The Archers Monday 12th March 2012
- Tracey has four kids
- Helen never made mention of nappies
- Pat’s a crusader without even trying
- Keira’s bored of being a baby
- Jim’s threesome
- Is that Brian under the tractor?
- Emma appreciates the Doll House
- Hilary Noakes’ cockatoo is ill
- Jim has spooked Vicky
Tracey has four kids
Counting her dad and Gary.
Though Emma was looking to her for some (probably free) babysitting, Tracey reckons she already has her hands full.
Emma is also furious to learn that Tracey also has the cheek to want to find a job – and had the nerve to see if Emma could babysit for her when she not at Lower Loxley in the afternoons.
Horrendous! How dare the world not revolve around Emma! Very surprised she’s still speaking to Clarrie after Clarrie went back to her job at Bridge Farm.
Anyhoo – point is that Emma can’t get proper babysitting sorted.
How long before she’s forced to ask Nic?
Helen never made mention of nappies
So Brian was fibbing when he said he volunteered Jennifer to do the veg box recipes because of Helen:
[Brian] “I’m sorry I dropped you in it but I had to stop Helen talking about Henry and his nappies somehow”
Pat’s a crusader without even trying
Brian’s bemoaning the fact that Pat’s petition against the Super Dairy is getting more and more signatures, when Pat obviously hasn’t been focusing on her campaign while Tony is ill.
[Brian] “Here’s me packing their veg boxes, meanwhile her campaign is taking on a life of its own and is threating to stiff my business. It’s a funny old world”
He’s not as calm when it comes to the protestors at the Mart. They’re “loonies” who don’t understand anything.
Keira’s bored of being a baby
So says Susan. Keira’s started walking, which had made Keira very happy.
[Susan] “Bored of being a baby. She’s very bright, you see”
Jim’s threesome
Jim comes into the shop while Vicky and Susan are chatting.
[Jim] “What a bevy of beauty! You're both looking particularly delightful today, if I may say so … is that a new jumper Susan?”
It’s not, but Vicky’s is.
Jim then compliments (ah ha!) Vicky on the colours of said top being delightful, and that she’s looking “trim and slimmer”.
*sigh*
Jim’s not very good at this. He’s coming over as a bit of a perv AND you never (ever) mention a woman’s weight.
Whether it be a compliment or not.
Is that Brian under the tractor?
Yes it was.
Which gave Jennifer a fright. Surely that’s something Jeff could do (so she says).
He’s just trying to get his mind off of the folks who are against the Super Dairy.
Seems Lord Donald Eldberry has “fallen” for the anti-brigade, and has written to Brian as a result.
[Brian] “I’ve got councillors on the phone wittering about objections their constituents have raised, not to mention pen pushers in the planning department!
[Jennifer] “Calm down. I can practically see your blood pressure rising”
Jennifer admits that she’s worried Brian is going to do a Tony and collapse with a heart attack.
[Brian] “Oh, is this why we’ve been having all that weird food … mackerel and lentils … oh darling, you won’t get rid of me that easily. But any more lentils, you just might!”
Emma appreciates the Doll House
[Emma] “It's going to be gorgeous dad!”
Blimey!
That’s not like Emma to be thankful for the effort someone else has gone to for her (well, Keira).
A slight thaw?
Hilary Noakes’ cockatoo is ill
Aw – that’s a shame.
(and I do mean that!).
Susan warns Emma to make sure George doesn’t ask Hilary about her cockatoo as a result. Seems George is fascinated about it, but Hilary can’t cope talking about it (him?) at the moment.
It’s been losing weight and feathers, and has had swabs taken.
[Susan] “Don’t let George say anything, it’ll only burst her into tears!”
Neil warns Susan that she’s verging on gossip (which she had given up for lent).
[Susan] “That was not gossip. That was a point of information to Emma … helpful not harmful!”
Jim has spooked Vicky
Vicky’s round visiting Susan and Neil. She’s a bit perplexed.
[Vicky] “It’s what Jim said in the shop … what he said to me about looking very trim … what did he mean ... well is he saying I've lost weight? Cause if so, how am I supposed to take it? Is he saying I was fat before .… that I looked fat then … what do you think Neil?”
[Neil] “Me?!?”
[Vicky] “Well you’re a man. If you tell someone she’s looking very trim are you saying she’s lost weight ?”
[Neil] “Erm, I don’t think I’ve ever said that to anyone, so I’m sorry Vicky I can’t be of much help”
[Susan, saving Neil] “I just thought it was a compliment … he said all that about me and my jumper, then he moved onto you. I’m sure it was a compliment”
[Vicky] “So why didn’t he just stick to saying my new top suited me or something. Nah, I’m sorry Susan. I’m not convinced”
Oh dear.
The Archers Sunday 11th March 2012
- 3 words for Tom
- Helen makes a joke
- Why can’t Helen move pig arks?
- Jazzer has a new lassie in sight
- Alice’s iron is knackered
- Has Jennifer changed her tune about Christopher?
- Tony’s too quiet
- Charity fashion show for ‘Africa’
- Why does Alice want Amy to have a boyfriend?
3 words for Tom
[Helen] “tea and toast”
Well.
Seems to make Tom happy enough.
(though hearing him munch it wasn’t very pretty)
Helen makes a joke
Helen and Tom are talking about creating more poly tunnels to be able to grow and sell more produce.
Helen reckons the packaging has to be spot on. Local produce. Organic. And British.
[Helen] “It’s really important to flag that up, literally … union jacks on every crate”
She did chuckle when she said it, so Helen isn’t completely clueless.
Tom also mentioned something about talking to a bloke about a business loan.
Eh?
When was that decided?
Does Bridge Farm need more debt?
Tony won’t be very calm when he hears about that.
Why can’t Helen move pig arks?
Tom’s feeling overworked, so Helen offers to help.
[Tom] “Come on, I’m not going to get you moving pig arks, am I?”
Why not?
Helen has always struck me as a fairly robust and healthy young filly.
Jazzer has a new lassie in sight
Poor lassie.
Seems he’s more than happy to take on extra work from Tom.
[Tom] “He was quite keen to do more hours. He’s got some new woman to impress”
[Helen] “Good old Jazzer. Always the right priorities”
Poor Helen. She really doesn’t get that there’s more to life than Bridge Farm …
Alice’s iron is knackered
[Alice] “It just went out as soon as I switched it on”
Has Jennifer changed her tune about Christopher?
She actually sounds fairly impressed that Alice and Chris have managed to save, and Chris is now about to have his own business.
Hard work outweighs a lack of blue blood (which neither Jennifer nor Brian have anyhoo).
Tony’s too quiet
Tony’s made it out of the yard. He wants some proper air (which you seemingly can’t get in the yard), but he’s chased just as quickly back home again in case he is over doing it and gets a chill.
(poor Tony. He isn't ancient as yet)
Pat’s feeling quite philosophical.
[Pat] “It brings it home to you, doesn’t it? What loving someone really is”
Later on, Tony’s not hungry enough to finish his pudding. He feels like he’s not doing enough to build up a hunger. He takes himself off to watch the rugby, with pat promising to take his a cup of tea during half time.
Pat’s guilt resurrects itself.
[Pat] “All that time, from the minute I found out about Rich, I was nothing but selfish”
Helen thinks Pat’s guilt over Rich comes from the overreaction she (Helen) and Tom had.
Pat does not concur.
[Pat] “Never gave dad’s feelings a moment’s thought … He was trying to protect me. He was worried about my health … I didn’t allow him to vent”
But Helen (and the doctor) reckon it was high cholesterol and the like that caused Tony’s heart attack.
[Helen] “You might as well say that I’m to blame … these things build up don’t they … if you’re looking for stress factors, then it’s got to be the e.coli”
[Pat] “I’ll never take him for granted again Helen … I know I have in the past just because he’s quieter than I am”
[Helen] “He’s quieter than all of us”
[Pat] “It his quietness that … he gives me,. All of us, so much support. Just knowing he’s there. He’s been too easy to ignore Helen. I’m not going to do that anymore. I’m going to listen to him. What he wants”
[Helen] “I know mum. We all will”
Phew!
At last, they’re actually going to listen to Tony. The trick is to make sure Tom also follows suit.
Charity fashion show for ‘Africa’
How very 1980s, and oddly quite politically incorrect for Alice.
Why does Alice want Amy to have a boyfriend?
It’s just as odd as Fallon being desperate to make Kirsty and Rhys get together.
[Alice] “I’m going to introduce her to one of the more lush models … Joel”
[Jennifer] “That’s up to Amy. Actually, does she want a boyfriend?”
[Alice] “Of course she does. She’s not going to meet many men doing her job is she, well not available ones anyway”
[Jennifer] “She’s always struck me as a very independent young woman, just because being in a couple suits you and Christopher darling, you can’t assume that everyone wants to be paired off at your age …Dear me Alice, you sound like my granny!”
[Alice] “You’ll be sorry you doubted me when you’re buying your new hat”
How odd.
Why would Alice be scoring any points by getting Amy a boyfriend?
The Archers Friday 9th March 2012
- The cheese is loaded and ready to go
- Jim sucks up to Shula
- The launch is a success
- Lily was bell ringing again
- Seeds for Britain in Bloom
- The difference between flattery and a compliment
- Anyone else thought Tony had done a Phil?
The cheese is loaded and ready to go
Steady on Helen!
Tom’s already at the café, Helen and Pat are more or less ready to go (dropping Henry off at Nic’s on the way), so they’re just waiting on Tony.
But Tony appears in his dressing gown.
