Yes, I know there is a blog or two devoted to The Archers, but tonight on the programme we're planning an item for people who never listen to The Archers but might like to start. If it works it will be a handy guide.
If you don't listen - what do you want to know?
And should we do a similar guide tomorrow for people who've never listened to the news?
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Can anybody contribute to the guide? Either guide, that is?
Yes, a news guide sounds good to me. My news guide is called Eddie Mair.
(P.S. Eddie - Still haven't seen the postcards ......)
But Eddie, you're over the Pond (or so you say in the newsletter ........)
Will you be listening again on Sunday? Do you care what happens to Ruth and Sam?
Are you really Eddie Mair?
Eddie Mair? Eddie Grundy? Mair? Grundy? uhuh.
Well, what do you think's going to happen tonight then? On The Archers that is, not on PM, he's already told us the latter in the Newsletter.
I think Ruth will bottle out - making dirty bombs is nothing to the fallout there would be if they blow the happy family at Brookfield apart!
And if they do I might just stop listening - and I'm one of those who can remember there not being a smoke alarm in the barn.
I have just finished voting. I voted Reform Party Candidate for Governor Max Linn. All others, I voted Libertarian. I did see the Republicans and Democrats use public transportation to transport their supporters to the polls. Otherwise, everything was uneventful.
THIS IS MY CONTRIBUTION TO THE PM NEWSGUIDE FROM FLORIDA. CHEERS
I think that you should also do a guide for people who have never listened to the radio.
It's the same line of thinking where a certain very large national telephone company whose name rhymes with "mee pee", tells you to register online if you want to be connected to the internet.
Who the hell is this "Eddie" guy who keep cropping up? And whilst we're at it, will somebody "in the know" explain to me what "PM" is?
Re The Archers. Has anybody else who has ever made their way to The Archers website ever wondered about the relationship between the characters and the actors? On telly, people are chosen for parts on the basis of how they look as well as how they sound. I would imagine that on the radio, appearance is not an issue. But if you have a website about a radio programme, wouldn't it be appropriate to have images of the characters as opposed to images of the actors playing them? In other words, I can't help thinking that the link between the appearance of a radio actor and their character should be broken and that the people chosen to represent a character visually should be selected on their appearance alone.
As I write that, I suspect I shan't find many people who have worried about this issue...
I would like to know
1.What is Ruth taking to make her act like this? Are they feeding the same substance to the Hassett Hills Lamb?
2. What colour theme do you think Adam and Ian will have at their nuptials?
I think we should be told........
OH-NOOOOOOO!
Actually, depending on what happens tonight, that might well be, "Oh yes! Yes! Yes! etc..."
Dum de-dum de-dum de-dum...
Eddie,
You might be in a logical cleft stick doing a piece for people who have never listened to the news...
unless of course you trailed it endlessly with lots of reverb first
Roberto,
Thanks. Now go and vote again. And again..... Libertarian forever! (with respect for ALL)
:-) ed
For Roberto, and particularly for anyone who actually has an unstolen US vote, might be of interest. It also links up with our other discussions on prejudicial disadvantages, etc.
Vaya con Gaia (with apologies for bad Espa帽ol)
ed
Belinda (6)
Reminds me of when the same company told us to telephone them if we had a fault with the telephone...
"Your car won't start? OK, just drive it over here and we'll fix it."
What I like about the Archers is that you can miss it for a while (in my case, some years) and when you hear it again it's just as if you've never been away.
And what is the "Remember me" checkbox supposed to do?
50 years of the Archers eh....so where's the fire?
Roberto, thanks for keeping us informed. What do you think your chosen candidate's likely results are?
I think Ruth will "bottle out" too. And All Will Be Well With The World Again. I mean if Ruth and David can do this what hope is there for mere mortals??? Last year, a guy I know and thought would never have an affair did (I am certain - I know about it via 'the other woman'). My faith in the hairier sex keeps taking knocks lately. Can any of you nice boys say something reassuring? Please?
