Archives for December 2010

As you might expect, there's a lot happening to mark the 60th anniversary of The Archers, with plenty of ways for you to get involved. Here's a round-up:

Audio slideshow

The first 60 years, in sound and pictures. Rich with archive audio and photos.

The Politics of Ambridge

In a two-part series on BBC Radio 4, Author Michael Dobbs (House of Cards) explores British politics through the prism of Ambridge. Features interviews with leading politicians, Archers actors and production team members.

Saturday 1 Jan and Saturday 8 Jan at 10.30am

The Archers at Sixty, on BBC Radio 7

Between The Archers Omnibus and our special double length episode (see below), our sister station will be broadcasting a special selection of classic episodes and omnibus editions.

Timothy Bentinck (David Archer) introduces some of the most memorable moments, with added insights from other cast members.

Sunday 2 Jan from 11.15am

Live chat on this blog

All day on Sunday 2 Jan we'll be running live coverage of listener activity on The Archers message board, Twitter, Facebook and elsewhere.

Anniversary episode

A special 30-minute episode, with big events promised - and much speculated about.

Sunday 2 Jan 7.00pm

Live 'Tweetalongs'

Respond to the anniversary episode and its follow-up on Twitter (or The Archers message board). We'll be collating the comments and displaying them graphically on this website. Archers editor Vanessa Whitburn will be also be taking part.

If you're using Twitter, include the phrase #thearchers so we can detect the tweet.

Full details of how to use Twitter.

Please comment at any time, but the graphic will be live on Sunday 2 Jan 7.00 - 7.45pm and Monday 3 Jan 7.00 - 7.30pm, with an archive version available afterwards.

Farming Today

A special edition of Farming Today examines how The Archers has reflected the changing face of farming over its 60 years.

Monday 3 January 5.45am

Share your Archers memories

What is your favourite Archers moment? Favourite character? Memory of listening to the programme? Share your memories on our special page.

If you'd like a reminder, browse past storylines with our specially-writtern Six Diamond Decades articles.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

• The picture shows Timothy Bentinck (David Archer)
• Follow The Archers on Twitter @BBCTheArchers

60th anniversary, audio slideshow, facebook, message board, michael dobbs, tweetalong, twitter

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Keeping up with events in Ambridge has never been so easy - podcasts, iPlayer, email synopses... and now Twitter. The social networking site is teeming with Ambridge residents tweeting their thoughts on events in Ambridge as well as chatting - and sometimes arguing - with each other.

• Is Kenton chasing Sid's ex's or Jolene chasing Kathy's cast offs? #thearchers (@Nelsons_Ghost)
• @NelsonsGhost Oi!! Unfair!! (@Kenton_Archer)

"Imposters!"

This virtual village has been created entirely by fans of the show, although any accusation about these not being the real Ambridge residents is met with howls of outrage. When @BBCRadio4 tweeted a link to a programme featuring Trevor Harrison (the actor who plays Eddie Grundy), Twitter's Eddie Grundy cried "Imposter!"

The Twitter characters provide a running commentary on events aired in the programme. You'll find Eddie Grundy, who will "tell you all about the goings on in Ambridge if you make it worth me while", as well as "pillar of the community" Lynda Snell; "executive property manager" and "leaflet maker" Brenda Tucker; "frazzled father" David Archer and "gin loving" Lilian Bellamy.

Harry Mason's "We Love The Bull" campaign popped up on Twitter as well as Facebook after it appeared in the show with Harry imploring people to help save the pub.

• @Aunt_Pat_Archer feeling very sorry for Tony - I know what it's like to have a difficult & ungrateful daughter :( (@HomeFarmBrian)
• Today - Coffee made: 10 cups (5 with gin) Coffee drunk: 2 cups (1 with gin, it's been a bad day!) (@brenda_tucker)

Not-so-silent silents

You can even hear from silent characters like the unborn (Helen's foetus "Get me out of here" whose Twitter icon is Edvard Munch's The Scream); "super-fit yummy mummy" Sabrina Thwaite and Bartleby, Joe Grundy's long-suffering pony.

• Gave mum a right good kicking this afternoon, you can thank me when I'm out (@HelensFoetus)

The ghosts of Ambridge

There are conversations between dead characters like father and son, Walter and Nelson Gabriel as well as Sid Perks, Jack Woolley and Jack's dog, Captain. The Ambridge Mice are all-seeing Ambridge residents who are always on the lookout for food opportunities around the enclave - from Susan Carter's Christmas Eve soiree to the Bridge Farm Dairy, once trainee Vicky Tucker arrived.

• #thearchers we are watching the dairy situation with interest with dumb & dumber in charge we see many free food opportunities mmm (@AmbridgeMice)
• @Nelsons_Ghost Shula were a very different girl in them days - goin off overland ter Thailand an all that. (@WaltersGhost)

Ambridge's "cult status"

Eddie Grundy was the second character to appear on Twitter in November 2009. (The first was An Ambridge Sheep which has since stopped bleating!) He says he's seen as "a loveable rogue" and that "The Archers makes good Twitter as something happens most days." It has "cult status."

His first tweet was in keeping with the character we hear on air:

• I've heard that you can make a bob or two out of this Twitter lark. (@Eddie_Grundy)

You can find and follow all the characters via this Twitter list.

There's a listener tweet-along every Sunday morning for The Archers Omnibus, plus special Anniversary tweet-alongs on the 2nd and 3rd of January from 7pm.

Search for #thearchers on Twitter to see the conversation, and don't forget to add #thearchers to your own tweets to join in.

Find out more about the anniversary tweet-along and how to join in.

Tayler Cresswell is the host of The Archers message board.

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The Archers celebrates its 60th anniversary on 1 January 2011. Over the six weeks running up to the anniversary, we are looking back at the main storylines in each of its six decades.

This final week: the 'noughties', a decade which brought audacious acts of terrorism, with resultant international warfare, and the inevitable crash which followed a boom built on illusory property values.

Ambridge saw an epic love triangle, a wronged wife make a heroically selfless gesture and a figure of financial hubris who suffered his own personal crash.

Do you remember these storylines or characters? What else do you remember of The Archers in the noughties? Share your memories and thoughts by using the comment box at the bottom of this post.

2000

The Grundys were made bankrupt and after eviction from Grange Farm moved to a council flat in Borchester. Joe in particularly was seriously affected, especially after having to kill Eddie's ferrets. The desperate family fled back to Ambridge in a caravan and eventually rented Keeper's Cottage.

Simon Gerrard was accused of sexually harassing a student, but the charges were dropped. He and Debbie Aldridge married, to Brian's dismay.

Elizabeth and Kenton bitterly opposed Phil's decision to hand over Brookfield to David and Ruth but by the end of the year Phil had his way.

Ruth had a mastectomy and chemotherapy after contracting breast cancer.

Kathy Perks divorced Sid after his affair with country singer Jolene Rogers. Caroline Pemberton took a majority share in The Bull to fund the settlement.

2001

Kate Aldridge returned to Ambridge to give birth to her second daughter Noluthando. The baby's black father Lucas Madikane persuaded Kate back to South Africa and they were soon married.

Christine Barford sold The Stables to Shula Hebden Lloyd, enabling Alistair to set up his veterinary practice there, and Phil and Jill to retire to Glebe Cottage.

Nelson Gabriel died in Argentina and was buried in Ambridge.

David and Ruth locked down Brookfield for six weeks against the national foot-and-mouth outbreak. They escaped infection, but the financial costs were high.

Ed Grundy crashed his brother Will's car and had to pull from the burning wreckage the object of their rivalry: pretty Emma Carter. Although Emma liked Ed, by the end of the year she seemed to be favouring Will.

2002

Returned from Australia after the breakup of his marriage, black sheep Kenton started seeing Kathy Perks and tried to set up an internet café.

Debbie began divorce proceedings after suspecting that Simon Gerrard was involved with Brenda Tucker - and then catching him with a colleague, Jeanette.

Siobhan Hathaway became pregnant by Brian Aldridge, although he told her he couldn't leave Jennifer. Tim left her, but Jennifer remained unaware until after the birth of baby Ruairi. Faced with her ultimatum, Brian chose his marriage. Devastated Siobhan left for Ireland.

2003

Brian and Jennifer slowly mended their marriage, but Debbie was not so forgiving and left for a job in France. In the autumn, Siobhan brought Ruairi in a futile attempt to win Brian back. As they argued, his car skidded and he was injured. Siobhan slipped home again.

Having failed to mend his relationship with his estranged daughters, gamekeeper Greg Turner slipped into depression, eventually killing himself. His grieving partner Helen Archer succumbed to anorexia and was admitted to a clinic.

Clive Horrobin mounted a series of horse-slashing attacks on The Stables, unaware that his old enemy George Barford no longer lived there. He was sentenced to four months in jail.

The Grundys managed to buy a small field with milk quota compensation money. It became a base for money-making schemes of varying sense and success.

While Ed served a community punishment for petty thefts committed with his mate Jazzer, Will wooed Emma. After a romantic balloon ride, she agreed to marry him.

2004

Clive Horrobin held George and Christine Barford at gunpoint, and then torched their house. Susan refused to harbour him and he got 12 years.

Ed Grundy and Jazzer were forced to destroy a cannabis crop they'd been tending in a barn at Bridge Farm.

Torn Emma Carter slept with Ed on her hen night, but still married his brother Will. Rejected Ed fled to a job in Hungary. When he returned with American girlfriend Beth, Emma was pregnant, ostensibly by Will but in her belief by Ed.

With Kenton visiting his daughter Meriel in New Zealand, Kathy Perks innocently befriended a colleague, chef Owen King. Owen raped her, and was sent packing by Kathy's former husband Sid.