[Tony] “I didn’t have such a good night. Didn’t sleep too well … I feel fine otherwise, just a bit washed out. So maybe you were right. I’d be better to stay at home and have a quiet day”
Jim sucks up to Shula
He didn’t seem to have a purpose in going round to see Shula, as she was getting ready to head out with Topper. Who is being a bit frisky today (Topper, not Jim. Well, maybe Jim as well, but he didn’t mention it).
[Shula] “He’s young. Full of the joys”
[Jim] “He seems to know who is boss!”
They chat about Shula making the decision to buy Topper, despite Alistair’s protests.
[Jim] “Alistair should have known better than to argue … after all, you ... you … when it comes to horses, you know what’s best … I’m sure your judgement is second to none”
Shula was a bit spooked …
The launch is a success
It sounds packed, with people travelling from all over. There is even “cheese people” from Derbyshire,
[Pat] “They’re all being so positive, Saying such nice things”
[Tom] “That chef from that Birmingham caterers said my pork stir fry was, quote, delicious”
[Helen] “High fives all round then!”
Lily was bell ringing again
Yesterday. Seems she really likes it.
Seeds for Britain in Bloom
Alan’s been buying them in, so he tells Shula.
(again – did I miss the big reconciliation between Alan and Shula?)
Lynda has also printed off a leaflet called The Art of seed Propagation to help when planting.
[Shula] “Is there an art to using a propagator?”
[Alan] “And she’s been trying to bulk buy scarlet geraniums”
Complete hedonism!
The difference between flattery and a compliment
Shula happened to mention to Alan that Jim had paid her a compliment.
Aha! Compliment! That’s what Jim was up to.
[Jim] “Alan, when I make a resolution, I kept it … as from today, Shula is my first success … that’s one satisfied customer”
[Alan] “Little surprised, maybe”
[Jim] “Well, Shula and I, well, you know, it’s not always easy being a father in law … still once I decided, there was no messing about. Straight in at the deep end. Though I have to say it was quite a tricky one to hit the rights notes you know, I had to out in some careful thought”
[Alan] “And I assume when you said it you meant it …”
[Jim] “Alan! Of course I meant it. If I’d been at all insincere it would have been flattery, not a compliment!”
Seems Jim’s plan is to give compliments as and when the chance arises. “Discreet opportunism” he calls it.
But Jim will be keeping a strict record, including who, where, when, what and a witness.
That’s a bit over the top.
Anyone else thought Tony had done a Phil?
I think that’s what the folks who place the secret microphones wanted us to think.
Tony’s left home alone.
Pat got a missed call from David, who’d been helping out at Home Farm. Pat, Tom and Helen are a bit worried.
Turns out David was just calling to say everything was fine.
[Helen] “I wish he’d just texted you!”
When they later get home, they can hear the TV is on.
Uh oh … just like Phil being left alone, for Jill to get back with Christine to the sound of a record and Phil very much departed …
But not to worry.
We could hear Tony breathing. He was just having a nap.
Cheeky secret microphone placing people.
The Archers Thursday 8th March 2012
- Even Tig doesn’t like Emma
- Joe the babysitter
- Ruth has the answer
- Less protestors but more media coverage
- Jennifer’s a doormat (prt 6799921)
- An Exeat
- Emma finally speaks out against Greenwood Cottage
Even Tigg doesn’t like Emma
He’s been running in mud, then has run through the house causing more work for Emma.
Good boy!
Joe the babysitter
Terrifying …
Eddie’s still picking up Clarrie’s babysitting duties for Emma, with Ed returning early from work to take over.
But, all goes wrong with Ed arriving home late today.
Emma had got home first. To find no Eddie or Keira at theirs. To then find George and Keira at Keepers with Joe.
[Emma] “Poor man. He was exhausted. Well it’s not good enough Ed”
Emma is also furious with Eddie with going off and leaving Joe in charge.
Ed later comes back with eh answer. Oliver will switch his days so that Ed can sync with Emma, to be there when she can’t.
Sorted. Thrilling stuff indeed.
(though I do love to hear Emma ranting … she’s just always wrong!)
Ruth has the answer
There’s a first!
She reckons she has worked out how to make the milk pay.
David explains to her (and us) what she’s proposing (!):
[David] “We don’t go for the full New Zealand system … we give up our year round calving and switch to block calving in the autumn”
[Ruth] “The cows would be dried off in August with most of them calving September through to December … so our milk production would dip over the summer … but then it peaks again just at the right times, in the Autumn and then again the Spring, so we make the most of our grass”
The big BUT is the very low milk yield in summer AND the cows would be inside, and off the grass, for longer.
Ruth reckons that’s good, as it’ll give their pastures longer to recover and make more grass (my words).
[Ruth] “We make the most of the grass and we get the best of the yields …”
Where have we heard that before … cows kept inside, higher milk yield!?!
David isn’t convinced. He’s still worried about having to buy a slurry tank. But he does agree it’s worth considering.
[Ruth] “Is that all?”
[David] “Well it’s quite a leap of faith … there are a lot of ifs and buts in my head”
So off he goes to have a look at the figures for himself.
Later on:
[David] “I didn’t mean to be so negative … needed time to let it sink in … you’re right, there could be something in it … I really do think you’re onto something with Autumn calving … I reckon there’s a chance we could make it work … one that’s worth going for … so, yeah, I think we should do it, if it means we can stay in milk and keep the herd”
[Ruth] “We can carry on milking and we won’t have to sell the cows. That’s so great … this has got to be the answer, I know it … We’ll be so organised, we’ll get everything right from the start, I know we can do it David, I know we can make it work”
The cows get to stay!
But Ruth loses the moral high ground about the Super Dairy.
Less protestors but more media coverage
Brian called Jennifer to report that the protest at the Mart is on today, but it’s not up to much. It’s raining.
[Brian] “It was nothing like the other day. In fact it was a bit of a damp squib altogether … 10 or a dozen people … it looks as if the revolution has been cancelled due to bad weather”
But Jennifer is the bearer of bad news. Brian hasn’t seen today’s Echo as yet.
There’s a picture of Kirsty and Brian. On page 2. And it’s a decent sized article.
[Brian] “The whole article makes the protestors like noble heroes, BL a bunch of evil cow haters or something”
To make matters worse, BL paid for an advert in the same issue, but it’s only on page 8.
[Jennifer] “Well no one takes the echo seriously”
But Brian’s right that local people all read their local papers. Especially the letters page. In which today’s Echo has at least half dozen about the Super Dairy, only one of which is in favour.
[Jennifer] “Maybe you're right darling. It's all running out of steam. With a bit of luck, it’ll soon blow over”
Eh?
Not a chance.
Jennifer’s a doormat (prt 6799921)
Jennifer’s received an email from Helen about the veg box recipes.
She’s a bit annoyed that Brian offered her up without talking to her.
[Jennifer] “It would have been nice if you’d asked me first … “
But, just when you think she’s standing up for herself:
[Jennifer] “Never mind, it’s something I can do for them”
An Exeat
Jennifer was reminding Brian that Ruairi had one.
I had to look it up.
It’s a weekend leave from boarding school.
Emma finally speaks out against Greenwood Cottage
Emma was wondering if George had left something at Casa Nueva. Ed went to correct her about the name of Will and Nic’s house (note that again: Will and Nic’s house)
[Emma] “I mean Casa Nueva … I don’t care what it says on the gate!”
She’s hurting.
The Archers Wednesday 7th March 2012
- No malted milks!
- Clarrie’s fetching the paper
- Can’t gossip about Oliver
- Can’t gossip about Brian
- Jim can gossip
- A rude parsnip
- The Hungry Gap
- The WI big cake
- Susan sets Alan on Jim
- Jim has to pay compliments
- Is Brian thick?
- The Peregrines are back
No malted milks!
[Jim] “Oh dear. Still no malted milks. Oh well, it’ll have to be the digestives again”
Jinks. Ambridge living really is a shocker.
Clarrie’s fetching the paper
On Pat’s say so, for Tony.
Didn’t take long for Pat to start treating Clarrie like a serf again.
Can’t gossip about Oliver
Oliver’s been digging over Joe’s garden, as part of the Promise Auction Jim bidded on for Joe.
[Clarrie] “Joe’s been a bit naughty really, telling him Harry would have done it better cause he’s so much younger … course Oliver, being the man he is, takes it as a challenge”
But Susan has to stop her there. Clarrie’s verging on gossip (not allowed for Lent!)
After a bit of silence while Susan and Clarrie try to work out what they can talk about, Susan starts talking about Neil doing up her old doll house for Keira. Seems he’s finished the wallpapering, and is now touching up the paintwork.
Can’t gossip about Brian
Clarrie’s telling Susan that Brian’s back helping Helen with the veg boxes.
[Susan] “You heard about the demonstration at the market … it must have been very embarrassing …”
But Clarrie has to stop her there. Now Susan is verging on gossip.
Jim can gossip
Jim steps into Susan and Clarrie’s conversation.
[Brian] “From what I heard in The Bull last night … it must have been very awkward for Brian … Kirsty, right at the front, giving out leaflets to the farmers and Brian, rather ill-advisedly, I have to say, went up and tried to reason with her in front of the whole crowd and an Echo reporters, and you know what she said to him …”
But both Clarrie and Susan cut him off. It’s gossip. Even though they do desperately want to know what Kirsty said to Brian.
A rude parsnip
Helen’s showing Brian how to pack purple sprouting broccoli. He seems quite chuffed with himself for being able to do it, especially putting the elastic around the stems.
Simple pleasures.
As Helen stopped Brian talking to her about the demonstration (too controversial, with Helen obviously on the side of the protestors), and was mentioning that Pip is now helping Bridge Farm out with the milking …
[Brian] “Good lord. What’s that?”