John H
The same thought has often occurred to me. I was once at an event where 'Tony' and other Archers folk were 'available'. I said to 'Tony' that he didn't look anything like my mental image, to which he smiled shyly and acknowledged that most people said the same......
The one who really cracks me up, though, is Debbie, aka Tamsin Greig, whose appearance in various TV comedy slots has had me in stiches. And, from hearing her on the tranny, I'd always thought sounded far too 'proper'. Just goes to show that you can't trust your ears ....
15000 episodes in three minutes. Wow.
I think the Actror that plays Shula is Married to one who palys Brian. Can Eddie Grundy Mair confirm?
But one should never look at the pictures of the actors who play radio plarts. Its ALWAYS a dissapointment. Like when I first saw a piccy of Eddie :-o
Mae Tron:
(1) Can we have some too?
(2) Blue - on good authority.
I know what you mean Stewart - I hate it when they sometimes put the Archers on TV on a Sunday morning and, despite myself I switch on only to find Ambridge looks nothing like it should and ditto for about two thirds of the characters and I wish I hadn't tuned in... And then I realise I've fallen asleep with the radio on again...
The question in all of this - why don't I dream them as I envisage them rather than go through this traumatising tussle? Does this say something about my psyche? (Be gentle!)
Aperitif (16), I can honestly say that I have never cheated or thought of cheating when I had a S.O. I am of the hairy sex, although there's not much on top these days (and what there is is rapidly going grey). The question is, of course, can you believe me.
Why all the fuss all of a sudden? Jeffrey was let out of gaol a couple of years back, or do you mean he's been caught with a woman called Ruth now?
Appy - You sound v. rattled by that. However, my experience is that, after adolescence, the vast majority of us prefer not to rock boats. But of course if somebody's fundamentally not happy, or is a total pr**k, they'll not be afraid of losing something they vaue. Generally.
Stewart - Yes, you're right. Brian is married to Shula. And Jasper Carrot's daughter is married to Betty's son (but there I'm mixing reality with Ambridge).
Isn't it a wonderful world? Makes me think of the beach.
Appy,
Any such reassurance would be disingenuous. We are blessed with dual brains and are all 'predatory opportunists' as described this morning on Women's Hour.
The only mitigating factor is that we usually are slower as we get older....and if you purposely run slower, it's your own lookout.
xx
ed
P.S. Regarding Fx dictionaries, etc, a . Of course, you don't need an inbuilt spellchecker, but it's always best to use protection...
I see Eddie's run off to the States, some excuse about an election.
What some people will do to get out of posting our cards on their Blogs.
Lissa, tell Eddie that he's a very naughty boy.
Big Sister - at no 20 - no, Jasper Carrott's daughter was replaced by another actress (as indeed was Helen), but in both cases they happen to be good voice matches.
The Archers- a story of every day country folk. It's certainly true for folk in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, Holingbourne, Kent and Harrietsham, Kent. I know, I frequently take part in their 'activities'!
I always used to think the Archers would forever shy away from the full consequences of any daft actions.
Remember how lightly Sid's daughter got off with her shoplifting?
But in the past few years we've had:
- an armed robbery in the village shop
- a horse slashing
- George died after his house was burnt down by the horse slasher
- Greg killed himself
- whiney Emmurr and Ed
- a drug addict ruined the vicar's Christmas
- bankruptcy and eviction ruined the Grundies' Christmas
- Betty died and ruined everybody's Christmas...
I'd say anything is possible now. The Archers and its bonkers storylines are going the way of Deadenders and Harmadale: anything to grab ratings.
Do you detect the merest trace of disapproval?
*Ooooh noooooooooooh!*
As a recent convert to the Archers, can I say a word for the sound effects people... MOO!!
Have you ever thought of introducing a teabreak in PM?.. you could call it PM Tea....
Have people had a newsletter today?
15000 episodes in three minutes. Wow.
I think the Actror that plays Shula is Married to one who palys Brian. Can Eddie Grundy Mair confirm?
