- “Such an exciting day for us all”
- Do Susan and Clarrie write for Heat?
- Correction fluid?
- Susan and Clarrie chat to Camilla
- Poor old Lyndee, stuck in the lavatory
- Ah – that explains Lord Netherborne
- Too slow for Charles?
- So – she laughed, and liked the shortbread
- I refuse to even comment on Kenton and Jolene anymore
- Camilla should have stopped
- “Has anyone seen Oliver?”
“Such an exciting day for us all”
So says Lynda. But, I must admit, she doesn’t quite speak for me.
I wish no harm on the Royals, but am not particularly excited about them or their doings.
My only joy out of this particular Royal visit is the classic Lyndee moments it has helped nurture.
But ho-hum. Well done Camilla. I suppose if anything, there might be a bit of a flurry of donations and support for osteoporosis.
Do Susan and Clarrie write for Heat?
Arriving early to bag a good place to watch Camilla go by, Clarrie and Susan then go off into a ‘she’s thin, she’s fat’ commentary.
Almost like the ‘eeek! How horribly thin is she’, followed a week later with a ‘eeeek! How horribly fat is she’ in Heat magazine.
Anyhoo. The woman from the telly is too thin (and looks frozen) whereas Helen:
[Susan] “Helen looks the better for carrying more weight since she had the baby”
Correction fluid?
What is this outbreak of rudery (Jazzer re mantelpieces the other day) and *snort* suggestions?
Was that really correction fluid on Lynda’s jacket?
I hope so. The alternative is too awful to contemplate.
Susan and Clarrie chat to Camilla
After much cheering, flag waving and Susan reckoning Camilla looked in her direction – Clarrie and Susan then get to actually speak to Camilla!
Actually, they even shook her hand!!!
My. Giddy. Aunt.
And wasn’t Lynda overjoyed for them …
Poor old Lyndee, stuck in the lavatory
[Lynda] “You? The Duchess spoke to you? I’m afraid I was elsewhere when the Duchess came through reception … I was infact in the ladies when the Duchess arrived … it was a bitter blow, I’m afraid … I’m afraid I’ve missed my moment”
Ah – that explains Lord Netherborne
His osteoporosis gave Caroline and Camilla something to chat about.
[Camilla] “Poor man. Not many people realise that man are affected by it as well as women,. Is he in a lot of pain?”
And poor chap for having to have a fall just so Caroline could make small talk to Royalty.
Too slow for Charles?
[Caroline – still talking about Lord Netherborne] “His recovery is quite slow … to slow for him anyway
[Camilla] “I know the feeling …”
Did I hear that right?
Could that have been a comment on Camilla being impatient about Charles’ lack of crown?
Surely not?
So – she laughed, and liked the shortbread
Camilla did seem a nice sort, and was very nice to Ambridge’s nicest resident – Mr Ian Craig.
What was Ian’s problem with meeting Camilla, after she had especially asked for him?
Just nerves?
[Caroline] “She’s lovely. It’s just like talking to anyone else”
Caroline manages to persuade him to say help, which he does. Even though it was a tad excruciating hearing Ian bow so low that he must have scraped his forehead on the floor.
Still – Camilla did make a very apt comment when asking Ian how he wound up in Ambridge:
[Camilla] “Ambridge got its hooks into you … I imagine that happens to a lot of people”
Indeed Camilla. If only you know how very true that is for some of us. There’s a whole gaggle of Ambridge-widowers out there.
I refuse to even comment on Kenton and Jolene anymore
I can’t actually not – but must be firm that it annoys me that I have to.
I am hereby deciding that Jolene and Kenton are not going to get it on – and that I will not play along with the ‘will they, won’t they’ shenanigans.
Well … at least until they actually get interesting again .
Camilla should have stopped
Lynda is beyond consolation at missing her moment with Royalty:
[Lynda] “What have I got to look forward to? A bike ride home in the cold and dark followed by the parish council meeting”
And then her chain falls off.
But what’s this?
The sound of a car.
It slows down.
Lynda exclaims: “Oh! Your Royal Highness”
And then …
… the car carries on.
So Camilla sees Lynda struggling (in the cold and dark) with her bike, but doesn’t instruct her driver to give her some help.
I think that’s rather rude.
I’d have stopped. And I don’t even have a driver to do all the ,mucky work.
Still – mustn’t grumble – as Lynda was delighted.
[Lynda] “… I got the most charming wave and smile in return”
Her bubble can’t even be burst by Kenton and Jolene pointing out that she has oil on her face,
[Lynda] “Oh anyway. What does it matter. My own personal wave. There’s no-one else in Ambridge who can claim that!”
That’s kinda sweet, I suppose.
“Has anyone seen Oliver?”
Asks Caroline.
He was seemingly around yesterday, and is in the kitchen today, but we haven’t heard from him for many a month.
Suspicious …
- Roy has to go and see the head
- Will The Queen be upset about Ambridge Post Office closing?
- Vicky has a friend called Alice
- Here we go with Helen …
- How can one have lambs coming out of one’s ears, David?
- A use for Susan!
- It’s all bull
- The oddness of Lynda
Roy has to go and see the head
He and Hayley have decided that Phoebe should finish school a week earlier so that she can experience flying with Kate first, before she then has to do the return trip by herself.
However, I doubt we’ve heard the last of this.
[Roy] “Hayley’s not happy about any of it”
Will The Queen be upset about Ambridge Post Office closing?
Helen’s not interested in seeing The Duchess, but Susan is so excited that she’s actually shutting the Post Office.
Read that again.
Susan.
Is shutting.
The Post Office.
Wow!
But it’s okay. Susan reckons Camilla’s mother-in-law won’t be too worried.
Vicky has a friend called Alice
Have we heard about her before? I didn’t think Vicky had any friends.
Who the flump is Alice?
Here we go with Helen …
I’m a bit confused.
On the one hand, Helen has changed to the point where she can leave Henry alone in the flat while she pops down to the shop (actually – I don’t think she should have done that …), but then she exhibits perfect signs of being a tad weird.
As she was talking to Susan about Jazzer being in a grump about the sham that was his double date last night:
[Helen] “Ah. It sounded ghastly. Thank goodness I’m not part of that scene anymore. I’ve got the only man I want in my life upstairs”
Yikes! Psycho mum …
That Harry is a happy and quiet wee chap either means he is just that – happy – or that Helen is, behind the scenes, terrifying him with severe overprotective love into peaceful submission.
Time shall tell on this one, I reckon.
How can one have lambs coming out of one’s ears, David?
I’m no sheep farmer, but it sounds to me like Brookfield has a decidedly odd way of lambing.
A use for Susan!
Helen runs into the shop, just as Susan is getting ready to go home, in an utter panic.
Wee Henry has “an awful, awful rash”.
With Pat and Tony being on holiday, Helen doesn’t know who else to turn to.
And lucky Susan was there. She was able to calm Helen, and work out that Henry only had milk spots. Which are quite common (so I understand).
Panic over, Susan’s done a good deed and Helen has now learned how to read her baby advice books.
It’s all bull
Oh boy, is Ruth furious.
Once again – after promising that everything would settle down – David now decides that he needs to drive to Scotland to safely deliver General (the Bull) to his new home.
And he wants to do it over two nights. Which would mean missing Pip’s 18th birthday morning.
David’s point is that General was one of Nigel’s favourites, so he wants to be sure that Elizabeth knows he’s being taken care of properly.
Ruth’s point is that David is once again putting Elizabeth before his wife and kids… and lambs.
[Ruth] “Understand? I’ve been doing nothing but! …No David. Absolutely not … you seriously mean you’re not even going to be here for your daughter’s 18th birthday …You promised you’d be here”
[David] “I’ve promised to deliver the bull”
But – David has also promised to sort out (and hide) Pip’s car, help with the lambing, be around more often etc etc etc
[David] “I’m trying to do what’s best for everyone”
[Ruth] “Well you’re not doing what’s best for you”
David is also seemingly not sleeping well due to stress, so Ruth’s as much angry at him as she is worried.
His claim that this all “won’t be for much longer” has been said many times before, and is becoming increasingly hollow.
Despite David changing his trip to Scotland to next week – Ruth is still unhappy. It still means less help on-hand during lambing, and that David is once again looking after Elizabeth’s interests first.
She really didn’t sound like she wanted that hug from David …
The oddness of Lynda
[Roy] “I just had the most bizarre conversation with Lynda … I’ve already got Vicky wanting me to ask the Duchess if she’s excited about the wedding … now Lynda’s told me that if I get to speak to her, I’ve got to tell her about this amazing coincidence which is that Nolly and one of her grandchildren were born three days apart … Nolly’s like about 7 years older”
Roy’s confusion is that he doesn’t really see Nolly as his relation, and that this ‘coincidence’ isn’t really much of a coincidence.
Lynda odd behaviour is making Caroline regret allowing Lynda to work on the Camilla shift:
[Caroline] “ … and if I catch Lynda anywhere but behind that reception desk tomorrow …”
[Roy] “You don’t think she’s going to try and smuggle herself into the tea?”
[Caroline] “I only hope we can keep her under control …”
- At least David and Ruth have low expectations of each other
- Kate’s boxed Hayley and Roy
- Nigel’s romantic gestures
- Pre-double date
- During double date
- David’s so rubbish, Ruth chased the florist away
At least David and Ruth have low expectations of each other
Which is good, as it means no-one was upset that they only got a card from the other.
In fact, they were both quite delighted.
Kate’s boxed Hayley and Roy
Or so reckons Hayley.
Her and Roy have no choice but to let Phoebe go to South Africa (as she really, really, wants to go – plus it is an amazing chance for her) – which means Phoebe either misses school, or has to fly by herself.