[Helen] “A parsnip. One of our rejects …”
[Brian] “Really? I’ve never seen one that shape before!”
[Helen] “I’ll give it to Tom. I’m sure he can think of something imaginative to do with it”
Oh that’s a really nasty (nasty) thought …
The Hungry Gap
I never knew this – but the Hungry Gap refers to:
In cultivation of vegetables in a British-type climate, the hungry gap is the gardeners' name for the period in spring when there is little or no fresh produce available from a vegetable garden or allotment. It usually starts when overwintered brassica vegetables such as brussels sprouts and winter cauliflowers and January King cabbages "bolt" (i.e. run up to flower) as the days get warmer and longer, but sooner if a very hard frost kills these crops; and ends when the new season's first broad beans are ready.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungry_gap
Helen normally just sends out recipe cards to give folks suggestions for how to cook what is there. But, she hasn’t got time at the moment.
So Brian offers her up Jennifer. If Helen sends over all the recipes she’s used before, Jennifer will sort them out and print them.
Well, I suppose it was time Jennifer was given something to do.
The WI big cake
[Alan] “The WI are going to feed the 5000!”
Seems they’re making a big cake for the Jubilee picnic.
Well done WI.
Susan sets Alan on Jim
Susan sounds genuinely worried that she’s not managing with her ‘no gossip’ pledge for lent.
[Susan] “Me and Clarrie are running out of things to say …”
And then there’s Jim:
[Susan] “coming into the shop and trying to lead us astray. Tempting us with a nice bit of juicy gossip and trying to wear us down … you'd think he'd show more respect”
Alan concurs. And heads off to have a word with him.
[Alan] “Is it true you’ve been teasing Susan and Clarrie?”
[Jim] “That was nothing really … it was only a bit of harmless fine. I assure she knew I didn’t mean it seriously”
[Alan] “Well it’s easy for you to laugh, but it’s actually quite a bit deal for her … she’s really quite upset about it”
Jim promises to apologise next time he sees her.
But Alan isn’t done …
Jim has to pay compliments
[Jim] “I can see for Susan, gossip is her life blood. It’d be like me having to give up … doing the crossword”
Alan pushes Jim to come up with something harder. Something that would be truly tough for Jim to give up. In fact, he pushes Alan to take on a “more positive challenge” …
[Alan] “I don’t know. Pay someone a compliment every day … a different person everyday”
[Jim] “You really are serious?”
[Alan] “Of course, if you think you’ve got less will power than Susan …”
So of course, Jim agrees (just as if Alan had called him chicken … what big kids they are).
I don’t quite get why having to give a compliment to a different person every day is such a tough challenge.
Is it just because Jim can sometimes be a bit scathing?
Is Brian thick?
Can he not see that Adam is still furious with him? Or does Brian think that by ignoring it, Adam will suddenly snap out of it?
They’re talking about the demonstration.
[Brian] “Did you know it was going to happen?”
[Adam] “Nothing definite. There’s been some talk on the internet”
(though Brian doesn’t seem perturbed that Adam might have known about the demo … is Brian just assuming that Adam is involved in the anti-brigade, and doesn’t really care?)
[Brian] “And they’ve had leaflets printed. They’re not the usual bunny hugging nonsense. It’s a quite serious, well-argued piece of propaganda”
Adam tells Brian not to assume the protest was a one off, and tells Brian to look at their website.
Which Brian does. And then thanks Adam for “the warning” as the website is saying they will be demonstrating again tomorrow.
[Brian] “It’s a ruddy nuisance all the same. It’s just not what we need at this stage. And I think we got off so lightly at the public meeting”
Adam really isn’t interested. She sarcastically wishes Brian best of luck, but was basically saying ‘whatever’.
[Adam] “Brian, I don’t have any kind of inside information … I really don’t see why you’re so surprised about these protests … the power of social networking, word gets round, people take action, so what else did you expect?”
So, do we think Adam does have something to do with Kirsty and her protestors?
The Peregrines are back
Yay!
I was a bit worried when we heard Jim whispering:
[Jim] “Now then my beauties, where are you …”
But he was just trying to spot the peregrines. Lynda and Alan have seen them back at St. Stephens.
The Archers Tuesday 6th March 2012
- COWS EAT GRASS
- There were never such devoted sisters
- Lilian to give up ciggies?
- Jennifer needs to speak to Adam
COWS EAT GRASS
Was one of the chants at the Mart demonstration today, joined with:
FREE THE AMBRIDGE COW
and
ALDRIDGE RESIGN
Cliff, the chap who’d project managed the build of the Mart, called Brian down to see a demonstration that was taking place. The demonstrators even had banners and leaflets!
[Brian] “It’s all about the dairy. The anti-brigade, would you believe. They’re trying to persuade farmers to support them and boycott the market … there’s only a dozen or so, but they’re causing quite a nuisance”
When Brian gets there, he estimates there’s more like 25 to 30 of them.
[Brian] “Look at them. Talk about a rabble. Where did they all come from?”
But Brian does recognise at least two of them.
[Brian] “Kirsty … our local tree hugger with her comrade Patrick”
Brian wants to know what they can do to move the demonstrators on. Cliff has had the Police out, but there’s nothing they can (or want) to do.
[Cliff] “Peaceful demonstrators excorcising their lawful right to protest”
[Brian] “What about the lawful rights of these farmers not to be harassed on their way into market?”
[Cliff] “There was something about the demonstrators having to notify the council”
But the Police are waiting on the right Council department to call them back to verify if that’s been done.
[Brian] “I’m going inside away from this scrum”
Later on, Brian has found out that the protestors didn’t notify the council BUT now that they’re started, they can’t really be stopped.
(begs the question of why they need to notify in the first place)
[Cliff] “They’ve got a nerve, haven’t they. Demonstrating at the market. When all’s said and done, what’s it got to do with your dairy scheme?”
It’s all to do with BL.
And more are now turning up. At which point Cliff leaves (he was only there to fix a specific technical problem), giving Brian the “Best of British” wishes.
Brian certainly needed it, after deciding that he’ll go out and:
[Brian] “see if I can calm things down”
Oh dear.
Brian doesn’t exactly have a soothing personality …
When Brian gets outside, he’s met with boos. When he asks who is in charge, Kirsty responds in a bit of a bizarre way:
[Kirsty] “Liberty and compassion, Brian”
(eh?)
[Kirsty] “This is nothing personal, you understand”
[Brian] “I’m glad to see you’re all so concerned about the diet and welfare of livestock”
[Kirsty] “It’s a shame you and BL directors seem to care … your cows won’t even get to see daylight”
But Brian doesn’t want a debate there and then, and asks them to leave.
[Brian] “Why don’t you pack up quietly, and get back to work, or wherever it is you go to”
(aye, that’s the way to get them on your side Brian!)
[Kirsty] “There are a lot of people out there who really hate your scheme … this is our way, and it won’t be the last time you see us. So you better get used to it Brian”
Oh-ho! Attacked on all side now. Couldn’t happen to a nicer chap.
There were never such devoted sisters
Lilian is arranging to collect Jennifer so they can both go and see Tony together.
[Lilian] “Shirt and sweet might be best … what he needs is some TLC from his sisters”
Jennifer’s brought a “scrumptious” (according to Tony) cake. Lilian’s brought an “assortment of nuts” because they have the “right sort of fatty acids” (according to Lilian’s healthy eating recipe book, which can’t have had much use …). Lilian felt she need to take something as Jennifer was taking something.
[Jennifer] “It’s not a competition Lilian”
[Lilian] “Oh yes it is. We don’t want him thinking I care less about him than you do”
(all said in jest)
Tony’s saying that while he now has to take pills for blood pressure and cholesterol, the doctors are saying Tony’s problems stems from stress rather than diet.
Jennifer sounded a bit sheepish after he’d said that … (guilt’s a terrible thing).
Tony has also had a call from a rehab specialist. And Helen has bought him a “gadget” so that he can check his own blood pressure. Tony tries to put it on Lilian to show them how it works.
[Lilian] “Take it away darling, with my lifestyle, it’ll go right off the scale!”
But to be serious:
[Lilian] “After all darling, it’s much too soon for us to lose our little brother”
[Jennifer] “Yes. Yes it is”
[Tony] “Well, that’s nice of you, thanks, both of you”
Lilian to give up ciggies?
As Jennifer and Lilian are driving home, they agree that Tony is looking a lot better. But:
[Lilian] “He’s still a long way from the Tony we know and love”
[Jennifer] “It’s all made me think very hard about our lifestyle …”
And she goes on to speak about how good their diet is, that they take exercise …
[Lilian] “Oh dear, I’m a hopeless case aren’t I? Perhaps I should have another bash at giving up the ciggies”
Jennifer needs to speak to Adam
Jennifer’s telling Lilian that while the Super Dairy has been stressing her, and nearly tore her family apart, she’s now sighing relief that Adam and Brian have “talked sensibly”.
So Jennifer seems to think everyone’s bessie pals again. But she does admit that she’s only heard this from Brian.
[Lilian] “Well, you can’t argue with a handshake, I suppose”
You can if it was only done to get the other person to shut up and go away!
The Archers Monday 5th March 2012
- David Vs Ruth
- Clarrie’s obsessively washing her hands
- Pat wants to forget how she treated Clarrie
- Tom Archer’s Ready Meals are “okay”
- Emma’s lost her free babysitter
- Tom’s worried for Tony
David Vs Ruth
[Ruth] “It’s not often you’re down before me on a Monday morning”
David’s still helping Bridge Farm out with their milking.
He’s also still harassing Ruth to tell him what her magic solution is for the dairy herd.