But one should never look at the pictures of the actors who play radio plarts. Its ALWAYS a dissapointment. Like when I first saw a piccy of Eddie :-o
Well, I can happily say that this has all gone over my head, as I have never knowingly listened to the Archers!
Appy, I hope you believe me when I say that not all of the hairier sex act that way. I've never entertained such thoughts when I've had an SO :-)
Carl Goss - PMtea, and would we get plenty of chocolate with that??
Deep John W (20)
Yes, it came in about half past twelve. And said....
Hello from Washington,
I'm here standing by to report on the all-important mid-term elections, which will shape the future not only of the remainder of the Bush administration, but also the entire world.
I'll be leading a team of correspondents who've fanned out across America to bring you: a) the real America; b) what the pollsters are saying; c) news of whether the Iraq war and the trial of Saddam Hussein has been a factor; d); and e).
With me in the studio a panel of guests hand-picked to ripen while we're on the air. And we haven't forgotten the off-beat. From the fields of yellow roses in Texas to the country roads of West Virginia, we'll pick out the stories and hear from the people who don't matter but sound kinda quirky.
People will be voting in their millions WHILE WE ARE ON THE AIR, and although there won't be any actual results for hours after we've done, that won't stop us promising the most comprehensive results service in the world.
See you on the ice at 5,
Eric W Muir.
Anth - I'm horrified! I thought Hayley was still Ms Carrott! Yes, I knew about Helen (but that happened a while back ....) but Hayley? Are you SURE??????
Re Ruth and Sam - I've noticed FFinch is doing lots more interview stuff lately so perhaps she's flying her Ambridge perch for that reason?
But that leaves the question: What will David do? I gather Tim Bentinck is quite happy in the role (and it fits in with being an honourable in his spare time, I imagine). So - Shall we start a book on who will be the next Mrs. David?
I'll start the bidding with ...... Helen. Well, I know they're 'related', but I think it's distant enough to be allowed? Or Kirsty?
Hmm, there's a thought - A straight 'swop', which would be nice 'n tidy, wouldn't it?
Deepthought (29) Newsletter was sent at 12:34 and I got mine at 13:01
Perhaps Eddie took yours to America with him....
Talking of PM Tea... does anyone else think 'Today' are making far too much out of their guest editor feature? Jim and John won't do what they say anyway!
How come 've posted the same message twice?
(18) & (30)
I'm complaining about myself!!!
Anne P (33), thanks for info, Eddie's clearly taken my newsletter. Unless he only sends it to the fair sex now.
Appy
Something reassuring. I'm reasonably hairy - 24 years and never wandered - may have wondered but never wandered.
Stewart (36):
I just thought you were being doubly perceptive.
Either that or I've got an uncommonly short attention span...
I just thought you were being doubly -- oh, ***t.
:oD
In the spirit of the fact that I complained last week when it didn't come through till late evening, I got my newsletter at 12.53, and it was only posted at 12.33 - so there you go then. Do you think he tried awfully hard this time as I had a big whinge about my postcard ;o)
I understood that the actress who played Betty Tucker's daughter-in-law was the same one who was in Ricky Gervais' The Office (sorry a senior moment is disallowing me from remembering either of the characters' names despite being an avid follower of both progs, eeeek!). I thought she'd left because she was getting film parts over in the US.
If anyone else is still not getting their newsletter, I'm happy to post a copy on that day's thread -- assuming mine arrives in time!
A bit of copy/paste doesn't take but a mo.
Ooh, it's two minutes to five.....
I see the Govt is to out source the Probation Service or parts thereof, because of recent publicised problems. This is how David and Ruth's problems started on the farm!
Where do we stand on the question of how cool it is to get an un-read-out email posted on the website?
I've just been rather startled to find one of mine on there!
Is this 'cold comfort', 'second best' or 'brilliant exposure'?
But still, as the song says:
* My heart belongs to Froggie... *
I thought straplines had to be 10 words or less!
