to be pretty …
Brian’s on top form … Matt offers Brenda a job … Jennifer doesn’t approve of Chris
- Amelia Amanda
- Chris is “very pleasant”
- Business Development Executive or Office Girl?
Amelia Amanda
Brian just couldn’t get Benedict Wheeler’s wife name right. Jennifer seemed to spend a lot of time kicking him under the table, or talking over him to avoid even more gaffs.
Of course, it’s not Brian’s fault that Benedict married someone with such a similar name to his ex-wife (!). And he can hardly be blamed for “thought balloons” somehow making their way from his head to his voice (!!).
Still, looks like he got exactly what he was looking for.
Question is, will Matt find out about the livestock market deal before Brian can get the contracts signed up?
With Jennifer manage to keep shtum?
Chris is “very pleasant”
… but he’s only a “boy from the village”
So Jennifer reckons that it’s obvious there’s no future for Alice and Chris?
She’d better ask them about that. It doesn’t seem to me like there’s any cracks in that relationship.
Isn’t it funny how a lass brought up in the local pub can develop airs and graces up and beyond her fellow villagers?
Business Development Executive or Office Girl?
Now there’s the Matt we all love (or loathe).
While he’s selling the job with him and Lillian to Brenda, it’s all about an executive position, crucial to the success of their company.
To Lilian, he claims it’s just photocopying and handling the post.
That he offered Brenda a job without talking to Lilian first is worrying (“sudden inspiration”), and suggestive that he doesn’t entirely see this new company as a 50/50 partnership.
That he wants to drag Brenda back into the fray is a taste of the troubles yet to come.
And then there's the whole history between Lilian and Brenda. That won't make for a happy working environment ...
Shame on you Matt. Some of us thought you’d actually changed.
Pip cooks and cleans for a toneless Jude … Loves young dream (Alice & Chris) are back together … How to smoke a bee …
- Jude “wasn’t being rude”, but …
- The hunt’s on for Alice and Chris to have privacy
- Smoking bees with Gran is indeed very cool
Jude “wasn’t being rude”, but …
Just as when someone says ‘I’m not racist, but …’, you know that what’s going to come next is exactly what they’re trying to pretend they’re not doing.
It’s so bloomin’ obvious to all of us – why doesn’t Pip see any of the rubbish that Jude keeps throwing at her?
She’s probably too busy trying to find a new bin bag to put it in. Not as if Jude cares.
So Jude now has work to do, and can’t “muck about”, unlike when Pip was being dull and boring for studying when Jude wanted to party.
Instead of taking the hint, Pip gets food in, cooks in, cleans the kitchen – only to be basically told to go away.
I suppose it’s easy to scoff at her mindless devotion – she’s so ‘in love’ with Jude that she’ll do anything to spend even just 5 more minutes with him.
Can we all foresee problems with their trip around Europe?
The hunt’s on for Alice and Chris to have privacy
And, quite sensibly, they’re going to go on holiday for a month.
An American road trip sounds grand – but where are these two getting the money? Isn’t Alice a student? And Chris a trainee farrier?
Or is Brian and Jennifer unwittingly bankrolling this trip?
Either way, with them unable to even ‘snog’ without one of their parents catching them, it sounds like a cunning plan.
And how nice to hear a young couple who really like each other, neither of whom is a complete idiot.
Pip could learn ‘relationships 101’ from them.
Smoking bees with Gran is indeed very cool
Now this is why I listen to The Archers.
I learnt something new, while listening into a lovely scene between gran and grandson.
I knew that smoking bees had something to do with them thinking there was a fire – but didn’t know that the smoke made them load up with honey, making them too heavy. I thought they just became drowsy. Actually, if I had thought about it, I’d have realised that being drowsy isn’t a great response to fire.
Wasn’t it nice to hear Josh getting so enthusiastic about something that Jill loves?
I’ve said it before, but I think he might be the next Brookfield farmer, rather than flighty wee Pip. Plenty of time, but he’s certainly interested and keen.
Also made me *snort* that Josh had picked up David’s way of saying Jude’s name.
All together now: Juuuude …
Jaxx re-opens … Sid’s funeral … Helen’s has a six week scan … Jude and Pip plans their trip
- I think they should have gone with the moose head wall feature
- If Jude wasn’t ringing alarm bells before, surely now that he thinks Kenton is ‘a really cool guy’
- Sid’s funeral sounded horrific
- Who ate all the canapés? Helen did. Helen did. Helen ate all the canapés.