Ruth grunts at him and tries to change the subject.
[Ruth] “And there’s other things we need to talk about. Like Ben’s birthday!”
When they later sit down to talk, Ruth’s priority is to again sort out Ben’s birthday. They agree that he’ll have a party on Friday.
[David] “So now that that is decided, I think the future of our dairy herd is slightly more urgent”
[Ruth] “Okay, you think I don’t realise that!?!”
[David] “We’ve agreed that you’re going to come up with a plan to keep the cows …”
Ruth tells David she’s working on it. She’s looking into other systems, and is talking to “someone with figures”.
[Ruth, furious!] “David, don’t do this, stop hassling me, when I’ve got the information I’ll tell you about it … so please just back off and give me some time!!!”
oo-er!
I can see both sides.
David’s worried they’ll go bankrupt if they don’t make a change soon.
Ruth doesn’t want to lose the dairy herd, but finding a way of keeping them isn’t easy. Or fast.
Clarrie’s obsessively washing her hands
Clarrie back working at the Bridge Farm dairy.
She’s first worried about making sure her hair net covers all of her hair.
And she’s worried about remembering what to do (Susan reckons it’s been 8 or 9 months since Clarrie was working in the dairy). Especially with the new Rhubarb and Elderflower flavours.
[Clarrie] “I hope I still remember it all. You’ll have to watch out for me, Susan”
Understandably, Clarrie is a bit obsessed with washing her hands. The poor woman must be terrified.
[Clarrie] “I’m still having to pinch myself, I can’t believe I’m back here”
Bless Clarrie. No anger or resentment towards Pat or Tony.
Both Clarrie and Susan are glad to be back working together. Even though they can’t have their usual 10 rounds of gossip.
[Susan] “Me and Clarrie will have to min our P and Qs today. No gossiping!”
When Susan tells Susan that Tracey have got her kids into Loxley Barrett, so can stop having to drive them miles to their old school, and can start looking for a job – Susan worries about whether that can be classified as gossip.
[Clarrie] “No, that’s just family news isn’t it?”
[Susan] “Well that’s good. Means we’ve still got something to talk about”
Pat wants to forget how she treated Clarrie
[Pat] “Thanks for coming in. It’s really not been the same without you”
[Clarrie] “That’s so nice of you … I do wish I could turn the clock back Pat I wish it never happened”
Pat tells Clarrie to forget it, put it behind them, and crack on with the work that there’s now to do.
More about Pat wanting to forget how she treated Clarrie than anything to do with e.coli …
Tom Archer’s Ready Meals are “okay”
Hmm. That’s not exactly a wonderful endorsement from the focus groups.
But Tom seems happy enough. And is still very keen to get his hands on the DVD of the groups.
Can’t imagine that’d be remotely stimulating viewing. Each to their own, I suppose.
Emma’s lost her free babysitter
We don’t hear from Emma today, but Clarrie’s apologising to Susan that she can’t babysit anymore. Though Eddie is taking the shift today.
Emma will not be pleased.
Tom’s worried for Tony
Tom’s back home after a long say.
He’s stressed and overworked, so Brenda gives him a wee shoulder massage (which sounded quite painful).
[Brenda] “You can’t do it all at once, Tom. You’ve got to pace yourself”
(look at what happened to Tony. But who was it who wouldn’t let Tony pace himself? Oh aye, it was Tom …)
[Tom] “It’s not just the work. It’s dad too … will he (be fine) … well, no one’s saying it, but there are no guarantees are there. I mean, look what happened to your mum … we all thought she was fine after her first heart attack”
[Brenda] “We all did. But I think it’s different now”
My goodness.
I never give Tom any credit (he doesn’t deserve it). But he does sound genuinely worried about losing his dad. And not just because it’d mean more work.
Tom is indeed human after all.
The Archers Sunday 4th March 2012
- Adam’s grumpy
- Peggy is oblivious when it comes to Tom
- Focus group DVD
- Peggy doesn’t lecture Tony
- Tony wants to go to Felpersham
- Ian Craig, the fish whisperer …
- Brian’s like a grinning pike
- Clarrie’s back tomorrow
Adam’s grumpy
Well, he does have to work while Ian has had a lie-in.
[Ian] “Out there communing with the fresh air and the birdsong …”
[Adam] “Three hours out with the sprayer”
[Ian] “Okay, well I was thinking of you … dreaming maybe!”
Adam’s particularly grumpy today because Jennifer has asked him and Ian to a family Sunday lunch.
[Adam] “What, us all sitting round the table passing the horse radish, I don’t think so … Brian’s been telling her we’ve had this big reconciliation. Now she thinks it’s all sweetness and light we can go back to playing happy families … I just can’t do it”
So Ian decides he’ll take Adam out to a nice pub for lunch instead. Especially if he can swing one where he knows the chef, so could get a free starter …
Peggy is oblivious when it comes to Tom
Peggy is at Bridge Farm to see Tony. She bumps into Tom, who is taking photos of the farm.
[Tom] “Only the farm was such a mess, I’ve spent half the weekend clearing it up”
[Peggy] “On top of everything else”
[Tom] “Ah well, it’s almost done now”
[Peggy] “You must be running round chasing your tail”
Eh?
Tom only has to do the work he’d tried to dump onto Tony. And that Tom now has to do Tony’s work is because he harassed Tony to the point of collapse.
But all of that is completely lost on Tom, and Peggy.
Focus group DVD
Has got Tom very excited.
A focus group have tasted his ready meals, and Ambridge Organics’ “new spring flavours”. But we don’t know the results yet.
Peggy doesn’t lecture Tony
Peggy’s brought Tony miniature narcissi from her own bulbs, and is happy to see that Tony is feeling better every day.
[Peggy] “Now I don’t want to lecture you, but perhaps you should look on what’s happened as a warning, a sign that you’ve been under too much stress … we all have our limits. It’ll do you no harm at all to step back a bit, take things easier”
[Tony] “I’m not quite ready to retire yet!”
Which Peggy isn’t saying he should, but:
[Peggy] “Tom’s young and fit and very capable”
(blimey. Peggy really does rate Tom)
Tony wants to go to Felpersham
So he tells Peggy. He wants to be at Friday’s café launch.
Peggy tells Pat.
[Peggy] “Oh dear, he was never the easiest patient … I’m still worrying he’ll try and do too much too soon … and it’s not for me to interfere, but do you really think he should go with you to Felpersham … I don’t think it’s very sensible”
Pat had no ken.
She later tells Tom, who agrees that the launch will be too much for Tony.
But how will they stop him going?
I don’t know. But that was the cliff-hanger we were left with tonight …(!!!).
Ian Craig, the fish whisperer …
At lunch, Ian gives the scallops starter 8 out of 10, but only gives the ambiance 5 out of 10. Mainly because of:
[Ian] “That stuffed pike on the wall, I don’t like the way it’s looking at me. Giving me the evil eye”
[Adam] “It’s just a dead fish. You’re paranoid”
[Ian] “No, you can feel the malice,. I don’t think it had a very happy life”
[Adam] “How can you tell?”
[Ian] “Fish empathy. It’s kind of a gift you know. You might not realise this but I have this mysterious bond with our finny friends, ever since I won a goldfish at the fair when I was 8 years old”
Which gets Adam laughing. Not a sound we’ve heard from Adam in a long time.
[Ian] “At last, my comic genius has scored a hit!”
Brian’s like a grinning pike
Though Ian does get Adam to chuckle, he’s also aware that Adam can only think about Brian. And he’s right. When Adam looks at the stuffed pike, all he can see if Brian grinning back to him.
So Ian tells Adam to air his most recent Brian related woes:
[Adam] “Brian caught me at a weak moment, I was tired and had enough … just wanted him to go away … it’s fantasy, he’s away in la la land, he wants us all to be chums again so that he can go ahead with his dairy scheme with a clear conscience”
Adam also thinks that the Super Dairy is a dead cert now.
[Adam] “what can stop them now?”
Ah, ye have little faith in Pat, Ruth and Lynda once they’ve been stirred!
Clarrie’s back tomorrow
Working at Bridge Farm.
[Pat] “Going to make our life so much easier … it’ll be lovely to have her around”
[Tony] “The old team back together”
Actually, you can see where Tom gets his arrogance and lack of empathy from.
Pat and Tony, completely oblivious of the pain and anguish they left Clarrie in (although I know she resigned – neither Pat nor Tony have hardly been supportive).
The Archers Friday 2nd March 2012
- Schmallenberg
- The return of Clarrie
- Brian bought Clarrie for Jennifer
- Clarrie’s not gossiping
- David’s being mean
- Chris owns his own business
- Long term recovery for Tony?
- Brian uses Tony to grind down Adam
Schmallenberg
The Schmallenberg virus has really passed me by.
Clarrie came across Ruth feeding a lamb. Though it was a bit shy from eating, Ruth was just glad it was healthy.
Which was when they started talking about the “nasty virus”. Seems Bill Oldfield has even told Pip she can’t go ahead with the Hassett Lamb project (celebrity lamb and such) until next year.
Seems the Schmallenberg virus doesn’t affect humans, but does damage unborn lambs, causing deformity or death. In adults, it causes diarrhoea, fever and a decrease in milk yields.
(more low milk yields at Brookfield – though also in the lambs is a bit much)
Seems the virus has come from Germany, and will cause problems for some time to come.
Who’d be a farmer …
The return of Clarrie
Ruth was telling Clarrie that David was at Bridge Farm helping out again, and that Tom and Helen are just about managing.
Clarrie’s just worried for Tony.