PM: A simple tale of the country's folk
Big Sister - currently at 34 but it seems to change - Ms Carrott (Lucy Davies) was unable to continue due to other committments - and I think health as well - it's now Lorraine Coady.
Do the numbers always change like this?
Can I just say that Eddie's interview with the mother of the drug addict was beautiful and moving. I speak as a past Probation Officer and now defence lawyer. I felt so much for Jenny.
As for Ruth! Well I wish she would run of with Sam the Cowman. I can't stand either of them.
Mary
Who IS this guy who hasn't enough brainpower to listen and follow a drama without PICTURES and RED BUTTONS?
It REALLY doesn't take that long to work out who is who (personal experience and that of many friends).
Does this guy have the same problems following other stories without pictures - like say NOVELS?
I got home just as the fair Ms Whitburn was being interviewed so will now have to Listen Again.
Meanwhile, Valery, you and I may be thinking along the same lines.
Which Archers characters are we froggers most like? And should Baron Muir be cast as Eddie Grundy?
I think I might turn into Pat when I grow up (!) but I don't think I'm any of them at the moment...
I was a bit of a Kate when I was a teenager. But now...
I'd just like to say how nice it is to have some of the men on here say that they have never wandered as it is very reassuring. I had a similar expereince to Appy's many years ago when my brother in law left my sister for someone 10 years her junior - and she was only 26 at the time. They spent almost every waking moment together and it was difficult to see when he had had time to stray but obviously he had managed it.
Plus dear Ed. do not take everything said on Woman's Hour as being either a) gospel truth or b) representative of the views of all women. Despite knowing that men can and do stray, I do not consign them all to the compartment marked 'predatory opportunists'. It's a bit like saying all men are rapists - cheap, nasty and demonstrably incorrect.
Valery - That was Jasper Carrott's daughter - Lucy Davies, as mentioned by Anth.
I know, not the same family name, but it definitely was J's daughter!
I suppose she didn't want to be known as Lucy Carrott ..... No, silly me, it isn't J's real name either!
Or is it? Don't bother answering that one, since I'm not sure I care!
My dog has just trained me to turn up the radio. He says he couldn't hear Eddie clearly enough, what with him being over the water.
I replied: I don't think he is, mate (or mut), I think he was having us on.
Eddie,
I would just like to thank you for the wonderful and sympathetic interview that you conducted with Luke's mother. It was clear that the poor lady was in distress over the way that the system had been letting her and her son down.
Brilliant journalism in getting all the facts without further distressing the situation.
Again, thank you.
Well Jenny (47) can count me in amongst those who haven't enough brainpower.
I've been listening to the Archers for about 100 years and still not quite sure who people are. I can recognise the Grundy family and Jaxxa, and Ems and Linda Schnel but that's about it. Ruth ("or-nor"), just about. But that's it - all the others blend into one for me.
Hey ho, what does Jenny suggest I do? The last novel I read only had three main characters, and one of them was a dog, so that was easy enough.
Is there a course I can go on Jenny? Or am I stuck with this sub-standard brainpower?
Hi Anne,
You dismay me. And here I was think I was a proper male
Vaya con Gaia (and Hesiod)
ed
"A man couldn't steal anything better than a good wife,
Just as nothing is more horrible than a bad one,
Some freeloader who roasts her man without a fire
And serves him up to a raw old age.
(translator's notes:)769-80 [695-705] The misogyny of the poem down to this point is, if anything, somewhat mitigated in the advice on marriage. It is generally characteristic of the poem to put everything in a bad light, to focus on the dangers and threats inherent in all the aspects of life it gives advice on, and clearly women are viewed as a necessary evil and marriage a reluctant concession to the need to produce an heir. The observation that "a man couldn't steal anything better than a good wife" nevertheless goes some way toward restoring balance.
(I would ask the Sisters about that before commenting further! -- Ed (still sounds a lot like property to me...))
----
Don't throw a man's poverty up in his face.
He's already hurting, and it comes from the gods.
