Archives for July 2011

You will soon be seeing some enhancements to this website.

The Archers site was relaunched in its current format in December 2010. Since then we've been working with the digital agency Airlock (who produced this version of the site) and our colleagues in the BBC's Future Media division to make some more improvements.

As well as lots of small bug fixes and bits of minor housekeeping, the most noticeable differences will include the following:

Homepage: Rather than the current way of displaying the week's episodes, with a selection of tabs along the top, we'll be introducing a carousel (like the one that Desert Island Discs uses). This form of presentation is now the BBC standard way of offering this sort of material.

On the message board: We display a selected quote here, and it will now be easier to get to the quoted post on the message board, or the thread that the post is from.

Who's Who page: It will be easier to get to the Timeline from here.

Timeline: There are several improvements to how you move around the Timeline. We've also corrected the bug where, if a date of birth for a character isn't known, it defaulted to 1 January 1971.

There will also be a new 'accessible' version of the Timeline, which will be offered automatically to users who don't have Flash on their computer. This should be particularly useful to visually impaired people who are using a screen reader.

Storyline pages: We'll be able to illustrate these with one or more audio clips, presented in a carousel so you can easily see and select the one you want to hear. We'll also be able to include video if we have any relevant moving pictures.

Discuss page: We've improved the way we display selected 'tweets' from Twitter. URLs (web page addresses) and hashtags (like #TheArchers) will be links, so you'll be able to click on them to see the quoted page, or more posts with the same hashtag. We'll be displaying the author's Twitter profile picture as well.

Characters and locations in the current episode: Currently this features on the homepage and the Who's Who page, but we won't be offering this facility any more. This is the only aspect that can't actually be called an improvement, but producing these turned out to be quite labour-intensive work for what we perceived to be only a modest benefit to users.

It will still be very easy to find characters, actors and locations by using the search boxes on the Who's Who page and Ambridge Map page.

Mobile site: We hope to have fixed the bug in which some browsers returned the mobile version of the site, instead of the desktop version.

Now these publicly visible improvements are done, we'll be turning our attention to the back end, improving the ease with which we can update and maintain the site. Once that's delivered, I've got a few content improvements I'd like to make (for example in the family tree area).

I hope you approve of these changes. When they go live, do let us know what you think.

• About BBC Future Media
• Picture shows the new episode carousel

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Everyone's talking about e-coli at Bridge Farm. On Tuesday, many drew parallels with Murdoch's appearance at the select committee. On Sunday Emma was lambasted for being "a cow!" and there's been a huge amount of praise for the scene with Jack and Peggy at The Laurels on Tuesday.

Forget #hackgate, there's e coli on #thearchers!! (@ reesmf on Twitter)

Here's my pick of The Archers discussions on The Archers message board, Twitter and Facebook between 16-19 July.

What IS wrong with Emma? Is she jealous of Nic? And why didn't Nic stick up for herself at the Christening?

Meeeowww Emma! Neither Nic nor Mia really deserved that #thearchers (@archelina on Twitter)

I rather think Emma wanted "the whole family" and rich godparents to show off and she wanted to rub Will's nose in it. I don't think she can bear the fact he seems over her at last and is more successful than her in something that concerns George. (Ginslinger Redux)

Emma has always been self centred encouraged by Susan and Neil and as for accusing little Mia of wanting to be the centre of attention - pot and kettle spring to mind! (fabsupergran)

Nic was very restrained - I hope she can get her own back some time - revenge is a dish best served cold! (Ruralrambler)

Who's side are you on? Have your say on the message board threads: Nic should have stood up to Emma's rudeness and What IS wrong with Emma?

After Monday's episode and the shock at Bridge Farm, twitter and the message board lit up! Would guests at the Christening be affected? Were Tom's sausages to blame? Is baby Henry in danger? Will Helen flip out?

Stop press! Clarrie Grundy brings down Bridge Farm Dairy! #thearchers (@revenante on Twitter)

Right from the first deeply hysterical reaction from the Straw: "HENRY, my bay-bee ..."

to Pol Pat's utter affronted incredulity that any such thing could befall her sacred dairy.

