The Archers: The Carter’s invite the Aldridges to supper … Jennifer’s in a panic again … Ed’s still on about artichokes
- “Oh flipping eck”
- “Will he expect my cleaner to clean for him?”
- Amy’s going to regret moving back to Ambridge
- “What sort of sauce is that then?”
“Oh flipping eck”
Was Neil’s response to Susan deciding that Brian and Jennifer should be invited to supper.
Susan feels that, despite Neil’s rather uncouth comparison of Alice and Chris’ marriage to pig breeding, they need to “cement the bond” with the Aldridges sooner rather than later.
She really does seem to feel that Chris’ marriage is a new opportunity for her and Neil – and that they should be the best of friends with Jennifer and Brian to make sure that their passage into the upper classes is as smooth as possible.
If I didn’t know better, I’d have though Susan pushed Chris to marry Alice for her own gain. Of course, that didn’t happen at all …
Unhappy about having to lose his Friday night in the Bull to supper with the Aldridges (which is seemingly more than just cheese on toast!), Neil isn’t looking forward to any of it:
“In my best bib and tucker … best behaviour … dredging up something from the news to keep the conversation going”
Caught on the hop, Jennifer’s said yes to Susan’s invitation, but was then desperately hoping that Brian had already made other plans. Which he hadn’t:
“With any luck, it’s be bangers and mash and pudding. We’ll be out of there by 9”
Told not to joke like that on the big night itself, at least Brian can see the funny side of it.
Unlike Jennifer:
“It’s the thin end of the wedge”
Yes indeed. What fun!
“Will he expect my cleaner to clean for him?”
Now that just wouldn’t be on at all, would it Jennifer!
The very thought of one’s new son-in-law expecting to use one’s hired help simply is unthinkable!
Quite right.
Isn’t it amazing how a rich and successful husband has made Jennifer into such an awful snob!
After Jennifer panicked about their announcement that they’d been married … the next panic over the party … Jennifer’s now panicking about more practical issues (now that the party dust has settled).
I can see why she’s a bit annoyed at losing one of their holiday cottages, but it’s it Alice’s to use?
But that’s not the real reason. It’s all about Jennifer being worried that she’ll have to cook and clean for Chris when Alice goes back to university.
Whereas Brian
“expects him to look after himself”
Jennifer has a vision of washing Chris’ smalls.
Couldn’t she just leave him to get on with it?
Alice and Chris’ plan is to stay in her cottage while they save money for a larger house, then rent out the cottage to get an extra income.
Brian’s impressed, and is happy that Chris seems to have some “business sense”
Amy’s going to regret moving back to Ambridge
It’ll all be good experience, but she won’t be able to move for expectant mothers (and over enthusiastic fathers) asking for her advice.
While I'm on that - can we foresee that one pregnancy will go well, but the other horribly wrong?
Will it be joy or pain for Helen or Emma/Ed???
“What sort of sauce is that then?”
It’s easy to laugh at Ed’s lack of culinary experience, and it wouldn’t be fair to.
Still on about artichokes, Chris corners Alice to find out more about where he can get them, and what to do with them.
It’s all very sweet, and I do like his lack of embarrassment. He’s a good chap for asking what something is when he doesn’t know.
The Archers: Ed’s taking care of Emma … Alice and Chris return from Grey Gables … Debbie’s gone home … the Millennium Wood Picnic
- Why was Ed surprised that the baby had a heart?
- Boys will be boys
- What the feuck was Ruairi ‘s accent?
- Lynda’s current projects
- Artichokes
- Ah – it’s “Aldridge Millennium wood”
- Vicky was very quiet about her cake
Why was Ed surprised that the baby had a heart?
You’d think that a chap who’s been around cattle all his life would know a bit more about pregnancy.
Anyway, it’s nice to hear a genuinely happy couple.
They’re keeping Emma’s pregnancy a secret. I wonderful if that’s anything to do with Will?
Just how will he react? Especially if Ed and Emma’s baby just happens to be born on George’s birthday.
If there was ever a candidate for the murder rumoured to be happening in early 2011, I think Will murdering Ed has to be the top contender.
“Hello tiny Grundy … I’m your daddy”
Here’s hoping Ed and Emma are left alone to enjoy their baby, that Will keeps well away, and that wee George doesn’t get left to one side …
Boys will be boys
Ah, bless Chris. He may now be a married man (to an Aldridge, no less), but he still gets excited by a big plasma TV, with all the sports channels.
It sounded like he was sensible enough not to sit and watch it the entire time he and Alice were in their luxury suite at Grey Gables.
So he may be a boy, but at least he’s a boy who knows when it’s time for sports, and time for romance.
What the feuck was Ruairi ‘s accent?
As warming as it is to see the teeny tots starting to have their friendships (George and Ruairi), what on earth was going on with Ruairi’s accent?
I know he’s bound to have a bit of a Irish hint, but it sounded like he was a bloke down the pub trying to do a Father Ted.
Most decidedly odd.
Lynda’s current projects
As well as a leading light of the Millennium Wood picnic, Lynda’s also now going to be planting around the village, is going to encourage the Peregrines to return, and will still have time to enter the flower and produce show.
Artichokes
First Ed is being a bit over enthusiastic about helping Emma over fences, then he gets obsessed with artichokes.
Which is fair enough, as Emma was very over excited about Jennifer’s quiche. Which seemingly had artichokes. Which Ed has never had before, but wants to get hold of.
We can only assume he thinks Emma has an artichoke craving.
What a sweet man he is. The baby is only the size of a fingernail, yet he’s already well and truly committed to making sure Emma is properly looked after.
Bless.
The only slight concern I have is that we’re now in for 9 months of loved up Ed and Emma. That could be a very nice thing, or we could be the ones with nausea …
Could there also be wedding bells?
Ah – it’s “Aldridge Millennium wood”
Thanks for the clarification, Jennifer.
Is there nothing they don’t own?
Vicky was very quiet about her cake
Infact, she didn’t even utter a peep.
How odd.
The Archers: It's party time!
- Clive Horrobin ...
- The Carter's taste the good life
- Has Emma got news for Ed!
Clive Horrobin ...
... wasn't even invited!
It was all a joke on Jennifer.
Thinking back on it, I probably should have spotted that it's quite unlikely that Clive would've been let out just for a family party, but I was as clueless as Jennifer.
Cheeky of Alice and Chris, but served Jennifer right for being such a snob.
Her (and Brian's) snobbery didn't really abate as the party progressed:
"Reading isn't one of the Horrobin's skills"
(over them choosing to sit where they liked instead of as dictated by Jennifer's table nameplaces)
But at least all of their concerns were unfounded.
Now all they have to do is survive the Horrobin's at Christmas, birthday parties, anniversaries, christenings ...
The Carter's taste the good life
After all of Jennifer and Brian's snobbery, it was funny that Neil assumed that their 'posh' set as being more likely to create havoc/damage.
"At least they'd have the money to pay"
Susan's cup cake went down a storm, and Neil decided to make an impromptu speech (after panicking that he's have to make one).
After Brian said:
"Chris is a real credit.
Neil returned with:
"Brian must be pleased and proud {Chris has] chosen his lovely daughter to be his wife"
And good on you! Quite right that the Aldridge's understand that Alice is just as lucky to have landed Chris.
While then going on about this marriage being a union between "two great and long established families", Neil then managed to slightly slip up and liken the marriage to being "like pigs ... or any other stock".
Bless. He was just trying to say that Chris and Alice are two prize breeders!
"this is what life will be like from now on ... hobnobbing with the county set"
Ah deary me. Jennifer's going to have to have a whole suitcase full of excuses to avoid Susan and Neil assuming they'll be even invited to hobnob.
Has Emma got news for Ed!
I hadn't really noticed Emma being anything other than Emma recently (Josh's stalking escapades aside).
But there it is.
Emma's pregnant!
And this time it's most definitely Ed's.
Isn't it?
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.
The Archers: Slow day in Ambridge … Fallon needs to go to the hairdressers, Brenda has a sandwich, Jamie wants “spag bol”, Kathy runs out of petrol, Adam/Kate/Debbie buy Alice/Chris a hotel room …
- Did we need the entire job description read out?
- Jamie finds a kindred spirit in Fallon
- Alice’s alternative favours
- So that’s what was wrong with Marshall
- Kenton is second best
Did we need the entire job description read out?
This will be a recurring theme throughout today’s posting, but why such a slow day in Ambridge?
After helping Fallon to write the job advert for a new barperson, Brenda then read out the thing in entirety.
I thought that only happened in the old days with new instructions from the Agriculture Department …
It doesn’t seem like Fallon had heard Jolene might be selling up, but at least she has a ‘girls night out’ to look forward to at some point.
Jamie finds a kindred spirit in Fallon
It seems like more and more people are starting to understand what Jamie’s going through.
Last night Kenton, tonight Fallon.
“you got your guitar from your dad - I got my cricket bat”
Over a plate of spaghetti, Fallon’s able to coax Jamie a bit more out of himself, and encourages him to writer (a song, poem or story) to deal with what’s going on.
