Emma Freud (0:00)

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk. Hello, I'm Emma Freud, host of the Archers Podcast, which celebrates everything about the Archers, from interviews with the cast and creators, digging into the issues behind the stories and delving into the riches of the archive. Do stay on after this week's Archers Omnibus to hear our latest episode exploring this week in Ambridge. And if you enjoy it, we'd love you to subscribe to the Archers podcast, only available on BBC Sounds. BBC Sounds Music Radio podcasts. You're listening to the archers omnibus from BBC Radio 4. I can't hardly believe it. No, it's horrible to think anyone could do that. Tracy. Poor little thing. Yeah, I know. Poor tortoise. Never did no harm to a soul. Well, she's out of danger, though, thanks to Alistair. Even so. Kenton. Yes, yes, I know. Cat. A little innocent cat. Have you reported it? Well, the police say there's a limit to what they can do. Not without more evidence. And you ain't got anything? No. All they can do is take our statements. So you've got no idea who did it? No. Well, we can sort of guess, Jolene and me, but it's not going to get us anywhere. What's his name? Marky. Marky or one of his crew. That's what we thought, yeah. No, he would do something like that to pay you back for talking to the police. I was going to ask you, Tracy. What? Well, about Joy. Should I tell her, do you think? Why wouldn't you? Well, because, I mean. Well, it'll worry her. The thought that Markie might be hanging around and it could be. There's no need. Like I said, there's no evidence, nothing concrete. We might be worrying her for nothing. No, tell her. Yeah, but you think it's him behind this, don't you? Well, so tell her what you know. It's only fair on Joy. The full picture. How would you feel if something did kick off and you hadn't warned her? Oh, there's a couple ahead of us, Martin. We'll have to wait a while. I know those two. They'll be zigzagging all over the fairway. It could be ages before we start. Then we'll just have to be patient. Look at them, though, Justin. Swishing about like a couple of clowns. Well, it gives us the chance for a bit of a chat. Oh, yes. Fresh air and conversation. Oh, yes, of course. Chat about these ludicrous BL plans of yours. As good a subject as any. Why not? I'm not daft. That's the Whole point of this, isn't it? A round of golf so you can bend my ear. Exactly. Oh, so you don't deny it? Oh, why would I? A chance to talk things through. It makes perfect, perfect sense. And I'll tell you something else. By the time we finished, I will have won you over. What? Completely. Well, good luck with that. We'll see. We certainly will. They're reckless and impractical, your plans, and massively expensive. And that's never going to appeal to me. All clear now, Marty. The Chuckle Brothers have moved on. Have they? Need to go first. I think we said we did. There we go. Whoa. Nice drive. Not bad. Straight down the middle. Your turn. I. I meant to ask, how are you after your dismount accident? I'm fine. Not affected your swing at all, then? Yeah, I wouldn't call it an accident. I had a slight fall, that's all. Oh. Glad to hear it. In a way, I'm relieved. Relieved? I was thinking it was me that was responsible. You shouldn't be thinking that, Joy. Yes, but you know, Slippin Paw taught us the odd tidbit now and again. Thought I'd maybe overdone it. No, well, it weren't. You slipped us something dangerous. Anyway, this is worse. There's not a lot to be relieved about. The thing is, if it is Marky, if he is to blame for this, he. He might come back. Come back for more. He might. Yeah, I suppose so. And he's a nasty piece of work. He's dangerous. He is. So what I'm saying is, if you don't like the sound of that, if the thought of it scares you. Well, you don't have to be here. You mean. I mean, take some time off. For the foreseeable. You need us, though. We'd manage. I mean, I have no intention of keeping you here if things turn nasty. What about Lillian? Well. And Fallon? What about Fallon? That's a bit different. Is it? Oh. Are they taking time out? No. No, they're not. Nor am I. No, Joy. Listen, I'm not going anywhere either. I don't want you on my conscience. I'm not letting them scumbags tell me what to do. And we wouldn't be on your conscience, Kenton. You gave us the chance and we said no, thank you. We're stopping here. At least think about it. I don't need to think about it. Nor do I. You stood up to them. You went to the police. That took a lot of courage. I did that. No, no, don't say that. You're our Example, Kenton. Keep calm and carry on pulling paint. That's us. Well played. Well, that's for a four. Over to you. Thanks. And this for a five. You and Annabelle. What? Oh, bless it. Oh, sorry. No, no, that's fine. No, no, no, no, I'll give you that. I shouldn't have said anything. No, I'll tap in from here and I'll keep my mouth shut. 6. Oh, indelicate of me, anyway, mentioning Annabelle. What about her? Oh, no, no, no, no. Nothing really. Just in. I shouldn't. Well, it's just that I've heard. Well, the word goes round, you know. Heard what? Oh, you know. You and her. Business meetings at fairly frequent intervals. So? Well, some people are wondering whether things might have moved on from business. Whether you are, in fact, you know, seeing each other. Let me stop you right there. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, between me and Annabel Schrivener. But, Martin, all these meetings. Meetings are inevitable. In the usual run of things, they're inevitable. That's what we're doing now, isn't it? But I can assure you there is nothing in the slightest unmeeting. Like between Annabelle and me. Oh, good. Absolutely nothing at all. No, no, I'm very pleased to hear it. She is a difficult woman. She certainly is. I didn't like to say so before. Well, you could have done. She's obstructive. Few warning signals might have been helpful. Deliberately contrary. I'm steering well clear. In future, I can tell you. Good. A good decision. Unless. What? You're not going to tell me you've persuaded her to back your barmy rewilding scheme, are you? Good Lord, no. I don't know. You talk about her being devious. Contrary. I said contrary. And anyway, I wouldn't need her. I have enough muscle on the board to get what I want without Annabelle. Then what's the point of all this? Golf course meetings and plotting? Hardly plotting, Martin. I simply want to set out my stall, talk through with the ideas. Much better to have the board behind you rather than against you. I'm not denying that. I'll be doing my utmost to stave off resignations from the board. Better to keep them on side. Including you, our highly respected chairman. Yeah, but if your highly respected chairman can't see any sense in your plans, well, shall we move on? No, no, wait. What BL have now brings in an income. What you're proposing 500 acres given over to Rewilding wouldn't. 500 acres of weeds and no profit. Not at all. Barely any profit. Justin. What do you get? When you take profit out of a business equation, you get what looks to me like an ego trip. A ridiculous plan to lay down a legacy to buy yourself a good name among the tree huggers. I'm sorry if that sounds stark. There is no business unless there's profit. Everything grinds to a halt otherwise. You're right. That's why I've introduced more profitability into the equation. And food production. Because if someone's talking sense, I'll listen. I know Brian slightly lost it when he saw my plans. Slightly? But he had a point. Farming is about the production of food first and foremost. And that's why I believe we should have that as part of the plan. How? Vertical farming. A vertical farm growing lettuce and herbs all the year round under lights. Very narrow margins there, though. No, no, no. But it is food production, Martin, and guaranteed. It's what we should be doing. As is eco tourism. There's a market there to be tapped, so we build eco lodges for the purpose and eco offices, converting old and disused buildings on the land. And all these things are, in the long run, profitable. So not just weeds and creepy crawlies? Far from it. All I'm saying is there are ways of going about this using the land that are worth talking about and are not inimical to profit. I can see that, yes. I'm not unreasonable. Of course not. This is the man who helped persuade Borsetshire Water to invest in storm tanks. More than that, actually. Oh. They've just released money from their community fund for the beaver enclosure. Really? News just out. Oh, tremendous. And you were instrumental? Well, I. Well, obviously there's common ground between us. We can talk? Of course we can talk. Ah, well, lunch in the clubhouse, then. On me. I wouldn't say no. The profitable side of rewilding. Like perhaps food storage. Food storage? I don't know. I was just thinking, might food storage be an eco sort of thing? Might it fit in with this plan? Tracy. Tracy. Come in. One pork and one beef, table five. That's Robert and Linda. Right. Oh, I'll take them. All right. And Pip and Stella are nearly ready to order. I'll get them for you. Kenton, I had a think about what you were talking about. Well, I did say you could do that. Joy, no. Anytime you feel uneasy about things. No, not that. I was thinking about New Year's Eve. That bloke you had on the door. What, Brett? I never knew his name, but he was a kind of bouncer. He was a bouncer. Brett Cragg. Looked really hard. I thought, you know, you might get him back for a spell to help out. Pip and Stella are still dithering. Trace. You remember Brett Craig, Bouncer Brett. Of course I do. These plates should have gone. I'll take them. Just now, Joy was thinking we might get him for a bit of extra security. Oh, that'd be nice. I like old brat. He's a sweetie. A sweetie. That can't be the one I saw. No, that was Brett all right. Looks like a brick outhouse. Face carved out of granite. That sounds like him. Soft as fluff, Brett is. And so well mannered. Really polite, you know, a. That's sweet. Might not be right for this job, Mains. Oh, we would. One look from Brett and you behave. I'll give him a call when I got a moment. Oh, there's the awards, though. Kenton. Don't know what the judges will think if they meet Brett on the door. Oh, that's a point. Plates. Plates. I'm taking them now. Maybe I'll have a word with Mick. He might have some thoughts on security measures. No, you're quite right, Martin. This has genuine potential. Well, I've been talking to people lately and there's a real lack of food storage space in Borsetshire, and it suddenly occurred to me while you were talking about using the land differently. They're big, these places have to be. Yes. Big as football pitches. And we'd be talking chilled storage. Both chilled and ambient. But with 500 acres, you'd have the room. And this is based on conversations you've had with interested parties? Yes, because we'd really need to go deeper than that. Oh, yes, obviously, if we're going to present something that'll convince the board. Research. Yes. Yeah. And capital, of course. We'd have to get hold of startup capital. I don't think that's going to present any difficulties. No, no, not for something like this. But I would like to be sure of the board's backing. Yes, so. So the voice of the chair would make that more likely. Well, I'm prepared to give it some consideration, yes. Give it some consideration. Oh, come on, Martin. We're talking about three or four safe pathways to profit here, especially compared to the uncertainty of arable farming at the moment. Maybe so. And? Well, surely could be a personal investment opportunity, I suppose. Or anyone shrewd enough to get in early on some of these things. All right. All right. So you'll have my backing. Oh, thank you. And I don't think we need mention this