The best treasure in the world is a tongue
That knows when to stop, the greatest pleasure
Is when it goes as it should. Say bad things
And you're sure to hear worse yourself.
, some 2800 years ago
Ooooh Noooo! Ruth didn't have it in her - ooh er missus!
Does that mean we're stuck with the "perfect family" for another 18 years!
Mary
PS Mrs Trellis I couldn't agree more. Eddie is absolutely the best interviewer out there.
Marymary,
Would you care to re-phrase that? or was it yet another freudian K-Y (other slips are available)?
xx
ed
Marymary,
What elegant phrasing! Or was it yet another freudian K-Y (other slips are available)?
xx
ed
Fearless, I'm with you. As soon as our daughter was old enough to toddle, (about 15 months,) we trained her to go to the radio & flick the off switch at precisely the moment the main theme tune ended, so that the "off" was exactly in time with the music, & BEFORE the actors had said even one word. I like to think that is where she started to develop her musical taste!
Btw, the theme tune is the "chorus" part of a piece of music called "Barwick Green". I wish I didn't know that, but I do, & have even played it. I thought it only fair that you should share the knowledge.
I once did a concert with 2 of the Archers actors, & they were lovely people, but I just cannot take the programme seriously, especially the accents. But I know there a hugely devoted following out there. When they stopped buying it on NZ radio, there was a massive outcry, but it didn't affect the decision. The Archers got the chop. NZ Govt is THAT brutal!
I'd like to know how come PM managed to give Vanessa Whitburn such a long time to plug her programme, as well as all the trailers for the Archers that have been running on Today, PM etc for days. Isn't it all a teeny bit self -referential? And is it really breaking (or even important)news?
But don't mind me, it's probably just a cultural thing that I can't appreciate, as an immigrant (but NOT an illegal one!)
The Archers must be like Marmite, then.
sorry Ed, I thought I was being nice. But instead I dismayed you. Oh well, that's my be nice to people phase over for the rest of this week then..........
As I've done on a previous thread I thought I'd remind all the regular froggers that it's
E
D
D
I
E
S
B
I
R
T
H
D
A
Y
O
N
S U N D A Y
which gives us all two days to send a bumper load of cards in
C'mon let's fill the Newsroom up and show the Today programme who's the 'Main Man'
J
PS: Appy (now that we are friends again)
I've never strayed!, been tempted though, but I think they called that the 7 year itch, and now we are well past 10.
Newsletter arrived! It hit my mailbox at 20:45, but as I was out, I've only just downloaded it.
Big Sister - "honourable" - you mean he's the son of a Lord?
Have we new froggers, or are they lurkers who broke cover today? Welcome, anyway.
Mary (47) and Mrs T (52) I agree totally, what a sensitively-done and moving interview. Unfortunately I was listening on a crackly wind-up radio on the M6 but even through all that it almost had me in tears. Don't you just feel for her? I hope someone offers her some help.
As for the Archers, I've listened for years and the 'Roof & Deevid' plot is the worst I've heard yet, only excusable if 'Roof' is discovered to have a brain tumour to explain her behaviour!!
(and will bully-boy Sam turn into a male bunny boiler?)
GM
鈥淚f you don鈥檛 listen - what do you want to know?鈥
I鈥檓 clearly too late for this question, but here鈥檚 my response -
I want to know why there鈥檚 any need to cover this on PM at all....
(16) You can count on reassurances from this quarter.
Great Blog.
OK jonnie, I at least am on it. Do we know how old he is - and how do you know it's his birthday?
Thank you to all of the boys who said reassuring things about fidelity. Keep it up, I say. I know it isn't always easy but I think it's usually worth it.