- What did Kenton say about Helen’s skirt?
- No Kenton. You supporting your partner and step-son through the death of his father is not, I repeat not, a ‘test’
I think they should have gone with the moose head wall feature
Actually – did Jim get any of his ideas past Kenton?
Not that it matters. Seems like Jaxx was a big hit with all and every.
If Jude wasn’t ringing alarm bells before, surely now that he thinks Kenton is ‘a really cool guy’
I think I’m now more frustrated that I can find any new way to express my frustration about Jude.
Well, not without my blog turning blue!
He did sound very keen about his trip with Pip (for which she’s working all hours).
Mind you, they do deserve each other – what with Pip thinking everyone in Spain will speak English, and Jude thinking that the Spanish name for hamburger we just, like, so, utterly, like, hilarious … pleb.
And just a word to Pip – I really don’t want to know how ‘different’ you will be once off David and Ruth’s radar. Too much information, especially when it involves Jude. You’ll only live to regret it.
While I’m at it:
“I’ll fit in with whatever you want”
Is (a) not a healthy way for one partner to act towards the other and (b) a disaster when said to Jude.
Why on earth are you being so compliant to such an utter idiot?
Sid’s funeral sounded horrific
You have to feel so sorry for Jolene, no matter what you thought about Sid.
At least she had her family with her when they cremated Sid in New Zealand, but it was such a horrible funeral.
Officiated by someone who’d never met him, only enough people to fill a couple of pews at the front, knowing that Sid had tonnes of friends who would have wanted to be there.
It’s a real shame.
I only hope things don’t get any worse for Jolene on her return …
Who ate all the canapés? Helen did. Helen did. Helen ate all the canapés.
So it took a baby to make Helen hungry.
That’s mean, as it’s actally really nice to hear Happy Helen rather than morbid/controlling/moping Helen.
What did Kenton say about Helen’s skirt?
“Love the ? skirt”
Any ideas?
No Kenton. You supporting your partner and step-son through the death of his father is not, I repeat not, a ‘test’
Kenton was really trying every and any justification for not going to New Zealand with Kathy and Jamie, or for driving them to the airport, or for not attending the party to send-off Sid
While he reckons he made the only choice he could make, I think he’s just got his priorities well and truly out of kilter.
Yes, it would have been annoying and difficult to have missed Jaxx’s re-opening, but surely any sane person would put their family first?
Or, does Kenton really just not care about Kathy and Jamie? Are they just becoming an inconvenience?
The cheek of the man complaining that Kathy hadn’t called him to wish him good luck on the opening of a bar he doesn’t even own, ON THE DAY OF SID’S FUNERAL.
Maybe it’s good that Jude thinks Kenton’s ‘cool’. They certainly have the same attitude to anything that isn’t directly about themselves …
The Village Shop is getting to Susan … Caroline makes very good out of Camp Grundy … Farewell to Sid, Ambridge style
- Jim is supposed to be Jill
- Lured them away from the field like a pied piper
- The Bull in its place
- Eddie - You’re lucky Clarrie wasn’t in earshot
- Last words for Sid
Jim is supposed to be Jill
Susan’s going to have an apoplexy soon.
Jim’s on a shift when Jill should be there – and what about those out-of-date fruit buns!
Eeek. It’s enough to make a woman like Susan really lose the plot.
But, methinks Susan forgets that:
“All those years of hard work, ruined by amateurs”
Is a load of rubbish.
Wasn’t Susan running the shop at a loss?!?
Still, I liked Jim’s retort:
“It’s the hollow reed that doesn’t snap”
Though he then let himself down with:
“oh whatever, as Dan would say”
Well beneath you, Mr Lloyd.
Lured them away from the field like a pied piper
Clarrie’s only response to Caroline’s usurpation of Eddie’s customers was that it served him, and Joe, right.
Seemingly Marcus Froggert (and chums) are having a grand old time at Grey Gables.
And Marcus once tried to woo Caroline by taking her on a date to an antiques fair.
Saucy!
The Bull in its place
It’s very easy to forget how central any pub is to a village – it’s less about drinking, more about people.
Tonight felt like it was more about The Bull than it was Sid.
Lilian’s ‘rosy glow’, all those who have part owned or worked there.