Bloomin’ Kate and her bloomin’ promises.
So Hayley and Roy are now shouting at each other about which is the worst option.
[Hayley] “If he thinks I can stand there and watch Phoebe disappear off through security with someone she’s never met … and have to hope Kate remembers to pick her up the other end …”
(Hayley put a big emphasis on ‘hope’)
Nigel’s romantic gestures
It is indeed a bit of a quiet Valentine’s day in Ambridge without Nigel.
Poor Elizabeth. Instead of harpists, she takes flowers to his grave.
That’s sad. Very sad indeed.
Pre-double date
The postie hasn’t been yet, but Jazzer already reckons he’s a winner, with 4 texts to Harry’s zero.
Not that Harry’s actually cares (or so he says …)
Harry’s a bit shocked that they’re not dining their ladies – it’s a pub, then a club. they can get a chippie or a kebab if they’re hungry, and that food is just “killing time” before they can get the ladies back to the flat.
But Harry is also shocked at the very idea of the ladies coming home.
[Jazzer] “If you’re so shocked at the idea of taking the girls back to our place, how come you changed your sheets?”
Harry’s answer was that they needed to be changed anyway. Which I’d be suspect of with anyone else – but Harry, I can believe.
Whereas it would never even occur to Jazzer that sheets need changing:
[Jazzer] “What for? They’d only get all sweaty and tangled up anyway”
During double date
Not a great start.
Tasha isn’t Tasha.
Harry made a mistake, and spotted the wrong girl when he went to scope out Tasha.
Which isn’t good. As the real Tasha doesn’t seem to be much of a looker.
[Jazzer] “You don’t have to look at the mantelpiece when you poke the fire …”
(my word Jazzer – such blunt rudery in Ambridge! Well, I never).
But what’s this?
Zoe (Jazzer’s date) actually fancies Harry.
Leaving Jazzer with nae burd at all – unless he wants to lower his standards and have a go with Tasha
(poor Tasha – I’d have thought at least Harry would have been de cent enough to look beyond the surface. Maybe he is more of a normal man than I’ve given him credit for)
But Jazzer throws all of his toys out of his pram – and tries to get Harry to join him in running away while the girls are in the toilet. Which Harry won’t do. As that would be rude.
[Jazzer] “Have both of them if you’re man enough … just don’t keep me awake with the heid board banging”
I somehow don’t think that will be happening …
David’s so rubbish, Ruth chased the florist away
Bless.
David had organised flowers for Ruth – but she was so sure (and used) to him not even thinking about her, that she tried to tell him to go elsewhere.
Ah well. All’s well.
Ruth’s chuffed.
Even to the point that she seemed to suggest she wanted carnal knowledge of her hubby in the lambing shed.
*shudder*
- Nigel’s racing mice
- Classic ghost stories aren’t appropriate
- Will no-one think of Eileen Titcombe?
- Royalty and a gluten free lady
- Do Royalty use the toilet?
- “I can’t settle to anything”
- Have we forgotten Phil already?
- Lynda glazes Ian
- Oliver lives!
- Enough already, Kenton and Jolene
Nigel’s racing mice
Kenton is proving to be quite a responsible and nice chap these days – well, at least when it comes to his niece and nephew.
He’s taken Lily and Freddie to the Science Museum today. Although they didn’t want to stay long (they do worry about mummy), but Kenton did have time to tell them of some happy memories about their father.
Kenton told them about Nigel’s racing mice.
[Kenton] “He even got Shula knitting them little racing jerseys …”
Freddie was quite tickled to realise that this wasn’t a childhood hobby – it was his dad in his thirties.
Ah Nigel. You did make us giggle.
Classic ghost stories aren’t appropriate
According to Elizabeth.
She seems to be quite annoyed that Lily is engrossed in a book – and thinks she shouldn't be reading it because it’s a ghost story. Even though Kenton reckons it’s a classic.
What’s wrong? The book itself (which we didn’t get to hear the title of), or that Lily is engrossed?
Will no-one think of Eileen Titcombe?
According to Elizabeth, one of the results of Lily having her head in a book is her not keeping her bedroom today.
Which just simply isn’t fair on Eileen and her vacuum.
Quite.
(though “vacuum” shows Elizabeth’s class – it’s most definitely a hoover in ma hoose!)
Royalty and a gluten free lady
Phew! Ian is going to have his work cut out for him.
And doesn’t he sound nervous.
Do Royalty use the toilet?
Lynda certainly seems to think so, and she’d be one I’d trust to know.
[Lynda] “Have you given any thought to the cloakroom arrangements?”
For goodness sake woman! Not content with forcing your way back onto shift, you now want to go to the toilet with Camilla.
Enough already. You’ll only embarrass yourself.
“I can’t settle to anything”
With the kids off to the Science Museum, Elizabeth has time to think.
Which isn’t comfortable for her at all.
[Jill] “Darling, it is how it is, I’m afraid, You're going to feel like that for a good while yet … it’s when there’s nothing to do and you’re by yourself. You start thinking.”
Have we forgotten Phil already?
Not quite, as the year anniversary of his death was on a non-eavesdropping day.
Quite startling to compare Nigel’s horrific to Phil’s rather gently fitting death.
But then again, Phil wouldn’t have been daft enough to have gone up on that roof.
Playing the piano to pigs was more his style.
Lynda glazes Ian
Lynda just isn’t going to give up on her dreams of a close brush with Camilla.
Being caught by Ian practising the moment she is introduced to Camilla:
[Lynda] “On wants to have a few conversational gambits to the ready … I have discovered the most similarities between her life and mine”
Seemingly Lynda reckons they will be bosom buddies are they are both grandmothers, and have a grandchild born in October.
Lynda seems to have missed the point that she isn’t actually due to be introduced during the Royal visit.
[Caroline] “You've got that glazed look Ian. What’s she been saying?”
[Ian] “Something about babies and being presented to the Duchess …”
[Caroline] “What? She’s not satisfied with being on the desk. She’s trying to gate-crash the tea now!”
Oliver lives!
Hurrah! He has been spotted tasting Ian’s samples of the food he’ll cook for Camilla.
Phew. I was about to head round to dig up Caroline’s patio.
Must say that he is being a tad useless. Didn’t he hand over the reins to Ed so that he could be of more use to Caroline at Grey Gables?
Enough already, Kenton and Jolene
[Kenton] “We’ll have to get together after the event and compare notes”
Kenton’s checking when Jolene’s has her days off, so that they can get together again to see how they did during Valentine’s.
[Kenton] “See who did best at fleecing the gullible romantics of Borchester”
Fair enough. They’re in the same trade. They’re both having Valentine’s themed evenings. And they have time on their hands.
One should never assume that just because two folks are single and spending time together that they’re being, or heading towards being, ‘intimate’ – but surely these two are making enough hints collectively for one of them to do something about it?
I reckon they would make a grand couple.
Even though Kenton would – yet again – be under the shadow of Saint Sid.
- It’s the Graham Ryder meeting
- Lewis has bronchitis
- Jill’s “honey lyptus might just be the thing”
- Pip’s car is red
- Harry has a pulse!
- Matt has a point about The Bull
- Bert’s holding the hurdle, Ruth’s tying it
It’s the Graham Ryder meeting
Which David comes back from in a very chirpy mood.
Not sure if it will actually make any real difference to Ruth.
While she doesn’t get her afternoon nap, David gets to fall asleep while he’s later opening the wine.
Hmmm.
Lewis has bronchitis
Poor chap.
That might also cause a few more headaches for Elizabeth and the rest of Lower Loxley.
But never fear. Jill is on her way with chicken and ‘other goodies’ …
Jill’s “honey lyptus might just be the thing”
Steady on there!
Pip’s car is red
That’s all Ruth can mind on about the car Kenton’s chosen for her.
David has to be arm wrestled into making Kenton find Pip a car for her birthday, that Ruth can’t even remember the make of.
Nice parents. Lucky Pip will be turning 18, so doesn’t have to utterly depend on them.
Should we be sending a food parcel over to Ben and Josh?
Harry has a pulse!
And then even a pint of Shires.
Who’d have thunk it. At least he’s not an utter lamppost …
Jazzer has decided Harry needs to come on a double date with him, as he’s after a lassie who insists on taking her friend with her.
So Harry has agreed, even though he reckons double dates are a
[Harry] “ … recipe for disaster … Jazz has an answer for everything”
(‘Jazz’? Sounds like a term of endearment to me.)
Harry has scoped out his date (he had a quick look at her while she was working, in a café, on Wednesday), and:
[Harry] “She was really attractive … I’m looking forward to meeting her … I get to go out with a pretty girl, Jazzer wants to line up his next conquest”
Surely this can’t go at all well for anyone involved?!?
Matt has a point about The Bull
Matt’s making his move on Jolene.
[Matt] “I’ve noticed you’ve been worried about the pub …(I asked a mate that) if this pub were ever to come up for sale, what would be the chances of developing it for residential purposes … and it’s very good news for you …”
It would seem The Bull could easily be turned into flats, and the car park into muse cottages.
And clever old Matt – he even manages to make out that Jolene would be doing a good thing for Ambridge if she sold up and The Bull became flats. He reckons that Ambridge has a shortage of housing.
[Matt] “People get very upset, but when a pub business becomes unviable, it doesn’t have to be a total loss to the community”
So – Jolene would actually be helping the community.
And it sounded like she bought into Matt’s pitch. She even checked Matt would be interested in buying.
[Jolene] “But I wouldn’t want anything getting out. Not til I’ve made up my mind”
Course, Matt’s lips are well and truly sealed. He needs Jolene to be kept from harassment so that she concentrates on what’s best for her.