2005

Feeling increasingly trapped, Emma saw more of Ed than was perhaps wise, both before and after the birth of baby George. When Ed planned to go travelling, Emma begged him to take her, saying George was his child. Devastated Will prevented them from leaving the country and a DNA test proved him to be the father after all. But Emma stuck with Ed, in a chilly caravan at Willow Farm.

After a messy divorce, Matt Crawford set up home with his lover, Lilian Bellamy.

After a bizarre lift on his motorbike while dressed as a chicken (after a sponsored run), Usha Gupta and Rev Alan Franks became close, to the disapproval of their families, many villagers and Usha's enemy Shula.

Peggy Woolley encouraged Jack to sell off his business assets after he had been diagnosed with dementia. She had to see off his adopted daughter Hazel who returned with an invented family in a bid to win his sympathy and a substantial payout.

Betty Tucker died suddenly of a heart attack, leaving Mike and family stunned and bereft.

2006

Ed Grundy enthusiastically took on Oliver Sterling's plan for a small herd of Guernseys supplying Mike Tucker's milk round.

When resentful Will Grundy played fast and loose with the agreed contact arrangements for George once too often, he and Ed fought. Appalled because George was slightly injured in the scuffle, Emma abandoned the hated caravan for the comfort of Ambridge View. But Ed was not welcome there or at his family home.

Ed disappeared for months, eventually admitted to A&E in a bad way with drink and drug problems. With professional help and Oliver Sterling's determined support, he was eventually reconciled with his family and working back at Grange Farm.

Believing that David was having an affair with his glamorous former girlfriend Sophie Barlow, Ruth fell for the charms of their cowman Sam Batton. Although she didn't go through with their planned tryst, David discovered the relationship. The marriage was on shaky ground for a while.

Adam Macy and Ian Craig's relationship was rocked by Ian's plan to have a baby with an old friend, eventually scuppered when Madds found a more conventional partner. Brian put aside his misgivings at the last minute to attend their civil partnership ceremony.

After an unhappy fling, Helen hit the bottle. Her brother Tom covered for her when, drunk driving, she injured Mike Tucker.

2007

Helen started counselling to help her with her drinking and the underlying emotional causes.

Jennifer Aldridge agreed to raise Brian's lovechild Ruairi Donovan, after the death from cancer of his former mistress Siobhan. The discovery of the long-dead affair caused a rift between Brian and his daughter Alice.

Owen King, the man who raped Kathy, was accused of assaulting a woman in Bournemouth. With the support of Kenton, Kathy bravely told the police about her ordeal. King (now Gareth Taylor) was charged with both offences.

Matt Crawford's recruitment of Brenda Tucker as a regular vacation intern worried her partner Tom. His cultivation of brains-plus-beauty property lawyer Annabelle Schrivener caused even more worry for Matt's partner Lilian Bellamy.

2008

Ruth had a breast reconstruction operation.

When Lilian Bellamy moved out to The Bull, Matt Crawford gave up any ideas of a more than professional relationship with Annabelle Schriviner. He eventually won Lilian back, with much ado from the pub's beleaguered landlady Jolene Rogers.

After stalking Kathy while on bail, Gareth Taylor was sent down for fifteen years for the attack on her and another woman.

Brian Aldridge semi-retired, securing an inheritance in Home Farm for Ruairi, and directorships for Brian's stepchildren and farm managers Adam and Debbie.

Reluctantly in partnership with Matt Crawford, Brookfield and Home Farm faced local opposition to their plans for an anaerobic digester. Then Matt jumped ship for a larger project elsewhere, leaving the Ambridge plans in tatters.

Pat and Tony finally ridded themselves of their turbulent landlord (Borchester Land, with Matt Crawford at the helm) by buying the freehold of Bridge Farm.

Alan Franks and Usha Gupta married in both Christian and Hindu ceremonies.

Matt Crawford revealed he'd been adopted. Lilian Bellamy persuaded him to seek out his birth mother, but the encounter was not a happy one.

After being accused of mistreating little George Grundy, Will's partner Nic Hanson angrily moved out. When Ed got back with Emma after his relationship with Fallon Rogers faltered, Jealous Will attacked Ed. Unable to remain in the same village, he took a temporary gamekeeping position in Gloucester.

Following a stroke, Peggy Woolley found it increasingly difficult to deal with the ever more erratic Jack.

2009

Frustrated by a difficult partnership with his uncle Brian, Tom brought his pigs back to Bridge Farm, initially with the offer of buyout money from Matt Crawford. But Matt soon faced fraud charges after the failure of his investment business C3PL. When Lilian refused to face a life in exile after a flit to Costa Rica, Matt returned for the trial - and immediate imprisonment.

The Tucker family, and Brenda in particular, were alarmed at Mike's whirlwind romance and marriage to vivacious Vicky, dental nurse and teddy bear enthusiast. But Vicky proved no gold digger when she invested money to help Ed Grundy and Mike expand their dairy herd and milk round.

Helen took in the wayward daughter of her former partner Greg. But Annette Turner repaid the kindness by sleeping with Helen's (exceedingly unfaithful) boyfriend Leon. By the end of the decade, Leon was history and Annette was pregnant.

And it's not the noughties, but to bring us up to date...

2010

After guilty Annette abruptly left having had an abortion, Helen conceived a plan to... conceive through donor insemination. As the pregnancy progressed, Tony's disapproval drove a wedge between father and daughter.

Phil Archer died peacefully at home.

On release from prison, Matt Crawford swiftly warned off his half brother Paul, who'd become close to Matt's partner Lilian. Matt formed a property company, with Lilian as the legal figurehead, and through her exerted influence on Brian's pet project to develop a new site for Borchester livestock market, revenge for Brian usurping Matt as chair of Borchester Land.

Sid Perks died suddenly on a visit to his daughter in New Zealand, throwing Jolene into a depression that threatened the future of The Bull. And it was the final blow to the unlikely partnership of Kathy Perks and Kenton Archer, already damaged through Kenton's commitment to converting Jaxx Caff into a trendy bar.

Pip Archer only just salvaged her A level studies after throwing them in to follow her older boyfriend Jude on a world trip. He left without her.

The Carters were delighted and the Aldridges appalled when Chris and Alice returned from Las Vegas a married couple.

Vicky Tucker faced the bitter realities of the dairy business when she failed to find a market for Grange Farm's bull calves.

Kate Aldridge created ructions when she returned from South Africa to study a one-year diploma, confusing daughter Phoebe and infuriating Phoebe's de facto mum Hayley Tucker.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

• The picture shows David and Ruth Archer (Timothy Bentinck and Felicity Finch) facing the future together.



• Relive the decades with The Archers Timeline, complete with archive photos and audio clips.



• Read the storylines from other decades:



• 1950s



• 1960s



• 1970s



• 1980s



• 1990s



• 2000s

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Yoghurt-gate, glee at the thought of a noisy baby for Helen Archer, speculation about Nic Hanson's future role in Ambridge (will she be the new Clarrie?) and Ambridge in Mumsnet... Here's the latest from The Archers' listeners around the web...

Helen Archer's shopping trips for baby paraphernalia have left many on The Archers' message board wondering if she has room for all that equipment in such a small flat. And does Helen really doesn't know what she's letting herself in for...?

Helen won't need a monitor, at least not during shop hours. Susan will be banging on the ceiling with her broomstick the minute it makes any noise. (StargazerwithOscar)

I don't think it's about Helen being over protective, more about her need to be completely, totally and utterly in control. She's in for a nasty shock when baby arrives with a personality of his/her own. (Ashleywicket)

Share your sympathy for Helen on the "Babies are noisy!" thread

Reaction to the mix up at the Bridge Farm dairy had some message board posters donning their heath-and-safety hats, giving details of the possible repercussions in store - could it bring the dairy to its knees? Most thought Pat over-reacted to Vicky Tucker's mistake - Pat's anger was seen as "spookily like Helen".

I just find it rather telling that Pat takes it out on Vicky because she doesn't dare to say anything to upset her daughter who is being so vile to her father. All that egg-shell walking takes its toll. (JustJanie - Jogging through the Snow)

That tone of voice, the martyrish way, the 'why me?' The acorn hasn't fallen far from the tree. (soobeeheremitbaubles)

Read more on the "Pat sarcastic at Vicky" thread

Nic Hanson's good deeds at Keeper's Cottage and her attempts to heal the rift between Ed and Will Grundy have been appreciated by many on the message board. Clarrie Grundy's giggles with Nic's kids, Jake and Mia, on Wednesday raised a few smiles.

They're obviously putting something in those cakes down at the Women's Institute... (PaulHammond26)

I hope she's not being groomed to take over as Earth Mother of This Village if there should be an unexpected vacancy - perish the thought.. Note to SWs [scriptwriters]: Clarrielove has got a good thirty something years in her yet. Touch a hair of her head at your peril. (Vicky Sparklybits)

It was just lovely, listening while I wrapped pressies.... Nic is lovely, I was quite choked up with Clarrie, although she is, of course, sadly deluded as Christmas day with both Will and Ed together will surely be hell on earth. (sadhappyarchersfan)

Read more on the "Wonder Woman Nic" thread

Speculation about the big SATTC (Shaking Ambridge To The Core) event is heating up on Twitter.

RT @cha0tic Hmm just a thought. When does Chalky get out of gaol? (@meerkatmartin)

I am expecting Helen to give birth at 2am Christmas morning at Grange Farm (delivered by Tony of course). #thearchers (@GrandadChrisP)

Add your prediction on Twitter using #thearchers hashtag.

Archers' characters have been spotted on Mumsnet and Twitter - they're all the creations of The Archers' listeners.

Lizzie Pargetter and Helen Archer popped up on Mumsnet asking for advice on schooling (posted by "LoathesomeLizzieP") and help with an unsupportive father (posted by "cheesemaker")... leaving a few on the Mumsnet board a tad bemused!