“There’s only ghosts behind this bar – people I’ve known and lost”
Which raises the question, just who might be Lording over The Bull next?
Eddie - You’re lucky Clarrie wasn’t in earshot
“We were all jealous – held a torch for Jolene for years. A man can dream …”
You’d have been right back into the bad books, wonderful speech or not!
And you may also have competition if you’re thinking of trying for Jolene now that Sid’s out of the way.
Wasn’t that Wayne spotted in the bar?
Last words for Sid:
“Sid was a popular man”
“Genial, courteous, congenial – diplomatic – Sid was all … and more”
“Great team manager
“Wonderful friend”
“Generous employer”
“Excellent host”
“Gentleman and friend”
Um. That’s not the way I’ll remember the randy wee bigoted tyrant, but I’ll be charitable and leave it to Eddie to have the final say:
“ Laughter is like music that lingers in the heart and when the melody is heard, the ills of life depart”
Caroline’s kept awake all night by bikers, but turns it to her advantage … Bikers had a ‘barney’ … Brian wins round 1 with Matt
- Bales to separate a fight?!?
- Who’d expect Caroline to be so canny?
- Why fruit pickers can’t have relationships
- “Alright matt – struck any good deals lately?”
Bales to separate a fight?!?
Hmmm. Not sure that’d work all that well. Surely they’d just set fire to it and hurl bit at each other?
Anyway, Eddie and Joe may be taking their money-spinning too far.
Rival bikers, in one field, with temporary membership of the cider club was only ever going to end one way.
That’s a massive stereotype, but the proof was definitely in the fighting!
So Caroline and Oliver were kept awake all night when the ‘Borchester Burners’ met their rivals, and Eddie’s can’t understand where they’re all coming from considering Fat Paul only has 8 Facebook friends.
*snort*
Who’d expect Caroline to be so canny?
Much to Eddie’s detriment, Caroline pulls a blinder and steals some of his customers away to Grey Cables.
Easy to forget that she’s not as drab as she might seem.
Why fruit pickers can’t have relationships
Because they fall for each other, then leave the job.
And, because Brian Aldridge has said so.
“Alright matt – struck any good deals lately?”
Oo-er Brian. That’s fighting talk, that is.
“could be quite interesting with Matt on the loose again”
Indeed. But aren’t you forgetting that Matt also has Lilian well and truly revved up for action?
That’s not a lady I’d like to mess with.
And is it just me, or is Matt warming Lilian up for a suggestion that Brenda should be working with them?
Jill’s veal and ham pie … Ambridge finds itself host to bikers …Tom behaves ‘dishonourably’ to Vicky over the aforementioned veal and ham pie … The Village Shop gets a tad mixed up
- Jill finds Tom a recipe, then drops him right in it
- Tyre marks on the grass
- A Guardian instead of a Telegraph
- Brenda gets it tight from Vicky …
- …then Tom’s a ‘little traitor’
Jill finds Tom a recipe, then drops him right in it
After being so helpful to Tom, will Jill rue the day that she got involved in the great Veal and Ham pie shenanigans?
It wasn’t her fault that she unwittingly let Vicky know what Tom was up to. But, with Tom’s demands for a pie to feed 20-25 people – will Jill, and her range, cope?
Better off out of it, methinks.
Tyre marks on the grass
Vicky’s a right one to talk. She’s not quite whiter than white when it comes to judging people by their appearances.
Mike and Jill are right that it can be hard to challenge someone about their behaviour these days (I hate saying it was ‘better in the old days’, but it’s absolutely true that you could stop someone doing something naughty, without being scared that you’ll end up six feet under).
But these bikers don’t exactly sound like Hell’s Angels.
Dropping crisp packets and making marks on the grass – isn’t that like your average group of school kids?!?
A Guardian instead of a Telegraph
Susan won’t be happy that Oliver got the wrong paper.
But just who gets the Guardian? I’d have pegged most Ambridge folks as either Telegraph and Times for broadsheets – The Sun for tabloid – and local for a gentle read.
But then again, the odd liberal attitude does sometimes find its way into the village.
More importantly – where’s all these shift swaps going to end?
Susan in a right shouty mood, I reckon.
Brenda gets it tight from Vicky …
Which she doesn’t need, especially when she has to get her own cappuccino.
Still, it’s a good strategy on Vicky’s part to go to the one person who Tom actually has to listen to!