[Clarrie] “I thought about going in to see him, but didn’t want to be in the way”
Adam’s over at bridge Farm later on offering to help drive tractors and the like. He was also surprised to hear that Brian had been helping with the veg boxes.
[Pat] “From what Helen says, I think he quite enjoyed it … he’s offered to come and do it again”
Helen and Pat are later talking about everything they have to work at. There’s the café launch, so Tom will need to get his ready meals sorted, and they the Ambridge Organics produce.
[Helen] “We’ve managed so far, but only by the skin of our teeth”
Seems Susan is also working evenings, but can’t keep that on indefinitely.
[Helen] “I don’t see how we can do it mum, not with things the way they are”
Especially with Tony not able to work, and Pat having to spend most of her time looking after Tony. Helen reckons they need extra help.
[Helen] “Someone who knows what they’re doing and can get straight back to work”
[Pat] “You mean Clarrie … we can’t just ask her now, out of the blue, after everything that’s happened?”
But Helen’s quite right that Clarrie hasn’t got work yet. And it’d make sense for Bridge Farm to ask Clarrie first, rather than having to hunt down someone completely new.
[Helen] “It might be easier coming from me. Less complicated”
(meaning that Pat treated Clarrie abysmally over the e coli outbreak)
So, Helen goes round to see Clarrie, who is delighted to see her.
[Clarrie] “I’ve been thinking about you all, wondering how you was managing … poor man … I can’t tell you how glad I am Helen.
(that Tony is okay)
“It was such a shock when I heard. And then waiting for new, I just didn’t know what to think … I wanted to ask, do you think he’d mind if I popped down to seem him?”
[Helen] “I wanted to ask you a really big favour … do you think you’d be able to come back and help us out … it would be p great for us if you could, but only if you really feel you’d like to …”
[Clarrie] “Helen, you don’t have to ask, well of course I will. Of course I’ll come back”
Clarrie is desperate for work, and we know she’s not one to hold a grudge, but there is something distasteful about how Helen and co treated here, then take her back when it suits them.
And how are they going to afford the extra wages again? I thought they were still skint? Or does Tony have insurance (can claim off the Government as well?)
Brian bought Clarrie for Jennifer
As we know, but Clarrie now has to do some swotting with Bert to make sure she knows what she’s talking about to Jennifer.
Just like Eddie.
Making only half a promise auction …
Clarrie’s not gossiping
Clarrie’s telling Ruth and David that Sabrina paid £85 for Harry, and that Sabrina wants harry to wait until the weather gets warmer to do the work in her garden (as we already know).
[Clarrie] “And we can all guess why …”
But Clarrie suddenly stops talking, and rushes away.
[David] “She’s done it to, given up gossip for lent!”
David’s being mean
In my humble opinion.
He’s on at Ruth again to talk about the farm. More specifically, he wants her to agree with them that they have no choice but to get rid of the dairy herd.
[David] “We’ve got to sort out this stalemate”
[Ruth] “Sorry David, I haven’t got time for this”
But David later corners her again.
[David] “Every hour, that you spend working with the cows, you’re doing it for nothing. Making a loss even. You’re gaining us one step closer to going bust … so we need to stop and make some time and come up with some answers”
He gets a bit aggressive, though also sounds upset. He wants Ruth to tell him what their plans should be, as she doesn’t want to sell the herd.
[David] “So what is the alternative … where do we go from here?”
[Ruth] “I just don’t know what to do”
[David] “Okay, we’ll take some time and have a think about it but we need an answer soon. You say you can’t live without the cows, alright, so you tell me, how can we afford to live with them?”
As much as David is right to force Ruth to make a decision, I don’t see how harassing and shouting at her will help.
Chris owns his own business
Though we didn’t hear it direct from Chris or Alice, Chris signed the contract today to buy out Ronnie.
Will that mean they can stop scrimping? Or is it only just the start?
Long term recovery for Tony?
Pat reckons Tony will have to just get used to sitting and being waited on.
Adam later tells Brian that he also thinks Tony is in for a long haul recovery.
[Alice] “From the way looked this morning, sat in his chair in the kitchen, I’d say it’s going to be a while before he’s back to milking twice a day … I really felt for him. And after all they’ve been through”
[Brian] “I suppose there’s a lesson there for us all somewhere .. .life’s too short. I mean a thing like that, it could have been any of us, it could have been me,. So make best use of your time while you’ve got it”
Brian uses Tony to grind down Adam
Brian again asks Adam to “bury the hatchet”
(sure Adam would be delighted to if it was a real ‘un!)
[Adam] “If it were that simple …”
[Brian] “It’s just like I said to you the other day. All we have to do is respect each other’s opinions and agree to differ”
[Adam] “You can't just wish these things away, Brian.”
[Brian] “But surely we can agree to shake hands, declare a truth, or whatever you want to call it. Come on, for the sake of the family!”
[Adam, obviously fed up with being badgered by Brian] “Okay … yes, if you want”
They shake hands.
[Brian], ever patronising] “Good man, Well done. It wasn’t so hard, was it? ... It’ll make life so much easier for the both of us,. And your mother will be thrilled when I tell her”
The Archers Thursday 1st March 2012
- Neil’s teaching Lily to bell ring
- Silly us … it’s all about Elizabeth
- Tony’s warmed by truce with Jennifer
- Tom visits Tony
- Tracey’s smoking in the kitchen
- Laughing at Susan
Neil’s teaching Lily to bell ring
She seems quite keen.
Neil tells her to look straight ahead, not at the ceiling, and to do a backstroke 9though not of the swimming variety). Then there was something about the Sally (the fluffy stripped but), and both of them pulling on the strokes.
(no inappropriate jokes, please)
Neil reckons Lily has a “natural feel” as a bell ringer. And even gives her a go on one that hasn’t got its clanger tied up.
[Lily] “I’m a real bell ringer!”
Wonder how long this fad will last …
Silly us … it’s all about Elizabeth
Neil was telling Elizabeth about how he’s been helping Jazzer with the pigs while Tony is in hospital.
[Neil] “As far as I can tell, they’re getting by, but it must be a struggle”
Elizabeth tells him she’ll be off to see Tony today.
[Elizabeth] “Well as it happens, I do know my way round the coronary unit”
Of course! Just in case we forget that Elizabeth has heart problems too …
Tony’s warmed by truce with Jennifer
[Tony] “It’s a great weight off my mind too .. if it lasts … Grow up and start behaving like sensible adults again. At least there’s one good thing to come out of this”
True.
But will it last? Especially with the Super Dairy ever looming ...
Tom visits Tony
Tom’s been hiding behind farm work – he’s avoiding going to see Tony in hospital (the guilt is too much).
Tony asks Helen to ask Tom if he’ll come to see him.
Helen delivers the message to Tom, but Tom isn’t sure.
But the guilt steps to one side for a second to go and see his dad.
They chat about bulling and AI, then Tony thanks Tom for his “quick thinking” and for using his head.
[Tony] “Saved my life. No two ways about it.; So, all in all, I’ve got a lot to be thankful for.”
[Tom] “I guess it’s lucky I came back out to the parlour when I did … all those things I said to you …”
[Tony] “It doesn’t matter now. Ancient history. I really don’t want to talk about it”
With Tony also having made up with Jennifer, it really is happy families with the side of the Archer clan.
Now, if David and Elizabeth can make up … hmmm, unlikely.
Tracey’s smoking in the kitchen
And is well settled into living at Bert’s (well, it’s her house as well. Not that anyone apart from her and Bert know that).
Neil also mentioned that she was also constantly “missing” about with something.
Did anybody make out what?
Laughing at Susan
[Tony] “So, come on then, entertain me, what’s all the news . .did I dream this, or did someone tell me Susan Carter is giving up gossip … for her, that must be like making a vow of silence .. .Clarrie,. oh blimey, it’s going to be quiet around the village”
[Tom] “Walk into the shop and you’ll hear …”
[Tony] “ … absolutely nothing!”
The Archers Wednesday 29th February 2012
- Jennifer feels guilty
- What’s the diagnosis?
- Tom feels guilty
- Brian doing veg boxes
- Jennifer and Tony make friends
- How many people does it take to cover Tony’s work?
Jennifer feels guilty
At last! She’s taken a while to realise that she hasn’t exactly treated her wee brother as a sister should.
Helen has called Jennifer and Brian to let them know that Tony is comfortable, and sleeping.
[Brian to Jennifer] “Come on love, it's late. There’s nothing more either of us can do now”
But Jennifer’s guilt is keeping her awake. She thinks they should have known that this could happen, especially with Tony having looked so “tired and awful” recently.
[Jennifer] “And then I was horrible to him over the website, and I went round there and said such terrible things to him … supposing that the worst had happened and we’d never had a chance to make up”
What’s the diagnosis?
Pat’s in seeing Tony.
Seems his blood pressure is fine, and his pulse rate is normal. He’ll be getting home Friday night.
The Angioplasty (which, Tony helpfully tells us) is a line put into his artery, which ballooned to break the blockage, and now he has a metal stent to hold the artery open.
[Helen] “So it shouldn’t happen again?”
[Pat] “Hopefully not”
...
[Pat] “Heart seems okay. No lasting damage”
[Tony] “It means I won’t be permanently affected. I can get back to work …”
Tony is a bit perturbed that he will have to take pills every day for the rest of his life, but is very aware it could have been far worse. Here’s hope he can take it easy from mow on (here that Tony!).
Tom feels guilty
[Pat] “We’re just so lucky you found him when you did. It made all the difference”
Though Tom is very much hero of the day for finding Tony, and Pat’s telling him just to be there for Tony (and get some sleep amongst working), Tom thinks Tony’s heart attack is his fault.