to anyone else just yet. A Wiser, not too idle thought. Especially not to Animal Shrivener. Rest assured, she'll get nothing from me. We keep this under our hats. Agreed? I can't stop thinking about it, Neil. What Amber said to you. I mean, who does she think she is? I know, love. It's been running through my head all weekend. Well, she's only saying what George has said to her about us. Oh, and that makes it all right, does it? No, that's not what I mean. Because she should at least listen to what you had to say. Maybe she did. Anyway, it's terrible. Terrible that George still hates us like that. There's not much we can do about that, Susan. Well, there is. We can speak up about it, because that's what's been going through my head too. No one's telling her to shut up with all this stuff she's spouting. We're not saying anything. You're not. Anyway, we don't get a peep out of you. Oh, that's not fair. Isn't it? You didn't think to tell me anything at all about it, did you? Not a word. Of course. What good would it have done? I would have known about it. I would have known, Neil. I wouldn't have had to depend on Clary telling me. I didn't want you hurt by any of this. We're supposed to share things. Yes, I know, but. What? But what? You decide whether or not I'm up to talking about stuff. How do you think that makes me feel? I'm sorry. I was trying to think of you. Well, actually, I do want to talk about it. I need to talk about it. And if you won't talk to me, I'm going to go and see Emma. No. She'll understand, even if you don't. I think you'd better not do that. Why not? Cause I haven't told Emma either. One coffee. Oh, Azra. And a choice of biscuits. Oh, so kind. And if you could just keep the biscuits out of my reach, I'd be grateful. This is most generous. I only popped around for a quick bit of fate business. It really shouldn't take long. Ah, fate business. In that case, you're right, Linda. It shouldn't take much time at all. Let's. Incidentally, I saw Justin Elliot on my way over here. Puffed up like a peacock. And he was whistling. That's not a thing you see very often. No. Whistling to himself. So, you were saying about the fate? Oh, the fate, yes. Round it comes again, and with it the responsibility. The considerable responsibility of Sorting everything out. You don't have to do it, Linda. Well, that's just it. I feel that I do. You could just step away. No. Hand it over to someone else? Not really, no. You see. You see, it's an unwieldy beast, and someone has to keep hold of the reins. Someone with skill and experience. And those things can't be passed on. So you're stuck with it. Well, I wouldn't say that exactly. That sounds as if I can't wait to be free of it. And that's not the case. I care very deeply about the running of the fate. It matters to me. Then you are stuck with it. But I'm also stuck with being chair of the cricket club. And that, too, demands a lot of input from me. And we've had some losses, which I don't like. I don't like it at all. We lost again yesterday. Oh, yes, I know. I was there, though not quite as disastrously. And Khalil did well, which I should have mentioned. So the cricket takes up your fate. Time. I'm torn, you see. Well, it's nothing to do with me, but I'd say you need a second in command. I do. You're absolutely right. I do. Someone capable to help bear the. A lieutenant. Exactly. A willing dog's body. And you have come to see me. Well, you're efficient. You get things done. No. You're bright and you connect with Linda. No. Very good at that, in fact. And you ran the bookstore perfectly last year, and that was such fun, wasn't it? That's what I thought you were going to say. What? Would I run the bookstall again? No. All them. No. Well, with some forethought and careful planning, you could probably do both. No, Linda, I couldn't. No, I'm not doing it. But surely. No, not the bookstall. Not the whole massive fate job. Well, if you want a little time to think it through. I have thought it through. I had a kind of epiphany, bearing in mind there's no one better suited. When you said you were looking for a lieutenant or more, and I suddenly realized what you were going to ask me to do, and I thought, I am not doing this, Ezra. Please. I'm sorry, Linda, but I'm adamant. Nothing you say or do will make me change my mind. All I want to do is forget what Amber said to me. There are some things you can't forget. Well, you can try, though. And some things you maybe shouldn't forget. I'm not just turning my back on It. Susan. When I think about what that girl said to me. Well, I. She says something and then I hit back. And on it goes on and on. More aggravation and all stirred up and getting worse each time. There's no telling where that might end. But it won't end in peace, will it? So if I can just put it out of my head. Can you, though? No. No, I can't entirely. Not if I'm honest. But I can make up my mind not to lash out. Not to let the anger get the better of me. That's why I don't want Emma to know about it. But doesn't she have a right to know what's happened to her dad? Yeah, but then she'd want to do something about it. I know Emma. She'd feel she had to talk to George or something. Well, maybe someone should do that. Neil. Talk to George. But then what, eh? He sounds off at Emma. And so it goes on and on. You can see what I'm saying, can't you? I suppose so. Then please, Susan, I'm asking you not to say anything to Emma. Just let things blow over, eh? And try to forget. Neil. Neil. Oh, I'm just deadheading the roses. Nothing I could do with it. Yeah. And it takes your mind off. Well, I'm just off to see Emma. I thought I'd better let you know. I see. And you'll tell her, will you? I think I have to. Even though I've asked you not to? I know. I know. And if she takes it up with George, I'll tell her what you said about not wanting the anger to spade. You think that'll stop it, do you? I think Emma has a right to know and to hear it from us rather than from someone else. It's better that she doesn't get some garbled version. That way she can be prepared. She can think about it before she says anything to George, if she says anything. Because she might not. It'll be up to her, not up to me. I'm sorry, Neil. I'm the one Amber went for. You have to trust Emma to do what's best. But if she does talk to George, it's out of her hands then, isn't it? And you really think he's not gonna hit back? I think he might, yes. He's known this Amber five minutes, but he takes more notice of her than he does of his own granddad, who he's known all his life, and who he ought to show some respect. You know, sometimes I catch myself thinking Like George does. That we're the ones who need forgiving. Tell you what troubles me. What? I wake up in the night thinking. About what? The day he's released. Day he walks out of that prison. Because I can see all this getting worse. The arguments, the accusations, all the hurt. I dread George being free. Is that selfish of me, Neil? Is it unkind of me? Just as I was coming. Oh, sorry. After you. No, you first. Well, I was just going to say. You'll never guess who came to see me today. No, tell me. Linda. I would have guessed that. Yes. Oh, of course. Our friend Linda. I would have guessed that in two. What did she want? Ah, well, that is the. Oh, do you want me to guess that too? What did I want? To help her run the Fate. The village fate? Yes. That's what I thought. Well, we have quite a battle over it. A battle? Why a battle? Because she wouldn't take no for an answer. You mean you turned her down? Yeah, of course I did. But she's a very persistent woman, is Linda. You have to stand your ground. But I said no. And I wasn't intimidated. In fact, I was quite proud of myself. Borrow Linda. You make her sound like some sort of terrible monster. No, Acrom. I love the woman. You know I do. But she can steamroller you if she wants something from you. All she wants is a bit of support for the fit. All she wants is an unpaid servant to do all the lifting and carrying. No, no, no. And I expect she'll find one. Some poor creature who hasn't got the courage to start. Stand up, Akram. What's the matter? Nothing, Akram. Nothing's the matter. I think you're being unfair on Linda. Am I? I met her coming in from work. That's what I was going to say. Ah. And she nabbed you. She didn't nab me. She did. You've been nabbed. She was feeling low because she was carrying the burden of the Fate all on her own. Can you. What did you volunteer for? She needed support. What? Anything she wanted. You didn't. I am what she calls her trusty leftenant. Her unpaid servant. This is a way of thanking her for all she's done for us. And giving something to the community. Honestly, Akram, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. You could say, well done, Akram. Well done, Akram, for responding to someone's need. You're giving away every spare moment of your time between now and the Day of the Fates. It won't be like that, will it? I'M telling you now, you're on your own in this. Don't come begging to me for help when she puts the pressure on. She won't do that. I'll help where I can. I'm happy to help. And where I can't help, well, I'll just have to say so. Well, you can try. She'll understand. Won't you? What do you think? We can work together. I'm sure we can. Every waking hour. I promise you a great list of jobs. Now you're worrying me. Oh, don't worry. You're the trusty lieutenant. Azra. What have I done? You'll be able to sort it all out. What have I done? You don't look like a vicar. You look like you could have been in here yourself. Maybe I could. Maybe any of us could. And I'm not a vicar. I'm a chaplain. Did they say why I wanted to see you? No. That's down to you. And I won't tell them what's said in here either. That stays between the two of us. They'd have to know in the end. Oh, they put two and two together and make what? I want to get married. Oh. Congratulations. Thanks very much. I bet you weren't expecting that. Yeah. I'm prepared for all sorts in here. You weren't, though, were you? No. You would if you saw Amber, though. You'd believe it. All right, then. So where's this gonna take place? Not home. I'm not waiting that long. I'm not sure I want it to be there, anyway. Don't have many friends in Umbridge. Where, then? Here. Here? You got a chapel here, haven't you? Yeah. But you won't have time. I will. I want this to happen soon. But you're due for release later this year. Why not wait till then? Because I don't want to wait. Because I said soon and that's not soon. Sorry, George. It can't be done. Not in that time. Why not? You can't stop me getting married. Listen, I don't want to. You do. It's what you're doing. Didn't Joy help last year? She did that. I. I hear Linda's found somebody else. But how? She. Who? Who? Akra Malik. Well, good luck to him. That's all I'm saying. There you go, Jazza. Rotor changed as requested. Wednesday afternoon. Off. It'll be for Trace's birthday, I assume. Birthday? Aye. The big five zero. Oh. Are you doing anything nice? Just a jar or three during the hood for a few minutes. Oh, that's nice. You and Susan might join us. Well, actually, I was going to suggest that we had Bert for the evening. Bert? You mean have him run? Yeah. Well, you won't want him hanging around the house, will you? Susan and I could ask him to ours. That's a thought. You sure you wouldn't remain? No, no. It'll be our contribution. Good man, Neil. By the way, best no mention the party are in here just now. No. Why not, Mum? Gibson. He is a particularly expectant invite, Martin. Would he? I reckon. Right damper. That'd be a dark cloud at any party. Party? Someone having a party? Yes. Yes. Jazza was just saying. Weren't you, Jazza? Aye. Yours then, is it? No, mine. Not Tracy's. Oh, yes, Tracy, of course. Yeah. Just a few mates, Jazza said. Isn't