It made my day. (MsMumbo-Jumbo)

Can't wait for the Echo reporter to spill the beans about the nasty disease the Family Smug are spreading round the village! Specially after their efforts to keep it quiet! (toffee)

If Clarrie loses her job there will be long-term ramifications for the Grundy family finances and things could get very frosty between the Grundys and the Archers. (Dragonfly)

If this turns out to be Clarrie's fault rather than one of the sainted Archers, I'll be bloody furious #classwar #thearchers (@Jo_dB on Twitter)

Poor Tony. Helen will be disinfecting everything in sight before insisting he pays for a freshly fumigated flat for her and Henry to move into. (Feral_Ralph)

Join the debate on the message board: Oh frabjous day!

It caused a row on Twitter between Eddie and Tom

@BBCTheArchers What makes you think Tom Archer's sausages are alright then? I recon Environmental Health should have 'em tested. (@eddie_grundy on Twitter)

@eddie_grundy @BBCTheArchers There's nothing wrong with my sausages! I challenge you to repeat that. #thearchers (@EatMySausage on Twitter aka Tom Archer)

Some anxiously awaited Tuesday's episode...

Almost time for #theArchers - dum di dum di dum di dum ... I wonder how Clarrie is today *eek!* (@pollypanad on Twitter)

Is this the end of Bridge Farm?

The irony of a Grundy being the cause of Pat n Tone n Hellin n Cheesus having to move to Meadow Rise is too delicious to contemplate! (clancy_wiggum)

Oh no Clarrie ! IT IS your fault. I see a dismissal coming. Oh dear :( #TheArchers

(@jjjen on Twitter)

With a biz this small / niche. they could be history within weeks. And even e-coli is NOT sourced from BF, the damage to their brand will be irreparable in the short term. With the mortgage, debts etc, their fortunes tied to organic brands - already a threatened market - there is serious financial white water just around the bend. (DracsM1)

Read more on the message board: Will Bridge Farm go bankrupt?

After Tues epi coming just after Murdoch's appearance at the Select Committee, some have seen quite a few parallels...

Clarrie has lied just like some other people who have been asked questions today. #thearchers (@NGT67 on Twitter)

Was Rupert Murdcoch splatted with a pie covered in Bridge Farm cream - lethal #thearchers (@Fivepoundshake on Twitter)

Clarrie resigns saying her conscience is clear, Susan blows the whistle on everybody, Pat chokes on Stirling Gold #yoghurtgate #Archers (@pureartifice on Twitter)

Many praised the scene at The Laurels on Tuesday

The whole way The Archers has treated Jack's story has been sensitive, dignified but realistic, hasn't pulled any punches. (Kate Jones on Facebook)

The birthday scenes were very moving. The acting was spot-on - but it was only possible because of such sensitive writing. (Fifi on the blog)

Excellent performance - especially from an 87 year old - and I hadn't quite realised that June Spencer is quite so old - 91! (BartelbysBestFriend)

Have your say on the message board thread: A great insight to Jack! or on the blog

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

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One of the lovely things about being part of The Archers team is that we work with talented actors of all ages. Some of them would have been long retired if they had been in other occupations, but it's great that they are still working, and able to deliver excellent performances.

As an actor gets older, they may find it difficult to get to our studios in Birmingham, and so sometimes we make arrangements to record at their home. We did this on several occasions with Bob Arnold, who played the part of gamekeeper Tom Forrest until his death at the age of 87.

Today (19 July 2011) marks Jack Woolley's 92nd birthday, and as it's been some time since we heard Jack speak we were keen to hear his voice again in the programme. Caroline Harrington wrote a couple of lovely scenes set at The Laurels and to make it as easy as possible for Arnold Peters - who has played Jack for over 30 years and who is now 87 - we recorded them at his home.

Naturally the scenes also featured Jack's wife Peggy, played by June Spencer - who recently celebrated her 91st birthday!

June, studio manager Michael Harrison and I made the trip in May. We had a very happy and relaxed morning, and it didn't take long for Arnold to fall back into the role of Jack, giving a very moving performance with June about his birthday celebrations.

Rosemary Watts is a producer on The Archers.

• Listen to the episode containing the recorded scenes (while available)
• Read the potted history of Jack's rise and fall
• Listen to June Spencer's Desert Island Discs
• Picture shows June Spencer (Peggy Woolley), Arnold Peters (Jack Woolley) and studio manager Michael Harrison

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On the occasion of Keira's christening, we thought you might like to see this lovely location shot.

That's all!

Keri Davies is an Archers (and Ambridge Extra) scriptwriter and web producer.