…then Tom’s a ‘little traitor’
But does Tom actually give a hoot?
Despite all of Vicky’s please and administrations:
“Very disappointed”
“all my hard earned research”
“what a fool I’ve been”
“ dishonourable”
“shabby”
“industrial espionage”
“How am I going to tell the bull calves?”
Tom just came back with:
“things change”
“It’s a different product – mine will be organic”
Tom is right that this can just be the way business is done, but he’s an idiot for thinking he’ll get away with it.
In the first place, it isn’t good local business practise (local folks are fast to take sides), and he is also forgetting that Vicky could be his mother-in-law one day.
As much as Brenda dislikes Vicky, she’ll surely take the side of her dad – who will be right behind Vicky.
And just wait until Ed kills the bull calves for not being profitable.
Tom will wake up to find “bull cow murderer” sprayed on his burger van.
“It’s all gone horribly wrong”
It’ll get far, far worse before it’ll get better.
That’s where the fire engine went … Matt’s nice to Brenda … Camp Grundy has a new plan … welcome to ‘Bruce the relief manager’ …Sid - not out of sight, out of mind
- How clean was their cage?
- I think I’d have preferred the Grundy’s Open Farm Sunday
- Do we think Clarrie was embarrassed or murderous?
- Has Brenda been taking ‘street talk’ lessons off of Jude?
- Camp Grundy Plan B
- Kenton’s only the boyfriend
- The best shin dig The Bull’s ever seen
How clean was their cage?
Wasn’t that lovely hearing Eddie go all soft over his and Joe’s ferrets, Kim and Aggie.
They sound like happy, clean ferrets indeed.
“Give daddy a cuddle”
Aw – cute Eddie!
I think I’d have preferred the Grundy’s Open Farm Sunday
Arguments with punters – kids falling into compost - handbrake left off tractor – which then rolled into Clarrie's cake table - punters having to dive out the way – Barbarella (the sow) got spooked – took off and knocked over their only camper’s camping stove – who was luckily away for a piddle – tent goes on fire – Barbarella nearly becomes “smoky baking” – fire engine on the scene – and Clarrie “yet to see the funny side”
Or – a “squeaky clean” “wholesome family event” at the Archers?
Do we think Clarrie was embarrassed or murderous?
She warned them. She baked for them. Then they ran over her baking with a tractor.
I reckon Clarrie will definitely have murder in mind.
Has Brenda been taking ‘street talk’ lessons off of Jude?
“Must be a bummer”
“Whatever. I’ve moved on”
Hmmm. You must really ‘wow’ the clients with that grasped of the English language, PR guru lady!
Is Matt really being nice?
So, has Matt really changed, and is an all-round nice chap with a conscience?
As I heard him apologising to Brenda – I thought maybe.
But, then she made much lightness of Brenda’s belief that she’s more than a lackey
(“they really valued my input” *snort*)
And his interest in her was a bit suspicious.
What does Matt have in mind?
Camp Grundy Plan B
So Camp Grundy has gone from a rural retreat, to a biker’s meet
(see what I did there)
So Fat Paul’s biker mates are heading to Ambridge.
“It’s been put it onto the computer and everything”
Oh I hope Lynda gets her voice back soon. She’s not going to be a happy bunny …
Kenton’s only the boyfriend
So that’s why he didn’t drive them to the airport.
Huh?
The best shin dig The Bull’s ever seen
From an initial Thursday night minute silence … to making some noise!
Sounds grand.
I just wonder who might reappear to toast Sid …
Open Farm Sunday … Kathy sorts it out … Elizabeth still won’t leave it be
- “This little tube. It don’t look much. But down it goes when lambs won’t suck.”
- Oo-er – what’s gone on at the Grundy’s?
- Kenton has a lot to learn from Kathy
- And your point being what, Elizabeth?
“This little tube. It don’t look much. But down it goes when lambs won’t suck.”
Ah – the dulcet tones and rhymes of Bert. Bound to leave you better informed (though can offend some!).
Oo-er – what’s gone on at the Grundy’s?
It doesn’t sound good, whatever’s happened.
It would seem that the fire engine was on its way over (or was that a red herring?), but certainly the reports were that the Grundy’s Open Farm Sunday were in a bit of a “muddle”.
Still, David and Ruth’s clan seemed to fair well, with Pip returning to old form. For one day only?
