Archers thread #200: Trouble in Ambridge! (All 200 threads could have had this title.) Discuss The Archers here.

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

Thank you, @PseudoBadger, for kicking off this long, long series of Archers threads.

All views on The Archers welcome here! New blood welcomed, and of course we are always delighted to welcome back former or occasional listeners/posters. We don't all agree on all points, although we do mostly try to be civil about it. Most of us are posting tongue in cheek a lot of the time, so don't worry about revealing that you'd love to be Brian's child or stepchild, or other unusual views.

Spoilers: not on this thread, please! We don't wait for the omnibus to discuss the weeknight episodes, but we do try our best to avoid cross-contamination from https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/radio_addicts/4636789-the-archers-spoilers-thread-7-cant-wait-for-702pm-join-us-here, where spoilers are positively welcomed!

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.)

Over to you!

Yes and Fallon’s expected to make a decision when there’s been no mention of any terms including salary.
Did we hear this cruck(?) barn conversation?
I thought it would involve Fallon cooking but sounds like it wouldn’t.

More like what the hell are the SWs thinking of. It stands to reason that Elizabeth would have been keeping Fallon informed all the way through if she was so determined that she should be the one to run things. Indeed, she would probably have been consulting her about some of the decisions involved. It makes no sense at all for her to keep it all quiet and then expect Fallon to walk out of her job at a moment's notice - especially when it's Elizabeth's own brother who is going to get his business buggered up as a result.

This Fallon/Lizzie business has been worrying me so much that I can't even recall it being mentioned before.

I am very happy to lose long-term listener points for this.

I can't remember it being discussed and I'm a religious daily listener. Lizzie should have had Fallon on site discussing layouts, decor etc. And Fallon should have been working with Lizzie ref a summer schedule of plans for the summer. Rather than it being open and then Fallon starting. Bit arse first the whole thing.

Yes Cruck Barn (old barn with nice timber frame). I think this would be so up Fallon's street, she needs to do it.

It’s a very long time since I was pregnant, but I seem to remember you feel movement later when it’s not your first pregnancy, presumably because there’s a bit more space in there, so it seems a bit early.

I don't remember a cruck barn storyline or even a mention ( and I've never heard the word before either!). I remember Fallon's attempt to set up at the recharging centre. I wondered if Fallon was going to surprise Harrison at the awards ceremony with his arm around his Floozie/ baby mama?

I've heard of the cruck barn before. Harrison definitely has a floozy.

On another fan site, somebody reckoned that Lizzie hasn’t spoken since May ‘25!

Just as it is possible for a 13-15th century cruck barn to suddenly appear on an 18th century estate, I guess it is equally plausible that Rex, Kirstie and Alice could have forgotten that Rewilding has a campsite that Phoebe set up (which would probably be suitable for a load of yurts and spiritual activity).

The Cruck barn has been used for Deck the Halls, and I seem to recall that Hayley used to run activities there. It seems like it’s had a makeover.

All very odd. Where's the gallery that Lewis used to run, followed by Russ (I think)? How many buildings are there dotted around the estate?

Floozy is a fine word. Poor Fallon. Tough times ahead, unless we're all being led up the garden path.

Alison Dowling's voice has changed a bit, but it's so long since we last heard her that's not surprising. I hope she's OK and this long absence has not been enforced by ill health.

Everything everyone has already said …

They gave this story to the wrong SWs. Absolutely no one capable of running such an enterprise would accept the way it has been sprung on them at the very last minute.

Fallon describes it as an arts centre / workshop and well being space. How is this going to work? Will they close the LL Art Gallery? (Maybe they have already and I’ve forgotten?)

Presumably they are modelling it on somewhere like Hauser & Wirth, Somerset?

https://www.hauserwirth.com/locations/10068-hauser-wirth-somerset/

If so, I’d be all for it as the range of events and opportunities it would offer would draw in the entire village as well as experts from outside. But in that case I’d have expected Elizabeth to want someone with a much higher profile, great public relations experience on a national level, and a vast social media presence, to run it. Or one of her children - as they’d bring a story of heritage and continuity. Fallon wouldn’t be in the running either way.

Lower Loxley is supposed to be loosely based on an NT property called Hanbury Hall. it has a rather splendid secondhand bookshop in a 2 storey building alongside the house called the long gallery. It is a bright and airy building so I can imagine it working well as an art gallery.

Presumably somebody on the writing team has been watching a lot of episodes of The Repair Shop, to come up with this latest wheeze (glad somebody on here remembers it).

Many months ago, just before Kenton went AWOL, I’d assumed the idea was that Fallon and Harrison would be taking over The Bull. I guess not.

https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/assets/website/national/regions/worcestershire-herefordshire/places/hanbury-hall/pdf/new-edited-map.pdf

And where is Lewis?

If it's going to be a well being centre then perhaps the yurts can go there rather than to the rewinding project

My thoughts went straight to Spiritual Home as well. Much better location than Home Farm.

The actor, Robert Lister, died on 21 July 2023.

I just assumed I'd missed the episode with this conversation in it! But nobody seems to recall that scene. Or Fallon ever mentioning it afterwards.

I do remember the cruck barn but not this project or Fallon being involved. I couldn't work out what was going on at first.

Stately homes often have numerous outbuildings - chapels, stables, dairies/creameries, ice houses, barns, haylofts, tied cottages etc.

I definitely remember Deck The Halls in the cruck barn at some point.

I remember the cruck barn going up. It was a long time ago and it was Nigel's idea.

@Madcats , the Spoilers concur about Elizabeth (6.5.2025).

Never heard of the cruck barn and spent the whole episode baffled.

I don't think we heard the previous conversation between Elizabeth and Fallon.
The cruck barn gets mentioned every now and then, so am surprisedby the 'never heard of it comments'.
Do the Dopeys know about the events venue plan?

We had signposts that Fallon wasn't missing Harrison, and a female friend has been mentioned. Harrison seemed quite lukewarm about Fallon attending the function.
Dare I hope that he'll be buggering off soon?

I hate men and think rex is a dweeb but even i think he was just trying to be nice 🤷‍♀️