that right? A few minutes. Aye. Well, since I've been to a party. Is that right? Not since you know where, Pam. So, anyway, I'm sure if you happen to be free me next Wednesday, I'm sure that'd be. Of course. Of course it would. I. Wednesday? Well, I'd have to check the diary, but I'm pretty sure it's clear, so. Yes, thank you. I'd love to come. Good. Lovely. Look, I don't know why you're not getting this. I've made up my mind. And when I make up my mind, that's it. It's the way I am. Then you must face a lot of disappointment. You think life must keep getting in your way. You know I'll get things done. Not always. Not now. You don't. You see, I don't believe that. I think you could pull strings, get things moving for me if you really wanted to. But you don't, do you? I would if I could, George, but I really can't. Not with this. And even if I could, I'd still want to know. What? Why the hurry? What's the matter? Don't you listen? Why does it have to be now? I told you why. Yes. Because when you want something, you want it and you want it now. That's just the way you are. Is that it? Well, you've got a problem with that, do you? Well, for a start, I don't believe it. Right. I've had enough of this. You want to get married now because you don't like to wait. That's not a real reason. Then what is? I don't know. You'd have to tell me. And you can do that. You can tell me or go back to your cell and stew. Over it. First wedding I did, this young guy said the same as you. Let's get it all signed and sealed and done with. Asked him the same. Why the rush? You know what he said? What? If I leave it too long, she might change her mind. I thought it was a joke at first. Wasn't, though, was it? Far from it. He was genuinely scared. Thing is, I don't want to lose her. You think you might? Yeah. Why? I don't know. Because if she suddenly saw me properly. What? What I am. What I really am. And what's that? Not good enough for her. Is that what you really are? Not good enough? Not good enough for Amber. No. And then someone else could come along and they would be good enough. They'd be more worthy. Yeah. And she'd see that there's already people telling her this. What people? Her mum and dad. They were gutted when she told them about me, the criminal. They knew she could do so much better for herself. Have you met them? No. So I wake up in the night, though, in the dark, and I think they've got a point. And you think Amber might come to agree with them? Yes. And leave me. And that would what? That would destroy me. And is it how you see yourself? See myself? If I look inside? Yeah. It is not good enough. Nowhere near good enough. It was up to me to dish the invites. You should have kept to you. What's Tracy going to say when she hears you've asked your Boss to your 50th? It won't come to that. What's he mean, it won't come to that? It's already came to that. Martin Gibson will be getting his party gear ready as we speak. No, no, no, no. I told you, I only asked out of politeness. And Martin only said yes out of politeness. He said yes, though. That's the point. Yes, but he also said he'd have to check his diary. That's the way this works. Martin Gibson will be a fish out of water at Trace's party. And he knows he will be, like I said, a damper and a dark cloud of the whole thing. But then he'll look up his diary and. Oh, dear, what's this? You see? He's double booked. Can't come after all. Terribly sorry. How do you know that? You say he's double booked. Jazzer. That way everyone's been polite and proper and everyone gets what they want. Most of the village hate me. And I know why. Or even some of my own family hate me. Can't blame them either. Nor is it that you think that they hate you. No, they genuinely hate me. My nana and granddad, for a start. My dad and my stepdad. They're brothers. And every time they look at me, they see the row they had over my mum. You can see it in their eyes. I remind them of all that trouble. Sometimes it's like that's all I am to them. A bad choice. Like I don't really belong in the family. Yeah, it's not uncommon, that feeling. You're an outsider. Can take years to get over that. Maybe I never will. Everyone belongs somewhere, George. Yeah, and I'm in here. But you don't belong here. No, that's what I deserve. I did what I did and it was wrong. A terrible choice, because that's me. Basically bad. Amber deserves better than that. Ah. Look, Jaz, I don't know how to tell you this, so I'm just gonna come straight out with it. Why? What's up? I honestly thought my diary was clear for next Wednesday, but it isn't. Oh, no. Yeah, that's a shame. Yeah. My brother's coming to see me to talk about some property we share and I forgot, so I can't make the party. Well, what can I say? Hello. Got it. Well, yes. Am I. I was so looking forward to it. Oh, well. These things happen. I'm so, so sorry. Well, raise a glass to you and if things change. Yes, of course. If you find you can make it after all well, yes, you'll always find a welcome. Welcome. Thank you. Come if you can. I will. I certainly will. Bye, Jazza. Bye, Neil. Yeah, yeah. Bye, Martin. Bye. There you are. What did I tell you? Two things I want you to think about, George. First, seems to me, from what you've said, that Amber does love you. She says she does. She says so. Yeah, but can I. No. There is no but. She chose you. She stood up to her parents when they disapproved. And that can't have been easy. It wasn't. No. So when she looks at you, she sees a different George. Different from the one you see yourself. Maybe she's not wrong. Yes, maybe. And second, I believe no. No one is beyond redemption. We all make bad choices. Sometimes devastatingly bad. But that doesn't have to be the end of the story. I've done it myself. Make bad choices. I'm not basically bad, George. Nor are you. So don't look at yourself like you are. You're the same as the rest of us. Potential good. I don't know. Well, take it from me, and maybe you can't get married just yet, but you could do something that shows the world you love Amber and that you'll make promises you mean to keep. What, though? What can I do that you'll have to work out for yourself? George. Give it some thought. I will. I'll think of something. Travis fell in love with the perfect woman. She listened. She cared. There was just one catch. She wasn't human. She was an AI companion. But when her behavior takes a disturbing turn, Travers finds himself at the center of a much darker story. This is Flesh and Code, a true story of love, loss, and the temptations of technology. Listen to Flesh and Code wherever you get your podcasts. You could have worked it out for yourself. Akram. Say yes to Linda. I was trying to help. Jobs will pile up. So here we are. First task and you're asking me to help. Only slightly. You volunteered. You do the work. Please. It's a meeting, that's all. You just have to sit there and take notes. It's simple. Then you do it. I can't. A plumbing job's just come in. Then I'll do the plumbing, you take the notes. Be serious. You have to choose, Akram. Either you give up the meeting. I can't do that. Or you say no to the plumbing job. I can't do that either. It's an emergency. Oh, yes, it is. Little old couple in Pennyhassett sitting in their armchairs, waiting for the water to leap over their slippers. And all you'd have to do is scribble a few headline notes for me to type up later. Happy all round? No. Emma was telling me. She said George was seeing the prison chaplain. When? Yesterday. Merry the point. Why? Maybe he wants to confess. It's the first time for everything. He's no one for all that churchy stuff, though, is he? He was as a kid. Ed reckons he also wanted to be a burglar. Wonder what he'll be like when he gets out. Hey, we'll have to tidy the place up a bit before my birthday bash. A bit? Did I tell you? Near last, Martin Gibson. What? To the party. Said he was just being polite. He can't do that. Don't worry. He said he couldn't make it. So he's not coming, of course. No, because that would be a disaster. It was a narrow squeak. And What? How? Well, he said I. And then what? He said he couldn't make it. Which is what Neil said. He said, to be fair. But he's not coming. No, not really. No. No chance no. Well, what? I said he could come if things changed. You did what? You know, if he suddenly found himself free. Oh, Jazzard, you plonker. Just to be polite, like Neil say, but he won't come. Oh, now, I don't know where I am, believe me. I'm gonna have to do a proper tidy. No, you'll know. In fact, it's pokey and all. We're gonna have to use the garden. Seriously, the gardens are tips of jungle in that trees. Then you'll have to clear up, won't you? Do a bit of weeding. And while you're at it, you could think about the entertainment. Entertainment? What entertainment? We're gonna have to do something, Jazzo. We don't want it to be a damp squib. Especially if Martin Gibson's going to be joining us. Azra. Now, a quick word before the meeting gets underway. Hello, Linda. Lovely to see you joining in. Oh, I'm just standing in for Akram. I'm not really here, except as a scribe. Oh, I'm sure you'll chip in where you see a need. Well, now, it's a willing little committee, but to be honest, they have the imagination of a dishcloth. What we're looking for is a big idea. I've asked for suggestions, but you should see what they've come up with. Well, I'm sure they're teddy bears. What, as a theme? Teddy bear themed. Fate, I mean. No, it's so limiting, Azra. And impractical. Teddy's perched on every stall is frankly sinister, like. Like something out of Alfred Hitchcock. Well, only put it like that. So what would be your big idea? Me? Yes. I'm only here for the minutes, Linda, you must have some thoughts on the subject. Not really. Well, last year we centered on the cost of living crisis, which, of course, was a big idea, but we really have to do something different this year. I don't know. Maybe go back to being more traditional. Traditional? Well, not traditional, perhaps. Maybe. No, no, no, no, no. Traditional is good. A hark. Back to the past. We ought to test this one out. Test it for the people. Do you think you could do that? What? Ask Akram to investigate for us. What do people really want for their fate? How do they respond to the notion of tradition? Yeah, I'm sure Akram would be happy to take that on. Yes. See how stimulating it is to be back in the fold? Oh, no, Linda, don't think I'm doing any more. Come on, come on. We have a meeting to run. Hello, everyone. Hello. We should make A start. Now. No, no, not to worry, Brett. No, we'll be fine. Yeah. Bye for now. Have I come at a bad time? What? Oh, no, mate, no. I can come back. No, I'm sorry about that. I didn't realise you were waiting. Right. What can I get you? It's more what can I get for you? Sorry, I'm here about security. Security? Oh, yeah, security. Yes. Joey said you might want a bit of advice. Oh, yes, of course. Well, that's good of you, Mick. No, honestly, anything I can do. Well, as a matter of fact, you're most welcome. Yeah, I was on the phone just now to Brett Craig. You know Brett? Bouncer Brett? I know him. Of course I do. I was asking him if he might do some stints here at the Bull. Really? That's great. Well. Well, I was going to suggest you might consider a security presence. He can't do it. Brett would be perfect. He can't do it, Mick. Hey. Yeah, he can't do a run of consecutive nights and he's just put his prices up. He's in such demand. Oh, pity. Yeah, well, he was very apologetic about it. I don't know, though. Maybe I could help. You? Why not? Oh. Oh, you know someone else, do you? No, no, I mean me, myself. I could bounce for you and it wouldn't cost. No, Mick. No, that. That wouldn't be right. No, no, it would. I'll be here anyway, when Joey's doing her shifts and it's a way of saying thank