Archives for February 2011

Sympathy for Ruth Archer; suggestions for Usha Franks' book club; outrage at Jazzer McCreary's dating tactics and plenty of talk about the Duchess of Cornwall's visit. Plus Kenton Archer gets a hard time on Twitter for upsetting Jolene Perks and a there's been a plea for more farming stories in Ambridge...

Here's my pick of listener discussions on the message board, Twitter and Facebook between Monday 14 and Sunday 20 February 2011...

Over at Brookfield, is Ruth about to reach boiling point? Many think it's about time she confronted Elizabeth about the effect of David's absence from the farm. And Monday's talk of a roll in the hay with David in the lambing shed certainly painted a vivid picture in some listeners' minds!

Oh lord, David and Ruth Archer have just scampered off to the lambing sheds for a shag. Cover my ears. (@52Betty on Twitter)

Possibly not a popular viewpoint, but my sympathies are all with Ruth. It's a particularly busy time at the farm and David's priorities should be there. (dickie)

Ruth, why don't you go and have a good moan at Elizabeth? Ruth's staggering jealousy at Chief dopey showing some concern for his bereaved sister is really amazing. How sorry does this awful woman feel ...FOR HERSELF! (SredniVashtar07)

Be fair - she put on her "sexy" voice and stripped down to her wellies in the lambing shed and she STILL didn't get her conjugals.... It's hardly surprising she's in a bit of a mood. (Boudicca Queen)

Pip's 18th birthday unsettled a few listeners - was it such a good idea to buy her a car? Pip and auntie Elizabeth's chat moved many, although some weren't impressed with Elizabeth's final doom-laden comment...

That's right Lizzie, depress poor Pip on her birthday. All downhill now she's 18... #thearchers (@revenante on Twitter)

I thought it was a good episode, with everyone acting in character for once, and I had a slight sniff at the end bit. (Lemon Sabotage)

I liked it too, Jill fussing over the puddings, Ruth gossiping with Usha - and a book club! (Our Freda)

Need to stop listening to #thearchers podcast in the morning. Keep arriving at work with tears in my eyes. Poor Elizabeth. (@BeingDoris on Twitter)

Read more on the I'm sorry, but thread

The Duchess of Cornwall's visit on Wednesday was hotly anticipated. Many were thinking out loud about whether they were going to listen in...

I love Camilla; well her persona, anyway and I am sooooooo excited about tonight's episode. If anyone phones me I shall let it go on the answerphone. Thassorl. c/lx (cat_lady)

actively boycotting #archers this evening (not that I listen every day) afeared I won't keep my supper down. Where are the republicans? (@sara_chimene on Twitter)

And after the broadcast...

I thought it was lovely episode and I really liked The Duchess of Cornwall! (Adrian Smith on Facebook)

I'd like to hear someone in Ambridge - anyone! - express either indifference or anti-royalist sentiments. I cannot believe that Jazzer would be particularly interested, and Peggy may well have views on divorcees marrying. Yet all we have is this fawning and forelock tugging, and as you say, it's really unrealistic. I'll bet that Jill is a closet republican! (JudithL)

The line about the visit being fabulous or whatever it was sounded genuine, though. I thought, 'Yup - there's a TA fan'. (Lady Macbeth)

Read more on the message board threads:

Have we stepped into Downton Abbey?

Camilla OK?

Was Kenton right to cancel his date with Jolene? Most thought not. Some wonder if it'll mean trouble for Jamie if Kenton eventually does get his feet under the table at The Bull.

Kenton is handling Jolene very badly. He'll tip her over the edge, right into Matt's property plans. #archers #thearchers (@thearchersfan on Twitter)

#Thearchers Kenton better not hurt Jolene, the "we love the Bull" gang will give him a good talking to (@annsusanballard on Twitter)

Harry and Jazzer's double date on Valentines Day had some outraged - Jazzer was deemed "obnoxious and sexist". Others admitted to laughing out loud at his comments. There's been some discussion about whether Jazzer's character has swung too far from the lovable rogue that tried to woo Fallon.



