Big Farma in Little Ambridge - come and talk The Archers talk

[PseudoBadger]

New thread for the beginning of the pheasant season.

choccy I would've thought that there's room for a permanent handyman in somewhere like the stables, as you say, all those fences

I really thought once Darrell got his tools back (v important to a craft tradesman) he'd go round the stables fixing everything and himself in the process

Mending fences etc is the sort of thing farmers etc do for themselves - its not skilled carpentry.

A whole new set of fancy jumps maybe?

But Shula isn't a farmer and Alastair is a vet'nary so they wouldn't do or have the time to do the fences would they?

Yes, but in real life (at least in my experience), sadly you do tend to end up like Shula, huffing angrily at the person who needs help and understanding and time, and then going away and feeling ashamed of yourself.

I think Shula's behaviour is true to life, but frustrating to listen to!

I'm finding the whole Darrel thing v tedious but Alan was marvellous.

Very true Grendels !

You see I reckon Alan should have probably been a bit more forceful on the 'you have to let him stand on his own two feet' front (although he perhaps didn't have the full story as to what's been going on?). He seemed to be very much saying Darrell should only go once he's got his benefits and Shula/Alistair have sorted him out with somewhere else to stay. It didn't sit quite right given the warnings he'd given Shula previously about getting too involved.

Still in wildly speculating mode but what are the odds that Bazz the Dog is the spore carrier and we get more Will vs Ed stropping about; or at the very least Ed gets it into his head that Bazz is at fault. It would add a whole new dimension for George to be dragged into it as well.

Do we suspect Jill didn't like son-of-optician because he told her her eyes were going and she either needed her cataracts sorting or to give up driving?

Ohhhhh....... I heard the Bazz episode twice and still couldn't understand where it was leading. But does Will ever have any need to be on Grange Farm land with his dog? I do seem to remember something about Ed taking over an adjoining piece of land - can't recall who it belonged to.

But yes, that could certainly be an explosive issue.

TheSilveryPussycat I thought that too - it's a bit of a weak plot where Shula doesn't get Darryl involved in anything at all practical at the stables.

He did mend the stable door recently didn't he? cuttedThe problem with forcing someone who can't cope to stand on his own 2 feet is that his feet may be made of water (Darrell didn't seem to be so weak when he was with his bossy wife it's what he needs IMO).

If only TA did flashbacks! When Darrell said

"I'll go and tidy my room."

I saw his entire life behind him. Somehow, part of him is stuck in adolescence. Desperate to fit in, easily led and easily disheartened. Full of crazy plans that never come to fruition. Poor Ilona - when she called for a divorce it seemed a heartless decision - but now we can see that he must have been incredibly trying even before his stint in prison. She must have had nearly twenty years of apologies.

yes sthing but I can't help thinking IIWM i'd be worried about my ex and trying to help out if I could; she knew what a drip he was when she chucked him out a bit hard IMO.

Mmmm... But she's had to move too. And is probably struggling financially. What help could she offer other than "come and stay with us....."?

Yes I know but I reckon she could've carried on living in the house in Amb. if she' d begged Peggy for a reduction in the rent, she's got 2 DCs FGS (IMO her moving was a bit suspect) purely put in for the S.W.'s convenience.

Completely agree with that ppeat.

That "oh you've already done enough for me"; "I won't accept charity"; "we've got to stand on our own feet even if we starve" characteristic is something the SWs seem particularly keen on. Ilona, Ed'n'Emma, everyone else ..... I've never seen this in real life - if people need help they accept it.

Yes true where your DCs are concerned it's just stupid to have ridiculous 'pride' issues. Funny I'm on the Strictly thread and we're talking about perfectionist hard faced East Europeans!

Seriously? I'm on an education thread trying to persuade people that a perfect childhood isn't necessarily the best help in adulthood...

Where's that? IMO it depends on the person! IME however perfect one's childhood there's always something that your DCs will find fault with

"Best education money can afford?"

I am so full of foreboding re. Will/Ed/the dog! I just can't cope with any more grundy brothers feuding.

Ed is sounding more unhinged by the day - do you think he might try and shoot the dog and accidentally shoot will/george? [may be getting slightly carried away]

Thanks sthing Agree about Ed mrsCampbell and please no more feuding.

Yes, bring Sam back - that will upset Ruth and David