The Archers Wednesday 22nd February 2012
- Lilian doesn’t like ugly food
- Lilian and Matt are pro Super Dairy
- Still laughing at Lynda and her Llamas
- Sabrina wants Harry to strip off
- Eddie ‘the shark’ Grundy
- £723 raised for Britain in Bloom
- Jim’s cider formula
- Tom’s going on. Again.
Lilian doesn’t like ugly food
Tom’s delivering Lilian’s veg box.
[Lilian] “What’s that ugly thing under the leeks?”
It’s celeriac, which Lilian reckons she’ll give to Jennifer.
[Lilian] “To be honest, a lot of it goes to waste, especially when it’s very muddy. I vet it out of loyalty really, left to myself I’d live off of titbits from Underwoods food hall. Still, Matt likes a square meal, so I make the effort”
Tom asks Lilian whether she would like the veg boxes more, and waste less, if the boxes had more “exotic” things like chili, aubergines and blueberries.
(Exotic? Really?)
[Lilian] “Blueberries are supposed to keep you alive forever”
Or at least able to keep you alive a bit longer if you’re overtly fond of G&Ts …
Lilian and Matt are pro Super Dairy
As Brian mention the other day.
Lilian tells Tom that they’re in favour because it’ll create jobs. And create more work for the construction industry.
No self-interest involved there then!
Still laughing at Lynda and her Llamas
Which I think is cruel.
[Eddie] “Who in their right mind could think a Llama could do an even job of cutting the grass … mind you, dad would have fancied their droppings for his veg patch”
[Mike] “Llama beans!”
Oh ha ha.
Sabrina wants Harry to strip off
In fact, she’s asked him to wit to do his 4 hours with her until it gets hot.
Saucy!
[Eddie] “Women used to think of me like that”
[Mike] “Yeah. Now they ask you to keep it on”
Eddie ‘the shark’ Grundy
Mike’s showing Eddie what water feature Vicky has chosen.
It’s called a Trevi. So Vicky’s now going on about Roman Holiday …
So now that Vicky has chosen her water feature:
[Eddie] “I’d prefer cash if that’s alright …or a cheque, made out to me”
Mike’s stunned.
[Mike] “What do you want, the shirt of me back? … You’re a shark Eddie.”
Well we all saw it coming.
Eddie meant to offer his labour, not to pay for the whole thing.
And what do they expect? Clarrie’s on the dole, for goodness sake.
£723 raised for Britain in Bloom
From the Promise Auction, which is great. Though no one knows where the £3 came from.
And it’s meant they don’t have to even consider Brian’s offer for BL to sponsor.
[Jim] “I’d rather we raised our own money than took Borchester Land’s shilling”
Jim’s cider formula
Jim’s telling Mike that the Cider Club are now filling out their forms. But, they still need to agree a %.
Mike’s horrified to hear that Joe was asking for 80%, though Jim got him down to 70%
[Mike] “You see that’s greedy … 50/50 more like”
Mike then mentions that Jim needs to create a formula to make it fair. An idea which Jim gets very excited about.
Jim goes away to do a few sums, and calls an urgent meeting of the Cider Club.
(I never knew Lilian was a member, by the way. Doesn’t seem she’s been doing much to earn cider from the Community Orchard …)
We then spend the next few hours (or so it seemed) listening to Jim presenting the new formula that’ll fairly solve who gets how much cider.
I’ll admit I went to sleep for most of it. Jim was waffling on about pictorial representations and circle graphs and the like. The few snippets I did catch:
[Lilian] “Pretty colours!”
[Jim] “Working on the principle of Pythagorean principle …”
[Lilian] “Oh, quotient groups eh?”
[Jim] “Does that answer your question Mike?”
[Mike] “I don’t know”
At the end – Jim had worked out that, according to his complex formula, the Grundys get 60%, everyone else 40% pro rata.
[Mike] “Well you’ve been round the letters of the alphabet, I suppose it’s fair”
[Joe] “You're looking gormless Mike Tucker”
[Mike] “I’m not sure what happened there …”
Lilian and Jim go off to get more drinks in.
She’s having a guffaw.
[Lilian] “Where did you study? The university of hokum?!?”
Ha!
Well done Jim. All sorted.
Though that was mighty dull eavesdropping …
Tom’s going on. Again.
This time about expanding the poly tunnels. Again.
[Tony] “ I can’t just magic up new produce”
[Tom] “So we can capitalise on this window of change!”
[Tony] “Do you remember than time when you wanted to produce organic nuggets and kebabs!”
But Tom reckons they were just novelty ideas.
[Tom] “Now is the opportunity, this is a revolutionary time for the Ambridge Organic brand and you want to talk about nuggets!”
[Tony] “Seems I can’t even have a joke with my son anymore …”
[Tom] “You obviously think it’s all a joke. I’m telling you, the veg is the weak link in the operation”
[Tony] “Don’t you dare patronise me Tom,. It's all very well this big talk, but who’s paying for these shiny new tunnels eh. I’m already in hock to Lilian and the bank!”
[Tom] “Oh just forget it”
And Tom storms off.
He later returns, to ask Tony (again) and tidying the year.
Tony agrees that it will get done. But he is more interested in treating one of his cow’s foot which has a blister. He’s using arnica and witch hazel.
At least there’s one farmer in the family.
The Archers Tuesday 21st February 2012
- The cows are out!
- Jim’s not impressed with random acts of kindness
- Ed and George’s Slug patrol
- Eddie’s water feature
- Lynda’s Surprise
- Ladies queue noisily for Harry
- Less women queue for Oliver
- Brian bought Clarrie
- Ruth’s drunk
The cows are out!
Yay! One of my favourite times of the year. Ruth’s too:
[Ruth] “They skipped onto the grass this morning. It’s always such a great sight”
[Usha] “And a natural one”
[Ruth] “Exactly”
[Usha] “Makes me shudder to think of row upon rows of cows not being able to row around”
Though Ruth hates to do it, she does correct Usha’s misconception, which is a common ones. The Super Dairy cows will be “loose housed”, which means they can move around.
But they won’t ever get to skip on the grass, eh?!?
Anyhoo – Usha promised to be at the Super Dairy Parish Council meeting, and asks Ruth to lend her support to Alan by coming tonight’s Promise Auction. Ruth doesn’t sound keen, but is persuaded to at least have one night out.
Jim’s not impressed with random acts of kindness
Nor the ban on gossip for lent.
[Jim] “One man’s gossip is another man’s need to know”
[Alan] “It’s all to do with intention, though Jim”
[Jim] “And as for that woolly random act of kindness nonsense, straight out of a Californian self-help book!”
[Alan] “ … To give and not to count the cost”
[Jolene] “I read that most women can keep a secret for precisely 32 minutes”
(I think Jolene missed the point of the conversation …)
[Vicky] “I’m not really one for gossip”
[Lynda] “No. Me neither”
Ha!
They then go on to gossip about Brian only being at the Promise Auction to “flash the cash” to get support for the Super Dairy!
Ed and George’s Slug patrol
Which they’ll do every night for a fortnight.
The bidding goes:
£2 Lynda
£4 Susan
£6 jean (who she?)
Might have gone higher, but they moved the microphones.
Eddie’s water feature
Here we go.
We all know that Eddie has only offered to fit a water feature. Not to buy the whole thing and fit it.
Alan even says that Eddie’s is an “unspecified generous offer”, but then goes on to say that the highest bidder will then get to choose a water feature from it – even top of the range.
*sigh*
Bidding:
£10 Vicky
£12 Jim
£14 Christine
£16 to ‘sir’ (who he?)
£18 Christine
£20 Usha
£25 Vicky … finally ending up with Vicky at £65
Seems Mike wasn’t looking too pleased.
Lynda’s Surprise
Before the auction, Alan had been heard to mutter that Lynda’s Surprise (an unnamed item for the Promise Auction):
[Alan] “It’s a typically weird one from planet Lynda”
And when it comes to Lynda’s item during the auction, it turns out to be Lynda offering her Llamas to come and cut (well, eat) your grass.
[Jim] “Oh for heaven’s sake! It sounds like something out of the Flintstone’s!”
Though Jolene starts off the bidding at £5, everyone else is in fits of laughter.
Lynda rather tearily heads off to hide in the toilet.
Poor Lyndee! Really quite ashamed of Ambridge for taking the Michael out of someone trying to do something different.
Lynda and her Llamas are welcome round mine anytime.
Though the Llamas can just relax. I have false grass rather than real (4 greyhounds + fairly small garden = mud)
Later on, we find out that Alan bidded £30 for the Llamas, and calmed Lynda down by telling her that:
[Alan] “people didn’t knew how to react”
Lynda seems to accept that explanation, and seems quite chuffed. They just now need to arrange a date.
[Lynda] “Oh, they’re ever ready and willing. Like they’re mistress!”
Eh?
Was that Lynda coming on to Alan?
Ladies queue noisily for Harry
Though we still don’t get to hear from Harry. He’s at the Promise Auction, but is hiding at the back.
What’s wrong with that boy? Talk of the village, but doesn’t utter a word!
Anyhoo – Harry’s items is four hours of gardening.
[Alan] “Use him as you will ladies!”
(oo-er! That’s illegal to sell that sort of thing, Alan!)
Bidding starts at £10.
£15 Jolene
£20 Ruth
[Ruth] “Purely for his practical help …”
£25 Vicky
£30 Brenda
£35 Lilian
£40 Ruth
£45 Kirsty
£50 Brenda
£55 Hilary Noakes
[Alan] “Well I think harry could make a comfortable living from the women here tonight!”
(still illegal, Alan)
£60 Usha (much to Alan’s surprise)
£65 Jolene
£70 Usha
£75 Jolene (to save Alan’s marriage …)
£85 Sabrina – and all done
Phew!
So Sabrina wins.
But where was Fallon?
Were Jolene’s bids on her behalf?