I still don't understand Jazzer's mystical allure. Smells of the sty, doesn't wash his bedsheets and shags any woman on the round who'll have him. Were I a woman of Grange Spinney or Badgers Leap I'd even buy my milk from Ambridge Organix rather than let that little toley near my doorstep. (afrend)

I like his character, he is certainly outspoken and some of his remarks can come across as rather shocking at times, but this is a great foil to some of the mealy mouthed, holier than thou smug types that inhabit Ambridge. Give me down to earth and plain speaking Jazzer anytime. (Tabitha Twitchit)

Read more on the I couldn't make out a word Jazzer was saying thread and the We asked for realistic dialogue thread

There's been an interesting discussion on the economics of farming in Ambridge on the message board with many sharing their own farming experiences...

The farmers are the heart of Ambridge. Even the veal story had promise, I liked the way it showed Vicky didn't have a real grasp on the situation, but it was very black and white (see what I did there? Subtle dairy calf pun) and lacked the depth it could have had. Though it did get people talking about rose veal, I will admit. (Our Freda)

And finally, Suggestions for Usha's Book Club continue to roll in:

• Worr and Peace, Animal Farm, Cold Comfort Farm and Madame Bovine for Ruth (pan shoshana)
• The old man and the pee for Mr Pullen (Nelson_G)
• The Kate Runner (pan shoshana)
• Murder On The Hollerton Express (Freda Fry)

Add yours to the DTA Book Club. Your suggestions... thread

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

• Join the conversation on the message board
• Or chat about #thearchers on Twitter or Facebook

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

When a show has been going as long as The Archers, inevitably some moments and stories stay in listeners' memories more than others. We thought it would be interesting to see what you thought might be the most potent Archers memory

We've selected a short list. Some are iconic scenes such as Sid and Jolene in the shower, and some are storylines that ran for several years - or are still running, like Jack Woolley's mental decline.

And we'd like you to make the final decision.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

• Picture shows Arnold Peters (Jack Woolley)
• Relive the memories and vote for the most potent

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

BBC One's Countryfile programme 'does' The Archers this Sunday (27 Feb).

Julia Bradbury and Ellie Harrison visit the Vale of Evesham in Worcestershire, an area that inspired - and still inspires - The Archers. They meet some 'real Archers' - people whose lives mirror aspects of the programme. Subjects include a family vegetable farm and a community running its own village shop.

Julia Bradbury meets Charles Collingwood (Brian Aldridge) and Ellie Harrison discovers agricultural sound effects with Archers producer Julie Beckett. And they take part in an Archers scene especially written for Countryfile.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer

• Picture shows Ellie Harrison (presenter), Charles Collingwood (Brian Aldridge), Julia Bradbury (presenter) and Julie Beckett (Archers producer)
• Watch Countryfile this Sunday 27 Feb, 19.00, BBC One
• Full details of the programme, or watch it on iPlayer (for seven days after transmission)

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

Kate Madikane's "arrogance" and dependence on the "Bank of Brian"; The Duchess of Cornwall's impending visit; Matt Crawford's dastardly plans for The Bull and Helen Archer's "transformation" and the Felpersham science museum... here's my pick of listener discussions between 10-13 February 2011.

Kate dominated discussions on Thursday night with umpteen tweets and comments. Does/should she pay anything towards Phoebe's upkeep? Does Brian? Why does Kate expect everyone else to pay for Phoebe's presents and flight to SA? Perhaps Roy should call her and Phoebe's bluff and offer to send Phoebe off to SA for good?

When IS that appalling female going to get her comeuppance? Come on, Peggy, your country needs you! (mountetna2)

Here we go again, kate being a spoilt brat as usual and selfish, #thearchers (@ beckyballball on Twitter)

Vile, horrid Kate; I was convinced that there was something 'odd' going on between her and Lucas before Christmas. Let's hope that she has been deceiving everyone like the wicked, manipulative rascal that she is. (By heaven, I wish I could swear on these MBs...) (thecynic)

And Phoebe sounds to be going the same way. Poor, poor Roy and Hayley (especially Hayley). (StargazerwithOscar)

Read more on the message board threads:

"So what if Phoebe has a few days out from school"

Kate and her &*&*& arrogance

The Bank of Brine

Matt Crawford's designs on The Bull have many wondering if the pub's days are numbered. What will happen if Lilian doesn't want to sell her 51%?