(I reckon he’s right. Tom was harassing Tony, while leaving him to do all the hard farm work)
[Tom] “I know I’m more to blame for this than anyone … it’s what Helen said mum, and it’s true … I was just too preoccupied with my own stuff”
[Helen] “The best way you can help dad now is to put it out of your mind and get on with running the farm”
Aye – get some work done, young Tom!
Brian doing veg boxes
Ambridge rallies round to help Bridge Farm.
David’s helping Tom do the milking. Susan and Jazzer are doing extra hours. And Brian’s once again rolled his sleeves up to do some real work (as he did for David and Ruth when David was Lower Loxley obsessed after Nigel died). I have to give Brian his due – he can be handy at time.
[Brian on Tony] “He’s had enough to put up with, he doesn’t deserve a thing like this”
[Pat to Tony] “I had a text from Tom. Brian’s helping Helen with the veg boxes!”
[Tony] “I’d like to see that”
But there’s more. Brian then offers to also deliver the veg boxes.
[Brian] “You put me in the van and point me in the right direction”
Helen’s gobsmacked.
[Jennifer] “Hello. Gosh, look at you both, hard at it!”
Again, to give Brian is due, he’s helpful when he chooses to be so.
Jennifer and Tony make friends
[Pat] “I don’t know how you feel about this … Jennifer called again this morning, she’d like to come and see you”
Tony agrees.
When Jennifer arrives to see Tony, he doesn’t say a word to correct her when she claims that Pat called her to say that Tony could have visitors, and that he’s bored.
She’s brought him apricots, cherries and strawberry bon bons
[Jennifer] “You were always pitching mine at the cinema”
“Tony …. Oh I’m so glad you’re so much better. You gave us all such a fright … it’s made me think hard about, well a lot of things, and about the last few months and the way I’ve behaved … it’s made me realise how mean and awful I’ve been to you … well it’s all so trivial, so silly and pointless compared to the things that really matter “
[Tom] “It’s okay. You don’t have to explain. I know what you’re trying to say … and you’re absolutely right. None of it really matters. Other things are far more important”
[Jennifer] “So, can we forget about it, leave it all behind us”
[Tony] “Jennifer yes of course, if you’re happy to do that then so am I”
Aw.
Happy families again.
How many people does it take to cover Tony’s work?
They’re all just about managing to keep ontop of Bridge Farm.
So Tony has been replaced by Susan, Brian, Jazzer, Tom, Tony and Helen.
Pat also isn’t at work – and they do all also have to do their own normal work – but I think it shows just how much of the weight Tony was shouldering.
They should be ashamed of themselves. Tony is hardly a young, fit man anymore.
The Archers Tuesday 28th February 2012
- It really is Tom’s fault
- Brian’s waving and smiling at Helen
- Seriously, it was Tom!
- Tony finally succumbs
- Nic’s seeing fireworks
- Tom finally does the milking
- Helen keeps the Home fires burning
- Tony’s fine
It really is Tom’s fault
Tom’s on at Tony. Again.
Something about:
[Tom] “He’s like THE Mr Chilli Pepper man”
(eh? If the chap Tom is talking about is “like” THE Mr Chilli Pepper man, who is actually the Mr Chilli Pepper man?)
Tony isn’t interested. He’s already had a long day, is behind in his work and still need to do the milking.
Tom isn’t listening.
[Tom] “Every day is costing me money … at least we can talk about it, have a discussion …”
[Tony] “I’m sorry, but I’m flat out. I’ve got other things on my mind”
[Tom] “Oh sure, what you mean is you can’t bear to spend a few quid on a poly tunnel”
[Tony] “Tom, please …”
Tom still isn’t listening. He continues to waffle on about investment, selling the surplus at a premium, they can’t lose, it’s a win win …
[Tony] “Tom, I said I’m not going to discuss this now!”
[Tom] “But why?”
[Tony] “Because I’m shattered. And if I don’t get on I won’t get finished til midnight. So will you shut up about it? Please!”
Brian’s waving and smiling at Helen
That must have been a terrifying sight.
[Pat] “I expect he was wondering how to spend his huge profits he’ll make from his evil dairy scheme”
Seriously, it was Tom!
After Tony stormed off to do the milking, Tom’s stormed off into the kitchen.
[Tom] “Talk about hitting a brick wall … Why can’t he just be reasonable for once in his life … he ended up telling me to get lost!”
His shouting makes Henry cry. Both Helen and Pat tell him to leave Tony alone.
[Tom] “No. No I can’t keep putting it off. Milking or no milking, I have to settle this now”
So off he storms to the milking parlour.
A*se.
Tony finally succumbs
Tom finds Tony slumped in the milking parlour.
[Tony] “Inside my chest … and my arm … it’s bad, it’s very bad … like a crashing …”
Thankfully Tom has a wee bit of wit about him, puts a jacket over Tony and calls an ambulance.
[Tony] “The cows …”
When the Ambulance crew arrive, it actually sounds like Tony is having a stroke as well as a heart attack.
But when asked, Tony says the pain is an 8 or a 9 out of 10 (horrific agony rather than a stroke).
Tony says that the pain came on fast, and the ambulance crew spray something on his tongue for pain, do a blood test and give him an ECG. All on the milking parlour floor.
I didn’t know they could do that.
Nic’s seeing fireworks
Nic has a new passport.
Nicola Grundy.
[Nic] “So it’s official now, and we can go off anywhere in the world together!”
(no comment …)
The kids then run into the room with fireworks. Seems Nic was clearing out and didn’t notice them.
Rather than being horrified as such dangerously bad parenting, they all decide to set them off!
[Nic] “Why not? It was our 8 week anniversary on Saturday”
Just as they’re setting the fireworks on their way (after tea, and when it’s gone dark), Nic rushes over to the car to put on a CD.
Shania Twain. You’re Still the One.
(as they played at their wedding)
A little bit of a sick bucket moment, and doesn’t Nic seem a tad clingy?
Tom finally does the milking
It only took his dad having a heart attack to make him finally do his work.
Helen keeps the Home fires burning
(see what I did there … Home fires at Home Farm …. though it should be Bridge Farm … sorry …)
Helen’s called Nic to ask her to babysit Henry. She’s also called Lilian, Jennifer and David.
(why not Kenton and Elizabeth?)
She’s also having to deal with a guilt ridden Tom.
(as he should be!)
[Tom] “But we should have known Helen. We should have seen this coming, the way he’s being … it’s all down to me, the way I kept pushing and hassling”
[Helen] “Tom please it doesn’t matter why we’ve just got to stay calm and wait and hope …”
Tony’s fine
Pat calls home.
[Pat] “Dad’s okay. He’s going g to be alright …it was a heart attack. A blocked artery, but he got here in time, he’s already had a small operation … an angioplasty”
After she’s off the phone, she gets a chance to talk to Tony.
[Tony, sounding very wobbly] “Yea … not so bad. Much better than before. Did you speak to Tom? Is everything alright at home?”
[Pat] “Yes. Yes the cows are alright., Everything’s fine”
[Tony] “I’m sorry to be such a nuisance … well, for a while there, I really thought I was a goner”
Pat starts crying.
[Pat] “I thought the same. I thought …”
[Tony] “It’s alright. I’m okay now”
Good.
Must admit that I was not remotely concerned about Tony.
Not that I dislike him.
It wasn’t his time.
(it should be Tom’s!)
The Archers Monday 27th February 2012
- Susan turns the thumb screws
- Neil retaliates
- Next steps for the Super Dairy
- Star Trek wallpaper
- Brian gives Susan something to gossip about
- Adam’s not for talking
Susan turns the thumb screws
As Neil is enjoying the telly not blaring 24/7, no computers on the go, or tights hung up in odd places (yay – Tracey and brood have finally gone!), Susan doesn’t let him relax for more than a moment.
She seems to agree with Bert that Gary needs him room done.
[Susan] “It’s not for himself, it’s for Gary … I can’t help feeling a bit sorry for Gary, I mean he doesn’t complain, but he’s not got much of a life, stuck at home with his model kits and his PlayStation … now everyone’s got a lovely painted room except him”
Susan lays on that Neil should be doing “random acts of kindness” for Lent.
[Neil] “Haven’t I been kind enough already?”
[Susan] “I’ve said it now and I won’t say it anymore. I’ll leave it up to you …”
What a witch! Emotional and religious blackmail.
Neil promises he’ll think about it, but isn’t making any promises.
Neil retaliates
[Neil] “Well if I’m doing this, maybe you should try it?”
[Susan] “Me? Give up gossip? That’s not much of a challenge!”
To which we all say ‘ha!’.
Though Neil hasn’t pledged to do his ‘random act of kindness’, turning the ‘giving up on gossip pledge onto Susan was nifty. But was only really a matter of time before someone said it to Susan’s face!
Next steps for the Super Dairy
Annabelle and Brian are having lunch.
Annabelle reckons the Parish Council meeting was a good result, with Brian and Debbie fielding questions “skilfully”.
So – next step is the planning department. Which they feel fairly confident about.
But not so when it comes to:
[Brian] “There’s the green brigade, the conservation department, all we need is for them to find rare slime at the bottom of a ditch”
Ah - we all hope they do, Brian!
Brian also reckons the environment department is a “wild card”, especially if they focus on what will happen to the masses of slurry the Super Dairy will create.
Annabelle actually reckons the real wild card is Adam – that he could, and will, cause problems.
Adam does not concur. He thinks Adam didn’t turn up to the meeting because Adam didn’t want to cause problems for them.
Brian really doesn’t understand nor know Adam at all.
Neither does Annabelle. She suggests that Brian tries to have a talk with Adam to “keep lines of communication open”.