And actually – Matt’s right (though quote devious).
If The Bull is so important to Ambridge residents, why is it so quiet? Would it actually be missed if hardly anyone is in there these days?
[Jolene] “Maybe the village pub has had its day”
[Harry] “Just remember you’re the heart and soul of this community .. .as soon as the weather warms up back in droves … trust me, I’m a milkman”
Eh? When were milkmen ever trustworthy?!?
And, name me one time since Sid died that Jolene has been anything but a moping misery, bringing down the entire spirit of The Bull?
What is Harry on about? Does he have some sort of vested interest in The Bull?
Bert’s holding the hurdle, Ruth’s tying it
(which is all something to do with lambing, my fellow non-agricultural eavesdroppers)
Ah – nice to have the dulcet tones of Bert back in Ambridge.
His back must be better, and in good time too for the lambing.
While some may say that it was Bert who put David to sleep before he could open his wine, I was riveted by the sheer wealth of information I learned from Bert about Gloucester Cows.
They are dual purpose (good for milk, good for beef).
Were triple purpose back in the day:
[Bert] “used them as draught animals in the olden days”
(which doesn’t mean that they were used to keep rooms toasty – it means they pulled stuff. I only know because I looked it up …)
And, the first smallpox vaccine came from a Gloucester cow.
Excellent. That’s a classic Archers moment, thank you very much Mr Fry.
- Ruth missed her window
- Now there’s a surprise … Kate asking for Brian’s money
- New mart by Christmas
- An untidy Helen worries Clarrie
- Bridge Farm to Shut!
- Robotic Milkers
- Nae luck Brian – a Prozac free Paris
- “Roy’s a freak, he was born middle aged”
- Will Tony find a sense of humour?
Ruth missed her window
Jennifer’s worried about how tired Ruth looks, but Brian’s saying he now hasn’t got time to help out at Brookfield (what with the Mart marching ahead).
Ah well Ruth. You never know. Jennifer might push Brian to you yet.
Now there’s a surprise … Kate asking for Brian’s money
Pretending to Jennifer and Brian that Roy and Hayley are fairly fine with Phoebe’s trip to South Africa, Kate then hits Brian with a polite request that he pays for Phoebe’s fare.
Oh I didn’t see that one coming …
New mart by Christmas
It’s not been the most scintillating of Ambridge happenings – but the Mart is, by Brian’s reckoning, going to be ready for Christmas.
[Brian] “You know me Jenny, if anything’s worth doing it’s worth doing yesterday”
(and excuse me while I go rest in a dark room. Mention of Christmas in February. Ugh!)
An untidy Helen worries Clarrie
Clarrie didn’t quite know how to say what she wanted to say to Pat about Helen – but it came out as “it don’t be like it used to be” (or something similar).
Bless.
Clarrie was worried that Helen’s flat is no longer pristine, but Pat reckons it’s healthier. It shows that Helen finally has a life! (albeit through her baby)
Bridge Farm to Shut!
For a whole afternoon.
Steady on Pat!
With Clarrie disappointed that she couldn’t get the afternoon off – Vicky unavailable – Tom covering for Pat and Tony while they’re away to Salzburg – and Helen busy with Henry, Pat has made an executive decision to shut down.
And all because Clarrie wants her glimpse of Royalty.
Which is fair enough I suppose. Clarrie has few moments of glamour and glitter in her life.
Robotic Milkers
That’s quite enough of Debbie’s personal life, thank you very much!
Nae luck Brian – a Prozac free Paris
Lilian and Matt have somehow found out about Brian’s trip to Paris, and have decided to go as well.
Brian’s making out that he’s annoyed the Borchester Land seems to have a mole, but I reckon he’s more perturbed that he managed to persuade Jennifer not to accompany him, but now he’s got her sister.
“Roy’s a freak, he was born middle aged”
Well, I bet Roy’s also hasn’t got anything nice to say about you Kate!
What a female dog she is.
[Kate] “Honestly, what did I ever see in Roy Tucker?”
[Kate] “He’s jealous of the relationship I have with Phoebe …”
Does Kate not possess any self-awareness?
Jennifer tries to tell Kate that she isn’t being entirely fair on Roy and Hayley, but, in the same breath, agrees that Phoebe should go on this trip.
Kate’s big plan is to let Phoebe travel over by herself, so that she doesn’t miss school.
Phoebe would have a chaperone on the plane, but Roy isn’t having any of it.
Must admit I think Kate has a point that it’d be an amazing holiday for Phoebe – and really, how much can go wrong just on the plane? – but she’s obviously gone about this whole thing the wrong way.
I’m predicting this again – Phoebe ain’t coming back …
Will Tony find a sense of humour?
I doubt it.
Kathy’s got him one of those brain-training-DS thingys for the over 60s.
Pat thinks he’ll like it, but Kathy’s now wondering if it’ll just make things worse with Tony.
Never mind. Run off with Pat and leave him to his yard tractor.
- Slow day …
- Some more folks met Henry
- Brian asked about Jamie
- Susan’s planning lunch with Brian
- Helen hasn’t done the dishes
- You can wave at royalty
- Lilian thinks it is fine to miss school
- Vicky is “very full of the Royal visit”
- Lilian reckons it was Matt who sorted the Mart
- It must be love!
Slow day
So I shall be able to keep this brief and snappy (well, there's not a lot to say!)
Some more folks met Henry
Including Brian. Susan reckons a lot of calls to the shop are now an excuse to go and see Henry.
Brian asked about Jamie
Which was nearly a moment – but Kathy just said he was fine.
Susan’s planning lunch with Brian
At the yet to be built Mart.
Helen hasn’t done the dishes
As she’s busy with her new baby Henry
You can wave at royalty
Which Susan seemed surprised about
Lilian thinks it is fine to miss school
Whereas Brian is annoyed with Kate for planning a trip to South Africa with Phoebe, without talking to Roy and Hayley
(by-the-by Lilian – you are nothing like Kate, my darling gin!)
Vicky is “very full of the Royal visit”
According to Susan, while warning Pat that Vicky might try and get time off of work.
Lilian reckons it was Matt who sorted the Mart
And got it through Planning.
Brian begs to differ,
It must be love!
[Kathy] “Pat, I thought it might be best … I have been coming over far too often”
[Pat] “We’ve had our little break, now can we get back to normal”
Aw!
Pat and Kathy get back together, regardless of how much Tony is going to hump and puff about it.
- Ruth knows she’s a farmer
- You need to be fresh, not frazzled, for lambing
- “I’m not one to complain, Roy …”
- The first ‘shut up Kate!’ of 2011
- “I’m not one to make a song and dance about status …”
- Uh-oh – Lewis has a cough
- Who is Graham Ryder?
Ruth knows she’s a farmer
Phew!
That’s a good start, I reckon
You need to be fresh, not frazzled, for lambing
Usha’s popped over to see Ruth, only to find she can’t stop for coffee and is rather stressed.
Ruth hasn’t had a break in 5 weeks, and was astonished to find out from David that Elizabeth had managed to persuade the trustees that she didn’t need a professional manager to be brought in.
While Ruth says she understands that David wants to support Elizabeth, she also needs some support from David herself before she collapses.
[Ruth] “I feel so mean going on like this. What are my problems compared to what Elizabeth is going through?”
Usha does manage to get Ruth to stop for a coffee, and gives Ruth her
[Usha] “You’re not on your own remedy”
Which basically means giving Ruth space to relax and have a friendly ear.
“I’m not one to complain, Roy …”
[Lynda] “I’m not one to complain Roy, you know that, but I do feel I’ve been rather shabbily treated in all this … I’m supposed to be senior receptionist here … so I’m rather concerned I wasn’t given advance notice of next week’s special visit”
[Roy] “It wasn’t possible, for security reasons”
[Lynda] “I’m, very disappointed I must say”
[Roy] “I presume this about you not being on duty that afternoon”
[Lynda] “Quite”
Lynda is very (very) sniffy about not knowing about Camilla’s visit, which has led to her not being on the rota.
And now no-one will swap their shift with her.
To make matters worse, Caroline actually suggested to Lynda that she could simply stand at the gate of Grey Gables with the “rest of the village”.
Oh dear. Did Lynda not appreciate the very idea that she’d have to be one of the great unwashed!
[Lynda] “I won’t be doing that … well, really!”
Lynda continues – appalled that her being in charge of the rotas really doesn’t mean that at all. She’s not allowed to change them in this instance, so that means she’s really not in charge at all.
Dear me. Lynda is in full toddler tantrum mode today. Lots and lots of sniffing.
The first ‘shut up Kate!’ of 2011
Interrupting Roy’s ‘chat’ with Lynda (which I suspect he was actually quite glad about), Kate’s on one. Again.
[Kate] “I’m getting really fed up of Hayley calling me up and implying that I’m a bad mother”
[Roy] “Why do you think that is?”
[Kate] “ … because I’m taking Phoebe on the trip of her life, because I’m enriching her life with a new culture and new relationships”
[Roy] “No, because you won’t think things through before you make rash promises … what’s so difficult about talking to use first? We could avoid all these traumas …”
[Kate] “What don’t you trying thinking of Phoebe for a change!”
(big pause while Roy gathered his anger – I was right there with him!)
[Roy] “Meaning what, exactly!?!?!”
Kate was stupid enough to try and make out that Hayley and Roy only cared about her missing some school – and that they should be thinking about the horrific time she’s had as Lily and Freddie’s pal (really? I didn’t know they were so close).
As Roy pointed out, Hayley’s been spending a lot of time looking after and helping Lily and Freddie, as well as Phoebe.
So it was a bad argument for Kate to pick.