Coupla comments to end my contribution for the day. And I should probably add that they're "cross-thread" - and whilst I used to work in a textile mill, I can't actually think of a witty comment to make about that! Drinks, no, I've never strayed either - what a lovely lot we are on here. Perhaps the women should partake, also. As I'm beginning to recognise, I can identify a couple of "consciousness points". First, a forces colleague, in a long term relationship, who once said, "just because I've ordered, it doesn't mean I can't look at the menu." Second, bizarrely, good ol' Helen from Neighbours. When Scott and Charlene were married and Scott was tempted to stray, she said something about that was what marriage meant. You might fall in love with someone else, but you made the choice to do nothing about it (you'll appreciate that I'm paraphrasing - I'm sure the scriptwriters were much more pithy). As far as I am concerned, that is what relationships mean - it's a state of mind. I also recognise that others have differing, and - to a point - valid attitudes!
Archers. Mrs H can't tell who anybody is either - to be honest, I'm usually a bit lost myself since I'm hardly a "reglar". Good fun though. Got a lot of stick recently at a family do for listening in, but took some pleasure, when "pop" commented that it was nothing to do with farming any more, in mentioning the diversification activities, and the issues of investment in farms overseas and foreign labour (he used to be a farming consultant) - esp. since I'd just given him some sumptuous sausages from one of our local farm shops! And **15,000** episodes - I think they deserve a bit of slack for that!
Finally - attempted a reply to Si's excellent contribution elsewhere - got waylayed. Just would like to say for the record that I found it fascinating - and I hope he's scanning the bands so that he hears that. It was challenging in all sorts of ways, but that is something to be grateful for. One of the most illuminating colleagues I've had recently once made the comment that he tried to catch himself in "sounding off" mode - to question himself - it's a luxury most of us probably can't afford. Although I admit that froggers are much more attuned to this idea than most. I feel the need for a whisht intervention. I seem to remember Simon commenting in a manner that upset people previously (sorry if I've got that wrong - and I suddenly remember the need to mention that other "themes" have also resulted in an outpouring of intelligent and serious frogging) but, to me, intelligent comment alongside self-observation is something which demands attention. Yes, you can disagree with it, or you can agree wholeheartedly. But it does make you want to think about stuff.
Aper (67)...and I was frog-marched off the beach because of double-ententres.
Froggers, this came up as a "fortune" on my computer tonight. It sums up so much...
Gentlemen,
Whilst marching from Portugal to
a position which commands the approach
to Madrid and the French forces, my officers
have been diligently complying with your
requests which have been sent by H.M. ship
from London to Lisbon and thence by dispatch
to our headquarters.
We have enumerated our saddles,
bridles, tents and tent poles, and all
manner of sundry items for which His Majesty's
Government holds me accountable. I have dispatched reports on the character, wit, and spleen of every
officer. Each item and every farthing has been accounted for, with two regrettable exceptions for which I beg your indulgence.
Unfortunately the sum of one shilling and ninepence
remains unaccounted for in one infantry battalion's
petty cash and there has been a hideous confusion
as to the number of jars of raspberry jam issued to one cavalry regiment during a sandstorm in western Spain.
This reprehensible carelessness may be related to the pressure of circumstance, since we are war with France,
a fact which may come as a bit of a surprise to you gentlemen in Whitehall.
This brings me to my present purpose, which is to request elucidation of my instructions from His Majesty's
Government so that I may better understand why I am dragging an army over these barren plains. I construe that perforce it must be one of two alternative duties, as given below. I shall pursue either one with the best of my ability, but I cannot do both:
1. To train an army of uniformed British clerks in Spain for the benefit of the accountants and copy-boys in London or perchance:
2. To see to it that the forces of Napoleon are driven out of Spain.
-- Duke of Wellington, to the British Foreign Office, London, 1812
DoW, I know your pain.
Hi Roberto, all hotting up out there ?
Whhooooaa,
Rooth and Daeeevid,
Well just listened to the latest episode ... and had to laugh a bit -- well at the first 7 mins or so.
Josh and Bens card to Ruth saying 'Have a wicked time' !!
David telling Ruth she can go with a 'Clear conscience' .. and if you enjoy yourself you can do it more often ;-)
But when Ruth was in the never ending traffic and after Pip's phonecall turns the car radio on to Hear Will Young singing : I think I better leave right now. EErrrmmm
Brilliant script writing --
Come back Crossroads, all is forgiven !