Less women queue for Oliver
Poor Oliver’s item (also four hours digging) comes up just after Harry. Which wasn’t quite fair on the poor chap.
[Alan] “Come on ladies, he’s still going to save you a job!”
We didn’t get to hear the bidding, but seems Jim bought Oliver for Joe.
Well done Jim. We didn’t want Oliver to also have to run off to the toilets in tears.
Brian bought Clarrie
Though the general consensus is that Brian paid well over odd for Clarrie's advice on flowering plants.
Was Lynda right about him splashing the cash?
Ruth’s drunk
Reckons Usha, but Usha reckons she herself is just high on atmosphere …
… aye, right then!
They were both just on heat during the Harry bidding.
The Archers Monday 20th February 2012
- There’s somebody at the door
- Tony’s avoiding Tom
- Now Helen wants to meet Rich?
There’s somebody at the door
It’s Kylie to see Bert.
She reckons she can read and visit him at the same time. (she’s back in Ambridge as she has a reading week from Uni).
[Bert] “The first one in the family to go to a u-niversity”
Bert’s very proud of his granddaughter. Especially considering she’s Clive’s daughter, who, Bert reckons, has “led a life of ruin”.
Wonder where Clive got his naughty habits from?
As Bert is chatting to kylie, he mentions that Gary hasn’t got out of his pit yet, and:
[Bert] “Eh, that’s his washing there”
So Kylie goes to put it in the washing machine for them …
Bert’s a crafty auld yin alright. And he’s very much looking forward to Tracey moving in. though I suspect that’s more to do with Bert having a cook and cleaner, rather than him getting to spend more time with his daughter and grandkids (as he claims).
But Bert also still has his eye on Neil.
He calls Neil to mention that “poor old Gary” hasn’t had his room done. So maybe Neil could come back and do it as well.
We didn’t get to hear Neil’s reply …
Tony’s avoiding Tom
After shouting at him yesterday.
Now Helen wants to meet Rich?
Kylie turns up at Bridge Farm to say hello.
She seems to be fine about Tony and Pat constantly shifting the conversation back to Rich.
Helen was behaving a bit oddly. At one point, she complimented Kylie on her earring – and how they matched her eyes … eh?
Anyhoo, Kylie is happy to be back at bridge Farm.
[Kylie] “Hey I remember this kitchen. It was always really warm in here”
Tony reckons that was because she was used to living in the caravan.
After Kylie has left to get a lift back to the village with Helen:
[Tony] “Thank god she didn’t inherit Clive’s genes”
[Pat] “She’s a sweetie”
In the car with Helen, Kylie is saying she remembers “uncle John” and his music decks.
She also tells Helen that Sharon has never encouraged Rich to find out about John because she’s so protective of him.
[Kylie] “He is curious … that he sometimes wonders where he’s come from … rich would
still like to know about his real father, he’s said it to me more than once”
But, Rich has got to the age where he doesn’t seriously want to ask his mum to let him find out more.
[Kylie] “I don’t mind. But it’s not very fair on Rich … I feel sad he’s missing out on knowing Tony and Pat. They’re so lovely”
[Helen] “They’re aching to get to know Rich Kylie. So am I … John meant everything to me … his death has left a terrible scar on the family, a scar Rich might be able to help heal one day”
[Kylie] “That’s a big ask for a little lad”
Sensing Kylie might be an ally, Helen asks her if she’ll speak to Sharon. Or, if she herself (Helen) should talk to Sharon.
[Kylie] “I’m sorry. But she’s not going to change her mind about this. Trust me”
Ah – but Kylie has shown herself to be a possible in.
And I’m surprised Helen now sounds just as keen as Pat and Tony for Rich to be a real part of the family.
As we all know, what Helen wants, Helen generally gets.
The Archers Sunday 19th February 2012
- Kirsty wants purple headed broccoli
- Tom’s pushing Tony (and his luck)
- Alan bans gossip
- When did Shula forgive St Stephen’s?
- Now Jill wants Harry!
- David’s Choice … Pip, Josh or Ben?
- Kylie’s coming back
- Tony V Brian: 3-2!
- A “phalanz” of BL
- Alistair still in a grump with Shula
Kirsty wants purple headed broccoli
Tony sorts her out.
Tom’s pushing Tony (and his luck)
Tony is still running the majority of Home Farm by himself.
He reckons he’s only just about caught up with tasks from last week (when Tom was away …
Surely it should be Tom that does the catching up?).
But Tom either can’t see that, or doesn’t care. He’s still on about tidying the farm for pictures and videos ahead of the next relaunch.
[Tony] “Don’t worry, there’s going to be an army of fairies to help me! … just relax tom. There’s plenty of time before the Felpersham relaunch”
Tom was very generous in saying he’d “push paperwork” back to this afternoon if Tony would drop everything there and then to start tidying. But Tony needs to get the tractor out for doing something to the seeds bed.
Then, Tony intends to go to The Bull for a pint, after which he’ll have an afternoon snooze.
[Tony] “You can sigh all you want. I deserve one afternoon off”
Later on, after Tony has had his pint (though he didn’t get a doze – he had to look after Henry!), Tom has yet another go at him.
But Tony hasn’t got time to talk about the yard again … sounds like he won’t, rather than can’t.
[Tom] “Why are you digging your heels like this? Don’t you want it to be a success … I want to tick it off my to do list!”
[Tony] “Stop haranguing me … look Tom, I’m not the lowly farm hand and you’re not my gaffer, so just back off, alright!!!”
Tom’s to do list?!?
What an ar*e.
Alan bans gossip
It’s a rare eavesdropping in on Alan’s Sunday service.
He’s talking about what they (as a congregation) should do for lent – how “to prepare and purify selves” through making sacrifices.
He acknowledges that the giving up of Sunday lunch last year didn’t work too well (Eddie and Joe!), and that everyone is a tad tight for cash this year,
So – while the church will donate a regular sum from their weekly collection box to a debt crisis charity in Borchester, Alan also wants his parishioners to give something up:
[Alan] “but not quite in the usual way …
“So the first challenge to you is to give up gossip … those negative and snide comments about other people, ones we’d be mortified to hear turned back on ourselves. It takes two to gossip remember, one to speak and the other to relish listening.
“The second challenge is that you go out of your way to perform random acts of kindness. That’s not like making your spouse a cup of tea, cause I hope you do that occasionally. No, I mean something really special. Putting yourself out. Giving of your own time and energy to help someone else for its own sake, you may find your kindness is returned to you …”
Jill’s quite impressed.
[Jill] “What an original idea, giving up gossip!”
[Shula] “Well I don’t know how someone is going to manage without gossiping …”
[Jill] “Careful, he’ll (Neil) hear you!”
[Shula] “Sorry, Susan will need to take a vow of silence!”
When did Shula forgive St Stephen’s?
She seems to be going every Sunday.
Shula and Usha had a few chats when Nigel died, but I don’t remember Shula making amends and being formally brought back into the fold.
Now Jill wants Harry!
What on earth is happening to the women of Ambridge?
They seem to be on heat – and only for the (previously rather unnoticed, apart from Fallon) Harry.
[Jill] “But I don’t think I’ll be able to afford him … there’s been an awful lot of interest from the young women in the village, and some not so young …”
[Shula] “I know, what a hoot!”
And they’re right that interest in Harry will raise a lot of money.
David’s Choice … Pip, Josh or Ben?
Jill and Shula are talking about David and his woes.
[Jill] “He feels he’s been forced to choose between Pip and Josh, because one favours the sheep and the other the cows”
Seems David is also worrying about Ben as well as Josh and Pip.
Shula and Jill are right that David’s kids could want to do anything, live anywhere, when they grow up. So he’s worrying too early about making decisions for Brookfield based on all three of his kids wanting to stay on and farm.
[Shula] “He and Ruth need to plan on the basis of here and now, not the what if”
Yup. David AND Ruth.
[Jill] “I don’t know how Ruth will cope if they do lose the herd, it’s so much a part of who she is”
Kylie’s coming back
Neil’s picking her up next week (she has a reading week).
Seems she’s friends with Emma on Facebook, and they’re been getting on really well.
Suppose it is easy to like Emma when you’re not actually in the same room as her.
Kylie’s visit will set off Pat and Tony again …
Tony V Brian: 3-2!
As Tony is having his aforementioned pint in The Bull, Brian comes in to talk to Neil about the forthcoming Super Dairy themed Parish Council meeting.
Tony warns Neil not to get bullied by Brian, but Neil reckons he can handle Brian.
Just as Tony proves he can …
[Tony] “Come to nobble Neil have you?”
[Brian] “Now there’s a tongue twister”
[Tony] “You know what I mean”
[Brian] “I take it you’ll be there on Friday, hiding behind Pat’s dungarees!”
(0-1)
[Tony] “Oh ha ha. At least we’re untied on this, unlike your family!”
(1-1)
But Brian reveals to Tony that both Lilian and Jennifer are in favour of the Super Dairy,
[Brian] “So that leaves you the odd one out amongst your siblings”
(1-2)
[Tony] “Same as Adam then! Pat’s gonnae wipe the floor with you on Friday”
(2-2)
[Brian] “Look forward to it. You know tony, dinosaurs died out because they couldn’t adapt”
[Tony] “That’s funny. I thought it was because there heads got so big they couldn’t hold them up anymore!”
3-2 and Full Time. Spoils to Tony!
A “phalanz” of BL
During the negotiations between Brian and Neil for the Super Dairy Parish Council meeting, Debbie and Brian each wanted a turn to present. And Martin to also sit on stage with them to answer questions on finance. The rest of BL will sit in the audience.
(lots of Martin related mentions at the moment. What’s afoot?)
[Brian] “I mean we don’t want to sit up there looking like a phalanz of polic bureau chiefs!”
[Neil] “Or a PR exercise”
So Brian decides Debbie will do the presentation.