Now that Jamie is able to talk to folks, does it mean that Kenton is about to split with Kathy, and Fallon has to leave because Jolene sells her share in the pub? That’d send Jamie right over the edge …
Alice’s alternative favours
Which are a donation to an Alzheimer charity on behalf of each guest.
Debbie, Adam and Kate have also gifted Alice and Chris a couple of nights in the honeymoon suite at Grey Gables.
It was a nice chat between Alice and Debbie (hurrah to Debbie being home!), but not exactly the most scintillating of conversations (I’m most perturbed to report!).
So that’s what was wrong with Marshall
Is it just me, or do we really care that Marshall’s gone?
Anyway, Debbie split up with him because his
“agenda was different than mine”
Seemingly, his baking cakes and ‘new man’ attributes were all an act to
“get him where he wanted to go”
In other words, he was playing nice with the aim of getting Debbie pregnant, then barefoot in the kitchen.
Ah well. At least they split up quietly and away from our ears. Maybe Kathy and Kenton could learn a few things from them.
Kenton is second best
After the drama of running out of petrol (steady!), Kathy finally admits that Kenton is not the same as Sid. And that Sid was the “real hub”.
Maybe time for her now to realise that they need to split up? (at last!)
The Archers: Matt’s up to old tricks … Kenton has a result with Jamie … Jolene talks of selling up
- Oh dear. Here Matt goes again.
- My word, Kenton understood!
- Wonderful moments to cringe worthy ones …
- Jolene just “ain’t got the stomach”
Oh dear. Here Matt goes again.
Moments after he’s officially a ‘free man’, Matt’s already doing deals on the side and trying to hide it from Lilian.
I suppose he does have to have all ‘his’ money in their joint account (or else the law shall return), but that means Lilian can see when he makes any withdrawals.
The money he had put in from his offshore accounts has gone out again, but he claims he “forgot” to tell Lilian that he was doing a deal outside of their joint business.
Claiming that it was “no big deal” and that he doesn’t have to tell Lilian about what he’s doing when he’s not on their time, it seems Matt is back to his old dodgy self.
Can we all foresee Brenda being duped into helping Matt, Lilian finding out, then Paul returning to offer his shoulder?
My word, Kenton understood!
That was a lovely moment between Jamie and Kenton.
Someone finally listened to Jamie, and realised that he’s just not coping with Sid’s death.
His whole reluctance to cricket is because that’s where Sid’s ashes are scattered. Rather than trying to just force him to go (as Kathy’s been doing), Kenton listened and talked it through.
Talking Jamie round by saying that Sid would be upset that Jamie wasn’t playing cricket because of him, Kenton manages to get Jamie out of his bedroom, and down onto the cricket ground.
“be close to your dad just by doing something you enjoy”
Is this a breakthrough? Will Jamie stop shouting? And will Kathy manage to be pleased rather than angry?!?
Wonderful moments to cringe worthy ones …
But, after this very moving moment between Jamie and Kenton, it was simply ruined by:
“I think I can hear your dad’s laugh on the wind”
Ugh!
I get that Kenton might have been trying to relax Jamie even further, especially as he went onto say:
“laughing at me”
(over Kenton’s bad cricket)
But it was a crass and skin crawling moment. Of Hollywood proportions.
Oh the shame.
Jolene just “ain’t got the stomach”
While trying to keep tabs on the every slippy Matt, Lillian’s also been trying to push Jolene to get back into running the bull properly.
After seeming to not know anything about anything, Jolene then simply says “no” to Lilian. She “doesn’t want to think about it” and can’t cope.
It sounded like Jolene has the same problem as Jamie – being somewhere (or doing something) that is so synonymous with Sid is too painful. But unlike Jamie, Jolene’s just expected to cope.
“Sid’s gone. There’s no heart to the place”
But instead of dipping back into her aimless wandering, Jolene tells Lilian that she’s going to sell her shares in the pub.
Well, at least she’s making decisions!
That, of course, throws up the question of who will buy the shares – what will happen to Fallon (and how will she feel about it, considering she’s really got into running the pub) – then what will Jazzer do if Fallon has to leave?
On Lilian telling Matt, he sounded like he’d snap Jolene’s hand off for those shares. Questions is, would he want to convert the pub into flats?
Or would that be too obvious?
Who else has the money to go into business with Lilian? Brian (eeek!)?
Or how about Paul …
The Archers: Susan and Neil simply don’t know what clothes to wear … Chris takes marriage seriously … Kathy and Kenton Argue (pt 752)
- “But what does ‘smart casual’ really mean”
- Neil is horrified by changing rooms
- “A bit smarter than the average barbeque”
- Is it the Home Secretary I have to write to in support of Clive’s day release?
- Does Neil and Susan have a good marriage?
- Please. Just split up.
“But what does ‘smart casual’ really mean”
Susan’s getting herself into yet another flap, this time over what her and Neil should wear to the party.
Although Susan knows
“what it means literally”
she somehow can’t translate that into reality.
While not wanting to “outdo” Jennifer (as the mother of the bride), Susan also doesn’t want to “compromise and wear a skirt”
Eh?
As Neil out it
“Is it just me - or is she speaking in tongues?”
There is nothing on this earth that Susan can’t find something to panic of complain about. Seriously.
Neil is horrified by changing rooms
So – do we think Neil has lost the power to think for himself because of Susan, or was he always like this?
The man can’t even choose a pair of breeks by himself!
I know it’s a generational thing (as Chris was happily managing to choose his own suit), but what was Neil on about when he refused to use a changing room, preferring to take it home (chancing that it might not fit, which would spiral Susan into a demonic presence of huge proportions).
Did Susan create Neil, or did Neil’s ineptness create Susan?
“A Bit smarter than the average barbeque”
And this is why Susan is panicking.
For all Jennifer’s claims that it’s not formal, the wee touches she’s adding to the party makes it far from a few sausages flung onto a half-hot grill.
Jennifer seems to think that a seating plan is informal, helping to ensure everyone “can relax” and not “feel awkward” because they’re guaranteed to be sat next to someone they know/like.
Hmmm. That sounds formal to me, and also full of pitfalls.
What one woman sees as two friends, another knows is just polite tolerance.
Is it the Home Secretary I have to write to in support of Clive’s day release?
Now I know Clive’s not a very nice chap, but it’d be worth it just to see Jennifer’s face.
It’s nothing less than she deserves for her current heights of snobbery.
Desperately trying to get Susan to confirm whether Clive is being allowed out of prison for the party, all Jennifer could get was that the ‘yet to be confirmed’ were:
“just the ones who have more complicated arrangements”
But Susan then went onto say:
“ none of them will say no - you can bank on it!”
Sounds like Clive could be on his way …
Does Neil and Susan have a good marriage?
As much as Neil is a bit flaky, and Susan a lot irritating, I suppose they do.
Aside from the slight aside Neil had when Susan was in prison (can you try and fix that for us again, Clive?), they’ve been pretty solid.
Chris cites their marriage as an example of why he knows what it’ll take to make his marriage to Alice works. And that he’s committed to her. And that he loves her.
Aw!
Sham his sister Emma didn’t have the same approach.
Please. Just split up.
Kathy and Kenton are arguing yet again, this time over Jamie.
Kenton is being a bit dim again (he was telling Kathy that Jamie should be getting out more, playing cricket, seeing the lads etc), which is not news to Kathy.
And Kenton also seems to think that it’s okay with Jamie to be angry with Kathy, but it wouldn’t be okay for Jamie to be angry with him. Maybe that’s because Kenton thinks Kathy doesn’t deserve anything better?
“chill out and just back off a bit Kathy”
I think we all agree with that, but I’d be spitting hot coals if someone said that to me. It’s almost as bad as ‘calm down, dear’.
Come on. Gives us a break, and make the break.
The Archers: Debbie returns … will Clive Horrobin also return? … Emma’s being stalked
- “The one who does Ozzy in a Black Sabbath tribute band”
- Clive could really be coming for the party
- Someone’s in the bushes …
- The immaculate conception
- Is anyone bothered that Marshall and Debbie have split?
“The one who does Ozzy in a black Sabbath tribute band”
Tee-hee!
Chris’ family sound colourful indeed.
Whatever will the neighbours think?
Clive could really be coming for the party
Seemingly Chris is sure he’ll be allowed to attend. It’s seen to be good for his rehabilitation.
Putting any discussions of text payers money being spent on a prisoner going to a party (I’ll leave that to the professionals), is anyone thinking about how folks who Clive robbed/attacked/tricked will feel?
I’d imagine the folks must unamused will include Christine (firebomb attack and many attacks on George), Kate and Debbie (post office raid), Peggy (Jack’s collapse at the post office raid), Neil (Susan being forced to hide Clive will on the run).
Any I’ve missed?
The biggest question is, will Susan be pleased to see him again? Or, is all forgiven?
Someone’s in the bushes …
After the anonymous presents, Emma’s not getting silent calls.
Later on, while she’s hanging out the washing, Emma hears someone the bushes.
After Ed rushes back home, Ruth pops over and happens to have an idea …
As expected, it was Josh.