Hi Deepthought (70) was just about to mentions Appies Double.
PS; For some unknown reason my Newsletter was filed in MS Outlook's spam folder. but at around 12:30 First time though, wonder why ?
Hi John H (69)
How strange you should bring up dera old Helen, from Neighbours as I was just thinking about her in the bath earlier.
So you used to work in a textile mill eh! Interwoven threads perhaps.
I think it was me who actually was missing Whishts, let's call it rationale, but he normally pops up in the early hours and sorts everything out so we have a clean slate in the morning.
Night night all, and the lovely Fifi xx
Oh dear. Yes, yes, I realise what I said. Oo-er etc.
Deepthought:
While an Archer's fan, I'm not an Archer's addict, but I did know about 'David's' nobility, about which he is commendably humble. I had heard it being raised in an interview various years ago, and when Tim spoke about his Dad, he was clearly a rather interesting character too.
Having raised that matter, I googled today to try to find out the current situation, and discovered that Tim is actually Viscount Woodstock now, his father having died in 1997. I've just read through his father's obit, and he was clearly a great character.
For anyone else who's interested in finding out more for themselves, I'm attaching the link to Tim's website.
Fellow frogging Archers' fans:
Re yesterday's instalment: I suppose, on balance, I feel reassured that Ruth has returned to character (was that what people calling mad with love?) and I guess the outcome was the more credible of all possible alternatives. But, yes, somebody else on the blog referred to Sam as a bully, and I have to say that I've found his behaviour highly questionable, and fitting very definitely into the category of cad, both with regard to David (his employer and fellow worker) and Kirsty (his loyal and long suffering girlfriend). For all his treehouse building skills (and was that not just to get into Ruth's good books?) he's a waste of space and should be run out of Ambridge.
47 & 52. I agree with you. Just getting to the end of my journey when the interview was on. Reminded me of a time when 成人论坛 Radio Gloucestershire interviewed me very effectively.
Last night's Archers was bit of an anti climax!
For some reason best known to Beebland, my earlier posting hasn't appeared.
I confidently predict it will, now that I've gone to the trouble of reposting about David Archer.
Deepthought: Since 1997 Tim B (aka David) holds the title of Viscount Woodstock.
He has a website, which is quite fun and worth a look for anyone who doesn't know about Tim and his family, who are an interesting bunch. However, I won't post the link again since I fear this may have upset the BlogMeister.
Just google Tim Bentinck.
Waggoners' Walk.
I'm feeling very loved today, all those lovely comments from you froggers.
I was out tucking into roast pheasant when Ruth's shenanigans were going on .. or rather not .. but a late arrival at the meeting intimated archly that "all is well".
Sam's character has been all about power from the start. Remember when he insisted on sacking whiney Alistair from the Herefords vet duties, regardless of consequences for the wider family? A's drinking and gambling escalated from then on.
He pounced on Ruth when she was vulnerable .. despicable behaviour.
She's just been very silly, after months and months of feeling dowdy and unappreciated -- the Sophie nonsense only brought matters to a head.
(Sorry, I think I'm applying a writer's approach to this rather than a listener's!)
I've loved the Archers since I started listening, when I was studying for my Finals in Glasgow, aged 21 or 22. What I don't understand, now I live closer geographically to where it's set, is why are there no folk clubs? Not even rubbish ones?
See you later peeps. Northampton beckons...
There's a thought, Fifi. So far we've only had Eddie (G)'s execrable C&W.
Bert Fry singing old Borsetshire ditties?
Joe coughing along?
John H (69)
many thanks for your very kind comments regarding a previous post of mine on another thread ("I hesitated.."), which were read with much pleasure.
Yes I did give grave offence last week, unwittingly. I was/am genuinely sorry for that. It's plain that the contributors here are a wonderful bunch and I'd rather not have done it. Still capable of being woefully indiscreet.......