Kenton has a lot to learn from Kathy
Kathy not only sorts out Fallon being able to fly to New Zealand, but also makes sure that the pub is covered.
See Kenton – that’s how you can support and think about other people.
Kathy’s in mourning, and also has to support poor Jamie, but still finds time to consider Fallon.
Funny that Kathy can do all of that, while you only seem to give a hoot about Jaxx.
And your point being what, Elizabeth?
Not content with trying to sort out the rift between Pip and her folks, Elizabeth seems to now be getting involved in Pip and Jude’s travel plans.
Why, oh why, oh why?
Is Nigel not doing his job as a husband properly (by getting the gorilla suit out on a regular basis)?
… 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?
- 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 …
- 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.”
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.
- When is a Tricycle a Till?
- Not good for reputation being seen with criminals … not ones that have been caught
- Spam – adverts for things you probably don’t want
When is a Tricycle a Till?
Seemingly when Susan Carter finds fault with Sabrina Thwaite being in charge with the village shop.
Having mucked up the till, Sabrina seemingly abandoned her post to flounce to her next seaweed wrap.
Leaving Jim to explain the problems to a very angry Susan (she has a course to go to, don’t you know!) and then a fairly nonplussed Peggy.
Accussing Sabrina of “fluttering her eyelashes” to get Jim to sort the problems out, Susan reckoned that this was all destined to happen.
Still, it is a whole new way for Sabrina to create excitement. As Kenton put it, it’s normally her jogging which makes that happen …
And what was Jim’s point about the ‘”principle of the nonsecretor”?!?
Not good for reputation being seen with criminals … not ones that have been caught
Ah Brian – you’ll eat Matt’s food, drink his wine, but you’ll also happily rubbish him when he’s not in earshot.
But what can we expect when you and your colleague escape Susan’s ‘interesting’ chat about her course by telling her your off to see a Marquis? Snobs ahoy!
“Out of jail 5 minutes and already getting in our way”
That’s just the start of it, Mr Aldridge
Spam – adverts for things you probably don’t want
Bless Jill for not being able to switch on her computer.
But why did she have to keep it secret from Kenton?
- Has Matt changed, or will “they” goad him into old habits?
- Josh or Pip?
Has Matt changed, or will “they” goad him into old habits?
I think Matt has changed a bit, or is at least trying to.
Giving up working on a Sunday to do something quality with Lilian –AND also re-checking that she does want to do what he’s suggested.
Shows that he’s at least thinking of Lilian.
But, his old temper and determination flares after a wee run-in with one of the club members (though why he was surprised at their reaction, goodness knows).
And that slaps him back on the tracks of trying to prove that he’s as good as – if not better – than the rest of ‘them’.
Does Matt really want to make a go of a fresh start with Lilian? Or, is he just using her money? Despite all best intentions, can we foresee a few shady deals taking place when Lilian has popped out to the shops …?
Josh or Pip?
I said this before – but it sounds like Pip might not be the heir apparent to Brookfield after all (also see 18th April 2010)
Josh is shaping up to be a proper asset to the farm – and he’s also actually interested.
Fast forward to when David and Ruth are ready to retire. Will it be Josh or Pip?
- At last, someone is utterly delighted for Helen
- Now Kenton & Co. are off to NZ
At last, someone is utterly delighted for Helen
I thought it was lovely to hear Kirsty being so happy about Helen’s pregnancy
Kirsty thinks that Helen will make an ideal mum:
“Calm, loving and patient”
And can’t wait to get on with choosing names.
As Kirsty said, Helen’s happier than she’s ever been, seeming “at home” with herself. Maybe this will indeed herald a more child, happy Helen?
However, interesting that they were talking about whether Helen has actually ever got over Greg (yes or no?).
And Patrick also seemed to be back in the picture (well, for Pat).
Is Patrick going to be her ideal man at the wrong time?
Now Kenton & Co. are off to NZ
Oh dear. More and more ominous for Sid ever making it back alive …
- Ebenezer Archer
- Do it Pip
- I’d go to see one pig and a few ferrets!
Ebenezer Archer
Joe Grundy wouldn’t be Joe Grundy if he wasn’t outraged at being charged for something.
I can see David’s point (that he’d be subsidising their profits if he didn’t charge), but have the suspicion that it’s more about not having to deal with the Grundy’s at Open Farm Sunday, rather than the cash.
Do it Pip
What on earth is wrong with Elizabeth?