Though it was a bit disturbing that he moved from gifts to stalking so quickly.
I thought Emma was lovely to Josh (when Ruth forced him to admit what he’d been up to). He hadn’t meant to frighten her, and she realised that this was just a teenage crush.
Ed was a bit of a cheeky chap though. Although he didn’t give Josh that hard a time, how could he say that he
“Shouldn’t go round chatting up the girlfriends of your mate”
and keep a straight face?
Or, was he just trying to make sure that Josh doesn’t make the same mistakes that he had made?
I felt so sorry for wee Josh. It must have been excruciatingly embarrassing to have to confess.
But, I’m also a bit concerned about how far he took this. He could be going in completely the wrong direction with his filming …
The immaculate conception
Alice was explaining Helen’s pregnancy to Debbie, but I agree with Jennifer that she did make it sound rather strange (“no man involved”).
I was a bit surprised at Jennifer’s attitude. Saying it was “foolhardy”, Jennifer seems to think that Helen’s a tad bonkers for taking on all that work by herself.
And there was me thinking Jennifer would be supportive after her experience with Adam. Maybe she just can’t remember any of it being a positive.
Is anyone bothered that Marshall and Debbie have split?
Well, Jennifer seems to be really upset.
Alice thinks she saw it coming because Debbie wasn’t waxing lyrical about Marshall, in a loved up manner), and Brian reckons Marshall was
“far too namby pamby”
for Debbie anyway.
It seems Jennifer isn’t so much about upset about Marshall per say – she’s more concerned about Debbie being single when she’ll be 40 this year.
“too late for happiness”
Aha.
Doesn’t Jennifer watch any TV or films? Does she not realise that 40 is the new 30, with women (and men) living very full lives without a partner?
Honestly. Jennifer sounds more and more like Peggy …
The Archers: Susan is upset … Jamie’s Angry … Brian’s taking the mick
- Jennifer apologises (and she meant it!)
- Jamie’s being a tad petulant
- Is Clive really going to return?
Jennifer apologises (and she meant it!)
After Alice tackling Jennifer for hijacking all of the party, firmly leaving Susan out of everything, Jennifer comes up with the perfect idea for Susan to get involved.
Discounting the decorations, after having seen Susan’s previous attempt, which seemingly included “florescent banners … tinsel … teddys with messages on their jumpers”, Jennifer decides that the cake will be Susan’s mission.
And what a sales person Jennifer is. She not only convinces Susan that the cake is the ‘centrepiece’ of the whole event, a “great opportunity to express creativity” she also manages to make sure Susan will order a cake which Jennifer has already decided is the right one.
So it has to be a ‘cup cake tower’. That only leaves Susan to choose the colour.
Doesn’t it?
Or, is there still an opportunity for Susan to make it garish?!?
Jamie’s being a tad petulant
I really don’t expect Jamie to get over Sid’s death quickly – but he is starting to sound just like your average teenager (angry over absolutely nothing).
“I had a nice time until you spoilt everything”
“Why you asking me stuff? Why are you so interested”
“There’s no-one on my side now”
Jamie has a point that Kathy really should have called him to see where he was, rather than his mate’s mum. I’m not sure why she thought he wasn’t where he said he was going to be – has he ever done something to suggest he’d lie?
If Kathy does keep on like this, Jamie will start behaving as she expects him to. After all, he is just a teenager.
Is Clive really going to return?
Brian can’t help himself taking the utter rip out of the Horrobin’s.
While Jennifer has had a complete change of heart (she really is accepting that Susan and her family have as much right to Alice and Chris’ marriage as she does), Brian isn’t going to go down as easily.
While Brian’s joking about “entertaining a nest of Horrobins”, “locking up the silver” and checking “what else we’ve for that’s easily liftable”, Jennifer now sees the Horrobin family as having a “few colourful characters”.
Telling Brian that it’s
“Your sense of humour you need to keep under lock and key”
Jennifer’s very much taking the moral high ground.
That’s until Alice mentions that Clive’s getting an invite.
“They wouldn’t let him out just for a party … would they?”
Oh my! This could be even more fun that I imagined.
The Archers: Matt’s foot is finally free … Amy advises Helen … Trouble getting staff at The Bull
- Top dog?
- Trouble afoot now that Matt has his own money?
- “I thought I saw you taking sneaky peaks at my stomach”
- Is Will really that busy?
- Fallon will sort it
- “ I Love Lillian – but I wouldn’t take any advice on motherhood from her”
Top dog?
Isn’t that always Bea Smith? I don't see either Tom or Tony able to match her style.
“The things farmers find to worry about”
Indeed Matt. Though an argument over a £7,500 spend will happen in any ‘partnership’ business.
Trouble afoot now that Matt has his own money?
As well as having his foot set free, Matt has also put some money from one of his offshore accounts into his joint with Lilian.
“A free man and not a kept one”
Which must feel great, but doesn’t that also mean Matt can get to money which Lilian doesn’t know about? Next step, secret shady deals using Brenda?
“I thought I saw you taking sneaky peaks at my stomach”
Looks like Amy will have a fine career as a midwife, considering she was one of the very few (only?) folks to guess that Helen was pregnant.
And at least Helen’s pregnancy is getting her out from her DVDs to the pub.
Although it was nice for her to have someone (a) enthusiastic about her pregnancy and (b) in the know of her options for the birth.
Birthing pool, music and soft lights – that does indeed sound like a “day at the spa”!
Is Will really that busy?
Nic can’t do as many shifts at The Bull because Will is too busy to look after the kids.
Is he actually that busy, or was it just a good ploy to stop Nic getting out and about?
He’s a jealous man, is our Will.
Fallon will sort it
With Nic not able to do that many shifts, Lilian also less available as Matt can go out of an evening, and Jolene wandering around like a “shadow” – Fallon’s going to have to take control.
That’ll mean hiring in a new member of staff (which I don’t see why there’s a major issue about).
But Lilian seemed to be suggesting that they need to shock Jolene back into reality:
“Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind – get her back in the real world with us”
What could that mean? Everyone disappears for the night, forcing Jolene to run the bar by herself?
“ I Love Lillian – but I wouldn’t take any advice on motherhood from her”
Is James really that bad?
At least Lilian and Matt congratulated Helen and seemed genuinely pleased for her. Even though Lilian saw the whole experience as a way to get a new wardrobe …
The Archers: Tom and Tony fall out over a mower conditioner … Helen’s news is spreading … Jamie’s huffy
- Tom didn’t get his way, for once
- “Convince her she’s got one sane grandchild”
- “Helen’s been happy, settled, calm. That’s all that matters, isn’t it?”
- Kathy wouldn’t even talk to herself
- “Who needs social networking when you have Susan Carter!”
Tom didn’t get his way, for once
I still can’t quite get my head around the Bridge Farm arrangements, but it sounds like Tony doesn’t understand them either!
It must be difficult having to listen to someone else’s opinion after having been your own decision maker for years. Then again, hasn’t Tony always has Pat to try and clear before he could do anything?
Either way, Tom’s nose is out of joint because Tony went ahead and bought a mover conditioner when Tom had said they didn’t need it.
Seemingly a bargain at £7,500 – I think Tom is more angry that Tony completely ignored his opinion, rather than the money. His claim that he didn’t go ahead with the veal and ham pie because of cost was bit tenuous (wasn’t it because no-one would buy them?)
And where does Helen and Pat stand in all of this? Or is it just the men folk who get to do battle?
“Making decisions by mutual consent”
Hmmm. That seems to be a long way off.
“Convince her she’s got one sane grandchild”
I’m really not liking the way the Tony pack of the Archer clan is treating Helen.
I understand that Tony is dead set against it, and Tom thinks it is a bit barmy, but surely Pat needn’t also be so too faced.
It seems like they’re almost giggling at her, while be horrified about what the neighbours will think.
And even Brenda, who is supposed to be Helen’s friend, has called it “weird”.
Peggy’s still on about it all being “unnecessary” and “such a hard road”
Tom reckoned:
“Doing things the easy way never had any appeal for her. But if anyone can pull this off, Helen can”
Which is nearly getting close to be supportive, but still not quite. I can’t quite help feeling that Tom’s going to milk his new found ‘perfect grandchild’ status for all its worth. Which will probably end up being a nice chunk of Peggy’s savings, knowing Tom.
Thank goodness Helen has real support from Kirsty and Ian. Even Vicky’s has more genuine understanding and excitement for Helen than her family does – what a warped situation this is!
“Helen’s been happy, settled, calm. That’s all that matters, isn’t it?”
I’m just not convinced you believe that yourself, Pat.
And also have to add that what matters is the baby. It’s all well and good Helen finally being happy, but there’s something a bit murky about that happiness depending on a baby.
Kathy wouldn’t even talk to herself
“When I don’t get any response, I started trying too hard. I sound desperate. I wouldn’t talk to me”
Well, at least she sees what she’s doing. It’d be nice if she could now stop actually doing it.
As much as Jamie has had a horrible time recently, isn’t a lot of his problems with Kathy down to him being a teenage lad?
What self respecting teenage lad wants to hang around with his mum? Or go outside, when there’s computer games to play? Or be happy about getting a job?