you. For what? You and Jolene letting me park up my van in your car park. Well. And I can start tonight. Just give me half an hour. I'll go get changed. Soon as. I thought you. I thought. Yes. This takes all the boxes. What do you think, Jaz? Which blouse, green or blue? What? Something special at the Bullet? Nothing special. No, the blue, then. This one? No, the other blue. That'll be the green, then. Right. Go on, then. You come up with this idea for the party. Pretty good, eh? Live music. I'm very live, eh? Yeah, but how are we going to afford live music? Like I said, it will cost us nothing. Or next to nothing. Nothing, next to nothing. Just expenses, a better beer money and you know someone who. Just a minute. You're not talking about. I am. Dross. No, that makes perfect sense. No, Jazzer. It'll be our first gig since reforming World Premier. Here's a chance to kind of try ourselves out. Can you hear what I'm saying? We'd be dirt cheap. Especially for you. No, but why was Rang. I can't believe this. First you invite your creepy boss to my party, then you drag your ropey band of no Oprahs along to be the main attraction. Trust. Isn't he ropey? We've had some brilliant reviews. Yeah, and we all know who wrote them. It'll be great, Trace. No, it won't. This is my party and I'm not having what I don't want. So you're gonna have to come up with something else. Something special. And you're gonna have to come up with it. Quickram. You made it. Have I missed much? You've missed everything. The meeting's finished. Oh, no. How's your little old damp couple? All sorted and dry. What a hero. Have any tasks been allocated for you, you mean? Yes, one so far. One? Yes, just the one. What? What is it? Linda wants you to ask around the village. See what people want for a fate. What they want? Yeah. I suggested doing a traditional fate, a sort of old fashioned one, and she liked the idea of that. So can you find out what everyone else thinks? Of course I can do that. Yeah, I said you could. That's manageable. You see, Ezra, this is all perfectly manageable. Akram, how was your plumbing emergency? All good, thank you for asking. I'm sure it was in your capable hands. And so good of you to come straight here afterwards. He's so dedicated, your husband. Oh, isn't he? I was just telling him what you want him to do. Ask around about the fit. Well, will that be possible, Akram? Yes, of course. Only too pleased to be asked, weren't you? Absolutely. Good. That is good. Good. Whatever helps. I'll add it to the list. List? There's a list? Of course. There's always a list. Yes. Now, here we are. Thank you. And here. Oh, and this one. Oh, yeah. That does look very comprehensive. Well, most of it's pretty much what you'd expect. Book and confirm the Hollis and Silver band. Locate and service the vicar dunking apparatus. I see There are some pretty stringent health and safety checks as associated with that one, as you can probably imagine. Yes, of course. And this one? Sponsorship. This is a priority. It really ought to be moved to the top. Yes, Sponsorship. Donations of prizes from local businesses, advertising in the programme, that kind of thing. There's a small subcommittee that helps with all that. You'll need to convene a meeting as soon as possible. Tomorrow, if you can. Time is short. Yes. Well, now I must leave you to get on. Robert. Robert, can you start on clearing those plates? Well, what I Won't say I told you so, but honestly a crumb. I did tell you so. There you go. Kenson. What do you think you've changed? Navy blue jumper, blue cords, more or less the same blue. I get hold of some braid tomorrow. Ask Joy to stitch a bit on the shoulders or something. This is a uniform. It is. Only as I say it looked more like it tomorrow. What do you think? Well, it makes a statement, you know, no messing. Anti socials will not be tolerated. I honestly don't think a uniform helps. I know where they stand though, don't you think? It's not necessary, Mick, no. It's best if you're undercover. Plain clothes. Yes. Right, well, can I leave this lot on for tonight? Yes, of course. Only I wouldn't want anything to kick off while I was away changing me jumper. No, no, stay as you are tonight and come along tomorrow in what you're comfortable wearing. Ah, Sort of smart casual, but without the braid. All right, got it. Evening, K Jazza. Okay, okay, okay. Stay right there. What? No. Mick. Legs apart. Hold your arms out sideways. Where is this? Just till I give you a quick pat down. How is he? Having a laugh. Mick, it won't take a moment. Mickey's pat me and I'm telling you. Yeah, no, sorry, Jazup. As you were. Mick, come over here. Start as you mean to go on. I was thinking. No, don't. You cannot frisk our customers. Can I get a drink? No. Yeah, of course you can. Jazz Pond of lager. Hi. I'm sitting here now. There. Somebody can fetch you for me. Someone get this man a pint. Listen, Nick, unobtrusive is the word. Unobtrusive, Right, Yeah. Mingle with people. Keep your eyes open. Don't draw attention to yourself. Right. How am I going to have any influence on the situation though? Well, you could take a leaf out of Brett Cragg's book. Look hard, you meet. Yeah, exactly. Look hard, look dangerous. Like a volcano. Like a volcano, right. About to erupt. Erupt. I get it. You want to give that a try. What, now? Yeah, yeah. See what you can do. Sort of like this. Yeah, well, maybe we're overthinking this a little. Reckon what we really want. His eyes and ears on the alert. On the alert. That makes sense. So you just keep your eyes peeled, Mick. Just watch, you mean? Yes. And listen unobtrusively here. And that will probably do the trick. We was wondering, well, Ed was wondering if we could borrow it. The drone. So you could do some videos for our website. Why not? Yeah, you know, sort of before and after a good idea show how great you are. Well, we're not bad, George. No, no, of course. Have a word with Brad and Eddie first though. They'll give you some pointers. Thank you. That's great. My pleasure. It's kind of you. You know me. Anything for the family. Well, sometimes, yeah. Not always. I do think about everyone though. Do you? Yeah. I'd like to know what you're all up to. Well, I can tell you that. About my side, anyway. What? We're taking Granddad Bert to the churchyard to see Nana Ivy's grave. Be on their wedding anniversary. And Kira's coming. And Nana. Nana Susan, I mean. Yeah, I know it means a lot to Nana, that does. Where her mum's laid to rest. That's what they say, isn't it? Laid to rest. Well, weren't very restful for Nana Ivy. Not to start with. Why? She had some rings stolen off her. No. As she laid dying one was her engagement ring. And you know who've done it? Let me guess. Uncle Clive. Lowest thing he could possibly do. That was Mum got it back from him though. I don't know how she did it. But she did get it back. Maybe he thought better of it. Doubt that. How to change your heart. People do change. Not sure Clive is one of them. It means so much to your nana though, that ring. Yeah, I know that. She showed it to me once. Did she? Yeah. On a ribbon around her neck. Oh, that would have been on Nana Ivy's birthday or something. Some special occasion. I like to know those old stories. Family stories. Not even the bit about Clive? In a funny kind of way. That too. Yeah. It's part of the story. Anyway. I'll think of you all standing by Ivy's grave. I don't know if you know this, George, if Amber's mentioned anything. What about the things she said to your granddad? She told me she'd seen him. Why? She called him some terrible things, George. And it's really upset him and Nanner. That'll be because of me being in here. I told her how that come about. They both love you and they never wanted you to come to any harm. And what was said was cruel. Clary says Amber has to apologize. And has she? Not yet. Not as far as I know. All right. We'll have a talk about it. Amber and me. Thank you. We'll see. Already. That was quick. Yeah. I hope you don't mind about me saying no. It's okay. I didn't want to say it. It's okay, Mum. Before you go, though, can you take a message for me? A message? Oh, two. Khalil found out. Oh, yes? Yeah. He went to the Bull to check on its health. Whose health? The cat's health. Who's doing well, by the way. Much better. Anyway, Khalil says they were upping their security. What for? What for? Don't you listen? I was listening to prevent any more cat poisonings or other criminal activities. They were going to get a bouncer, but now they've got Mick. What are you doing with all the chairs? What? You keep moving the chairs for the meeting. The Fed meeting, remember? I remember the meeting, yes. What I can't remember is it's being held in my house. It seemed the easiest solution. Help who for? Not me. I thought as I was having a late surgery, I could spend some time in the peace and quiet of my own home. You could do the teas and coffees. Don't look at me like that. Teas and coffees. They're nice people. We want to make them feel welcome. I don't. Usra. I tell you what I'm gonna do. I'm go for a long walk. A long, long walk which will help me calm down. And I won't be back till your precious subcommittee has wound up and cleared off. Mum. Mum. Oh, Emma, whatever's the matter? Come straight here so I can tell you. Tell me what? We've had a breakthrough with George. What do you mean, a breakthrough? He wants to talk to you. What? Who does? George. He's asked to have you put on his approved list of contacts. Oh, Emma. George wants to talk to you. Mum. Oh, When? When? He thinks it's afternoon. He was pretty sure he can get special permission through the chaplain on compassionate grounds. Oh, I don't know what to think. Oh, Mum, I've got a feeling about this and I don't like to say. No, no, don't. I do think he's changing, though. Oh, God. That's a very determined walk. Oh, Oliver, I'm being overtaken apace. I just kept my head down and marched. Well, don't let me hold you up. No, no, no, it's all right. It's not a race. I'm just trying to take my mind off something. That sounds ominous. It's not. Not really. It's my husband. He's taken over half the house for a meeting and I've been ousted. Ousted? I was just walking off my frustration. That's two of us, then. Oh, I'm also feeling ousted from Range Farm. Why Is that. Well, let's just say there are tensions. Place seems very full at the moment. Oh, you've got guests. One guest. Yes, Amber, who's perfectly sweet most of the time, but. Well, I. I shouldn't really say too much. Well, I get the picture. My awkward guest is the fate. The fate? Yeah. The fate is a guest in your home awkward and un invited. It's already taken over my husband and now it's taking over the house. I always thought the fate was a rather jolly affair. Oh, but it is. On the day itself. And I wish it well, I honestly do. But the run up, the preparation. Ah, yes, well, behind the scenes, always a tricky business. Anyway, it'll happen as it always does and then be over. Though the green hardly looks ready for it. No, no, I see what you mean. It is rather patchy. There's holes all over the place. And look at the grass. It's so thin and scrubby. The holes are caused by birds, crows and the like, pecking at it. Birds, really? Looking for leather jackets. Leather jackets? The larvae of crane fly. Oh, well, whatever the reason, Linda Snell is not gonna like it. I wonder if there's anything I can do to help. Be careful, Oliver. Be very careful. No, no, no, seriously. I think there may be a way I could make a contribution. Yeah. Nana? George? Is that you? Are you really there? Yes, Nana, it's me. Oh, I know it is now. I can tell. You sound just the same. How are you? Me? Oh, yeah, I'm fine, thank you. Yeah. And Granddad? Oh, he's fine too. Okay. I've been sitting here waiting for the phone to ring, trying to work out