Ooo that Matt's a bad 'un. Don't do it Jolene #TheArchers (@carlylou on Twitter)

I hope that Jolene will sell up and that the pub stays with new landlords. She is a hopeless businesswoman - not a single fresh idea - has to wait for others to come up with them. People often move on when their partner dies so why shouldn't Jolene? (anna kist)

Find out more in the Small row of mews cottages thread

Chat about the Duchess of Cornwall's impending visit has continued. Many wondered where the Ambridge republicans were hiding, why no one referred to HRH as "Camilla" and what would become of Ian's now infamous shortbread? Many on the message board gave themselves royal titles for the duration and we saw a few Earls, Dukes, Ladies and Countesses!

Lynda Snell's attempts to make sure she had a ring-side seat for the Duchess of Cornwall's visit had some laughing out loud. Others felt sorry for Lynda and felt that she was acting out of character over the Duchess' visit.

Read all the opinions in the Lynda is Priceless! thread

New mum Helen Archer's character is still being debated as her storyline progresses. Most bemoan the loss of the Helen they loved to hate and want her back. It's been noted on the message board that whether it's good Helen or bad Helen, she still riles many, particularly with her attitude to Tony.

The village is full of more-or-less coping 'normal' mothers, why on earth do they need yet another one, especially when former, real, Helen would be such a rich vein of imperfect mother stories? (Tadpole)

That smug, condescending comment by Pat about how wonderful it was that Helen was now house-slutting around like the rest of us made me SOOOOOOOOO cross ... as far as I'm concerned the programme is depressing me greatly and I can't do anything about it because I'm addicted. Where is my light and shade coming from? (Dusty Substances)

I like the storyline. Having a child can change one's attitude to the world and others and I see this as a positive development. It's good to have a happy storyline, for a change. On the other hand, there is always the possibility that some little thing may push Helen over the edge and this means there is still some tension in the Helen scenes (for me, anyway). (mike)

Read more in the *Why* the transformation of Helen? thread

Message board folk were surprised to hear that there was a Science museum in Felpersham, but came up with a few ideas for suitable exhibits...

The Gyrating Lilian machine, an early precursor to the Spinning Jenny, I believe, and the only one of its kind. Built in, er, um, ... well before the other machine anyway and powered by recycled gin. (cheshire-cat)

The science museum also contains models of how not to cut tree branches (courtesy of J. Larkin) and how to shoot badgers without being caught (loaned by A Local Farmer). (maggiechow)

Roll up, roll up for a tour of the science museum in Felpersham

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

• Join the conversation on the message board
• Or chat about #thearchers on Twitter or Facebook

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

Kate Madikane's "loathsome" rant, Roy Tucker's spine, Helen's beans on toast shocker, Lynda Snell's "excellent" sniff and Elizabeth Pargetter's mysterious trustees... here's my pick of listener discussions between 7-9 February 2011.

Kate Madikane has got everyone talking. Twitter and the message board lit up with posts about her on Monday 7th as they debated her motives and the effect of her dealings with Phoebe.

I am really hearting Roy right now - when he told Kate where to get off I was shouting "go on my son" at the radio! (Furious Scarlett)

Has it ever been heard before? The Katred actually saying sorry. Couldn't keep it up though, she was back on the offensive in the same breath. (Dr Toad Leg)

That was one of the nastiest bouts of malicious Katery that we have yet heard. I don't think she has been so unmitigatedly loathesome since before she dumped Phoebe and took off for the wide blue yonder, and everyone heaved a sigh of relief. (Chris Ghoti)

#Thearchers I love Phoebe. She is so ungrateful, selfish & coming along really well as a teenager. (@NGT67 on Twitter)

Blimey! Roy's got a vertebra! I wonder if it might develop into a whole backbone... (Freda Fry)

Nearly choked on my chips when Kate snapped 'you always have to bring it down to money, Roy'.. ha ha ha. Here's hoping Brian refuses to cough for this one. (Irene)

I think they were all always in a no-win situation. One can only make the best job of this bad scenario and they have made the very worst of it. Having said that as Solomon knew, the one who truly loved a child would let it go rather than hurt it. However, I'm sure Kate's total absence would also hurt Phoebe now Phoebe is older. I don't think any of them truly love Phoebe. Roy may love her most. (Furiouslocki)

Read more in the Katred said the 'S' word thread

Add your support for Roy in this thread: Blimey! Roy's got a vertebra!