Not to be outdone, Kate then picks on Roy not wanting to pay for Phoebe’s trip. Which he didn’t say, but cost is obviously an issue – especially as neither Roy nor Hayley seem to be that well off.
As Roy tells Kate to leave, she tells him that they won’t have to pay a penny.
Hmmm.
Either Brian’s going to have to pay, or Kate will yet again break another promise to Phoebe, but will blame Roy and Hayley.
Is it too late to turn Kate back into a silent character?
“I’m not one to make a song and dance about status …”
Robert has taken Lynda to The Bull for one of Freda’s pies, and to get away from the stress at Grey Gables.
[Lynda] “I’m just feeling undervalued … you know me Robert, I’m not one to make a song and dance about status …”
[Robert] “You’re the last one, I’d say”
Ah bless Robert, and his Lynda coloured spectacles.
Robert then has a moment of sheer brilliance in its simplicity.
Instead of trying to swap a shift, surely Grey Gables needs to increase their staffing on “an important occasion like this”
[Lynda] “Oh Robert, I’ve said this before, but you really are a genius!”
And so it came to pass. Lynda told a sniggering Roy, and a slightly bemused Caroline, of her plan – and that she would “step into the breach” without pay.
Caroline tells her she will be paid, but one does wonder if she ever regrets hiring Lyndee in the first place …
Uh-oh – Lewis has a cough
Well, quite a “horrid” one, according to Caroline.
With things slightly slipping at Lower Loxley (Roy will have to organise most of a forthcoming event Grey Gables is holding there), Lewis having to go off sick really would be disaster.
I see Ruth ever inching further towards Brian’s arms …
Who is Graham Ryder?
Seriously – anyone know?
It would seem he’s Ruth and David’s last hope of a normal life – the last chance they have of Elizabeth seeing sense and bringing in a manager.
Who he???
- Nigel wasn’t a fan of the cull
- Kate’s silence hasn’t brought her wisdom
- Elizabeth’s not for turning
- Ellie Collins is a total turnip
- Is Hayley happy?
Nigel wasn’t a fan of the cull
It’s Trustee meeting time, and Stephen Maitland is first to wade in.
He seems like a really nice chap, but immediately singles out the rare breeds as a ‘drain’ on Lower Loxley.
[Elizabeth] “Nigel got very attached to the animals, he didn’t like letting anything go, especially anything born here”
But not to worry. David’s there (as per, rather than at Brookfield) to sort all out.
The rare breeds are to be cut by a third.
Ah. Nigel would weep.
Kate’s silence hasn’t brought her wisdom
She’s been back for a bit, but has so far kept herself away from the secret microphones.
But it couldn’t last.
And of course, Kate’s first act is to promise Phoebe without talking to Roy and Hayley first.
(Kate’s talking about seeing her kids on Skype, and missing her)
[Phoebe] “You’ve got me now”
[Kate] “Yes, it’s a pity I can’t have all three of you at once”
[Phoebe] “You could … I could come back with you at Easter … come on … you promised!”
And, of course, Kate says ‘yes’.
What’s more, Kate even managed to promised Phoebe that everyone else would pay for her:
[Kate] “I’m sure your dad and Hayley will help out … and your gran and granddad”
Hayley is going to be so pleased …
Elizabeth’s not for turning
Despite doing his best to keep bringing the conversation back to the sense in Elizabeth bringing in a professional manager, Stephen Maitland doesn’t seem to be winning her over.
[Stephen] “You can have good people, but you still need good leadership … keep the whole thing running smoothly can’t be easy … you’d benefit from having the support of a manager”
[Elizabeth] “Not worth taking the risk … not when I can do it the way that Nigel would want it done”
And Elizabeth wins through. The Trustees leave happy, and Elizabeth gets her way.
No professional manager.
She proudly tells David that they managed to win through – completely missing the fact that David actually wanted a manager to be brought in.
So who will David be brave enough to disappoint?
Elizabeth, in her hour of need.
Or Ruth. In her life of need …
Ellie Collins is a total turnip
So says Phoebe.
Is Hayley happy?
No she’s not.
Phoebe bursts in to tell Hayley about her wonderful plans to go to South Africa at Easter.
Hayley shocked. Then confused. Then furious.
[Phoebe] “You’re just trying to find problems …Why can’t you just be pleased for me. Kate wants me to go. So I am going. At Easter. And you better get used to it. And there’s no way you or Roy are going to stop me.”
[Hayley] “Thanks a lot Kate.”
And here we go. Again.
- Now David is ignoring Pip’s birthday present
- “I don’t want anyone else sitting in Daddy’s chair”
- Is that a Sparrowhawk or a Kestrel?
- Fox poisoned or shot?
- Was Elizabeth aware of the bull riding?
- How long will Ruth go on?
Now David is ignoring Pip’s birthday present
Ever loyal to her dad, I don’t think Pip would mind if he didn’t get her birthday present. Even though it is a car.
But Ruth isn’t letting it go. She’s pushing David to do as he promised and find Pip a car.
[David] “And I will, but not this morning, okay”
[Ruth] “No … I’m not having you ignoring that, along with everything else”
[David] “I’ll do it this evening”
[David] “No … just for once, can you give priority to your own family”
[David] “Ruth, you know what I am having to do”
[Ruth] “Yes, and I fully support it, but not at the expense of your OWN CHILDREN”
[David] “I’d never do that”
But you kinda are, aren’t you David?
Ruth’s making a big deal about Pip’s birthday because Pip’s been doing so much to keep the farm going in David’s absence. So Ruth wants to show her that they’re just as committed to her, as she is to Brookfield.
But there’s more to it than just rewarding Pip. Ruth really isn’t a happy bunny.
She’s even starting to blame Elizabeth for not realising the stress she’s putting David to.
But David need not worry his head about Pip’s present.
[Kenton] “Leave it with me squire, honest Kenton will see you right”
“I don’t want anyone else sitting in Daddy’s chair”
So says Lily.
Having a chat about the Trustees Meeting tomorrow, while wandering through the countryside, Kenton’s trying to reassure Freddie and Lily (and Elizabeth) that the Trustees are there to help Elizabeth. Not kick them out, or replace Nigel.
How scary must it be having other folks have such a huge say in your life?
Comes with being Landed Gentry, one supposes.
Is that a Sparrowhawk or a Kestrel?
A Kestrel. So poor Kenton was wrong (bless him for trying to be au natural!).
Fox poisoned or shot?
[Lily] “On the outside he looked really beautiful, but underneath he was all rotten”
There’s no sign of any wound, so it could have been poisoning. Or just old age.
Either way, Freddie is quite right that:
[Freddie] “You can’t give the kiss of life to a fox”
Though I’d add ‘unless you’re on very intimate terms’.
Was Elizabeth aware of the bull riding?
It didn’t seem so – but she didn’t seemed that bothered to hear Freddie reveal that Nigel used to let him rider General Custard.
Actually, Freddie generally sounded quite interested in the estate, from foxes, to bulls, to pheasants (Jennifer’s pheasants, by the by).
Maybe that’s where his talents will be found.
How long will Ruth go on?
[Pip on David helping at Lower Loxley] “Good old dad”
[Ruth] “He’s making it all very difficult here, though”
(which is when Ruth said that she needs “someone, that’s for sure”)
Is it just me, or could David do a better job at explaining to Ruth why he’s so driven to support Elizabeth?
As he says to Kenton:
“I can’t just walk out and leave her to it … not until I’m sure she’s got the proper help in place”
All Ruth’s left with is no David, half-finished jobs and lambing about to happen.
She does manage to get Eddie for a few extra nights, but it still doesn’t seem to be enough.
Despite spotting that David has arrived home (early) with a stack of Lower Loxley books to work on:
[Ruth] “Well done, you’re back just in time for the milking”
(if there was ever a hook into an argument, there was one!)
David slips off to do yet more work on the ‘Ryder meeting’, leaving Ruth to do the milking alone. Again.
[Pip] “Once we get the lambing out of the way, we’ll probably get back to normal”
Ruth didn’t sound so sure. And wondered aloud how long she could go on working like this.
I wonder if David will notice in time.
He didn’t even notice that Ruth had beef in, rather than frozen pizza …
- It’s okay. Jennifer’s got veal casserole
- Pip’s driving and fixing lambing sheds
- Is that Helen?
- Lilian out to spoil a good walk
- What’s Matt up to?
- Now Jim’s a Royalist!
- Industrial action at Grey Gables?
It’s okay. Jennifer’s got venison casserole
Tony’s in a state about Helen not being at Bridge Farm (she returns to her flat today), but Jennifer’s going to sort everything by taking her a casserole.
Actually. I shouldn’t take the Michael. That sounds quite perfect.
Jennifer is also one of the few Ambridge folks who will know exactly how Helen will be feeling. Jennifer managed to cope with Adam while coping alone (well, just about managed)
[Jennifer] “Your father phoned me last night and convinced me you’d starve here on your own”
So venison casserole it is, but I doubt Helen will eat those cupcakes.
Pip’s driving and fixing lambing sheds
Most teenagers would reveal in the sheer freedom of being able to drive up and down the village with their music blaring – but our wee saintly Pip is more than content to get to pick up the shopping. Then tackle the lambing sheds.
Josh was going to help with the sheds, but seemingly got bored after half an hour.
[Ruth] “Well it’s not the most thrilling way to spend a Friday night!”
Too right you are Ruth!
But Ruth is lucky she has got Pip.
David should have sorted the lambing sheds. David should have got in the supplies for dressing the lambs (and what not). David should have fixed the broken heat lamps …
[Ruth] “It’s not okay though, is it … I haven’t got time to chase around him checking up … the thing that really gets to me … ‘thanks very much, we don’t need you anymore’”
Which is what David said to Brian.