[Brian] “Debbie will probably do a slicker, I mean clearer, presentation than me”
And Neil insists that the audience can ask questions throughout.
Alistair still in a grump with Shula
Even Jill has noticed that there’s an atmosphere.
Seems Alistair is still annoyed about Shula’s executive decision to buy Topper.
Though Freddie doesn’t know she’s bought him. Seems Shula is going to keep that secret until Freddie is old enough to ride him.
[Shula] “There was no way I was letting him go mum. He belongs in the family”
Even though it’s caused a family split in keeping him.
Wonder if Tipper is Shula’s revenge for Alistair and Erin?
The Archers Friday 17th February 2012
- Pip opened a tin of soup
- Brookfield LambWatch
- Martin Gibson’s mum has died
- Tony really isn’t consumer focused
- Brian just wants to feed the world
- David chooses Pip over Josh
- Debbie’s coming home
- Did Pip get an iPhone?
Pip opened a tin of soup
Well done Pip.
A momentous occasion for your 19th birthday indeed.
At least Spencer is taking you out later on, for you have work to do. Because it is:
Brookfield LambWatch
It’s lambing time at Brookfield.
Expect a lot of yawning, coffee and grumpy David.
But Pip has an idea. She reckons they should allow folks to coming along and watch the lambing,
[Pip] “They watch it on television, don’t they, it’s very popular”
(after David initially grunted at her. Wasn’t listening, as per)
[David] “Lambing as a kind of tourist attraction, could be interesting”
It is a good idea. But I can’t help shake the sinking feeling that Pip is just becoming another Tom Archer.
*ugh*
Martin Gibson’s mum has died
Not that we really know that much about Martin, but worth a mention as Brian had gone to the lengths of buying him a sympathy card from the village shop.
Not like Brian to give a hoot. Or to not just send Jennifer.
(actually, I thought she’d be the type of have a stack of cards for every occasion already kept in a drawer at home)
Tony really isn’t consumer focused
Tom’s harassing Tony about tidying up the farm.
[Tom] “It just doesn’t look very inviting”
[Tony] “It’s a farm yard, not a hotel foyer. It’s a working environment”
[Tom] “People want to be comfortable about where their food comes from”
To which I do agree, but Tom is pushing his luck. And why he can’t just take photos of the tidy bits for the moment, I don’t know.
He even wants a wall repainted,
[Tom] “It’s all peeling, it’s like a metaphor, if people see that they might think maybe that we don’t care enough about the food we produce”
[Tony] “Well they can think what they damn well like. If they’re stupid enough to confuse being a painter and decorator with a farmer, then I don’t know why we bother!”
But Tom says to just trust him. He knows what folks want nowadays …
… including that they should change their packaging to emphases British (rather than organic). And that they should extend their poly tunnels.
Will it ever end?
Tom has good ideas, but he doesn't seem to think (or care) about expense and all the extra work involved.
Mind you, why would he?
It’ll be Tony’s (and Pat’s) money, and Tony doing all the extra work.
Insufferable!
Brian just wants to feed the world
Brian hasn’t stepped in dog poo But thinks folks are looking at him like he has.
[Brian] “Looked at me liked I’d just walked dog muck into the place …”
Looks like he won’t be going into the village shop for a card anytime soon.
Brian is not a happy bunny at the moment. He seems to think the world is against him.
[Brian] “That son of yours can sulk for England … now I can’t even show my face in the village without being treated like a leaper … it’s so unjust … all I’m trying to do is feed a hungry world in the most efficient way possible!”
(seriously? Surely Brian can’t even believe that one!)
[Jennifer] “I think you need cheering up”
[Brian] “Oh really, thank you doctor Freud!”
She’s only offering a trip to the garden centre, which Brian first scoffs at, then accepts.
They seem to have a nice enough time. Even though that oik Tom was also there seeing a buyer.
David chooses Pip over Josh
[Ruth] “I think we need to stop pussy footing around … it’s time we faced up to reality. We need to buy that slurry tank”
David doesn’t agree./ he still think s they’ll spend £20,000 on the tank – get themselves into debt – and still not make any decent profit from the milking.
[Ruth] “What about Josh? … he’s got the makings of a really good dairy farmer, how is he going to feel if we snatch that away from him”
[David] “I’m not sure we can afford to care about that”
He reckons they can’t “nurse” the milk along for the next 10 years, just in case Josh wants to work at Brookfield on the dairy.
[Ruth] “We can’t choose the future of one child over another”
[David] “We have to … he might just be backing the wrong horse. And so might you”
But Ruth only thinks it’s obvious that they need a new tank. So they should get it.
[Ruth] “We will find a way”
[David] “Just saying we will doesn’t make it so!”
But they leave it there for the moment. Pip’s come back in, and they don’t want to ruin her birthday.
Debbie’s coming home
For a visit.
Well, to be more specific, to be at the Parish Council/Super Dairy meeting.
Jennifer’s delighted that she’ll also stay over for a few days (she’s hoping Debbie can help mend Adam and Brian).
But none of the anti-Super Dairy chaps will be pleased to see her. Debbie presents a far more reasonable (and likeable) side to Brian’s argument.
Did Pip get an iPhone?
Sounded like it. She squealed, and mention something about an app.
I didn’t think Ruth and David has the cash.
The Archers Thursday 16th February 2012
- Helen has a “fine looking meat”
- Tom’s glad Tony hasn’t started the milking
- Another launch
- Adam’s sending Ian instead
- Posh meal for Tony
- Tidy the farm!
Helen has a “fine looking meat”
So reckons Pat.
[Helen] “Isn’t it! Brookfield’s best …”
Helen’s making beef wellington as a birthday treat for Tony.
Though Pat seems a bit nervous about Helen doing the cooking. She kept offering to help, and nearly had a heart attack when Helen said she was going to pout icing on the cake.
Tom’s glad Tony hasn’t started the milking
It is Tom's turn, so he wants to be sure Tony isn’t covering again.
(aye, right then!)
Tom’s been off to Shrewsbury to finalise his ready meals. He sounds quite excited ... insufferable …
Another launch
With Tom’s ready meals (ahem) ready, he also wants Helen and Pat to step up their cheese and yoghurt production for the March launch in Felpersham.
Tom has also been thinking about making different seasonal yoghurts – that they should have a Spring line about to come out. Pat reckons rhubarb or blossom would be nice.
Tom does seem a tad overzealous about this launch. He reckons they’ll have buyers from all over the midlands coming.
Adam’s sending Ian instead
Adam and Ian are talking about the Parish Council meeting with BL.
[Adam] “In a way, I feel I should, there are such important principles at stake”
But, Adam’s worried that the anti-Super Dairy brigade will line up behind him (he is anti, but doesn’t want to be seen as one of them … odd). Plus he also feels there’s a big difference between telling Brian his objections face to face and saying it in public.
(he didn’t seem so bothered when he was being interviewed for the radio!)
[Adam] “The atmosphere at Home Farm is poisonous already, if I started sounding off in front of the whole village …”
Ian’s also worried about Adam going to the meeting.
[Ian] “It’s what the story might become … The story you want everyone to come away with is mega dairy, bad for cows bad for farming bad for the environment … the trouble is, people just love a family row, as long as it’s in someone else’s family .. .you know what the press are like … I could see them being more interested in the family split than about the issues, and then the story becomes about something else. I don’t think anyone wants that”
That’s enough for Adam to head off and call pat to tell her that he won’t be there.
She’s disappointed.
[Pat] “Given your expertise as a local farmer, your expertise will carry a lot of weight!”
But she also understands his reasoning.
[Adam] “Am I just being a wuss Ian? For all I dress it up is it really because I can’t just bear the thought of anymore unpleasantness between Brian and me, especially in public”
Ian reckons he’s done the right thing, and will change his shifts so that he can go to the meeting, and be a “spy in the camp”.
Blimey. I wouldn’t get remotely involved, if I were you Ian.
Posh meal for Tony
Or so he reckons.
Mind you, anything would look like a meal fit for a king when compared to the sad and little amount of food Tony has recently been getting. Constant reheated soup.
Brenda’s running late (something about her computer mucking up a proposal she needs to get done), so they start without her. Actually – Tom wasn’t even bothered that they set a plate aside for her.
I really don’t think those two are getting married anytime soon, if at all.
Tidy the farm!
Is what Tom wants to do, as they’ll need photos and videos for the launch.
[Tony] “Well, if you want to have a tidy up I’m not going to stop you”
Ah … but … Tom reckons he has a “hell of a lot on”, so was wondering if Tony would do it … after all, it’s probably stuff Tony has been meaning to do for ages anyhoo.
Tony is furious.
[Tony] “There’s only so many hours in the day!”
But Pat comes in and demands a “business free zone for the rest of the evening”.
Quite right.
Why did Tom felt the need to ask Tony to tidy the farm, on Tony’s birthday?
Cause he’s an ar*e. That’s why.
The Archers Wednesday 15th February 2012
- Fearless Freddie
- Adam isn’t happy to see Brian
- Shula ignores Alistair
- Adam also ignores Alistair
Fearless Freddie
I learnt what a hack is today.
It’s when one takes one horse out for a bit of light exercise.
Which is what Daniel was about to do with Freddie.
Daniel reckons Freddie has no fear when it comes to riding.
[Shula] “He gets that from your Uncle Nigel”
Seems Freddie’s Casper took fright when he saw a Chinese Lantern in a hedge (one presumes it had been floated and crashed down. They do seem to make a regular appearance in Ambridge as a menace), but Freddie handled it well. He even walked Casper back and forth in front of it a few times to show him that there was nothing to be scared of.
Adam isn’t happy to see Brian
Infact, he groans.
Brian started wittering about something to do with “spraying off the stubble”
[Adam] “For heaven’s sake!”
Adam was furious!
