Thread #105: Curtains for Emma, Hilda - Joe? Red carpet for June Spencer on her 100th birthday, we hope! Discuss the rich tapestry of Ambridge life here.

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Thank you, @PseudoBadger, for kicking off this long, long series of Archers threads and @DadDadDad for being our resident statistician and keeping the ball rolling when Pseudo stepped back a bit.

All views on The Archers welcome here! New blood welcomed. We don't all agree on all points and most of us are posting tongue in cheek a lot of the time, so don't worry about revealing that you'd like to be Susan's best friend or other unusual views.

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For newer listeners, lurkers or those who just have no idea what we're talking about, DadDadDad has created this useful thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/radio_addicts/3557323-For-Archers-fans-a-guide-to-acronyms-on-the-long-running-discussion-threads-and-any-other-meta-thread-questions-you-may-have BOOP point for him! (See thread for explanation.)

Thanks to LillianGish and BuckingFrolics for ideas for this thread title. I went with the less Rabelaisian of LG's ideas!

On 14th June it will be the 100th birthday of June Spencer, who has played Peggy Woolley since 1951. I hope the BBC has a lot of special tributes lined up to celebrate this remarkable achievement.

But would you have turned up at all, LadyRannaldini, in Jim's shoes?

I'm not sure Jim was as violently opposed to celebrations as he made out. He knew the party was happening, and if he hated it that much he could have made it clear to Alastair much sooner that he simply wasn't going to be there. In fact, so far as I recall he seemed reasonably OK with everything initially till he saw whatever it was that made him run.

Exactly, Isatis.

I can understand people not wanting "surprise" parties, I wouldn't want one myself, and I do think it smacks of others thinking they know better, ("Oh, s/he'll love it really. They just don't want to put anyone out.") if their loved one has told them not to plan one. I couldn't walk out though, that would be just as rude, and it would hurt guests who have been invited and come along, possibly travelling quite a distance, and at not inconsiderable expense, not knowing the recipients' feelings on the matter.

Anyway, it doesn't excuse, or explain, the way Jim is behaving, which is why I think there's got to be more to it, than just not wanting a party. He's just using that as a handy excuse, to avoid telling Alistair the real reason.

Jim is an irascible character, Al is a bit naive to think he'd be happy to have a surprise party, but his reaction is OTT, as if he's been hurt badly. Perhaps Fiona could throw some light on the reason.

There is absolutely more to it than just not wanting a party. He was pleased to see Fiona and jollyish about the whole business before he spotted whatever the mystery thing/person is. I'm intrigued. I enjoy the household of three men, Jim and Jazzer are such an unlikely yet amusing pairing.

Agreed, CryHavoc, there seemed to be no tone from him of begrudgingly attending a party until something changed when he saw someone in the room. And then he didn't just make some awkward excuse, he ran away - something really awful from his past was there.

Yes it’s the mystery guest who put the cat among the pigeons - a guest so mysterious that even Alister and Fiona didn’t know who he was. Someone who has stirred some long-buried shame, embarrassment or fury in Jim - it’s not a public humiliation though because no one knows what he’s so furious about. It’s not the equivalent of Alistair’s gambling habit being broadcast in the Bull or the public humiliation of having your wife leave you because you are too dull - it’s something intensely personal that Jim feels very deeply and can’t bring himself to reveal.

Al is a bit naive to think he'd be happy to have a surprise party

But it wasn't a surprise party. That was the original intention, but Alistair spilt the beans at least a few days beforehand, so Jim knew it was going to happen - and also that Alistair and Shula were taking a lot of trouble to organise it for him.

"Justin, it's Lillian, I need you to buy me a farm"

"Justin, it's Lillian, I need you to buy me a farm"

I was thinking along the same lines

My money’s on Attenborough being on her panel of experts, or HRH Prince Charles

Or both, and loving the sibling rivalry

Hurrah! Sensible story. No sleb blow-ins, just old hands who have been there forever except their forever isn't as long as June's.
That's a proper celebration.

I'd like Charlotte Smith (R4 Farming Today) on the panel too please.

Agree about Prince of Wales (his wife has been on, after all).

If Peggy has £1/2m slushing around, it seems a bit odd that she didn't offer to help "Jenny in the semi".

The amazing expandable purse of Peggy... I thought she was monted, then Hazel got most of it and she wasn't minted any more. Now she can put £500,000 out for her children to fight over. I agree with Tony - it's The Will all over again.

I bet Gnasher will be busy trying to find a way to get her hands on all that cash.

*Minted

What happened at Bridge Farm Open Farm Sunday?

Oh my!

(Guess what time my favourite relative in the world chose to do me the honour of their maybe twice a year, can’t possibly be postponed phone call? )

Well!

I dunno. It’s a nice plot - going forward. And I like the 3 Houses of Ambridge focus. But it’s so laden with potential resentment. And so grandiose.

Anyway. Congratulations to the centenarian. Hope I’m at the top of my game when I’m 100.

It's quite something. Takes a cleaver to the heart of the family. If she wated to do good she could have invested in the bird reserve or the village pond, or bought some land to be held in trust by the family for the environmental good. Making them bid for it it appalling.

So they have to compete for this environmental thing? As in- one of her children wins a half million investment? So what impact will that have on their inheritance? What about Lilian? It is such a crap idea!

David and Ruth aren't even Peggy's children.

Lower Loxley would have as much chance of doing something eco-friendly, they've got the wine, and I've just remembered didn't Nigel start some allotments?

As in- one of her children wins a half million investment?
No, one of the local farms.
Brookfield is in the mix, too. What happened to what used to be Grange Farm? And there's Red House Farm, Ambridge Farm, Valley Farm, Heydon Farm. Have they all been swallowed up?

Am I right in thinking this is open to anyone, or is it just these 3 ‘Archers’ farms? If the former, then it’s wide open for an outsider to win the dosh. Also, have they recorded the ending in case June isn’t available later?

Surely Amside has the scope for something sustainable? And Lower Loxley - which really needs to diversify.