what to say. Don't worry about it, Nana. Oh, I have, though. I thought of all sorts to tell you and now I can't think of a blinking one. It don't matter. It's nice to hear your voice. Oh, George, I can't talk for too long. No, no, of course. I saw Mum this morning. Yeah, she told me. It was her who told me you wanted to call. Yeah, well, she was telling me about you all going to Nana Ivy's grave. Oh, was she? I said I'd be thinking about you when you're there. That's nice, George. That's really nice. I was. I was gonna ask you a favour about that. Do you mind? No, no, of course not. If there's anything I can do for you. Vote Nana Ivy's engagement ring. Her engagement ring. Could you get it for me? Nana? You still there? I'm here, George, yes. Is this why you wanted to speak to me because of the ring. I want it for Amber, Yeah. I have to give her a ring. And I can't do that in here. And as I have a right to this one. A right? A family right. You know what that ring means to me. Did your mum tell you? So this way it stays in the family. This is what I'm asking. Find the ring. Take it to Amber. Take it to her. Well, I can't, can I? So you have to. And tell her it's from me. I've been talking to the chaplain, Nana. Did Mum say. She did? Yeah. About learning to forgive. He said it's not an easy thing to do, but I think I could do it. I could learn to forgive. Don't worry, George. I know what you're saying. I'll have to think about it. No, no, George, just let me think. If you're asking, the meeting achieved next to nothing. Well, don't worry about it. Don't worry about it. You hear this, Oliver? The fate of the fate is in the balance. And she says don't worry about it. Listen, Akram, just listen. Listen to what? To me. This is why I'm here. Meeting Azra on the green just now is a piece of great good fortune for both of us. We were talking about the fate and the difficulties of putting it all together, and I suddenly thought of Grey Gables. We did, too. A crime. We were going to ask if you'd donate a prize. Quiet. More than that. We can sponsor the whole thing. You can. You can what? I've been talking to Dane about making more of an impact on the local community. It was part of our promise when Grey Gables reopened. I can't believe this. We can sponsor the whole thing. And offer help in lots of practical ways as well. So what do you think? What do I think? I think wonderful. I think what a good thing it was for Azra to go for a walk on the green this afternoon. Clary said we could be more private in here. Thank you. Well, don't thank me. It was Clary's idea. As far as I'm concerned, you can say what you like to in front of whoever you like. It is actually kind of private, though, Amber. Yes, I got that. So, I'm George's nana. I don't know if you realize that when. Yeah, I know who you are. I don't know what you want. George has asked me to bring you a ring. A ring? From him? It was my mum's engagement ring, so it's a big thing to ask me to do. And I think you should know that. I'm not sure George realizes how big. But I want you and him to be happy. I really do want that, Amber. So you're. You're giving it to me? It's what he wanted for you, right? That's what I came for. So. No, wait. There's stuff I have to be getting. No, no, please. Please don't go. It's. It's Susan, isn't it? Susan? Yeah. George calls me Nana. Look, I'm sorry. I thought you'd come to have a go at me. No, about something else. Thank you so much. Oh, it's beautiful. I will treasure this. Shall I try it on? That'd be nice. Oh, it's a bit loose. Look, no worries, though. I can get it altered. Yeah. Cause I know how you must be feeling, Susan, but I'm so grateful for this. Thank you. I'm having more tea. Martin, will you. No, thanks. So you're quite content with that presentation, are you? I think it'll work for us, yes. The board meeting's not till the end of the month. There's time if we want to change anything or refine. Or refine, indeed. But basically, we're in agreement. I think we are here, yes. But this still stays between you and me, Justin. Absolutely. We're just having a friendly cup of tea. Quite. No business involved. Perish the thought. Of course, we'll need more research on the food storage option. Figures and graphics we can present. Oh, don't worry. I've already made a start on that. Oh. You see who's passing through? What? Who by? The manager, Dane. What's his name? Yeah. Bouncy sort of operator. Don't you think? He's sure of himself. Yeah, very. Lillian tells me he's going out with Helen Archer. Yeah, I heard that. Mind you, that could have been me. Helen Archer? Yes. Yes. Oh, you kept that dark. I turned her down, of course. Not my type. And of course a couple of kids into, eh? Right. I don't think it would have worked out. You and Helen. No, no. Oh, Jazz has asked me to his wife's birthday party. Did I tell you? You did. He was so sorry when I said I couldn't make it. Seemed really cut up about it. Well, you wouldn't have gone, though, surely. Why not? Well, isn't it obvious? You don't mix with your staff socially, except under conditions you yourself can control. Get on though. Jazza and I. Well, maybe so, but you have to preserve a certain distance, Maintain an element of mystery. I'm not sure about that? You never know when you're going to have to crack a whip. Anyway, it's all rather academic now, isn't it? Well, you told me your brother was visiting. So you have a genuine reason for the no show? No, I've managed to rearrange him. What? So I can make it now. Oh, for goodness sake. You're not thinking of going? Of course I am. The only question is, should I let them know now or should I just turn up and give them all a nice surprise? Suzanne? You still sitting in here? I'll come through in a minute. You want some tea? Oh, no, thanks. Now what's the matter? Nothing's the matter, Neil. Well, it doesn't look like nothing to me. I'm taking a breath, that's all. I can take a breath, can't I? You hardly said a word since last night. I'm all right. When you got back from Clary's, did you see Amber when you were there? Is this something to do with her? What? What she said to me. No, because that's done with now. No, Neil, it's not about that. And it's not done with either. As far as I'm concerned, it is. Emma said she'd have a quiet word with George and that means that we can talk. And so she did. But if you think a quiet word is going to sort everything out. No, I never said that. It's going to take a lot more than that. I know it is. Has Amber said sorry yet? Not yet. Well, then? Well, that was Clara's arrangement, not mine. You really think I want to go chasing after an apology? Anyway, it's as much George as Amber who ought to be apologising. And that's not going to happen, is it? I spoke to him yesterday. What you mean? We had a conversation on the phone. You talked George? Yes. But you never said no. Why not? I mean, we wait all these months for some scrap of communication and then suddenly you talk to him. Yes, I know. And you don't even mention it. You don't tell me. I couldn't tell you. I couldn't bring myself to. Why not? Why couldn't you tell me, Susan? Because. Because of what he wanted me to do. And what was that, Suzanne? Give Mum's engagement ring to Amber. What? That's why he agreed to talk to me. Because he wanted that ring. You mean he actually asked you? He said if I did it, he might see his way to forgive us. No, that's more or less what he said. He's gone too far this Time. I didn't know what to do. I had to think it all through. You tell him where to get off? No, I couldn't. That's what you do. You tell him. No, no, I couldn't do that. Neil. Does he have any idea what that ring means to you? I did try to tell him, but I don't think he took it in. You know how he gets so focused on things. So what? What's happened? Well, I did think about it for a long time. I took the ring round last night. You what? That's where I was. Not to see Clary, but Amber. And you gave that girl your mother's ring. I had to. Oh, Susan. I had to. Neil. Cold hearted little. That is extortion. Right, that's enough. This has got to end. Neil. No way. Where are you going? Neil. Neil. Hey. Oh, no. Martin, I promise you, Jazza will need all the warning he can get. Perhaps you're right. And if I were you, I'd make it a token visit. Oh, no, I don't think so. If you insist on going, stay for as short a time as you possibly can. No, no, no, no, no. It avoids a lot of painful embarrassment. No, I intend to have some fun. Why? At Jazza's party? Yes. Well, I'm advising against it in the strongest possible possible terms. Listen, I happen to know Pam's going to a party herself that night. How do you know that? Some garden designers get together. How do you know what Pam's doing? I saw it online. Oh, quite by chance, I suppose. Absolutely by chance. Anyway, she's off out with Mr. Green Fingers. So why shouldn't I go to Jazza's wife's party and stay as long as I like? Well, there are plenty of reasons, Martin, but quite honestly, I don't think you're listening. No, I'm determined to go. I'll tell you how you can help, though. By physically restraining you? By optimising the event for me. What? Making sure I get the most from it. Well, how? I've been wondering what to wear. Oh, no. I thought a new leather jacket, a silk scarf loosely knotted and ultra slim jeans. What do you think? Oh, many slices, you reckon? Let's have a look. One each. Just the one. The way you're buttering them, that's all we can afford. Now tell me what this new idea is. The party idea you promised to tell me and I'm now dreading it's going to be some spin on Dross. No, isn't he Dross tribute act or something. We know we're not wanted. Go on, then, tell us. Right, you ready for this? Get on with it. Mobile Sauna. Mobile. What? Sauna. Remember the sauna you and Chelsea had at Grey Gables last year? Do I remember it? You really like that? I loved it. So I thought it might be, you know, a bit special. Oh, Jazzer, that is a genius idea. No. Bad, eh? What, here in the garden? Right here. It's gonna be brilliant. Who's that? No, you worry. It's Martin Gibson, isn't it? That pig related? Bounty bee. All right there, boss? What can I do for you? I don't get it. What are we doing out here? I just wanted a private word. In the garden, though. I mean, it's weird. Look, the ring that Susan gave you yesterday. Yes, what about it? Look, I'm sorry, Amber, but there's been a misunderstanding about this. Neil, don't do this. Susan, it's all. All right. I'm dealing with it. I don't want you to deal with it. I want you to leave things as they are. You know I can't do that. Look, Will. Will one of you just tell me what's going on? I blame you for this. Me? What did I do? You invited Martin Gibson to my party. No, that was Neil. Yeah, Neil asked him and he said no. That's exactly the point. Then you twisted his arm and he said yes. I only asked him after he said no. That's the thing. You asked him. When I knew there was no danger. So what went wrong? I have no idea. I have. You obviously made him change his mind. I didn't. He so obviously did. How could I make him change his mind? Oh, please. Please come to the party, Martin. Tracy really, really wants you there, Big man. I never said that, Marty. Mar. It won't be the same without you. Well, I'm telling you now, I'd rather call it off than have Martin Gibson oozing around at my party. You can't call it half. I've booked a sauna. Not my problem. We'll lose the deposit. You go ahead with it, then. And I hope you enjoy yourself. But I'm telling you, I'll be off out somewhere else. Can you do that, Trace? Just watch me. Me and Brad and Chelsea, nice little table somewhere. You can't even go to your end party. We've got people coming. And that's the problem right there. People coming. You hardly know he's there, Trace. You're dead right about that. I won't