At least Kenton helped Jamie see that a job would be a good thing. It’s also good that Helen’s pregnancy gave Kenton and Kathy an “interesting conversation” rather than a row.
“Who needs social networking when you have Susan Carter!”
I’d see Susan as more of a jungle drummer than a slick social networking platform.
The Archers: Helen tells Susan and Vicky … the Aldridges and Carter’s clash over what is a ‘good’ barbeque
- Helen might as well have put it in the Echo
- “Of course you’re not a gossip - but you do take a keen interest”
- Susan and Vicky then chew this new information over
- Then Jennifer is told
- “I suppose that is rather Helen – she’s always been original”
- Roasted swan and grilled peacock
Helen might as well have put it in the Echo
That was crafty, Helen.
Telling Susan and Vicky is better than it being in the local paper – it’ll be spread within seconds!
Creating a bit of consternation for Susan that folks might think Alice and Chris had a shotgun wedding ,
(“that's not why they got married - they're in love!”)
Helen then tells Susan her news. Though, she didn’t quite present Susan with arguments that she’s ever agree with:
“who needs men when we've got science to help us out”
“think of all the woman who have to shackle themselves to unsuitable men just to have a baby”
“Of course you’re not a gossip - but you do take a keen interest”
But where Helen failed to recognise that any opinion said to Susan will be taken to heart (without a man? What’s wrong with my Neil!), she came up trumps in wooing Vicky.
I though Helen was being too subtle at first, but Vicky finally twigged … and was genuinely delighted!
Who’d have thought that Vicky would prove to be so understanding. She’ll be a grand, and very loud, supporter for Helen in the coming months.
Also very revealing that Vicky had also pondered having a child by herself one.
And very ominous that Vicky later didn’t entirely dispel the idea that she might still feel like that … Good God!
Susan and Vicky then chew this new information over
“Such an attractive girl - not natural she has no man in her life” (Susan)
“only got her word that there wasn't – it could be a cover story for one night stand” (Susan)
“It’s weird … it’s not the normal way” (Susan)
“we don't all meet the man of our dreams when we're barely out of the classroom” (Vicky)
I loved the way that Vicky explained the difference between donor insemination and IVF before Susan could fully get her rant on.
Great stuff.
Then Jennifer is told
By Vicky and Susan. Nightmare!
Thinking at first that they’re talking about Brenda, all Jennifer can muster when realising that it’s Helen who is pregnant is:
“Oh good heavens!”
Then rushes off to call Lilian and Peggy.
I wonder how the Archers clan will fall into camps about this?
For: Helen, Pat, Lilian, Adam, Ian, Deborah, Kate, Alistair, Kenton, Ruth, Elizabeth, Nigel
Against: Tony, Peggy, Jennifer, Alice, Shula, Kathy, David
Non plussed: Tom, Brian, Matt
?
“I suppose that is rather Helen – she’s always been original”
Indeed.
And despite my own horror when this was first mentioned, I’m putting myself in the ‘for’ camp.
In saying that, I won’t be held responsible for how the poor wee mite will turn out. One can only hope Helen has a complete personality change by becoming a mother.
Lovely girl, but oh so controlling …
Roasted swan and grilled peacock
I know Brian was just jesting, but he wasn’t too far off in spotting what Jennifer expects of a barbeque. And of course, a good one doesn’t involve Tom’s burgers.
And here’s the problem. While Jennifer thinks that Susan should know Tom’s grill would be “appropriate” for the party to celebrate Alice and Chris’ marriage, she couldn’t be further from the truth.
Looks like the mothers-in-law need to spend a bit of quality time getting to know each other. That’ll be interesting …
The Archers: Helen breaks her news … The party planning gathers pace
- A new mower!
- Helen tells Peggy
- Peggy takes it to Tony
- A Barbeque in a marquee?!?
A new mower!
What’s Tom so upset about? Why the big stooshie over a mower (though I am aware it’s not the garden variety)?
Is this taste of things to come as Tony and Pat step back from Bridge Farm to let Tom and Helen take over?
Though I would have thought that was a wee while off yet.
Either way, it doesn’t look like it’ll be a harmonious venture.
Helen tells Peggy
Ah, I do feel sorry for Helen.
There she is, growing nicely plump with child and feeling rather delighted with it – but half of her family doesn’t want anyone else to know.
“I don't want to open my Echo and find it in the coming events”
Said a horrified Tony. But what did he think was going to happen? That Helen was have her baby without anyone else noticing? It had to be said sooner or later.
Thinking that Alice was pregnant, Helen’s now determined to spread the news about her own pregnancy. Though that does smack a bit of ‘look at me, look at me, not at her!’
I was also a bit surprised at Peggy’s reaction. I expected all of the:
“But why?”
“I don’t understand”
“It seems like such an extreme thing to do”
And her then relating it to how difficult it was for Jennifer to bring up Adam (can anyone remind me if Peggy was supportive of that pregnancy at first? I know Dan had to sort everyone out about it, but was Peggy difficult about it before that?)
But, I didn’t expect Peggy to give into Helen’s pleas so easily to ‘support’ her, even if she didn’t approve, then to be a tad two-faced and called Tony to let rip with her horror.
That doesn’t suggest to me that Helen’s really going to get much support from Peggy.
At the end of it all, as Helen said:
“ I wanted to get on with my life - this isn't second best”
Surely that should be enough for everyone?
Peggy takes it to Tony
How relieved was Tony that he finally has someone else to pour disapproval and horror onto Helen’s decision?
“Pat is supporting her daughter”
Note the ‘her’ of that statement from Tony.
“But this is so wrong for her … it's so unnecessary … why couldn’t she wait?”
Which is everything Tony’s been saying since Helen announced her plans, but he now has the joy of hearing Peggy say it.
I can’t see how it’ll help form them to gang up together – the bun is in the oven, the baby is on its way.
Or, will tragedy strike, leaving Peggy and Tony feeling a bit guilty about their attitudes?
Impossible to tell at the moment, though Helen does have an uncanny knack of attracting bad vibes.
“everyone will know soon”
“it’s not going to get any easier”
Indeed.
A Barbeque in a marquee?!?
Bless Susan. She knows barbeques are best done in your back garden, with a wee smattering of rain and your dog trying to steal the sausages.
It’s not quite what one would expect of the Aldridges.
But that’s the point. There’s such a gulf between the families that this can’t ‘come off’ without tears.
Especially when Susan wants to involved Tom’s Sausages …
The Archers: The bells ring for Alice and Chris … Kenton and Shula’s birthday … Amy’s coming back
- Kenton’s not even happy on his birthday
- My goodness. Jim made sense!
- Amy’s coming back
- Helen’s a bit funny
- Knew it’d be cricket
- Chris doesn’t get a say
Kenton’s not even happy on his birthday
Well, I suppose you can’t blame him. With Kathy as his partner. And it’s also fair that Kathy’s face is tripping her, with Kenton as her partner.
So Kenton stayed at Kirsty’s yet again (is he now trying to make Kathy dump him?), so they’re having yet another barny at his birthday picnic.
That’s where Jim stepped in …
My goodness. Jim made sense!
Alistair was quite right that Jim can be charming when he tries – but didn’t mention that Jim can actually be quite good at understand people and their problems.
Just as I’d never thought that Kenton was seeing Kathy’s reaction to Sid’s death as her still having been in love with him (as he mentioned the other day), I also never thought about where Kathy ‘sits’ in the mourners.
“It’s hard to not quite be in the inner circle of mourners”
The basic gist was that Him sees Kathy as having a difficult time because her grief in unacknowledged by everyone else. Even more so, that she has to put her grief to one side to be there for Jamie.
So when she needed at least one person to see her and care for her, Kenton just didn’t get it.
“the child of sunshine, our Kenton. The dark times don't suit him. He'd stand by you now if he could find a way and you'd let him”
But, as Kathy pointed out, Kenton has stood by her through ‘dark times’ before.
“lacrimae rerum”
Tears for things. One of Jim’s “Latin tags”, and quite appropriate too.
Amy’s coming back
Aha! That completes the Alice, Chris, Ed, Emma set.
Frolics ahoy?
Helen’s a bit funny
Nowt new there then.
Alice though Helen was being funny with her because she was jealous of her and Chris.
But it’s probably because of the thought that Chris and Alice got married so quickly because Alice was pregnant.
Carrying on to ‘bitch’ about her cousin, Alice reckoned Helen is
“giving up hope”
of finding a man, and that she’s
“letting herself go”
Because she’s putting weight on (which is indeed “absolutely unheard of for Helen”).
Little does she know … Helen might steal her limelight yet.
Knew it’d be cricket
Alistair’s going to take Jamie under his cricketing wing.
Quite right too. Get the boy out in the air, with something to fight for and look forward to.
Chris doesn’t get a say
It might just be me, but are alarm bells already ringing for Chris and Alice’s marriage?
Rather than ask Chris what he wants for their party, Alice decides it for him. With Jennifer. Without his mum Susan.