Archers' fans have also appeared on Twitter in the guise of many Ambridge residents, from Eddie Grundy and Bartleby the Pony to Harry Mason and his @welovethebull campaign and Sabrina Thwaite. See the full list of fan characters on Twitter here. (Let us know @BBCTheArchers if we've missed any.)

Tayler Cresswell is the host of The Archers message board.

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The Archers celebrates its 60th anniversary on 1 January 2011. Over the six weeks running up to the anniversary, we are looking back at the main storylines in each of its six decades.

This week: the 1990s, a decade which saw the growth of the world wide web, the introduction of the National Lottery, and a change of political tide with the election of New Labour.

In Ambridge, Kate Aldridge shook up the village, there was a tragic accident and saintly Shula proved to have feet of clay.

Do you remember these storylines or characters? What else do you remember of The Archers in the nineties? Share your memories and thoughts by using the comment box at the bottom of this post.

1990

Devastated Shula decided to give up trying for a baby after a much longed-for pregnancy turned out to be ectopic, causing a rift with Mark

Despite the attentions of Godfrey Wendover, Peggy finally accepted Jack Woolley's proposal of marriage.

Tony resisted his family's urging to buy the freehold of Bridge Farm when Lilian sold the Estate. The new owner Cameron Fraser was soon dating Caroline Bone.

Young John developed a crush on Sharon Richards after Pat and Tony let her move into their caravan.

1991

Caroline Bone soon discovered that Cameron Fraser's initial charm belied a harsh approach to business matters, especially when Mike Tucker lost the sight of an eye while working for the Estate.

Betty Tucker struggled to cope as Mike slipped into depression. But the £33,000 compensation at least enabled them to buy Willow Farmhouse.

The younger and more easily impressed Elizabeth soon filled Caroline's place on Cameron's arm.

Mark returned from Birmingham and set up in Borchester in partnership with female Asian solicitor Usha Gupta. He and Shula resumed their hopes to start a family.

40 year-old lecturer Simon Gerrard unsuccessfully pursued Debbie Aldridge to Ambridge when she dropped out of university after their affair. When Debbie's father Roger Travers-Macy turned up after a long absence, it was clear that he and Jennifer still had issues to resolve.

1992

Although initially offering to pay for an abortion, Cameron Fraser eventually seemed to accept Elizabeth's pregnancy, and offered to take her away for a romantic break. But in fact he was fleeing angry creditors in his investment business, and he abandoned Elizabeth on the way to the airport. Devastated, she had an abortion after all, to barren Shula's horror.

Although Debbie kept her distance, Jennifer Aldridge had a torrid affair with her ex-husband Roger Travers-Macy. But she ended it before it destroyed her marriage.

After a failed attempt to sell bottled Grange Farm water, the Grundys visited France with the idea of farming there. Eddie was unimpressed, but Clarrie returned a confirmed Francophile.

1993

After wayward Kate Aldridgewas caught with her boyfriend in a stolen car, her parents called in an educational psychologist.

Clive Horrobin returned to rob the village shop at gunpoint, causing Jack Woolley to be hospitalised, and continuing psychological trauma for Betty.

Clive forced his sister Susan Carter to support him while on the run from the police. By Christmas, he was given seven years imprisonment. And the village was shocked when Susan was given six months for perverting the course of public justice.

After the birth of Ruth and David's first child Pip, Mark and Shula started IVF treatment, although the first implant was unsuccessful.

Caroline Bone agreed to marry Robin Stokes, a vet who also worked as Ambridge's unpaid vicar.

1994

Elizabeth married Nigel Pargetter, despite the opposition of Nigel's patrician mother Julia. But Julia's own humble origins as a greengrocer's daughter were revealed at the wedding by her sister Ellen Rogers.

Mark Hebden was killed while trying to avoid Caroline Bone's horse, spooked by a fast driver. Mark died not knowing that Shula was finally pregnant. Daniel was born on 14 November.

After many weeks recovering, agnostic Caroline could not reconcile the randomness of the accident with Robin's Christian faith and the wedding was called off.

Brookfield's finances suffered badly because of a TB outbreak.

Turning his back on organics, John began work at Home Farm and started his own herd of conservation grade pigs. Returning from a holiday, Pat found a pair of Sharon Richards' knickers in her bed. After the resultant row, John moved in with Sharon, but the relationship didn't last.

Kate Aldridge took up with travellers and after disastrous GCSE results disappeared with the riding course takings. By the end of the year her desperate parents still had no idea where she was.

1995

Caroline Bone became close to the considerably older owner of the Estate, Guy Pemberton. They married in September, to the obvious disapproval of Guy's son Simon, who came to run the Estate while Guy recovered from a riding accident.

Simon put backs up all round the village with his hard-nosed approach. But Shula saw a softer side in him and they started a tentative relationship.

To Brian and Jennifer's relief. Kate Aldridge returned from her travels and started going out with the rather more clean-cut Roy Tucker.

Usha Gupta suffered a series of racist attacks. Roy eventually confessed to the police that he was part of the gang involved, suffering a severe beating from his former mates as a result. Two were convicted. Dr Richard Locke, who had been a great support to Usha, declared his love and moved in with her.

1996

Depressed and alone at the beginning of the year, Kate fortunately survived an overdose of whisky and Temazepam. She eventually got shot of her drug dealer boyfriend (Jolyon) Gibson and picked up with Roy again. They took a falafel van round the festivals, but the van broke down and eventually so did their relationship. Roy enrolled to study at Felpersham University.

John's chirpy Brummie girlfriend Hayley Jordan took advantage of the leap year to propose -as a joke. John drunkenly accepted and it took a while before that was disentagled.

While dating Shula, Simon Pemberton was involved with Harriet, an old flame. Before Caroline could tell Shula, Guy died of a heart attack. When Shula defended Simon's actions over the funeral, Caroline spilled the beans. Shula confronted Simon, who lashed out at her. Although the relationship was over, she remained managing the Estate office.

The merger of Ambridge with three local parishes brought a woman vicar for the first time: Janet Fisher. Peggy Woolley objected, and started to worship in Borchester.

1997

The Grundys suffered a disastrous fire in their milking parlour, losing equipment and 34 cattle. Simon Pemberton, now the Estate owner, seized the opportunity to get rid of them on the pretext that it was through their own neglect. When he lost at a tribunal, he savagely turned on his then girlfriend Debbie Aldridge.

Shula encouraged Debbie to report the assault. To general dismay, Simon escaped with a £200 fine. But it spelled the end of his association with Ambridge. Brian, as part of a mysterious consortium, bought the Estate, becoming brother-in-law Tony's landlord.

John Archer and Hayley Jordan rented April Cottage together. But when Sharon re-appeared, the temptation was too great for John. Hayley caught them in flagrante and promptly moved back to Birmingham, deaf to John's pleas.

Roy Tucker and Kate Aldridge's revived relationship didn't survive Kate's support for a campaign against the widening of Borchester by-pass - especially when Kate's old flame Luther turned up. After Luther moved on, Kate confessed to her sister Debbie that she was pregnant.

1998

Kate Aldridge's baby was born in a tepee at the Glastonbury festival. Roy Tucker insisted on a DNA test that proved he was the father. Kate was eventually persuaded into a reasonable contact arrangement. Baby Phoebe was named in a New Age ceremony on Lakey Hill.

John continued to pursue Hayley, even proposing to her. Reeling after her refusal, compounded by a row with Tony, he angrily drove off on the cabless 'Fergie' tractor. Tony discovered the tractor in a ditch, and John dead. Pat in particular has extraordinary difficulty in coming to terms with the loss. John's brother Tommy dropped out of A levels to run John's pig business with Hayley Jordan.

Shula's relationship with local vet Alistair Lloyd was going well until Daniel developed juvenile arthritis. Swayed by Dr Richard Locke's support, Shula started an affair with him. But when she couldn't abandon her beloved Ambridge, Richard left, making an enemy for Shula of his partner Usha Gupta. Betrayed Alistair nonetheless declared his continuing love. He and Shula were married on Christmas Eve.

Having abandoned his Borchester café-bar for Spain, in the company of merry widows Julia Pargetter and Ellen Rogers, Nelson Gabriel then disappeared, leaving angry creditors and puzzled friends.

1999

Pat's depression following John's death came to a head when she blamed Tony for the accident. The new doctor, Tim Hathaway prescribed medication and counselling, which started to help her recover.

Tommy was part of a group who destroyed his uncle Brian's trial crop of GM maize. Usha Gupta defended him and he was found not guilty on the grounds of lawful excuse, leading to a huge rift in the family.

Frustrated with Ambridge's limited horizons, Kate Aldridge took Phoebe travelling. They quickly returned after contracting gastroenteritis in Morocco. But Kate's itchy feet got the better of her and she left alone, leaving Phoebe in the care of her father Roy Tucker.

To Brian Aldridge's disgust, Debbie picked up again with her returned older lover Simon Gerrard, soon moving in with him. Not immune to Simon's charms, Jennifer tried to build bridges between the two alpha males.

After a diarrhoea infection in their dairy herd and continuing financial troubles, the Grundys faced the new millennium only weeks away from bankruptcy.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and producer.

• The picture shows Joe and Eddie Grundy (Edward Kelsey and Trevor Harrison) trying to start their ancient tractor.
• Relive the decades with The Archers Timeline, complete with archive photos and audio clips.
• Read the storylines from other decades:
• 1950s
• 1960s
• 1970s
• 1980s
• 1990s

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Everyone's looking for clues... scanning #WikiLeaks for insider info and poring over press reports and interviews for hints on the storyline for the big 60th anniversary on January 2.