know he's there at all because I won't be I really don't know what you're on about. I think it's clear enough. Amber. The ring is not really yours. Neil, please. You're wrong about that. It was given to me. Not freely, though. Yes, it was. Not willingly. Susan gave it to me from George. It was his idea. It's not his to give. He had no right. No right at all. You said you were doing it for him, for George's sake. I did, yes. So what's changed? I'll tell you what's changed. I have. I'm not putting up with George Grundy and his demands anymore. He was only trying to do something nice for me. No, listen. You just listen to me. George cannot say what happens to that ring. He can't. He knows full well that it's close to Susan's heart. It was her mum's. For pity's sake. Can't you imagine what that would mean to someone in their heart? George coerced her into handing it over. No, Neil. It's what he does. Bullying and wheedling and manipulating till he gets what he wants. And who cares what happens to anyone else? That ring is precious to Susan and it is not yours. We'll take it back then. You want it so very badly. You can have it. Amber. I'm sorry. No, don't worry. George will get me something better than this. I know he will. Thank you. He was right about you too. George was. What he told me about you. I can see it for myself. And I am going to make sure he knows everything that you have said about him. Oh, Neil. What have you done? Well, it had to be said. I knew what I was doing. I couldn't stand by and let him trample all over you. It wasn't like that. No. You're saying he didn't bully you? Honestly, he tried to persuade me, yes. But I didn't just cave in when he asked for the ring, you know. I told him I'd think about it. Think about it? Of course. Think what you did do just then. What was there to think about? You still can't see, can you? You've got your ring back, haven't you? Yes, but it's no use now. That ring was going to be the bridge between us and George. I thought about what he said and I decided to give Amber the ring. And I really did. I genuinely hoped he. It would help make them happy. But the main thing was that it would mend things between us. It was a sacrifice to hand it over and I nearly couldn't do it. But I made myself make the sacrifice for the sake of us and George being together again. You think that was going to work? I don't know. But I thought it was worth a try. Only that little bridge is broken now, thanks to you, and I don't think it can ever be put together again. BBC Sounds Music Radio podcasts. Hello. Thank you for joining us. This week things got feisty. Azra managed to say the word no no to Linda eight times before Linda eventually realised she might not want to help run the fate. Akram couldn't say no to Linda and she's now working him so hard, I think he's regretting ever moving to Ambridge. Martin Gibson will be attending Tracy's sauna birthday celebration, presumably in bathing trunks, a prospect so grim that Tracy has said no to going to her own party. And the engagement storyline is now so intense that I had to listen twice to to check if George really did behave that badly. And I can't say no. I'm afraid he did. I'm Emma Freud and for BBC Sounds, this is the Archers Podcast. So today I'm joined by two of the finest pigmen in Ambridge. The brilliant Brian Hewlett, who's been playing Ambridge most loving grandfather, Neil Carter since 1974. That's 51 years. Brian, if you could choose someone to date your grandson George, rather than awful Amber, who would it be to date? George. So you could choose Mia or Zaynab? Quiet Tilly Button, Posh Lily Pojeta, Hannah the Pig lady, or at a stretch, his first cousin Chelsea. It's not exactly illegal, it's just weird. No, let him stay with Amber. It's a good storyline at the moment and it's interesting to work on too. Delicious, isn't it? We have the excellent Ryan Kelly here again, who plays Dross keenest member, Jazza. Ryan, you're in the doghouse this week with Tracy because of inviting Martin Gibson to her party and I'm with Tracy on that. But what's the worst thing Jazza's ever done in Ambridge? Ooh, it's quite easy, actually. Supplying Ed Grundy with crack cooking. Yeah, that'll pretty much do it. And finally, in a blatant attempt to appeal to the cool kids, we have six music's finest presenter and champion of new talent, Steve Lemak, who also just happens to be the Archer's greatest fan. Steve Dross. Are old talent, not new talent. But would you play them on your show if there was a new record? I think they'd have to Go into a studio, give them a good producer. I mean, recordings are still on cassette. I know that. That was a brilliant throwback, wasn't it? Oh look, here's some cannot even CDs. We found an old cassette but yes, I think. I think we'd give him a spin. Thank you. So my scene of the week is this eruption between Neil, Susan and Amber. I chose it because it's Susan at her most generous, Amber at her most awful and Neil at his most passionate. That ring is precious to Susan and it is not yours. Well, take it back then. You want it so very badly. You can have it. Amber. I'm sorry. No, don't worry. George will get me something better than this. I know he will. Thank you. He was right about you too. George was. What he told me about you. I can see it for myself. And I am going to make sure he knows everything that you have said about him. O', Neil, what have you done? Well, it had to be said. I knew what I was doing. I couldn't stand by and let him trample all over you. It wasn't like that. No. You're saying he didn't bully you? Honestly, he tried to persuade me, yes. But I didn't just cave in when he asked for the ring, you know, I told him I'd think about it. Think about it? Of course. Think what you didn't do just then. What was there to think about? You still can't seek. You've got your ring back, haven't you? Yes, but it's no use now. That ring was going to be the bridge between us and George. I thought about what he said and I decided to give Amber the ring and I really did. I genuinely hoped it would help make them happy. But the main thing was that it would mend things between us. Steve, your thoughts on this? I think it's an amazing scene on at least three different levels because one, I mean we've got Amber who there are times where the writers will drop someone, a new character into what becomes a major storyline before we've really had chance to watch work out whether we like them or not. And the way she's been written was in the first week she was incredibly annoying and then the next week she's out hay baling and you think actually maybe not so bad after all. So we don't really. I haven't decided whether I am sort of pro or anti Amber. So you have. But you have Amber next to Neil, who is one of the most consistently written characters. You know, we understand. I think Neil. And Neil is in general, a man who likes a quiet life. Right. And. And, and absorbs a lot of other people's problems. He takes in so much from around him and tries in a very pragmatic way to sort things out. And he's always seeing life through other people's eyes as well, in a lot of cases. And that's what he thought he was doing this time, wasn't it? Looking at what. That's what Susan, you know, stood to lose here. So you've got this brilliantly consistent character, which. One of his characteristics, as we all know, is. Although unlike, say, Brian, who, given a bit of bad news, he explodes immediately and storms off, doesn't he? As we saw the other week with Stella, it goes up like a fire. Absolutely. Neil doesn't. But as we've learned time and again and learned in that scene, you can push Neil so far. He. But only so far. Absolutely. And then. Then he'll go, Brian. I felt that Neil wasn't just angry, he was drawing a line. He was saying, there are limits to what we will do, even for family. It's like the antithesis of the Grundys. He was just going, now it's too much. Yes. I think that's how Neil is seeing it. Of course, he hasn't discussed it very much with Susan. He learns about it as the end part of that scene, and she has a go at him for having done what he has done. Had, I think they had talked about the whole thing before she gave the ring, things might have turned out very, very differently because Neil does always look at another person's point of view and take it on board before coming to decision. But I think this was a hard and fast rule that he thought, that's it. No, she has gone too far and, and so too has George. And they are just using Susan's sensitivities to. To get hold of that ring. And, and it's. I suppose that's. That's what drove him to take the action he did. I thought one of the really remarkable moments this week which led into the. The ring scene was when George admitted for. For the first time, I think, that he feels he deserved prison. And that's something that Amber's not considered. I mean, there was a line he said, that's what I deserve. I did what I did, and it was wrong. A terrible choice. Yes. It does sound to me as though he's worth saving. George is beginning. Beginning to grow up and face the facts of what he did and what was right and what was wrong. And yet what he did to Susan was absolutely going backwards, wasn't it, Ryan? I would have thought so then. We've seen this before with him. This is what he sort of goes, takes one step. Before he went to prison, Alice. Alice basically brought him low with what he'd done. She had him in tears, you know, before he was ever sentenced. And yet he still went back and regressed to this sort of childlike thing that he does. You're right, he zigzags. Yes. And he always will, I think. I think that always. That'll always go on with him. One minute he's doing things for good and he's always done this, you know, the whole hay bale charity thing. One minute he is being very nice to everyone, sort of doing the whole. Then he's breaking into Greg Abels and ruining Caroline's bench. We had a WhatsApp from Nick on 082-89044 saying, I hoped all the talk of Amber Alerts today would give us some protection from high pitched squealing, but apparently it's something to do with the weather. Fair point. Now, we don't normally do this, but since Ivy's rings played such an important part in this week's episodes, we dug out a clip from the Ambridge Extra archive. Ambridge Extra was the Archer's spin off show broadcast on Radio 4 Extra from 2011 to 2014. When Susan's mother, Ivy died in 2011, Susan's brother, Clive Horribin, was determined to do well from her inheritance. So he talked to his dad, Bert about Ivy's rings. And I need to tell you that everything he says in this scene is a lie. A couple of weeks ago, me and mom, we had a bit of a heart to heart about the future, you know, I know I wanted to get out of the hostel and make something of my life. When was this? I don't know. The thing is, Mum was saying how she hoped I might get married one day. I might find a good woman. Kids, family, you know, the old lot. Well, I know that's what she would have wanted. That's the thing though, dad. She said that she wanted me to have her rings. Rings? Yeah, you know, her engagement and wedding ring. Why? Didn't she tell you? No. Oh, right. Well, what she said was that I should have them so that even when she weren't around anymore, I could always, you know, just look at. To remind me like that she were watching and not to disappoint her. Is that what she said? Those were her words. Her last wish was that I should find someone to give them to. Right. It's. Hey, hey, hey. Don't get upset, dad. No, sorry. I know it's difficult. That's why I wanted to check with you first. Yeah, so. Well, I suppose if that's what she wanted. Yeah, it were all right then. It's not like I'll be needing them anymore, is it? You have them, son. Thanks, dad. Come on, drink up. But at least when Clive took