Even though Brian reckons:
[Brian] “It’s a shame really. I was starting to enjoy it.”
Hmmm. Brian and Ruth. Pip killed when speeding home with the frozen pizzas, or crushed when her handiwork falls apart.
Is that Helen?
It’s the first morning living solo with Henry, and Helen’s in a fluster.
Nothing’s actually wrong. Henry just won’t be put down without wailing. Which means Helen can’t have a shower, brush her teeth, or change out of her pyjamas.
And the Health Visitor is coming over.
But what’s this?
It’s our lovely Ian to the rescue. He takes Henry while Helen gets herself sorted – and has a man to man chat with him (which seemed to work).
Later on, Helen is happy to report that the Health Visitor was very pleased with her and Henry.
It will take some getting used to (us included!), but Henry very much looks to be the making of Helen. Maybe a tad stressed out and frantic at times, but nothing like the Helen of ‘back then’ who’d have a heart attack over a crumb.
Lilian out to spoil a good walk
Matt and Brian are trying to play gold, but Lilian doesn’t quite seem to get ‘it’.
[Matt, trying to get Lilian out of the way so that he can make his play] “ …look at her, strolling down the fairway like it’s Borchester high street”
What’s Matt up to?
Does this Docherty chap he’s lined up for Brian and the shoot sound as good as Matt makes him out to be?
Who is his mole at the Council, and what’s he to gain from having inside information about the Mart development?
Why is he being so smug with Brian?
Is it The Bull about to be turned into flats?
Or is Matt about to stage a coup for Lower Loxley? He is assuming that Elizabeth will want to hand over everything to a management company … and it sounds like he’s already started planning which bits of the estate would make good property sites.
None of this bodes well.
I think we can safely assume the old Matt is well and truly back …
[Matt] “It’ll take a big of digging to get your ball out of that!”
Quite.
Now Jim’s a Royalist!
I’m as surprised as Ian:
[Ian] “Jim Lloyd, I would have out money on him being staunch republication”
[Helen] “Well, maybe he is, but he seems to thoroughly approve of the Duchess of Cornwall”
Industrial action at Grey Gables?
It would seem that Lynda’s determination to make sure she’s on shift when Camilla arrives is alienating the rest of the staff.
They seemingly nearly walked out over her changing the rota.
Oh dear Lynda. Seems like it’s no holds barred when it comes to simpering at Royalty.
- Emma is seemingly quite big now
- Is David thick?
- I’d never have taken Pat for a Royalist
- Clarrie reckons Camilla “looks really nice”
- Clarrie’s not having it
- Nigel’s filing causes the meltdown
Emma is seemingly quite big now
And is finding it hard to bend down.
That’s a shame. She really needs to grovel quite low to get Clarrie back on side …
Is David thick?
He certainly seems to be so when it comes to Ruth.
[David] “There’s no way you can manage the house as well as the farm”
Ouch!
The right thing to have said, David, was that trying to manage without Emma doing some house cleaning while she’s off having her baby would be: ‘There’s no way WE can manage the house as well as the farm’.
Honestly. What an amateur.
Later on, as he’s once again tripping back home late because he’s been at Lower Loxley all day:
[Ruth] “Where the hell have you been! …You said things are going to be easier from now on. You promised.”
[David, without any sincerity] “Well I was wrong, sorry”
[Ruth] “By the way David, you might be interested you know that your daughter passed her driving test”
Oh dear. And after all the fuss David made about Pip when she first started learning, he ends up completely missing the important part.
David better hope Brian doesn’t start ‘helping# Ruth again …
I’d never have taken Pat for a Royalist
But she seemed just as chuffed as Clarrie was. Pat even reminisced about Princes Margaret.
Where did that feisty Welsh feminist/socialist go?
Clarrie reckons Camilla “looks really nice”
[Clarrie] “You’d think she’d have a look round. I always think she looks really nice. Approachable, you know, like a regular person. I best you could have a proper chat with her.”
[Emma] “You’ll be camping out in the pavement, won’t you!”
Hmmm. I don’t think taking the Michael out of Clarrie was the best way for Emma to win her back …
Clarrie’s not having it
So after taking the Michael, Emma then, very tentatively, asks Clarrie to go shopping with her for the baby.
Which is seemingly a very nice thing for a prospective grandmother to be asked to do.
But Clarrie wasn’t impressed. She even tried to pass it back to Emma as something she should be doing with her own mum.
[Emma] “This baby’s your grandchild too”
Clarrie then said she couldn’t get the time off, promoting Emma to point out that Clarrie had a day off of work to spend time with Nic.
But Clarrie reckoned that was different. It was a WI outing.
Later, Clarrie’s talking to Pat about Emma:
[Clarrie] “Ah, you know what it’s about, don’t you? All them weeks I was laid up with me arm in plaster and in need of a helping hand I hardly saw hide nor hair of her .. .where as Nic were round our place every other day, a little tresasure she were … so now, Emma;s noticed that Nic and me are good friednds and she's jealous … silly girl”
Ouch! Far, far too little, far far too late, Emma.
Nigel’s filing causes the meltdown
David’s screwed up yet again.
He’s god rid of Brian’s help, Emma’s about to not be available for work due to impending baby, and now he realised that THE meeting with Graham Ryder isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
(I’m not exactly sure who Graham Ryder is – possibly the lawyer, accountant or Trustee. Whatever he is, he’s important enough to get stressed about).
David needs more information, but is having an awful time trying to find anything in Nigel’s rather eccentric filing system.
[Elizabeth] “Sometimes you need to think a bit laterally for Nigel’s filing”
And Elizabeth went on to explain that Nigel once filed an invoice under B for beard as that was all he could ever remember about the supplier.
Bless.
But as Elizabeth tries to track everything down for David, she gets more and more irate (which David doesn’t seem to notice – which is odd, considering he was the one saying that she needed to let it all out).
Elizabeth:
“How could anyone else possibly deal with his eccentric setup …
(when she told him that they’d be knackered if he was run over by a bus) “ …he just laughed, and he promised he’d take care when crossing the road, as I literally meant a bus …he never took any notice of me, never …
“WHAT WAS HE THINKING OF DAVID, GOING CLAMBOURING ABOUT ON THAT ROOF … IT WAS JUST SO TYPICAL OF HIM,. SO IRRESPONSIBLE … I WARNED HIM. I TOLD HIM NOT TO GO UP THERE, BUT DID HE LISTEN? NO, HE DIDN’T!!! JUST IGNORED ME, SOMETIMES I JUST GET SO ANGRY WITH HIM
“…I try not to give into it, it doesn’t do any good, but sometimes….”
Phew!
I think we all felt a wee bit better for that.
- Henry has big blue eyes and is putting on weight
- “It’s a question of priorities, David”
- The Duchess of Cornwall
- I still don’t get Lord Netherbourne
- Ian’s Gordon Ramsay impression
Henry has big blue eyes and is putting on weight
A very proud Ian is showing off his phone pictures of Henry to Lynda.
The wee man seems to be doing just grand.
“It’s a question of priorities, David”
While David might be better at operating the grabber, Ruth is sounding increasingly frustrated at his lack of care and attention for Brookfield, his wife and his kids.
David is being a tad confusing at the moment – in one breath he says he can’t promise to take Pip on her final driving lesson (although he already did promise), but in the next he tells Brian his services are no longer required at Brookfield.
David reckons all well in hand at Lower Loxley, so the extra help isn’t needed.
Hmmm. I bet Ruth won’t agree with that.
The Duchess of Cornwall
Or Camilla, as Charlie probably calls her …
[Caroline] “On Wednesday the 16th, we are hosting a tea for the Borchester branch of the osteoporosis society, it’s their 25th anniversary … they’re going to be joined by their National President, her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall”
[Ian] “You’re kidding me; we’re getting a royal visit, at Grey Gables!”
Which explains why Caroline was frantically ‘tarting up’.
And oh boy – does Ambridge loves its Royals!
Ian won’t do his famous shortbread (as he doesn’t want to seem competitive with Duchy Shortbread).
And Lynda is going to tread on anyone and everyone to make sure she gets to be within “two feet” of Camilla.
Lynda’s not merely delighted to be looking forward to welcoming royalty – she’s also relieved that her suspicion that Caroline was about to sell up proved to be unfounded.
[Lynda] “Never occurred to me for a moment that her reticence was a consequence not of a guilty secret, but of Royal protocol”
Of course, Royalty has visited Ambridge before, and probably caused just as much of a stir.
Wonder if there’ll be any students around that day …
I still don’t get Lord Netherbourne
So Lord Netherbourne has a connection to Camilla – he has osteoporosis (so a charity connection) – and he’s a lord.
Is that why his fall was mentioned a few months back?
Surely more to come???
Ian’s Gordon Ramsay impression
Did you catch Ian doing his shouting Chef routine while talking to Lynda about the Royal visit?
Bless. He still sounds quite nice, even when he’s bossy.
- Clarrie has a strange feeling
- Kenton hates lilies
- The Eileen Titcombe Book of Household Management and Stain Removal
- The disaster of a wedding which just wasn’t
- Joe won’t eat homemade bread
- This is a local stately home for local people
- £4.20 for a pint at The Bull
- Another reason for Jolene to be morose
Clarrie has a strange feeling
Clarrie’s off out with the WI and Nic for the day, and feels decidedly odd.
Like she’s playing truant.
Nope, Clarrie. That’s just the following one gets when one doesn’t have to warm Joe’s socks … cut his toenails … cook the tea … do the washing up … work at Bridge Farm ……….
It’s called having time off, and having fun. Enjoy!