• Juliet twice already - read about Emerald O'Hanrahan (Emma)
• Knots and digeridoos - read about Barry Farrimond (Ed)
• Picture shows Emerald O'Hanrahan (Emma Grundy), baby (Keira) and Barry Farrimond (Ed Grundy)

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Have the young ones taken over The Archers? Is Pip empire-building already? Who's winding up whom in the Grundy clan? Is Kathy too lenient with Jamie? Who's Samantha? And if you can help with the Village Fete, do let the Planning Committee know...

Here's my pick of listener discussions on The Archers message board, Twitter and Facebook between 1-8 July.

The focus on Jamie and Natalie, and Pip and Spencer has some wondering whether Ambridge Extra has gate-crashed The Archers?

What a wonderful episode of #TheArchers.Young love, actual farming stuff and brilliantly written and performed #Archers (@CarrDarch on Twitter)

Erm..has @BBCRadio4 put Ambridge Extra on by mistake? Tedious teens all over... (@PlaceFarm on Twitter)

Can't help thinking Pip's going out with odd younger version of her father - still, best not go down that freudian road (@DavidfromBarnet on Twitter)

Well done for bringing the new, younger characters into mainstream TA. I hope Natalie stays around. I like her and she is clearly good for Jamie. It is lovely to hear Pip and Spencer (a) enjoying each other's company and (b) being happy to chat to David - and I am sure Ruth as well. Hope we don't have episodes of "young" and "old" characters separately though! (ermintrude)

Have your say on the message board: Was that an episode of Ambridge Extra broadcast by mistake?

Are Jamie's misdeeds behind him? Many listeners think he's got off extremely lightly

The kid needs a short sharp shock, a boot up the jacksie... He's been involved in borderline criminal activities and needs something other than bluddy kid glove treatment

(TuffTanya)

But all the shenanigans which preceded the car crash is UNKNOWN to Kathy, Kenton and most of the population of Ambridge... Obviously Jamie knows and feels guilty - hence his `you're a star Mum'. Maybe she should be suspicious .. (JPBS)

Kathy reminds me of parents I've seen in school who cover their children's misdemeanors wholeheartedly until a biggie arrives that can't be covered... and then they wring their hands and wonder where it all went wrong. (alanis)

Read more on the thread: To Make The Punishment Fit The Crime

Has Pip got ideas above her station? And with Jude replaced by Sensible Spencer, will she ever have fun again? Her chat with Eddie at the Borsetshire show was seen by most as patronising but some think she's growing up and should be praised for her initiative.

Do teenagers really go on to their boyfriends about how fabby-doo their parents are???? Made me feel quite ill (Fi of little faith)

I don't like to hear Pip speak to Eddie with that patronising tone, she's only 18 for goodness sake #thearchers (@victoriamaule on Twitter)

Oh come on Pip. Supermarkets will rip you off. Sell your milk locally! Vamp Harry to take it on the float. #thearchers (@sundayhandbag on Twitter)

I heard a little lady growing into adulthood with some views on the world around her and some positive ideas. I'm sure a number of us can relate to how we felt and spoke at eighteen and might even be reasonably proud of our daughter's awareness were we the parent. (Seveek)

Join the discussion on the Back to Pip's La La Land thread.

George's scarecrow has listeners debating who's winding up whom in the Grundy clan?

I thought Nic was highly disingenuous about the whole thing. " Georgie would have loved to make a scarecrow. [ pause ]. But [ pause ] Ed and Emma [ ever so slightly sarcastic voice ] 'are too busy'."... No need to poke Will's resentment of Ed and Emma with a sharp stick. (Tadpole)

Will's words, as far as I'm concerned, seemed to totally ignore Mia and Jake and the way he said them sounded like throwing down the gauntlet to Ed rather than indulging in a family activity (NewEssexWoman)

Can't help thinking that Clarrie was rather proactively setting it up. "Oh dear Emma/Ed will not make a scarecrow for George"........So over to you Nic, there is some bait, what are you going to make of that! (LarryLambLeeds)

Read all about it on the Scarecrow for George thread.

The newly appointed Village Fete Committee on the message board are doing sterling work organising everything from the bunting to the teas, which, according to Peggy's mantra, "will be available at all times"...

I'll organise the Splat the Rat contest. As long as Matt, Leon and Jude are there, of course.(Arkwright Hall)

Trolley dash in the village shop - how many American Tan tights and sandwiches can the contestants grab in a minute? (A Frend)

If anyone wants to help - particularly with the bunting - do let the Village Fete Committee know.