his dead mother's rings from her drawer, he did have a nice chat with her about them. Oh, it's a right sparkler that ring. Solid gold. Only decent bit of jewelry you ever owned, weren't they? Mum ought to get Summit for them. Ah, you wouldn't mind? Not if it helped me out. Get me back on my feet. I suppose I could always pawn them. At least then I can always get them back. I wish you could have seen the studio while those clips were playing. Ryan looking absolutely furious, like he wanted to kill someone. And Brian roaring with laughter. Why was that? Because Clive's just so awful. Well, yeah, I mean, I'm just aware of the actors and it's good to hear that. It's funny that the actor playing Bert at that time I went to school with, well, he wasn't in my year. He's slightly younger than me but he was my father in law. Yeah, amazing. Lovely to hear his voice again. Certainly. Well, I found George's behavior this week scarily similar to Clive. I mean he's more honest and upfront but he's just as manipulative and self serving, isn't he Ryan? Particularly the phone call to Susan. Yeah, yeah, that was very Clive esque, wasn't it? It was. I remember actually sitting thinking about and listening to it and thinking, yeah, he's definitely a horrible. Looking back at the Carters and the Grundy's relationship, Neil has quite a history of concern about the grundy family. In 2001, Joe Grundy spread some gossip to Neil. I see he wants to do is upset. Such a good neighbor as you've been to us. Especially as we might be sharing closer eyes one day. Oh, here we go. I knew there was something. If Eddie's got another half baked scheme, he wants me to come. Boy, we're talking about it. I ain't got the rook. He's taken over every bit of spare land I've got as it is. I ain't talking about Eddie. Huh? I meant our William and your Emma. What about him? Stepping out together the first I'VE heard of it. Really? Oh, William's full of it. Oh well, she might have told Susan. Emma and William. He's a good boy. Emma. William. Well, I never said he wasn't. And he's got prospects. Oh come on, Joe. It's a bit soon for all that, isn't it? Well, he was just saying their date clearly went very well because by 2003 Emma was fully dating Will and Neil had reservations not just about the choice of boyfriend, but the whole family. It's funny without Emma in the mornings in it quiet. Yeah, she spends more time with the Grundies than she does with us. Clary likes that, you know, she said. I don't mean just a keeper's cottage. Oh, don't start, love. I just hate her being associated with their sort of behavior. You should have seen them last night, latching onto David for a drink. And then Alistair and then Mr. Archer. Wheels. Nothing like that. He was there. And Emma. I was that embarrassed. They were back at the Dower House by nine because she rang me up. Well, I still don't like it. I know you don't. So Brian Archer's logic. Yeah. Can we talk about Neil's antipathy towards the Grundys? Because it's clearly deep rooted. Go on. So why? He got to know the Grundys of course and understood their devious ways and had a lot of nice conversations with Eddie on a very, very friendly relationship at one time. But I don't think that he's ever completely unaware that they are ready to make a quick buck in any way they can. Steve, There's a lot of echoes between George and Amber in the Archer's history. You know, Susan went to prison, George is now in prison. Families not approving of the partners. There's a lot of class issues. I mean it's quite. It's quite a sort of rich and testy area, isn't it? I mean it is. I'm not sure whether it's class or it's just outlook. And Neil just wants to do the right thing. He doesn't. He's just got a slightly different attitude to people that he would see trying to cut the corners of life. But he's also. Neil is a very confusing character in the village in terms of class. You dated Shula before you then married a horribin. That's a big cultural shift in girlfriends. Yeah, yeah. He was brought into the. The whole Ambridge scene just as a. A very low paid working member of the Archer family on the farm learning. So he began in that way and then dated the boss's daughter. Well, yes, there seemed to be. To be. They were drawn together in a way. I'm not quite sure whether Phil Archer ever approved of that relationship. It certainly didn't develop into a serious relationship that was knocked on the head quite early on. But I think certainly in the listener's point of view, they. They probably wanted that storyline to come back again for the farmer's daughter to have a relationship with the lowly herdsman. So they bought it back again, didn't they? Shooter and Neil to 2020, I think 21. Yes, they bought it back. There was a storyline then, wasn't there? So touched on that. Yes. I was constantly going across to Shooter's house to help her in some form or other and people, people did wonder are they really going to finally, in their older age get together. But I'm not quite sure how Shuler saw it all. I don't think Neil didn't want interested. Sheila was. That was pretty much it. She. She was sort of. Yeah, she was falling for him. Shula wanted it so much that she left the county pretty much, but not before getting her fence fixed and her garden done and a variety of other odd jobs that you did. These are the things friends do. Yeah. And she let me la jumper that made him look like Ron Weasley. That was quite fun. Steve, how did you first discover the Archers? Because you've spent your entire Life on 6 Music, it just feels a little bit unexpected. No, I mean John Peel used to listen to the Archers and mention it on his programs. And when I started listening to Peel when I was about 13 years old, I suppose it was what is this Archer link. But then we used to have Radio 4 on quite a lot in the car, in the house. It reminds me in my head, I base a lot of what Ambridge looks like on the village. I grew up in a village in North East Essex which the population, I think the Last census was 1003. It's the village I grew up in, actually. Yes. Well, that's, that's the thing, isn't it? I was saying this the other day. What do you. To some. To my wife saying, what do you think of when you. When you think of the ball, what does it look like? Because I think it looks like the Five Bells in the village where I grew up. It's a different thing for me completely because I don't have a mind's eye. I've never had eyesight, so I don't think of it in terms of what it Looks like. I don't think of the shape of the house, I think of walking through the village, what the ground feels like underneath me, what the smells are as you walk past the houses. It's about. It's about a smell, sound and sort of touchscape for me more than anything else. So I would picture it very differently to perceive it very differently to how you would. And the wonderful thing is that we're all right. Yeah, absolutely. It's the best. It's the best thing of all. But I didn't become. I'd listen for a little bit and then something would come along. I mean, I lost about four years to Brit pop, so I never listened to a single episode, I think for that part of the 90s. But then I came back to it around. I don't know, I mean it was just before, just before Nigel fell off the roof was. Yeah, so just, just around that, that point which I feel really. I think looking back now, that's a great time because there are. When you have conversations with Archer's fans, it's very much where you listen. Are you pre Nigel falling off the roof or post Nigel falling off the road? Didn't you meet your wife through the arches? Well, you. A friend of mine who's also into the arches, who for years booked all the bands at the Reading Festival. We were out for a drink in the same bar as somebody who worked on around our show at the BBC. He was out with some friends and myself and my friend Neil, we were standing. We were standing outside, Breath of air. And yeah, one of them came out and she said, are you two talking about the Archers? And obviously men of a certain age. Slightly embarrassed. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we are. And it turned out she knew more about the Archers than we did. So we kept in touch. And there was. She was back at her parents house and had been basically quarantined by her mum and dad because she was ill. So she'd been set. She was in her room. I mean, this is a grown up woman. And to keep ourselves, to keep spirits up, we were coming up with possible Archers storylines like prediction. Jim. Jim is coming out of retirement. Jim was a spy in the 70s. Missed opportunity. Yeah. And Linda secretly has a career writing Mills and Boom novels. You know, can't remember what it was, but it was, you know, it was things like that. Anyway, so we kept, we kept in touch. And then you married her. And then we got married. The irony is that Carol Boyd read a lot of books that sounded like Mills and Boon novels. Let me tell you that all written by Linda. Can we talk, Steve, about the role that music plays in the Archers? Because apart from the theme tune, which is iconic, music is pretty sparse. There isn't really underscoring in scenes unless it's real. Unless it's actually music that was in the room at the time. Yeah. I wanted to start with the most famous and I feel, unforgettable use of music ever in Archer's history. It's the moment in 2010 when Jill returns home to hear her husband Phil listening to Elgar's Dream of Florentius. Yes, yes. A piece of music which tells the story of an old man's experience of death and his soul's journey towards God. I just see if Phil would like a cup. There you are. You've already had a cup of icy. Phil. Phil. Jonathan Manners from the BBC Singers told us that musicians listening to that episode would know as soon as Jill opened the door that her husband had died. Because that bit of Elgar, that moment is the moment when the soul is leaving the body. Is it okay? I mean, it's an incredible. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely. Piece of drama. Lovely piece of drama and construction, isn't it, that. Yeah, yeah. Putting the two together, as I remember as well. They didn't actually play the theme tune to the artists on that episode. They just went out on that piece of music. Yeah. It digs into the soul, doesn't it? Music really emphasizes an emotion and the feeling of that. And just. It also. I mean, the great thing about that particular scene is it fills in the space because you need somebody's reaction to be a realistic reaction. And that just gave the space for line. Oh, dear. With the music behind it. Whereas dry. That. It wouldn't have worked. I've got another example of the. That here in 2016, on the night that things came to a head at Blossom Hill Cottage, when Helen stabbed Rob, they'd had dinner that night while listening to Amy Winehouse's you know I'm no Good. Well talkin. You know how much your parents worry. What am I going to tell them if you're not eating? Don't want you causing all that trouble like last time. All right, well, if you're not hungry, I'll certainly have it. I think this may be one of the tastiest meals you've ever cooked. Makes me wonder why you don't make it more often. You know why? What does that track give that scene? So tense. It is suspense. Yes. And I remember sort of listening to it and thinking, yeah, this is where it comes. And he was actually stabbed. Quite so. He was stabbed on my bus day. So that was a big busty present for me. But I remember thinking, yeah, this is where it comes. Because I was listening to the world to the song and I listened to the song separately afterwards and I thought, yeah, total suspense. It's the choice of Amy Winehouse though, as well, isn't it? I mean, a woman who died too young being played at that moment on the song with those lyrics. Yeah, yeah. It just