Twitter is alive with #SATTC. The acronym for Shaking Ambridge To The Core has been adopted as a hashtag. There are plenty of predictions on The Archers' message board, on Mumsnet and on Twitter

#archers OK. It can't be gayness or ethnicity. We're much too liberal for all that. Terrorism in Felpersham? Nah. It must be murder. (@DAaronovitch)

#Archers knife fight at New year's eve teenagers party - Jamie on life support, Daniel arrested Josh is witness Shula needs Usha (@michelegrant)

Hellen asks for a second helping of Christmas pud with cream AND brandy butter. (Bom Bom Bholenath)

My prediction for the big #Archers episode is that Ian will leave Adam for Helen. #SATTC (@adhodgson)



How can Ambridge never be the same - no more Panto, Stir Up Sunday, Turkey plucking? Surely not? (spoons3)

Add your prediction to the message board thread

Helen Archer's outburst at her dad Tony last week provoked the largest number of threads on the message board and a huge number of tweets. It had them "throwing things at the radio". Tony's reaction was seen as "heart breaking". Some wonder whether this situation will put an intolerable strain on Pat and Tony's marriage. Is it Helen's hormones raging that has tipped her over the edge, or is she just "vile"? Not all have sided with Tony - though they're in the majority. Some think he should be more supportive towards his pregnant daughter.

Oh that scene with Helen and Tony was horrible; must give my dad a big hug next time I see him (@LouiseBrown)



Last night at 7.15 I found myself wishing I could take Tony for a pint or three. Poor man. (Catwomyn)

Poor Tony - I imagined his glasses all sideways on his face as he cringed against the shrill hysteria of his artificially pregnant daughter. His voice sounded genuinely upset, and hers became more like Bette Davis in "Baby Jane". (Earldunda)

Poor baby. I hope it loves its granddad best of all. (Alma)

You see, I don't think Helen has done anything wrong in deciding to have this baby by herself. And Tony does and, my god, does he let Helen know it at every opportunity. (susierratic)

He deserved the 'hairdryer' treatment he got from Hels! Perhaps it will make him reconsider his uncaring behaviour. (bazza001)

On the message board, there's a growing Friends of Tony thread where they've had a whip round and have bought him the shed they promised a couple of weeks ago. It's now kitted out with a top of the range espresso maker and a Kindle where "he can sit and read and philosophise to his heart's content" (Mandleson Mistletoe Probe)

In other threads

Lily and Freddy Pargetter get some sympathy and dad Nigel was praised for his handling of their little set-to over the panto.

What would you buy the characters for Christmas? Vicky Tucker and Susan Carter get a cauldron, there's a kiss me quick hat for Harry Mason. For the Grundy clan, there's some ready-made pastry for Joe, a food processor and plenty of Mills and Boon books for Clarrie and some ammunition for Will!

Add your virtual Christmas gift on the Happy Christmas Mr Archer! thread

Your favourite characters: Elizabeth Pargetter

I do like Lizzie; her voice and the way she interacts with Nigel, who I like too. I enjoy the dynamics between them, and the way two very different personalities have such a good relationship. Lizzie is smart and can be funny or serious, her dry sense of humour adding a little piquancy to an otherwise straightforward conversation. I do wince a bit, though when she's being particularly awful, and she certainly can be. But mostly I can see where she's coming from. (sunshinyday)

Who's your favourite character on The Archers? Add yours on the message board here or on the My Archers page.

Tayler Cresswell is the host of The Archers message board.

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Speculation is really hotting up on the message board and Twitter - most conversations come around to the big anniversary episode at some point in their travels: from gossip in the dairy to a possible mass listeria poisoning or from strangling turkeys to strangling a sibling.

Will it be a hostage situation? Will running amok? Pip crashing the car during a driving lesson? Lizzie's heart condition returning? Or is it something to do with Jamie, who's been "suspiciously quiet" lately? Many think one of the clan will be pushing up daisies before long. They're watching out for "double bluffs" and "red herrings".

Here is the latest on The Archers according to the folks on our message board and Twitter.

Susan "Radio" Carter has a rival - "Radio 1 and Radio 2?" Most think Vicky Tucker's appointment in the dairy is inspired (although some worry about who's babysitting little Abbie Tucker now). Susan's cosy chat with Vicky delighted many posters who'd been wondering about the lack of Helen-gossip in Ambridge...

Gossip. Gossip. Gossip. Sooosan and Vickoi - the perfect match. (Dr Toad Leg)

And at last some realistic gossip! The scene made up for the dreadful Kate milking her daughter's emotions for all she was worth! (JudithL)

Both excellent I thought. Which of them gets to keep her job when Clarrie comes back? Is this Pat and Tony's dilemma in the New Year? (Frosty Fieldpenguin)

All I can say is, for goodness sake, DON'T EAT THE YOGHURT!!! (superior-bee)

Read the gossip in the Susan and Vicky thread

The turkey plucking epi had a couple of posters thinking that they detected some chemistry between Ed and Nic - and would that shake Ambridge to the core perhaps? We also had a long debate about turkey cruelty with strong opinions on all sides.

I wonder how long the excellent Nic with put up with Will's awfulness. She sounded quite impatient with him today- I thought she was going to give him a real telling off after Emma left the shed ("AAND SHUT THE DOOAR AAFTER YOU"), but she restrained herself. I loved it a few weeks ago when she did lose her temper with him. (colintheconroy)

I thought Nic sounded really strained in the way that people with a difficult or potentially volatile partner might when they are "managing" them. Steeling herself to be in control of his mood and to see off threats to the equilibrium. Awful, stressful. (wondermeadows)

Read the "Lord and Master Will" thread

And the "More respect for animals please" thread

They've all waved Kate Madikane a cheery goodbye. Many think Kate horribly manipulative after she invited Phoebe to the airport.

Be prepared for a HUGE bill for Phoebe's psychoanalysis, Brian. Kate's really doing a Philip Larkin on her. (@DeedsThenWords)

Perhaps Kate is around just often enough and long enough to give poor Phoebe the worst of all possible worlds. (Wallasey)

We could have done with Peggy tonight - a few home truths wouldn't have gone amiss. (Auntie Rednosed Clockwise)

As for acting (and scripting), I thought Phoebe's repeated "mum" was heart-rending - and would have been entirely to Kate's satisfaction. She can leave broken hearts in two continents now. Felpersham Uni has done its job (urban-dreamer)

Read the "Wrong call Kate..." thread

Christmas Eve at the Carters - what a treat!

Lucky Jenny and Brian! An evening with the Horrobins (typewright)

Is it just me, but I'm rather looking forward to Christmas eve. (Nelson_G)

I loved it all! Jenny being swept off her feet by Susan, Brian taking it in his stride, and now Lilian and Matt on board! (Bette)

#thearchers shock prediction: shark attacks Debbie in Caribbean, Aldridges rush to her bedside to avoid Carters' Xmas Eve nibbles (@CEMichael)

Add your congratulations or commiserations to the "Lucky Jenny and Brian" thread

Who's your favourite character on The Archers? Add yours on the message board here or on the My Archers page.

Tayler Cresswell is the host of The Archers message board.

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The Archers celebrates its 60th anniversary on 1 January 2011. Over the six weeks running up to the anniversary, we are looking back at the main storylines in each of its six decades.

This week: the 1980s, a decade that saw nationalist fervour, with a royal wedding and the Falklands war, civil unrest with the miners' strike and the poll tax riots, the rise of the yuppie and the eventual fall of Margaret Thatcher.

In Ambridge, Two Archer children finally settled down, an eccentric toff added to the gaiety of nations and Pat had an awakening.

Do you remember these storylines or characters? What else do you remember of The Archers in the eighties? Share your memories and thoughts by using the comment box at the bottom of this post.

1980

Ralph Bellamy died, leaving Lilian a wealthy - and actually rather relieved - widow. On a visit from Jersey she scandalised Ambridge by hanging out with Eddie Grundy in the disreputable Cat and Fiddle.

John Tregorran and Jennifer collaborated on a history of Ambridge. John would have liked the collaboration to have gone further, but Jennifer let him down gently.

At last Shula took up with a man her parents could approve of: solicitor Mark Hebden. But magistrate Phil's feathers were ruffled when Mark criticised the Borchester bench as 'amateurs,. Nonetheless, Shula accepted his proposal of marriage.

David returned from agricultural college, helped Phil expand the ewe flock to 300 and started going out with vivacious Jackie Woodstock.

Doris died quietly at home, leaving Glebe Cottage to Shula.

1981

Feeling increasingly suffocated by the her impending wedding, Shula found light relief by flirting with another journalist, Robin Catchpole. She remained faithful to Mark but with only six weeks to go she called the wedding off.

It was a difficult year for Tony. He contracted tetanus and his pigs swine vesicular disease.

Eddie was now going out with Clarrie Larkin, the daughter of Brookfield farm worker Jethro. But his intention to propose was interrupted by a chance to record a demo with local country singing bombshell Jolene Rogers. When it came to nothing, Clarrie made Eddie an offer. She'd pay off his £500 debt if he'd married her. Clarrie got her man.

1982

Clarrie found that joining the Grundy family was a rocky road. Angry when she spent a few pounds of her wages from The Bull on nursery items for the baby she was expecting, Eddie snaffled a tenner from her savings and went on a bender with brother Alf. He rushed home in shame when Clarrie fell downstairs but fortunately mum and baby were unharmed.

David's ex, Jackie Woodstock, moved in with Mark Hebden. Unhappy at someone sharing the cottage that she'd planned to share with Mark, Shula went out with hippyish Ben Warner, until he was convicted for burglary.

Detective Sergeant Dave Barry unsuccessfully pursued Nelson Gabriel for selling stolen antiques.

Polly Perks was killed in a crash between Pat's car and a milk tanker. Despite her loss, Lucy Perks managed to pass her eleven plus and started at Borchester Grammar School.

Not seriously hurt in the crash, Pat experienced a political awakening, becoming a CND supporter and cancelling Tony's Daily Express for The Guardian.

1983

Unable to buy Haydn Evans out when he retired, Mike Tucker took over the tenancy of Ambridge Farm. Willow Farm was split between Home Farm and Brookfield. Phil let the farmhouse and 50 acres to semi-retired Bill Insley from Derbyshire.