Questions have been raised about the Lower Loxley Trustees. Who are they? Has the trust been mentioned on air before? Why hadn't Elizabeth met its chair, Stephen Maidment? Does Elizabeth own any of Lower Loxley now? And with no new manager on the horizon, everyone felt that David Archer had well and truly shot himself in the foot...

Maybe Elizabeth is so poleaxed with grief that she takes as her due her brothers' current full-time and voluntary contribution to LL, but this is exactly the kind of delusional and irrational behaviour a board of trustees should be able to sniff out, and insist on rectifying. (TownieJane)

Oh dear - has David shot himself in the foot? #thearchers (@revenante on Twitter)

ok, open bets for Nigel not having done the trust fund paperwork properly..? #thearchers (@caracourage on Twitter)

Elizabeth has got her revenge on David over Brookfield at last: by tying him to LoLo she will ruin it. If she can't have it, no Archer can. (Jacks Parakeet)

Take a look at the Don't trust the trustees thread.

Read more on the You played a blinder David thread.

Helen serves beans on toast shocker! Many have called for an end to all the cooing over baby Henry. They're waiting (impatiently) for Helen's wake-up call...

Please ENOUGH. No more bloody baby dribble! #thearchers (@GervaseWebb on Twitter)

Helen may be a control freak but she's in panicky maternity, so be nice to her, it costs nothing. As Pat said, just relaxing and enjoying the baby is a good sign. She'll be a tiger mother soon enough, even if she isn't Chinese. (Rwth of the Cornovii)

It's so insulting that we are expected to believe in this transformation of Helen into a calm, relaxed, easygoing person tolerant of mess and willing to eat convenience foods. Yes, motherhood can and does change people, but not usually overnight and not to that extent. (Auntie Molly)

Seriously. I am amazed she drinks coffee. Was it decaff? (pollyanna)

Read more in the thread: Helen serves beans on toast and instant coffee for lunch

And finally... some "excellent sniffing" from Lynda Snell...

Yes, great episode. Lynda saying that she wasn't someone who placed much importance on status (oh, yeh?), excellent sniffing and good communication between her and Robert, who is a total star. (NotSoTinyTim)

Nobody, but nobody, can sniff like Lynda. (lemonsabotage)

...as for Lynda's sniffs, I particularly liked the very grand one with a perfectly timed pause before its delivery. Brilliant! (letmesay)

Join the discussion in the ooo Vintage Epi! thread.

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

• Join the conversation on the message board
• Or chat about #thearchers on Twitter or Facebook

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

As Pip celebrates her 18th birthday, we look back to the most momentous experience in her short life - her heady but doomed love affair with Jude Simpson, 11 years older and ten times flakier.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

• Picture shows Felicity Finch (Ruth Archer), Helen Monks (Pip Archer)
• Read the cautionary tale of Pip and Jude
• FInd out more about Pip in our Who's Who section
• Helen Monks' biography, including Archers and other career highlights

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

On the day of her appearance on-air in The Archers, the Duchess of Cornwall visited the home of the programme, at The Mailbox in Birmingham.

She spent two hours meeting BBC staff, Archers cast members and scriptwriters.

Her Royal Highness plays herself in the programme, as the president of the National Osteoporosis Society. She has supported the charity since 1994 and became president in 2001. Her appearance coincides with the charity's 25th anniversary.

Her scenes were recorded in December at Clarence House, so this was the first time she had visited The Archers studio.

The Duchess viewed a pictorial timeline of Archers history

Helen Monks (Pip Archer) presented her with a bound copy of tonight's script, signed by members of The Archers cast, writing and production team.

Hedli Nicklaus (Kathy Perks) gave her a selection of souvenirs from the official fan club Archers Addicts.