He ranted about how it’s only the 15th, so he couldn’t have started before (why? Honestly, I’d like to know), that it was forecast to rain, so there shouldn’t be a hurry, and that the ground isn’t warm enough to start drilling peas anyhoo.
They then get into Brian having his meeting with the Parish Council. Adam jibes Brian that he needs to get all of his ammunition ready.
[Adam] “I expect all interested parties will want to be there”
Later on, Adam doesn’t sound enthused by Jennifer’s offer of Sunday lunch fir himself, Ian, Alice, Chris and a few other.
[Adam] “I don’t think so mum. Thanks for the thought”
And he scuttles out of Jennifer’s kitchen when Brian arrives.
[Brian] “How much longer is this going to last … a cold shoulder every time I walk into the room, he barely looks me in the eye. The only time he’ll speak to me about the day to day farm business, and those conversations become almost monosyllabic, unless he’s snapping my head off”
Brian on their slight row over the stubble spraying.
[Brian] “It was just a simple question, to try a bit of rapprochement really, but he took it the long way”
(oh hark at him! Rapprochement, indeed)
While Brian thinks he and Annabelle have managed to make it through the planning department just fine, he’s not so sure about the Environment Agency. They seemingly are a lot harder to please.
While Brian decides whether he wants a mug or a cup of coffee (seriously?), he also begins worrying about what Adam said on “interested parties” attending the Parish Council.
He’s wondering if Adam means he’ll be showing up himself …
Shula ignores Alistair
The chap who owns Topper was meeting another chap who hunts in Gloucestershire today to possibly sell him Topper. But the chap from Gloucestershire didn’t buy Topper. Shula put it off.
[Shula] “In a manner of speaking. I did … once the chap had left, I made Danny a better offer”
Alistair is a bit perturbed, and sends Daniel off to wash up before lunch. He then tells Shula that she ignored his thoughts about Topper.
[Shula] “I didn’t ignore it. I thought about it”
Alistair reckons Topper is too big a horse for Shula to use with her learners. Shula reckons Daniel enjoys riding Topper, as does Shula herself.
[Alistair] “Of course I understand why you don’t want to see Topper go. He was Nigel's horse … But we can’t afford to buy and keep Topper ourselves”
Shula does not concur.
[Shula] “It’s not we, Alistair, it’s me. The Stables is my business … I don’t tell you how to run your practice”
[Alistair] “Yes you do!”
But Shula is not interested in discussing it further. Topper is staying, and she has spaghetti to get in with.
Adam also ignores Alistair
Poor Alistair. He’s having a really rubbish day.
Shula asked him to drop by Home Farm to take back a recipe book she’d borrowed from Jennifer.
He does so on his way back from Penny Hassett (after seeing a horse with a nasty, caused by barbed wire, rather than Clive Horrobin …).
Alistair bumps into Adam, who’s trying to have a proper look at a lamb with a dodgy foot. Alistair helps him catch the lamb, not that he got any thanks for a very grumpy Adam.
He then enquires about how Adam and Ian’s Valentine’s Night was. Adam can barely be bothered to answer. Seems Ian was working.
But unflappable (sometimes) Alistair took Adam’s mood on the chin, and simply told Shula later on that he reckoned Adam was “totally fed up”.
The Archers 14th February 2012
- Neil’s final stroke … or not
- Will and Nic’s luxurious Valentine’s Night
- Alice and Chris’ low budget Valentine’s Night
- Keeping the Royal fires burning
- Lynda’s a Master
- The Parish Council on the Super Dairy
Neil’s final stroke … or not
Bert’s pouring his thanks and deepest gratitude onto Neil for all the work he’s done on his (and Tracey’s … unknown to Neil and Susan) house.
Tracey hasn’t been getting on so well with her and the kids’ room. Seems that though the kids are on half term, they’re help with the painting wasn’t of much help:
[Bert] “No. That didn’t end happy. Just as well it were emulsion. We’d never have got that much gloss out of Chelsea’s hair … it were Brad, tried to use her as a paintbrush”
But that’s not Neil’s problem.
He makes his “final stroke” and heads off to the Parish Council Meeting.
But, on returning from the Parish Council meeting to Bert’s (to take the masking tape off), Bert is still waxing lyrical … he has an agenda.
[Bert] “Transformed this place, you have. I’d never have thought it possible … it’ll see me out, I reckon … there is just one thing … with everything else looking so grand … the hall. I can’t help thinking it’s made it look real dingy, in comparison like”
[Neil, smelling more work ahoy] “Well, it’s a case of where you draw the line, innit”
(Innit? Innit??? When did Mr Neil Carter start saying “innit”???)
[Bert] “Oh, shame to spoilt the ship for a ha'pworth of tar”
(which is something about spoiling something by prioritising a small saving).
And anyway, Bert reckons having the hall done “would see me out proper”.
Emotional blackmail. Difficult to sidestep.
So Neil agrees to also do the hall.
[Neil] “But that’s it then, definitely”
Ha! Even Neil can’t believe that one.
Will and Nic’s luxuriousValentine’s Night
Involves Will looking smart, and a four course meal at The Feathers (with champagne).
Will also gave Nic a pair of lovely earrings.
[Chris] “Yeah, after this you can coast for the next 30 years!”
At Nic and Will’s meal, Nic gets a bit overexcited.
[Nic] “Oh my god! It’s a work of art … I’ve never seen anything like it, at least not on a plate”
But there’s more. Nic's a bit worried about having another glass of champagne as they haven’t discussed who is driving home,
But she needn’t worry. Will’s sorted it.
[Will] “We’re going to stay here. I’ve booked us a room”
Clarrie’s over at theirs looking after the kids, so Will and Nic are free to enjoy a night away.
Nic reckons she’s being spoilt:
[Nic] “No you’re no. Nothing can spoil you. You're perfect”
Aw. Sweetness itself.
My word, how Will has changed.
Thank Nic!
Alice and Chris’ low budget Valentine’s Night
[Alice] “We’re doing it low budget stylely”
They got a DVD, and Double Happiness
(the name of the Chinese restaurant they’ve got a takeaway from, not something kinky)
[Nic] “Oh lovely. A cosy takeaway in front of the telly”
Though Nic wouldn’t quite be ready to swap it for her swanky night out.
Alice also tells Chris to keep his money in his pocket when some bloke (with, what I imagine, is a bucket of roses) offers them to him and Will for the ladies. £4 Alice would rather he saved.
Later, back at home, Alice discovers that Chris has made decorations:
[Alice] “beautiful like a real oriental restaurant”
And the man carved carrot!
[Alice] “Much better than some hot house rose wrapped in cellophane”
Keeping the Royal fires burning
At the Parish Council meeting, they’re talking about celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Lynda’s keen for a beacon.
Seems on the 4th of June, there will be beacons lit across the UK, starting with the Queen setting one alight. All Ambridge needs to do is apply to be one of the 2012.
[Jill] “That’s a lot, isn’t it?”
But seems they had 1800 for the Golden Jubilee.
Lynda’s a Master
Along with the beacon:
[Neil] “Oh there’s a job .. pageant master. Not many of those about!”
[Lynda] “Well I do to think of myself as Ambridge’s unofficial pageant master …”
The plan would be to have the beacon on Lakey Hill.
Which, as Jill pointed out, they’d done for the Silver. Oddly, Lynda seem to be irritated at Jill saying anything during this meeting.
When Lynda said she’d contact David for permission to use Lakey Hill
[Jill] “Or I could .. he is my son”
[Lynda] “No, as I am, as it were, beacon master”
[Neil] “Mistress”
[Lynda] “Or indeed mistress … I think it best that we go through official channels”
Eh? Why is Lynda trying to shut Jill out?
Anyhoo – they get onto who should build the beacon (Mike), and whether they should hold their own pageant. But they don’t want to clash with the official one, so settle on a street party (on the green – the ‘street’ but doesn’t matter, it would seem) type picnic just before or after the official celebrations.
There was murmurs of approval from the rest of the committee for that.
Jill and Audrey are to organise the party (which Lynda didn’t object to – she is being very inconsistent tonight), and they’ll also dig out the maypole from under the village hall stage.
Marvellous.
Proper Britishness (without the jingoism).
The Parish Council on the Super Dairy
Well, we didn’t really get to hear what was said. Just the post discussion discussion.
[Neil] “I’m just saying Borchester Land have a light to be heard … there is an argument for this type of unit”
[Lynda] “Yes, a financial one”
But they will hear BL out anyway at another meeting. And Jill’s definitely going to be there.
[Jill] “Pat rang me earlier. Geeing me up. I was going to be there anyway!”
Quite right. Jill was the original agitator, after all.
[Lynda] “I think it’s vital anyone opposed to this plan, which is really anyone who cares a jot about animals or the environment, needs to be there. Borchester Land have money and resources on their side. We need to match them. If we can”
There we go.
BL has nae chance. Lynda and Jill have joined the affray!
The Archers Monday 13th February 2012
- What film wouldn’t Ruth have liked?
- Tom has broken a cow
- A feature of oil and vinegars
- Brenda helps cooks tatties and has some non-British wine
- Proper sleeves on asparagus
- Tom’s spicy meatballs are bland
- Josh wants to be a dairy farmer
- Will Grundy offers mole trapping
- Sabrina Thwaite’s desperate for Harry
- Now they’re going to write a letter!
What film wouldn’t Ruth have liked?
But Josh really enjoyed as a wee half term treat.
(seriously – very slow day. That was the biggest question of the lot!)
Tom has broken a cow
Idiot.
He finally does a milking shift, and comes back saying cow 373 looks lame.
A feature of oil and vinegars
Is the most exciting thing Helen had to say today.
She’s going to make a feature of oils and vinegars, teaming them up with herbs and mustards.
Heady times …
Brenda helps cooks tatties and has some non-British wine
I was losing the will to live …
Proper sleeves on asparagus
Gets a premium of 50p-60p, so it seems.
But organic status doesn’t really fetch much up.