Why all this interest in Pip?
And why should Pip have to tell her folks about missing an exam? Isn’t she old enough to be coping with her own mistakes? I think Pip is right that it’ll just make them more angry (though if that results on a new assault on Jude, that’s fine by me).
I know Elizabeth has had a checkered past, but this is all a bit too odd. Leave them be Elizabeth. They’ll manage to implode without your assistance.
Bless David for welling up when he was telling Pip that they have a lot of faith in her, and know she won’t let her down. Though, of course, that made it impossible for Pip to tell them about the missed exam.
Still, David and Ruth shouldn’t be putting that kind of pressure onto Pip. I think they shouldn’t be as involved in her College work as they are. She’s not a school kid anymore
(and as an aside – hurrah to the lack of Jude!)
I’d go to see one pig and a few ferrets!
The Grundy’s Open Farm Sunday sounds marvellous.
Especially if they do also have their compost, digger display and their mystery tour of their field.
Though why they think Tom’s sausages are foxy, I don’t know (or did I just hear that wrong?).
And also spare a thought for those campers who are expecting ‘peace and quiet’ but will get ‘fun and frolics for free’ (if Joe doesn’t get his way in charging them extra).
The war over Open Farm Sunday has begun …
- Also an Edwardian gem – but with less cars
- Lynda’s being funny
- Helen’s in a good mood
- Pat was right
Also an Edwardian gem – but with less cars
Brian and Jennifer are also interested in the same property that Matt and Lilian went to see yesterday.
They must’ve also gone at a time when the roads were less busy (far more quiet).
So shall commence a fresh new argument between Matt and Brian – with Lilian and Jennifer bound to fall out again.
Will Brian be sneaky enough to try and scupper Matt and Lilian through trying to show that Matt is the real ‘head’ of their business?
Lynda’s being funny
But we don’t get to hear it.
She can’t really think that the Grundy’s Campsite is any threat to her business?
Or is it just the principle of the thing?
Helen’s in a good mood
Hurrah!
How long until the rest of Ambridge find out that she’s pregnant?
And what will the reaction be?
Pat was right
Admitting you were wrong, and Pat was right, must’ve really hurt, Brian.
Still. Good to see everyone is happy with the new Village Shop.
Now, what can Susan do wrong in her new job at Bridge Farm? Clarrie seemed to be a bit odd when showing her the ropes. Did she miss something crucial which will lead to Clarrie ruining the yoghurt?
The anticipation …
- “The Mother flaming Theresa Botham”
- Being gay makes you tidy and a good cook
- “You gave me quite enough help last night”
- Ragged Trouser Philanthropist
“The Mother flaming Theresa Botham”
Hmmm. Nope. That one doesn’t work, Jazzer.
So the vicar fixed the Sticky Wicket for Harry. Not a likely one either Jazzer.
I am getting a tad irritated with Jazzer. You now know exactly what to expect when he opens his mouth. If it isn’t a rant about Harry, it isn’t Jazzer speaking.
How long can we expect this to go on for? Isn’t there a point when Harry just walks up to Jazzer and gives him a jolly good tap on the chin?
“Her imaginary love life is none of your business”
Quite right too Tom.
But is ‘Harry and Fallon’ always just going to be in Jazzer’s imagination?
Being gay makes you tidy and a good cook
So all’s well with Brenda sharing a flat with a bloke because he’s gay.
Did I miss Tom slipping back a few decades to pick up his archaic attitudes towards relationships?
Does he not realise that while Brenda’s flatmate isn’t a ‘threat’, there are other men in the city? And, that Brenda might actually leave the flat and go out of an evening?
I’ll forgive Tom nearly being a complete arse about being gay – but he really has to stop this nonsense over not trusting Brenda.
Or, is he just picking up on vibes that Brenda’s sending out? Remember the time she went on a girly razzle minus engagement ring???
“You gave me quite enough help last night”
*snort*
Course, it was just Harry helping Fallon out in the Bull.
So far.
The Ragged Trouser Philanthropists
Nice mention of The Ragged Trouser Philanthropists by Robert Tressell (especially timely as I’d just finished reading it the other week!).
And love that all Lilian got from it was the often below par quality of Edwardian building.
You simply could expect our Lilian to take the abject poverty on board.
Oh no. Where Jennifer saw socialism, Lilian saw bad workmanship. Marvellous.