Ever been railroaded by an Aldridge? More of that to come, methinks …
The Archers: Community planting … David outs Alice’s marriage into context
- Matt’s doing grand for his age
- Does that explain why Kathy is such a xxxx?
- An acre in a box
- “at least we got a working Horrobin with no criminal record, so far”
- Is anyone good at breakfast small talk?
- Party!
- Yes Kenton – you are just damned!
Matt’s doing grand for his age
63 on Saturday.
Good on you, me old mucker.
Does that explain why Kathy is such a xxxx?
She “quite fancies” some of the old folks’ trips out.
57 going on 82?
An acre in a box
That sounds like a lovely way to do some ‘community planting’.
Although, I am amazed they’ve managed to even find a wee strip of land to plant on. Between Council rules and reticent landowners, I’d have thought they’d have to do another round of guerrilla gardening to get anything down.
“at least we got a working Horrobin with no criminal record, so far”
You can always depend on Brian to find the positive side of anything (albeit sarcastically!).
And David should have given him something to think about. Chris is certainly no Jude!
Is anyone good at breakfast small talk?
Well, I know some folks are just bursting with happiness and energy first thing, but it’d hardly be easy for Chris to chat away at breakfast when (a) it is Brian and Jennifer he’s got to chat to, who are (b) fairly unhappy that he’s married their daughter and (c) they are blatantly snobs about his family.
Party!
Are you also getting the impression that this party is going to be quite a traditional English farce?
Alice is excited. Jennifer’s hoping it’ll go away. Susan is beside herself with glee. And Brian reckons that the more people invited, the more the ‘Horrobin quarter” will be “diluted”.
That’s got to spell trouble.
Yes Kenton – you are just damned!
If he does something, he’s shouted at. If he doesn’t, he’s shouted at.
But it’s hard to feel sorry for Kenton when he’s created at least half of this mess with Kathy
“I don’t even care”
I couldn’t have said it better myself
The Archers: Chocolates for Emma … Fallon has a day out with Jolene … Kenton’s a bit rough bit starts yet again
- Flowers, now chocolates (and seemingly sweetpeas)
- Do the punters really care about Jolene?
- Kenton’s making things worse, and worse, and worse …
- “Bagging an Aldridge”
Flowers, now chocolates (and seemingly sweetpeas)
Well, you could see that as sweet – or you could see it as a “bit creepy” (as Ed later said).
Bless wee Josh (assuming it is him). He even made a homemade box for the chocolates.
Tender moments, and if he learns anything, it’ll be that thoughtful gifts will eventually get him the girl. As long as he actually gives them the gifts rather than leaving them on doorsteps. And if he knows the girl might be interested. Not in a relationship. Much, much older than him …
Still, it’s nice that Ed isn’t getting all ‘Will’ on Emma. He doesn’t seem that bothered, whereas Will would be following Nic round, belting every man that looked at him (if the gifts were being left for her).
Do the punters really care about Jolene?
I think Jolene’s right – they care far more about their pints.
How long will this go on for?
It’s a bit ominous that Fallon’s now saying how much she’s really committed to the pub. That can only mean bad things are afoot.
Mind you, with Fallon’s ability to inject a sense of normality into any conversation
(“didn't rate the mardy cow at reception”)
I reckon her and Jolene will always make their way. Though the path may be a bit rough at times.
Kenton’s making things worse, and worse, and worse …
Already in trouble for getting a tad tight at the Grundy’s, Kenton takes Kirtsy’s offer of a drink and a chat after work.
So stays out late. Again. While drinking. Again. With Kirsty. Again.
Oh deary me.
Exactly what is Kirsty up to? Why get involved, or is she really that bored that she find Kenton (a) good company and (b) doesn’t worry about Kathy hunting her down to tell her to stay away?
It was interesting that Kenton admitted that he was a bit put out by Kathy’s reaction to Sid’s death.
“her reaction to his death was so big. I don’t think he ever really stopped loving him”
Can Kenton’s lack of care and attention be because he’s jealous of a dead man?
Or is he right? Was Kathy truly always Sid’s?
Or, just an excuse???
“Bagging an Aldridge”
Ah Ed. You’re a cheeky one alright!
First he calls Chris a
“jammy so and so [for] bagging an Aldridge”
Then he congratulates Chris for marrying for love “first time round”.
Lucky Will wasn’t round to hear that dig …
The Archers: Let the shearing competition begin! … Kenton and Kathy argue (!)
- Eddie gets flayed
- The flowers came from Jill’s garden
- I thought that was a proper gun!
- Oh just get a shift on and split up
Eddie gets flayed
It could only end one way – as much as Eddie is our chum, he was never going to be a serious competitor against the ‘”muscle tone” of Alysha.
And so it came to pass. Alysha finished (what felt like) hours before Eddie.
Crowned “the fastest shearer in Ambridge”, Alysha also seems to be delighting our young Josh no end.
Pity he didn’t get to keep that shirt, it might keep him away from flower beds.
And on that matter …
The flowers came from Jill’s garden
Hmmm.
Must be Josh sweetly and discreetly stalking Emma.
I thought that was a proper gun!
Okay – so it was obvious Ruth hadn’t given wee Ben a real gun to clean, but it had me going for a moment there.
Maybe she’s secretly training Ben in case Jude turns up again? Might be a better bet than David – at least Ben wouldn’t be tried as an adult.
Oh just get a shift on and split up
Kathy and Kenton are at it yet again.
After Kenton actually managing to get Jamie to talk (without forcing him to), Kathy then gets very fraught with Kenton over the lack of a supermarket run.
Which is fair enough, considering he noticed there wasn’t much in and had time during his day.
But she lost me at then turning that into an issue about Kenton not being a proper father to his daughter.
“useless”
was Kathy’s inditement of Kenton.
Get a grip and split up, is mine.
You never know, it might come soon enough – especially with Kenton heading onto the Grundys for a few glasses of cider.
The Archers: Peggy approves of Alice and Chris … Susan talks it through with Jennifer
- “love will always cross the class divide”
- Is ‘the horsey set’ really still that important?
- Susan Vs. Jennifer round 2
- Neil gets a word in
- Now that’s a great granny!
“love will always cross the class divide”
So says Lynda, so that should be that.
I have no doubt it won’t be, though. Just whoever listens to Lynda (except Robert)?
Is ‘the horsey set’ really still that important?
Susan’s over the moon that Chris is
“finally on the inside of the horsey set”
Living in a rural area myself, I’m all too aware that this ‘horsey set’ still has money and some of the local dignitary muscle, but I wasn’t aware that some folks still desperately aspire to be ‘part’ of them.
Still, we are talking about Susan here. She sees her chance to get rid of the Horrobin tint to her family, and she’s grabbing it with everything she’s got.
Sober or not.
Susan Vs. Jennifer round 2
First Susan brings Jennifer yesterday’s flowers.
Hugs her.
Asks:
“do you find you burn things in an aga?”
And it doesn’t really improve from there.
I think we’re going to see a simultaneous knock-out eventually …
Neil gets a word in
“don't ever think you don't deserve her”
Good Neil. That’s the way to be a nice dad, and truly proud of your son (rather than being more excited about the potential high society cocktail parties, Susan).
And lovely that he shared his Shula crush. She should have grabbed you when she could, my friend.
Even more – Neil reminded us that the horror of being related works both ways.
“I still struggle to think of myself related to Brian”
Now that’s a great granny!
Peggy’s pleased for Alice and Chris, and helps them build their deposit for a house.
Then, she takes on Jennifer:
“oh you are a misery”
“you really are a cracking snob”
“your grandmother came from the east end of London. Look to your own roots before you criticise.”
No mention of her alcoholic publican dad though …
Still, I can’t see Jennifer changing her opinions just because Peggy has a go.
“A joint mortgage will really complicate things when they get divorced”
“She should’ve have married someone of her own class”
Mortgages and class. Looks like Jennifer has seen, judged, and set her mind.
The Archers: Emma’s getting flowers … Chris and Alice are back (with big news!)
- Emma’s flowers
- Oho! On yourself, Alice and Chris!
- Jennifer and Brian’s reaction
- Susan and Neil’s reaction
- Susan Vs Jennifer
- The Bull’s slipping fast
Emma’s flowers
It has to be Josh.
Or, could it be a very belated attempt from Will (now that Nic is seemingly getting more male attention).
Oho! On yourself, Alice and Chris!
With ‘Brick’ and ‘Linda-Lou’ as their witnesses, heart-shaped keyrings as part of the package - Alice and Chris got married in Las Vegas.
Classy (not!).
What a wonderful moment – Jennifer and Brian only slowly realising what had happened as Chris carries Alice over the threshold.
Brian’s right that Chris’ proposal wasn’t exactly original (“Alice … will you marry me?”), but at least it was heartfelt.
But how many years before Alice does bemoan the fact that she didn’t have the whole shebang? What will it take for her to change her mind from the lack of an engagement ring being a good thing (they afford a better wedding ring), to it being a sign that Chris didn’t ever really care.
15 minutes of fame is one thing, but I can’t see little Princess Alice always being so enamoured of her 15 minute wedding.
Or, am I just being too cynical?