[Tom] “It’s premium products and local … we’ve got to deal with the world as it is, mum”
Tom’s spicy meatballs are bland
Which woke me up a bit.
Ha!
Josh wants to be a dairy farmer
He was talking about how kids should follow their parents’ job.
[Josh] “It’s nice if you do though. Sort of feels right”
Ruth didn’t say anything about Brookfield possibly not having a dairy herd.
Will Grundy offers mole trapping
(for the Promise Auction)
Which is as functional and ordinary as it sounds.
Sabrina Thwaite’s desperate for Harry
Though it’s Brenda who can’t seem to shut up about bidding form him in the promise Auction.
She’s being very saucy indeed. She was saying that you get 4 hours of Harry’s time:
[Brenda] “As long as it’s in the garden …”
Well, living with Tom is bound to make a girl wander eventually!
Pat tells her that Sabrina is also going to bid:
[Pat] “Willing to pay handsomely”
[Brenda] “I’ve got no chance have I? She’s got loads of money!”
[Pat] “She’s desperate …”
Which Pat changes to “determined” after Brenda guffaws.
And what would David say to Harry sweating away in his garden? Ruth reckons not much. He’d just be glad someone was doing it.
Now they’re going to write a letter!
Guerrilla warfare indeed from Ruth, Pat and (now) Brenda.
The online petition is 3 figures, and they’re also now going to write to all of the Councillors on the planning committee.
Though Pat is worried that Debbie might join the affray.
Sounds like Pat and Ruth will also get to talk to the Parish Council alongside BL, and they’d really prefer it if it was just Brian presenting:
[Pat] “You know how Brian can have that attitude …”
[Ruth] “You silly little thing, you just don’t understand”
[Pat] “That might play right into our hands”
But, they both reckon Debbie would do far better in winning folks round.
So they’re going to use an Adam strategy.
Though they won’t outright ask Adam to support them:
[Pat] “Much as I’d like to rub Brian’s nose into it …”
They will at least mention how the Super Dairy divided Brian’s family, while Pat “strongly encourages” Adam.
Tough action indeed.
The Archers Sunday 12th February 2012
- Tracey is a dirty stop out … at her dad’s
- Phew – Tony had a spare shackle link
- Interesting NFU initiative
- Pip’s 19 on Friday
- Tony and David have a (morose) swift one
- The New Zealand system
- Kim Kardashian
Tracey is a dirty stop out … at her dad’s
Aye, think Tracey missed the point there.
Tracey was out with her mate Marlene, who had been chucked out by her bloke because she’d trashed his fishing gear.
[Neil] “Well I’m not surprised!”
[Tracey] “She only did it because he wasn’t really going fishing, he was seeing this slapper from the tanning salon”
So TLC turned into cocktails, and Tracey crashed with Marlene at Bert’s. leaving her kids at Susan and Neil’s.
Well, she did text. Though Susan had to miss church because of having to sit Tracey’s kids.
[Tracey] “Won’t hurt once in a while”
You wouldn’t spot that Tracey is a Horrobin, would you?
Phew – Tony had a spare shackle link
Thank goodness for that.
Though why either he or Pat were grateful to Tom for helping Tony fix the trailer is beyond me.
Tom broke it in the first place.
And he only fixed what he broke in the first place was because of Helen telling him to go easy on Tony.
Interesting NFU initiative
Is to get more seasonal fruit and veg into the local markets, so says David (to Pat and Tony).
Pat seems quite enthusiastic.
[Pat] “We need to break down this idea that you’ve got to have everything all year round”
Doom and gloom Tony thinks folks will never catch on what seasonal means.
But Tom is a bit more positive, he reckons that folks will respond to have a break from things (so they enjoy them more when they can get them again), and Pat points out that seasonal means better quality.
Pip’s 19 on Friday
Blimey.
Tony and David have a (morose) swift one
They’re going down the pub …
… but it doesn’t lift their spirits. They’re both feeling a bit “challenged”.
[Tony] “Challenging? Isn’t that was they say when they mean disaster”
[David] “It’s an unmitigated challenge”
The New Zealand system
Is what David is now pondering.
Something about outdoor lambing.
Ruth will be pleased … it has nowt to do with cows.
Though I did learn today that mixed farming does not mean breeding cows with lambs.
That’s not possible, so it seems.
Kim Kardashian
Who?
Tracey reckons she was distracted when this Kim Kardashian come on the telly – Tracey then didn't hear what Susan was saying about Kylie coming back down.
In fact, Tracey seemed a bit over keen to get in touch with Kylie.
Why is that then?
The Archers Friday 10th February 2012
- Tom made the trailer sag
- Brian’s missing the point
- Jennifer doesn’t want kids
- What’s wrong with seeing the pigs?
- Helen knows her dad
Tom made the trailer sag
And didn’t seem very apologetic about it, or willing to put it right anytime soon.
Tony is (quite rightly) angry with him.
So Tom does the only reasonable thing – blame someone else.
He now reckons “he can’t do right for doing wrong”.
[Tom] “Maybe I should just change my name to Rich. Perhaps that might please him … I need to do the milking, I don’t want to give him any more proof of how second rate I am, do I!”
Brian’s missing the point
Actually, the whole of the BL board are missing the point.
Brian’s come back to Neil to say that the BL Board is happy to talk to the Parish Council. But only the Parish Council. They don’t want a public meeting until the Planning permission has been considered.
[Neil] “It does feel as though it might be leaving it too late … the longer you leave it, honestly Brian, people are going to think you’re just trying to hide something”
Brian reckons he has already been open, so won’t achieve anything with a public meeting at this stage.
Still don’t understand this U-turn. I think his instinct to talk to people, and hear their views, was a good one.
But then again, Brian hasn’t provide very good at the listening bit …
Jennifer doesn’t want kids
For Chris and Alice.
Or she at least didn’t sound too keen when Susan mentioned the prospect of Alice and Chris having kids (that they can’t really at the moment as they’re saving).
I suppose Jennifer is hoping they’ll split up before they have a chance to breed, leaving Alice to find her a blue blooded bull.
What’s wrong with seeing the pigs?
Susan was telling a (rather keen to escape) Jennifer that she also fancies bidding on Eddie’s water feature in the Promise Auction.
(ach – I’ll stop saying it – but Eddie only said he’d install one!).
Susan reckons it’d create a nice focal point at the end of her garden. She asked Jennifer what she thought.
[Jennifer] “Yes, I suppose, I mean providing the pigs aren’t in view … I’m sure it’d look lovely Susan”
What a witch that woman can be!
And what’s wrong with seeing pigs?
Especially when they’re weaners. Cute!
Helen knows her dad
And takes the time to actually talk to him.
Everyone else just seems to be ignoring poor Tony at the moment, while expecting him to do all the hands on graft.
Tony is upset. Especially since Rich has been abruptly back into their life because of Kylie’s letter.
[Tony] “It’s just hard … there’s nothing we can do anyway, and for you mum’s sake … you know how distressed she gets, how low … we've just got to find someway of moving on”
Tony has been brooding about Rich. He can’t get the fact that Rich likes things like cricket lout of his mind.
[Tony] “It makes him all the more John’s boy for me …There’s so much I’d like him to know Helen, about his dad … he’d barely started his life, and now that we know about Rich, it feels as if …”
Tony starts crying.
[Tony on Rich] “I just wish he knew we’d have been there for him”
Oh Tony. You poor, neglected wee man.
Tony is also careful to make sure Helen knows that his feelings for Rich (and John) doesn’t mean he loves the rest of his family any less. Especially Henry.
[Tony] “I promise you love, he brings me happiness everyday”
Helen later corners Tom.
She tells him she now realises how much Rich means to Tony.
Tom starts to tell Helen that he has a mind to write to Kylie to tell her what hassle and stress she’s created, but:
[Helen] “Please listen … I don’t think we’ve appreciated how hard it’s hit dad …He was the one that found John, and there’s this lively lad, smiling at him … he’s trying so hard to bury his feelings. Who has he got to talk to … he was so lonely … just try to go a little bit easy on him”
Tom softens, and agrees to try and not get into any more arguments.
But that’s as far as he gets. Tom is still adamant that they must get on with business (literally)
[Tom] “I’ll do my best to be there for him, but dad’s going to have to be there for us too”
Tom is such an odious little twerp! Tony deserves better (thank goodness for Helen).
The Archers Thursday 9th February 2012
- Lemon cake works wonders for Joe
- Pat made The Echo
- Alistair puts business before Topper
- Why isn’t Joe Grundy a millionaire?
- Ed on a badger course in June
- Eddie isn’t donating a water feature (by the way)
- The theme for Britain in Bloom
Lemon cake works wonders for Joe
Joe reckons he has a chill on his chest, so has been stopping in.
But Jim tempts Joe over to his house with lemon cake. And Joe also gets his request for a drop of booze to liven up his tea … Jim must be after something!
Pat made The Echo
With a seemingly great picture of herself and Shelly Brazil at the Ambridge Organics launch.
Pat having good press contacts will come in handy when Pat tackles the Super Dairy through the front pages.
Alistair puts business before Topper
Shula tells Alistair that she wants to buy Topper.
She’d buy him through the business, and use him for teaching and the like.
[Shula] “It wouldn’t be a waste of money .. I’m worried for Freddie”
But Alistair reckons they can’t afford it.
[Shula] “It’s not as is we’re really badly off, we’re lucky compared to some”
[Alistair] “I don’t mean to be brutal, but at the end of the day it has to be a business decision. It just doesn’t make sense”
Oh dear.
Business Vs emotional attachment.
My money is on Shula winning this one.
Why isn’t Joe Grundy a millionaire?
With his talents at haggling, one would have thought he’d have made a fortune years ago.
Jim’s new plan for trying to work out fair allocation of the cider made from the community orchard apples is to start off with trying to find out what percentage the Grundys want.