Star Trek wallpaper
Neil made his mind up about Gary’s bedroom.
He went over to Bert’s, and left tins of paint.
[Neil] “If he wants his room painted, he can bloomin well do it himself”
(so Neil didn’t buy into Susan’s many levels of blackmail)
But Bert brought the paint back later that day.
Seems Gary didn’t want his bedroom redecorated (not that anyone thought to ask him in the first place)
[Susan] “Because he doesn’t want to mess up his Star Trek wallpaper. Or the plastic model of the Starship Enterprise he’s got hanging from the ceiling …”
Goodness sake!
As they pointed out, Gary is 37! Model kits and PlayStation was bad enough, but wallpaper … unacceptable.
What’s the story with him?
Medical issue, or is he just that sad a man?
[Susan] “He did ask for a Klingon dictionary last Christmas”
Blimey! Explains a lot.
Brian gives Susan something to gossip about
As Brian and Annabelle say goodbye after lunch, they give each other a kiss. One assumes it was just on the cheek, but it did actually sound a bit slurpy …
Anyhoo, Brian spots Susan spotting him and Annabelle.
[Brian] “I can almost hear her mind working overtime. She’ll be thinking I’m having my wicked way with you”
Brian want to “really give her something to talked about”, but Annabelle said no.
Sounded like her stomach turning at the thought of anyone thinking she was dallying with Brian …
Susan gets home, and wants to tell Neil all.
[Susan] “Look very matey they were, all smiles …”
[Neil] “Susan, woah, wait. Are you sure you want to carry on … you thought it’d be a doddle didn’t ya, it might be more of a challenge than you thought?”
But Susan buttons her lip.
Better watch out Neil. She needs that gossip to relax her.
Adam’s not for talking
Brian takes Annabelle’s advice to talk to Adam.
Even though Jennifer had been begging for weeks …
He corners Adam as he’s leaving Home Farm after work.
[Brian] “It’s just to say, well, thanks for not coming to the meeting”
[Adam] “Brian, whatever my reasons for not coming, I don’t need you to thank me for it”
Brian reckons they’re all still in together as a family.
[Brian] “All these bad feelings, these warring family headlines, it doesn’t have to be like this … we do respect your point of view … you have your standards, ideals, and you’re not prepared to compromise … can we at least be civil about it and stop all this unnecessary feuding and agree to differ”
[Adam] “Isn’t it just a tiny but late for all that? Well I’m sorry. It’s been a long day and I need to get home”
End of.
Atta boy Adam. Someone needs to stand up to his nibs.
The Archers Sunday 26th February 2012
- What ‘mad stuff’ is Kate leaving on Alice’s Facebook wall
- Alice throws a strop
- Jennifer was getting it from all sides
- I thought Adam and Debbie had made up
- Ruth’s in tears
What ‘mad stuff’ is Kate leaving on Alice’s Facebook wall
What a crazy gal she is …
Alice throws a strop
The ‘Old Mags crew’ are off skiing. Alice sounds a bit forlorn that she can’t join her old classmates.
But she tells Chris she didn’t really want to go anyway, as they’d only get drunk.
[Alice] “But some of us have moved on from that, haven’t we … me, disappointed? No.”
Even Chris noticed that wasn’t quite true …
Later on, as they’re out near the wood looking for catkin for Alice, she gets a leak in her welly.
She decides she now doesn’t want catkins. And:
[Alice] “I hate this time of year ice and mush and grey skies, why can’t it be spring now!”
[Chris] “It nearly is …”
[Alice] “Oh shut up, You’re not helping!”
Ooh! Touchy.
Chris pushes her to check that this isn’t all about the skiing.
Alice reckons she’s fine about that.
Chris pushes her again (obviously because he can see life won’t be worth living with Alice until she gets it out of her system),
[Alice] “Alright! Maybe it would be nice to go away and see all my old friends and go skiing but I can’t because it’s impossible, so there’s no point in even thinking about it”
And she storms off.
Later on. Alice tries to talk about it with Brian. Who really isn’t interested.
[Alice] “It’s only cause I can’t go. If I could, I wouldn’t want to”
[Brian] “Why don’t you talk about it with your mother, I’m sure she’d understand”
(Brian speak for ‘leave me alone with my whisky)
As Jennifer arrives home, so does Chris.
The wee poppet has collected catkins for her.
Alice melts, and all is right in her world again.
[Alice] “I’d much rather stay here and have a nice Easter egg with you”
Aw!
But she does get partly her own way. Chris is off to book her a skiing lesson at the place Tom had taken Brenda.
Strop, and ye shall get.
Jennifer was getting it from all sides
At the Super Dairy meeting on Friday. So she reckons.
[Jennifer] “But what about me, I had Pat standing up behind me on one side, and Ruth on the other, it felt like I was under siege!”
She’s also a bit down as Debbie’s now off home, and she didn’t get to spend any quality time. Debbie also didn’t have a chance to talk to Adam.
I thought Adam and Debbie had made up
[Brian] “He and Debbie aren’t likely to kiss and make up in the near future … maybe it’s a case of least said soonest mended”
[Jennifer] “Oh come on, that’s absurd … Well, if no one else is willing to talk to him, I …”
[Brian] “Jenny!”
[Jennifer] “Well, alright”
So Jennifer backs off again from speaking to her own son about the Super Dairy because big, bad Brian has told her not to.
When did Jennifer lose her spine? She’s always been a tad subservient to her lord and master, but not when it came to her kids.
But Jennifer is allowed to see Adam, just as long as she doesn’t mention the Super Dairy.
So off she trots to Brookfield (where he’s walking David’s plants, or something …).
When she gets there, Adam has already left, and Ruth runs away when she sees her (see below).
David tries to cover, but Ruth’s departure was very obvious.
[Jennifer, quite sniffily] “Not to worry. I shan't disturb you any longer”
Jennifer is quite upset, and thinks it’s all to do with the Super Dairy meeting.
[Jennifer] “When I saw Ruth, she pretty well cut me dead. She just walked off. She didn’t even say hello. Even David looked embarrassed”
[Brian] “Maybe she’s having a bad day”
For once, Brian is right.
Ruth’s in tears
Actually, she’s howling.
[Ruth] “It’s just too much. We can’t do it … our new payment, look at it. It must be wrong, surely. They must have made a mistake … it’s all going up and up, everything, but we’ve got no more coming in”
Blimey. She’s finally cracked.
(but I suppose many of us also have a wee weep over our electricity bills these days)
David tries to calm her down. He reckons they can make a few adjustments, move some money between accounts …
[Ruth] “It just goes on and one, one thing after another, we try out best we do everything right and it’s still no good. Why is it so hard, why isn’t it working?”
David tells her that she’s tired. And stressed. And wound up after the BL meeting.
Especially as Debbie gave Ruth a verbal b*tch slap.
[David] “She did come over just a tiny bit smug and patronising”
[Ruth] “Maybe she had a reason. We’re not such a shining example of low put dairy, are we?”
David takes her off to see the lambs.
[David] “Look at them go, full of the joys, eh, And they should make us a decent margin when they go, touch wood …maybe we are just too fixed on doing things our own way, maybe it’s time to but the bullet …”
*sigh*
You’d think he’d at least let Ruth dry her tears before he starts on at her again.
David tells Ruth that she couldn’t have tried harder, but that may it’s time to think about giving up the cows.
[Ruth] “Can’t you see, if I give up the cows, I might as well give up farming”
[David] “Alright, I understand that’s how you feel, but we’re still left with the same problem …”
But Ruth is saved from another round with David about the dairy herd by Jennifer. Who Ruth can’t cope with seeing while she’s so upset, so runs off.
The Archers Friday 24th February 2012
- Glebelands are pro-Super Dairy
- Tony’s too tired
- Ed’s speaking for Grundy Senior
- Let the stooshie commence!
- Pray silence … Ruth wants to speak
- Who won?
Glebelands are pro-Super Dairy
As Debbie and Brian are driving to the Parish Council meeting about the Super Dairy, Brian’s pondering who he can count on for support.
[Brian] “Richard Thwaite … I’ve found more support around Glebelands commuters than the farming families in the village. What’s got into people? Can they see that this development could create jobs … just wish I could stuff Pat in a box for the evening. Seriously Debbie, she’s on the warpath!”
Maybe the commuter chaps do support the dairy because they don’t actually spend enough time in the village.
Tony’s too tired
[Pat] “Come on love,. Stir your stumps. The meeting starts at half past”
But Tony doesn’t want to go. The poor man is exhausted, and just wants a bath and bed.
Pat isn’t impressed, but relents. She does, however, take Henry out of the car and tells Tony to look after him. Seems Helen had been worried anyway about him being at the meeting.
[Pat] “It’s the least you can do … democracy can’t afford to sleep”
To make matters worse for Tony, henry is also in a lively mood. So will need entertaining.
Seriously – unless everyone lets up on Tony, he’s not going to be with us for much longer.
Ed’s speaking for Grundy Senior
Seems Joe is feeling too old and cold to make the meeting, so Ed’s speaking up for him.
[Ed] “Look at the size of it. Whatever happened to the lowly cowboy?”
Seems Will doesn’t concur.
[Ed] “I swear he’s only taking Brian’s side to spite me!”
Aye, probably
Let the stooshie commence!
We didn’t get to hear all of Debbie’s opening speech, but it end with - drive for exports – create jobs – economy recover – great Britain play role in feeding the world …
[Debbie] “Ladies and gentleman, the big picture!”
To which she receives a smattering of clapping, but sounded like the same amount of grumbles.
Pat’s up next:
[Pat] “I found it quite hard to picture one hundred thousand, five hundred cows, that sounds so much more than fifteen hundred doesn’t it?