Jennifer and Brian’s reaction
Jennifer:
“How could she do this to us?”
“What the hell has she done?”
“The biggest mistake of Alice’s life”
“They must have been high on something”
“She might have stayed in the area if she married into one of the good families – not settled for the village farrier
”
“Aunty Chris and George Barford all over again”*
“I’m never going to see one of my children have a proper wedding”**
“At least we don’t have to fork out for a wedding”
“We can look on this as Alice’s starter marriage”
Susan and Neil’s reaction
“Never been so happy in me life”
“Wonderful news! Congratulations son”
“There’s a bottle of cava in the fridge”
“Our Christopher … a married man!”
“We’ll ring a quarter for you”
(did I get that bell ringing related term right?)
Susan Vs Jennifer
“It’s Susan – your new in-law!”
Oh that must have been a phrase which Jennifer used to wake up screaming about.
And that it happens for real.
It’d be easy to feel sorry for her if she wasn’t been such an undeserving snob. It’d be most folks nightmare to have Susan related to them, but Jennifer simply doesn’t have the excuse that Susan’s of a lower class.
Publican’s daughter. New money from her husband.
Hardly the stuff of royalty.
Though:
“Neil and I fell in love after he built me a pig pen”
Doesn’t exactly inspire a sense of decorum, neither.
So, while Susan thinks:
“The important thing is our children are united”
While Jennifer gets the last word:
“Good grief Brian – I’m related to a Horrobin!”
Laugh?
I nearly chocked my pint of shires.
The Bull’s slipping fast
Or, more correctly, it’s slipping because it’s not moving at all.
A menu that hasn’t changed in over a month.
How very dare they!
It’s not as if anyone’s died …
*Chris Barford, nee Archers, formerly Johnson, was Doris’ much anticipated and adored only daughter. After doomed love affairs, and a very difficult (to say the least) marriage to Paul Johnson (who died and was buried in German) she married ex-policeman and gamekeeper George Barford. Recovering alcoholic, counting a barmaid amongst his previous affairs, having also lived with a woman without being wed to her. Not entirely a Horrobin, but enough ‘colour’ in his past to make the Archer clan a tad snooty towards him.
**As Brian pointed out, Adam and Ian did have the full ensemble for their wedding. Not sure why that doesn’t count, and Adam wouldn’t be amused to hear it dismissed so easily …
The Archers: Jamie harnesses the negative aspects of social networking … Jolene’s causing a bad atmosphere
- “You’re not a friend anymore”
- Clarrie in her gardening shorts
- I’d also be a bit grumpy if …
- Is no-one safe from Kathy’s bleetings?
- As if Jolene hasn’t got enough problems
“You’re not a friend anymore”
Ouch!
It must be bad enough that you know someone else doesn’t want to know you when you’re Friend Request is ignored on Facebook – but it must really hurt to be taken off as a Friend.
Jamie takes Kathy off as his friend on Facebook, which I think is fair enough.
After all, what teenage lad wants him mum seeing all of his banters?
“I’m your mum and have a right to know what you’re doing”
Which is fair enough in a sense – parents are very right to be worried about who their kids are meeting online.
But, there’s also the issue of trusting in your kid. And Jamie doesn’t seem too naive.
Especially as Kenton is still allowed to be his Facebook friend. Which Jamie took great joy in telling Kathy about …
Still, it sounds like what Jamie needs is to get back out of his room.
Maybe cricket is the answer?
Clarrie in her gardening shorts
That really can’t be that bad.
Can it?
I’m sure The Bull’s punters would appreciate something cheerful!
I’d also be a bit grumpy if …
… I’d torn one of my teats.
That’d surely smart a tad!
Is no-one safe from Kathy’s bleetings?
The woman seems to be wandering about Ambridge spreading her tale of woe and neglect.
Fair enough to dump it all on Pat (who seems to come alive when offering coffee and sympathy), but is there no end to it?
I’m almost starting to completely side with Kenton.
As if Jolene hasn’t got enough problems
Now it seems like her ‘loyal’ punters think she’s “putting a downer on the place”.
“Not everyone’s prepared to tip toe around a bereaved landlady on their night off”
Very true.
But aren’t a lot of them also supposed to be her friends?
The Archers: Joe’s boycott is over …Kathy calls Jamie’s teacher … Vicky discovers Tom’s no longer interested in making Veal and Ham Pies
- Energy Bars and working out
- What’s a Millennium Wood?
- £4.50!!!
- Goodness me Kathy. Stop it!
- That’s it Brenda. We’re truly over.
- You won’t get away with that one, Tom
Energy Bars and working out
What’s Josh up to then?
Jamie’s right that all this preening must be for something other than to relieve boredom.
First he finds his voice, not he seems to have found his …
What’s a Millennium Wood?
I know there was lots of projects and 'stuff’ built and done to celebrate the millennium, but how does a forest figure?
Am I just being dense, or can a forest be created in inly 10 years???
£4.50!!!
When I was Josh’s age, I had 25p on a Friday to go to the local shop. I got a magazine, a juice, a packet of crisps and a wee poke of sweeties.
I also walked to school in the snow, had chance from 5p after going to the pictures and had second hand clothes until I was 18 …
Goodness me Kathy. Stop it!
I think we can all sympathise with Jamie in his frustration over Kathy.
We’ve all had enough. We all need a break. Please!!!
I do agree with Kathy that you have to watch what you post, say and do on the internet – but can’t she wind her neck in for just a second? Does doing the ‘right thing’ have to always come first?
“Mum – but that’s crazy”
Especially when Jamie’s teacher (Jackie Osborne) doesn’t really give much of a hoot about her picture being up and out.
But, even after Kathy knows that Jacky finds it rather funny. She still can’t let it go.
At this rate, she’ll lose a son as well as a partner.
That’s it Brenda. We’re truly over.
I may think you’re a bit dim. I may not understand what on earth you see in Tom’s Sausages. But, you’ve never irked or upset me. So I thought we were rubbing along quite nicely.
BUT that was before you uttered:
“See the amount of cosmetics she needs to stop her falling apart”
You were laughing at our Lilian. Unforgiveable.
Quite simply, you’re not good enough to even collect her shopping.
You won’t get away with that one, Tom
And while I’m on about Brenda, she surely isn’t going to let her dad’s wife spend her time and money on a venture she knows won’t work?
Hopefully she’s letting Tom wind her up (by saying that he isn’t going on with the veal and ham pies because it “didn’t feel right somehow” and that he’s let her down), but I’m not quite sure.
And lest we forget that we haven’t as yet seen the full version of Vicky’s nasty side.
I know who’d my money would be on …
The Archers: Kenton meets Alysha … Kathy is angry … Will checks up on Nic … Sheering competition
- When Kenton met Alysha
- This doesn’t bode well for Nic
- Sitting on his cart, in the rain
- Kathy’s going to tell on Kenton
- It’ll be ‘sheer’ embarrassment!
When Kenton met Alysha
“I’ll give you one on the house”
Oh dear.
“So there are two of you?”
Said Kenton, rather excitedly.
Inviting Alysha and Kerry to come to Jaxx, Kenton then wows Alysha with tales of his “glamorous lifestyle” when he lived in new Zealand.
The Kathy interrupted their chat (though Jim was about to whisk the ladies away to an enthralling evening at The Bull).
Is it too obvious to think that there’s going to be an affair? That Kenton will follow them back to New Zealand (where he can also be a father to his daughter)?
Watch out for that silent Kerry though. You know what they say about the quiet ones, especially when they seem to be enjoying Jazzer’s banter …
This doesn’t bode well for Nic
Leaving Will to fend for himself with the kids (though they did have plenty of crisps, in case of emergency), he is blatantly not okay with the extra work Nic’s been doing, and the male attention she’s been getting (which, it has to be said, hasn’t been that significant).
Dumping the kids off with Clarrie, Will then turns up at The Bull to have a pint, while keeping watch over Nic.
So when is Will going to blow? Looks like it will be over absolutely nothing.
Sitting on his cart, in the rain
Poor Joe. He doesn’t seem to be making much money from his veg, but, as Eddie said, it’s not about the money.
It is a
“Battle of wills [with Susan] to see who blinks first”
Trouble is, I would like to say who’ll win. They’re both as stubborn as each other.
Kathy’s going to tell on Kenton
Kathy didn’t seem to be bothered about Kenton chatting with Alysha – but was mightily bothered about ‘that’ picture of Jamie’s teacher.
She’s in the wrong this time – Kenton was just taking pictures of his punters for his website. The problem is that Jamie found it. And then posted it.
Now Kathy’s going to tell the teacher that the photo is ‘out there’. Kenton refuses to do so, but Kathy’s hell bent.
“Some of us have a more responsible attitude to life”
Aha. And some of us just don’t know when to leave it well alone.
It’ll be ‘sheer’ embarrassment!
Sorry. Couldn’t help myself!
Not sure how Eddie’s going to make anything out of this sheering competition – but I am fairly sure that he’ll have a very wounded pride once it’s done and dusted.