So he asks Joe if they’ll take 10%.
Joe nearly chokes on his tea.
[Joe] “That cider is part of our livelihood, that is!”
[Jim] “What would you say to 20%?”
[Joe] “I’d tell you, pull your head down from them clouds … 20%, you don’t live in the real world … There wouldn’t be on orchard without us Grundys … I’m sorry prof, I don’t mind telling you, you’re hard my feelings …ancient knowledge that is … would have thought a man such as yourself would appreciate that”
[Jim] “Alright, let’s be generous then, how about 40?”
[Joe] “For a whole family heritage?”
Which is a fair point.
They wouldn’t have the cider without the Grundys having nurtured Grange Farm’s orchard when they worked it. And it is the Grundys know how that will make the cider. Plus Joe has been the community orchard’s consultant …
…so, 90%, according to Joe Grundy, would be fair.
After back and forth, they settle on 80%. Joe reckons the bumper harvest they have had will mean 20% is still more than enough cider for everyone else.
Hmmm.
Mike, for one, isn’t going to be very happy.
Also quite surprised that Jim wasn’t a better negotiator. Maybe his strengths are indeed purely academic.
[Jim, later on] “Really, why do these things have to be so complicated? I thought we’d just muck in and all get a bit of scrumpy”
[Christine] “You haven’t lived here long enough yet, where the Grundys are concerned, nothing’s that straightforward!”
Ed on a badger course in June
Which Alistair reckons Ed is really excited about.
Ed – badger saviour.
Who’d have thunk it!
Eddie isn’t donating a water feature (by the way)
Folks seem to be getting excited about Eddie’s Promise Auction offer.
BUT.
What I heard him say was that he’d install it. Not that he’d pay for the whole thing.
Oh dear. Someone’s going to be disappointed.
The theme for Britain in Bloom
Has to be chosen by the Britain in Bloom committee.
Ideas for far include the Olympic and the Diamond Jubilee.
Not very imaginative, but I suppose they’re at least topical.
[Lynda] “Having said that, it does rather depend on us finding a sponsor”
Jim tells her about Brian trying to offer him BL sponsorship.
[Jim] “It’s obvious that they’re trying to portray themselves as a caring sharing philanthropic company”
While they do need the money, BL is being too obvious, and the Super Dairy is too hot a topic, for them to consider.
[Lynda] “I think we’ll have to say no. This is something we want the whole village behind”
The Archers Wednesday 8th February 2012
- Neil missed the planting
- Pat harasses Lynda
- Bloomin’ pork cobbler!
- Kylie’s letter
- Scruff listens to Neil
- Consternation in the village? Organise a meeting!
- Business cards and Facebook
- Tom’s angry
Neil missed the planting
Of the Jubilee oak tree.
Which is a shame, as he was part of organising it.
But he had work to do at Bert’s.
Poor Neil.
Still, Lynda says it’s been planted in the perfect spot.
Pat harasses Lynda
Over the village website. Pat had even sent Lynda an email!
[Pat] “I really don’t think the village website should be doing BL’s job for them … I couldn’t believe it when Ruth showed me. It’s so misleading …The website should be a forum for the village, not BL’s propaganda!”
Lynda thinks the article was reasonable, though she doesn’t agree with the Super Dairy, and says that Pat can also do her own article for the website, with a link to her online petition.
[Lynda] “You must know I wouldn’t approve, but I can’t stop Jennifer posting”
Bloomin’ pork cobbler!
Which Tony reckoned was only “just fine”.
Tom’s away on his trips again (this time to “lock down” his recipes, including the infamous pork cobbler), so once again leaves Tony to do the milking himself. Again.
Kylie’s letter
Pat and Tony got a letter from Kylie today. She’d heard that they’d met Rich, was glad they had and:
[Kylie’s letter] Mum doesn’t usually like talking about her past … she’s started to open up … I just wanted you to know I think it’s great …
Kylie also wanted to tell them that she as happy memories of Ambridge – remembers Pat and Tony from them, and that they were kind to her.
Pat’s over the moon.
[Pat] “It’s still a link though. We don’t know what’s going to happen down the line”
[Tony] “Please don’t Pat, It’s just a kind gesture from a kind girl. We mustn’t expect any more than that”
But Pat doesn’t want to let it go again.
She wants to Facebook Kylie to say thank you for her letter.
[Tony] “I’m not sure. We really don’t want to push it”
But Pat’s adamant that now she has an in to Rich, she wants to keep the channel with Kylie open/
[Tony] “Well, as long as it’s just a quick thank you”
And Tony also insists they tell Helen and Tom about the letter. He doesn’t want a repetition of last time.
Scruff listens to Neil
Lynda’s scruff was just all over Neil, which he didn’t mind too much about.
But when Neil had had enough, he told Scruff to sit down. Which he immediately did.
Wonder if Neil could have the same impact on Lynda?
Consternation in the village? Organise a meeting!
Lynda suggests to Neil that the Parish Council is duty bound to host a public meeting about the Super Dairy. He agrees it’d be a good idea to openly discuss both sides, and Lynda tasks Neil with inviting Brian.
Which Neil does.
But surprisingly – Brian sounds reticent.
[Brian] “I’m not quite sure when we’d hold it, as you can imagine we’re all very busy”
[Neil] “People are still going to have questions and criticisms, it’d probably be worth your while listening to them”
Brian says to Neil that he’ll discuss it with the Board. When he’s rung off from Neil:
[Brian] “Perfect. That’s all I need!”
Eh?
I thought Brian wanted open discussions. He’d already suggested they hold a public meeting (but that PR chap Rufus said it was too early to do so). And the Board wanted Brian to be open and listen.
So here’s his chance.
Why doesn’t he want it?
Business cards and Facebook
Is Tom (the cards) and Brenda’s (Facebook page) contributions to the anti-Super Dairy campaign.
At least it is turning out to be a family effort.
Tom’s angry
After being told by Pat and Tony about Kylie’s letter.
He reckons they promised him that it was over and done with.
[Tom] “But no, they’ve started something they can’t stop”
And now Pat will be watching the letterbox.
[Tom] “I’m not upset Brenda, I just wished they’d forget it and get on with important stuff … there’s nothing we can do but just hope it goes away”
Little chance of that, matey.
The Archers Tuesday 7th February 2012
- Ambridge’s Jubilee Royal Oak
- Harry’s irritating Jazzer even when he’s not around
- Lent ahoy …
- Trouble for Topper
- Say no to the Ambridge Mega Dairy
- Jazzer comes before the cows
- Battling BL Propaganda
Ambridge’s Jubilee Royal Oak
Has been planted by Alan and the kids.
[Jill] “It came in a beautiful hessian bag with red white and blue tissue”
Though they don’t know exactly what Royal estate the acorn originally came from.
Jill shocks Shula by saying that she’ll not be around to see the tree go – though she may see it if she gets to her hundreds:
[Jill] “and get my own royal seal of approval”
Harry’s irritating Jazzer even when he’s not around
Poor Jazzer.
We still haven’t heard Harry utter a sound in an age – but he’s still managing to annoy Jazzer.
Jazzer’s in The Bull for a few pints, and was asking Fallon how many women are bidding for Harry in the Promise Auction.
Quite a few, it would seem.
Not that Jazzer is jealous …
[Jazzer] “Just interested to hear how many deluded women there are in the world”
Though he does seem a tad ‘disappointed’ that Fallon is also bidding. As is more or less every women in the village.
[Fallon] “Reckon I’m going to have a fight on my hand”
[Jazzer] “I just don’t want ye to make fools of yourselves … You’ve gone wet in the heid!”
[Fallon] “Or weak in the knees”
Jazzer’s disgust is palpable. Fallon suggests if he cares so much, may he should offer his services for the promise Auction as well.
[Jazzer] “Joking ain’t ye? I’m no a piece of meat, you know!”
Ruth comes into The Bull, so Fallon asks her if she’s going to bid for Harry.
[Fallon] “Fancy letting him dig over your flower beds?”
[Ruth] “Well I wouldn’t say no!”
[Jazzer] “In the name of the wee man, are you all on heat or something?!?”
Poor Jazzer. In Harry’s shadow when he’s not even around to cast it.
Lent ahoy …
[Jill] “Not bread and cheese again I hope. I missed my Sunday roasts”
[Alan] “I thought with so much austerity about, rather than asking people to give something up I’d suggest that they do something instead… so that it’s not quite so negative”
Thank goodness for that.
I don’t think I could have coped with another Eddie and Joe Grundy scam/farce …
But the twist is that Alan’s not saying (yet) what the “something” he wants folks to so will be.
Trouble for Topper
(Nigel’s horse, which they’d sold (much to Freddie’s pain), though was at least stabled at Shula’s)
Shula gat a call from the chap who’d bought Topper (sounded like a Mr Stevis). He says his wife is ill, and he can no longer afford the livery.
Shula is very upset about it. It’ll mean they’ll have to find someone else to buy Topper, which will likely mean he’ll not longer be stabled with her. And she sees Topper as being part of the family.
She also knows Freddie will be devastated. Even though he has his own pony, he still spends time with Topper when he’s at the stables.
[Shula] “Topper’s still Nigel’s’ horse, mum. Freddie hasn’t just forgotten about him … he likes knowing he’s there. This will just break his heart all over again”
Ach come on – Elizabeth’s loaded! Just buy Topper back, and all will be well.
Say no to the Ambridge Mega Dairy
Is what Ruth (and Pat’s) posters say – encouraging folks to sign their online petition.
Fallon had said yes to Ruth putting the posters up in The Bull, but Jolene asks Ruth to take them back down.
[Jolene] “No offense Ruth, but I don’t want to annoy anyone”
Ruth’s fine about it, though Fallon reckons it’s a shame. She thinks The Bull is the ideal place – as it’s where folks “talk about everything anyway”.
But, Jolene already has rules about what can and can’t go up in The Bull.