Before one goes in to attack mode regarding comments overheard, either on PM or in a blog thread, it is wise to examine one's own conscience on the matter in question. I abhor prejudice in all it's forms, but cannot claim to be completely blameless myself. In my teenage years I was undoubtedly racist, nationalistic, homophobic, all to some degree. And all because I knew but little of the world around me.
The passing of time, two trips around the world with the Royal Navy, the acquaintance of so many amazing people from all walks of life, and an enquiring mind (I hope) have served to lay those youthful idiocies to rest.
I used to expect to see the worst in people, now I hope for the best. Although of no solid religious belief myself, I am confounded by those who pervert the teachings of any religion to hatred of others. I do not refer to Islam particularly, the Christian extremists who think it acceptable to kill abortionists in the States, and others of similar ilk are just as deserving of scorn.
My views on the many other conversation points on this thread;
I have never strayed once, but my ex-wife did. Men are not predatory opportunists, by and large, although from my rare excursions into Womans Hour territory you'd think we all are. I used to put women on a pedestal. Navy service killed that stone-dead. The number of times that a marriage went west was no particular surprise. How often it was the wife who strayed was a massive shock.
Hearing the Archers theme causes a Pavlovian reaction in me. I either switch immediately to Cl*ss*c FM (sorry Auntie!) or just knock it off completely. I can't stand it. Period. And I feel the same about all the TV soaps. I can't even stand being in the room when they are on. My SO, whom I otherwise adore, loves Corrie and Eastenders. It's her only real fault. Bless her.
Eddie has hit a rich vein of form this week. First this subtle and skilful way that he let Mrs. Bland destroy her political future (outside the BNP, that is). And then last nights beautifully judged and sensitive interview with Luke's mother. Bravo to her also, for having the courage to go on with the interview despite her evident distress.
The blog itself has also hit good form. I am really enjoying reading so much great debate on all these different topics. There's undoubtedly a place for the light-hearted stuff, invitations to the beach, drinks, chocolate and all. Life would be so dull without it. But I appreciate the 'heavier' stuff too. It makes me think, and (I must be a wierdo) I really like that!
Anne (67)
refers to EM's forthcoming celebrations.
Si.
Simon (and all),
I agree with John H regarding your remarks - good on you!
Let me also take the opportunity to add my appreciation for the excellent interview with Luke's mom, Jenny. Bravo to interviewer and doubly so to interviewee.
Shanti
ed
Simon, you are neither wierdo nor weirdo! you are a welcomed frogger and I enjoy your thought-provoking posts.
0 Frances, Bert's cough is rivalling Joe's at the mo, although it may be temporary for the "retiral" storyline, but if it isn't, then his recitation-days may be numbered?
Fifi, I find that applying a writer's approach enhances the listening pleasure - ie you can either appreciate the story if it's well-observed, or congratulate yourself for spotting a corny one in advance of the outcome. Nope - that's just me again then is it? Too much time on me hands?
Anne (67)
As pointed out bi Si that's the Wikipedia source I spotted it on -- so hopefully it's correct :-
I hope he has'nt got into too much of a kerfuffle after this mornings antics with Paul Gasgoigne
Fifi (81)
In the dim and distant when Doris Archer's brother Tom Forrest was played by Bob Arnold there used to be occasional folk music, if not a folk club. I think Bob Arnold did it for real.
Silver-Fox (80) Eh?
Drinks, apparently it was a radio soap - an ordinary tale of urban folk (70s/80s) - I just 'oogled it.
Thanks JH. He's a rare one, that Silver-Fox!...
I replied on an earlier thread to your comments on my "imposing tolerance on the intolerant" as you put it (nice summary) but I allowed myself to segue into smut at the end and it doesn't sem to have appeared. Suffice to say - I'm not comfortable with imposing anything upon anyone, but it's not a perfect world (I hope my original response was a tad more eloquent).
The original comment has now appeared. This is a very annoying place in which to attempt to contribute - I dunno why I keep coming back!...