Is Emma's cousin Samantha a Horrobin or a Carter? The message board folk have had fun marrying up The Archers and I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue

Samantha? Emma's cousin? Isn't she still working on ISIHAC? Gosh, we might hear from her. La Thwaite had better watch out. (typewrite)

I am now so looking forward to the christening and hearing Alan explain why the godmother Samantha has had to nip out of the church. (careen)

Have a giggle on the Samantha? Emma's cousin? thread.

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

• Join the conversation on the message board
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Scott Arthur (Rhys) is mentioned in The Independent today, in a short item in the Diary.

Scott first became a speaking character in our spin-off series Ambridge Extra, and appeared on-air in The Archers last week. Since he moved over to the main show, he's been surprised to to discover how many avid Archers listeners there are.

Keri Davies is an Archers (and Ambridge Extra) scriptwriter and web producer.

• Read the piece about Scott in The Independent
• Rhys' entry in our Who's Who section
• Scott's entry in our Who's Who section
• Picture shows Scott Arthur (Rhys Williams)

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Natalie waxed very poetical in Sunday's episode (3 July), when pointing out a skylark to Jamie.

She quoted from To A Skylark by Percy Bysshe Shelley. Here's the poem in full:

Hail to thee, blithe Spirit!

Bird thou never wert,

That from Heaven, or near it,

Pourest thy full heart

In profuse strains of unpremeditated art.

Higher still and higher

From the earth thou springest

Like a cloud of fire;

The blue deep thou wingest,

And singing still dost soar, and soaring ever singest.

In the golden lightning

Of the sunken sun

O'er which clouds are bright'ning,

Thou dost float and run,

Like an unbodied joy whose race is just begun.

The pale purple even

Melts around thy flight;

Like a star of Heaven

In the broad daylight

Thou art unseen, but yet I hear thy shrill delight:

Keen as are the arrows

Of that silver sphere,

Whose intense lamp narrows

In the white dawn clear

Until we hardly see--we feel that it is there.

All the earth and air

With thy voice is loud.

As, when night is bare,

From one lonely cloud

The moon rains out her beams, and heaven is overflowed.

What thou art we know not;

What is most like thee?

From rainbow clouds there flow not

Drops so bright to see

As from thy presence showers a rain of melody.

Like a poet hidden

In the light of thought,

Singing hymns unbidden,

Till the world is wrought

To sympathy with hopes and fears it heeded not:

Like a high-born maiden

In a palace tower,

Soothing her love-laden

Soul in secret hour

With music sweet as love, which overflows her bower:

Like a glow-worm golden

In a dell of dew,

Scattering unbeholden

Its aerial hue

Among the flowers and grass, which screen it from the view:

Like a rose embowered

In its own green leaves,

By warm winds deflowered,

Till the scent it gives

Makes faint with too much sweet these heavy-winged thieves.

Sound of vernal showers

On the twinkling grass,

Rain-awakened flowers,

All that ever was

Joyous, and clear, and fresh, thy music doth surpass.

Teach us, sprite or bird,

What sweet thoughts are thine:

I have never heard

Praise of love or wine

That panted forth a flood of rapture so divine.

Chorus hymeneal

Or triumphal chaunt

Matched with thine, would be all

But an empty vaunt--

A thing wherein we feel there is some hidden want.

What objects are the fountains

Of thy happy strain?

What fields, or waves, or mountains?

What shapes of sky or plain?

What love of thine own kind? what ignorance of pain?

With thy clear keen joyance

Languor cannot be:

Shadow of annoyance

Never came near thee:

Thou lovest, but ne'er knew love's sad satiety.

Waking or asleep,

Thou of death must deem

Things more true and deep

Than we mortals dream,

Or how could thy notes flow in such a crystal stream?

We look before and after,

And pine for what is not:

Our sincerest laughter

With some pain is fraught;

Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.

Yet if we could scorn

Hate, and pride, and fear;

If we were things born

Not to shed a tear,

I know not how thy joy we ever should come near.

Better than all measures

Of delightful sound,

Better than all treasures

That in books are found,

Thy skill to poet were, thou scorner of the ground!

Teach me half the gladness

That thy brain must know,

Such harmonious madness

From my lips would flow

The world should listen then, as I am listening now!

Keri Davies is an Archers (and Ambridge Extra) scriptwriter and web producer

• More poems by Shelley
• Percy Bysshe Shelley on Wikipedia
• Learn about skylarks with the RSPB
• Picture shows High Edge and Dowel Dale in the Peak District

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