[Jolene] “I just don’t want the pub getting involved”
Jazzer comes before the cows
Jazzer isn’t really for or against the Super Dairy.
[Jazzer] “Fuss ower nothing if you ask me. If it’s a choice between trudging roon in the mud and rain like I have to, or working in a nice warm shed … Everyone’s so concerned about the poor cows. What about us ordinary folks?”
He also reckons he couldn’t afford milk if he didn’t get it for nothing at work.
(eh? But he can afford pints of beer!)
Ruth’s shocked. He works at Grange Farm, which has an ethos completely opposite to the Super Dairy. But Jazzer agrees with Mike that the Super Dairy will be going after a different market, so his job should be safe enough.
Typical Jazzer indeed. As long as he’s fine, nothing else really scrapes a mention.
Battling BL Propaganda
Jolene tells Ruth that while she can’t put the ‘No’ Super Dairy posters up, Ruth could obviously try the old phone box and also the village website … though Ruth hadn’t been aware that there was already a Super Dairy article up on it.
When Ruth sees the article, she’s furious. It’s hardly a balanced article (making much of the onsite vets, but makes no mention that higher numbers of cows go lame and get mastitis). Ruth reckons the website article is just like the BL leaflets and “flashy” website.
[Ruth] “They’ve got so many resources. Are you sure I can’t just put up a poster? Otherwise we’ll get drowned by BL propaganda”
[Jolene, still saying no the posters, but …] “Seems to me the village website should be a bit like the pub. It’s biased, isn’t it? It should at least show your side of the argument too”
Quite right Jolene.
Jennifer should have known better.
The Archers Monday 6th February 2012
- Super Dairy means everything has to be big
- Eddie will still milk Brookfield
- Tony can’t feel his fingers
- Jim and Christine doing the crossword
- An online petition … steady!
- Eddie’s water feature
- “Honestly, this task is becoming positively Sisyphean!”
Super Dairy means everything has to be big
So reckons Eddie.
Specifically, more big tankers trundling through the village.
Lovely.
He says it in front of Ruth, so starts off on a rant about the negative environmental impact of the Super Dairy.
[Eddie] “At the end of the day, it’s more jobs … can you see anyone else hiring round here? Clarrie, poor love, still can’t find anything”
At that, Ruth calms down. She apologies.
Eddie will still milk Brookfield
[Ruth] “If it weren’t for the milk price, there wouldn’t be so much farms going under”
At which Eddie promises that he will “still be around to milk the Brookfield herd”. He won’t be off to the Super Dairy if they have new jobs.
Oh Eddie. You might have to do that anyway.
Tony can’t feel his fingers
Seriously, can someone help Tony out with the work at Bridge Farm before he collapses?
Jim and Christine doing the crossword
Lovely.
I like those two together. Very calming and warm.
Even when they talk about the Super Dairy.
[Christine] “I must say, I appreciate the way they’ve tried to keep the village informed … I thought the leaflet was very persuasive, didn’t you?”
[Jim] “To be honest, I could have done without the hard sell”
They also then have a chat about the Jubilee oak getting planted at St Stephen’s tomorrow.
Though Jim reckons he has ironing to do instead …
[Jim] “Religion and royalty on their own are one thing Christine, both together is more than I can bear”
[Christine] “Oh don’t be such a wet blanket!”
Which Jim doesn’t mind Christine saying, as she helped him realise that the answer to their crossword clue was “blanket”.
Hurrah!
An online petition … steady!
Ruth calls round to Pat’s to talk Super Dairy.
With Pat’s recent burst of energy, and Ruth’s fury over the possible loss of Brookfield’s herd, they will be a force to shudder at the mention.
So, over lunch, they make an online petition.
And are going to make posters to promote the petition. And email them out to all of the folks they know.
The online petition says that the Super Dairy:
Undermines more sustainable and environmentally friendly forms of dairy faming
[Pat] “BL have got a fight on their hands!”
[Ruth] “They certainly have, they’d better watch out!”
Scary stuff …
… especially when Tony had to get his own soup with pat too busy …
(not that the woman has to get the man his soup – Pat had already sorted herself and Ruth)
Eddie’s water feature
Will be his promise Auction item.
But only after Christine persuaded him with a mention of how good it would be for promotion of his patio business.
Did you spot possible trouble ahoy?
Eddie said he’d fit it for free. Christine seemed to think it was the whole thing.
“Honestly, this task is becoming positively Sisyphean!”
Is what Jim reckons the recording of hours for Community Orchard work is becoming.
Aye, he’s no wrong there.
I feel the same just writing about it …. (dull, dull, dull)
The Archers Sunday 5th February 2012
- Brian can’t even light a fire
- Brian just wants to be Brian
- Chris is nearly in business
- Even Alice wants Harry!
- Jennifer is naughty
Brian can’t even light a fire
Well, only when it comes to setting local opinion alight!
He just wants to light his living room fire so that he can settle down in front of it to watch the rugby (Ireland Vs Wales - not Scotland Vs England. Thankfully …).
But poor man had to head out and get something (he didn’t say what, but one assumes fire lighters) to get the fire going.
That’s not very (butch) Brian.
Brian just wants to be Brian
Brian is still upset that folks think he is ‘high-handed’.
[Brian] “I don’t know what I’m supposed to Jenny, I’ve tried to be open and reasonable”
[Jennifer] “I know it’s been hard but it’s not going to help if you start getting, well, paranoid about it …”
[Brian] “I can’t stop being me!”
When Alice later pops round, and Jennifer tells her what Brian’s upset about, Alice can’t help laughing.
[Alice] “Dad honestly didn’t realise he can be pompous sometimes? Has he heard himself?”
But Alice does appreciate that Brian is having a hard time trying to get the facts over about the Super Dairy. So, she suggests to Jennifer that she could out the facts up on the village website …
Chris is nearly in business
Only a matter of months now.
He’s got a fixed rate loan (double the interest, but safer). But Chris is also worried about the responsibility.
While being excited about being his own boss.
The boy (and Alice) have done well. Amazing they’ve managed to save and convince the bank to give them a loan!
Even Alice wants Harry!
Alice tells Chris that she also wants to put a bid on Harry during the Promise Auction for the Britain in Bloom auction.
Chris sounds annoyed. But only about the money …
[Alice] “It’s not as if we’re going to do much for Valentine’s next week, I could do with something to perk me up, handsome harry in the garden would do the trick, all this fragile living isn’t good for a girl, we have needs”
But Chris reckons he has plans for Valentine’s. And that not everything needs to cost a fortune …
Jennifer is naughty
She’s taken Alice’s advice, and spent two hours putting together an article about the Super Dairy on the village website.
In fact, she’s also put on an article about the Green Burial. Making sure of mentions about Brian donating the land for it (and that it’s next to the Millennium Wood, also donated by Brian).
[Brian] “Thank you darling, I really appreciate it”
Not sure the rest of the village (especially those opposed to the Super Dairy) will be as appreciative of Jennifer misusing the might of the Village website!
The Archers Friday 3rd February 2012
- Ruth discovers before she’s told
- Tony is still in a huff
- Even the Farming magazines have turned against Brian
- Pat’s geed up
- Brian has to face the truth
Ruth discovers before she’s told
Oliver calls David to check he’s okay when Ruth walks in. David rings off, and I thought she’d start to think David was up to no good with Oliver (imagine that!), but she has other matters on her mind.
She’s found something on the printer. She’s guessed it relates to what David wanted to talk to her about later on, and she is far from amused about it.
[Ruth] “You wanted to present me with a fait accompli!”
David reckons he was just gathering information so that he and Ruth could have an informed, discussion. Though why he couldn’t gather than information with Ruth, I don’t know.
David reckons getting info to inform their discussion
[Ruth] “So you’ve given up on the herd basically!”
[David] “No”
[Ruth] “Well that’s what it looks like it to me. You’ve made up your mind”
[David] “We cannot go on day after day, week after week … hoping for some miracle …. So what’s your solution?”
David thinks that even if they could get a bank loan, they couldn’t pay it back. Any anyway, it’d be spending money on something that won’t generate profit.
David wants a long term, sustainable business. And it does sound as if he doesn’t think that can happen with a dairy herd. Even on their (fairly new) pasture system.
[Ruth] “I can’t believe you’ve lost faith in it”
[David] “I believe in the principle, but the maths …”
Ruth is also furious that David has already started speaking to other people about possibly selling the herd.
[David] “Everyone’s going to know our business, when we go bust …. You look at the figures and tell me how you can justify keeping them?”
[Ruth] “I’m not selling them! … We’re keeping the cows”
[David] “Well, there you are then, stalemate”
Oops.
It’ll be Ruth and Josh Vs David and Pip.
And Phil turning in his grave …
Tony is still in a huff
The launch yesterday made £600 and they’ve had phone calls all day from new customers.
But, the yard scraper isn’t scraping.
And Tony’s back is hurting.
[Tony] “It’s all well saying ‘be careful’ Pat, but is there anyone around to do it? … I’m left picking up the slack”
I think Tony has a fair point.
All fine and good to do the marketing and sales – but you also need to create product.
Which seems to be just Tony by himself at the moment.
Tony does cheer up a wee bit later on when Pat reminds him that the Ambridge Organics name was his idea.
But he’ll be back to moaning once the cold kicks in again.
Even the Farming magazines have turned against Brian
There’s an article in one of the Farming magazines on the Super Dairy.
It doesn’t exactly present any information about the pros and cons.
[Brian] “It’s about what they see as the sexier side of the story, the divisions it’s caused”
One could almost feel sorry for Brian.
If he hadn’t brought it on himself.
Pat’s geed up
Pat really does seem to have got her second wind.
The brand launch went well.
They’re making sales again.
And she’s got the Super Dairy to get angry about.
After being falsely accused by Brian of being behind the anti-Super Dairy website, Pat’s decided that she should get herself organised to properly oppose. She reckons the internet is indeed the way to do.
