So Peggy thinks her controversial plans for her will may have led to Tony’s appalling accident. She may have a point...
On 19 January 2014, Peggy Woolley gathered the family for a meeting at her home, The Lodge. Her purpose was twofold. She told them that her deceased and wealthy husband Jack had left the bulk of his estate to his daughter Hazel. Peggy received The Lodge and enough to live on.
That was a shock, as Hazel had been a far from model daughter. And most around the table had probably expected eventually to inherit a share of Jack’s wealth via Peggy.
But a bigger shock was to come, as Peggy announced the contents of her own will. She said she had no reason to worry about Jennifer and Lilian, or their children. But although Tony had worked hard, she felt he hadn’t been able to provide the same level of security for his family.
So her plans were to leave The Lodge to Tony’s daughter Helen, and the rest of her estate to his son Tom.
Reactions
As Peggy offered round the fondant fancies, everyone managed to keep their counsel. But over the next few days, their reactions became clear. Helen, and Jennifer’s husband Brian could see the logic in what she was doing. Jennifer and Lilian were disappointed, Jennifer on behalf of her children and Lilian because her business Amside was not the cash cow Peggy seemed to think it was.
Tom, the main beneficiary, was cock-a-hoop at this expression of faith in him. But for Tony, being leapfrogged in this way was a cruel blow, and his wife Pat was incandescent in her protectiveness and resentment on his behalf.
Pat intercedes
A week later, Pat tried to intercede for Tony, who had fallen into a depression and couldn’t bring himself to speak to his mother. But Peggy was implacable. Pat and Tony had brought the farm so far. But it was Tom and Helen’s vision which was important now.
The dam finally burst on 13 February, when Tony was forced by circumstances to give his mother a lift. When Peggy confronted him on his sullenness, he raged at her for her lack of faith in him. Crucially she didn’t deny it. She had just done what she felt right for the family and the business.
Spurred to prove to himself and the world that he wasn’t yesterday’s man – and to counter Tom’s increasing high-handedness around the farm – Tony unilaterally decided to set up a beef enterprise at Bridge Farm. He bought a herd of Angus heifers and a magnificent bull, Otto. But before the year was up, Tony was in intensive care, trampled near to death by that same pride and joy.
Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.
Learn more about Peggy, Hazel, Jennifer, Lilian, Tony, Helen, Tom, Brian and Pat – and the actors who play them – in our Who’s Who
Hear Peggy’s announcement – including the classic ‘fondant fancy’ line (audio clip)