Kenton hates lilies
As they seemingly smell like air freshener, and they could leave stains on wedding clothes from the pollen (so Lewis adds stain removal to his list).
I better go cancel those lilies I got for Kenton for Valentine’s day …
The Eileen Titcombe Book of Household Management and Stain Removal
Now there’s a thought for a bestselling book.
Mrs Beeton must be quaking in her grave.
The disaster of a wedding which just wasn’t
So nothing really happened at Mrs Barrington-Hughes’ daughter’s wedding.
Some woman fell off her high heels and ripped her tights (but Eileen Titcombe had a spare pair). A vegan bloke couldn’t really eat anything (but didn’t seem that bothered). And the ‘black sheep’ table seemed to be just full of smokers.
And that was that.
Methinks the wedding was just a ploy to make David utterly lose the plot and get back to his cattle.
The only remotely interesting (droll) part of the wedding was Jill’s comments on a woman’s hat:
[Jill] “Good heavens! What has that woman got on her head … it looks like she’s got a cactus growing out of her ear”
Joe won’t eat homemade bread
[Clarrie] “Joe broke a tooth on a particularly crusty loaf and now won’t eat anything but shop bought”
So Clarrie has stopped making it.
Nic's been inspired to start making her own, after the WI trip (where they all had a go at a bakery).
(and I have nothing more to say on that – boy, was this a slow day in Ambridge!)
This is a local stately home for local people
Elizabeth still won’t entertain the thought of an outsider coming into Lower Loxley to be its manager.
She may not have a choice, if the Trustees decide different.
£4.20 for a pint at The Bull
My village doesn’t have a pub.
Is that expensive these days?!?
Another reason for Jolene to be morose
Valentine’s day is the date Sid proposed to her.
So it was left to Fallon to dog out the Valentine’s decorations – then her and Harry to come up with gimmicks.
Which is themed cocktails.
Again.
Sorry to be utterly negative for once – but Jolene is starting to grate my nerves something chronic.
The sooner Jolene leaves – or gets it together with Kenton – the better.
- We missed Kate again!
- Lewis makes lists
- David’s on the wine
- Minnie the Moocher isn’t suitable
- Lock Elizabeth and Jolene in a room?
- Bets on for Brian inviting Ruth
- Kenton should never (ever) say “I promise”
- Planning problems?
- Matt wants a shooter
We missed Kate again!
Woo-hoo!
Kate left for College before they turned the microphones on.
That means we haven’t heard from her for more or less the whole of this year!
Brilliant.
But. Brian seems to think Kate’s not quite behaving like herself.
She’s leaving early to get to College. Doing her homework. And packed Phoebe off early back to Roy and Hayley.
Brian seems to think it’s wonderful:
[Brian] “Long may it continue, this exemplary diligence”
Hmmm. Sounds dodgy to me.
Lewis makes lists
And ticks things off.
There’s a chap everyone needs around.
David’s on the wine
[David] “Distribution? What does that mean? My knowledge of the wine business only extends as far as picking the grapes .. and drinking the stuff, obviously”
[Elizabeth] “I don’t want to let this slip. It was one of Nigel’s great dreams to make Lower Loxley wine a classic”
Will someone (anyone) please make Elizabeth get in a professional manager, and let David get back to his cows … and Ruth!
Minnie the Moocher isn’t suitable
For a bride.
So says Elizabeth.
Lock Elizabeth and Jolene in a room?
And don’t let them out until Elizabeth trades some of her “manic energy” for Jolene’s complete lack of interest.
Bets on for Brian inviting Ruth
[Matt on Brian at Brookfield] “I heard he’d been getting his hands dirty”
And Matt said that with quite clear saucy intonation!
Brian’s also planning a business trip to Paris, which he’s said he’ll try and meet Debbie at, but doesn’t want Jennifer to tag along.
[Brian] “it’d be strictly a business trip, straight over and straight back”
Hmmm. Where have we heard that before?
Kenton should never (ever) say “I promise”
To be fair, Kenton does seem to be very well organised for the wedding tomorrow. And he has the ever dependable list-making Lewis helping.
Umbrellas? Check. Pianist? Check. Warm rooms? Check.
He’s also completely on-top of any cake issues.
[Kenton] “I’m well aware of catastrophic cake collapse”
So all’s well?
I thought so, until Kenton said:
“Lewis and I can handle the wedding. I promise you”
*shudder*
That surely can’t be good …
Planning problems?
[Brian] “I know … all is take s is a Lynda Snell to discover that the site is a habitat of endangered toads”
[Jennifer, on Richard Thwaite complaining about his neighbour’s extension] “ …’Adversely affect the quality of darkness in the garden’ … and he got away with it. The application was rejected”
But never fear – Matt reckons his ‘source’ knows that the planning application for the mart will get through no problems.
(phew!)
Matt wants a shooter
(well, actually, a shooting)
Matt tried to persuade Brian to let him shoot this Friday, even though the season closes tomorrow.
Matt wants to take a potentially lucrative client out, but had to settle for golf, as Brian wouldn’t be persuaded to break the law.
[Jennifer] “And shooting’s something you can’t do on the quiet”
*snort*
- Helen surprised
- Helen in meditative mood
- Helen not dressed
- Helen doing what she wants
- Kenton forgets
- Elizabeth still hasn’t cried
- The glove fits!
- The Bull’s slow again
Helen surprised
That she was (according to Pat) a “terribly grouchy baby”
I’d have thought her hip problems would have made her quite narky …
Helen in meditative mood
Reflecting back to when Elizabeth held Henry for the first time:
[Helen] “For a brief moment she could feel that everything is not utterly terrible”
[Tony] “There is still hope in the world”
Helen not dressed
[Pat] “I still can’t get used to it, seeing her still in her pyjamas at this hour, with her hair all over the place”
[Tony] “And not giving a damn”
[Pat] “What a transformation!”
And “long may it continue” indeed!
Helen doing what she wants
Tony is so obsessed with Henry that he’s being incredibly over-protective.
He wouldn’t even let Helen talk him out for a walk, because it was cold.
Tony was right that Helen also needs time to heal before she lugs Henry about, but is his obsession driving Helen away?
Shortly after their (very good natured) run-in, Helen then announced that she’s moving back into her flat next week.
Aghast, Tony can’t understand why she wants to rush away.
[Pat] “Helen will do what she wants to do … fact of life”
Quite.
Kenton forgets
Kenton bumps into Kathy. During their rather awkward conversation, Kenton realises that it’s Kathy’s birthday today. He starts apologising, but:
[Kathy] “ …30th of January. As it’s always been”
Ouch!
Sounds like Kathy isn’t going to ease up on Kenton anytime soon.
But to be fair to the chap – they have split up, and his best mate/sister’s husband has just died.
Kathy then refuses an invitation to The Bull from Clarrie as Kenton mentioned he was going tonight.
[Kenton] “She can’t keep avoiding me forever”
Hmmm. I think she can. And anyway, why would Kenton want to even try to be friends with such an unforgiving person?
Elizabeth still hasn’t cried
I thought she had, but maybe Kenton meant that she hasn’t cried in public as yet. He reckons the kids are doing better than Elizabeth is, and that she needs to let it all out.
[Kenton] “ She thinks if she gives into her grief, she’ll just end up drowning in it”
The glove fits!
Well, gloves, actually.
Pat gave Kathy gloves for her birthday – which she’s absolutely delighted with.
Pat’s then horrified to hear that Kathy’s going to spend a night in front of the TV, and fire, with a glass of wine in celebration of her birthday.
[Pat] “All on your own? That’s a bit sad”
Steady on Pat! That sounds like quite a good plan, considering we’re all in hibernation mode anyway.
Kathy seems to be content, especially due to Jamie both remembering her birthday AND managing to buy her a card and a box of chocolates.
[Kathy] “And we had a very pleasant lunch together. Really civilised”
What’s sad about that?
I think it’s more ‘sad’ when someone pushes a friend, in need, away.
Just as Pat did to Kathy – but now seems to be changing her tune.
Pat mentioned that she missed Kathy last week, that she wants her to drop in after work on her way home and that they should go out to The Bull (or ever Borchester!) to celebrate Kathy’s birthday.
[Pat] “You’re not imposing. I’m always glad to see you, you know that”
You can’t have it both ways, Pat. Kathy knows Tony doesn’t want her around, you told her to not be around so often – but now you’re lonely without her. I think you might have to come up with Plan C.
The Bull’s slow again
I know I started the Facebook ‘We Love the Bull’ cause, but I’m starting to not even care now.
And that’s not because of The Bull – it’s because of Jolene.
Seriously – will Kenton (or Harry, or Fallon, or Lilian etc etc etc) need to keep spoon feeding that woman?
Jolene’s down yet again because everything’s slowed down after their bumper Farmhouse Breakfast Week.
And she doesn’t want to have to think of Valentine’s. Or the next opportunity to get more punters in. or the one after that.
[Jolene] “I feel that’s all my life is, promotional events. It’s just one thing after another”
Surely everyone’s life is ‘just one thing after another’? Another bill. Dish to clean. Dog to walk. Paperwork to sort. Hall to hoover …
Either way, The Bull isn’t in danger from Matt – it’s in danger from Jolene …
- Did David not learn after the roof?
- What sort of car will Pip get?
- And still no bloomin tray!
- Kenton on the rest of ‘em
- From kissing trays to loud shouting
- Shula and Jill on the rest of ‘em
- Nigel knew how to open mouths
Did David not learn after the roof?
What part of not doing potentially dangerous stuff in the dark/bad conditions did David not understand?
This time, he’s out first thing, in the dark, repairing a shed.
That man is a complete idiot sometimes.
What sort of car will Pip get?