Before cutting a celebratory cake, the Duchess said how enjoyable it had been to meet everybody and put names to faces. She thanked The Archers for the enjoyment it had given her for over 30 years. 'I couldn't do without it', she said. 'There have been many times when I've switched on The Archers and felt a lot better.'

The Duchess of Cornwall and Carole Boyd (Lynda Snell). In the background, Sunny Ormonde (Lilian Bellamy)

After wishing the programme the best for the next 60 years, she thanked Archers editor Vanessa Whitburn for her appearance - although she joked that she was not looking forward to hearing her performance.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer

• Main picture shows the Duchess of Cornwall in The Archers studio. (l-r) Graham Blockey (Robert Snell), Jasmine Hyde (Leonie Snell), Roger May (James Bellamy), Vanessa Whitburn (Archers editor), HRH Duchess of Cornwall, Kim Durham (Matt Crawford), Sunny Ormonde (Lilian Bellamy), Carole Boyd (Lynda Snell)
• Video coverage from The Telegraph in which the Duchess meets her namesake, Archers archivist Camilla Fisher
• Information on osteoporosis from NHS Choices
• Osteoporosis information from Age UK
• National Osteporosis Society

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

This is my pick of discussions from The Archers' listeners between Thurs 3 and Sun 6 February, from Elizabeth Pargetter's outburst, David Archer's guilt and Kenton Archer's future to Helen Archer's not-so-perfect motherhood and Kathy Perks' lonely birthday. Comments about The Archers' 60th anniversary are still colouring conversations across the message board, Facebook and Twitter as well as The Archers' blog.

After Elizabeth's outburst on Thursday 4th, many were relieved to hear that she'd stopped bottling it all up. And whilst they've all been waiting for a revelation from David about his "man or mouse" comment, some think he'll never tell and the guilt may eat away at him for some time to come. Perhaps it's time for David to get back to Brookfield and leave Elizabeth to face her future.

And out of the blue. First time for weeks I actually stopped what I was doing to listen. Then Ruth starting to steam. Things are looking up. (LizzyMapp)

Yes I thought it was well done - could almost hear David weighing up "to tell or not to tell" and imagine him feeling guiltier by the second. (Mild at heart)

I'm really interested to see how the guilt question plays out among the four siblings - who sides with whom and also what attitude Jill will take. She's usually fairly vocal so I don't see her sitting meekly in a corner over this. (Malahide)

How blinded [Elizabeth] is came out in that amazing scene with David clearly implying that she tacitly expects him to carry on doing what he's doing at LoLo [Lower Loxley] with not a shred of recognition that there is a full-time farm to be curated by this man - her brother the full-time farmer and father - just down the road. Worrying. (DracsM1)

Share your thoughts on the Lizzie cracks at last message board thread

What's to become of Kenton - will he end up as manager of Lower Loxley? Or The Bull? And looking after Elizabeth or Jolene?

I really hope they do not create any more widows in Ambridge in the near future, as Kenton will simply not be able to cope! (mrsroxanne)

More from the This may seem hard, but... message board thread

There's been a fascinating discussion about the longer term ramifications of Nigel's death which really has polarised listeners' opinions...

Only in soap operas does life revolve around 'major plotlines' and their associated 'ripples in the pond'. TA [The Archers] was never supposed to be a 'soap' ... recent events have only served to dramatically shift the whole premise of the programme to a place where many of us feel very uncomfortable. I am glad that other people are enjoying listening ... indeed I am very envious as I have loved TA for many years. However ... I miss TA for its gentle and perceptive portrayal of rural life and that I can't see the point of listening anymore if it's only going to do what all the other 'soap's do. (shelnews)

[Since Jan 2] I have found The Archers both gripping and moving (sometimes close to tears), at least in respect of Nigel's death. The scripts have been well written and well acted. I find Helen's transformation harder to take, but we have been given the odd tantalising hint of the Old Helen underneath. In short, I'd really rather the SATTC hadn't happened and I don't feel it is justified by what has followed since, excellent though it is...I don't think SATTC was the best SL ever... I am however glued to the radio to hear how it will all turn out. (Pat_Clifton)

More from the SATTC - best ever storyline? thread

And so to Helen - after Friday 4th's episode most were heartened that motherhood wasn't turning out quite as perfect as it first seemed ...