Uh oh.
Brian really should be scared this time.
Once Aunty pat stirs, she can’t be easily put out again.
Brian has to face the truth
Brian’s been told off.
By Annabelle.
On behalf of a BL Board that’s “twitching” about how Brian is handling objections to the Super Dairy.
[Brian] “She said I’m being high handed with people … high handed … in future, I’ve got to talk less and listen more … high handed, am I really like that Jenny?”
[Jennifer] “Well … “
[Brian] “I am then! “
[Jennifer] “I suppose you be seen as being a bit, well, patronising. And as for Adam … well I suppose high handed is one way to describe how you’ve handed him. I’m so sorry darling, I hate having to say this to you … and you’d rather I told you the truth than what I think you want to hear …”
[Brian] “I can face it. But it’s not easy to take”
Ha!
Bout time someone brought a mirror to Bully-boy Brian’s face.
The Archers Thursday 2nd February 2012
- Sabrina agrees with the Super Dairy
- It’s website war!
- Pat launches
- Lynda’s Surprise
- Lilian and Jennifer on a “right ding dong”
Sabrina agrees with the Super Dairy
Well, job done then for Brian. What with Sabrina being such an influencer …
Brian chatted to Sabrina as she was jogging on one of Home Farm’s footpaths (course, all he was interested in was talking to her about the Super Dairy … nothing to do with her in sportswear …).
Seems Sabrina had got the BL leaflet about the Dairy, and was very impressed.
[Brian] “She was going on and on about how clean and airy it looked, said it had made her much happier about the whole thing … Richard agrees with her, and he’s on the Parish Council”
But two Thwaites do not make a village (opinion).
It’s website war!
Brian was a bit disappointed that the Echo didn’t make mention of his attendance at the Green Burial site opened day. Positive bit of PR, that would have been.
But Jennifer has bad news for him.
She’s found a website, after Googling “Ambridge New Dairy”. And it’s not a website that Brian’s PR chap Rufus has made.
It shows, amongst other things, cows in appallingly bad conditions. It says that the numbers Brian intends to have at his Super Dairy are far higher than they actually are.
In fact, it’s complete rubbish (so say Brian and Jennifer).
[Brian] “We’re in danger of losing the arguments because people won’t hear the facts … emotional twaddle, irrational nonsense!”
A furious Brian storms off to Bridge Farm to confront who he thinks is the likely brains behind the website. Pat Archer.
[Brian] “I suppose you think you’re clever!!!”
[Pat] “Me? Create a website … I haven’t had a chance to look at a website let alone create one!”
Brian shows her the website. Pat agrees it is indeed rubbish and full of inaccuracies.
[Pat] “Frankly Brian, there are plenty of valid arguments against your diary without having to rely on distortion of the facts. I’m insulted you’d think I’d produce anything so ill informed”
She reckons it’s probably been done by someone with “an animal rights bias”.
(who do we think that is? Animal rights. Knows about websites. Pip? Josh? Kirsty? Helen? Tom???)
Pat also thinks that Brian should expect more of this. So he “better take sit up and notice”.
[Brian] “We are taking notice, we are perfectly happy to engage in reasoned debate with people”
[Pat] “You? Don’t make me laugh!”
Blimey.
If Brian wants to get the village onside,. Shouting at Pat won’t help him one bit at all.
Lilian and Jennifer on a “right ding dong”
Lilian’s words, not mine.
She’s “chumming” Jennifer to the Ambridge Organics launch. Brian refused to, but Jennifer is (in her own way) trying to make amends with Pat and Tony. Jennifer is actually looking forward to it.
[Lilian] “So am I. With you as my chauffeur, I can have a drink!”
Aha! Where there is drink, there is Lilian.
Good lass.
Jennifer lasts until the speeches, but then wants to leave:
[Jennifer] “Look Lillian, I don’t want to stay any longer, if you don’t mind … it’s so awkward… Tony is ignoring me”
[Lilian] “If it’s any consolation, darling, he doesn’t seem to be talking much to anyone …Who’ve you go to rush home to anyway? Bear with a sore head Brian?”
Pat launches
Ambridge Organics.
Seems it all went very well.
Lots of people. Two councillors. No Doug Somerville.
[Helen] “Horrid man. Fancy not letting us know until today!”
Helen mingles while she leaves Bust Brenda to serve drinks. Helen then makes a speech – she’s been running Ambridge Organics (the shop) for 12 years (blimey!).
Pat’s turn. She makes sure everyone is aware that Tony and she have been running an organic business for 30 years (double blimey!), and manages to make it sounds like the new brand is just them making sense of the two brands Bridge Farm (the food) and Ambridge Organics (the shop).
Nothing to do with E. Coli then …
Anyhoo, back to the Ambridge Organics new brand:
[Pat] “That’s the brand we’d like you to ask for by name wherever you do your shopping”
So that’s that then. Ambridge Organics (the brand and the shop) lives.
But Tony still sounds pissed off …
Lynda’s Surprise
Sounds a bit scary,
[Jennifer] “She thought it’d be novel”
[Lilian] “ … when she comes to Feng Shui your vegetable patch!”
Lynda has entered herself as a Promise in the auction to raise money for Britain in Bloom funds. But, she won’t tell anyone what they’d win.
That’s a bit concerning.
Bert’s offered something to do with helping folks and their borders. Ed and George will be on slug patrol (ah, that’s a sweet one).
[Lilian] “the best bargain has got to be 4 hours of Harry. I’m definitely bidding on that!”
Jennifer points out that Lilian has a gardener, but Lilian reckons she should also bid. And get Ian to bid on Harry for Adam.
I though Harry was a bit attractive, but didn’t realise he was that attractive!
The Archers Wednesday 1st February 2012
- Neil’s reaction to Joe and Bert’s DIY?
- Darrell Speaks
- “I’m looking into selling the herd”
- Shelly Brazil and Tom
- Harry and every female in the village
Neil’s reaction to Joe and Bert’s DIY?
[Neil] “Oh my …”
We next hear of him in The Bull, in much need of a pint.
Then, he’s taken Mike and Darrell back to take a look at the devastation.
[Mike] “You mean this eyesore is someone trying to help!?!”
They can all still smell the cider. Bert and Joe must have been properly sloshed.
Neil is incandescent. He needs to finish up the tiling by Friday so that the electrician can get his bit done. Joe and Bert’s ‘help’ will mean the whole thing has to be redone. Which will mean Neil won’t be able to let the electrician in. And that means waiting for longer to get the electrician back in (we all know how hard it is to get an appointment out of an electrician). Which means waiting longer for Tracey (and brood) to move out.
Joe and Bert do not realise the harm they’ve done.
But not to fear. Darrell is here.
He offers to help Neil. Not for money, just as a neighbour.
Good bloke.
Which brings me onto …
Darrell Speaks
And sounds like a nice enough chap.
Darrell (Elona’s husband) is having a pint with Mike at The Bull after having done some work with him. Darrell has also got a bit of work at Grey Gables. Seems Peggy has put in a word.
He’s getting bit and bobs of work, but one of his daughters, Rosa, can’t find anything.
[Darrell] “I don’t think she thinks she’ll ever find a job”
He and Mike concur that it’s a terrible world for young ‘uns. No jobs, and no hope of jobs.
Well, that’s until Mike later on decides to offer Rosa a job at his dairy.
Darrell helping out Neil has impressed Mike and paid dividends (for Rosa).
“I’m looking into selling the herd”
It’s a day of blokes drinking.
Mike and Darrell. Neil. And when David goes round to see Oliver, they talk over beer.
Stressful times indeed.
David cuts to the chase (in telling Oliver something he can’t quite talk to Ruth about)
[David] “I’m looking into selling the herd”
[Oliver] “Of everything possible I thought it might be, this never came into my head”
[David] “I never thought I’d see the day would come when I’d entertain it as a serious possibility … I am sorry to dump this on you Oliver, but Ruth is so passionate … God Oliver, I still never thought it would come to this”
With milk yields low, and the slurry problem (plus cost to fix), David can’t see what else to do. So he wants a clear objective view from Oliver.
It’s a relief for David to be able to talk to someone about his dilemma. He’s started putting out feelers about prices and the like, but he’s carrying a lot of weight by himself. Part of him also wants someone just to tell him what to do.
(well, Ruth will do that for him!)
David is guilt ridden.
[David] “I promised him I’d keep Brookfield a mixed family farm”
[Oliver] “But Phil wouldn’t want you to drive yourself into the ground to keep a promise you made over 10 years ago … he wouldn’t, times change”
And Oliver tells David that he must (must!) talk to Ruth about this soon. They’re in together.
Shelly Brazil and Tom
Tom seems to be very hung-up on Shelly.
She’s a local celebrity chef, and writes for Borchester Life. She already did one event at Ambridge Organics a while back – Tom is obsessed that she also appears at the new Ambridge Organics brand launch on Thursday.
But Shelly has gone silent on him. So he keeps calling. Stalking …
Brenda later checks Tom’s texts for him while he’s driving. There is one from Shelly.
Brenda tells him that Shelly can’t come.
But it was just a jest:
[Brenda] “Actually, she says she can … I just wanted to see how much you cared!”
(funny sense of humour, that Brenda)
Shelly can come AND she’s taking a Borchester Life photographer with her. So the launch will get into the social pages … Borchester’s Bashes.
[Brenda] “I can see it now – celebrity chef, Shelly Brazil, sample sausage King Tom Archer’s Wares!”
Ew!
Would rather not see that. Not at all!
Harry and every female in the village
Brenda is also bidding for Harry’s Britain in Bloom Promise Auction.
[Brenda] “There is loads of us lining up to have him dig our garden”
Brenda, Kirsty – and also Hilary Noakes and Vicky (so it seems).
Harry is a popular chap.
Wonder if he’ll speak again anytime soon.