Hard to tell what David and Ruth will buy her for her birthday.
Something practical or girly?
And still no bloomin tray!
No wonder David is having such a hard time with this wedding if he can’t even track down a tray.
[David] “I just wish this retched wedding wasn’t hanging over me like the sword of Damocles”
And boy, does that sword come down with a crash later on …
Kenton on the rest of ‘em
[Kenton on Jolene] “she has a really easy manner, but she still gets things done!
Which Shula reckons is also a good description of Kenton himself.
[Kenton on David] “Like a terrier with a bone over this wedding … growls whenever me or Lewis goes near him”
[Kenton on Elizabeth] “seems hell bent on running himself into the ground”
At least Shula seems sane enough these days …
From kissing trays to loud shouting
David’s rummaging through random boxes of stuff at Lower Loxley in an attempt to (finally) find the right tray for the wedding cake.
As he’s about to go spare at the lack of said tray, he finally founds one and plants a big kiss on it, right in front of Kenton.
So, job done?
Ah – turns out that’s not the end of the great tray saga. As Kenton points out to David, the cake could be round, or square, or any other shape that the blushing bride has set her heart on!
That news is just too much for David:
[David] “Square? It can’t be square! It my head it’s always been round! The stupid woman never said”
[Kenton] “Well, did you ask her? … I’m sorry David, you should have. You can’t plan a wedding on a wing and a prayer”
[David] “I do my best alright, but I’m NOT A FLAMING WEDDING PLANNER!
(big crash as David throws the tray)
“I’M A FARMER!
“ I.
“DO.
“FARMING!!!
“I DO FARMING!
“I’M OUT OF MY DEPTH, ALRIGHT!
“… I’ve got to get it right.
[Kenton] “Yeah, I know. For Elizabeth.”
[David] “For Nigel …”
Phew! David was go to blow at some point, and I’m glad it was with Kenton. If there’s someone who knows how to handle erratic shouting, it’s him 9after all those years with Kathy!).
Kenton then finds Nigel’s gorilla suit, calming both of them down. He then tries to placate David by saying how much more David is needed to help manage the estate, and that wedding planning is:
[Kenton] “boring and any idiot can go through the list”
[David, on what he thought wedding planning would be like] “ if not easy, at least logical. And then I encountered ‘The Mother of the Bride’ …”
[David] “I’m just in the stage where I want to throw dung at everyone … you know when a footballer wears a suit, and you just want to say no mate, it’s all wrong, go and put your strip on … that’s how I feel. I’m the wrong fit … you should MC it,”
[Kenton] “You don’t know how happy I am to hear you say that”
[David] “You’d do it much better than me, you old charmer. I’m sorry I bit your head off.”
[Kenton] “It’s the right decision and it takes a big man to say it”
Kenton sounded over the moon to be taking over the wedding – he finally gets to do something practical for Elizabeth, that he’s actually good at.
And at long last, David’s accepted that he can’t be everything for everyone. Ruth will be glad to hear that …
And just in the middle of their joy, Mrs Barrington-Hughes called David:
[David] “Can I pass you over to my … boss … Kenton … it’s been a pleasure working with you too”
[Kenton] “(under his breath: Cometh the hour, cometh the man) … Mrs Barrington-Hall, Kenton Archer at your service”
Shula and Jill on the rest of ‘em
Shula’s worried about Ruth trying to hold everything together by herself (at last! Someone, apart from Brian, has remembered Ruth exists!)
[Shula] “She told me he’s started making mistakes on the farm, but he won’t let up”
[Jill] “Neither will Elizabeth. She can’t just plunge in like this, surely, she has a weak heart”
Oh – there’s a point.
The twins surely won’t be left to the mercy of the trustees …????
Nigel knew how to open mouths
Helen finally takes Henry to meet Elizabeth – and he did manage to cheer her up a bit.
Elizabeth tried an old trick that Nigel used to use on the twins to get their mouths to open.
Seemingly, if you stroke a baby’s top lip, they’ll open right up.
Which worked nicely on Henry.
There you go. The Archers – practical help for parents.
- Still no tray!
- Will nobody think of Ruth?
- Don’t pick on wee Henry!
- Smiley baby
- Bizarre Helen moments
- Temperature 106
- Berlin, Barcelona and Salzburg (on my)
Still no tray!
I’m starting to agree with Mrs Barrington-Hughes.
Third day of the great Tray request – and David still hasn’t sorted it.
Is it any wonder she’s stressing out and phoning him so often.
[David] “Do you know how much mind numbing trivia I’m holding in my head at the moment. That woman has got an unnerving instinct for phoning me when I’m just about to start a job”
David – give up the wedding. For everyone’s sake.
Will nobody think of Ruth?
Come on – the woman is clearly on the edge of a breakdown. She doesn’t even recognise the value of cold pizza for breakfast.
And as we all know, pizzas are Ruth’s only speciality (the frozen variety).
She’s having to manage Brookfield with only sporadic help from David, Eddie and Brian. And the kids. While she’s also grieving for Nigel.
David’s not only hardly around to do his work at Brookfield, he’s only being utterly dismissive of Ruth’s struggles:
[David] “Ruth, you’ll think of something”
[Ruth] “Well, I’ll have to. I’ll phone Brian”
(Oho! Maybe Brian is due another affair …)
Later on, Ruth has a right go at Pip when she tries to defend David over his calf mistake.
But is there anyone noticing that Ruth is having to cope completely alone?
Even after she’s sorted out David’s calf mistake, after she’s herself had a long day and was supposed to be coo-ing over Henry and as she heads off to help Josh with his homework, it’s still David that gets the tea and sympathy.
This could lead to far, far more.
Don’t pick on wee Henry!
[David] “He’ll be around for a few years, I’m sure I’ll catch up with him by the time he’s 12”
Oh that’s cold David. Very cold.
And you also don’t even have the time to ask Pip about how her exams went. After all the fuss you made about her retaking them. And, she is your daughter.
I think David might be on track to lose grip of more than just his sister’s husband …
Smiley baby
Helen’s round at Brookfield introducing Henry to Ruth and Pip.
Seemingly he’s already talking back and Helen is healing up just fine (even though she does have to have someone else carry Henry up the stairs).
Pip reckons Henry:
“has got such a smiley face”
and that he makes folks happy.
Though of all the people who need that sort of pick-me-up (Elizabeth), Helen seems to be avoiding.
Still, Henry’s Snug suit sounds great!
Bizarre Helen moments
There was a few odd moments today when Helen said:
[Helen] “I’ll never know what his dad did, of course”
[Helen] “I want to socialise him … I make him sound like a puppy!”
Hmmm. How is an anonymous donor ‘dad’ (and is she now having regrets about not knowing the biological father?), and what’s with the puppy?
Still – at least she’s kept her new found ability to laugh at herself.
Temperature 106
Thank goodness indeed for Eddie. He managed to notice the ill calves that David had missed in his haste.
It turns out to be viral pneumonia, which could have spread between the claves if Eddie had spotted it in time.
And it was all because of a draft due to a gap in the shed cladding – which David soon have seen to.
David’s about to collapse from exhaustion, Ruth’s about to go banshee and, to top it all, looks like costly mistakes might be made along the way.
Berlin, Barcelona and Salzburg (on my)
Brenda and Tom are soon off to Berlin in celebration of Brenda’s 30th.
Now Pip’s planning a trip to Barcelona for her 18th (with Gary and Izzy, who must be back together again .. regardless of how ‘boring’ Gary can be at times).
And, Tony and Pat are off to Salzburg for Tony’s birthday.
My word! Ambridge is really jet-setting these days.
- Bring back our Clarrie!
- Elizabeth redeploys David
- How could he forget the tray?
- We know “your lot” likes cheese
- Clarrie doesn’t want to give up yoghurt
- Kathy in a huff?
- Who is more fragile?
Bring back our Clarrie!
Now I know I’m saying that Clarrie’s a Saint, and should spend more time on herself, but I’m really not liking this grump and quite snide Clarrie.
She’s still looking after her menfolk to the nth degree:
[Clarrie] “Joe, I’ve warmed your socks up”
But she’s keen to again get to work early to “beat” Vicky, later somehow managing to then trick Vicky into loading the delivery van the wrong way round
(well, Vicky claimed “Well it wasn’t my fault … she misled me!”)
However, that was nothing compared to the quite uncomfortably hard time Clarrie gave Emma:
(as Emma turns up on her doorstep)
[Clarrie, sounding irritated] “Oh. Emma … this is a surprise”
[Emma, sounding unsure] “I nice one, I hope”
[Clarrie] “You look rough”
[Emma] “Turnips and shortbread … not a great combination …”
[Clarrie] “Anyway, what did you want, cause I need to get on”
[Emma] “I just wondered how you’re coping?”
[Clarrie] “Fine, thanks for asking”
[Emma] “Cause if there’s anything you need …”
[Clarrie] “It’s a bit late now, ain’t it!. It’s when I had the plaster on that I needed the help, Emma”
Ouch!
Entirely Emma’s fault for not caring or helping when Clarrie broke her arm.
And she’s only trying now because she’s jealous of Nic and Clarrie becoming so close.
But that was not our ‘usual’ Clarrie.
Elizabeth redeploys David
Keen to crack on with planning (seemingly it’s time to bet on with Easter!), Elizabeth suggests to David that his:
[Elizabeth] “strengths lie in managing the estate”
Which is quite right.
So off David goes, back outside, back to dealing with beasts and fences.
But, he does insist on keeping the wedding.
Why?
How could he forget the tray?
After the fuss Mrs Barrington-Hughes made, and the anger David then felt, over finding an antique tray big enough to fit the new cake – how could David forget to check whether Lower Loxley actually had a suitable one?