makes you think now, the. The. There's clues everywhere. Next time I hear a piece of music at any point in the arches, I'm going to be trying to work out, well, what is. What is this going to soundtrack? Because they put some thought into this, obviously. This week the UK was over excited that after 23 years, we were finally going to hear Dross play live at Tracy's 50th birthday party. Until Tracy said these dreaded words. First you invite your creepy boss to my party, then you drag your ropey band of no Oprahs along to be the main attraction. Trice hasn't he rule P. We've had some brilliant reviews. Yeah, and we all know who wrote them. It'll be great, Trace. No, it won't. This is my party and I'm not having what I don't want. I know it was very disappointing, but we were on the case on your behalf. We pulled some strings and scoured the archive. And Steve, could you introduce this little jewel for us? Yes. This is from 2002. This is Ambridge's most legendary band, Dross, with their biggest viral hits. Though, obviously, admittedly from the days before the Internet had been invented. So not really a viral hit. I mean, to be honest, not really a hit at all. Anywhere. But still, here it is. It's Good Girl, Bad Girl. Good Girl, Bad Girl, Good Girl, Bad Girl. Yeah, Good Girl, Bad Girl. That wasn't me, incidentally, just so you know. No way was it your body double? No, definitely not. They got someone else in to do that. Do you know why they got someone else? I haven't got a clue. Is it because you can't sing in that style? We know you can sing beautiful folk music. I could pretty much probably sing it in that style. Well, so why didn't you sing it in Dross? Why have we got an outsider? I don't know, Ryan. I can explain. What happened was the Dross music when Dross were up and running was only ever used as background music. It was never like a feature. And so that original song they didn't trouble you with, they in fact went to a school band in Birmingham and that was one of their original tracks that the school band has written. It's got an amazing bass line though, isn't it? It's a really demonic baseline. They weren't always called Dross, Ryan. Do you remember what you were. One of the names that was suggested before it was Dross Spell Trousers was one. Well remembered. What the hell does that mean? It was a thing that Joe Grundy invented for the fate, I think it was when he was doing all. All time activities and Jill Grundy came up with spile trotting. We never did find out what it was or if we did. I've completely forgotten. I wish you'd been called Spiral Trashes. So how do you think the Dross storyline then is fairing up? Well, I mean, the interesting thing is there is a certain amount. Obviously there's a lot of bands reforming in real life, aren't there? So, I mean, it's. Their timing is perfect. It's just where are they going to find their audience? That's. That's what I'm thinking. Who's going to go? If they play a gig, an actual gig, who's going to go? Not that many people went before Ryan. I feel there's something about Jazza pushing so hard to reform this band. I think it's more that Jazza set his comfort zone now and he's just having a midlife itch, if you will, midlife crisis going on with him. And I think he's. He's just enjoying pretending to be young again. My wife Jen's got a theory that this is also one way of developing the relationship between Ed and Fallon again. Yeah, there's a lot of that going about. Yeah. A lot of people are thinking the same thing. Yeah. So let's skip back through a few of the memorable musical gatherings from Ambridge's past. Ambridge's Go to Brass Band for Village events was first mentioned in 1957. Do you remember the name, Brian? It was the Hollerton Silver. Yes. Oh, yes. Jack Woolley's favorite. They played at Caroline and Oliver's wedding. The Tommy Croaker Tommy Croker brand branch. Were they any good? I mean, they were 40s dance music, weren't they? I suppose they were, yeah. I. I mean, I, as a youngster, I used to play in a dance band, saxophone and clarinet in a dance band. So I was very familiar with that sort of dance music. They did release CDs though there were CDs of Tommy Croker apparently. You know, his hair was brilliantined. Do you remember that word? Then there was the Archers foray into country and western with the Midnight Walkers, Big Eddie and the Lily of Leighton Cross. That was Jolene. Were they talented? They were a good night out? A really good night out. Yeah, maybe. But do you think. Yeah, I think probably in context, a good night out. In 1991, John Peel and the Radio 1 DJs held their Christmas party at Grey Gables and Eddie Grundy made the most of it. John, I've got a little something I'd like to give you, really knowing as you appreciate good music and that and seeing how you've had such a good time here, I brought you a couple of tapes of the finest country and western singer in Ambridge. I don't know when I'll find time to listen to these, Eddie. No worry, you take your time. I think you'll find they repay careful listening. Well, thanks. And thank you for everything that you've done for us this afternoon. Anytime, John. We'll say settle everything. Have a safe journey home. Actual John Peel. What? Yes, Steve. You look. You've gone red. I've never heard that. That's brilliant. But the biggest music event in Ambridge was in 2014, when Elizabeth decided to put Lower Loxley on the map by hosting a music festival. When the festival's headline act pulled out at short notice, her manager, Roy Tucker, came to the rescue by booking and I kid you not, the Pet Shop Boys. Steve, how are you involved in that? I'm the secret promoter. The Arches team got in touch with my producer on the six Music Tea Time show, saying, we're doing this is the storyline. It's going to be a festival. Have you got any ideas of who might be interested in being part of the storyline? So, yeah, I remember phoning up the Pet Shop Boys people and saying, I know this is going to be a strange one. Would the Pet Shop Boys be on the Archers? And they came back like that, saying, yeah, we're really interested. Also, weirdly, on the. On the same bill. So the Pet Shop Boys, obviously with the headliner and in the story, because Linda was all over the Pet Shop Boys, wasn't she? The Pet Shop Boys were on. But at one point during the. So obviously during the day there's other bands on. But one of the other bands that we got in touch in touch with was a group from Sheffield called Slow Club. And so you can hear Slow Club in the background. Slow Club's singer is Rebecca Lucy Taylor. Rebecca Lucy Taylor, now performers under the name Self Esteem and Self Esteem of one of the big hits of the Glastonbury Festival and been Mercury, not Mercury Music Prize nominated. So I think the Arches is actually way ahead of the game here. Having spotted young Rebecca Lucy Taylor all those years ago, I think we need to hear it. So, at Locksfest, Neil Tennant did most of the talking, but Pet Shop Boy Chris Lowe was monosyllabic, as he often is until the moment that Linda Snell asked the band for an autograph for her expectant daughter in law, Leone. Linda had been anxious about the name Leone wanted to call the baby. But that all changed when the Pet Shop Boys heard it. I had a photo for you to sign, but I put it down somewhere and lost it. That's ok, there's loads of stuff here. How about we sign one of these? A T shirt? Oh, yes, please. To Leone, was it? Yes. L, E, O, N, I, E. There you go. Oh, thank you so much. And what about this baby of hers? How about we put his name on as well? Ah, I don't want to rush you guys, but Leo, is it? No, no, no, it's. It's. It's Mowgli. Right, Linda? Well, actually, they've not made the final choice. Mowgli. Brilliant name, really. Chris likes it. Oh, yeah. Mowgli the jungle boy. I loved that book. When I was a kid, I wanted to be like him. Brought up by the wolves and talking to all the animals. Baloo the bear and that panther. What's his name? Bagheera. You remember that, Neil? Yeah. What a great film. I must have seen it about 10 times. Mowgli, what an amazing name. Look out. The adrenaline's kicked in. You've got him going. Now, if we're done here, guys, we're nearly ready. There's your T shirt, Linda. Oh, Chris, Neil, thank you so much. God, that movie has some great songs in it too. We'll do a cover version sometime, Neil. Yeah. Ooby doo, I want to be like you. That was nice of her, isn't it? Good evening, Lost. We're the best shot boys. Welcome to Electric. Sounds like it was a crowd bigger than Glastonbury. It does, doesn't it? Yeah. Yes, it does. How many people went to locksfest? Well, yeah, quite a lot, by the sound. By the sound of things. Sound of that audience. But I can only remember Freddie, Wayne Fallon, Harrison and Roy and Julian and Kenton being there. I can't remember anyone else. You made a lot of noise. The six of you, that is it for this week. Thank you to all my guests today, Brian Hewlett, Ryan Kelly and Steve Lemac. You're all top of our charts. Please do keep in touch. You can email us on the Archers podcastbc.co.uk or. Or you can WhatsApp us on 08000289044 with any archive requests or comments or questions. Do tune in next week. I'm gonna be on holiday with my children who still need Clary to sort out their attitudes to the washing up. And you'll be in the capable hands of the brilliant BBC rural affairs correspondent, Charlotte Smith. She'll be joined by Love's young dream. Well, they were until they broke up. That's Brad and Mia. And the week after the podcast is gonna be hosted by Wales gr Greatest Archers fan, the phenomenal Ruth Jones. But we leave you with this. It's the Village Pump, a song sung by Tom Forrest, a party piece that he would bring out whenever the producers had an episode of the Archers that wasn't quite long enough and needed a couple of extra minutes to film. Here he is in 1982 at Ambridge's Christmas show. I'll see you in a fortnight, but from me and my producer, Jessica Bunch. Have a very good week. Right. Oh, you're us goes then. And may your listening be uninterrupted. There's a pretty little village far away Far away Where they grow new potatoes Corn and hay, corn and hay There's a trickling little rill that works a little mill and the mill it keeps a working all the day, all the day There's a lot of little houses in the mill and two pubs the Bull and Cat and Fiddle but you make no mistake the thing that takes the cake Is the pride of all the place the village bump the village bump the village bump the village bump, Bump, bump, bump, bump village bump the village bump the village bump, bump, bump, bump. Now we had a new policeman t' other week A sloppy looking fella, so to speak so to speak. One that thought he was all there but by gum, I do declare he was what you'd call a sort of living freak. The neighbor said, as always, chump par 190 come across across the biggest lump he said move on, you're tight and when he showed a light he found that he was talking to the pump, to the pump, to the pump, to the pump. Pump, pump, pump, pump to the pump, to the pump, to the pump. Pump, pump, pump, pump. Brian, were you one of those backing singers. I might have been. Yes, I might have been. I do remember being in episodes when the Village Pump was sung. Episodes are. Bob Arnold would often be called upon to sing the Village Pump in other episodes, which might have been a few minutes short. You're quite right about that. Hello, it's Freddie here. Now, remember, you can only listen to the Archers podcast on BBC Sounds. I know, I know you'd rather listen to one of my amazing playlists, but what with cricket and packing sausages, I haven't had much time for DJing lately. So do subscribe to the podcast instead, and make sure you have push notifications turned on so we can let you know as soon as a new episode is available.