After rescuing Pinky, a pig that she had won at the fete, Neil Carter started a tentative relationship with Susan Horrobin.

With Mark now engaged to the posh Sarah Locke, Shula found an upper crust diversion of her own in gorilla suit-wearing, swimming pool-flogging Nigel Pargetter.

After the death of her mother, Jack Woolley invited his adopted daughter Hazel to Grey Gables. Jack was delighted when she arrived. Everyone else was delighted when she left.

1984

There was plenty of excitement with Nigel on the scene. Staying over after the hunt ball, he blundered into Phil and Jill's bedroom, whispering 'tally-ho', and later managed to drive off in someone's car by mistake.

But Shula's heart was really still with Mark, who was no longer engaged to Sarah. Unfortunately a 12 month work placement to Hong Kong put him well out of reach. Nigel consoled himself with Elizabeth's company until being packed off to Kenya by his parents.

HRH Princess Margaret attended an NSPCC fashion show at Grey Gables. Jack Woolley was beside himself with joy.

Pat became dangerously involved with her Women's Studies lecturer Roger Coombes but Tony cunningly won her back with a proposal that they convert Bridge Farm to organic.

Pregnant after their trip to London, Susan married Neil and gave birth to Emma.

Formidable old Africa hand Marjorie Antrobus moved into Nightingale Farm with her pack of Afghan hounds. Joe Grundy dubbed her 'the dog woman'.

1985

Caroline Bone and Brian Aldridge had a discreet affair, but she ended it before Jennifer found out.

Impulsively, Shula flew to Hong Kong. Despite it not being the romantic reunion she'd hoped for, Mark soon joined her in Ambridge - to propose. They were married the same year.

Laura Archer died. Despite her stated intention to leave Ambridge Hall to her friend and lodger Freddie Danby, no will could be found. Freddie moved instead to an 'old people's bungalow' in Manorfield Close.

Sid Perks dated Lucy's teacher Kathy Holland, but she seemed more interested in local bobby Dave Barry.

1986

A farmer to the last, Dan collapsed and died while trying to right a fallen ewe. Phil and Jill became sole owners of Brookfield but were forced by a capital transfer tax bill to put up 85 acres of land for sale.

Elizabeth neglected her studies as she went out with arch-rah Tim Beecham and then with Nigel again, who in the summer was selling ice creams as 'Mr Snowy'. Elizabeth set up as a rival, failed one of her two A levels and ended up selling advertising in the Borchester Echo.

David became engaged to the very non-agricultural would-be designer Sophie Barlow.

After struggling with his small milk round and farm for a while, Mike was forced into bankruptcy in an annus horribilis for the Tucker family. After scratching around, Betty managed to get a job - with a cottage - as a cleaner for the Aldridges. Mike became a milkman for Borchester Dairies

Despite her interest in Detective Sergeant Barry, Sid Perks persisted in wooing Kathy Holland. She eventually agreed to marry him, to the unease of one of her pupils - Sid's daughter Lucy.

1987

Brian Aldridge bought some of Brookfield's land but the other parcel didn't reach its reserve, forcing Phil to sell some barns for conversion to housing.

Jill was uncomfortable when Elizabeth went out with Robin Fairbrother, the half brother of Phil's first wife Grace. When Robin turned out to be married, Elizabeth ended things with a well-aimed glass of wine.

Brookfield worker and Clarrie's dad Jethro Larkin was killed by a falling tree branch. The inquest judged it to be an accident, but that didn't help David's feeling of guilt. Agricultural student Ruth Pritchard arrived to fill Jethro's role.

David's wedding to Sophie Barlow was postponed when she started work for a fashion designer in London. The separation caused them both to reflect and the relationship petered out.



Incomers Robert and especially Lynda Snell started to make their mark on a sometimes unappreciative Ambridge.



Caroline Bone moved in with GP Matthew Thorogood, to Peggy's disapproval.

1988

Inexperienced Ruth had a steep learning curve at Brookfield. Eventually dubious David started to approve of her. Although at first she repulsed his attempts to move their relationship beyond a purely business one, by the end of the year they were married.

Prodigal Kenton returned, announcing that he'd left the merchant navy. To David's annoyance, Phil gave him a job on the farm, although Kenton soon proved himself no natural farmer. At least David was pleased with at last being made a partner in Brookfield.

Matthew Thorogood turned out to be a sometimes thoughtless partner. Caroline moved back to Grey Gables.

Shula became manager of the Estate, and for a while Mark had a long daily commute to a Birmingham law firm. Despite this, they started trying for a baby.

Having repulsed the unwelcome attentions of Brian Aldridge, Betty Tucker left Home Farm's employment for the village shop, and the tied cottage for Willow Farm. Brian moved on to flame-haired Pony Club leader Mandy Beesborough.

1989

Brian contracted post-traumatic epilepsy after being charged by a BSE-infected cow. After friction between Jill and Ruth over the role of a farmer's wife, David became Brian's farm manager for a few months as Brian recovered from his injury.

Kenton had a health scare which turned out to be an overactive thyroid. After an ill-advised foray into financial advice, he decided to buy retiring Nelson Gabriel's antiques business. He persuaded his parents to give him £50,000 as his inheritance in advance. Shula persuaded Mark to invest a similar sum.

Vicar Jerry Buckle scandalised half the village by taking in Clive Horrobin and his pregnant girlfriend Sharon Richards. Clive disappeared soon after the birth of baby Kylie.

Shula and Mark's continuing failure to conceive caused tensions in the marriage. Shula was eventually diagnosed with endometriosis.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and producer.

• The picture shows Caroline Bone, Nelson Gabriel, Nigel Pargetter, Jennifer Aldridge and Elizabeth Archer strolling through Borchester (Sara Coward, Jack May, Graham Seed, Angela Piper, Alison Dowling)
• Relive the decades with The Archers Timeline, complete with archive photos and audio clips.
• Read the storylines from other decades:
• 1950s
• 1960s
• 1970s
• 1980s
• 1990s

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After the outburst over Pip Archer's detective work ("is there no end to her talents?"), Kate Madikane's early Christmas do for daughter Phoebe soon dominated discussions. Many drew a sad parallel - "two Mummys, two Christmas's and a laptop. Ruairi has no Mummys, a crappy DVD and Mousie. 'Snot fair." said _ShropshireLad_....

Here is the latest on The Archers according to the folks on our message board and Twitter.

Over at Brookfield, "CSI Agri-Detective" Pip Archer (or "Piplock Holmes"!) was labelled "insufferably smug" after her hay detection. David Archer was seen as daft for not informing the police and Ruth as plain rude to Ed Grundy when he kindly dropped off the offending bag of "swag".

For once I actually fully supported Pip in expecting her idiot father to go to the Police... I can well believe that they might not get a conviction, but it would certainly put the wind well up the dealer.... David will be lucky if a bunch of heavies don't come over and fire up the barn. (Ruralrambler)

Ha! Victory over husband who dared question value of stealing hay in #thearchers. Guardian article confirms it's on increase. #smugwife (@sing_noodle)

Read the "How rude!" thread on the message board

Phoebe's early Christmas at Home Farm and mountain of presents had most throwing up their hands in horror! Perhaps "narcissistic" Kate won't be coming back from her trip home to South Africa? Is her marriage in trouble?

"And for your BIG present, Phoebe, your mother is a selfish narcissist who lied to you for weeks! Merry Christmas!" (@marzillk)

I did love Hayley's quiet "She'll read it with Sipho -- if she's not too busy". Summed Kate up, that. (Chris-mas Kettle of Ghoti)

Poor Phoebe. Not much fun for her to see Kate as she really is. It may take a few more disillusionments for the penny to really drop. (JustJanie fairweather jogger)

Read the "She needs a bit of space" thread

There was a lot of sympathy for "Poor Ruairi - what a brutal way to treat a little boy" in a thread of well over 200 posts. Will he one day get his own back?

In 20 years time, when Ruairi is running Home Farm, the whole of Ambridge as well as parts of Hungary, I hope he wreaks a terrible and bloody revenge on Kate. (Liquoricey)

Poor little Ruairi - d'you think they'd let me have him? My kids are proving a bit slow in the grandchild department... (StargazerwithOscar)

Add your sympathy for Ruairi here

Is there trouble in store at Bridge Farm once Vicky starts at the dairy? Is she after Veal & Ham pie revenge? Or is Pat doing the "eminently sensible thing" in employing Vicky, who'll be a perfectly capable addition to the team?

I think it possible that the life of Riley is palling for Vicky. She almost said that if Susan can master yoghurt, she can probably do it better. It will also give her some dairy insight which she can use to irritate Ed. (Botticelliangel)

Read the thread "Those the Gods wish to destroy"

Some are waiting for Fallon and Harry to get on with it! Should Fallon make the first move? What's he waiting for?

Fallon is one of the reasons I keep listening to TA night after night. She is warm, funny, and quite honestly drop dead gorgeous... For goodness sakes, if I were to stumble across her by chance in the street, I'd go down on one knee and propose marriage on the spot (I'm sure my OH would understand). (Colonel Danby)

Who is your favourite character?

I love Nigel and Lizzy because they are the first characters I remember from when I started listening.... I like Nigel's happy eccentricity and Lizzy gentle guidance. Perhaps I've just grown up with them, but I like their voices and of course Lizzy is lovely. For me TA wouldn't be the same without them. (Nelson_G)

It must be wonderful to have Jill on hand, with all the delicious foods she conjures up. I'd love to try venison casserole, honey from her hives, home-made Christmas pudding, cakes, marmalades, jams and soups I hear about on a regular basis. Yummm. Amazing woman. (LilianFred)

Add your favourite on the message board here or on the My Archers page.

Tayler Cresswell is the host of The Archers message board.

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Today we launch a brand new Archers quiz.