“Then I thought of the opening credit of Rawhide, hundreds and hundreds of steers crossing the horizon, silhouetted against the plains of Texas, or should that be Hungry, then I remembered that the cows in this dairy unit won’t be moving across America on a cattle drive, they’ll all be cooped up together in a tin shed up the road.
“ It’s not only the monstrous scale of this project that offends people, it’s the power it represents. We haven’t asked for something the size of an aircraft hangar to blight the landscape”
Debbie claims the shed is a “beautiful” design that can also be screened with trees. And it must be god, to ensure economies of scale.
Ed asks Debbie about the impact on smaller dairy producers.
[Debbie] “No competition Ed. We’ll be sending milk power to Asia, not putting pints on doorsteps”
Brian tells Ed to listen to Mike (who is in favour of the Super Dairy), which earns him a few boos.
[Debbie] “But it’s a bold vision. You shouldn’t be afraid of enterprise”
Pat then points out that Debbie won't have to live with the Super Dairy, as she’ll be managing it from Hungry. And most of the BL Board also don’t live locally, so again won’t have it on their doorstep.
[Ruth] “Where’s the local accountability?”
Debbie answers that they’ll have staffing and onsite management.
Pat asks about the all the building, and the access roads.
[Pat] “It’s more tarmac over the countryside”
[Brian] “It’s our lands, not yours”
Ed’s worried about traffic on the small country lanes. He needs to move cows twice a day.
[Ed] “That’ll be a daily hazard for my herd, and then my livelihood. So much for me not being affected!”
[Pat] “I can well see the shareholders wanting to milk the cash cow even more, and wanting to extend. And what if you can’t compete with the US economies of scale Debbie? You’ll be looking to dump the milk cheaply on the supermarkets, and that’s bound to impact in the small dairies”
And Ruth reckons that Debbie actually wants smaller local dairies to go under so that they can switch to growing arable for the Super Dairy.
[Ruth] “Not everyone agrees with your grazing system Ruth … so why are you trying to stop us doing things our way?”
Pat asks why there are less than a dozen Super Dairies in Britain? She thinks it’s because welfare is less than to be desired.
Debbie answers with - own water trough - room to lie down and move round - locally employed staff trained in husbandry - spend much of time indoors, standards of care far higher than smaller dairies (blah blah)
[Pat] “Except the high yields that you want mean yours will be worked far beyond their natural capabilities … cows in intensive units have to be dosed up to the eyeballs with antibiotics”
[Brian] “I assure you there’ll be the most pampered cows in Borchestershire. And we don’t anticipate any problems with hygiene. Unlike some local enterprises which have experienced infection problems in recent months …”
That gains Brian’s a lot of boos, and a “that was below the belt” from Ed.
And good on Pat – she doesn’t rise to the bait. She focuses instead on the issue at hand.
[Pat] “But, are people aware that this development has a pollution potential of a small town … What guarantee are there that the digester can cope with all the slurry”
[Brian] “Environmental safety is our biggest concern … “
Which raises a lot of laughter.
[Pat] “Well I’m not reassured!”
Pray silence … Ruth wants to speak
[Ruth] “Cows belong on crass. That’s what they do.
“They ruminate, and grass allows them to express their natural behaviours. However modern the breed, it’s in their genes.
“I agree a well-run zero grazing system can produce high yields as well as high welfare, and I wouldn’t accuse Borchester land of cruelty, but it's plain wring to regard cows simply as vehicles for milk production. If it’s to produce high quality and nutritious food, a dairy farm should be part of the landscape, in tune with the natural rhythms of the animal and the seasons. Not just a food factory, however well run”
Well done Ruth. Beautifully put indeed.
Who won?
Hard to tell.
If it hadn’t been for Brian being a complete boor (as per), Debbie might have been the voice of reason.
But, the Pat, Ed and Ruth combo was (I felt) just that bit stronger.
Debbie thanked David for his neutrality as NFU President (then got a dig in about badgers – just when did Debbie get so bitchy?). And Brian was thankful for small mercies.
[Brian] “Thank god Adam didn’t show up .. Annabelle seems to think it’s gone okay”
[Debbie] “Relax Brian. Just keep hold of the big picture”
The Archers Thursday 23rd February 2012
- 12 Balloons
- Tracey’s taste in men
- Tracey’s sense of humour
- At least Susan cares for Tony
- Tony V Jennifer: (5-3)
- Neil and Susan get fruity
12 Balloons
Neil has driven Tracey, in his van, to collect her and her kids’ stuff from Den’s.
She reckons Den can “turn funny”, so she makes Neil sit and wait in the van with her to see Den leaving the flat, making sure it’s all clear.
Den does sound like an odd ‘un.
[Tracey] “He hid my hair straighteners in the microwave once, just for a laugh”
They spot Den leaving, so get Tracey’s stuff shifted.
[Neil] “If you’d warned me about the size of Ryan’s bear, we’d have hired a pantechnicon. It’s like wrestling King Kong!”
Seems it’s a teddy Ryan got when he was a toddler, but:
[Tracey] “He was so terrified, I’d hidden it in the loft til now”
Which begs the question (as Neil does) why it needs to be moved now.
As the van is packed (in all manner), Tracey comes down with 12 balloons that Den has bought for the kids.
Neil reckons there’s no room, but Tracey insists. So the balloons go into the cab, with Tracey trying to hold them down.
Just as they’re about to leave, Tracey then remembers that the kids’ bikes are in Kev’s (the neighbour) shed.
So they have to try and jam those in as well.
Just as Neil is about to lose his temper, Tracey makes him duck down and hide. She’s seen Den returning.
She’s so stressed, she lights a fag. Bursts a balloon. Which scares Neil. Who hits the horn by mistake (all while on the phone to Susan).
[Tracey] “That’s it now. You’ve blown it!”
Den comes over …
… we don’t get to hear what was said, but Neil later tells Susan that Den just wanted to give Tracey a bit of money for the kids.
But Neil eventually managed to get Tracey to, and left, at Bert’s. Though they ended up with only 10 balloons (Tracey burst another one to even them out for the kids).
Tracey’s taste in men
As they’re sat in the van, Tracey spots a gentleman she would like to make an acquaintance.
[Tracey] “He’s fit. With the Staffie”
[Neil] “Well, if you like the bouncer look”
Tracey also has an eye for Harry. She was going to bid for him the other day, but reckoned she didn’t stand a chance with the amount being bidded.
But she reckons Neil can help her out with Bert’s garden, so not all’s lost.
Neil is not amused …
Tracey’s sense of humour
Tracey reckons she gave up smoking for lent.
[Tracey] “Well, it was ash Wednesday, weren’t it …”
[Neil, getting the ‘joke’] “Fag ash Wednesday …”
At least Susan cares for Tony
Susan blurts out to Tony that he looks very tired. Then apologies for being a bit rude.
[Tony] “Why should I mind, that’s the most concern anyone has shown me. Oh, ignore me. Everyone does”
(Tony does make it hard sometimes to be sympathetic. He has a point, but he does so moan)
But at least Susan gets him to sit down and relax. Even if he should be tidying the yard, as ordered to by his ‘boss’ Tom.
Tony V Jennifer: (5-3)
Jennifer storms into Bridge Farm to have a (not very sisterly) chat with Tony. She’s a wee bit annoyed (!) about Pat’s petition being on the village website.
[Jennifer] “It’s a totally inappropriate use of the site, she is so obsessed with opposing she’s lost all perspective!”
[Tony] “Don’t talk about Pat like that”
[Jennifer] “what a ridiculous and puerile thing to do”
[Tony] “she has every right”
[Jennifer] “of course you’d stick up for her!”
[Tony] “you’re sticking up for Brian!”
[Jennifer] “Well I know what’s behind it. Spite! Because I wouldn’t let you money last year!”
(0-1)
[Tony] “Oh my … you really think I’m that petty … if you can't distinguish between our personal differences and my objections to this ghastly diary, then you’re thicker than I thought!”
(1-1)
[Jennifer] “What? Sticks and stones Tony. This petition is nothing but a rabble rousing tool to subvert the debate”
[Tony] “Oh no no Jennifer, it’s a legitimate and democratic tool to fight an inhumane system of farming. You know, you had principles once, but now you just follow the money”
(2-1)
[Tony] “You’re so wedded to the elite now you can’t see it”
(3-1)
[Jennifer] “And you’re still so jealous at Brian’s success. It’s pathetic at your age”
(3-2)
[Tony] “If that’s success I’d rather be a failure”
(4-2)
[Jennifer] “It’s funny his money wasn’t a problem when you needed to borrow some”
(4-3)
[Tony] “There’s a moral difference between need and greed Jennifer, and I know what side I’d rather be on”
(5-3) FULL TIME
Blimey!
Tony might be tired, but he’s holding his own very well at the moment.
And Jennifer should know better. She used the website for her (well, Brian’s) own ends as well. Tony is quite right that she’s blinkered.
Neil and Susan get fruity
That’s at least twice in as many months!
[Susan] “You’re a saint Neil Carter, you know”
After Neil got home from dropping off Tracey and her kids, they started off with a nice cuddle.
After Tracey and her kids, Ivy dying, Clive returning (and the rather nicer appearance of Kylie), Susan and Neil have been through a lot recently.
And now they’re alone.
[Susan] “Just listen to it Neil. The silence”
Neil suggests they go out to the new Chinese Restaurant, but Susan has a glint in her eye …
[Susan] “It might be nicer to stay in and er, enjoy our privacy”
[Neil, sounding quite throaty in what I assume is lust …] “What a good idea!”
Nice that they still like each other that way, but *shudder* …