SHE CAN'T COPE? I can't cope. She's driving me mad. I'm 3,500 miles away - you'd think this would deaden the pain but it doesn't. AAaaagh! (bozley)

Why is Helen treated like a china doll? Helen has one baby, oodles of helpers, tons of family members and lives over a shop. Doggedly independent my foot. (FearlessAlison)

And it's the beginning of the meltdown that a lot of us have been waiting for... Farewell Saint Hellin...welcome back, Mad Hellqueen! Hope the scriptwriters hold their nerve on this one and we see her unravel to full on baby - blues induced insanity by Easter. (hovedogs05)

Read more on the She CAN'T cope thread

Was Kathy's lonely birthday an act of cutting her nose off to spite her face?

Is it really *that* sad to sit in with a glass of wine by the fire on your birthday? (Our_Freda)

Kathy's refusal to go out with Pat was martyrdom coupled with a wish to punish Pat by making her feel guilty. She is really horrible and although I've gone off Pat herself a lot recently, I admire her for bothering with Kathy at all. (pollyanna)

Tayler Cresswell is the host of The Archers message board.

• Join the conversation on the message board
• Or chat about #thearchers on Twitter or Facebook

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

Joanna van Kampen (Fallon Rogers) selects some of her favourite music on BBC Radio 3's Private Passions this Sunday.

The daughter of cellist Christopher van Kampen and violinist Marcia Crayford, Jo studied violin and piano as a child before deciding to make acting her career.

Jo found talking to Michael Berkeley about her choices less daunting than she expected: 'I was scared at the thought but it turned out to be really informal and fun', she said. 'It was such a privilege to be asked to appear. I tried to choose pieces that had relevance to my life, so there'd be more to talk about.'

Jo's eclectic selection includes film soundtracks, classical vocal music - and Stevie Wonder.

Private Passions is at 12pm on Sunday 13 February.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

• Picture shows Joanna van Kampen (Fallon Rogers)
• See Jo's selections on the Private Passions programme page
• More about Joanna van Kampen
• Read Fallon Rogers' character entry in our Who's Who section

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

Well, not exactly. But the actor who plays her does.

When not playing Susan, Charlotte Martin is a research psychologist. Charlotte helped develop the recently launched Youthspace website, designed to help young people with mental health issues.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

• Picture shows Charlotte Martin (Susan Carter)
• Charlotte discusses the new project, and her double life
• The Youthspace website, which Charlotte has been working on
• Susan Carter's entry in our Who's Who section
• Susan harbours Clive - a key storyline from 1993

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

Nancy Banks-Smith of The Guardian sums up recent events in The Archers.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer

• Read the full article

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

As announced by Caroline in this evening's episode, the Duchess of Cornwall is to visit Grey Gables on 16 February. And we can confirm that the royal visitor will actually speak in the episode.

The brief appearance will be broadcast in two weeks time, on Wednesday 16 February.

Her Royal Highness will feature in the programme in her role as the president of the National Osteoporosis Society. She has supported the charity since 1994 and became president in 2001. Her appearance coincides with the charity's 25th anniversary.

In 'real life', the appearance will take place on the same day as a visit by Her Royal Highness to our studios at the Mailbox. She will meet cast, writers and production team before attending a reception, hosted by BBC chairman Sir Michael Lyons, to mark 60 years of The Archers.

The duchess, a keen Archers listener, first met Archers team members ten years ago. This was at an event at St James's Palace, hosted by Prince Charles, to mark the 50th anniversary of the programme.

As long-standing listeners may remember, this is not the first time a member of the British royal family has spoken in The Archers. In 1984 Princess Margaret made history when she appeared - also at Grey Gables, to Jack Woolley's overwhelming pride and pleasure - in an episode marking the centenary of the NSPCC.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

The Archers editor Vanessa Whitburn discusses the 60th anniversary storyline with listeners Nicky Hillier and Judy Crebbs.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

• Picture shows Archers editor Vanessa Whitburn
• Hear Roger Bolton's interview with the new controller of Radio 4, Gwyneth Williams, on the Radio 4 blog

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?