Quizzes have been part of The Archers website since 2000, but the new quiz offers many new features for listeners who want to test their knowledge of the programme:

• Audio clips - taken from past episodes
• Images - of characters and locations from the programme (but if you'd prefer not to see the pictures, you can switch them off)
• Share your results with your friends and challenge them to do better
• Get your scores on the leaderboard and see how your Archers knowledge compares with other listeners
• Play the quiz via your Facebook page

The Archers Quiz draws questions from the programme's full 60 year history, with an emphasis on the past ten years.

If you are a relative newcomer to The Archers, then try the "Topical" option in the Lakey Hill Climb quiz. This is bang up to date, with questions on the past six weeks in Ambridge.

We'd love to hear what you think about the new quiz. Do give us your comments using the box below.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer

• Play the quiz on The Archers website
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We've had the big education debate, the fall out over Clarrie's broken wrist, that kiss and the Christmas lights switch on. Plus speculation on how The Archers at 60 will compare with Coronation Street at 50... Here's the latest on The Archers according to the folks on our message board and Twitter.

The education debate is back on the message board and it's a hot topic! Should Lily and Freddie Pargetter go to separate schools next year? Private or comprehensive? Shouldn't Nigel and Elizabeth ask their children what they want?



Um, how about because the bright one deserves to be served well by a challenging school rather than drumming her fingers alongside her less-gifted brother? You're telling me it's fairer to have her bored for 7 years because they can't bear to be separated for a third of the day? (EBGB)

This makes me so angry I could spit! Education should be good and challenging for all, not just for those who can afford to opt out of the state system. (happySarahthecook)

Read the whole thread

Nic Hanson gets more praise for how she handled Will Grundy - but are Nic and Clarrie pushing Will into a corner? And isn't it time the warring brothers made up?

Why should Will be forced to associate with someone he does not wish to be with. Just because it's "family". He should simply refuse to go and ignore all the emotional blackmail. (lsd25)

I am enjoying Nic more and more now she is beginning to stick up for herself and also to encourage Will to deal with the fact that he just has to live with Ed being around. I felt she was trying to show him how he could deal with the problem (with a little bit of emotional blackmail maybe!) rather than just tell him he was in the wrong. (Sussex Cornflower)

Read the whole thread

After Phoebe Aldridge called Kate "mum", some wondered if step mum Hayley had been relegated? And has Kate has been thrown off her course? Will she quietly slip back to South Africa or is there more drama still to come?

Kate seems be growing on Feebles [Phoebe] in an insidious fashion rather like dry rot. (mavisthegnome)

Read the debate on the message board

Responses to the kiss between Harry Mason and Fallon Rogers at the panto ranged from "Yuck Yuck Yuck!" to "Swoonerama" on the message board and Twitter.

It may be 28 degrees and Singapore but really I am at #TheArchers panto rehearsal. Christmas romance shaping up nicely! (@sing_noodle)

Yes - Not so dull Harry after all - I knew it !!! Shower Scene next week? (fabsupergran)

The switch on of the Ambridge Christmas lights was followed as-it-happened with a thread titled "Any minute now!"

I heart the switch on plus a family row. Deep irony too listening to Kate. Wasn't it at one switch on she abandoned Phoebe to Roy and legged it? Have to say Joe excelled himself. A Joe Grundy guide to simple phlegm moistened pastry should be the stuff of Sunday supplements rather than the usual gushing guff. Next Sunday move over Nigel Slater. Joe Grundy's mince pies. A countryman's delight. (Feral_Ralph)

After Coronation Street's 50th anniversary episode last week, some wondered if there'll be a similar storyline for The Archers' 60th in January!

Well, it wouldn't be the first time ITV and The Archers have been up against each other. Quite fitting in fact. All I'll say is based on Corrie's lack of emergency service response initially, they're going to need one heck of an incident on the Borchester bypass to divert the emergency services. (Looby-Lewis)

A few of life's little Archers moments have been posted on Twitter

Child just called me at work to ask if I was listening to The Archers. She's 6! (@sladey66)

Dear neighbours who were staring: I was sitting in the car because The Archers hadn't finished, mmmkay? (@seraphina46)

You can add your own Archers moment to the My Archers page.

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Eddie Grundy's chat with David Archer after the theft at Brookfield saw new threads on the message board bemoaning "Eddie's double standards" and "gross hypocrisy". A few are hoping that it's not Eddie who stole the Christmas trees and some celebrated this modern day Robin Hood. It's polarised opinion on the message board.

Eddie really is a two-faced git, I could hardly believe the way he was commiserating with David and Ruth. Thieving is thieving, Eddie! (StargazerwithOscar)



I see Eddie as a modern Robin Hood, morally superior to those spivs in suits (Matt, Brian, etc). He only steals from the rich and gives to the poor (his family). Long live Eddie! (mike)

Join the debate!

Whilst Eddie is the prime suspect, Lizzie, Harry, Bartleby the Pony and (ex Brookfield herdsman) Sam Batton are all in the frame...

My money is on the local farmer David has been talking about for weeks who has been having such bad luck this year. I did wonder why he was being mentioned so often. (Suekebind)

Lizzie nicked the hay for nativity "Well it does belong partly to ME! And it's not like you were using it David... blah..." (@JoelHeason)

The theft has been seen as informative, funny and "no laughing matter" by folk on the message board and Twitter.

Good to see that #TheArchers is as informative to us farmers as when it started 60 years ago :-) (@MichaelLAmbrose)

Some found it funny that "smug" David and Ruth had been burgled...

They always laugh at other people's misfortune. Just returning the favour. (cattyfiddle)

Others were not amused and the worry for farmers was highlighted in many posts on the message board.

Thefts from farms are no joke. And though sometimes David and Ruth annoy me, I wouldn't wish this on anyone. Stock have to be fed, and I wouldn't like to see anyone's livestock starve. (JudithL)

The festivities at Deck the Hall put some in a Christmassy mood, although there's quite a bit of sympathy for Freddie and Lily Pargetter.

Didn't anyone else see the little faces of Freddienlily pressed against the garret window as they watched everyone else having fun? (My Mum did not play a Nun in a Mincepie Advert)

After Clarrie Grundy's fall, one poster accused her of being a drama queen. Many took Clarrie's side in response!

Clarrie does about 80% of the work and has two jobs--give her a break (obviously not on the other wrist) It'll be fish fingers for Christmas then.... (madamedecompost)

I'm surprised she didn't put "and who's going to cut Joe's toenails for him?" in the list of chores she won't be fit for. (ChrisGhoti)

Poor Joe Grundy and Bartleby (Joe's pony). Driving round Ambridge in the cold offering rides for TEAS has worried some. Is Joe exploiting old Bartleby? Perhaps he should buy him a warm blanket for Christmas?

Poor Joe sounded even wearier this afternoon - 'tired old fellow? You and me both ...' No comment from Bartelby. Is he going to be around much longer? (Barts tinselfets)

Read the whole thread.

More favourite Archers moments:

Martha Woodford being shocked to the core by the size of Marjorie Antrobus's dog biscuit order. "Oh my word" she wailed as the closing music cascaded down. (Dominic123)

Over the years, I have found if I miss a few months it is easy to pick up the threads again, like catching up with old friends. I have so many memories over the years, but one of my favourites was Jazzer singing, I'd love to hear that again. (Phil)

Add your favourite Archers moment here.

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The Archers celebrates its 60th anniversary on 1 January 2011. Over the six weeks running up to the anniversary, we are looking back at the main storylines in each of its six decades.

This week: the 1970s, a decade that started with power cuts and the three day week and ended in much the same way, with the infamous "winter of discontent". In between came punk, the Queen's silver jubilee and some truly embarrassing fashion.

In Ambridge, Shula kept her parents worried, two unreliable husbands breathed their last, and the break-up of the Estate introduced a suave and charming character to the village.

Do you remember these storylines or characters? What else do you remember of The Archers in the seventies? Share your memories and thoughts by using the comment box at the bottom of this post.

1970

Lilian's husband Lester "Nick" Nicholson died in a fall while sleepwalking while in hospital with an ear condition. Wealthy Ralph Bellamy took an interest in the grieving widow.

Resentful at Phil's move into Brookfield, Jack was allowed a part-time job - and salary - on the farm.

Walter Gabriel and Henry Cobb both set their caps at "Mrs P" Perkins, who had returned to the village after the death of her second husband.

1971

Having ridden his thoroughbred in the point-to-point, Lilian eventually agreed to marry Ralph Bellamy. They moved to The Dower House after a honeymoon in Venice.

Jack went to a rehab clinic in Scotland, after collapsing with liver damage.

Despite opposition from the Ambridge Protection Society, who feared being overrun with townies, Jack Woolley turned 100 acres near Grey Gables into a country park.

1972

Jack paid the ultimate price for his destructive drink habit. Stoic Peggy continued at The Bull until her temporary manager Dick Corbey stole from her. Jack Woolley persuaded her to Grey Gables as his assistant.

Sid and Polly Perks became managers at The Bull, selling the shop to... Jack Woolley.

Young buck Tony Archer cruised around in his MG Midget, chasing girls to the detriment of his work running Ralph Bellamy's dairy enterprise. When Ralph (who was now his brother-in-law as well as his boss) sacked Tony, Phil and Dan agreed to take him on at Brookfield - if he shaped his ideas up.

1973

After friction with Phil, Tony went into partnership with Haydn Evans, and was soon involved with their farm secretary Mary Weston.

To replace Tony, Phil took on a green young apprentice, Neil Carter.

Kenton and Shula did well in their O levels. Shula started A levels but with the hopes of eventually becoming an event rider.

Jack Woolley was attacked by burglars at Grey Gables. Peggy ran the hotel while he recovered. But he suffered a heart attack after estranged wife Valerie asked for a divorce.