The Archers … Tom decides on whether to go ahead with Veal and Ham Pie … Jamie’s Facebook causes problems … Picture of Helen’s baby … Brian’s steams ahead with his business project
- Brian tells Tom
- First it sounds like they don’t know how to switch a computer on …
- … then they’re on Facebook
- Ouch! The pitfalls of social media for teachers
- Three words I’d never thought I’d hear put together – Helen, healthy, happy
- Only 30-40 pies a week?
Brian tells Tom
Brian really knows how to wind Tom up, and make him feel like a wee schoolboy who doesn’t know his cash flow from his profit!
Telling Tom that his veal and ham pies would be too niche a market – a gamble – and that he doesn’t have the capital to even start up – Brian’s reminding Tom that he ‘could have had all this’ if he hadn’t gone it alone.
As annoying as Brian can be at time, he certainly does know how to make money.
First it sounds like they don’t know how to switch a computer on …
Which was Kathy and Pat talking about printing “thingys”, thinking it’d take 10 minutes to print off one sheet of A4 and wondering how on earth they can find out what’s on for teenagers by using the internet
… then they’re on Facebook
Kathy then jumps onto the computer, and starts using Facebook.
Which is yet another mention of Facebook in Ambridge.
Think Mark Zuckerberg has shares in the village shop, so they have to play nice?
Ouch! The pitfalls of social media for teachers
I think Kathy is right to tell Jamie to take his teacher’s picture off of his Facebook page, but it’s only natural that he’d want it up there. And isn’t it Kenton’s fault for having it on his website? But ultimately, people in the public eye (even if that’s just a very local eye).
I’d be surprised if Kenton even knows what Jamie’s teacher looks like. So I suppose all Kenton was really doing was showing that Jaxx is a fun place to be. If fun is looking totally wasted …
And Jamie shouldn’t really have his mum as a friend. Isn’t that just asking for trouble? Where’s the fun in mucking around with mates online if mum can check up on what you’ve been saying?
Either way, Kathy will blame Kenton, so we’re due another shouting match over the next day or so.
Ah, the joys.
Three words I’d never thought I’d hear put together – Helen, healthy, happy
Pat was showing Tom a ‘sneak preview’ picture of Helen’s baby (which he just about managed to muster a smile over), and all seems well.
Helen was just coming in as we moved on from Bridge Farm, but if Helen is indeed happy- maybe we’re all about to experience a completely new Helen.
Still, there’s plenty of time for something to go awry. That’s be far more in character …
Only 30-40 pies a week?
Despite desperately wanting to go ahead with the veal and ham pies to prove a point to Brian – Tom’s found his own sense, and won’t be going ahead.
Seems that the feedback only suggested that he’d sell 30-40 pies a week, so it’s “not worth the hassle”
That should make Vicky a happy lady again (albeit still very bitter at him), but what’s next?
Who else can Tom steal an idea from?
The Archers: Josh helps Pip … Alysha and Kerry arrive in Ambridge
- If Eddie had been to College …
- Nope. Pip is still a madam
- Joe’s veg isn’t selling
- Four large tommies, two new ladies
If Eddie had been to College …
… he “might not have ended up hauling compost”
There’s always shit to shovel Eddie, no matter what you do for a living.
Nope. Pip is still a madam
Jude may be gone, but that doesn’t mean Pip isn’t still an annoying teen.
How cheeky was she, trying to guilt Ruth (while she was milking) into helping her to do her college assignment? The one which she left to that last minute. After trying to leave College. For a manboy.
At least she knows Josh has to see the hard cash before he’ll relent to help her. Even though she does seem to veer between ‘you’re doing really well’ and ‘you’re an idiot’ without warning.
Joe’s veg isn’t selling
Only £10 in one day, but at least he’s annoying Susan.
And at least Bartleby has shade and grass. It’ll be a nice change for him to be out and about on the green.
Four large tommies, two new ladies
And there was me thinking Joe was about to be busted for illegal veg trading, but it turned out to be a New Zealand sheep shearer (with her quiet mate).
Bert waxed so lyrical about Ambridge to Alysha and Kerry (our new New Zealand sheep shearing ladies), that they decided it must be experienced.
While it didn’t sound like Bert gave Camp Grundy a good review, and after initially seeming quite unimpressed about the campsite, it looks like they’ll be around for a week or so.
Not sure why they changed their mind and stayed – but the Grundy’s are taking the utter mick with their prices.
£10 a night! Outrageous when the only facility they have is a cold water tap.
Anyhoo – that’s another New Zealand connection (Kenton hooks up with one of them, then emigrates to be with them and his daughter?), and two potential love interests for all the single men of Ambridge.
The Archers: Tom’s on about pies … Shula! … Brenda makes mistakes … Kathy’s on about Kenton
- Tom, let your pies cool down first. Let them cool down …
- Ooh – catty Brenda
- I nearly got as big a shock as Susan!
- Joe’s cartful
- A ploy or just dim?
- Kathy “just seems to be an irritation”
- “You don’t go into my counter!”
- Will Kenton rise to the occasion?
Tom, let your pies cool down first. Let them cool down …
As @JunkyardSoul mentioned on Twitter – Tom is now just all about the pies.
Will no-one think of the sausages?
Ooh – catty Brenda
That’s why Brenda’s doesn’t care that Tom’s ‘stolen’ Vicky’s veal and ham pie idea.
She can’t stand Vicky. I’d totally forgotten about that.
I nearly got as big a shock as Susan!
Shula!
You’ve been so quiet of late. And then you walk back into the most controversial, hotly debated, excruciatingly political Village Shop. I think you could have chosen better …
Joe’s cartful
Well, it’s better than the one man boycott. He’s at least making a point, and making a few pennies at the same time.
Naughty naughty Shula for buying his veg, then being daft enough to let it be seen in the Village Shop.
A ploy or just dim?
So do we think Brenda is deliberately trying to play Lilian, or is she just really that stupid?
As Lilian said, all she had to do was remember (and say) three simple words when answering the phone.
Infact, almost any combination of words would have been okay, except
“ Matt’s Crawford office”
And later, it turns into “Lambside Properties”
She knows Lilian doesn’t want her there, so why not be extra careful to avoid any confrontation?
Or does Brenda think (or know?) that Matt’s the real boss of the business?
Somehow, I don’t think Lilian is going to be walked over by Matt this time. Brenda better become Sweden quick sharp.
Kathy “just seems to be an irritation”
Her words, not mine, but oh so true.
“You don’t go into my counter!”
That’s seemingly “not allowed”, but it sounded like Susan was more angry about “her space” being violated, than any Post Office regulation being broken.
Volunteers stealing, swapping shifts, mucking up the till, buying veg off of Joe … and now going against all of Susan’s Post Office principles.
Susan is going to blow up properly, any second now …
Will Kenton rise to the occasion?
Probably not.
Well, not at his joint birthday party with Shula. He’ll likely miss it by being at Jaxx, then spend another night at Kirsty’s while Kathy gets a head of steam nicely worked up.
“ I can’t keep up appearances anymore”
says Kathy
But she again turns this into Jamie’s issue (that he needs a “man around”, but Kenton just isn’t there for him).
The split surely has to come soon, it’s just whether Kirsty is going to be cited as the reason for the acrimony …
The Archers: The Village Fete … The Strange Affair at Ambridge Towers
- Colin Dexter seems a nice chap
- One last gravestone name?
- Well, that was fun!
- Josh likes his older women
- Vicky really is an oaf
Colin Dexter seems a nice chap
And I think also has a voice very suited to Ambridge life.
There you have it.
One last gravestone name?
Mot sure if I misheard whether they were taking the mick out of David’s The Strange Affair at Ambridge Towers character, or whether it was a final gravestone name, but:
Dick Barton – either of Dick Barton ‘Special Agent’ fame, or Dick Raymond (Borchester Echo reporter, and onetime fancy of Christine Archer – though I doubt he was buried in St. Stephen’s) and Mr or Mrs Barton, who had a son called Dick.
Seemingly The Archers killed off Dick Barton way back in 1951, even though it was also partly the inspiration for The Archers beginning in the first place (seemingly a farmer told a farmer advisory committee that non-ne listened to the BBC farming programmes, but what they needed was a ‘farming Dick Barton).
Well, that was fun!
I’ll fully admit that I really enjoyed The Strange Affair at Ambridge Towers.
Lovely stuff.
Josh likes his older women
Josh better watch out if he’s intending on setting his sights on Emma.
I don’t quite think he’d fit her ‘ideal man’ standards, but he’s moved on from helping fix her washing machine to flirting with her in public.
Then again, affairs between young chaps and older women aren’t unheard of.
Can Emma read?
Vicky really is an oaf
“We won! We won!”
It’s almost as if Vicky wasn’t brought up in Britain!
Such a display of vitriolic behaviour is hardly fitting for a village fete.
Still. What would one expect of ‘that woman’?
The Archers: Nic’s getting a lot of male attention … The Strange Affair at Ambridge Towers' final rehearsal … Kenton apologises … that’s who the celebrity is!
- What’s Nic being set up for?
