'It breaks my heart to see so few dairy herds left' - Listener discussions to 3 April 2013
Tayler Cresswell
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Post from @BillySchist on Twitter
It’s farming against business, heart versus head in discussions about Bridge Farm’s future. And Brenda comes under fire as Tom tries to make amends.
The mysterious Celia fuelled gossip on Tuesday. Who is she? And what does this mean for Lilian?
Jennifer finds her daughter wanting when it comes to her home-making abilities, but listeners think Alice is the one who has her priorities right.
Here’s my pick of online listener discussions between 28 March and 3 April 2013.
In the Bridge Farm debate, listeners have some salient advice for Pat, Tony, Tom and Helen. Some think that Bridge Farm without the cows would be throwing away all their farming principles
Noooo! PLEASE don't get rid of the Bridge Farm dairy herd! As someone who worked in the dairy industry in one way or another for many years, it breaks my heart to see so few dairy herds left. I understand that Ambridge is incredibly lucky still to have three and that it does reflect real life, but it's almost physical pain every time another goes. I understand Pat's feelings so well. (MBSLynne on The Archers blog)
Poor Pat, no one considers her. She started the whole farm with those cows and making yoghurt... Lots of dairies have closed, her family should be more caring towards her ideals. (Lynda Everington on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Tom should win. His parents must move on, otherwise will destroy what they built. It’s not profit v ethics, can do both. (@Helen212 on Twitter)
There are real issues underlying a possible sale of the herd. One of the most fundamental is the fact that Tony and Pat are FARMERS, organic farmers at that, and Tom is a BUSINESSMAN and to him everything boils down to a product's presentation and profitability. The issues also involve relative costs of producing their own milk and buying in and the concept of the Organic Farm as a closed system in which the manure produced by the herd plays an important part in the production of the veggies and other crops. The dairy herd is presumably an integral part of this cycle and not an optional add-on. (Dands on The Archers blog)
No selling out. Pat and Tony all the way. Quit whining and get back to milking, Tom. Novelty aside, who would actually buy one of his ready meals anyway? So far, the only ingredients are minced Excel spreadsheet served in a greasy sauce of Dragon's Den clichés. Don't know about you, but that isn't my idea of tasty. (Julian Paszkiewicz on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
I'm all conflicted. Damn you scriptwriters for making me agree with Tom and Helen. *shakes fist at sky* #thearchers (@TreacleToo on Twitter)
When it comes to Tom’s home life, his efforts to make amends with Brenda were appreciated by listeners – so has the tide turned against Brenda?
@BBCTheArchers oh Bren .!!... Poor Tom he's trying so hard ... (@magdamw on Twitter)
Brenda becoming moaning martyr. Be funny if Tom gave HER the heave-ho before making his millions. (@SueHomeyard on Twitter)
Brenda does nothing but moan! I'm sure that Tom can do better than stay with her. She's developed into a real whiner. Tom's not perfect and can be over-wrapped up in his career, but at least he loves what he's doing and is ambitious, and he's making an effort with Brenda. Nothing can please her, though. I've yet to see Brenda contribute anything to their relationship. (lizzieho on The Archers blog)
Actually starting to feel sorry for Tom now - be a woman Brenda and dump him properly. #thearchers (@fondantfrancy on Twitter)
Paul’s phone call from the mysterious Celia on Tuesday had many wondering whether he had a girl in every port! It wasn’t long before listeners were discussing the fallout. Where does this leave Lilian?
Oooh, is that Celia on the phone? #TheArchers (@HemmingwayDM on Twitter)
Please God tell me Paul is having an affair with someone else. #TheArchers (@ginandcrumpets on Twitter)
I don't know anything about her, but I want to be the first with the #TeamCelia hashtag. #TheArchers (@Airscaper on Twitter)
I love it, Paul was horribly too good to be true and Lilian whom I used to like, deserves all she is about to get (Lesley Bennett on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Oh Celia... Paul is not good at 'leaving alone'. Can't wait to see how this storyline develops #thearchers (@TolliganMarms on Twitter)
I did wonder why Paul wasn't pressing Lilian more to leave Matt. I mean you would if you loved someone ... But then now we know why!! (Christine Wilson on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Jennifer’s chat with Alice about her wifely duties had some aghast.
Alice, this kitchen! #TheArchers (@MUSEmunkey on Twitter)
Jennifer preaching to Alice about priorities? And hers are… #RunningAroundAfterBrianAndHerKids Hmmm. #TheArchers (@AndromP on Twitter)
Just because feminism passed over YOUR head, Jenny....#TheArchers (@lomelindi12 on Twitter)
But will Jennifer’s warning about going to Canada do any good?
Nothing like your mother telling you you CAN'T do something, to make it feel pretty much compulsory... I expect her to go, but not necessarily to take Chris with her. (Jonathan Phillips on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Alice is her sister's sister and her father’s daughter she will do what she wants. No change there then (@johnlangdon26 on Twitter)
That's a hard one. Jennifer gave up her career to focus on Brian and we all know what she's having to put up with. Alice has got a good friend in Chris and whilst I think her opportunity in Canada is an amazing one, I don't see why Chris should have to throw away everything he's worked for. Have they explored his employability in Canada? Either way, one person's going to get hurt, but I guess these are the risks one takes when becoming a couple. (Victoria Oruwari on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Please just talk about it. To each other. Just for once #thearchers (@ElaineLee24 on Twitter)
And finally, some were amused at the fact that Shula didn’t approve of Iftikar seeing Elizabeth
Saint Shula has SPOKEN! Iftikar is NOT Lizzie's type; #thearchers(@appletree_su on Twitter)
Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers Facebook page and @BBCTheArchers on Twitter.
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