1974

Jennifer and Roger Travers-Macy were separated when he sold the bookshop and became a travelling salesman for a book dealer. Jennifer moved in with Christine, as Paul was trying to establish himself selling horseboxes in Germany.

After Mary Weston called off her wedding to Tony, he became captivated by Pat Lewis, who came to help with the cattle after her uncle Haydn Evans slipped a disc. She proposed and they were married by Christmas.

However, Peggy turned down Jack Woolley's proposal, thinking she wasn't ready to marry again.

All the Brookfield pigs were slaughtered after an outbreak of swine vesicular disease. Neil Carter did community service after girlfriend Sandy Miller planted some cannabis on him. He was lucky when Phil gave him another chance after he failed his farm proficiency test.

Kenton enrolled as a cadet in the Merchant Navy

Bull barmaid Nora McAuley ignored the village gossips and moved in with moody gamekeeper George Barford.

1975

On the advice of his doctor, Ralph Bellamy sold much of the Estate. Lilian reluctantly moved with him to the balmier climes of Guernsey.

Suave Brian Aldridge bought 1500 acres and soon started seeing Jennifer, who became even more available (and hopeful) after Roger asked for a divorce.

Ramshackle tenant farmer Joe Grundy outraged the village by holding a pop festival on his land. Unlike most of his schemes, it was a modest success. Winning a weekend for two at Grey Gables in the flower and produce show, widower Joe tried to claim half of the prize in cash.

1976

Jennifer moved to Home Farm after marrying Brian, who became step-father to Adam and Debbie. Jennifer continued to work part-time at Grey Gables and wrote a regular countryside column for the Borchester Echo.

After an affair with a colleague, Paul Johnson threw up his job (now in London) and returned to Ambridge, The Stables and Christine.

Realising that she'd never have the top-flight riding career she hoped for, Shula hitchhiked round Europe. She returned, signed on as unemployed, flirted with the smitten Neil Carter but fell for the Borchester Echo editor Simon Parker. Phil was furious when Simon published a photo of Shula in riding gear headlined "Hunting on the Dole".

1977

Bankrupt after the failure of a fish-farming business, Paul left Christine for good.

Aristocratic beauty Caroline Bone started work as a barmaid at The Bull.

Entranced with the trouble-stirring Simon Parker, Shula lost her virginity to him in a cornfield.

When Pat and Tony took over the tenancy of Bridge Farm, dairy manager Mike Tucker left Brookfield to replace Tony as Haydn Evans' partner

1978

After difficult times, Nora McAuley left George Barford. Christine became a widow when Paul was killed in a car crash in Germany. George was a great to support to her. Once his divorce from his first wife came through, she agreed to marry him, despite the doubts (and prejudices) of the Archer family.

Messed around and eventually dumped by Simon Parker, who left for a job in London, Shula started going out with Phil's dashing farming student Nick Wearing.

Jennifer and Jill opened the Two Jays craft studio in a converted barn at Home Farm, but it closed after a few months.

With his sons Alf and Eddie involved in a shady scrap metal business, Joe Grundy collapsed with flu, and hit rock bottom after his cattle were slaughtered because of brucellosis. Eddie returned home and they started a turkey-rearing business with Joe's compensation money.

1979

Shula and Nick Wearing left on the overland hippy trail but it didn't go to plan. Nick went on to Australia and Shula looked for a job in Bangkok. But she had to return home after her money and passport were stolen.

After an on/off engagement, Eddie Grundy finally pulled out of marrying flighty divorcée Dolly Treadgold. Joe received a warning from his landlord, the Estate: shape up the farm or face eviction.

David failed his A level Maths, and started studies at agricultural college. Phil looked forward to his son joining him at Brookfield, and expanded the farm by another 30 acres.

Keri Davies an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

• The picture shows Dan and Doris Archer (Edgar Harrison and Gwen Berryman) with family and friends in The Bull
• Relive the decades with The Archers Timeline, complete with archive photos and audio clips
• Read the storylines from other decades:
• 1950s
• 1960s
• 1970s
• 1980s
• 1990s

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"It's very clever scriptwriting and acting. I don't *enjoy* this storyline but it has certainly promoted discussion..." (saffronlily)

"There has been not a single voice of criticism / comment / gossip in a TINY rural village apart from her own dad who is regularly being made to feel increasingly guilty and trodden on every time he utters what we all know to be unpalatable truths." (DracsM1)

"...She should have given the family a bit of time to get on board before she shot off at breakneck speed to the AI clinic." (Adaptery (with brackets))

"And isn't that just what keeps us all listening? Not to mention what keeps us posting here! I think writing that shows you a multi-faceted person making choices of their own, without a 'moral compass' being set by the writer, is writing that gives you pause for thought... our discussions show that there are many ways of seeing these actions... And as events develop, often in an unexpected direction, those judgements - mine and others' - may well change." (Dabchick)

Read the whole thread

Poor Tony Archer - after his week avoiding dinner guest Kathy Perks, and his trials with his daughter Helen, messageboarder, sunny, suggested having a whip round to give Tony a refuge - a shed of his own. Tony had this week's favourite line, when he said to Kathy "Shall I get your coat?"

Add your sympathy for Tony on the message board



Kate Madikane's announcement that she was going back to South Africa had many offering to help pack her bags! Kate's been blamed for turning her daughter Phoebe into "the little madam we heard tonight" (Feral_Ralph)

"Oh! Dare we hope! Is the vile Kate going back for good? It would seem that even JennyDahling is getting tired of her appalling sprog - and indeed who on earth could blame her?" (Skyebird)

"Wow, Kate wins the prize for "Worst Human Being" on The Archers. My god. As a mother, I am utterly appalled at her behaviour."@kayray

Monday's panto rehearsal had one listener (Nemo99) declaring that Lynda was no Dennis Potter, but the "dominatrix of Ambridge panto-land"

"I really enjoyed the made-up bits which Harry & Fallon were doing... Let's hope Lynda can be persuaded to change her mind & have a bit of a laugh ..." (Misty)

"Boo hiss to Lynda's autocratic approach, say I!" (Nemo99)

Read the whole thread

Listeners are sharing their favourite Archers moments. Looby-Lewis shares three memorable ones on the message board.

"Hayley's reaction to John's death. Had me in tears driving up the A1 at the time.

Jenny's affair circa early 90's (can't remember who with) the first storyline I remember.

The fire at the Grundy's and their downfall thereafter, hence ferrett slaying."

You can add your memory here.



Tayler Cresswell is the host of The Archers message board.

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David and Ruth were shocked by the audacious theft of hay from their barn. But they are not alone, as farmers regularly find themselves a target for thieves. Danny Cracknell of Farmwatch writes:

Today many farms are an Aladdin's cave to the thief. Stock and equipment are usually spread over many acres and are portable and easy to steal. With the increase in grain and oil prices and a shortage of hay and straw there has been an upturn in the theft of hay and straw bales, feed and fuel. With the round bale it is easy for the bale to be rolled onto a trailer. With small bales they can be loaded by hand.

Tractors and plant are also targeted and regularly stolen from farm yards and open fields. Stolen items can sometimes be transported hundreds of miles after being stolen.

It is so easy, with free access to the farm, for the casual visitor to enter the farm with a cover story to see what is available for stealing. Farmwatch receives daily reports of such visits by these callers using multiple cover stories when challenged. "Have you any scrap?" "Do you have any hay for sale?" "Can I buy some red diesel?"

Because many items of plant and machinery are now fitted with tracking equipment it is worth farmers checking around the area of the theft for the stolen items. Many thieves will park the equipment up to see if it is found via the tracker. If they can trace it first the thieves will not know if you had a tracker fitted or not.

Recently two brand new tractors were left parked in a neighbour's isolated barn after they were stolen. By luck the buildings were checked by the owner on a regular basis and the tractors found.

On another occasion a trailer was stolen during the daytime. The thieves went to a neighbour of the victim and asked to leave the trailer while they visited a nearby town. When they returned to collect it, the police had been informed via Farmwatch and the trailer recovered and thieves arrested.



This is the sort of advice we give to farmers like David and Ruth:

Take a note of registration numbers of vehicles visiting the farm uninvited. Try to get a description of the occupants and any other distinguishing features to help the police identify the vehicle.

To help reduce the risk of theft, make sure all buildings are locked where possible and gates are kept closed other than when in use. If the thief cannot see it they may not take it. Tractors and plant ought to be secured inside a building when not in use. Do not make it easy for the thieves, take out the keys and where possible fit immobilisers.

Make sure all your property is identifiable; mark it with your post code, smart water or other forensic marking fluid. If your property is identifiable it is less likely to be stolen as it not easy to sell it on. A simple economic way is to mark it with a permanent marker pen with your postcode in several places.

Hay bales are worth marking by simply placing a sheet of paper with your name or postcode pushed into the bale. It may not prevent it from being stolen but will help to identify it as yours should it be traced by the police.

The main message has to be make sure your property is secure. Do not leave in the field unless absolutely necessary. Make sure all items are identifiable as it makes it less likely to be stolen.

Try to control access to your farm and property. Keep doors and gates shut.

Danny Cracknell is a former police officer (Norfolk Constabulary) and director of Farmwatch Ltd

• Picture shows a farm gate appropriately secured, from Farmwatch
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
• National Farmers Union

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One of the popular uses for the microblogging site Twitter is when audiences "live tweet" while watching or listening to a favourite programme, such as The Apprentice or Zane Lowe's Masterpieces.

An enthusiastic group of Twitter users already regularly tweet along to The Archers Omnibus every Sunday, sharing their reactions and speculation with other listeners.

We'd like you to give this a try during the evening episode at 7pm next Monday, 6 Dec.

Partly because it's fun, but also to help us.

Because The Archers celebrates its 60th anniversary on 1 Jan 2011, the episode on Sunday 2 Jan will be double length. Archers editor Vanessa Whitburn promises that it will be "unmissable".