- More gardening clues to The Strange Affair at Ambridge Towers
- Joe’s one man boycott
- “If that was a bear I’d be dead meat”
- Kenton was being “responsible”
- Lilian’s bringing her riding crop
- Wagner …red Jaguar … famous crime writer
What’s Nic being set up for?
First Lilian tells Will that Nic is a ‘big hit’ with the male customers, then one of those customers turns up at Will and Nic’s day out.
We all know Will doesn’t like Nic working in The Bull, and that he has had a bit of bad luck when it comes to another man whisking away his woman (to say the very least!).
So where is this all leading? Is Nic about to stray? Or, is Will about to come out all caveman style?
Did Lilian sound a bit different today?
It took a fair few lines before I realised that it was Lilian speaking at the start. Or, was that just me?
More gardening clues to the The Strange Affair at Ambridge Towers
“Mrs Perkins replanting the hanging baskets on the village green”
I won’t even try to say that I spotted the murderer (as I am writing this after listening to Sunday’s reveal), but this was the only other clue I noted down.
And a new gravestone name: Simone Tregorran – which I think is Simone Archer (Ben Archer’s wife) and Janet Tregorran (as far as I know, Carol and John are still alive in Bristol)
Joe’s one man boycott
Bless.
The bigger worry is just where he will get his baccy from. Surely not Borchester?
“If that was a bear I’d be dead meat”
Indeed you would Nic, but those shooting skills might come in handy soon if anything does go awry with Will. He isn’t exactly the calm and collected type.
Kenton was being “responsible”
Aha. So he was. It’s completely responsible to get tiddly, text your partner and sleep on your employees settee.
But, while it’s not exactly responsible, it’s also not exactly a heinous act.
Still, one too many for Kenton – one time too many for Kathy.
And do we think Kenton will listen to his own argument about the ridiculousness of the idea of him and Kirsty?
Will the age difference and employment status matter if Kirsty is interested?
Had Kathy only managed to out the idea into Kenton’s head?
Lilian’s bringing her riding crop
Yay!
Wagner …red Jaguar … famous crime writer
Even I managed to work that one out from the ‘Lewis’ quote – though I was still 50/50 on whether it was Colin Dexter or Kevin Whatley.
Here comes Colin!
The Archers: Pip goes back to College … Clue about the Fete’s celebrity … Elizabeth and David fall out (again) … Kenton and Nigel have a lads eighties night at Jaxx
- Ruth’s in tears over Pip
- Kirsty is a fruit snob
- Nigel’s celebrity clue
- Elizabeth and David telling each other ‘I told you so’
- Kenton lets it all out
- How will Kirsty’s sofa be of any help!?!?
Ruth’s in tears over Pip
But – at long, long, long last – it’s tears of joy!
Pip‘s off back to College next term, so her return to ‘the old Pip’ is more or less complete.
Big sigh of relief from us all. Here’s hoping her next choice of suitor can be a tad more suitable, and much less infuriating.
Kirsty is a fruit snob.
So says Kenton
Nigel’s celebrity clue
“I can always rely on Lewis to do the driving”
First in mind has to be Lewis of Inspector Morse fame.
It can’t be John Thaw (obviously – unless he’s returned a la Sid twitter.com/SidPerksGhost), and Nigel’s clue doesn’t lend itself to it being Kevin Whately.
So maybe Colin Dexter? Is he to be found cruising?!?
Elizabeth and David telling each other ‘I told you so’
All’s well that ends well with Pip, but both Elizabeth and David decide to have a row about how each other handled the whole sorry (and long) situation with Jude.
David:
“I saw this months ago. I did my best to stop her getting hurt”
Elizabeth
“If you handled it better, she might have realised herself”
I still don’t understand why Elizabeth got so involved. After all, Jude was so bland that Pip wasn’t in any real danger. And it was just a case of ‘first love’.
David could have been more reasonable, but I personally don’t blame him for loathing Jude and wanting desperately for Pip to stop seeing him.
Didn’t we all?
And what was Elizabeth on about when she said the following about David:
“It must be in his DNA. He won’t admit he’s wrong”
Doesn’t Elizabeth share (more or less) the same DNA? Or have I been getting it wrong all these years?
Or, if there a different father story in there somewhere … Yikes!
Kenton lets it all out
After persuading a Nigel (who didn’t really need that much persuading) to come to Jaxx for the 80s night, Kenton has a honest chat about his relationship with Kathy.
As Kathy spotted, Kenton also feels that he’s happier when he’s not at home, and that they’re living separate lives.
Claiming that he does still love her (really?), he did admit that it’s Jamie that he really cares about.
Whoops. Isn’t it generally a really bad idea to stay together for the ‘sake of the kid’?
Nigel gave Kenton the same advice that Pat gave to Kathy – to let it “ride” for a while, to let the dust settle after Sid’s death (or should that be ‘let the ashes settle’? Maybe not. That’d be crass …).
So we get months of strained silences and outburst of fury. But I think it’s going to go the same way whether now or later – a Kenton and Kathy split.
How will Kirsty’s sofa be of any help!?!?
Maybe Kirsty is the subtlest seducer that ever graced Borchester, but if she isn’t, what on earth was she thinking encouraging Kenton to sleep on her sofa?
So Kenton was late home (again) and a tad tiddly (again), but at least he was with Nigel.
Surely it’s better to go home and face the banshee (that is currently Kathy) straight away, than to delay it – make Kathy even more infuriated – AND open up the idea that Kenton’s sleeping with Kirsty?
To add insult to injury, it also sounded like Kenton was just going to text rather than phone.
Ouch.
Even if it is all perfectly innocent, I would like to be Kirsty when this gets round …
The Archers: Brian’s got a deal … Joe’s doggy dealings … The Strange Affair at Ambridge Towers gets folks all het up
- “What’s all this about courgettes?”
- “Put in the stocks and pelted with crème fresh”
- It all depends on whether you want a poetic, or a crafty, old retainer
- Brian manages to get Benedict’s wife’s name right
- Important clue
- Seriously, who was Raife?
“What’s all this about courgettes?”
High drama, that’s what!
Joe’s new ploy, of selling his “home grown, garden fresh” vegetables in the Village Shop, without the money going anywhere near the till, gets scuppered when ‘David Archer’ mentions it to Susan.
Set on by both Susan and Lynda, poor Joe has to hear the immortal words:
“You’re Fired”
Ah well. It was a nice try.
“Put in the stocks and pelted with crème fresh”
Now Brian – that’d be a perfect activity for the fete. Just imagine how many people would join that queue!
It all depends on whether you want a poetic, or a crafty, old retainer
Bert’s been chosen for the part of Tom Gabriel for The Strange Affair at Ambridge Towers – but Joe’s mad keen on playing the role. The wee poppet will even supply his own costume!
“That part belongs to me”
Well, Lynda seems to have other ideas.
Will Joe behave himself on the big day, or will be scupper all plans by adding in his own touch of ‘mystery’?
Brian manages to get Benedict’s wife’s name right
And good job he did – looks like his ‘cunning plan’ for the mart will come to pass.
I still think Matt’s going to throw a Crawford shaped spanner into the works. Especially considering Brian’s holding back certain plans from the Council – and Matt has Brenda, who we all know has a special way with Council contacts …
Important clue
“Punctured by hedge clippings from the church hedge”
Hmmm.
Mind you, they can plant as many clues as they like – I never manage to work out who the murderer is. Even after I’ve already read the book, and seen the film.
Seriously, who was Raith?
Or Raife?
Anyone???
The Archers: Jamie’s birthday … Jolene’s lost … Everyone needs Pat’s advice … Kathy and Kenton arguing
- Joe’s up to new tricks
- “Kenton and I will try and get on with a whole 2 hours”
- Pat’s the solace for middle aged women
- Jolene – no-where to go, and nothing to do
Joe’s up to new tricks
Joe’s been selling ‘garden fresh’ veg in the Village shop, which only seems to be available when he’s there.
Susan’s gonnae catch you!
“Kenton and I will try and get on with a whole 2 hours”
Well, they failed miserably.
Did they seriously think Jamie didn’t notice them arguing when they were off to the side at the bowling?
Poor chap. What an awful birthday.
And what a palaver over the New Zealand trip to see Kenton’s daughter Meriel!
Fist Kenton wants to go – Kathy doesn’t – now Kenton doesn’t want to go – but Kathy does.
Dear me.
I have been on Kathy’s side so far, but she’s proving to be impossible.
As much as I agree with her that Kenton is putting Jaxx before anything else, she can’t emotionally blackmail him. If he doesn’t see Meriel this year, what’s the big deal? He hasn’t seen her in years anyway.
And while Kenton is indeed overtly defensive, I can’t really blame him when all Kathy does is attack.
“I’m going to have to make some difficult choices”
Reckons Kenton.
I wouldn’t be betting on them being together for Christmas.
Pat’s the solace for middle aged women
First Kathy, then Jolene, then back to Kathy again.
Pat’s got broad shoulders indeed.
She’ll need them for her own family, soon enough.
Jolene – no-where to go, and nothing to do
“Whatever I do – wherever I go – I just miss him more and more”
It’s annoying clichéd advice, but oh so true – it’ll just take time.