The tray, David. Don’t forget the tray.
We know “your lot” likes cheese
What is it with the Grundy lot and cheese?
First they must have cheese on their cauliflower.
Now they won’t touch anything other than cheddar.
Maybe Clarrie’s new skills will inspire new culinary delights?
Clarrie doesn’t want to give up yoghurt
But Pat insists that she learns-up about the cheese making, so that she can help out while Helen isn’t at work.
But Clarrie isn’t interested, as she thinks it’s a ploy for Bridge Farm to keep Vicky.
[Clarrie] “I wouldn’t ever want to give up making the yoghurt … just so you know”
Then – all change as Pat explains Vicky is only there for that week, to help ease Clarrie back in. After then, it’s back to normal.
And … our Clarrie is back!
She even offers to bake a cake for Vicky’s leaving tea.
That’s better.
Kathy in a huff?
Kathy hasn’t been over yet to see Henry.
I can’t really blame her – Pat telling her not to come round so often must have hurt and made it difficult to visit again.
Who is more fragile?
[David] “I sorted out the foods fads … sorry, dietary requirements … of this orchestra … a vegan piccolo player and a trombonist with a nut allergy”
[Lewis] “Well you’re doing Elizabeth a big favour”
[David] “I have to”
[Lewis] “Why did this happen. Why? It’s so senseless”
And both Lewis and David agree that Elizabeth is still too “fragile” to be back at work.
I don’t think there’s anyone at Lower Loxley who is ready yet to take on daily life after Nigel.
- Mrs Barrington-Hughes
- A sewing kit?
- Harry likes Jazzer in his kilt
- Banter, Tucker style
- Still not a peep from Kate
- Appreciating shortbread
- Burns Night, Jazzer style
- You slagging my mum?
- What recipe was Harry following?
Mrs Barrington-Hughes
Is driving David to distraction.
She’s the mother of the bride for the forthcoming ‘society’ wedding at Lower Loxley that David’s been sweating over.
And I’ve got to give David his due. He’s doing a great job of turning on the charm to keep Mrs B-H sweet while he’s concurrently wrestling with cattle.
A sewing kit?
David sounded quite perturbed that he’d need a sewing kit on hand for the wedding.
The devil is most certainly in the detail.
Was it just me, or did Emma sound like a natural event organiser? Maybe there’s no need for a ‘professional’ to be brought in.
Harry likes Jazzer in his kilt
Well, to be fair, kilts do make most blokes look dapper.
Banter, Tucker style
[Vicky] “Me and Brenda are ‘like that’ now since the party”
[Mike] “It’s Roy’s birthday next week an all”
[Vicky] “Ooh, that was bad planning”
[Mike] “Behave”
(and one assume ‘like that’ was Vicky crossing her fingers. Hard to tell hand actions when one’s eavesdropping)
Still not a peep from Kate
Brilliant.
She’s seemingly been keeping out of Roy and Hayley’s way, but it’s marvellous she’s also been keeping away from those secret microphones.
May it continue!
Appreciating shortbread
Yikes! When a gift becomes a menacing threat … Vicky sometimes can be a bit of a scary lady.
Burns Night, Jazzer style
First Jazzer changes the words of A Man’s a Man for a’ That (at least, it sounded like he did), then ended it with “Go!” to get everyone to down their drink.
Then we were treated to Jazzer’s actually quite lovely singing (which hasn’t been heard since Ambridge Has Talent)
Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun;
O I will luve thee still, my dear
While the sands o' life shall run.
And fare-thee-weel, my only Luve!
And fare-thee-weel awhile!
And I will come again, my luve,
Tho' 'twere ten thousand miles.
(Robert Burns, A Red, Red Rose)
And once Mike and Vicky had departed – the real party started (with Ed and Emma staying, more of Jazzer’s mates, including Chris, arriving – and a rather tired Harry accepting his fate of another late night.
But was Harry’s efforts to give Jazzer a good Burns Night in vain?
Ed reckoned not. After all, Jazzer had been given:
[Ed] “Food and drink and chance to show off!”
You slagging my mum?
The potential show-down between Ed and Vicky at Harry/Jazzer’s Burns Night didn’t happen, but Vicky seemed to be keen to try and wind up Ed.
Well, to be fair, she seemed to be keen to wind anyone up!
After saying she was finding it difficult working with Clarrie, as it was sometime hard to get a word in (!)
[Ed] “That’s my mum, Vicky”
She then went on, at some length and detail, about how great Nic had been at helping Clarrie when she’d broken her arm, and how Nic and Clarrie were having a nice time properly bonding.
That’s despite Emma also being in the room.
Then Vicky had a bit of a claw at Harry.
[Vicky] “I misjudged you … I didn’t take to you. I thought you were a bit of a know-all … but now, I could just adopt you”
[Harry] “Hah-ha ... that’s an 'interesting' proposition”
I can’t get a firm grip on whether Vicky’s a good or a bad ‘un, just as I can’t seem to get a grip on Harry.
Maybe they are actually related.
What recipe was Harry following?
Veg around the haggis?
Surely no.
Veg near the haggis, but never on the same serving plate.
And gravy?!?
No, no, no!
Still, Jazzer reckoned Harry did manage to get the haggis to look like a haggis, so I suppose I shouldn’t be a puritan.
- Clarrie’s back at work
- Five weeks grace
- Slimmers and sweet sellers
- Henry meets his first cow
- Only cauliflower with cheese
Clarrie’s back at work
And jinks does she mean business!
She immediately sets to doing a deep clean of the yoghurt making area, as she doesn’t trust the job Vicky did on Friday.
And when Henry finally arrives home, Vicky is no-where to be seen.
[Pat] “Clarrie was very odd this morning … very keen to please … I don’t think she told Vicky we were bringing Henry home today”
As Clarrie told Nic:
[Clarrie] “She was getting on my nerves all day .. she’s got her feet well under the table at the dairy”
Clarrie’s worried that Vicky will be kept on at Bridge Farm, meaning less work for her.
[Nic] “Well, you’ll just have to show her who is boss”
I wonder which side Susan will take …
Five weeks grace
David has got agreements from all three schools that Freddie and Lily don’t have to sit their entrance exams for another 5 weeks.
I’m still not sure that’s a good thing.
Putting off an unwelcome task surely just leads to prolonged insomnia.
Slimmers and sweet sellers
Ha! Surely that’s not too groups of folks you want to have at Lower Loxley at the same time?
Seemingly Nigel used to say that the slimmers were hypocrites (as they ate like horses), but the sweet sellers (CASA – Confectionaries and Sweet Sellers Association) are actually really sweet. And have a chairman called Mr Honeydale.
Now that’s more like it! Gentle comedy, Ambridge style.
Henry meets his first cow
Bless him.
Home at last to Bridge Farm – though I assume he’ll be at his real home soon enough (above the shop).
And isn’t Tony just bursting with pride!
[Tony] “He has my sense of humour, He must have … coming into this family!”
It even sounded liked Tony wasn’t fazed on walking into a room when Helen was breastfeeding (I think she was breastfeeding – though it could have been a bottle. But, it is Helen we’re talking about …).
[Tony] “Come on Henry … your first night under my roof (kiss) and let’s hope it’s a good one!”
Aw!
Only cauliflower with cheese
Seemingly Clarrie’s ‘lot’ will only eat cauliflower with cheese, as it “brings out the flavour”.
Classy.
- Now Neil returns
- A new dawn for Brenda and Vicky?
- Harry is in a stew about haggis
- Kate’s back (grrrrrrrr!)
- I wonder what Ruairi’s accent would have been like …
- Kenton and Jolene bond over toast
- Molly has mushrooms
- Quarter Peal *sniff*
Now Neil returns
That’s odd.
Months of Susan and Vicky – no Mike and Neil.
Now Mike and Neil return (more or less) together.
That must be one big attic they’re being kept in.
A new dawn for Brenda and Vicky?
Brenda had a grand birthday thanks to Vicky – has she really “turned the corner” in beginning to accept (and even like) her step-mum?
Harry is in a stew about haggis
Silly muppet.
They’re not meant to be stewed.
Kate’s back (grrrrrrrr!)
Actually – steady on (I tell myself).
She’s being picked up, but we didn’t hear a word from her.
Which is fine. She’s more than welcome to return, just so long as she doesn’t speak.
I wonder what Ruairi’s accent would have been like …
… if Nigel and Elizabeth had adopted him.
Couldn’t really be any worse, I suppose.
Kenton and Jolene bond over toast
[Kenton] “There’s nothing worse than cold toast”
[Jolene] “Better than burnt”
[Kenton] “I quite like burnt”
[Jolene] “Really?”
Oo-er – will this difference stop love blossoming, or a case of opposites attract?
(actually – is this Kenton and Jolene thing ever going to go anywhere at all? I have my doubts)
Either way, it’s great to hear Jolene a bit more enthused by The Bull (ha! take that Mr Crawford!), and having Kenton to bounce ideas off of.
And I never realised “the oldies” (Kenton’s words) were offered ‘budget’ meal deals because they eat less.
Well, apart from Joe Grundy.
Molly has mushrooms
Molly Button has mushrooms on toast, Freddie and Lily get special hot chocolate and a (non-edible) penguin.
Knowing that Molly, she’s probably already on a diet.
It’s good to see Elizabeth back out in the village, even though some folks (like Neil) are a bit lost for words.
Jolene and Fallon more than made up for it by being ‘normal’ with the kids – and Neil is organising the quarter peal in memory of Nigel:
[Neil] “Nigel’s missed in that bell tower … he was such good fun”
Quarter Peal *sniff*
That was bonny, even though it was a bit of a sneaky tearful moment.