We know that many people will want to comment on the special episode, and so we're developing an internet application which will collect and reflect these comments, present them in a graphical style, and record them so that the reactions can be replayed along with the episode.

For the anniversary, we'll collect comments from a number of sources. But to help us test out the application on Monday we'd just like you to comment via Twitter. If you're not already on Twitter, why not join up and give it a go?

So that we can collect your tweets, make sure each one includes the "hashtag" #thearchers

I'll be tweeting along on Monday, so I hope to see you (or at least your comments) then.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer. He can be found on Twitter (in his personal capacity) as @keridavies

• Picture shows an early sketch of how the application might look, from Metabroadcast, who we're working with to develop it
• Beginner's guide to Twitter from BBC Radio 2
• Follow @BBCTheArchers on Twitter

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A long-overdue heart-to-heart, frustration, tears, a welcome return and an emotional tribute to an Ambridge old-timer... Here's the latest on The Archers according to the folks on our message board and Twitter, in a round-up supplied by Archers message board host Tayler Cresswell.



Tears for Helen and praise for the actor who plays her (Louiza Patikas) and for the scriptwriting (Keri Davies)



Well accustomed to being the centre of attention, mum-to-be Helen Archer has had The Archers message board buzzing - particularly after her heart to heart with her mum, Pat, on Friday.

"Louiza P has been a complete star for months now - but she surpassed herself tonight. Absolutely superb." (story fairy)



"It was well written and very well acted tonight. I really hope the scriptwriters allow the baby - and Helen - to be fit and healthy." (Sussex Cornflower_ winter is here)



"Good, good acting going on tonight... making me feel that Helen is portraying someone walking the ragged edge of collapse." (Chris Ghoti)



But why is Pat not telling her fragile daughter some home truths? Many on the message board and Twitter are infuriated with Pat's near silence on Helen's problems with her weight and exercise regime.



In a marathon thread entitled "Poor Helen", Lady Sybil complains, "It's the drama queen element that grates with me - NONE of them have a sense of proportion about anything in Helen's life. It's those around her feeding into it that bug me!"



Read the whole thread



Amy's back!



Vicar Alan Frank's daughter, Amy, has arrived back in Ambridge - now a qualified midwife. But her return did prompt speculation about the reasons for her return...



"I thought Amy was great this evening." @MsAlliance)



"Is it a coincidence that Amy is qualified as a midwife and back looking for work just as Helen is due to drop?"@JoelHeason



Waiting for a Wonder

Pip Archer's performance of her granddad Phil's favourite carol, Waiting for a Wonder, moved many on the message board.



The carol was composed by long-standing cast member Norman Painting who died in 2009. While the church organ rendition wasn't to everyone's tastes, many saw it as a fitting tribute to both Phil and Norman.



"I liked it. Not the organ playing, can't stand organ music, but the whole idea. Made Jill happy. All in all just my sort of episode. Nothing much happened. Splendid." (Nelson_G)



"Just listening to Archers on iPlayer. They're in the Advent Sunday Service and Pip is playing Phil's favourite Hymn. Making me cry......."@keirbrown



You can read more about Waiting for a Wonder on The Archers blog.



What's your earliest Archers moment?

There's a new thread (thanks to message-boarder, whitejude) where people are sharing their earliest memories of The Archers.



"My earliest memory is from 1960 when my sister and I (aged about 7 and 8) had to stay with an aunt for a few weeks. As the dum di dum music came on she'd say 'Sssh, it's The Archers'." (FloBear)



You can share your moment on the earliest moments thread on The Archers message board



Tayler Cresswell is the host of The Archers message board

• Join the conversation on the message board



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The Archers celebrates its 60th anniversary on 1 January 2011. Over the six weeks running up to the anniversary, we are looking back at the main storylines in each of its six decades.

This week: the 1960s, a decade when youth was in revolt against post-war mores, and which saw the Cuban missile crisis, assassinations in America and the Summer of Love.

In Ambridge, a Brummie businessman shook things up, unmarried Jennifer scandalised the village by becoming pregnant, and the old order finally passed at Brookfield.

Do you remember these storylines or characters? What else do you remember of The Archers in the sixties? Share your memories and thoughts by using the comment box at the bottom of this post.

1960

Christine had trouble with her footloose husband Paul Johnson, who sold out the family business to Charles Grenville, and who strenuously denied having an affair with pretty Marianne Peters.

Despite her friendship with John Tregorran, Carol Grey surprised the village by becoming engaged to Charles Grenville.

Realising small farms were becoming more vulnerable, Dan formed a farming co-operative with his neighbours Fred Barratt and Jess Allard.

1961

16 year-old Jennifer Archer worried Peggy by returning from a skiing trip with a boyfriend called Max.

Leather-jacketed youths on motorbikes set fire to an Estate hay barn, but got the worst of it in a fight with locals, and were jailed.

Just out of the RAF, Nelson Gabriel persuaded his father Walter to invest £3,000 football pools winnings in an engineering firm.

Carol and Charles Genville married in great style.

1962

Bungling Estate workers failed to blackmail John Tregorran and Carol Grenville over some old love letters. Carol gave birth to a son, Richard.

Shiftless Paul Johnson forced Christine to leave her stables business for Newmarket, where he was to train as a helicopter pilot.

Self-made Birmingham businessman Jack Woolley bought Grey Gables from Reggie and Valerie Trentham.

After trouble with his wayward sons, Fred Allard sold up. Dan persuaded Phil to take the farm on. Phil renamed it Hollowtree and soon set up a pig unit there.

1963

John Tregorran seemed finally to get over his affection for Carol Grenville when he married district nurse Janet Sheldon. But four months later she was killed in a car crash. Carol's husband Charles was driving.

Paul found that life as a crop-spraying helicopter pilot wasn't as glamorous or lucrative as he'd hoped. He and Christine moved back to Ambridge.

Jack Woolley redeveloped Grey Gables as an exclusive retreat for jaded business executives, establishing a 20 acre golf course there. He took fellow Brummie Sid Perks under his wing, as his chauffeur and assistant.

1964

After the accident, devastated John Tregorran left for a long holiday in Spain. Grenville found it hard to settle after his leg was amputated. He sold several business interests and left to investigate possibilities in the USA.

19-year old Jennifer was at teacher training college in Walsall. Jack bought her a moped to travel home.

With a gift from Aunt Laura, Jack and Peggy extended The Bull, building a new dining room and a small flat for Laura

Sid Perks' rough past caught up with him. After snubbing former gang mates while on a date with Bull barmaid Polly Mead, his motorbike was trashed.

1965

John Tregorran and Carol Grenville gave each other mutual support after Charles died suddenly in the USA.

Ralph Bellamy and Jack Woolley bought the Estate.

After years of childlessness, Christine was hurt when Paul Johnson took a shine to Carol's fatherless son Richard. They agreed to adopt a boy: Peter.

Laura appointed a chauffeur, young Roger Patillo, who after going out with Jennifer admitted his real name was Travers-Macy.

With financial help from Laura, Dan and Phil were able to buy out Fred Barratt, becoming sole owners of Ambridge Farmers Ltd.

1966

Polly's father Frank Mead was responsible for a series of arson attacks. He ended his days in a psychiatric hospital.

Jack Woolley and Valerie Trentham married. At the other end of the social scale, so did Sid Perks and Polly Mead. Jack appointed Sid manager of the Arkwright Hall leisure centre.

Twelve years after first turning him down, Carol Grenville accepted John Tregorran's proposal of marriage. They moved into Manor Court.

Jennifer qualified as a teacher. She started work at Hollerton Primary and achieved some success as a writer. But shortly before Christmas she confessed to Lilian that she was pregnant.

1967

Jennifer's pregnancy shocked the Archer family. Jack was all for throwing her out, but more compassionate counsels - including Dan's - prevailed.

Jennifer named her baby boy Adam, and escaped village gossip by moving to Bristol. She refused to name the father, but Adam's shock of red hair suggested it might be Brookfield cowman Paddy Redmond.

Nelson Gabriel was reported missing in a plane crash, but fingerprints on a whisky bottle implicated him in a robbery on the Borchester mail van.

1968

After Jack's drinking worsened, Jennifer returned to The Bull to support Peggy. A growing secret relationship between her and Lilian's boyfriend blossomed. Fortunately Lilian had become more interested in Royal Canadian Air Force officer Lester "Nick" Nicholson. Roger and Jennifer married.

Paul Johnson bought the local garage but couldn't make a go of it. Sid Perks had been working there after the failure of the leisure centre, but fortunately a Premium Bond win gave Polly a deposit to buy the village shop.

Phil won a three month travel scholarship in an essay competition. He returned more ambitious than ever and bought 16 acres of his own that he could run free of Dan's more conservative ways.

Walter Gabriel's joy when his son was found to be alive didn't last long, as Nelson was immediately arrested, suspected of being the mastermind behind the mail van robbery. But there wasn't enough evidence to persuade the jury and he was acquitted.

1969

Paul Johnson narrowly escaped bankruptcy by selling the garage to Ralph Bellamy.

Lilian married her Canadian airman "Nick" Nicholson.

In one of his more sober episodes, Jack forced through the conversion of the Bull's restaurant into a "Playbar", complete with jukebox and espresso machine. But soon a near riot by the youngsters he was trying to attract threatened Peggy with a prosecution for breach of the peace.

Tony completed his course at the Farm Institute and started work for Ralph Bellamy at the Estate.

An attack of bronchitis and recurring friction with go-ahead Phil - plus constant pressure from Doris - finally persuaded septuagenarian Dan to retire. Phil, Jill and their children moved to Brookfield, Dan and Doris to Glebe Cottage.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

• The picture shows Eileen Barry as "poultry girl" Diana Hood
• Relive the decades with The Archers Timeline, complete with archive photos and audio clips
• Read the storylines from other decades:
• 1950s
• 1960s
• 1970s
• 1980s
• 1990s

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